“Scare the Shit Out of Everyone!” 5 Ways TGR Readers Said the Backcountry Could Be Safer

Following a deadly January for avalanche incidents, we asked our readers what needs to change in the snowsports industry. Ryan Dunfee photo.

Two weeks ago, following the deadliest January for avalanche incidents in many years, we asked readers what they thought would help make the backcountry safer, in sifting through an inbox full of emails, a huge Facebook comment feed, and comments on our website, there were five things our readers reached a general consensus on. And one unanimous theme:  

Scare the shit out of everyone in as many ways as possible.

"We need a campaign, like the one that has been going on on the last years, but focused on [backcountry novices], on the real dangers of going to the backcountry. That means scaring the shit out of them and keeping them away until their knowledge of skiing and snow conditions improve," reader Michael Schmid said. 

As suggested by readers, here are all of the ways the ski industry can help people stay safe in the backcountry, mostly associated with various ways of scaring the sense into people, or the shit out of them, whichever comes first.

Kelsey Hewitt, who passed away in bounds at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort this past December and whose life was detailed beautifully by Senior Contributor Sam Morse. Scott Anderson photo. 

Readers commonly noted the role of the media in how avalanche risk is perceived, especially among novice backcountry skiers. Statistics alone are not enough to convince people of the dangers of avalanche travel. Most readers said the pervasive attitude of “Well, they made a mistake, but it won’t be me” as a major issue standing in the way of improving backcountry safety.

In order to change this thinking, people suggested that the media needs to get more personal with the deaths, and add a name and face to the reporting of backcountry tragedies.

Reader Allison Perry said a story told to her by a friend about a rescue she was involved in was one of the best wake-up calls she’d had to stay safe in the backcountry. “[My friend] described not being able to walk on the debris because it was too slippery, flailing around while feeling each minute ticking off the clock like a punch in the throat. She couldn't hear anything. 

I watched her eyes well up with tears as she tried to convey what it feels like to look at your watch, and force yourself to come to the understanding that at this very moment you are no longer looking for your friend – that you are looking for a body. Every time I have been in a situation where my group is discussing changing our plan, I can hear her voice quivering as she wonders if there was something she could have done to take it all back.”

Do we focus too much on the ultra gnar instead of glorifying the fun and safe day in the mountains? Teton Gravity Research photo.

Many readers said the instant gratification given on social media for going extreme pushes less qualified riders to follow in their footsteps and unknowingly put themselves in harm's way. Also, the stoke and glorification were said to be overshadowing the necessary sense of humility people should have when spending time in the mountains.

“On Instagram, no one ever has a bad day. The raddest lines in the sickest snow are the most celebrated. Big objectives are only worth skiing in epic mid-winter conditions. Advertising (ski resorts, car companies, energy drinks, what have you) tells me that powder is the only option, happiness the only choice, and only true adventure lets me #liveauthentic. Having fun is imperative. The freedom implied by an untouched slope sells, like sex ” said reader and TGR forum member Lea Hartl.

Readers requested changes in ski movies too. The most common requests were to include footage of pros getting their backcountry gear together in the intro big mountain films and intermittent clips of pros explaining their decision process (much like TGR's
Defend My Line) included in the actual ski film. 

There were also numerous requests for the ski industry to make an effort to remind people that riding low-angle pow can be just as fun, and much safer, than big mountain lines.

Maybe a backcountry gate like this would help? Mount Baker Ski Area photo.

Many readers noted the need for signage that would really convey the risk associated with leaving the resort. Most people wanted these signs to frighten novice skiers beyond the point of going past the gate or ducking the rope.

Devin McDonnel suggested signage displaying the faces and names of avalanche victims of years past, with stark text stating "They didn't think they would die that day. They were wrong. Do you have the knowledge, tools, and experience to be sure that you won't die? Are you willing to bet your life on it? How about the lives of the friends you are skiing with? The skiers who left before you? The volunteer rescue professionals who will risk their lives trying to save you or recover your body?'’

Signage has always been a fraught issue when it comes to backcountry safety, and while it certainly serves a purpose, is only part of the overall messaging that needs to reach backcountry travelers.

Always check what's above your line. Sally Hatfield stands next to a broken cornice the size of a car right above the line she'd hoped to ski. Maya Hunger photo.

There’s a consensus that expensive avalanche courses are not the best way to reach the large portion of skiers/snowboarders choosing to leave resorts in search of fresh tracks. Most readers relayed that their biggest concern was the lack of information about how crucial terrain selection is in the backcountry.

“People are not paying attention to the clues right in front of them. And they are picking lines that just should not even be explored when the danger level is so high,” Christian Paul said.

RELATED: Know Before You Go is a Huge Step in Avalanche PSA

Readers suggested one-page pamphlets distributed when people book a trip to a ski destination, rent skis, or buy a pass as something that would get potential backcountry skiers thinking about the risks before they were even on the mountain. Other people wanted a five-minute informational video to be required before people head up the mountain to the sidecountry, or videos playing at the base of major mountains where people wait in lift lines. 

There were also requests for better collaboration between different sectors of the outdoor industry from ski touring and split boarding, mountaineering, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Some companies have taken it upon themselves to educate their customers about backcountry risk. For example, Atomic and Salomon launched their 
MTN Academy online backcountry safety program tailored specifically at customers familiar with the big brands but who might be buying their first piece of backcountry-oriented gear from them after years of buying resort gear, but who might not immediately think to take a full-scale avalanche course. Although they admit MTN Academy is not a replacement for an in-person avalanche class, it's intended to guide someone to it. 

However, many readers thought the message would be better spread if there was consensus and cooperation between backcountry brands and sports. 

The Mount Baker sidecounty, accessible through the gate after checking in with ski patrol. Maya Hunger photo.

Another repeated request was for a "gate guy" or ski patrol stationed at sidecountry access gates to check and make sure anyone going into the sidecountry has a partner, proper gear, and a plan of where to go

“[The gate guy] checks your beacon is on and working, looks that you have a pack and assumes it is holding the correct gear, and could easily decipher the people that have no business out there, especially on days with considerable avalanche hazard.

"Mount Baker has this policy, it doesn't guarantee safety, but at least there aren't people out there with absolutely zero knowledge of what they are doing,” reader Kevin Harper said.

No matter what, we have to always remember that the backcountry is inherently a dangerous place, and your safety there is never guaranteed. Shane Treat photo.

People die everyday in things ranging from car crashes to cancer, and rarely is there a pursuit in life where safety is guaranteed. It is important for us to make the smartest decisions possible while we are in the backcountry, yet in many ways it is equally important that we make smart decisions inbounds, and on our drive home, and with the rest of our daily activities. 

“I always cite the avalanche Jimmy Chin was caught in. He is a world famous mountaineer with decades of experience in the mountains, however he was caught in a severe avalanche in Grand Teton National Park... It just goes to show you how avalanches can happen anytime, anywhere, and to anybody,” Andrew Schreefer said. 

We must admit that we are not exempt from death at any time or in any place, and yes, backcountry skiing may increase that risk, but so might driving on the freeway at night when it’s raining. The best thing we can do as an industry is to ensure people understand the risks they are taking and comprehend the consequences for themselves and the people who will be responsible for rescuing them, or their bodies, should something happen.