Skiers, beware: How to stay safe in the backcountry

Big dumps of snow across the LowerMainland have already made for a fruitfulski season and a stressful year for emergency rescuers.

Earlier this week,North Shore Rescue saved two stranded skierson Cypress Mountain after they decided to venture into the backcountry, where they were hit by an avalanche and stranded for over 21 hours.

Mike Danks is one of the men who was part of the rescue operation. Whilehe was relieved to see the two men were still alive when the rescue team rolled in, he has a firm message for anyone who dares cross the boundary ropes: don't do it.

"I don't think people understand the impact this really has," Dankstold stand-in host Gregor Craigieon CBC's BC Almanac.

"When they go out of bounds and they require rescue, they're putting a lot of people at risk. It's not just the rescuers themselves, but it affects their families at home. It's a considerable impact," he added.

• Avalanche danger high as Vancouver Island ski season begins

• Stranded skiers rescued after frigid night near Cypress Bowl

"If you go out of bounds, you're taking your life in your hands. The rescuers can't be there for you every time."

Staying safe in the backcountry

Danks saidevery emergency rescue is a stern warning to skiers daring to enter the backcountry. Henotedthat there will always be another rescue.

Jan Neuspiel, founder and expert advisor of theVancouver Island Avalanche Centre, saidskiers need to be prepared when putting themselves in those dangerous situations.

"The way that we want to plan trips is to first have avalanche education go out and take a basic avalanche course to get started and use that knowledge so you can understand your local avalanche bulletin."

Avalanche Canada has an official bulletinfor B.C.'s South Coast region but it only provides a general overview of the region.

"You have to scale down further ... to the local area that you're skiing in," he said, adding that it's important to consult with mountain officials.

Learning by experience

Neuspiel saidit'simportant to go out in pairs, and to make sure at least oneis experienced in the backcountry,

"Becoming competent in the mountains in the backcountry comes from a mixture of training ... but there's a big component that is just about going out and gaining experience.

"And doing that with the mentorship of more experienced practitioners is a really good way to get a solid foundation of what you need to learn and how to manage risk."

Backcountry skiers should always carry the survival equipment to survive. Adventure Smart has a list of equipment specific to backcountry safety.

• Avalanche beacon
• Probe.
• Shovel.
• Warm, waterproof jacket andpants.
• Thermal underwearwith an extra thermal layer.
• A second layer for warmth on colder days.
• Warm gloves, socks andhat, with extras of each.
• Winter tent and sleeping bag.
• Stove and fuel.
• Backpack with good support.

Of course, there's only one way to ensure you don't get caught in an avalanche: keep away.

"The fundamental [rule]is ...when you have a high avalanche risk area, stay out."

With files from CBC's BC Almanac

To listen to the full interview, click on the audio labelled: Skiers, beware: How to stay safe when skiing in the back country