We'll also introduce the basics, fun and dangers of backcountry skiing for beginners!

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Backcountry skiing is a winter sport where you ski on snowy mountains where the snow has naturally accumulated, rather than on groomed courses like those on ski slopes.

You can enjoy trekking on skis or hiking to your destination carrying your board, then gliding across snow that no one else has skied on before.

However, before you can start backcountry skiing, you need to prepare in advance, such as by having the necessary equipment, planning your activities, and being physically fit.

This time, we will explain what beginners should be aware of, while taking into account the appeal of backcountry skiing.

Teaching the charm and fun of backcountry skiing to beginners!

Backcountry skiing is a sport full of attractions, such as the opportunity to experience the finest powder skiing and the thrill of skiing on snow on a vast scale that is incomparable to the width of the courses.

There are many other fun things to do, so we'll introduce them to you one by one!

A sense of accomplishment after hiking up

Backcountry skiing isn't all about skiing; hiking up to your destination is also part of the fun.

Climbing a snowy mountain requires a lot of luggage and a lot of clothing, but it also offers a unique winter experience of being able to look out into the distance in the cold, clear air.

Especially on sunny days, the world of silvery white spreads as far as the eye can see, and if you hike in the open mountains you can see many places that look like they could be skied on, so one of the great pleasures is the opportunity to make various discoveries.

On the mountaintop, where temperatures are low, the frost-covered trees that form when snow piles up are a truly magical sight.

The refreshing feeling of powder snow

The greatest attraction of backcountry skiing is the exquisite powder snow experience!

The feeling of sliding down a soft, airy slope, which isn't packed down like a ski slope, is an entirely new experience.

Powder snow flies up with every turn, making you want to dive right into the snow. Once you experience this powder snow, many people become addicted.

What's more, the sense of freedom that comes from skiing across a vast field where the width of the course is not limited like on a ski slope is something that cannot be experienced in any other activity.

If the conditions, such as the amount of snowfall the day before and the weather, are right, you may be able to experience powder snow that makes you feel like you're flying.

Tree run through the trees

Backcountry is more than just skiing across open fields.

The tree run through the trees is also an attraction.

Tree runs are places on slopes where snow groomers cannot enter, so they are often ungroomed areas.

The trees block the wind, creating a natural terrain that makes it easy for powder snow to stay.

Tree running requires both the skill to ski on powder snow and the skill to ski while avoiding trees.

When you are able to ski the way you imagined, you will feel a sense of improvement in your skills and the sense of exhilaration will increase.

We also introduce tips and tricks for beginners to backcountry skiing.

For beginners to start backcountry skiing, they need to be properly prepared in terms of both equipment and awareness.

What equipment do I need for backcountry skiing?

First of all, when it comes to skiing, the basic equipment is skis, boots, bindings, snowboards, and a backpack.

For snowboarding, you will need a board, snowshoes, poles (for hiking up), and a backpack.

The following equipment is common to both skiing and snowboarding:

• helmet
• headlights
• First aid kit
• Matches, lighters
• Extra winter clothes
• GPS
• Map and compass (necessary even if you have GPS)
• Food, water
• Avalanche Beacon
• Portable shovel
• Probe (sonde stick)

Among these, the "avalanche kit" consisting of a beacon, shovel and probe is essential for saving lives and helping each other.

The feeling that we are entrusting our lives to each other is also an important awareness in the backcountry.

We also provide detailed information about equipment in " This is the essential equipment for backcountry skiing! Also includes information on its appeal and what to wear, " so please take a look!

Choosing the right clothing is important in the backcountry!

There are some important points to consider when choosing clothing for backcountry skiing.

In the backcountry, you need a minimum level of physical strength to climb up and down on your own!

The skis or boards alone are heavy and heavy, more so than you would normally carry around, and it's a lot of work to have to wear all your gear, carry a backpack, and walk on unfamiliar snow to get to the destination.

The basic clothing for backcountry skiing is almost the same as when skiing on the slopes, but if you sweat profusely and your body cools down, you run the risk of hypothermia or frostbite, so it's best to wear layers of clothing that can regulate your body temperature, just like when climbing a snowy mountain.

As an outdoor brand, we at Teton Bros. offer the perfect clothing for backcountry hikes.

You can choose clothing that you can continue to use as you progress from beginner to intermediate and advanced level!

Tours are recommended for beginners!

Once you have all the gear and clothing you need, you'll want to get started, but avoid going into the backcountry with just a group of beginners.

Even if you have sufficient skiing or snowboarding experience, we recommend that you consider the backcountry as a different experience and initially join a tour and gain experience under a guide.

We also recommend that you travel with a guide who is familiar with the mountains, especially if you are visiting a place for the first time.

Backcountry tours are available in a wide range of locations, from Hokkaido to the Nagano and Gifu areas, so try looking for one near you.

Although it is possible to ski through gates set up by area ski resorts adjacent to the slopes, this is still skiing in unmanaged mountain areas, just like backcountry.

Be sure to get guidance from an experienced tour guide and play with minimal risk.

Also, even if you don't have many fellow skiers or snowboarders around you, you can expand your network by joining a tour, so it's a great opportunity to meet and socialize with other backcountry friends.

Dangers of backcountry skiing that beginners should know

While the appeal of backcountry skiing is the ability to ski on high-quality snow, one wrong step can pose life-threatening dangers, such as the following:

• Risk of being caught in an avalanche
• Fear of getting stuck in the snow
• Risk of hypothermia and frostbite
• Collision accidents involving trees, rocks, etc.
• Weather changes (sudden changes)
• On cloudy days, visibility is poor
• It is difficult to predict the route (in snowy mountains, there are often no trails like there are in summer).
• Extremely draining physical strength

Avalanches, in particular, can lead to serious accidents.

It is generally said that avalanches are less likely to occur in tree zones and more likely to occur on the snow surface below ridges, but it is important to remember that the risk of avalanches is not zero in any terrain, depending on conditions such as snowfall and wind.

The "avalanche kit" consisting of the beacon, shovel, and probe introduced above is an important item in the event of an avalanche.

If someone is caught in an avalanche, all team members can switch their beacons to receiving mode to identify the source of the radio waves and immediately begin rescue operations.

The shorter the time to rescue, the higher the chances of survival.

We recommend that you first take a course to learn how to use the equipment properly.

Also, if the snow is so deep that you can't get out, learn how to deal with the situation on your own in an emergency, such as taking off your skis, sticking them in the snow, and then fastening your bindings in that position.

The most important thing to remember is that every year, skiers and snowboarders get lost, injured, or killed in the backcountry.

There is no guarantee that you will not be involved in an accident.

If you neglect to prepare, thinking "I'll be fine," you may panic and lose your strength when you are stranded, putting not only yourself but those around you in danger.

In order to make calm decisions, it is important to fully understand the dangers and know in advance what to do if you encounter one.

Be especially careful as the weather in the mountains can change quickly!

On the mountain, it's common for the weather to be clear and the wind calm in the morning, but then the weather turns bad in the afternoon and visibility becomes poor.

In particular, areas known as alpine areas, which are at high altitudes, are prone to sudden changes in weather.

The most dangerous thing about poor visibility is that it can cause disorientation.

When walking through clouds at high altitudes, it's easy to lose sight of your destination and become fatigued quickly because you can't keep track of how far you've gone.

If you continue walking, not only will you stray from your destination, but there is also a high risk of you entering an area where there is a risk of falling, such as a cliff.

To avoid such situations, it is important to always keep an eye on the weather when hiking and make early decisions about the situation so that you don't end up reacting too late.

In bad weather, it is wise to prioritize safety and turn back.

Backcountry beginners should be well prepared!

The appeal of backcountry skiing is that it allows you to experience extraordinary things, such as hiking up winter mountains, powder snow, and tree runs.

Before that, let's not forget that many people are making thorough preparations.

It is important to understand the dangers of the harsh winter elements and that mountain weather is changeable, and to be well prepared.

Don't try to go backcountry skiing alone as a beginner; instead, join a tour first to gain experience.

Be sure to prepare properly and ensure your safety before enjoying the backcountry!

As an outdoor brand, Teton Bros. also sells clothing, backpacks, and other goods suitable for the backcountry.

Please make use of this when you take on the challenge!