Preseason Backcountry Skiing Gear Prep
It’s time to put away the summer toys and break out the winter gear. As the snow starts to fall, people are keen to get out and explore the backcountry. Winter is here and you need to go skiing, but you need to make sure your gear is in working order first.
After a summer long hibernation in your ski pack, you need to give your avalanche rescue gear and other backcountry skiing gear a bit of TLC before you hit the skin track. Here’s what to look for:
- Beacon – Beacons should be stored without any batteries in them. Open up the battery compartment and check to see if there is any rust or corrosion. If there is any, clean it off with a brush. Always put brand new batteries in your beacon to ensure they have a full charge to start the season. Go outside and test your beacon to make sure it still sends and receives a signal.
- Shovel – Check that you have all of the parts of your shovel. Ensure that they connect properly and securely. Look for any bangs, dents, bends, or cracks on the shovel blade and handle that could impact shoveling performance. Check the welds on the blade.
- Probe – Throw out your probe and make sure it still assembles correctly. Listen for it to click into place. Inspect the cable for any frays. Make sure there are no cracks in any section of the probe. Test every probe section to see if they fit together snugly.
- First Aid Kit – Empty out your first aid kit and take a look at everything you carry. Replace anything you used last year. Is it adequate to treat most injuries? Do you need to replace or update anything?
- Bindings – Does your binding still fit your boot? Do you need to adjust the DIN setting? Are there any rust or cracks? Give your bindings a good once over and treat them kindly on your first days out.
- Skins – Check to make sure the skin glue is still sticky. Do your skins still have a tail clip? Is the tip hook cracked or broken? Are your skins covered in pine needles from last spring’s epic? Do you need to rub some skin wax on them?
- Skis – Be sure to scrape off any summer wax from your skis. Make sure the bases are nice and healthy. Fill in any core shots you forgot about or missed at the end of last season. Carefully run your finger down the edge to ensure it is still sharp. Tune as needed.
- Repair Kit – Repair kits can save you from massive headaches in the backcountry. From broken bindings to improvised sleds to broken poles, repair kits will save the day. Do you have everything you need in the event of an emergency? Here’s a detailed look at backcountry ski repair kits.
- Airbag Pack – Check your airbag canister. Make sure the inflatable airbag is packed correctly. Take it to an authorized dealer for any necessary inspections. Replace canisters or refill canisters as needed. Locate your trigger and make sure it fits and is handy.
It’s best to be prepared for your first day out in the backcountry. Test your backcountry skiing gear and get it ready before you go.
