Safe Touring in the Backcountry: A Professional Guide's Perspective
Mitigating risk in the backcountry is inherently tricky. Often the best resource is experience and the knowledge that comes with it. Yet, this cannot be gained without exposing your self to these risks themselves. I reached out to Justin Sackett, owner of Skyline Mountain Guides and Hagan Athlete, to discuss his advice in navigating this predicament, and how he stays safe while guiding clients on ski mountaineering expeditions in the North Cascades.
Here's what Justin had to say:
Backcountry skiing offers an incredible way to experience the mountains in the winter, spring, and summer (if you're motivated enough), but picking the right run on the right day isn't always easy. Before heading out, I always check the weather and avalanche forecast. The avalanche forecast will give you key details on snow stability, recent avalanche activity, and any red flags to be aware of. Meanwhile, the weather forecast will give you info on wind, temperature, and precipitation, all of which affect avalanche conditions and visibility. If avalanche danger is high, consider a mellow day of skiing where the goal is to enjoy being outside and get some exercise and mellow powder turns in.
Your choice of where you go to ski should align with the conditions. If it’s stormy, stick to skiing in the trees, where visibility is better and the snowpack is often more stable. If the weather is sunny and calm, alpine terrain above treeline can have excellent skiing and breathtaking views. However, remember that open, high-elevation slopes are more exposed to wind loading and sun effects, which can contribute to avalanche hazards. Understanding how the weather impacts the snowpack is critical to skiing the most fun and safe slope.
Here on Mount Hood, if it's stormy I'm skiing below treeline and if it's sunny (and not heinously windy😅) I'm going up high above Timberline- how high and where I go depends on the avalanche hazard and snow conditions.
I like to use mapping apps like CalTopo Gaia GPS or OnX backcountry to help navigate and avoid avalanche terrain. With slope angle shading and avalanche terrain overlays, you can identify where avalanches can occur and their runout zones. I like to map out where I'm going and have the whole area downloaded, so that if I pivot to a different zone, I can still see the map even if I don't have service.
Finally, always have a safer bailout option in case conditions don’t match expectations. If the snowpack feels unstable or the terrain seems riskier than expected, be prepared to change plans. There’s no shame in turning around or skiing the "lame" run—there’s always another day to ski. The backcountry skiers who live a long time and ski the raddest lines aren’t the ones who roll the dice with dangerous conditions but the ones who make conservative decisions for decades.
Get out there, go ski some powder (hopefully) and smile because you're outside :)
I'd like to put extra emphasis on Justin's last point. I believe that many backcountry accidents are influenced by a perceived shame of making mistakes in the backcountry- largely formed from society's irrational expectation of perfection. This can cloud our judgement in the moment and deter us from having the important dialogues regarding the decisions and feelings we had in the backcountry after the fact. Risk mitigation is not entirely about avoiding dangerous situations. It is as much having the awareness, confidence, and knowledge to swallow your pride and navigate out of a sticky situation.
If you go into the backcountry, you will find yourself in dangerous situations no matter the precautions you take beforehand and during. Sometimes your awareness of this danger is as stark as triggering a slide. Other times it's as subtle as a comment from your touring partner voicing their concern. Unfortunately, many times we are unaware of the risks we are taking. Having touring partners that share a similar sentiment in creating a judgment free environment for open discussion regarding decision making, is the best way to expose these risks and mistakes from ignorance. In today's society mistake carries a negative connotation. The reality is they are natural and an essential component of growth. Only once an environment that recognizes this has been established, can you have productive conversations and learn from your experience to improve your ability to safely navigate in the backcountry.
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Dan
March 06, 2025
mt hood conditions changed from bluebird sunny to socked in clouds in about a half hour this afternoon. Decided not to continue above timberline. The PEACHES approach is smart.Pressure, today’s the only day I can go and if we hurry we can get 3 runs by 9am to be back for work.
Expectations, wow conditions are different than we expected.
Assess, objectively.
Consequences, what if..there’s an injury, equipment issues or a slide. Help is many hours away at best. When I skied Patagonia in September.. there’s no 911 search and rescue. Only yourself and the guide.
Heuristics, I’ve skied this 100 times and it’s always safe.
Everyone has their say.
Strategy. Again be objective. There’s always tomorrow when making safe conservative decisions.