The solitude of a day on snow, cruising the backcountry on skis or snowboard is magnet for many. Sound idyllic? It is if you are prepared and know what to expect. The Group Real Estate sat down with Eric Deering, Director of Operations for Steamboat Powdercats, and a course leader for The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), to get the lowdown on the basics.

The Group Real Estate: For someone heading into the backcountry for the first time, what advice can you give them? 
Eric Deering: Either go with a guide or with a friend who has plenty of experience and can mentor you. Set your sights lower on what you want to achieve to reduce the margin of error. Use an established trail, like Bruce’s Trail on Rabbit Ears Pass, where you eliminate route finding and can follow the signs. It’s close to a road and there will likely be other people. You can build from there.

TG: What do you need with you when going into the backcountry? 
ED: Firstly, dress in layers in 3W clothing – warm when wet, which is moisture wicking material like wool or synthetics. Do not wear cotton. Use a warm waterproof shell and pack extras like socks in case you need to switch out. If you plan to hike, use lighter gloves for uphill and a thicker pair, or mittens for skiing down. It also works if the weather changes.

Take a backpack with a knife and multi-tool repair kit in case your set up fails, snacks and plenty of hydration, a first-aid kit, rescue blanket, headlamp, fire starter, navigation device like a handheld GPS, maps, and a compass. A comfort kit so you can leave no trace is good. If you plan to use terrain over a 30-degree angle, pack a shovel, probe, and beacon.  A small, rolled pad is handy for keeping off snow, especially if someone gets injured. Nine times out of ten most of the items never get used, but it will be the one time you don’t take these things that you need them.

TG: Colorado saw 16 deaths from avalanches in the 21-22 season. How should one prepare for heading into steeper terrain? 
ED: Before you go, check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center for conditions and the latest reports. Look for signs of prior avalanches in the area and unstable snow. If it shoots cracks around your skis or board, or makes a “whumpfing” sound, these are warnings.

TG: For an expert backcountry challenge, where do you recommend?
ED: North Routt and the Zirkels.

Steamboat Powdercats runs several Backcountry 101 classes and a Level 1 AIARE Avalanche Course throughout the winter. www.steamboatpowdercats.com

Colorado Avalanche Information Center offers Know Before You Go (KBYG) courses, including one for motorized sports. www.avalanche.state.co.us