Question for the more "expert", seasoned riders.

[brucescotland]

Well I am a newbie! Third skidoo trip first trip to BC and big hills did smaller ones in Newfoundlands west coast.

From my my point of view I'd say nice forgiving terrain where if you roll the sled or it gets away from you isn't going to hit trees or do damage.

Techniques for un sticking a sled including not being afraid to roll it out in decent powder / soft snow.

Again in power appropriate sleds, I was on an 800 summit and although I wasn't intimidated by the sled it takes more physical energy to hold onto an 800 vs a 600 and unless it's massive hills the extra power isn't really required to have fun and learn the basics.

Ensure re the beginner knows the importance of the basic safety equipment and practises. Helmet strap done up tether connected etc as well as the Avalanche awareness.

Always y's being aware of your surroundings and where terrain might drop off etc

hopefully some of this is useful! I love the challenge or mountain ridin and like to push myself but it's not for everyone either.

 

[0neoldfart]

avalanche training is huge nowadays, and that is obviously good. i think emergency rescue/ first aid protocol or training is probably overlooked though. whether it be crevasse rescue, or dealing with a broken leg or back a long way from help is huge. you can get avy training any where these days. dealing with medical emergency in the backcountry is another story. i personally would like to know more along those lines. transcievers, avy bags etc are all important, but a sat phone should be up there on the list as well imo. (not that i have one yet)

Lewey brings up a very good point - I have std and emergency 1st aid, survival training, and high angle rescue courses through work, and always carry the necessary equipment in the back country. I see a lot of sledders out there that carry a few water bottles, no provisions for an overnight stay or first aid gear. As important as an AST course is these days, a large number of riders have no idea how to treat someone for injuries if they were to happen.
For the record, I do NOT have an AST course, but have been taught by some of the best over the past 20 years and have learned to be aware of the hazards in the back country, and I do wear an avy bag. But I don't tempt fate and ride where I shouldn't be. A question to those that posses the AST course... When is the last time you dug a snow pit or even probed the snow pack for weak layers when riding? I watch weather trends where I ride all winter, and at the bare minimum probe the snow pack several times throughout the day
This is not a "shot" on those who have the course (as I plan to enroll in one soon), just saying that avy airbags and an AST course will not replace common sense or experience - at the end of the day good decision making (and using the skills you learned) will make the difference.

 

[ferniesnow]

I would agree with Oneoldfart. Back country first aid is important and I am thinking that the younger generation's skills are lacking in this area. I may be wrong but I see from our grandchildren that they are not as "tough and seasoned" as we were at their age. They have been bubble wrapped and I think that hinderance will be evident with the under 30 crew. Once again, I may be wrong. A broken bone, 3 mountain ranges over, with very overcast skies, no cell phone communication, maybe inReach or a SAT phone, but the helicopter can't fly due to weather. You are on your own and better have some back country skills because it will be a long night or two unless the victim is one tough dude.

As for pit digging, I am one who digs pits and more so in the early season. I want to know what is in the snow pack on the various aspects. With compression tests, I want to know where the weak layer is and how much snow is likely to come down. As the season progresses and the snow consolidates, I have a pretty good idea what is going on as I am out there in the conditions 3-4 times a week. Yes, pit digging is one of the tools to lessen the consequences.

 

[Clode]

I would agree with Oneoldfart. Back country first aid is important and I am thinking that the younger generation's skills are lacking in this area. I may be wrong but I see from our grandchildren that they are not as "tough and seasoned" as we were at their age. They have been bubble wrapped and I think that hinderance will be evident with the under 30 crew. Once again, I may be wrong. A broken bone, 3 mountain ranges over, with very overcast skies, no cell phone communication, maybe inReach or a SAT phone, but the helicopter can't fly due to weather. You are on your own and better have some back country skills because it will be a long night or two unless the victim is one tough dude.

As for pit digging, I am one who digs pits and more so in the early season. I want to know what is in the snow pack on the various aspects. With compression tests, I want to know where the weak layer is and how much snow is likely to come down. As the season progresses and the snow consolidates, I have a pretty good idea what is going on as I am out there in the conditions 3-4 times a week. Yes, pit digging is one of the tools to lessen the consequences.

I agree as well, in some of the areas we ride up here in the north the nearest medical help can be 100+ kms, we pack first aid kits as well as pain management pills, a larger kit is always in the pick-up, that is within 30kms, there is no cell service and sat phones are spotty at best...everyone has first aid training also.....we also make sure everyone knows where the old trappers cabins are and carry extra food just in case, i have had to spend a night under the stars once and hope to never do it again......when I rode in Revy it was kind of strange to think that cell phones work, choppers/rescue in the area, and that help is available, we just don't have this where we ride in the mountians

 

[moyiesledhead]

And I also agree with Oneoldfart.....maybe because I am one.

And I have to ask all you guys that listed avy training as number one for taking newbies out......Just where the hell are you taking them? When I take newbies out the last thing they're gonna have to be concerned with is avalanches. That kind of terrain is NOT where they need to be learning.

 

[teeroy]

And I also agree with Oneoldfart.....maybe because I am one. I have to ask all you guys that listed avy training as number one for taking newbies out......Just where the hell are you taking them? When I take newbies out the last thing they're gonna have to be concerned with is avalanches. That kind of terrain is NOT where they need to be learning.

agreed.....let them try and learn on some easy stuff before making them drop a bunch of money on something they may decide isn't for them after a couple days of riding.