Plan Ahead and Prepare - enjoying your next winter backcountry outing.

First things first -- make sure you are prepared for where you are going.  Some simple steps will allow you and others to have ease of mind while traveling in the winter backcountry.  Here are some simple things that we encourage winter enthusiasts to consider:

1. Plan where you are going and make sure it is within your abilities and those you are traveling with.  
2. Let someone know specifically where you are going and when you will be back.  We generally encourage creating a simple TCP (Time Control Plan).  This is really important for extended outings.
3. Make sure everyone has the proper gear for the designed trip.  This includes both personal and group gear.  Winter can be harsh so personal gear should include plenty of warm layers specifically designed to keep warm even when wet.  Maps and compasses are a must especially in whiteout conditions.  A GPS/SPOT device is nice, however, we recommend taking a map and compass as a backup.  Redundancy is important when traveling in the backcountry.  Personal food is important when traveling in a winter environment.  Consider food that will high in caloric content, which will give you the energy necessary for a winter excursion.  Lastly, ease of preparation is also another consideration when looking at what type of food to bring.
4. Take a group "survival pack".  This should include items that will allow your group to stay for an extended period of time if something should happen.  Consider the "10 essentials" and add items that will address the environmental conditions that you may face.  Extra food, fuel and a backcountry stove are excellent pieces of gear to have when in a jam or to have a nice cup of soup in your snow kitchen.
5. HAVE FUN!  Despite making sure you travel in a safe manner the winter backcountry is quite enjoyable.  Consider these simple steps on your next winter outing and enjoy the peaceful winter wonderland.

If you want to learn more about how to recreate safely in a winter backcountry setting contact SOLE at info@soleexperiences.org or 208.946.6960.  Also you can catch us at the Winter Wildlands Backcountry Film Festival in Sandpoint, Idaho at the Panida Theater this December 9th and 10th.  SOLE will be co-hosting Winter 101 on December 10th a backcountry workshop that will be covering more specifics on how to safely travel and recreate in the winter backcountry setting.