Advertisement

Top 20 things to pack when you’re going off piste

Backcountry ski guide Joe Vallone shares his knowledge to help you be prepared
Backcountry ski guide Joe Vallone shares his knowledge to help you be prepared

In a series of videos for Epic TV, backcountry ski guide Joe Vallone offers advice on how to stay safe when away from the pistes. In one video, he rounds up the essential items to pack in your backpack when planning to go off piste.

What to pack when going off piste
What to pack when going off piste

Sadly, each ski season brings news stories about deaths caused by avalanches in the Alps. For that reason, it's vital for skiers and snowboarders to remember the importance of safety and preparations when heading off piste.

Joe Vallone’s tips include the basic backcountry essentials of a shovel, probe and transceiver as well as extra layers and items to help you survive on your own, such as a head torch, tool kit, first aid kit and lighter.

Avalanche safety: How to stay safe from avalanches when skiing
Avalanche safety: How to stay safe from avalanches when skiing

Joe says skiers should always be prepared for the risk when going into the backcountry. "Backcountry is any time you're out of the controlled ski area boundary, and your rescue is never guaranteed," he explains. "If you go under a rope or into an uncontrolled area, you're responsible for your own actions and your own self-rescue."

He suggests carrying a radio or spot locator, but says: "At a bare minimum, please tell someone where you're going and what time you expect to be back." Even when the avalanche risk is low, the best advice for skiers and snowboarders is to only venture into the backcountry with a trained guide.

Joe's 20 backcountry essentials

  1. Shovel

  2. Probe

  3. Transceiver

  4. First aid kit

  5. Emergency blanket

  6. Lighter / waterproof matches

  7. Head torch

  8. Small tool kit

  9. Sun cream

  10. Lip balm

  11. Duct tape

  12. Knife

  13. Radio

  14. Snacks

  15. Water

  16. Map

  17. Compass

  18. Spare layer

  19. Spare gloves

  20. Fleece-lined neck gaiter