On Saturday in Stowe, three organizations came together to host the MTN3 Project and teach the public about backcountry skiing safety. The event included Sunrise Mountain Guides, Mountain Ops Outdoor Gear and Stowe Mountain Rescue.Backcountry skiing is on the rise in Vermont and becoming more popular by the year. The biggest difference compared to normal skiing is backcountry is not within patrolled boundaries.”In backcountry skiing there’s a lot more route finding involved, your not just going up a cut ski trail, it’s not a controlled environment,” said David Hatoff, a representative from Mountain Ops Outdoor Gear. One of the most important parts of backcountry skiing is preparation and making sure you have the proper equipment. “You want to have the right equipment and understand the terrain your trying to tackle, whether its skiing or climbing or snowshoeing for that matter,” said Greg Speer, a representative from Sunrise Mountain Guides. Throughout the event, attendees also learned why it is important to make an emergency plan and what precautionary measures they should take. “Always tell a family member or a good friend exactly where your going, you should also leave a cell phone number, and just let people know your general route,” Hatoff said.Some other tips before heading into the wilderness is to to pack emergency food and water and make sure you have a fully charged cellphone or communication device.If an emergency does happen and you find yourself lost or injured you should immediately call 911 and the nearest ski rescue.
On Saturday in Stowe, three organizations came together to host the MTN3 Project and teach the public about backcountry skiing safety. The event included Sunrise Mountain Guides, Mountain Ops Outdoor Gear and Stowe Mountain Rescue.
Backcountry skiing is on the rise in Vermont and becoming more popular by the year. The biggest difference compared to normal skiing is backcountry is not within patrolled boundaries.
Advertisement
“In backcountry skiing there’s a lot more route finding involved, your not just going up a cut ski trail, it’s not a controlled environment,” said David Hatoff, a representative from Mountain Ops Outdoor Gear.
One of the most important parts of backcountry skiing is preparation and making sure you have the proper equipment.
“You want to have the right equipment and understand the terrain your trying to tackle, whether its skiing or climbing or snowshoeing for that matter,” said Greg Speer, a representative from Sunrise Mountain Guides.
Throughout the event, attendees also learned why it is important to make an emergency plan and what precautionary measures they should take.
“Always tell a family member or a good friend exactly where your going, you should also leave a cell phone number, and just let people know your general route,” Hatoff said.
Some other tips before heading into the wilderness is to to pack emergency food and water and make sure you have a fully charged cellphone or communication device.
If an emergency does happen and you find yourself lost or injured you should immediately call 911 and the nearest ski rescue.
