Five Ways to Get Ready for Backcountry Season!

SIET- AMGA-trained guides • A3 Accredited • Scholarships for Avalanche Courses

As winter approaches and the mountains begin to fill in, it’s time to shift from summer mode to backcountry season readiness. At the School for International Expedition Training (SIET), we teach that preparation is a key part of risk management — and the preseason is the perfect time to build good habits, sharpen your skills, and set yourself up for a confident start.

Here are five essential steps to get ready for backcountry travel this winter. The content for this post came from our partners at Mountain Training Center, check out their video here!

1. Refresh Your Avalanche Knowledge

Months away from avalanche terrain dulls even the most experienced rider’s awareness. Reviewing the fundamentals now helps you make better decisions when the snowpack becomes more complex.

Before your first tour, take time to:

  • Revisit notes from your avalanche course

  • Watch short educational refreshers

  • Read early-season snowpack discussions through your local avalanche center

  • Consider taking a refresher or a full Avalanche Level 1 Course

👉 Explore SIET’s Avalanche Courses (Scholarships available):
https://expeditiontraining.org/avalanche-courses

A strong preseason foundation leads to safer decision making all winter long.

2. Get Your Gear Dialed

Start the season with a full gear check to avoid surprises on your first tour:

  • Replace avalanche beacon batteries (do not recharge)

  • Perform a beacon function test with partners

  • Inspect shovel and probe

  • Check skins, bindings, screws, and pack systems

  • Rebuild your first-aid and repair kits

  • Test your headlamp and spare batteries

If you’ve added new equipment, learn its features now — not during the season’s first storm cycle.

3. Practice Avalanche Rescue Skills

Rescue skills deteriorate quickly if they are not practiced. Even pros refresh regularly.

Set up a mock rescue with friends and work on:

  • Signal search

  • Fine search and pinpointing

  • Probing patterns

  • Efficient conveyor-belt shoveling

  • Clear team communication

If you want guided practice with professional coaching, SIET’s avalanche courses include rescue training and skill refinement.

👉 SIET Avalanche Rescue Training:
https://expeditiontraining.org/avalanche-courses

4. Rebuild Your Fitness Base

Ski touring is a unique mix of endurance, strength, and efficiency. Even if you stay active all summer, your uphill muscles need time to wake back up.

Preseason conditioning ideas:

  • Hiking or uphill treadmill

  • Running or cycling

  • Stair intervals

  • Squats, lunges, and core work

  • Short but consistent strength sessions

Being fitter makes your early tours far more fun — and it helps you stay mentally alert for terrain management.

5. Set Your Goals for the Season

Intentional goals give your winter direction and progression.

Ask yourself:

  • What skills do I want to develop?

  • What terrain do I want to be ready for?

  • Do I want to take structured training, like an avalanche course or rescue course?

  • Do I want to refine group management or touring efficiency?

Write down 3–5 goals — some achievable, some aspirational — and revisit them throughout the season.

👉 SIET offers Avalanche Courses led by highly experienced, AMGA-trained instructors:
https://expeditiontraining.org/avalanche