The Checklist for prepartion for a trip in the snow completes the avalanche pack.

Step 1

Before you go backcountry attend an AVALANCHE AWARENESS COURSE NZ Mountain Safety Council.

Or  A Backcountry Course by Alpine Guides

Step 2

Have a backpack with:  Could you survive a night on the mountain?

• Drink and food (dehydration)
• Spare dry gloves, hat and thermals
• Thermal  Survival Bag.(hypothermia)
• 15m rope for white out (tie you together)
• First Aid Kit. (accidents do happen)
• Snow shovel
• Probe
• And wear a TRANSCEIVER.
•  

Step 3.

• Make sure your gear works, New batteries in transceiver?
• Practice and play hide the transceiver with a friend. In the garden or the carpark before you go out.
• Practice with your shovel and probe.
• Skill & speed saves lives. You only have a short time

Step 4.

Check:

• With Ski Patrol for backcountry forecast. (www.avalanche.net.nz)
• the weather, old & new 
• the snow layers, weak? Wind loaded?
• the terrain- 37° ? dangerous cornices? Gullies?, cliffs?

Step 5. 

Remember:

• Tell others your plans and expected time home (pink form) knowing the location can save time in a search.
• Go in a group,
• Work as a group 
• Keep asking about the snow & the weather.
• It might be a quiet question from the back of the group that alerts everyone to a change in the snow/ weather

IF YOU DON’T KNOW, DON’T GO.

Do you want to buy avalanche safety equipment? Visit Marvelox.

Hire a pack online.