MSR Backcountry Skiing

Learn how to choose and use an avalanche transceiver for backcountry safety. Explore features, types, training tips, and top-rated models at REI.

A snow shovel is a safety essential for backcountry winter travel. Learn how to choose one for avalanche rescue, and other ways you might use one.

This overview of topics covered in an avalanche rescue class introduces essential skills such as searching, probing and digging for a buried victim.

Learn the different ways to travel in the backcountry in winter, including telemark and randonee skiing, snowshoeing and splitboarding.

An avalanche forecast tells you about potential slide dangers. Learn what it is, where to find it and how to read a forecast.

Learn how to test snow stability in the backcountry. This article covers snow pits, the Rutschblock test and Extended Column Test (ECT).