Before you start your snowboarding adventure, remember to perform the following tasks to ensure a safe and successful trip:

1. Assess the stability of the snowpack:

To check the stability of the snowpack, you can dig a snow pit and perform a hand hardness test. This is done by applying light pressure to the relevant snowpack layer. The "hardness" of the layer is indicated by the last object you can easily push in to the layer. The order of softness to hardness is as follows: fist, four fingers, one finger, pencil, knife. Sometimes a pencil and knife are not available, so the pressure they would apply would have to estimated. Recall that a harder, more dense, layer on top of a softer layer is an unstable configuration.

If you would like to consult some snowpack observations before you hit the slopes, you can consult the Avalanche CanadaLinks to an external site. website. These observations are made by paid observers and professional snowboarders, ensuring their validity. Here is an example of the level of detail provided by these observations: 

2. Check the other snow conditions on the mountain: 

• Check the density of the snow:

Low density snow is usually easier to ski and snowboard in, because it is lighter and fluffier, but your equipment may sink in to it. When total water content of newly fallen snow exceeds 11%, the snow is considered to be high density. High density snow will allow your snowboard to float easier. The ideal total water content of snow is around 8%

• Is the snow right-side up or upside down?

Right side up snow has lower density snow on top of higher density snow. It lifts your board easier, and is usually cold front dominated. 

Upside down snow, higher density snow on top of lower density snow, is difficult to snowbard in and can facilitate avalanche conditions. It is often associated with warm fronts. 

• Are the crystals faceted or rounded? 

Rounded crystals are strongly bonded, which stabilizes the snowpack; faceted crystals tend to weaken the snowpack. 

3. Dress appropriately for the weather:

As the temperature approaches freezing, it is important to wear a thermal layer underneath your ski wear. Unseasonably cold temperatures (-10°C or below) can trigger hypothermia and frostbite. At these temperatures, remember to wear warm gloves, cover your face and neck, bring warm layers, and possibly chemical warmers in your boots. At -15°C and below, it is best to avoid the trip. 

Unseasonably warm temperatures (5°C and above) also present hazards. Replace your snow pants with cotton pants. At 5°C, a light jacket will suffice over a long sleeve shirt. As temperature approaches 10 °C, simply a shirt will be enough. Hyperthermia and heat stroke are hazards to be wary of when snowboarding in warm temperatures. 

4. Check the avalanche forecast :

A link to an avalanche forecast is provided on the resource page. An avalanche forecast will provide you with any imminent warnings and the likelihood of any avalanches occuring. 

5. Check the road conditions for the ride to the mountain and back.

It is important to check for icy conditions to ensure you actually make it to the mountain! The BC Highway CamLinks to an external site. is a good place to check. 

6. Bring safety equipment with you 

It is always better to be safe than sorry! You can't go wrong with bringing a flashlight and first aid kit with you, as well as some extra food if you are planning on staying in the backcountry for a while. If you do not have much experience on the slopes, bring a friend with you!

It would also be a good idea to pack goggles and a balaclava ski mask with you, in case you are caught in conditions of blowing snow. AmazonLinks to an external site. sells a pack of goggles with a ski mask in one, inexpensive package.