Backcounty Safety

“The Mountains are as Cold and Lonely Tonight as They Were 100 Years Ago.” -Killington Boundary Sign

Don’t Get Lost!

Venturing outside ski area boundaries comes with serious risks and can even be fatal. While the backcountry offers potential excitement, you should never travel out of bounds without knowing where you are going, the proper equipment, and specific backcountry training. Backcountry areas are not patrolled and tracks you may be tempted to follow often do not lead back to the ski area. If you require rescue, you are also putting your rescuers’ safety on the line.

Essential Safety Tips:

• Stay in Bounds: Always heed ski area signs and stay out of closed areas.
• Be Prepared: If you are not specifically trained for backcountry travel, stay on the trail. Backcountry travel requires skills, planning, knowledge, and proper equipment. Minor mishaps can escalate quickly in remote terrain, leading to frostbite, hypothermia, or even death.
• Know Your Limits: Be realistic about your ability level. If you’re unsure about a trip, don’t go.
• Consider a guided trip or skills refresher. The Bolton Valley Backcountry Center offers instruction and tours.
• Don’t Go Alone, Ever: Never enter the backcountry—or any glades—alone. Always go with at least two competent companions and avoid unfamiliar terrain unless you are with a guide who knows the area well. Do not leave ski area boundaries without educating yourself about backcountry safety. Proper preparation and respect for the environment can make the difference between an unforgettable adventure and a dangerous situation.

BackcountrySkiing.com: Backcountry Safety

Catamount Trail Association: Safety in the Backcountry

Other Safety Resources

• Your Responsibility Code
• Collision Prevention
• Terrain Park Safety
• The Triangle of Safety
• Lift Safety
• Uphill Travel