JACKSON, Wyo. — Winter is here with an unusual season, a lot of rain, avalanches and accidents. With it, different organizations and individuals have brought forth safety suggestions for recreationists.

Teton County Idaho Search and Rescue (TCISAR) released a winter backcountry checklist in collaboration with Backcountry Zero for users to refer to when preparing for a day out skiing or riding.

According to the TCISAR list, before traveling in the backcountry ensure you have the following items:

  • Food and water
  • First aid
  • Warm clothes and layers
  • Illumination (headlamp)
  • Fire
  • Phone
  • Beacon, shovel and probe

TCISAR also suggests backcountry users have checked the weather forecast and avalanche conditions, communicated to someone where they are going and are willing to make a decision to turn around if conditions deem too dangerous.

Retired avalanche educator, former editor of the Avalanche Review and master of ceremonies at this year’s Wyoming Snow & Avalanche Workshop Lynne Wolfe shares sentiments of being cautious this season. “The real crucial thing to highlight is patience and to play the long game,” Wolfe told Buckrail. “It’s a different season than what we’re used to here.”

Hannah is a Buckrail Staff Reporter and freelance web developer and designer who has called Jackson home since 2015. When she’s not outside, you can probably find her eating a good meal, playing cribbage, or at one of the local yoga studios. She’s interested in what makes this community tick, both from the individual and collective perspective.