Planning a backcountry ski tour

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This Basecamp article is a guide on how to plan a ski tour, to help you in the decision-making process and assessing of a chosen ski tour, and to minimize risk. In addition to the planning stage back at home and assessing the situation in person and throughout each stage of the tour, we will also look at the factors of ‘conditions’, ‘terrain’ and ‘people’, and the influence they can have.

In order to consider and analyze all influences and factors and draw the right conclusions, you need a sound knowledge of weather and avalanche conditions, terrain characteristics, routes, group dynamics and the use of safety equipment. A structured approach and clear rules avoid mistakes, minimize risk and increase safety. For this reason, a standardized approach to avalanche risk assessment has been established.

Learn the most important Facts About tour Planning from our expert Ben Reuter

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Tour planning and methods – the basics

From the planning stage back at home through to skiing through unracked powder, Werner Munter’s 3x3 model divides the whole tour planning process into three distinct steps (planning, localized assessment and individual slope assessment) throughout which three factors (conditions, terrain and people) must constantly be reassessed. Assessment of these follows the DCMR system, which is used in each of the three steps:

  1. Planning
  2. Assessment on-site
  3. Individual slope assessment

DCMR can be broken down into 4 steps:

Tour planning and methods – the basics

From the planning stage back at home through to skiing through unracked powder, Werner Munter’s 3x3 model divides the whole tour planning process into three distinct steps (planning, localized assessment and individual slope assessment) throughout which three factors (conditions, terrain and people) must constantly be reassessed. Assessment of these follows the DCMR system, which is used in each of the three steps:

  1. Planning
  2. Assessment on-site
  3. Individual slope assessment

DCMR can be broken down into 4 steps:

DCMR system

To answer this, you need to gather information on the snowpack (any weak layers, possible initiation spots and fracture propagation) and the steepness of the slope. For the initial planning step, it is simply the steepness of the slope and the avalanche report which are inspected, to make sure a slope is not in the avalanche report’s danger zone. Using the 30° inclination method any possible crux sites can be marked on the route according to the avalanche report danger zone. All slopes along the route or above the route that are steeper than 30° are then also identified on the map. These are independent of the avalanche danger level. If a slope is outside the avalanche report danger zone, it can be classified as suitable. If conditions are such that remote triggering of an avalanche is not expected, then the slopes bordering the route or above the route can also be classified as suitable.

To estimate the potential consequences of an avalanche in the planning phase, the map is examined to check the size of the slopes you want to ski and whether there are gullies, depressions, drops or other terrain hazards that could present run-out problems or lead to deeper burial. The thickness of a possible snow slab is also a factor here, because you can assess the risk of deeper burial. This can be ascertained from the snowpack description in the avalanche bulletin. Safe assembly points should be identified, and an initial assessment should be made as to whether terrain features will make it necessary to ski the slope one by one.

This is about the options that are open to you personally, to reduce the probability of an avalanche occurring. The trajectory on the slope, for instance, is important to make sure any weak layers in the snowpack are not disturbed, triggering a slide. The best place to lay tracks can vary according to prevailing type of avalanche problem. Maintaining safe distances between skiers, skiing the slope one by one, and determining safe assembly points can also help lessen the consequences of an avalanche.

These three aspects combined – danger, consequences and measures – are what determine risk. In other words: The probability of an avalanche (D = danger), multiplied by the consequences (C), minus any possible measures (M) that can be taken, equals the risk (R) level you must establish in order to make a decision. It is important to also take into account the willingness to take risks of individuals within the group, and to talk openly about the situation, so that others can make an informed decision.

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Planning

  • Number
  • Expectations
  • Requirements/ability
  • Health
  • Fitness
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Localized

  • Greeting
  • Fitness check
  • Schedule
  • Agree expectations
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During the Ride

  • Regularly check levels of motivation and mood within the group and react accordingly
  • How about energy reserves?
  • Is the trail difficulty appropriate for the group? What are the potential consequences?
  • Are extra rest breaks needed?