Juniors in the Backcountry
For most of them this was the first time that they had strayed away from the confines of the Ski station, for some the first time they had ridden powder and for all the first time they had heli’d and hiked out into the true heart of the high mountains where no tracks had gone before.
Avalanche safety was as always a priority on the course as was glacier security and terrain analysis. The kids took everything in their stride listening carefully to the safety tips and advice given to them by their guides whilst challenging themselves to ride the best lines and the best snow available.
It was great to see these young up and coming riders ripping it up away from the park and pipe and challenging themselves within the natural terrain of the high mountains.
It is great to see these up and coming starts of today and tomorrow taking an interest in the world of the High Mountains and getting out into the Backcountry but yet doing it in a sensible and controlled manor.
It’s all too easy these days to duck under the boundary rope and find your self riding in an environment that you know very little about. Riding in the Backcountry is a natural progression for an experienced rider but it’s important that you learn the rules of conduct and know how to make the important safety decisions that will see you returning home with fond memories and a healthy glow at the end of the day.
These kids have taken the first step and are already way ahead of the pack.
All the kids left with a new healthy respect for the mountains and a greater outlook on what snowboarding might have to offer them in the future.
Respect to those pesky kids!