Safety

Shames Mountain Ski Corporation does not in any way condone or promote any backcountry endeavors.

Should you choose to journey beyond the ski area boundary remember, there is no direct rescue available and should you require a rescue you may be required to pay rescue fees and/or other related costs.

NO ONE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU, EXCEPT YOURSELF.

Welcome to the land of the steep and deep!
Shames Mountain’s terrain leasehold is 7,800 acres, only 225 of which are patrolled-this means backcountry options are truly endless. Backcountry travel opens up a whole new world of adventure. There’s nothing like exploring seemingly endless terrain filled with an abundance of untracked powder, adventure and challenge.

Venturing into the backcountry can be a transformational experience and thousands of people are figuring that out. Backcountry snow travel has become exponentially popular over the last few years, especially as more ski areas open their boundaries to allow access to terrain that goes on as far as the adventurer is willing to travel.

Backcountry groups departing from Shames Mountain should be led by experienced people. The leader should have planned the trip with adequate safety equipment, knowledge of avalanche danger, the terrain and the current weather forecast.   Backcountry travel is for expert skiers/snowboarders who are physically fit and have avalanche training.  Each group should evaluate the current snow stability and avalanche danger and make decisions in regard to route and backcountry objectives. 

Avalanche conditions can change rapidly and with little warning. Shames Mountain Ski Corporation is unable to verify avalanche conditions in the backcountry.  This is the responsibility of the backcountry traveler.

Click here to go to our Backcountry Info & Access page

Recommended Equipment for Backcountry Travel
Before you head out to play in the backcountry, be sure you have all the proper equipment and know how to use it. This includes your normal ski gear, including jacket, pants, gloves, goggles, poles, etc.

Layers
Hypothermia and frostbite are common and easily avoidable injuries. Always be prepared with extra layers and dry clothes. Do not wear cotton. Don’t even carry it with you. Earning your turns means that you will probably sweat. Be sure to wear the proper wicking layers so you will stay warm when you stop.

Flotation
If you plan on strapping your skis or snowboard to your back, don’t forget snowshoes.  You must have some sort of flotation - slogging through the snow is tiring and time-consuming.  If you must boot-pack it, make your own trail, please don’t boot-it on the skin track.

Don’t Forget Your Head
The most important things you can bring with you don’t weigh a thing and will save your life: good judgment and common sense. Everyone in the group should be comfortable with the decisions being made. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you feel unsafe.  Just because you worked to get into the slope doesn’t mean you have to ski/ride it.  The most skilled backcountry travelers know when to say “no.” It is a bummer to work so hard to get to the top of a big, wide, open slope of fresh powder and not shred it, but it’s a bigger bummer to be caught in an avalanche.

Avalanche Assessment
The following factors should be considered when evaluating snow stability: