Ski touring

Off-piste skiing is emerging in Québec, including in the Chic-Chocs and also in some ski resorts developping “wild” areas. During winter 2012-13, Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC), a leading retailer of outdoor equipement, has recorded a 40% increase in sales of products related to off-piste skiing. In fact, it is estimated that this activity shows about 20% growth per year!

Off-piste skiing refers to skiing, snowboarding and telemark, practiced outside of groomed and patrolled ski areas. Sectors sought can be near lifts, which facilitate the access (out of bound, sidecountry, slackcountry) or in the heart of the remote backcountry (backcountry skiing). However, no matter the location, skiing off-piste presents a higher risk of avalanches as well as other opportunities to get hurt, get lost and have to wait a long time for help to arrive. For the mountain to remain a safe playground, the Avalanche Centre recommends being prepared, having the necessary equipment and knowing how to use it before you go.

The introductory course on avalanche safety (CSA 1) is an essential starting point for improving safety in the backcountry during winter time. This course will teach you the basics of nature and avalanche formation, recognizing risky slopes, how to use available tools, moving safely in the mountains and how to perform a safe rescue.