SAFETY FIRST

SAFETY AND RISK AWARENESS

Snowcat skiing, snowboarding and other activities in wilderness areas involve the risk of injury. The information contained in this section of the website is intended to inform you of the risks, dangers and hazards you may encounter while snowcat skiing or snowboarding. Whether you are a participant or a parent/guardian of a minor participant, please take the time to understand safety and risk awareness associated with wilderness activities.

Prior to processing payment for bookings, ALL guests will be required to read, understand and agree to the terms of a Wilderness Activities Release Agreement.

Our snow safety program is centered on understanding the most important factor in risk avoidance is planning, preparation and practicing. Our comprehensive snow safety program is constantly evaluating snowpack, avalanche safety and choosing the best terrain for the guests to ensure the safest and greatest experience possible.

Our Guides

Every guide in the Powder Ridge family is trained and certified through the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA), the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and/or the Canadian Ski Guide Association (CSGA). This training covers avalanche operations, first aid and mountain rescue. Guides constantly update their first aid training, guiding, and avalanche rescue skills. Every season we practice large scale avalanche rescue and other emergency scenarios so we can respond to any situation.

Guides meet every morning to discuss snow and weather conditions to ensure the best and safest possible powder days for our guests. We review and discuss many variables, including snow stability and snowpack, wind, sun, previous or upcoming weather systems and runs that have been skied the previous day. Skill level of the group(s) are also assessed to ensure we are putting the right skill level with the right terrain.

Our team also reviews and contributes to daily InfoEx reports – the weather and avalanche observations from most snowcat, heliskiing and resort operations in British Columbia. This information sharing paints a picture of not only what is happening within our terrain, but also the other mountain operations, which determines risks from a broader scale. As operators, we understand safety is not only important to our operation, but the whole industry.

Every snowcat will have a minimum of 2 guides, including a lead guide and tail guide. Guides carry a pack that includes a shovel, an avalanche probe, a first aid kit, as well as an extra layer of clothing and other emergency supplies. Supplemental gear is stored in the snowcats and the lodge.

Don’t be shy! Your guides are friendly, keen and approachable. They love the mountains and sharing the outdoors with others. If we can do anything to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable, please let them know.

Gear and Communication

In the backcountry, preparation, communication and teamwork is a critical part of a proper safety program. A key point to remember is our safety team is made up of all members of our staff, and you as our guest.

Gear

The Powder Ridge lodge is fully stocked with certified first aid and emergency supplies, meeting or exceeding operational guidelines. All guides are trained to use the automatic external defibrillator (AED) located onsite. All guests are supplied with Avalanche Safety Gear. You will wear an Airbag pack (example below) that contains your beacon, collapsible shovel, probe and airbag. Each guest is also provided with a radio to communicate with their guides and group. You are required to have this equipment on your person at all times while snowcat skiing and snowboarding.

Guests will not be permitted to use their own avy packs, beacons, etc. It is mandatory for you to use the equipment provided by Powder Ridge. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Guest Safety Briefing

Before we start our ski day on the first morning, guests will have a safety briefing. Our goal is to provide education on how to keep each other safe in the mountains. We train guests on proper use of the safety equipment, including transceiver training and beacon-finding practice, until each guest is confident and every radio has been tested. We will also conduct rescue training, an education brief on avalanche safety, cat skiing procedures and safety around the snowcats.

We will also discuss taking note of the conditions. When the snow surface is hard and fast, it is easy to ski/snowboard at high speed, increasing the risk for serious injury if you fall and slide. It is important to be aware of changing snow surface conditions.

Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link with your confirmation that provides access to our custom backcountry learning tool that goes over training and proper use of the equipment and protocols. We HIGHLY recommend using this tool.

Communication

Constant and uninterrupted radio communication is established throughout our tenure. We have a dedicated repeater and radio frequency to ensure no interference from outside sources. The lodge, cat drivers and guides are in constant contact with position reports and multi-day mandatory check-ins. Guests are issued a personal radio to carry with them at all times while in the field to communicate with the guides, other guests or the lodge.

Personal Gear

You must bring your own ski/snowboard boots. All ski or snowboard gear brought by our guests need to be reliable, maintained and in excellent condition to operate safely in extreme conditions. To safely ski the deep Monashee Mountain powder, you will require dedicated powder skis or snowboards. If your skis or snowboard are not suitable for conditions, rental equipment is available onsite. Click here to check out our rental gear.

Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Be prepared. The trick to being comfortable, warm, dry and safe is to wear lots of different layers. Layers let you add and remove clothing throughout the day as the outside temperature and your body temperature keeps changing. Cold temperatures increase the risk of frostbite. Keep an eye on exposed skin and go inside immediately if skin begins to turn white. UV rays are reflected from the snow surface. Always wear proper goggles or sunglasses, even on cloudy days. We recommend goggles with changeable lenses, or bringing multiple pairs of goggles to match visibility conditions. There will be a selection of merchandise for sale at the lodge to supplement if need additional gear.

Lodge, Snowcat and Helicopter Safety

While wilderness skiing, skiers and snowboarders may use a variety of transportation methods including helicopters and snowcats. Users should be familiar with the use of these transportation methods for their own safety and the safety of others. Guides, drivers and pilots will provide safety briefings that inform users about the process for loading, skiing, riding, and unloading. Pay attention and obey these briefings.

Lodge Safety

Safety during your holiday is not limited to the skiing and snowboarding activities. Many operators will have lodges, parking lots, restaurants, trails and walkways, access roads, helicopter pads, snowcat garages, and other facilities. You will come across signage throughout the premises that are important to respect and understand. Please pay close attention to all signage. It is present for the safety of both guests and employees. Failing to follow the directions on these signs may result in self-imposed injury. It is your responsibility to be aware of signage at facilities at all times.

Slipping and falling has potential for serious injuries and should not be overlooked as a risk. There are many wet, snowy, icy, and slippery surfaces throughout a given facility. Slips, trips and falls are common, and all users should always take precautions. Ski boots and many types of other footwear do not provide good traction, and extra caution should be used when walking. Be particularly careful of slips and falls on snowy or icy surfaces if you have consumed alcohol.

Snowcat Safety

While snowcats provide an excellent means of transportation in the mountains, it is important to understand the risks they present and how to move safely around them.

The blade on the front of the snowcats should be avoided. When skiing or boarding up to the snowcat, give them a wide berth and only approach the snowcat when told to do so by your guide.
The exhaust gets very hot and should never be touched. It presents a risk of burning and serious injury.
Stay well away from the tracks of a snowcat unless you have been told that it is safe to approach. The tracks of a snowcat are made up of two main components: rubber and metal. When standing on the tracks of a snowcat to enter or exit, aim to stand on the rubber as the metal will be slippery.
The seating area is high off the ground and entering and exiting the snowcat requires caution and care. This presents a risk of slipping and falling, which may result in injury. Only exit when the door has been opened by your guide.
Snowcats have several blind spots, which present hazards for those moving around them. Only approach a snowcat when your guide says it is safe to do so any never approach one when they are moving.

Helicopter Safety

Overhead rotors are very hazardous. Always stay low and move slowly when around a helicopter. Only move to where your guide direct you, and if in doubt; stop, crouch down and await instruction
You should NEVER find yourself towards the back end of a helicopter. The tail rotor sits lower than the overhead rotor and rotates faster.
You should always be in the line of sight of the pilot and should only move to where your guide indicates.
If something blows away when you are around the helicopter, do not chase after it.

If you have questions, please ask your guide for assistance and direction.

Exclusion of Liability – Assumption of Risk

The term “wilderness skiing and snowboarding” shall include all activities, accommodation, transportation, events and services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the operator and shall include, but is not limited to: skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, hiking, snowshoeing and other form of backcountry travel; rental or use of skis, snowboards or other equipment; demonstrations; orientational and instructional courses; loading, unloading and travel by or movement in or around helicopters, snowcats, snowmobiles and other motorized vehicles; and other activities, events and services in any way connected with or related to wilderness activities.

The use of helicopter or snowcat skiing premises and facilities, and participation in these activities, involves various risks, dangers and hazards. It is a condition of your use of the premises and facilities and your participation in helicopter or snowcat skiing or snowboarding that you assume all risk of personal injury, death or property loss resulting from any cause whatsoever, including negligence, breach of contract, or breach of any duty of care on the part of the operator. Your legal responsibility as a user of the premises and facilities or participant in activities provided by the operator is explained in the following notice, which you will see posted on the premises.

Wilderness skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing (nordic) involves various risks, dangers and hazards including, but not limited to, the following:

Avalanches occur frequently in the terrain used for wilderness activities and may be caused by natural forces or by persons travelling through the terrain.
The operator may fail to predict whether the alpine terrain is safe for wilderness activities or whether an avalanche may occur.
The terrain used for wilderness activities is uncontrolled, unmarked, not inspected and involves many risks, dangers and hazards in addition to that of avalanche. These may include, but are not limited to: cornices; crevasses; cliffs; trees, tree wells and tree stumps; creeks; rocks; boulders; forest deadfall; holes and depressions on or below the snow surface; cliffs; variable and difficult snow conditions; snowcat roads, snowmobile tracks, and road banks, fences, and other man-made structures; snow immersion; impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects; encounters with domestic or wild animals; loss of balance or control; slips, trips and falls; becoming lost or separated from one’s party or guide; negligent first aid; negligence of other persons, including other guests; and negligence on the part of the operator.
Negligence of other persons, and negligence on the part of the operator and its directors, officers, employees, instructors, agents, representatives, volunteers, independent contractors, subcontractors, sponsors, successors and assigns.
Negligence includes failure on the part of the operator to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect guests from the risks, dangers and hazards of wilderness activities.
Communication in the alpine terrain is difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and medical treatment may not be available.
Alpine weather conditions may be extreme and can change rapidly and without warning, making travel by helicopter, snowcat or snowmobile hazardous.

Alpine Ski/Snowboard Boot Binding Systems

The ski boot/binding system for wilderness skiing may not release during every fall or may release unexpectedly. The ski boot/binding system is no guarantee that the skier will not be injured.

The snowboard boot/binding system is not designed or intended to release and will not release under normal circumstances. Given the snowboard boot binding system is not a releasable system, it will not reduce the risk of injury during a fall and will increase the risk of not surviving an avalanche.

Helmets

It is strongly recommended to wear helmets for skiing and snowboarding. Skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to educate themselves on the benefits and limitations of helmet usage. See more on snow sport helmets at myhelmet.ca.

A helmet designed for recreational snow sports may reduce the risk of some types of head injuries. Helmets are strongly recommended. In some skiing and snowboarding activities (for example snow school lessons involving minors) helmets are mandatory. Helmets for skiing and snowboarding are light, comfortable and have achieved wide-spread acceptance. Please note, however, that helmets have limitations and that serious head injury can still occur even when a helmet is worn. Wearing a helmet is no guarantee of safety.

Airbag Use

The Avalanche Airbag System (AAS) consists of a backpack integrating an airbag system which is inflated by manually pulling an activation handle. Once inflated, an AAS may assist in keeping a person caught in an avalanche closer to the surface, thus potentially increasing the chances of survival. The AAS may not always inflate and may not protect the user against trauma during an avalanche.

Notice to Snowboarders and Telemark Skiers – Increased Risk

Unlike alpine ski boot/binding systems, snowboard and some telemark boot/binding systems are not designed or intended to release and will not release under normal circumstances. The use of a safety strap or retention device by snowboarders or telemark skiers without ski brakes will increase the risk of not surviving an avalanche.

Adventure Film Activities

The term “adventure film activities” applies to all wilderness activities as defined in the Wilderness Activities Release Agreement, and, in addition, shall include any activities of any nature or any kind whatsoever relating to the production of photographs, films or videos, or any other activities involving the Releasees, including set up of equipment, scouting for locations, preparatory work, mountaineering, climbing, rigging, safety work, photography, videography and filming.

Adventure film activities are significantly more dangerous than wilderness activities as defined in the Wilderness Activities Release Agreement. The safety precautions normally undertaken in wilderness activities may be reduced or eliminated altogether. These activities are frequently incompatible with personal safety and there is a substantial risk of serious injury or death as a result of engaging in such activities. This risk may be increased due to negligence on the part of the helicat operator, including the failure to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect guests from the risks, dangers and hazards associated with these activities. The helicat operator may fail to advise guests as to the risks, dangers and hazards associated with adventure film activities or, alternatively, any advice given may be inadequate or incorrect. All these factors will substantially increase the risk of serious injury or death as a result of engaging in these activities.

Wilderness Activities Release Agreement

You will be asked to sign a wilderness activities release agreement, which is intended to describe the risks, dangers, and hazards that are associated with wilderness skiing and snowboarding and asks you to acknowledge these risks and accept the fact that injuries and death are possibilities while participating in wilderness skiing and snowboarding. This is a copy of the wilderness activities release agreement you will be asked to sign.

Wilderness Skiing and Snowboarding Responsibility Code

The wilderness skiing and snowboarding responsibility code provides the basic rules of conduct and must be followed by all using the wilderness terrain and helicat operator facilities. There are elements of risk that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Please adhere to the code listed below and always show courtesy to others.

Listen to and follow your guide’s instructions.
Always stop above your guide.
Ski and snowboard close to other tracks set by your group.
Always keep spacing between each skier and snowboarder as directed by your guide.
On tree runs always ski and snowboard with a partner, remove pole straps and be aware of tree hazards.
Always ski and snowboard in control and be aware of mountain hazards.
Approach and join a waiting/stopped group slowly and cautiously.
Electronics: turn off cell phone reception and don’t impair hearing with music devices.
Never ski or snowboard up to a helicopter; always approach it on foot behind your guide.
Never walk to the rear of a helicopter and always keep yourselves and your equipment low.
Maintain the designated position as a helicopter arrives and departs.
Familiarize yourself avalanche rescue gear: transceiver, shovel, probe and radio.
Always have a skiing and snowboarding partner. Ski close enough to them that you will immediately know if they fall into a tree well or get caught in an avalanche.
You must not participate in wilderness skiing or snowboarding if your ability is impaired through the use of alcohol or drugs.

Additional Safety Tips

In addition to the Wilderness Skiing and Snowboarding Responsibility Code, here are some additional tips to keep you safe and to help you enjoy your day on the slopes:

Avalanches

Take an avalanche course. Learn more about avalanches through Avalanche Canada at https://www.avalanche.ca/.

Don’t Overdo It

Be aware of fatigue; many visitors are on vacation and might not be conditioned to ski or snowboard long days. Warm up in the morning and stretch it out, then tone it down in the afternoon. Stay hydrated and carry a snack with you to keep you fueled.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Be mindful of where you stop on the slope, for your safety and the safety of other skiers and snowboarders. When resting, move over to the side of the run. Never stop under a roller, jump, cat track, or on a blind corner, as skiers uphill from you will not be able to see you.

When skiing and snowboarding, be aware of other skiers and snowboarders. Look uphill before you commence downhill, and yield to other skiers and snowboarders.

IF IN DOUBT, ASK YOUR GUIDE!

Tree Wells

A tree well is the space around a tree under its branches that does not get the same amount of snow as the surrounding open space. This creates a void or area of loose snow below the branches and around the tree trunk that is dangerous to skiers and snowboarders.

To prevent falling into tree wells, ski well clear of trees when skiing deep powder. Be particularly cautious when skiing and snowboarding in the trees. Tree wells are a real risk. Falling into a tree well is preventable simply by staying away from trees in deep powder.

The biggest threat from falling in tree wells is suffocation from the snow packing in around the victim. Another threat can be from hitting the tree and getting injured.

If someone lands in a tree well, it is often headfirst, which can leave them injured or unconscious, or they may suffocate. Their head and arms will likely be heading down into the hole and their skis or snowboard will be above them. Loose snow will start to fall in around the victim as they move, packing them in against the tree. They will be upside down in the tree well.

To be rescued quickly, ski and snowboard close to, but beside a buddy. A buddy who is skiing below you on the slope may not know that you fell into a tree well and will have difficulty getting uphill to find and rescue you.

If You Fall Into a Tree Well

Don’t panic. Rapid movement and struggling will worsen the situation. It is important to stay still and save energy. You are not likely to get yourself out and will require assistance from others.
Grab whatever part of the tree you can or hug the tree trunk. Grab tree branches or other parts of the tree to try to stabilize yourself and stop yourself from falling deeper. Hold on tight.
Look for air pockets to push your head into. Breathe. Be aware that every movement, however slight, will cause more snow to pack in around you. Do not shake the tree.
Create air holes and wait for rescue.

If Your Ski Buddy Falls Into a Tree Well

You must respond as quickly as possible to rescue them. Call out to other skiers in your group to notify them. If you have a whistle, blow it to attract attention. Go to the tree well location. Three rescuers are an ideal number of rescuers, so if you are by yourself you may only be able to stabilize the situation until other help arrives.
In some simple situations, you may be able to pull the skier out of the tree well; in other situations, they will be too far down for this to be successful. Grasp the bottom hem of the victim’s jacket and carefully pull the victim. At the very least, hold the skier from sliding further into the tree well.
In some cases, a receiving platform or trench may need to be dug below the victim to be able to pull them out of the tree well. Successful tree well rescue is a combination of digging, platform preparation, and pulling.
Ensure the skier’s airway is clear of snow and that there is an air pocket around their head for them to breathe. Don’t shake the tree or push additional snow into the tree well.
If the skier is conscious, reassure them and tell them to remain still and calm.
Remove ski or snowboard equipment from the victim if it is safe to do so.
When the victim is out of the tree well, assess their condition and apply first aid as required.

See more on tree well safety at Deep Snow Safety and the Tree Well Rescue Best Practices Bulletin.

HELICAT CANADA

HeliCat Canada is the trade association of the Canadian helicopter and snowcat skiing industry. The primary mandate is to promote the continual improvement of the industry through research, education, advocacy and overseeing a trade accreditation process.

Their mission and purpose is to speak and act on behalf on members, to guide and develop best practices in the areas of sustainability, safety and to promote the growth or the helicat sector in a way that is economically, environmentally and socially responsible.

Powder Ridge is proud to be a member of HeliCat Canada. As a member, we strive to achieve the highest standards of professionalism and safety in the snowcat and helicopter skiing industry. As an operator, we meet and follow these strict industry operating guidelines, along with our own measures specific to our terrain, location and services.

Further safety education and recommendations are available on the HeliCat website.

Emergency Medical Insurance & Trip Cancellation Insurance

Powder Ridge provides Emergency Medical Coverage including Ambulance/Evacuation insurance as part of your package. This coverage is only in place while you are our guest and in Canada. All claims require that you be seen by a physician at the time of injury. Click here to review the provided coverage.

For trip interruption and cancellation insurance, we highly recommend you check your personal policies and coverage. Our recommended provider is Lifestyle Insurance; they are a member of HeliCat Canada and have experience providing insurance for catskiing adventures. They can provide you with the exact coverage you need. A trip cancellation and interruption insurance policy insures against unexpected cancellations prior to your departure and disruptions during your trip that may cause you unexpected travel expenses or the loss of all or a portion of your catski trip (i.e. illness, injury, death of a family member, delayed flights, missed shuttles, cancellation by tour operator, etc.). Please spend a few moments to review and purchase travel cancellation insurance. If you are concerned you may have to cancel for any reason – this is your only option to obtain a refund.

Note: This product is recommended solely for the benefit of our guests. Powder Ridge does not receive any remuneration from the purchase of Travel Insurance.

We highly recommend you check all your personal policies and coverage before booking. For more info on cancellations, please refer to our booking and cancellation policy page.