Snow Safety

The trailhead check is a non-negotiable routine that has to happen every single time you enter the backcountry. It’s 7:00 AM at the parking lot. The air is crisp, the coffee is still steaming, and the snow in the trees looks absolutely bottomless. Everyone in your crew is buzzing, itching to pull the cord, unload the sleds, and head straight for the backcountry. We’ve all been there. But before anyone puts a vehicle in drive or clips into their bindings, there is one non-negotiable routine. A routine that has to happen every single time: the trailhead avalanche safety check. It takes less than two minutes, requires zero fancy equipment, and ensures that if the worst happens, every single person in your group is actually equipped to save a life. Here is the straightforward, step-by-step routine every backcountry crew needs to run before leaving the trailhead. Step 1: The Beacon Search & Send Test Never assume your beacon is working just because you flipped the switch in the kitchen this morning. You need to physically verify both the send and receive functions for every member of the group. Step 2: The Physical Gear Drop Having a beacon turned on is useless if your shovel or probe is sitting on the workbench back in the garage. Do a fast visual and physical check. Step 3: The Group Briefing & Hazard Check Before you head up the trail, gather the group in a circle for a quick 60-second operational alignment. Make It Automatic The best backcountry partners aren’t the ones who ride the biggest lines or jump the furthest drops—they’re the ones who treat safety like second nature. By making this 2-minute trailhead check a mandatory ritual before every single ride, you build a culture where everyone returns home to tell the story. Stay safe out there, respect the snowpack, and look out for your riding partners.

Tying your sled down to your Dura Deck is essential! To properly tie your sled down on your Dura Deck sled deck, start by positioning the sled so its weight is even. If you are running one sled on the deck, then position it in the center. If you are running two sleds, then position each sled on a side with the rails out. Use the factory supplied Superclamp ski tie downs to hold the skis in place. When traveling long distances, it’s advisable to secure the front end first by looping a strap around the lower A-arms and tie it to the headache rack. Next, secure the rear by attaching the supplied Dura Strap to the rail. Be sure to pull backward and downward to keep the track firmly planted on the deck. Make sure all straps are snug but not overly tight, and double-check that hooks are properly latched and won’t slip loose. Finally, give the sled a firm shake to ensure it’s stable, and recheck the Superclamp and straps after a short drive to confirm everything remains secure.

You should wear a helmet when you are loading your Dura Deck sled deck. Loading is one of the highest-risk moments in the process. You’re dealing with a ramp, angle changes, throttle input, and often uneven ground. A small mistake can cause the machine to tip or lurch unexpectedly. If you fall backward off a ramp or get thrown off balance, a helmet protects your head. The helmet keeps you safe from serious impact against the ramp, truck bed, or frozen ground. Loading also involves close proximity to hard surfaces and metal edges, which increases the risk of head injury even at low speeds. Many accidents happen not during aggressive riding, but during simple tasks like loading and unloading. If you wear a helmet, it keeps you protected from sudden throttle response, mechanical slips, or unexpected traction loss. It’s a simple precaution that adds a major layer of safety, protecting you from concussions or worse while safeguarding your ability to ride another day.

Avalanche Transceiver Choice Avalanche transceiver choice matters when it comes to snow safety. Here are what features matter: All-Around & Trusted Everyday Use Budget-Friendly / Beginner Options Compact & Lightweight Packs Feature-Rich / Tech-Forward Models Other Solid Choices

In 8 simple steps you can safely unload your Dura Deck sled deck. 1. Have an experienced adult operate the deck 2. Park the truck correctly A tilted surface can cause the machine to come off too fast. 3. Check the Dura Deck components Before anything is moved, an adult should inspect: Anything damaged or sticky should be fixed before unloading. 4. Clear a wide, safe unloading path Behind the truck: Sleds and bikes come off quickly if something slips. 5. Wear protective gear The person riding the machine off the deck should have: 6. Communicate with your helper For safety, unloading your Dura Deck usually uses two people: 7. Use slow, controlled actions Whether sliding the deck out, lowering ramps, or backing the machine down: 8. After unloading

There are important things to check over before leaving a trailhead and heading into the backcountry. Here are some avalanche gear check points to look over: Avalanche safety gear (required in avy terrain): Other personal items:

Loading a sled deck safely can be dangerous if not done properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely load a Dura Deck sled deck:

Caleb Kesterke does a transceiver check EVERY time he goes out and rides. A transceiver check includes the following: • Find a place away from conflicting transmitting devices. Stand in a half-circle, an arm’s length or more apart. The transceiver check-leader should be a few meters away in the middle of the group.• Turn transceivers on. As they power on, each individual checks that the transceiver runs a self-check and the display is ok. Note battery strength and report it aloud to the group.• Switch all transceivers to Search mode. Silence indicates that everyone is ready and ensures that no transmitting units are on dogs, sleds, or in packs.• The check-leader then switches to Transmit/Send. They check that each group member can receive a signal by walking toward each group member one by one. The group member reads their display out loud.• Turn all units to Transmit. The check-leader witnesses that each group member stows their unit for the day, secured under an outside layer, and 30 cm from cell phone or radio.• The check-leader returns to Search mode and confirms all group members are transmitting. The check-leader then switches to Transmit mode and confirms to at least one group member. They also verify that the check-leader’s device is stored under an outside later and 30cm from a cell phone or radio for the day.

You need to carry the proper avalanche gear each time you go into the backcountry today. It is vital that you have the correct education and avalanche equipment to make it back to the truck. Before you ride, be sure you have the following on your person:1. Avalanche transceiver2. Avalanche probe3. Avalanche shovel4. Satellite device5. Avalanche airbag (optional)

An avalanche is a scary thing! But they are showing to be a greater concern when heading into the backcountry. Therefore, it is important for backcountry users to become familiar with them. It is also important to know how to carry out an avalanche rescue. One of the most important aspects of emergency rescue scenarios is taking care of your own safety first. You are no good to the rescue effort if you are also a victim. Prepare for the worst and know what to do if you are the victim in an avalanche. If you notice the slope beginning to slide, get to safety if possible and then look for the rest of your party. If you feel yourself getting caught: • Yell! Call out for attention.• Your backcountry partners should always have eyes on the person exposed to the avalanche hazard. If your team can establish a last point seen, it will improve your chances of being found quickly.• Deploy your airbag.• Don’t hesitate to do this. The airbag will not affect your ability to yell or exit to the side of the avalanche.• Try to exit to the side of the avalanche.• Slide or roll towards the sides of the avalanche. Snow moves more slowly at the edges of the avalanche. You increase your chances of not being carried as far.• Try to arrest as you’re caught.• If you fail to escape to the side of an avalanche, grab bushes or trees, or arrest yourself in the bed surface in an effort to slow yourself down. This might allow the moving snow to flow around you and leave you high on the slope.