At Weber Powder, we provide the following safety equipment for guests to use. We understand many ski touring operations allow you to provide your own safety gear however we feel it is important to provide a fleet of industry leading and meticulously maintained safety equipment:

• Mammut Tour 30L Airbag 3.0 - Industry leading avalanche floatation device with 30 liters of packing volume for full days in the alpine and a dedicated safety gear pocket.

• ICOM handheld radio - Stay connected to your guide, group and lodge with a compact, durable, two-way radio.

• Mammut Barryvox Avalanche Transceiver - Digital three-antenna device featuring simple navigation functions and an effective search width of up to 70 meters.

• Shovel - Lightweight and easy to assemble when time matters.

• 320 Probe - Durable, quick locking and the maximum 320 length.

• Alpine Harness - Extremely lightweight harness for high altitude travel.

Beyond the guest equipment above, the guiding team is equipped with additional rescue gear with caches located in the field an at the lodge. 

Becoming a certified ski guide in Canada is no simple task. At Weber Powder we employ ski guides who are certified through the industry leading Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) or International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA). Both programs require years of personal experience, industry work and prerequisite courses including advanced first aid, avalanche training and more to apply. Once accepted into the ski guide program an additional two to four years of training and exams are required to complete the certification.

In addition to obtaining a ski certification, our guiding team convenes for an annual training refresher at the onset of every season. This gathering allows the team to sharpen their skills, exchange insights on processes, and familiarize themselves with the latest technology advancements.

Before you enter the backcountry the following steps are taken to ensure all individuals are prepared for the day:

Safety Orientation

At the beginning of your trip our guiding team will lead you through a backcountry safety orientation. This is an opportunity for you to familiarize yourself with the safety equipment provided and our emergency response procedures.

Gear check

Backcountry alpine touring is a human powered activity and the gear you carry is extremely important. A broken piece of equipment in the backcountry can be hazardous for you, your guide and the rest of the group. We recommend you take a moment each day to check your personal equipment (skis or board, bindings, skins and helmet) and ensure they are in good working order while our guiding team will monitor your safety equipment.

Weather and Conditions

Our guiding team is constantly monitoring weather and snow conditions. Each morning, your guides will collect local data, review conditions in neighbouring areas and discuss what routes are safest to travel given the current conditions. 

Guide’s Instructions

Weber Powder guides take great care in leading the group through unmarked terrain communicating any known hazards. It is important you always listen and follow your guide’s instructions when in the backcountry.

Weather and Conditions

Conditions in a backcountry environment can change at a moment's notice. Sun can warm the snow, wind can transport snow and clouds and impede visibility. Our guiding team is constantly monitoring conditions and may change objectives based on observations in the field. It is extremely important that you as a guest listen to your guide's instructions carefully and be willing to change plans throughout the day.

Communication

All members (guides, guests & staff) carry a handheld radio when traveling in the backcountry with Weber Powder. Guides regularly check in with the lodge to update the group’s live location and guests can use this as a tool to communicate with each other and the guiding team.

Avalanches

An avalanche is a sudden and powerful movement of snow, ice, and debris down a mountainside. It can occur when a mass of snow becomes unstable and breaks away from the mountainside, often triggered by factors like changes in temperature, snowpack instability, or the weight of additional snowfall or a skier's movement. During your backcountry safety orientation, you will cover what to do in the unlikely event an avalanche occurs in the backcountry.

Tree Wells

Tree wells form due to the canopy of branches above a tree preventing snow accumulation directly beneath it, creating a void or depression around the trunk. In a tree well incident, a person may accidentally ski or snowboard too close to a tree, lose balance, and fall into the well. Once inside the well, the person can become trapped in the deep, loose snow, with the surrounding branches and compacted snow making it difficult to escape. We always travel in pairs when descending through treed terrain. In the event someone falls in a tree well, their partner should be able to see and assist and call for assistance.

Variable Surface Conditions

Traveling in the backcountry can lead to a variety of snow conditions and terrain. You may encounter powder snow, wind-packed snow, snow crusts, creek beds and rocky terrain. These conditions can result in loss of balance and loss of control leading to a fall and potential injury. We always recommend you evaluate your personal ability accurately and communicate with your guide if you are struggling with the conditions.