Getting into backcountry skiing can be daunting, especially when you start looking at the long list of required gear, avalanche education, and the local knowledge needed to make safe decisions. But just because it feels overwhelming doesn’t mean it has to be hard. With the right approach, you can take it step by step and enjoy the process of learning. In this article, we’re going to break down exactly how to get into backcountry skiing as a beginner and why this might be the season to start.

In the world of backcountry skiing and riding, we use a lot of tools to keep decision-making clear and effective in avalanche terrain. One of the simplest and most powerful frameworks we can use is red lighting and green lighting terrain. It’s straightforward, easy to communicate, and helps everyone on a tour stay on the same page.

When it comes to ski touring and splitboarding, most people immediately think about avalanche safety, gear choices, or dialing in their transitions. All of that stuff matters, but there’s another piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked: your aerobic base.