Ski Bum Backcountry Guide

The Backcountry Guide
Go from lift-access only to confidently planning and executing your own backcountry missions.

Fresh tracks off the piste are where the magic happens. They’re also where things can go wrong fast. This guide brings together 11 winters of living and riding in the Alps, five years as a snowboard instructor and a lot of lessons learned the hard way. It’s a practical guide for skiers and snowboarders who want to go further, safely.

Inside you’ll find:

• What the backcountry really is, and how to take your first steps
• Avalanche risk, rescue basics and how to call for help in the Alps
• A no-nonsense gear checklist, including how a beacon search works
• How to read the avalanche bulletin, the weather and the terrain
• The human factor: the mental traps that catch even experienced riders
• Touring and splitboarding basics
• My pick of the best backcountry resorts in the Alps, plus hidden gems
• Bonus: Erik’s Lines. My favourite descents and tours, with route tips you won’t find in the brochures
• My rider-tested gear list

Real stories, honest advice, and no fluff.

Format: digital PDF in two versions, A4 for laptop, tablet or print, and A5 for reading on your phone. About 70 pages, full colour, packed with photos from the Alps.

This guide does not replace an avalanche course or a certified mountain guide. Ride at your own risk.