Alpental Back Bowls

• Get Familiar With The Terrain & Your Planned Routes

  At least one person in the group should be familiar with the geographic area and the planned routes of ascent and descent. Large cliffs are numerous, with a limited number of safe passage routes.

• Have & Know How To Use Basic Avalanche Gear

  Do not enter the Back Bowls through either Nash Gate or Elevator Gate without having the essentials in your backpack, and knowing how to use all of it well.

  • Shovel
  • Probe
  • Avalanche Transceiver (beacon)
  • First aid kit
  • Food & water
  • Extra hat, gloves, & flashlight/headlamp

• Are You Beeping? Check Your Beacon!

  Alpental locals know to turn it on when you put it on, and not to turn it off until you take it off. Be prepared! If there's a chance you might ski or ride in the Back Bowls or backcountry, always have your beacon turned on and checked before leaving the car.

  We also have a beacon check at the top of Edelweiss Chair.

• Never Go Alone, Always Keep A Visual

  Never enter the Back Bowls alone. Go in a group or find a partner and always remain in visual contact with each other.

• Know Your Ability Level & Have Respect

  The Alpental Back Bowls and Backcountry beyond should only be accessed by experienced expert skiers and snowboarders. However, even the most experienced riders can find extremely challenging terrain in the Back Bowls. If you feel something is above your ability level, it is your responsibility to make the wise judgment and inform your group.

  You should realize that your actions affect not just yourself, but also every other member of your party and potentially any other winter enthusiasts who may be required to help in the case of an accident.

• Plan Routes & Regroup Often

  Before heading out the gates, always make a basic route plan with your partner or group. Plans can change, but if you always remain in visual contact and regroup often on the way down you can reduce the risk of losing a member of the group.

The Alpental Back Bowls and Backcountry can be the highlight of your day, but it can quickly become just the opposite. Preparing yourself for skiing or snowboarding in this wild terrain is essential to your safety, and the safety of others.