Snowsafe Blog

Where Ski Mckay first started, Aged 18 in 1992 and on the tail end of my childhood ski racing career, my flat mate and I would ski each day in the off piste high above Val dʼIsere in the Majestic French Alps.

Back then we made a clear and conscious decision that when we skied we would always wear our avalanche transceiver. We skied lots, everyday.

This decision wasnʼt a hard one to make, back then it was a common thing to do amongst the few who were well informed.

We wouldnʼt just wear an avalanche transceiver when we went off piste, we would wear it all the time along with a skiing rucksack. Piste to Off Piste.

This is the very basic equipment found in my Terrawest rucksack:

1. Probe
2. Shovel
3. Compass
4. Map
5. Hot tea / coffee
6. Gaffer Duct tape [handy for repairs on the move]
7. A spare transceiver
8. Whistle
9. First aid kit
10. Hand / feet warmers
11. Other…

Back in the day and over 25 years later Iʼll still take out my rucksack with the above gear and a few extras…. Be it some energy bars, water, spare clothing, a hand screwdriver etc…

The thing with the Mountains is that conditions can turn suddenly, and often in your favour. You have to roll with it….

Each little area in the high Mountain slopes can often boast itʼs own microclimate.

Itʼs moments like these that blue skyʼs can just appear. So long as you know the area then youʼre best prepared to head off into the deep powder and leave some tracks.

If you havenʼt got your Terrawest Core 22 Litre Ski rucksack with you at these times of opportunity you are sure to miss out.

Above all, donʼt leave it to chance. Get yourself kitted out and do the right thing.