Professional Skier Provides "Essential" Backcountry Gear Guide

I can hear the groans from here: "I'm supposed to buy skis, boots, poles, and all this other junk, too?"

No, not necessarily. Anthamatten is much more of a type two fun guy than the average backcountry skier, frequently rappelling off cliffs and traveling through glaciated terrain.

Much of his equipment, like the ice screw and rappel device, won't apply to a standard backcountry romp unless you consider skiing off the Aiguille du Midi casual.

What is required, though, is the holy trinity of avalanche safety: beacon, shovel, probe. And, of course, the non-physical yet equally important piece of equipment: your brain.

Without the requisite gear and knowledge—AIARE Level 1 courses are a great place to start—entering the backcountry is ill-advised (read: a terrible decision) and could prove fatal. Even with these bases covered, it can prove fatal. Good decision-making is always vital, regardless of skill level.

That said, backcountry skiing is an excellent way to avoid the lines and crowds, offering a more natural alternative to the resort skiing experience. Just make sure, like Sam Anthamatten, you do your homework.