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British Columbia is the perfect spot for outdoor winter fun, but too many people are injured or killed each year while taking part in backcountry activities, including B.C. residents and visitors.

Unprepared or inexperienced skiers, hikers and snowmobilers can face significant danger in B.C.’s terrain. The following are important tips to help you plan your trip:

· Take the weather, trail and avalanche conditions into account and plan appropriately.

· Have the right equipment with you, practise with your equipment and check conditions before heading out into the back-country.

· Before you head outdoors be sure to leave a trip plan with a responsible individual and stick to that trip plan. For a printable copy of a trip plan and to learn more about being safe when getting outdoors, visit www.adventuresmart.ca.

· Learn about avalanche safety and risks, and get the most recent bulletin and weather forecast at www.avalanche.ca. Take the conditions into account and plan appropriately.

The Essential Gear for Outdoor Safety

Here’s the right gear to have with you to be safe:

• Trip plan left with a responsible person
• Avalanche transceiver
• Probe
• Shovel
• Flashlight, spare batteries and bulb
• Fire-making kit – waterproof matches/lighter, fire starter/candle
• Signalling device – whistle or mirror to signal searchers if you become lost
• Extra food and water – 1 litre/person
• Extra clothing (rain, wind, water protection and toque)
• Navigational/Communication aids (maps, compass, GPS, charts, cellular phone, satellite phone, hand-held radio – fully charged battery) – know how to use them
• First Aid kit – know how to use it
• Emergency shelter – orange tarp or large orange garbage bag. These can also be used as signalling devices.
• Pocket knife
• Sun protection (glasses, sunscreen, hat)