“I will be prepared, practiced, present and patient when recreating in the mountains this winter.”

— Backcountry Zero Advocates

Tune in for Gabrielle’s presentation about what it looks like to be a forecaster with the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center! Across this conversation, participants learn what to look for in a snowpack, forecast, and a BC partner to prompt good decision making.

Winter Events

state of the snowpack - Join us Every Other Wednesday Through the Winter

Free talks at Headwall Sports
Hear local pros discuss the current avalanche hazard
First event is Wednesday, Dec 7 and they continue every-other Wednesday
CLICK HERE to learn more and LOOK BELOW for recordings of past lectures

State of the Snowpack from 2/1 featuring Don Carpenter of AAI. Learn all about recent avalanche activity in the Teton Range and how to prevent risky exposure.

State of the Snowpack from 1/18 feat. Christian Santelices (Exum, AAI, IFMGA, AMGA). Missed it? Watch his full presentation on how to interpret the avalanche bulletin with intention, attention to detail and humble curiosity! Filmed and produced by Orijin Media.

State of the Snowpack from January 4, 2023, with Sarah Carpenter of the American Avalanche Institute. Filmed and produced by Orijin Media.

State of the Snowpack from December 21, 2022, with Jake Urban of the Jackson Hole Outdoor Leadership Institute. Filmed and produced by Orijin Media.

Take the winter pledge

online courses available - click here to view at-you-own-pace curriculum

Check Yourself. Check Your Friends.

With the Jackson Hole backcountry seeing increased use during the 2020-21 winter, “Check Yourself, Check Your Friends” is an explicit reminder to the importance of checking the daily avalanche forecast, and doing a beacon check before every backcountry adventure. But it also means checking in with your friends to make sure they have also considered the forecast, that they have the right gear, and know how to use it. It means being mindful of your terrain selection, and being open to what others have to say. It means being patient at busy trailheads, long lift lines and crowded skin tracks, and having respect for other people, wildlife and the environment.

“Check Yourself, Check Your Friends” is that much more crucial this winter during the ongoing pandemic.

Don’t let the added stress cloud your judgment.

With financial support from the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board, this film was produced by KGB Productions and Backcountry Zero, with Jackson skiers Morgan McGlashon, Daniel Tisi, and Riis Wilbrecht.

Essential Gear & Knowledge for Winter Recreation in the Mountains

click here to access the local avalanche forecast

How to Reach TCSAR During a Winter Backcountry Emergency

Ensure that you are able to call for help. In Teton County, WY cell coverage can be spotty. If your carrier is Verizon or AT&T, you will likely get service in the Tetons (including on Teton Pass) if you are not in a drainage and have line-of-site to the Jackson Hole or Teton Valleys. Service is unreliable in the Togwotee Pass area. Two-way radios, such as BCA Links, are widely used and can put you in touch with other users in the area (common use channels will be implemented winter of 2021/22). A satellite communication device, such as a Spot, will provide reliable communication access during an emergency. Other technologies, such as Recco, may also expedite a rescue.

Download BackcountrySOS App

Quickly and accurately contact emergency personnel in the event of a backcountry accident with the free BackcountrySOS app. The app works in six Wyoming counties, and is now available in Blaine County, Idaho. All you need is enough service to squeeze out a text message (when normal voice calls may not work) and BackcountrySOS connects you with first responders.