I should have discarded two outdated rules years ago: never go with strangers or a guide. Here’s to a growth mindset at the Sunrise Hut with eight strangers and guides, Rob Coppolillo and Nino Guagliano.

Standing on the shoulders of snow scientist Ron Perla, the backcountry community can navigate avalanche terrain to forge a safer path and come home at the end of the day.

British Columbia’s Snowpack has been touchy this winter, particularly in the Interior. We spoke with Canmore-based avalanche forecaster Grant Statham to better understand in a general sense why this season has been atypical in the Interior.

Bill Briggs biography: a ski mountaineering pioneer who made first ski descent of Grand Teton as well as traverses and history first ascents.

A person’s best friend. You know where we are going: dogs in the backcountry. Many words come to mind, like liability, poop, sit, stay, treat, dog-person, and cat-person. But damn, they are lovable. Do they belong out there with us?

Make the most of the time and resources you invest in avalanche education. Hone your basic backcountry skiing skills and fitness level, and prep your brain for the information download before taking that introductory avalanche class.