Pick your line in advance and study the potential obstacles. Always have an escape route around those obstacles if things don't go as planned.
-Ryan Nelson
Photo: Cari Johnson
When in doubt, pin it. -Troy Johnson
In addition to a morning avalanche report, I look for as many signs as I can to help maintain a safe environment for myself and my buddies I am with. There are several ways to gauge snowpack stability. What is the weather doing? Did it dump three feet last night? Was it 30 below overnight? Is it going to be cold in the morning and real warm in the afternoon? Weather conditions play a huge role in predicting snow stability. When you call that report or look at it on the net, read the whole report. What information are these forecasters sharing with me? Don't just look at the highlighted item that says "high" or "moderate," etc. Read it all. This will help you with your awareness when you head out into the backcountry.
-Rob Hoff
For all of you out there who run those tall handlebars, what the heck are you doing? I do have to admit I used to be that guy. However, as I started riding more technical terrain I found that my leverage point being that high and away from the center of my body was really killing me. Instead of doing the big 4- or 6-inch riser, try a simple 1- or 2-inch. It will make a huge difference.
-Chris Burandt