Knowing how to read a topographic map is the foundation to any backcountry adventure. Visualize the rise and fall of the land, and “see” the depths of canyons, the location of boggy meadows, and the height and shape of a mountain. Learn how to read topo maps like a pro.
Backcountry Skiing
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From planning your route to navigating in the field, Gaia GPS can take your backcountry skiing to the next level. Gaia GPS Group Product Manager and avid backcountry splitboarder Devin Lehman demystifies the process. Join him for a tour of Mount Bachelor and learn how to use Gaia GPS on your own winter adventures.
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You can now discover backcountry ski zones in Gaia Winter! Complete with worldwide ski resort maps plus trails for Nordic, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, fatbiking, and uphill skiing, your go-to winter map just got some major updates. Check out how it’s even better for your adventures.
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The flakes are flying! Find the lightest, fluffiest, deepest snow right from home. The Snow Stations (Daily) map gives you up-to-date reports on snow conditions around the West. Check out the map to see real-time conditions on peaks and passes in your favorite backcountry zones.
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On a high avalanche danger day last February, two parties sought out safer, low angle-terrain in Utah’s Wasatch mountains. A colossal avalanche swept through the zone. Four of eight people died. Avalanche Forecaster Nikki Champion of the Utah Avalanche Center, who investigated this tragic accident, gives the low down on what went wrong and what we can learn.
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When you think of the Himalayas, images of Everest and K2 probably come to mind. But scaling those formidable peaks only scratches the surface of what the region has to offer. Ski mountaineer Luke Smithwick has made it his goal to ski 500 beautiful and iconic backcountry lines in the world’s highest and most expansive mountain range. Tune in to the Out and Back podcast to learn why Smithwick thinks Himalayan backcountry skiing is worth a trip halfway around the world.
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Now you can get official, up-to-date avalanche forecasts directly from the map on your phone. Simply pair the Avalanche Forecast layer with your favorite map to get the color-coded North American Avalanche Danger scale for your region. Whether you’re skiing couloirs or snowmobiling the back bowls, add this must-have feature to your avalanche safety toolkit. Read more about the Avalanche Forecast layer.
Maps like slope angle shading, topos, and satellite imagery can help you plan safer backcountry tours—if you know how to use them. Learn a few ways you can use maps as one more tool to mitigate risk and help you avoid avalanches this winter.
Winter hiking offers the ability to test out new skills, push your physical limits, and experience the beauty of a snowy landscape. But the same things that make winter hiking wonderful, can also make it more dangerous. Read our winter hiking safety guide to learn about winter hazards and how to pack for a snow-bound excursion.
Big Mountain skier Sophia Schwartz teams up the Sean McCoy, the editorial director of GearJunkie, to highlight their favorite backcountry ski gear this year. Tune in to learn more about avalanche airbags, beacons, climbing skins, and more.