You're not the kind of person who likes to follow the crowd. And you don't mind putting in the effort to get the kind of rush most people don't even realise exists.
Welcome, my friend, to the world of off-piste snowboarding.
Board + snow - crowds = fun
OK, so your board is going to be happy on most types of snow. Which means that it's perfect for exploring off-piste, where the conditions can range from pure fresh powder, right through to wet snow and crud. Enjoy.
Beware of the obvious
So you're found an ungroomed slope that's near an uplift. Looks good, doesn't it? But before you go hurtling into the unknown, take a quick reality check. If the slope is so easy to get to, but completely deserted, there's a good chance it's also extremely dangerous. Think hidden rocks, snow slides or avalanches.
And beware too of being lulled into a false sense of security. Off-piste slopes need to be treated with respect, so always make sure you're fully tooled-up with safety kit.
Special safety equipment
Learn the principles of how to use an avalanche transceiver, it is vital that everyone in your party must wear one at all times, and before starting out check that everyone has theirs switched on and set to transmit. A lightweight shovel is the only way to be able to dig in the event of an avalanche, using your hands is not an option. Avalanche probes save valuable time searching for anyone caught in an avalanche, they can be incorporated into ski poles, or as a tiny extra in your rucksack.
What goes down . . .
. . . must haul itself back to the top again. And since there's no way of climbing on a snowboard, you'll need to carry your board, or maybe take along a pair of lightweight snowshoes. Trust us – it's worth it.
