That’s why Atlas Snowshoes and BCA (Backcountry Access) share a common mission: helping you move confidently and safely through winter terrain. Snow safety isn’t about fear—it’s about knowledge, awareness, and carrying the right tools.
Here’s how to snowshoe smarter this winter, with essential safety tips and the gear that helps support them.
Start with Snow Safety Fundamentals
1. Know Before You Go
Before stepping into the backcountry:
- Check the local avalanche forecast
- Review recent weather, snowfall, and wind patterns
- Choose terrain appropriate for your experience level
Avoiding avalanche terrain altogether is the simplest and safest option—especially for snowshoers.
2. Travel One at a Time
When crossing open slopes, runout zones, or questionable terrain:
- Spread out your group
- Watch each other closely
- Identify safe zones before moving
Good spacing reduces risk and ensures a faster response if something goes wrong.
3. Carry and Know How to Use Rescue Gear
Every person in avalanche terrain should carry:
- A beacon
- A probe
- A shovel
And just as important: practice regularly. Gear only works if you know how to use it efficiently under pressure.
Essential Snow Safety Gear: Atlas & BCA
Atlas Snowshoes: Stability You Can Trust
Reliable movement is a safety tool in itself. Atlas snowshoes are designed to help you maintain balance, traction, and control in winter conditions.
Recommended Atlas Models for Backcountry Travel:
- Atlas Range™ Collection – Built for rugged terrain, deeper snow, and heavier packs
- Atlas Helium™ Collection – Lightweight, responsive, and ideal for longer days with variable conditions
Features like aggressive traction, secure bindings, and durable frames help reduce slips, falls, and fatigue—key factors in safe winter travel.
BCA: Proven Tools for Avalance Safety
BCA has long been a leader in backcountry safety education and equipment.
Essential BCA Products to Bring:
- BCA Avalanche Beacons – Fast, intuitive signal processing for efficient searches
- BCA Probes – Lightweight, strong, and easy to deploy when seconds matter
- BCA Shovels – Designed for rapid snow removal during rescues
Together, these tools form the foundation of avalanche preparedness.
Snow Safety Is a System, Not a Single Product
True backcountry safety comes from:
- Education and awareness
- Conservative decision-making
- Reliable gear that supports movement and rescue
Atlas snowshoes help you travel efficiently and maintain control. BCA safety equipment prepares you for the unexpected. Used together, they support confident, informed winter exploration.
Key Snowshoeing Safety Resources
Planning & General Winter Safety
- Washington Trails Association — Winter Safety Tips — Practical winter trip planning, avalanche awareness, “Ten Essentials+,” navigation, letting someone know your plan, and choosing safe routes.
- Washington Trails Association — Snowshoeing 101 — Beginner-friendly tips on gear, hazards, technique, and avoiding risk on snowshoe outings.
- Washington Trails Association — Winter Recreation Guide — Broader winter trip safety plus considerations for avalanche risk and terrain selection.
National Park Service Safety & Basics
- National Park Service — Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing — Safety hazards like hypothermia, snowbridges, travel tips, and essential gear (10 Essentials + winter extras).
Backcountry Access Blogs
- BCA Blog Posts — Resources for using trackers, beacons, probes, shovels, and other rescue equipment + Product videos and education.
Travel Prepared. Travel Together.
The mountains will always demand respect—but with the right mindset and the right gear, winter travel becomes empowering instead of intimidating.
This season, commit to snow safety. Because the best adventures are the ones you come home from.