7 Ways to Get Ready for Backcountry Ski Season Before the First Snowflake Falls

It might be August, but if you want to make the most of your backcountry ski season, now’s the time to start. Pre-season preparation isn’t just about getting stronger—it’s about setting yourself up for safer, more confident days in the mountains. Here’s how to start.

1. Build Ski-Specific Strength

Your legs will thank you when you’re halfway up a skin track in January. Focus on the muscle groups you’ll rely on most—quads, glutes, hamstrings, and core—by incorporating exercises like squats, lunges, step-ups, and single-leg balance work. Planks and side planks help with stability, and adding eccentric strength work, such as slow lowering in squats, will prepare your muscles for the braking forces of downhill skiing. The NSCA Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research highlights lower body power as a key predictor of skiing performance, so building this foundation now can make a big difference once you click into your bindings.

2. Boost Your Cardio Endurance

Backcountry skiing is an endurance sport disguised as a fun day outside. Long climbs, high elevation, and variable snow require a solid aerobic base, so make steady-state cardio part of your weekly routine now. Hiking, trail running, and cycling are all great options, especially when you include some uphill work to mimic skinning. Uphill Athlete recommends using the “talk test” to find the right pace—if you can’t hold a conversation, slow down. That pacing skill will help you conserve energy for long tours.

3. Inspect & Upgrade Your Gear

A snapped binding strap or a dead beacon battery can turn a bluebird day into a logistical nightmare, which is why gear inspection should happen before the snow flies. Test your beacon and replace old batteries, check your shovel and probe for damage, and inspect your ski bases for scratches that might require a tune-up. Skins should be checked for glue adhesion, and pack straps adjusted for the extra bulk of winter layers. The American Avalanche Association recommends annual gear inspections at the start of each season, and doing it now means you won’t be scrambling when the first big storm arrives.

4. Sharpen Your Navigation Skills

Knowing how to use navigation tools is just as important as carrying them. Apps like Gaia GPS and CalTopo are invaluable for route planning, but they only help if you know their features. Take time now to practice downloading offline maps, creating and following routes, and cross-referencing digital tools with a compass. Studying potential ski objectives in advance means you’ll have a plan when conditions line up.

We offer a comprehensive single-day Outdoor Survival Course that will cover the basics of emergency preparedness and navigation without technology. Book a a course today.

5. Take (or Retake) an Avalanche Course

Avalanche education is your most important piece of gear. An AIARE Level 1 course will teach you to recognize avalanche terrain, understand the forecast, and make safer decisions with your group. If it’s been a few years since your last class, a refresher or rescue course is a great way to sharpen your skills before the snowpack builds.

Booking now ensures you get the course dates you want, since prime weekends fill up months in advance. Our 2025-26 AIARE Course Offerings are now live and bookable, and spots will begin filling before the first snow. Book a course today.

6. Connect with Your Ski Partners

Group dynamics are one of the biggest factors in avalanche safety, and strong communication before the season starts pays off in the field. Talk with your ski partners now about your goals, risk tolerance, and decision-making process. Decide how you’ll communicate during a tour and clarify each person’s role in an emergency. Research in The Avalanche Review shows that effective pre-trip communication helps reduce decision-making errors, making your time in avalanche terrain safer for everyone.

7. Study Snow Science in the Off-Season

Even without snow on the ground, you can start engaging with snow science. Follow your local avalanche forecast center’s preseason updates to track how early weather patterns—like El Niño or La Niña—might influence snow stability. Review avalanche basics, read case studies, and follow avalanche forecasters on social media for early insights. Organizations like the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) and Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) offer excellent learning resources to help you tune in before the first flakes fall.

Winter might feel far away, but the decisions you make now will shape your season. From physical conditioning to avalanche education, pre-season prep is an investment in safer, more rewarding days in the backcountry. If you hav

en’t already, check out our AIARE Avalanche Course dates for 2025 and 2026—spots fill quickly, and the work you put in now will pay off all winter long.