Your September To-Do List for a Safe Winter in the Backcountry
- marketing01884
- Sep 3, 2025
- 2 min read
While the warm weather is lingering in the front range, high in the alpine the leaves are turning. And soon, snow will be dusting Colorado’s high peaks, and that can only mean one thing: winter is coming fast.
If you’re dreaming of fresh lines in the backcountry, September is the month to get prepared. Waiting until the snow flies is too late—courses fill quickly, gear sells out, and early-season conditions are often the most dangerous. Here’s your September checklist to make sure you’re ready for a safe and epic winter in the mountains.
1. Check Your Gear
Pull your beacon, shovel, and probe out of storage now. Replace old batteries, look over your shovel and probe for damage, and make sure your beacon is updated and functioning. Gear is the foundation of safety, but only if it’s in working order.
2. Sign Up for an Avalanche Course
Avalanche education isn’t something to squeeze in mid-season—it should be the very first step. Our AIARE Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue courses are already filling, and September is the time to secure your spot. The knowledge you gain will shape every decision you make in the mountains this winter.
👉 Explore our AIARE avalanche education courses and lock in your training before the season begins.
3. Refresh Your Skills
If you’ve already taken an avalanche course, think about a refresher. Skills get rusty, and conditions change every season. Taking Avalanche Rescue or a Level 2 course sharpens your decision-making and keeps you confident.
4. Build Your Team
Reach out to your backcountry partners now. Talk about goals for the season, review each other’s training and experience, and make sure you’re all on the same page about communication and safety. The strongest partners are the ones who prepare together before stepping into avalanche terrain.
5. Dream Big, Plan Smart
Pull out your maps, guidebooks, and wish lists. Where do you want to go this year? September is perfect for route research, trip planning, and making sure your winter goals align with your skillset. An avalanche course will give you the tools to make those dreams both possible and safe.
Final Word
September sets the tone for your entire season. Don’t wait until the first big storm to think about avalanche safety—by then, courses are full and conditions are already tricky. Take action now: check your gear, build your team, and book your avalanche course. The sooner you prepare, the more confident you’ll be when the snow starts to fall.
👉 Explore our AIARE avalanche education courses and lock in your training before the season begins.
