MOUNTAIN SAFETY COLLECTIVE
KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE BACKCOUNTRY WORDS: OWEN LANSBURY PHOTO: BOEN FERGUSON
Australia’s backcountry scene has exploded in the past few years, with estimates that the number of people embracing ski touring and split boarding quadrupled on previous participation. This spiked as COVID restrictions limited our access to ski areas, especially in Victoria, and Aussie skiers embraced ‘earning their turns’ like never before. Although lifts are rolling again it’s clear plenty of skiers have developed a taste for backcountry alpine adventures away from the controlled, and sometimes crowded, resort boundaries. As the numbers grow, so do the statistics of reported alpine incidents. This is where Mountain Safety Collective (MSC) saw a need for daily condition reports to support the growing backcountry community. Who is the Mountain Safety Collective? Founded in 2017 to measure and report daily snow conditions for the Australian backcountry community the Mountain Safety Collective (MSC) is a not-for-profit association that works every day of snow season to keep skiers and boarders safer. The MSC relies on support from members, government bodies and commercial organisations like Arc’teryx to improve awareness and education for everyone heading into the backcountry. MSC has developed a range of information resources including the Victorian Backcountry Companion and education facilities,
Australia’s first Avalanche Training Centre in Victoria and another scheduled to open in NSW this year. MSC’s team of professionally certified field observers and forecasters head into the mountains every day to dig pits, tap shovels and analyse snow crystals in the name of providing the most accurate, timely backcountry information possible. During snow season this invaluable intelligence is made available via the daily Backcountry Conditions Reports so skiers can make informed decisions. Reports are an important risk-mitigation tool helping people make more informed decisions about where and when they should go taking into account avalanche danger, what the snowpack is doing, weather, ice and other hazards. Craig Sheppard leads the team and has the highest level of Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) qualifications from his 20-year career in Canada before he relocated to Australia. Support and join the Mountain Safety Collective If you are a backcountry skier or are thinking about learning some skills and spending time away from piste skiing this season – you need to become a Mountain Safety Collective Member. MSC’s winter Membership Drive kicks off from May 1 until the June long weekend. For just $50 you unlock access to MSC backcountry maps and guides, the daily report and a mountain of member perks like 35% off merch and special access to events.
Your membership allows MSC to maintain the records and data of their daily reports, which helps the thousands of people accessing backcountry zones more safely. You’re also making a smart investment in safer adventures for you and your mates. Good vibes are a given but you’ll also go in a draw to win some seriously cool prizes from brands including Arc’teryx, Mammut, Burton, Marker/Völkl, POC, Rhythm Snow Sports, Thredbo Backcountry Tours and more! Alpine Education Series To get avalanche and backcountry safety messages out to more people before the season MSC has collaborated with Arc’teryx and Alpine Access Australia to bring an Alpine Education Series to Melbourne (May 18), Sydney (May 25) and Canberra (June 6). It’s for beginners and experienced alpine explorers alike, bringing together like-minded crew who are passionate about the Australian backcountry for a social gathering in each city. Tickets are $15 for MSC members ($22.50 standard), with all proceeds supporting MSC’s daily reporting services. Come and get stoked for winter, start building smart backcountry habits, and support safety in the mountains by becoming a MSC member. For more information and to book tickets for the Alpine Education Series jump online and head to mountainsafetycollective.org 153
