Winter Trail Running in the Arkansas Valley
Salida's trails don't shut down when it gets cold. Here's how to layer, what traction to use, and how to keep running through winter in the Arkansas Valley.
Avalanche Safety Gear Checklist for the Colorado Backcountry
Beacon, shovel, probe and the training to use them. Here's the essential avalanche safety kit for touring near Salida, plus how to check your gear before the season starts.
Colorado's snowpack is famously tricky. Shallow, early season snow often turns into weak layers that last well into spring. Before you skin up anything this winter, make sure your kit and your skills are ready.
The essentials
• Avalanche transceiver (beacon): Wear it on your body, under a layer, in send mode. Put in fresh batteries at the start of each season and check for firmware updates.
• Shovel: A metal blade, not plastic. Digging is the slowest part of a rescue, so a solid shovel matters.
• Probe: At least 240 cm long. Practice building it fast with gloves on.
• Pack: A pack with a dedicated pocket for your shovel and probe, so you can get them out in seconds. Airbag packs add another layer of protection.
Also worth carrying
• First aid kit and a repair kit (ski strap, multi-tool, spare binding parts)
• Extra layers, a puffy and a warm hat
• Headlamp
• Map, phone with offline maps, and a way to call for help
Pre-season beacon check
Turn on every beacon in your group and run a range test and a send/search check. If a beacon is more than a few years old, ask us about newer models with better range and multiple-burial features.
Get educated
Gear only helps if you know how to use it. Take an avalanche course, practice beacon searches with your partners, and check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) forecast before every tour.
Stop by the shop on F Street and we'll help you build a kit. Heading out to try touring first? We rent shovels and probes with our backcountry packages.
