Best practice

 It seems that best practice for backcountry travel has changed in 2020. Turns out, the safest way to recreate in the backcountry these days is to not. Stay home. Switch gears. Find a new focus. 


 Alex Geary (@gearysguiding) maintaining social distance while breaking trail. Photo by the author (@pistol.pan). (Please note that this photo was taken months prior to the escalation of the COVID-19 epidemic, and that spacing was for safe travel in avalanche terrain, not safe travel during an epidemic)

 If you're bored, check some of these out. 17 snowboard movies and 20 ski movies, all for free.

 If you're rolling your eyes, or just quietly exploding because you can't get outside and do your favourite thing (I know I am), below are a few articles that might help with all the angst. 

 Is it selfish to play outside during the COVID-19 epidemic?

 Whistler Search and Rescue urges province to consider ban on backcountry recreation.

 Splitboarding in the time of COVID-19.

 I know, this sucks. If you absolutely must play outside (there's an argument to be made for mental and physical health), play it safe. Really dial it back. Check out this article about reducing risk and reporting conditions.  The reality is that most of us will at some point chose to recreate in the backcountry, and when we do, it's important to respect the reality of the situation. Respect the people in the rescue and medical positions that would have to respond if something were to happen. Realize that help may be delayed, or may not come at all. 

 Stay safe and stay sane.