Riding is dangerous and being prepared can save your life

You're following the trees and the powder as you come down the mountainside. Caught up in the thrill of untracked lines you're oblivious to how far you've gone off the marked trail. You stop to catch your breath and look around you. You have no idea where you are. You're lost in the woods. What do you do? Powderroom decided to ask an expert.

Sergeant Bill Clouter is a Search and Rescue Technician with 435 Search and Rescue Squadron Winnipeg, in the Canadian Air Force. He has 12 years experience in Search and Rescue. If you are lost in the woods, Sgt Clouter may just be the guy that jumps out of an airplane or repels down a cliff to help you. He offered some advice for those of us that like to stray off the beaten path.

First, if you find yourself lost, accept the fact that you are lost. If you don't know where you are - stay put. Try not to get upset and keep a positive attitude. Sgt Clouter says a positive attitude is very important in survival situations. It can help get you through the night.

Remember, people will be looking for you. So be prepared to spend the night and signal for help if it comes by.

Take a look around you. What resources do you have? What natural resources can you use?

Pick a spot for a shelter. Avoid valleys or low spots as cold air sinks and water flows with gravity. You could end up even colder and wetter if you set up camp in a valley bottom. Take a look at the slopes around you. Inclines of angles between 30 and 45 degrees are the most common for avalanches while slides can start on inclines anywhere from 25 to 55 degrees. You don't want to set up camp in an area where you are at risk. Try to pick a spot up in the tree line with protection from the wind.

Jenn demonstrates how to build a leanto

After you've picked a spot, it's time to build a shelter to protect yourself from the wind and cold. If you were prepared and had a survival kit in your daypack you can use a plastic sheet to make a shelter. If you never in a million years thought you'd be in this situation, and don't have a kit, you can use the natural resources around you.

One option is to use branches to make a lean-to. You can cut or break branches to make yourself a shelter by tenting the boughs. If there is a fallen tree nearby, you can climb under it's branches.

Create a snowcave by digging into the side of a snowdrift

A second solution may be to dig into the side of a snowdrift. Make yourself a tunnel that you can climb into to protect yourself from the wind. You can line it with branches so you are not lying directly on the snow.

A third suggestion is to use a tree well. A tree well is the hollow or hole that is formed on the protected side of a tree on the downside of the mountain. It usually is protected from falling snow and wind so creates a 'well'. These can be quite deep so check it out before climbing in but they can offer protection for the night. Again you can line the well with branches to create a layer between you and the snow.

A tree well can provide protection from the elements

Sgt Clouter says it's important to build shelter for the night but to remember, you don't need to build a suite at the Hilton. Keep it simple and expend minimal energy.

There are Seven Enemies of Survival which he says to keep in mind to help you cope with the situation.

Signaling for Help

Fires do more than keep you war the smoke can be used to signal rescuers

Someone is looking for you. So how do you let them know where you are?

Sgt Clouter says you need to get searchers attention with anything that disrupts the natural environment. Use your bright coloured jacket. Lay it down in an open area as a contrast on the snow.

Tramp down the snow in an open area. It will be very noticeable from the air. An 'X' tramped in the snow will signal you need medical help. Any letter or disruption in the natural environment can signal your presence.

Use branches to make a signal in the open. If you've got matches, make a fire. Smoke is a great way to signal your rescuers. A tee-pee shaped fire will help get smoke up in the air so it can be seen from a distance. Sgt Clouter suggests using a compass, watch or anything mirrored and reflective to try and signal others.

What's in your pockets?

Whether you like to ride light or carry a daypack you can still be prepared for emergencies. Sgt Clouter advises to always carry matches, a knife or something sharp to cut with, and some twine. (Coincidently enough that has been my Grandfather's motto for years: "All you need is a little bit of string…..") All three are lightweight and take up very little room.

Take your cell phone. Even if coverage is sparse you could get a signal through for help. Carry something to signal others: a whistler on your keys, something with a mirrored surface, or a compass. Make sure you have some food in your pockets; even a granola bar gives energy and sustenance.

If you have a daypack you have room for some extras in there. Besides those items already mentioned you can add a small first aid kit, a small wire saw, maybe even a small shovel. Mountain Equipment Co-op and places like REI sell small survival kits that are compact and lightweight and take up very little room in your bag. A water bottle (stainless steel is ideal) for melting snow, and even a small flare can be included as well. A trail map, while it may seem obvious, can help you get your bearings and orient you to where you are on the mountain.

Overall Sgt Clouter emphasized that prevention is important. Know where you are on the mountain before you get lost. Plan your route, be prepared, and always let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back.