To any new members: Welcome!

Really enjoy the website guys! I haven't been out much this year having a newborn in November and more recently a surgery so I've been living vicariously through the awesome trip reports. I'm pretty green when it comes to venturing into the backcountry but really looking forward to getting out there when things settle down. Pray for Snow! Cheers!
Welcome to Panhandle Backcountry! (You can introduce yourself in this thread!)


PanhandleBackcountry is a community of backcountry skiers and splitboarders in North Idaho, Eastern Washington and Northwestern Montana. Thanks for joining us and please participate in our forums where you can organize tours and events, check trip reports and route information, share snowpack observations and conditions, and talk about or trade your gear locally.

First things first..
Safe travel in the backcountry is of utmost importance:

Before you go make sure your group has the skills, knowledge and training to travel in avalanche terrain. Read the local avalanche advisory and always carry a shovel, probe and transceiver (plus cell phone and airbag). Be sure to check out our “Be Avalanche Aware” section with a full list of local avalanche education courses available and other avalanche safety tips and resources: http://www.panhandlebackcountry.com/safety/

Fill out your profile:

You can do this by clicking on your own username at page header or browsing to: http://www.panhandlebackcountry.com/account/

Upload an avatar and please fill out your profile as completely as possible, especially the "Training and Experience" section! This gives others an understanding of what level of backcountry experience you have. That way one can properly route find for each individual that may be in a group. Don't forget other sections like what gear you're rocking! Many people have questions about gear and if they see what you use, they may have questions as to what your thoughts on the gear is. Profiles can only be viewed by other logged-in members.

Get the weather forecast quickly:

We’ve compiled a list of weather forecasts and resources relevant to backcountry skiing and splitboarding in our area. Browse to http://www.panhandlebackcountry.com/weather/ to view time-lapse webcams, live weather data, SNOTEL reports, forecasts, radars and more. Local and regional avalanche advisories are also included on this page (as well as right on the homepage!)

Share a trip report:

Have you been out lately? Consider sharing your photos, conditions, pit data, beta or story with the rest of the community in the 'Trip Reports' forum. Reports can be as simple as a couple notes on conditions to full epic stories with several photos and video — the more information the better, but anything is helpful! Trip Reports are only viewable to logged in members. Collaborative knowledge can increase all members’ experience in the backcountry!

Connect with tour partners:

The backcountry is better with friends! If you’re looking to get out with others post in the 'Tour Partners' forum and link up with others. The more information you include on the tour or partners you’re seeking the better. It’s also a good idea to include your level of training and experience (and an acknowledgement you have the necessary gear) here if you’re new to the community.

Suggestions:

This community was built by a backcountry skier and splitboarder for our peers: skiers and splitboarders. We value suggestions and input from members and use them to shape the future of Panhandle Backcountry accordingly!

Stickers:

Want a free Panhandle Backcountry sticker to rock on your boards, nalgene or roof box? We have a couple different styles of die cut stickers to share! Send a private message to PowderPanda or me (idsnowghost) with your mailing address, or if local we can make arrangements to meet up. You can also buy stickers directly from our printer here! (we don't set the prices nor get a cut)

Thanks again for joining us! Please feel free introduce yourself to the community in this thread or ask any questions! Welcome!
Hi, would like to know if others are using sleds for BC access in the panhandle.
 
Yo! New guy here. Spend most of my time solo, side country at Lookout, Mt. Spo and 49. Have done some touring at all of the standard areas: St.Regis, Copper, Stevens, Kootenay Pass, Rodgers Pass. Interested in doing some longer tours/traverses when snow is stable. Also interested in exploring anything in the Cabinets and Southern US Selkirks (Gypsy, SnowyTop, etc)
Thanks!
 
Hey guys, experienced resort rider with a few kooteney pass trips under my belt but only with snowshoes. I just picked up my first split and I'm excited to put it to use. Too bad it's so late in the season now.
 
Hey everybody! Long time lurker, first time poster here. I'm a splitboarder located down in Moscow. Recently made the switch to hardboots. Loving it. I've poked around locally a bit, as well as in the Wallowas and down in McCall. Would like to explore more north of here. Have my Avy 1 as well as wilderness first aid.
 
Hey gang! wicked site you guys got going on here. I'm a Canadian who is used to riding the usual Kootenay spots (Whitewater, Kootenay Pass, Rogers Pass etc..). But am heading down to the panhandle for a few days in the next couple weeks. This site is a great resource and look forward to learning as much as possible from you guys!
cheers
 
Hey there! My name is Max and I live in Montana, Flathead Valley USA! My girlfriend and I are new to the backcountry scene, still no AVVY 1 workshop, but we did take a two day course from our local avalanche center so we aren't clueless either. Looking for some experienced people to learn from or else low risk terrain we could start venturing out into and *CAUTIOUSLY* start to explore :)
 
Looking forward to exploring the site! Recovering from ACL surgery so going to start getting back into the swing of things over the next few weeks. Any suggestions for nice easy tours would be much appreciated!
 
Hi All, joined to learn more about touring options in the region and meet some new folks to ski with! I live in Seattle normally but am in Spokane for the next week at least. Grew up in the Inland NW and visit frequently.

Just started touring this year but have been skiing/snowboarding for 20+ years. I've taken the AIARE 1 and Tour Planning courses offered by BCAG and have a handful of tours in the Cascades under my belt.
 
Hey! I usually ski around Seattle but am going to be splitting time between Spokane for the next couple weeks. I also just started touring this year but have been skiing much longer, and am hoping to find people to ski with and info about the area. I've taken AIARE 1 and have the necessary avvy gear.

Down to trade beer for beta.
 
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