Here's a pretty cool new product from Swiss company Freeride Maps. It's a set of topographic maps designed specifically for backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Regular topographic maps can help you navigate the backcountry, but they can't show you where to ride. These maps combine traditional maps with local backcountry knowledge to provide a ski/ride-specific map.
Each map designates where backcountry riding is possible and classifies routes as easy, advanced and expert. The maps also designate ascent routes and danger zones. The back of each map includes safety and rescue information for the local area.
Unfortunately, the maps are currently only available for Switzerland and Austria. They sound like a pretty cool product that could help make backcountry skiing and riding a little safer and more organized. Hopefully they'll come to the States next.
What do you think? Handy product or backcountry stash spoiler?
Via GearCaster
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These maps are very handy. I have the map for Engelberg and it's very easy to navigate the routes - albeit I haven't tried any of the most difficult ones. But it's very easy to avoid the wildlife protection areas with the map, and for example the run down to Grünenwald train station was easy to find.
Just ordered the map for Verbier and hopefully it is as useful as the Engelberg one. It seems that the locals are hesitant to give this kind of information, as I couldn't find anywhere in Verbier to buy it on the spot. Well yes, it can become somewhat a stash spoiler, but I think backcountry riding is still such a marginal sport that it's not an issue. Pristine runs are a rarity with or without the map.
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