In The
Mountains
of the Lochsa Backcountry
Women on the Lochsa
Nothing is more hip than a lady on a sled. Team Lochsa not only encourages lady riders but is involved with manufacturers to help build products for mountain sports that cater better to women.
Family time on the Lochsa
What could possibly be better than a family that rides together? We realize not everyone in a family may be as passionate as others and strongly encourage you to bring as many family members as you like as you join us for a family ride. Team Lochsa goes out of our way as a club to make sure family rides happen often throughout a season. Some of our finest memories and riding days were on “Family & Friend Outings” where the riding might not be as progressive but the times together is unprecedented. We want to encourage all levels of mountain sports enjoyments and involvement and there is no better way to do that than to join with the family day outings. Help us update photos of, “FFO” as often as you can. WE LOVE THEM!!!!!!!.
Fun with Backcountry Riders
Periodically Team Lochsa riders have feedback on rides of the week, conditions or perspective interesting for our readers. This fun section gives you all kinds of color on the backcountry.
- Although lately the snow has been great, Lochsa country is in a snow deficit at the moment. We are seeing around 50% of what we expect to see despite what any snow-tells say. Keep Praying for snow!!
- We have been testing the new BCA electric snowmobile avalanche pack… We find it to be great in tech- easy to use system, perfect to use with a BCA link radio and protects it from icing up. We also dig the easy access side stash for water bottles or a quick snack without even taking off your pack. The only downside is it is a touch heavier than traditional air canister bags, however it is worth it when you accidentally pull your lever and set it off, luckily a full charge allows up to 10 deployments.
- The new 509 Sinister X7 is the best snowmobile goggle yet… Here’s why: The new magnetic lenses allow for quick swapping at any time in the backcountry… allowing you to just bring lenses and adjust with lighting changes. If you’re the sweaty kind they also allow you to dry your lenses super easily if need be but the improved vents make airflow a problem of the past.
- The Gen 5 Ski-Doo Expert is the backcountry weapon we have all been waiting for… With the narrow and tall chassis we have all wanted it really gives new meaning to the word NIMBLE… The rideability mixed with the option of the stock turbo makes for a wicked good time.
Responsible and respectful riding
As members of Team Lochsa, we commit to always being stewards of the land. In sum, we pack it in and pack it out and slap around anyone that is not in that vein. We respect boundaries and rules. We will always help another mountain sports enthusiast in need.
Minimum Mountain Safety Gear
We never ride without the following basics:
- General: Shovel, avalanche beacon, avalanche victim probes, avalanche airbag pack, chest protection vests, extra drive belt, and radios (Check any region before leaving on Channel 16.0. Remember that on a bad day, it will help us find you.)
- Survival gear: Store in waterproof bags! Matches and fire starter, extra goggles, extra gloves, flashlights, extra wool socks, back up warm vest or jacket, overnight survival bivi, wood cutting fold up saw, tow straps for towing out broken sleds, survival snacks for that overnight moment, water, tools, duct tape, zip ties and other sled tools.
- Other: It’s smart to bring a satellite phone or other mountain communication device. And without a doubt, that good old Toilet Paper comes in handy as well.
Backcountry Access
A great resource for gear and avalanche safety tips. There is a reason why BCA is the most trusted name in backcountry safety and it shows in their products. Team Lochsa highly recommends this group. And be sure to check out their terrific avalanche packs.
Missoula Avalanche
This is the Avalanche Forecast best fit to let you know what to expect in the Lochsa riding zones.
OnX Maps
OnX Maps and OnX off-road provide an app that allows you to see so much information pertinent to snowmobile safety and success- slope angle, Avalanche forecasts specific to zones, and snow depth. The app also shows access areas and is a blast to use exploring the woods year round. We use OnX hunt and OnX off-road every day out here on the Lochsa and we sure are proud they are a Missoula Company! Download it today!
This is a great video to watch to see how effective different light sources are when searching for someone at night.
Mountain riding technique and tips
We often are asked for tips on riding from intermediate riders wanting to improve skills. In this section, we will periodically give you tips from top riders in Team Lochsa or our affiliates/sponsors.
- Never ride intoxicated.
- NEVER RIDE ALONE in the backcountry, NEVER!
- Always carry “Minimum Mountain Safety Gear” (see above).
- Inspect your sled over completely before every ride.
Ski-doo also has a great site for backcountry riding tips. Check it out here.