Expert tips from The Snowboard Asylum: How snowboarders can make better decisions in the mountains

As we head towards the latter part of the winter season, backcountry snowboard guide and TSA-supported rider Neil McNair has shared some practical advice on how riders can make better decisions in the mountains - with safety remaining paramount as conditions continue to change. Sharing in case useful for any seasonal features.

McNair, who works with UK snowboard retailer The Snowboard Asylum, is one of the most experienced and highly qualified snowboard instructors and coaches in the industry. With more people exploring off-piste terrain, he says experience, awareness and humility are essential.

He explains: "The climate isn’t just changing - it has changed. Global temperatures have risen dramatically in our lifetime and that is having a huge impact on weather cycles and therefore snow conditions in the mountains."

“You can make a thousand good decisions in the mountains and then one bad one. That’s why staying humble is so important.”

He says riders should constantly read the environment around them rather than relying on assumptions.

“Decision making begins well before you drop into a line. Feel the temperature, watch the wind, look for recent avalanche activity and changes in the snow. The signs are there if you pay attention.”

He says riders should also be aware of the key warning signs that avalanche risk may be increasing. “Things like fresh snowfall, strong winds, rising temperatures or cracking in the snowpack are all red flags. If you’re seeing those signs, it’s time to slow down and reassess.”

McNair also emphasises that safety equipment should never replace good judgement.  “Ask yourself this: if you didn’t have your safety equipment, would you still ride that line? Your gear is the last resort - it shouldn’t give you confidence to take bigger risks.”

“Turning back is never a failure - it’s a success.”

Happy to share additional commentary from Neil if helpful. Readers interested in learning more about slope safety can book a backcountry course with Neil via https://mcnairsnowboarding.com/. For snowboarding safety equipment, visit https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/all/snowboarding/protection/avalanche-safety.