At the launch of Jeremy Jones’s new book, The Long Way Down, we sat down with the man himself and asked him to outline some key things that people should consider before- and while venturing off the marked runs. With snow now finally blanketing Europe’s peaks there’s understandably been a lot of people frothing for pow, but already we’ve seen avalanches tragically take a number of riders so hopefully this insight into Jeremy’s backcountry headspace will help you stop, think, evaluate and stay safe the next time you’re out there…

1. GET EDUCATED

Before you even get into the backcountry you’ve got to get educated in the form of avi classes. There’s a tonne of online media, there’s books, there’s so much material out there. So before you even leave your house you know that North East aspects, 2500m, are off the table. You have your pre-game game plan.

2. FIND MENTORS

Getting a mentor and spending time in the mountain with someone with a lot of experience, asking questions, observing, watching, learning… that’s the single best way to get experience in the mountains. I recommend that you go in with your buddies and get a guide.