Are you in the know for snow? At the start of the pandemic in the United States, the #RecreateResponsibly campaign became the go-to resource for how to get outside responsibly. As seasons change, so do our practices to stay safe outside and to protect the places we play.

Winter is a beautiful time, but with the new season comes new challenges and safety considerations to take into account. The winter environment changes quickly and access points may be more limited. We want everyone to be able to enjoy this incredible time of year, and we want you to stay safe while doing it. Check out these tips to gauge your winter safety awareness, and do your research to #RecreateResponsibly this season.

• Know Before You Go – Some areas can become dangerous with winter conditions. Research your destination, as roads and facilities may be closed in winter.
• Practice Physical Distancing – Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth. When possible, opt to eat and rest outside. If you feel sick, stay home.
• Plan Ahead – Check local conditions and prepare for the elements, packing extra layers, waterproof clothing, and avalanche safety gear for the backcountry.
• Play It Safe – Know your limits and your gear. Slow down and choose lower-risk activities to reduce your risk of injury.
• Explore Locally – Consider exploring locally, as driving and parking may be more challenging in winter. If you travel, be mindful of your impact on Native and local communities.
• Leave No Trace – Did you know that the snow is our water supply? Keep our winter playgrounds clean. Pack out any human or pet waste. Be respectful of the land.
• Build an Inclusive Outdoors – Everyone deserves to experience a winter wonderland. Be an active part of making the outdoors safe, accessible, and welcoming for all identities and abilities.

Show Your Support + Spread the Word

Share your commitment to #RecreateResponsibly by using the hashtag on social media.

Download the winter edition images and use the toolkit to share the guidelines on your social media channels.

Forward these guidelines to your fellow winter adventurers!

Follow Recreate Responsibly on Instagram and Twitter for more ways to share, connect, and spread the word!

Consider donating to Winter Wildlands Alliance to continue our work in responsible recreation in the backcountry.

Join the Coalition

The Recreate Responsibly Coalition is an active coalition of nearly 1,000 businesses, agencies, nonprofits and influential voices, developing and sharing best practices to protect each other and our natural landscapes. We are brought together by a shared love of the outdoors and a desire to help everyone experience the benefits of nature safely during this public health crisis. We are an active working group that seeks to unify and amplify commonsense practices for safely getting outside while protecting the places we love during COVID-19.

Read more and join here.

Ski Kind

The Ski Kind Backcountry Responsibility Code was created by a range of organizations dedicated to keeping the backcountry open, accessible, inclusive and protected. In skiing and riding we are our best selves. And by skiing we mean sliding over snow on whatever you’ve got — be it a lunch tray, a splitboard, an inflatable dragon, skinny skis or a 1000cc pony. Together we can keep the backcountry open, accessible, inclusive, and protected.