How do you keep yourself—and your partners—safe in the backcountry? It starts with the decisions you make long before you step into your skis or splitboard, beginning with what you choose to carry in your pack. Few people understand this better than our dear friend and former guide, David Marchi. You may remember David from his years as the owner of Crow’s Feet Commons, or from the concerts he produced in the courtyard overlooking Drake Park and Mirror Pond. Beyond Central Oregon, David has spent decades guiding in Alaska and the Himalayas, and traveling the world to ski. There are few people with a deeper understanding of preparation, judgment, and risk management in the backcountry. That’s why, each year around this time, we share this video and David’s timely advice. Winter is finally here. We’re all excited to get out there and create unforgettable memories—but the backcountry carries real and serious risks. The tragic loss of our Central Oregon friends and neighbors, Terry and Renee Skjersaa, made that painfully clear last season. Please take a few minutes to watch David’s video. And keep David and his family in your thoughts. They are facing a battle for which there is no preparation. They need your support, compassion, and prayers.

Thanks to our sponsors: Subaru of Bend, Powder House Ski & Snowboard, Idaho First Bank, and Visit Bend for powering Central Oregon 360 and making these adventures possible.