Avoid the common mistakes 

• Don’t follow blindly. Sometimes the terrain looks different in person than it does on the map. If there are any sections of steeper rolls over 27 degrees, or if the surrounding terrain is steeper/closer than expected, don't hesitate to re-access.

• Reset the urge to veer into steeper slopes.  Lots of times, there are steeper runs that are accessible from the same area as the non-avalanche terrain. It is hard to stick to the planned route when you are out in the backcountry, especially when the snow is good. I try to remind myself of the reasons why I planned the route that I did, and the potential risks of veering off into unplanned terrain. 

• Pay attention to the terrain. Following a route can be challenging, especially during a storm when the visibility is limited. As you are moving through the mountains, always make note of the major landmarks/terrain features to keep track of your location. If I’m not familiar with the zone, I stop and look at the map often to ensure that I am not making assumptions about where I am. A small mistake can end up taking you far off the planned route. This is especially true when skiing downhill, when we are generally not paying attention and moving fast.