New to this site and backcountry -- introduction

Hello. I'm new to this site, I found it while checking out skibuilders.com (I want to build some baby spatulas). I'm also new to backcountry -- last Sunday was my first time ever, and I skinned out to Hogback with a friend, from the top of White Pass. (mini-trip-report: the snow was really tough, but it was a great time!) A trip-report is posted here: clicky clicky!
So, suffice it to say I have no backcountry experience, but I WANT some! If anyone can recommend some books, avalanche courses, or anything else to help me get going, that'd be swell.
Um, oh, and here's a little about me:
telemark skiing: this is my 4th season (i try to get +30 days/year, but now that I'm all twitterpated about going year-round, that's going to change!)
alpine skiing: i went a couple of times before I started tele-ing
other pursuits: whitewater rafting and kayaking, camping, poi-spinning, traveling, writing, just getting out and doing stuff
location: eastern washington
age: 36 (yeah, late-bloomer)
Thanks in advance for book recommendations, or "good hikes for beginners" recommendations or anything else!

Volcanogrrl,

I too was a late introductee to the joys of backcountry. Two books I found particularly helpful were Bruce Tremper's "Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain" and "Mike and Allen's Really Cool Book of Backcountry Skiing." I also strongly encourage you to take an avy course. Several organizations also offer classes for backcountry skiing (I took the Mountaineers Course which I found very useful) - in addition to learning - it is a helpful way to make new friends with similar interests.

Good luck and welcome to the site!

Welcome to the backcountry! In addition to Spltbrdr's suggestions check out "Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills". This is probably the single best source of info for anyone venturing into the mountains. Also, learn how to use your beacon and probe and practice as much and often as possible. See you out there!

Pretty cool, huh? I remember learning that you could actually walk UPHILL on skis...totally changed the sport for me! I'm up in Sandpoint and we're always looking to meet new ski partners to explore the Selkirks and NE WA mountains. PM me if interested...
Congratulations on your new thang...welcome to Babylon!

-Bill

Thanks! I'll definitely find those books and keep an eye out for you all!

Welcome! I remember when first moved up here from Colorado and realized that you were welcome to hike out of the ski area and find your own good lines how amazed I was! That only led me to go and get snowshoes and climb up mountains with my snowboard on my back. Which of course led me to purchasing a splitboard this year and now its all I can think of. All of the advice given so far about taking avy classes, getting a beacon and using it and reading those books are all excellent. Also get Ranier Burgdorfers book, 100 classic backcountry trips in Washington, its a good source for finding good places to check out. I also live on the east side of the mountains, perhaps I will see you out there!