Practice at home and at a resort before you hit the wild. For AT bindings, learn the subtle tricks of setting release tension. Start with a low setting, then dial up a hair if you release often. No AT binding has the safety release of the latest alpine bindings. Learn to ski with fewer falls.
Softer boots go with shorter, more forgiving skis.
If you're hucking cliffs or dodging avalanches, you'll want the beefiest boots, skis, and bindings. Buy gear from a full-service shop with boot fitting, certified technicians, and mechanized tuning. All snowboard and ski systems are high-tech. They work well, but only when everything is properly installed, tuned, and maintained. Carry a repair kit with the proper driver bits to tighten your binding screws and adjust release tension.