Replying to How to Start Backcountry skiing

Hey,

I am a new member to Newschoolers, but by no means new to skiing. I grew up shredding the gnar and have lived the past two years in Colorado. The past two seasons I've just skied the bowls at the areas I had a pass to (copper, winterpark, breck,a-basin), so I know Co. terrain pretty well. Now I really want to get into back country skiing. I would like some advice on the gear I should get, classes I should take, etc, or your story on how you started skiing back country. I'm a freshman at Colorado College so if anyone is on here and close, I'd love to meet you!Oh and on that note, i'm on a budget here so I'm looking for gear that will be good to start off and not break the bank with. thanks!

-Mike