If you enjoy hiking and skiing, you’ll really enjoy backcountry skiing.
I’m known for my single ski quiver and my dirt-bag, duct-taped mentality which makes people cringe. Rolling into my sixth year skiing the backcountry, I’ve discovered what works for me and I love it. What are some basics to help get you out there?
There’s something peaceful about trekking alone through the trees in the mountains.
Everyone venturing into the backcountry should start with an AIARE avalanche training course or travel with an experienced buddy willing to teach you. Never leave your car without your beacon, shovel and probe. The best training is through experience and stopping to take the time to observe your surroundings. So how do you transition from the resort into the world nature has gifted us? Hopefully these tips will help deter some expensive hurtles and jumpstart your journey into the backcountry.
- Utilize what you already have. Search for a short route with a lot of vertical gain. You can strap your board or skis to your backpack and rent snowshoes. Snowshoe rental is affordable and honestly in the spring I am constantly strapping my skis to my backpack anyways.
- Invest in a large backpack. As you progress into a more advanced backcountry skier, the stuff requirement and snack quantity grows significantly therefore, get the largest pack size available. Adam and I both have the Patagonia Descensionist pack, a simple no bells and whistles backcountry specific pack.
- Visit your local used gear shop. Apart from my skis, I purchased majority of my gear from Wilderness Exchange in Denver. I recommend purchasing used gear until you know what works best for you.
- Spend time exploring the area you want to ski. Part of the adventure is about the journey. Take some time to learn the route and test the snowpack. Multiple times during the week prior to heading out, I check the snow quantity and weather provided on the CAIC website.
- Adam is a big podcast guy. We recommend the Blister podcast for gear reviews and tips which are really helpful.
- Re-use your climbing skins. Last season my climbing skins no longer stuck to the bottom of my skis. I removed the glue from my skins using a blow dryer and a butter knife (there are actual tools you can purchase). I re-applied the glue with Black Diamond’s Gold Label Adhesive. It was horribly messy but it was worth saving the money purchasing a new pair and will last for a couple seasons.
- Invest in some warm mittens. I suffer from cold hands, it’s a combination of cold temperatures and heat loss while hiking. I recommend some warm gloves and put hand warmers in them before you start hiking. When you get to the top of the mountain and transition from uphill to downhill, you will have some warm gloves in your pack.
- Find some awesome friends! Through avalanche training courses and local snow science lectures, I’ve met some cool people willing to exchange beta and gear advice! We are all out there to learn and it’s important to stay connected.
Keep in mind, there’s no room for judgement. Everyone has their own experience level and that’s ok. I’ve been the only girl on the trip with nowhere to pee, I’m always the last person to transition from hiking to skiing, I’ve gotten my skins stuck in my hair and on the drywall and its OK. If you are judged, then find a new group to adventure with. It’s actually beneficial to have a balanced group with varying levels of experience. Remember why you’re out there, to have fun!
Happy Skiing!
