So if you havent read that, nows a great time!
It provides more valuable context, and I highly recommend it.
Now Im back with part two of my intro to backcountry skiing for the pandemically influenced skier.
So well cover each of those categories in turn.
This section is designed to help you do that.
The Where
In a word inbounds.
The safest way to learn to backcountry ski is not in the backcountry.
Look up your resorts uphill policy and take advantage of it.
If you dont have a resort nearby, a big sledding hill will do just fine.
Using skis and skins to travel in the backcountry can be challenging and frustrating.
As humans learn any new skill, we make a ton of mistakes.
How many people have dropped in with their boots still in walk mode?
Raise your hand if youve put a skin on backward.
How thorough actually are your beacon checks?
you could practice transitioning from skin mode to ski mode in your living room.
Youll be safer, and your partners will thank you.
Figure out how to ski your touring setup confidently inbounds.
Spin lift laps in your touring gear.
Learn how it reacts differently in different snow conditions.
It wont be as fun as skiing your normal inbounds gear but trust me, its worth it.
Well, there are a few options.
Folks with about the same experience level as you make for good initial partners.
When youre just working out the kinks inbounds, these types of people are great partners.
But, at some point, youre going to need to learn from faster, more experienced people.
So dont invite yourself on some cool mission that more experienced skiers are going on.
Its never worth getting in over your head and endangering the group.
Another asset that folks often overlook is the mountain guides and avalanche educators in their area.
Guides are a whole wealth of knowledge.
The next best thing to skiing with a guide is skiing with a guides beta.
Until youre very comfortable with your gear, look for tours that are easy and safe to bail from.
Thats part of why starting inbounds is a good idea.
Create safety nets for yourself.
Even if you dont use them, its good practice.
Its that moment where you go Im getting decent at this.
But, as you find your stride backcountry skiing, its really important to keep yourself current.
Its important to not get lax.
Its a good idea to take some kind of formal refresher at the start of every season.
you’re free to even just do this with your touring partners.
Take it seriously, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Some avy centers will also let you audit or help instruct Avy 1 classes.
Thats a great way to help them out, and stay current.
Stay Fast
Beacon searches are a skill that can deteriorate over time.
The only way to stay fresh is to practice.
Many resorts have beacon parks set up inbounds.
Go ask patrol and they can point you toward them.
you’ve got the option to also set up practice in any snowy field.
Just track it up, and hide beacons in stuff sacks.
The faster you are, the better of a partner you are.
And practice the whole routine.
Build scenarios where the avalanche happens while youre skiing, or while youre skinning.
Practice getting your beacon out, extending your probe, building your shovel.
You dont want to fumble when it matters.
Get involved with your local avy center
These folks live, breathe, and sleep snow science.
They work hard all winter to help keep all of us safe.
Donate money to them.
If you dont have money, ask how you’re free to donate time.
They can all use our help, especially as they prepare for a massive influx of new backcountry users.
Help them out, they help us all.
I have mine set up to email me every morning.
I read it before I get out of bed, every day from November through April.
Look for patterns, try looking at the snow report before you read the avy report.
give a shot to guess what the ratings will be, and what the specific hazards will be.
For the Crusty Experts
I get it, this season is going to be weird.
But it also presents us with opportunities.
This is a great season to explore lesser-known zones, try new areas, ski the overlooked runs.
This is a season to get creative.
And its also a season to give back.
I know, everything was harder when you started and nobody coddled you.
But somebody did something to set you down the path that made you the backcountry skier you are today.
And this would be a great time to do that something for someone else.
People are going to be doing the wrong things the wrong way in the mountains.
