Advice for Getting Started

[tika55]

I'm interested in getting started on relatively low-risk backcountry skiing. I feel like I don't get enough exercise during ski season and I'd like to sprinkle some uphill/AT in with my resort skiing. I have a home in Grand County, CO but live full time on the front range. I don't have any equipment or training currently. My thought is to start with a relatively cheap intro to uphill that Winter Park offers (rental gear included). Then if I like it rent AT equipment and take a Level 1 AIRIE course. Does that seem like a good progression? Any advice? I have middle school aged kiddos so my time isn't totally my own on ski weekends. I need to pace myself a bit and probably won't have tons of time to devote to this. Maybe a handful of days and one weekend per season.

 

[rosemarie]

I am also interested in learning and look forward to reading the responses you get here. I live in CoSprings and had no idea that Winter Park did intro to uphill, I would love to sign up for that too!

 

[tika55]

I am also interested in learning and look forward to reading the responses you get here. I live in CoSprings and had no idea that Winter Park did intro to uphill, I would love to sign up for that too!

I just stumbled across it looking for something else! https://www.winterparkresort.com/th...kes#!/e/intro-to-uphill-ski-package-d90c7e1a/

 

[torimaffeo]

I'm interested in getting started on relatively low-risk backcountry skiing. I feel like I don't get enough exercise during ski season and I'd like to sprinkle some uphill/AT in with my resort skiing. I have a home in Grand County, CO but live full time on the front range. I don't have any equipment or training currently. My thought is to start with a relatively cheap intro to uphill that Winter Park offers (rental gear included). Then if I like it rent AT equipment and take a Level 1 AIRIE course. Does that seem like a good progression? Any advice? I have middle school aged kiddos so my time isn't totally my own on ski weekends. I need to pace myself a bit and probably won't have tons of time to devote to this. Maybe a handful of days and one weekend per season.

In somewhat of the same boat as you - new to backcountry this year and working on progressing. I started collecting gear on sale at the end of last season for things I'd prefer to get new (ie boots) once I knew that I was wanting to make BC happen this year, and also have been looking at local used gear/consignment shops a bunch.

I'd definitely recommend that route if you can find any options nearby - my husband ended up getting a great pair of used skis with AT bindings for way cheaper than it would have been to buy new! Uphilling at a local resort to get used to the gear/transitions and build up a fitness base before moving into lower risk backcountry seems like a solid plan.

 

[Pequenita]

An acquaintance of mine co-wrote this, and it's been re-released/updated this year. It's comprehensive, and I recommend it in addition to anything you do in-person/on the hill. https://www.mountaineers.org/books/...ki-touring-and-ski-mountaineering-2nd-edition

An intro to uphill at a resort, with rental gear included, is a great way to start, in my view, in large part because you won't need to carry a lot of the safety and repair gear that you'd bring if you were in the backcountry, simplifying what's in your pack. You'll eventually figure out your preferences. When you do an avalanche awareness/decisionmaking/rescue course, be mindful of how much familiarity with backcountry gear is necessary beforehand and whether basic backcountry ski travel instruction is part of that. To me, your plan seems reasonable!

 

[echo_VT]

I'd agree with @Pequenita, first there's technique walking uphill, there's also down-skin which happens, kick turns, creek hopping (lol) and other things. Once those parts are good, progressing to the other stuff like avalanche risk assessment and all of that comes too. In a way, you can think of it as being your own ski patrol while you're out and about in the backcountry. Efficiency is the name of the game to conserve energy, as well as managing yourself, and I would highly recommend hiring a guide for a few days just after taking AIARE 1 to get it solidified out in the field. And of course, time on snow, assessing, route finding, etc will be part of it, and don't feel rushed to learn it all at once because it's a lot. Better to go slow and really own what you learn as you move through it.

 

[Beckster]

It’s great to see more posts with backcountry inquiries. Finding used is good except for boots. It probably goes without saying but I can’t help but emphasize the importance of investing in a new properly fit boot and custom insole to ensure a good experience.

I dove into the sport head first in 2013. My friends advised to get whatever was lightest on the market. I ended up with everything Dynafit: boots, skis and bindings. It was effortless going up, but then I wasn’t so happy with the performance or control I was getting going down, especially in variable snow conditions. The boots were too soft and the skis chattered and were thrown all over the place. I realized that Dynafit is generally for the Ultra-light racing type and I decided that the weightier equipment was worth the extra effort on the climb.

Scarpa is an awesome boot but unfortunately I can never get my weird anatomy to fit them. I really wanted to get a BOA system but nothing fit. Now I am in a Technica which I love for their ease of use, stiffer flex, stability and 4buckle control but theyre hard to step into. I have to pre-warm them with hot water bottles.

I did a lot of research since I can’t afford a quiver of skis and recently got the Scott Superguide with Fritschi Evo binding which performs well for me in all conditions…powder, crud, carving, crusted crud, ice, mashed potatoes, slush, ice bumps, dust on crust…everything. In fact now 4 other members of my ski club have exchanged their Black Crows and Fischers for the Superguides after me.

But backcountry in the US seems like a different attitude and experience than here in Switzerland. Here we’re usually a 2-5 hour climb with the goal to reach a peak or get over a pass or 2. When I get back to my friends in Utah it’s about finding some sweet lines and doing laps.
Doing laps means you don’t have to carry as much stuff in your pack as you can cache stuff at your hub point. That makes for a lighter pack and less weight distributed into your ski equipment.

Lastly, be careful out there! If I learned anything from my first avalanche courses, it’s how much I don’t know, lol. I’m lucky to have so many backcountry ski clubs to join in Switzerland so every tour is with a certified guide.
Wouldn’t it be great if the local ski businesses in your area did something similar? I’m impressed with these in-bound options in CO for learning… thumbs way up!

 

[Beckster]

Did any of you see this in The Ski Diva gear swap?

https://www.theskidiva.com/forums/index.php?threads/like-new-dps-carbon-pagoda-tour-100-in-153cm-length-w-salomon-mtn-pure-binding.28846/

 

[tika55]

Did any of you see this in The Ski Diva gear swap?

https://www.theskidiva.com/forums/index.php?threads/like-new-dps-carbon-pagoda-tour-100-in-153cm-length-w-salomon-mtn-pure-binding.28846/

Ooo thanks for pointing that out. Sadly (in this case) I'm tall and need probably at least a 165cm!

 

[tika55]

It’s great to see more posts with backcountry inquiries. Finding used is good except for boots. It probably goes without saying but I can’t help but emphasize the importance of investing in a new properly fit boot and custom insole to ensure a good experience.

I dove into the sport head first in 2013. My friends advised to get whatever was lightest on the market. I ended up with everything Dynafit: boots, skis and bindings. It was effortless going up, but then I wasn’t so happy with the performance or control I was getting going down, especially in variable snow conditions. The boots were too soft and the skis chattered and were thrown all over the place. I realized that Dynafit is generally for the Ultra-light racing type and I decided that the weightier equipment was worth the extra effort on the climb.

Scarpa is an awesome boot but unfortunately I can never get my weird anatomy to fit them. I really wanted to get a BOA system but nothing fit. Now I am in a Technica which I love for their ease of use, stiffer flex, stability and 4buckle control but theyre hard to step into. I have to pre-warm them with hot water bottles.

I did a lot of research since I can’t afford a quiver of skis and recently got the Scott Superguide with Fritschi Evo binding which performs well for me in all conditions…powder, crud, carving, crusted crud, ice, mashed potatoes, slush, ice bumps, dust on crust…everything. In fact now 4 other members of my ski club have exchanged their Black Crows and Fischers for the Superguides after me.

But backcountry in the US seems like a different attitude and experience than here in Switzerland. Here we’re usually a 2-5 hour climb with the goal to reach a peak or get over a pass or 2. When I get back to my friends in Utah it’s about finding some sweet lines and doing laps.
Doing laps means you don’t have to carry as much stuff in your pack as you can cache stuff at your hub point. That makes for a lighter pack and less weight distributed into your ski equipment.

Lastly, be careful out there! If I learned anything from my first avalanche courses, it’s how much I don’t know, lol. I’m lucky to have so many backcountry ski clubs to join in Switzerland so every tour is with a certified guide.
Wouldn’t it be great if the local ski businesses in your area did something similar? I’m impressed with these in-bound options in CO for learning… thumbs way up!

Thank you so much for this amazing advice!!

 

[beane]

I'm interested in getting started on relatively low-risk backcountry skiing. I feel like I don't get enough exercise during ski season and I'd like to sprinkle some uphill/AT in with my resort skiing. I have a home in Grand County, CO but live full time on the front range. I don't have any equipment or training currently. My thought is to start with a relatively cheap intro to uphill that Winter Park offers (rental gear included). Then if I like it rent AT equipment and take a Level 1 AIRIE course. Does that seem like a good progression? Any advice? I have middle school aged kiddos so my time isn't totally my own on ski weekends. I need to pace myself a bit and probably won't have tons of time to devote to this. Maybe a handful of days and one weekend per season.

I think your plan sounds good except I might take an intro course in the backcountry (I’m not clear on whether the WP thing is that or not) and then tour a few times before AIARE 1. I think you will get more from the course if you have more than 1 day under your belt. For safety’s sake, go with a guide or someone you know and trust. But agree that renting until you know you like it and have an idea what matters to you equipment wise.

 

[Briski]

Friends of Berthoud Pass typically does some awareness and on snow avalanche training the would be a good prelude to AIARE and help you meet people.

 

[IceHeeler]

I have a home in Grand County, CO but live full time on the front range. I don't have any equipment or training currently

I live in Fraser. I don't do backcountry, but I do uphill at the resort. I don't have an AT setup; I just throw skins on my telemark gear. I also like to take my setup to the local bike trails; Northwest Passage, Creekside, Flume, etc.

 

[tika55]

I live in Fraser. I don't do backcountry, but I do uphill at the resort. I don't have an AT setup; I just throw skins on my telemark gear. I also like to take my setup to the local bike trails; Northwest Passage, Creekside, Flume, etc.

That's fun! Great idea on the local bike trails. I'm a biker in the summer so love this option.

 

[beane]

That's fun! Great idea on the local bike trails. I'm a biker in the summer so love this option.

Just know that bike trails could still be avalanche terrain, or below it!

 

[vilen13]

Learning to go up hill inbound is great! But doesn't really train for different condition out there.. What usually make me nervous with going BC is the unknown of condition out there. My background is mountaineering so I kinda approach it the same way as going to the mountain .

I did take Avy class to get started, then find a good partner to explore and willing to go do progression out there and don't mind doing easy stuff first :D
I spent a good amount of time planning before heading out. Trying to learn about the weather and possible risk before heading out. Just overall trying to be in good headspace .


Then have fuuuunn .
oh there's also this! https://beaconguidebooks.com/produc...EzyHfieJYTl_eiFYi6cCvS32D7UKZ2sguh_JWrZ6auogB


i have one for Tahoe area and it's a great resources !

 

[Briski]

*find a good partner

and practice rescue, trip planning, and route selections with them.

Here is a neat route finding resource:

Route Finding Exercises

Avy Savvy

avysavvy.avalanche.ca

You probably know this:
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center
(https://avalanche.state.co.us/ )
tracks avalanches and avalanche conditions in CO.

 

[arbusch]

I have been backcountry skiing since 2005. I even shadowed my friends who are avy instructors teaching avy 1 courses when I was contemplating being an instructor.

Things I think that really helped my progression over the years
1) started small with used gear

2) patient partner that taught me how to climb properly and expose me to skiing lots of variable snow conditions. Some days the skiing was hard since wild snow is much different if you were used to groomers like me.

3) I had season of knowing my equipment before I took an avy course and knew how to tour and transition and some basic knowledge of snow science and rescue.

I was still super overwhelmed in my first avy 1 class. I also saw too many students when I shadowed several classes who really didn't know how to tour or use their gear that they struggle to even really learn in the avy class. Even saw it in my avy 2 that I got pretty frustrated because I wanted to dive deeper into the hands on and snow science.

3) becoming friends with avy professionals and skiing in the backcountry lots and studying snow with them for years before taking an avy 2. Still enjoy skiing with them.

4) practicing every year with my rescue gear and studying snow and weather more and human behavior and communication through books and podcast to be a stronger partner.

4) realizing there is lots to learn and there will be magical days and really sad days the deeper you dive into this sport.


I do get into the backcountry every weekend. I have seen friends who dabble a few weekends here and there over the years which works too. They usually realize it can be challenging if they want to ski bigger objectives if they can't put in the time.

What is your why? This is investment not just in gear but in learning snow and weather, group dynamics, and how to communicate in high risk environments (even in mellow terrain). I would also add knowing wilderness first aid or responder. I had to buddy ski out a friend who broke her ankle in her boot after a pretty mellow fall. My husband two years ago skied himself out with a torn acl.

Even with all that and many other lows of losing friends in the mountains, it brings me so much joy and I love how I am still learning how to navigate this sport especially the human dynamics. Many days a quiet peace to my life.

 

[HuntersEmma57]

I live in Fraser. I don't do backcountry, but I do uphill at the resort. I don't have an AT setup; I just throw skins on my telemark gear. I also like to take my setup to the local bike trails; Northwest Passage, Creekside, Flume, etc.

Some Nordic venues have advanced trails and sidecountry options. Parks with bike/hike trails are an option. I use telemark boots and and bindings and skis with fishscales (traction pads). Lower avi risk. Lots of access in the foothills and smaller mountains.