Preparing for a Backcountry Ski Trip
July 23rd, 2009. Published under Sports. No Comments.
You’re an experienced skier. The slope is your second home and your skis are like a second pair of feet. You can comfortably navigate even the most treacherous double black diamond course. But you’re tired of the groomed and manipulated ski runs at the ski resorts. You’re considering organizing a backcountry ski trip. But where do you begin?
This is a question that many experienced skiers may be faced with when planning a backcountry ski trip. Backcountry skiing can be rewarding and exhilarating, but can also be deadly even for expert skiers if not carefully prepared for. Because this type of skiing takes place over unmarked slopes out of a ski resort boundaries, conditions and terrain can be uncertain. The mountains won’t be monitored or patrolled and so any injuries, even minor ones, can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. With all of this in mind, how can a skier prepare for an enjoyable and safe backcountry trip? Here are a few tips.
When it comes to backcountry skiing, it is important that a skier have solid general backcountry skills as well as skiing technique. It would be beneficial to start preparing before the ski season even starts by doing a lot of summer backpacking, perhaps even off-trail hiking. In order to do this, of course, it is essential to develop solid navigational skills. This will include mastering topographical map and compass reading. These are two tools a backcountry skier should never leave without. A skier should also be familiar with wintertime mountaineering that doesn’t involve skis. Learn and practice ice axe skills to safely climb and descend steep snow.
Although, a person planning this type of trip may consider themselves to be an expert skier, it never hurts to practice the skiing skills that might come into play on the trip. If the expedition includes a group of skiers, which is best, the organizer should be aware of everyone’s skiing ability. Staying on terrain that every member of the group can handle will be important. Also, it is important to stay together and not break off into smaller groups.
Carefully plan and research the destination. It may be beneficial to check out guidebooks that list good backcountry skiing spots. Once a destination has been decided on, get a topographical map of the exact area you are interested in and study it carefully. It is also important to understand your route’s avalanche risk. One of the greatest and most common dangers to backcountry skiers is an avalanche. Unexpected avalanches have killed many. Learn risk avoidance and how to assess avalanche hazard. This requires training and practice. Every member of the group should have a shovel, an avalanche probe, and an avalanche beacon. An avalanche beacon is the fastest way to locate someone who has been buried by the snow. The device emits a pulsed signal, which a transceiver receives. The person holding the transceiver can hone in on the person under the snow. Once a general location is discovered, the probe is used to find the person under the snow and the shovel is used to dig them out. This equipment should be tested prior to the trip.
Other quality gear will be important as well. A skier’s life will depend on the quality of gear they take with them. Because of this, gear for backcountry tours is extremely intensive. Do not cheat yourself on the quality of your gear. It may be the difference between life and death.
Ideal backcountry skies are shorter and fatter. Generally, touring skis are lighter weight than alpine skis. Like the skis, touring ski boots are significantly lighter than alpine boots and a wraparound lining may be better than a tongue. Because a lot will depend on your strength, the lighter the load, the better. Although it is possible to use alpine ski poles in backcountry, some skiers prefer lighter, adjustable poles.
In addition to all the traditional ski gear, a backcountry skier will need a few additional items. These will include climbing skins, food, water, and proper clothing. A climbing skin is a non-slip surface that is attached to the bottom of the ski to assist in climbing on hard, icy surfaces. These will be essential for everyone on the expedition. Also, everyone should dress warmly in non-cotton clothes and shell-gear. This should include non-cotton thermal underwear and lightweight body insulation like pile jackets and pants. It may also be beneficial for each member of the expedition to have a headlamp, matches, a topographical map, a compass, a GPS unit, a knife, an ice axe, ski repair items, a whistle, and a first aid kit. In order to transport all of this gear, a backcountry backpack with a place to attach skis and room for all avalanche safety gear, extra layers, and extra food will be essential as well.
Through all of this preparation, it is important to keep up good cardiovascular and muscular fitness. Be a good judge of your strengths and weaknesses. It may be beneficial to work with a personal trainer to get your heart rate at the level it needs to be to cope with the strain of a backcountry tour. Keep in mind you will be in higher elevations, which will change the way you normally breathe. Also, because of the higher elevation, it is often better to do these tours in the spring, rather than the winter. Generally, days in the spring are warmer and longer and the snowpack may be more manageable.
Now, you have your gear and your body is fit and prepared. You’ve trained in avalanche preparedness and in all the skiing maneuvers you’ll need during the tour. You’ve picked out the spot you know the skill level of each member of the group. You are confident in your mountaineering skills like map and compass reading and you have the map of your destination. All your gear is ready and you’ve packed it carefully and tested its weight. What is next?
Before you leave, be sure to give clear notice to a responsible person. Give them your destination, planned time of arrival, and expected return time. Make sure you know how long you’ll be out. Let this person know when they should contact authorities if you don’t arrive on schedule. A few days before you go, carefully monitor the weather reports. Just because you’ve spent all this time preparing doesn’t mean the weather is going to cooperate with you. If it looks like it might be bad, reschedule. It’s not worth risking your life and the lives of the members of your group.
Now you are prepared. By having the right attitude and being cautious, your backcountry skiing trip should be a rewarding and safe adventure.
Park’s Sportman (http://www.parkssportsman.com/) is a sports shop selling outdoor and indoor sport clothing and equipments. Art Gib is a freelance writer.