TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

By Brett St. Clair and Craig Evanoff TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

IS BACKCOUNTRY SKIING FOR YOU?

• Are you growing a bit frustrated by If you answered yes to these questions, then The purpose of this little book is to help those weekend crowds and rising ticket backcountry skiing is most likely something you’ll who are new to backcountry ski touring, or prices at the ski hill? find challenging and rewarding. considering taking it up, to sort through many of the decisions that you’ll have to make as • Are you in decent physical condition If you are currently a nonskier or a relative someone beginning the sport. With that said, and looking for a new way to get beginner, it’s probably wiser to build your technical we chose purposefully not to go into great some healthy exercise? skills at the ski hill for a season or two before depth here. These tips are to help you get venturing into the backcountry to avoid frustration. • Are you a solid enough skier* to be started and to avoid making some common able to reliably link turns? mistakes. • Do you enjoy being outdoors in A PLACE TO START Experience is the best teacher and you’ll relative peace and quiet? Backcountry skiing is growing exponentially in learn more as you go – just like we did. • Are you tired of fighting the rush for popularity and we noticed that while there’s a lot first tracks in fresh powder snow? of advice out there, it didn’t seem like anyone had put it all (or much of it) in one place. • Do you have at least a moderate tolerance for risk and enjoy making your own decisions?

WARNING: Participating in backcountry ski touring carries risk. You will be exposed to objective and subjective hazards that may result in injury and even death. The advice given here is meant to help you enjoy the experience, but by no means should be perceived to provide you immunity from its inherent risk.

2 TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

CONTENTS

IS BACKCOUNTRY SKIING FOR YOU? ...... 2 TECHNIQUE ...... 17 HOW SAFE IS BACKCOUNTRY SKIING? . . . . . 4 UPHILL TRAVEL ...... 18 AT THE TOP ...... 19 BACKCOUNTRY SKIING TOOLS ...... 5 DOWNHILL TECHNIQUE ...... 20 SKI CHOICES & SPECIFICATIONS ...... 6 BINDINGS ...... 7 FUELING AND HYDRATION ...... 22 BOOTS ...... 8 TRIP PLANNING ...... 24 POLES ...... 9 MANAGING YOURSELF AND YOUR GROUP . . 28 CLOTHING ...... 10 PACKS ...... 11 ABOUT THE AUTHORS ...... 31 AVALANCHE RESCUE GEAR ...... 13 THANKS ...... 32 CLIMBING SKINS ...... 15

WHAT TO PACK ...... 16

*NOTE: WE USE THE TERM “SKIER” ALL INCLUSIVELY TO REFER TO ANYONE USING ALPINE TOURING, TELEMARK OR SPLITBOARD SETUPS.

COVER: TOURING IN THE DEZAIKO RANGE. PHOTO BY DAVID SNADDEN 3 TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

HOW SAFE IS BACKCOUNTRY SKIING?

Like anything we do, backcountry skiing • Taking an avalanche safety course so that bulletins so you know what avalanche does have some risk associated with it. You you can learn to recognize avalanche terrain conditions to expect on the day of your can keep your own risk in the backcountry and avalanche conditions and know how to backcountry trip. to a level you are comfortable with by being perform a rescue. • Choosing experienced trip partners so prepared, having proper equipment, getting • Ensuring that you and everyone in your that you can continue to learn avalanche some training and by using the terrain wisely. group has the appropriate avalanche rescue safety from them. Unlike a ski resort, the backcountry is an equipment and is well practiced in its use. A good introductory resource is the Know uncontrolled environment. The snow is • Consulting public avalanche forecasts or Before You Go program found at www.kbyg.org. not groomed. The obstacles and dangers in the terrain are not marked. And there are no avalanche safety teams and ski patrol to manage the avalanche danger or come to your aid if you are injured. Most injuries in the backcountry are the result of a bad fall or a collision with an obstacle, such as a tree or rock. You can minimize the risk of an injury by:

• Skiing in control, always, by keeping your speed to a comfortable level for the conditions. • Ensuring the safety features, such as ski binding release, of your equipment are in good working order. • Wearing a helmet. • Skiing with a partner. Avalanches, while uncommon, are a reality in the backcountry. You can minimize the risk of an avalanche involvement and know what to do if you or a member of your group is caught in an avalanche by:

4 TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

BACKCOUNTRY SKIING TOOLS

The most important advice we can give Finally, we cannot emphasize enough the Plus, if you have a problem with a piece of gear you about your gear is to try it out and get importance of buying your gear directly from a year or two down the road, your local shop to know how to use it before you get deep a reputable local ski shop if you have one will typically work with the manufacturer to take into the backcountry, particularly if you are in your area. The advice they’ll give you and care of that for you if you bought it there. launching off for a multiday trip. It’s fairly the opportunity to physically touch and try on common for backcountry skiers to run into gear before you buy it is worth way more than gear problems the first time they use brand the few bucks you might save by ordering new or unfamiliar gear. online. Second, most backcountry skiers enter the sport from a resort background. It then takes a while to mentally transition from thinking that what has always worked well for you at the ski hill will work well in the backcountry. For example, unlike resort skiing, 90% of your time in the backcountry will be spent walking uphill. So the heavy, badass powder skis and stiff 4-buckle boots that are fun to ski back in civilization turn out to be a drag (literally) when you are plodding uphill.

LIGHTER IS BETTER In the backcountry, lighter is generally better. With experience you’ll gladly sacrifice a bit of downhill performance (the 10%) for better performance on the uptrack (the 90%). The same concept applies to clothing. Because you spend most of your time moving uphill, you generally don’t need to dress as warmly as you typically do for a day at the ski hill.

5 90% OF YOUR TIME IN THE BACKCOUNTRY WILL BE SPENT WALKING UPHILL, SO LIGHTER GEAR IS GENERALLY BETTER. TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

SKI CHOICES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Backcountry ski specifications are generally Skis are getting better and lighter all the time. Most experienced backcountry skiers (just a better guide to potential performance Your ski choice should be guided by where like experienced alpine skiers) eventually own characteristics than ski model names or you live and where you’ll do most of your more than one pair of skis for use depending brands. The shortcut to zeroing in on a ski’s backcountry skiing. The Buddhist philosophy, on their intended mission or snow conditions. characteristics and best use is generally follow the middle way, is a good guide for its waist (the section that’s underfoot) selecting your first pair of backcountry skis. measurement in millimeters. The tip and tail Unless you are trying to specialize, don’t go too widths are generally proportional to the waist skinny and light or too fat and heavy. width. Backcountry skis can generally be divided TERRAIN AND CONDITIONS into 4 categories by waist width: If you live in the West where the powder is deep • Racing / light touring (65-80 mm) and dependable (like Craig in British Columbia), your best first ski choice would probably be in • Touring specific (85-95 mm) the 100-106 mm range. If you live in the icy East • All mountain touring (95-106 mm) (like Brett in New Hampshire), your best first choice might be in the 95-100 mm range. • Powder touring (112 mm+) The right length for you is generally We’re not going to get into recommendations determined by your weight (remember to for tip and tail rocker or exotic composite add in the approximate weight of your pack) materials here. Again, your local ski shop or and to some extent whether you ski primarily experienced friends are your best source of in tight terrain (if in trees or couloirs go a bit guidance for what’s a good first choice for you. shorter) or open bowls. The manufacturer will Ideally, you would demo skis before you have guidance on this. purchase them, but there are typically few As a general rule, the longer, wider and opportunities to do that with backcountry bigger the ski, the more it weighs and the skis. Most of us tend to follow the herd and better it floats in deep snow. The smaller the buy what our friends like, follow ski shop ski, the less it weighs and the less effort it recommendations or read reviews and make requires to move uphill. judgments from those.

6 TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

BINDINGS

Alpine touring (AT) bindings may be own with a new ski, climbing skin and binding Then, when you’re getting dropped by your generally divided into three categories: setup. friends, you’ll figure out that you’re dragging twice the binding that you actually need uphill • Super-light race bindings (±1 lb/ If all you think you’ll ever do is a dawn lap all day. So, you’ll solve that problem too. $$ pair) – Originally designed for ski for exercise at the local hill, or drop off the mountaineering or randonnee backside for a run or two during the day, then If you think you might eventually get into racing, these pared-down tech go for it. If you expand your horizons though, daylong touring, it’s actually cheaper in the bindings excel at uphill efficiency you’ll quickly discover that alpine boots suck long run to go all in on the gear the first time. and work effectively for all-round for touring. So you’ll buy a pair of AT boots. touring. • Standard touring bindings (±2 lbs/pair) – The traditional tech binding, these are the middle way of AT binding choice. Good in the backcountry and reliable at speed inbounds on the ski hill. • Sidecountry or frame bindings (±4 lbs/pair) – These have an alpine- binding-style heel piece and can be used with either touring boots or traditional alpine ski boots. The downhill performance is similar to an alpine-specific binding. The weight is problematic for day-after-day touring.

GO ALL IN It’s fairly typical for someone transitioning with no guidance from alpine skiing into backcountry to opt for a sidecountry binding at first in order to save money by using the alpine ski boots they already

7 A GOOD BACKCOUNTRY SKI SETUP BALANCES LIGHTWEIGHT UPHILL PERFORMANCE WITH ENOUGH MUSCLE AND FLOAT FOR SOLID DOWNHILL CONTROL. TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

BOOTS

Your enjoyment of ski touring will depend SYNC YOUR GEAR TRADEOFFS more on your boots than any other piece Boots, skis and bindings are typically matched One note about lightweight ski mountaineering of gear. More important than the type for the predominant type of skiing you’ll plan to boots. While the design and technology in the of boot you choose is finding a pair (or do. So, if you’re a mountain runner who intends materials used offer very good performance, to tweaking them) so that they fitsnugly and to ski light and fast, you’d match a lightweight keep weight down, the shells and liners tend to comfortably and don’t give you blisters or boot with a featherweight binding and a touring be thinner and are less warm than all mountain other foot problems. ski 65 mm wide. A middle way backcountry skier boots for general touring. After buying and Remember, you’re spending 90% of your could safely match an all mountain boot with an trying them, several experienced backcountry time walking uphill, so the mental model for all mountain ski and standard tech binding. skiers we know have subsequently switched touring boots is as much hiking boot as it is back to midweight boots for this reason. Boots are built with last-widths ranging from ski boot. approximately 99 mm to 103 mm. Depending Finally, do not burn your local ski shop by Alpine touring boots have mechanical locks on the width of your foot, you may find a better trying on boots there, and after finding your to allow you to switch easily from ski mode initial fit within a boot category based not on correct size, later ordering them on the Internet. – in which the upper cuff is fully rigid for brand, but on the last-width of the boots the Not only is this sleazy, it is very bad karma. control during the descent – to walk mode brand manufactures in that category. And one thing you do not want to invite as a in which that cuff flexes and offers more backcountry skier is bad karma. to fit an freedom of movement during the ascent. Boots may be modified or tweaked individual user more comfortably. This may Alpine touring boots can be divided into include heat molding the liner to your foot or three general categories: installing custom footbed orthotics. A good bootfitter is well worth what you’ll pay them. · Ski mountaineering or racing boots (± 5 lbs) – Lightweight, big range of If you use footbeds in your alpine boots, or motion in walk mode, less downhill orthotics in your running or street shoes, you A GOOD“ ARCHER control. are going to need them in your backcountry boots. Ideally, you will try boots on in the IS KNOWN NOT · All mountain touring boots (± 6.5 shop with your orthotics in place. It can be lbs) – Midweight, moderate range of BY HIS ARROWS, problematic (but not impossible) to install motion in walk mode, solid downhill custom footbeds in boots you’ve sized and performance. BUT BY HIS AIM. bought without them because there may not be · Heavyweight boots (± 8 lbs) – Alpine enough room in the shell/liner to accommodate boots that can drive big skis and can them – so keep that in mind. If you’re on the tour. bubble it may be best to go up a size. ” ― THOMAS FULLER 8 TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

POLES

Poles are pretty simple. Most backcountry SAVE A FEW $ skiers use adjustable, two-section poles. One final thought. The adjustable pole is a If you are skiing deep powder snow, hallmark of backcountry skiing, but for the most adding powder baskets is a good idea. part, once we set the length where we like it, You can usually purchase and install a set we rarely, if ever, change it. If you want to save THE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURE OF A BACKCOUNTRY separately if they didn’t come with the POLE IS THE RIGHT BASKET FOR THE CONDITIONS a few bucks you can probably use your tried- poles you bought. YOU’LL SKI. TOP: TYPICAL ALPINE POLE BASKET. BOTTOM: and-true alpine poles as long as the length POWDER BASKET HAS MUCH LARGER SURFACE AREA. Most backcountry skiers do not use feels okay and they have powder baskets. pole straps. There are two reasons for this. One, if you have the misfortune to be caught in an avalanche, you do not want your arms to be tangled up in your ski poles, further complicating your situation. Second, it’s not a good idea to use the straps while tree skiing in case a branch snags your pole basket, thereby ripping A RISE EARLY“ AND FIX A you off your feet and potentially injuring your shoulder. TIME-TABLE TO WHICH As a result, some people totally remove YOU MUST TRY TO KEEP. the straps from their touring poles. This makes fully engaging your tech binding ONE SELDOM REGRETS toe latch and flipping the heel risers a bit easier, but whether you keep your straps HAVING MADE AN EARLY or not is a matter of personal preference. START, BUT ONE ALWAYS REGRETS HAVING SET OFF TOO LATE. ” ― GASTON REBUFFAT 9 TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

CLOTHING

As mentioned previously, the layering system What’s different about the top of this layering uphill. You’ll mostly use it when you are standing you’ll use for ski touring clothing runs a bit system is that typically you wear your puffy still. The thin Gore-Tex jacket is generally more lighter than for alpine skiing. underneath your Gore-Tex jacket – which is the appropriate on the move. So you can save time and mental model you’d bring in from alpine skiing or be more efficient by flipping these layers. Typically, your first layer is synthetic or wool hiking. briefs and thin wool ski socks followed by Other useful clothing items include packing a a thin set of long underwear. Merino wool The problem with that for ski touring is that the warm pair of mittens in addition to your gloves, and doesn’t last as long as synthetic materials, thicker puffy layer is the one you’ll spend the bringing a big, compressible ace-in-the-hole down but you can wear it for a week straight and least amount of time wearing during your day jacket for really cold weather, or if someone gets it doesn’t stink. Turtleneck-style zip tops are because it’s too warm when you are moving hurt, or you have to spend a night out. more versatile than crewnecks.

Your next bottom layer is wind-and-moisture- resistant ski pants. These should have venting zips. A very thin synthetic windbreaker or running shirt makes a good second top layer. Follow that with a more substantial, single-layer, hooded Gore-Tex-style jacket or thin softshell with pit zips. Unless it is really cold when you leave the parking lot, you should be good to go in this set up. You want to start cold. Shed the jacket if you get too warm. Having the little wind shell underneath provides just the right amount of wind protection and warmth over your thin long underwear top and conveniently sheds any snow you might drop on yourself passing beneath trees. When you top out and begin your transition, pull your puffy jacket out of your pack and zip it on top of the wind shell and jacket. Depending on the temperature and if you tend to run hot or cool, keep or remove the puffy for your descent.

10 A HOOD IS A MUST-HAVE FOR ALL FUNCTIONAL OUTDOOR JACKETS. NO HOOD? NO GOOD. TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

CLOTHING, CONTINUED

One editorial note on clothing. Outdoor While the old myth about 45% of your body their neck when they are all layered up. A hood clothing, in particular the ubiquitous puffy heat being lost through the head isn’t true, the is the easiest hat to flip on or off to control your jacket, is popular as trendy street wear in old saying if your feet are cold put on a hat temperature and you can’t lose it. the heart of civilization. What is apparently is. You can pick an experienced ski guide or Buying a new ski jacket? You want the hood. not as trendy is the hood, which is a must- backcountry skier out from 20 feet away by No hood? No good. have for all functional outdoor jackets. the number of hoods sticking out from around So that’s why outdoor companies typically offer their jacket models with, or without, a hood.

THIRTY SPOKES“ SHARE THE WHEEL’S HUB; IT IS THE CENTER HOLE WHICH MAKES IT USEFUL. SHAPE CLAY INTO A VESSEL; IT IS THE SPACE WITHIN THAT MAKES IT USEFUL. CUT DOORS AND WINDOWS FOR A ROOM; IT IS THE HOLES WHICH MAKE IT USEFUL. THEREFORE BENEFIT COMES FROM WHAT IS THERE; USEFULNESS FROM WHAT IS NOT THERE.

― LAO TSU, TAO TE CHING 11 ” TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

WHAT PACK DO YOU NEED?

Your pack should be big enough to hold many models to be discharged in order to take Airbag packs do not prevent avalanches or all your gear including clothing, lunch, it with you on your flight, which means you make you or your party fully immune to the shovel, probe and water bottle. Better to have to be able to get it charged where you effects of one. Should you decide to buy an have one a bit too big than too small. Many are going – and then discharge it to get home. airbag pack, we still strongly recommend taking ski-specific packs marketed today are in Newer systems use electric fans or sealed an avalanche safety course. the 30-liter range. We think 35-40 liters is cartridges to avoid this issue (supposedly).

generally the sweet spot. Do not strap your shovel and probe to the outside of your pack. You can lose them if you fall. You need a big enough pack to stow them inside. Most ski-specific packs have pockets designed for this. If you ski with a helmet, ideally you’ll be able to fit it in your pack, but if not you’ll need one of those helmet nets to strap it securely to the outside so it isn’t swinging back and forth on the uptrack.

AIRBAG PACKS Avalanche airbag packs have been on the market since the mid-1980s but have not been widely adopted due to their weight and cost. Technology is improving rapidly, however, and weight is decreasing. If you purchase one, it is important to consider whether you plan to fly with it or not. Airline regulations require the gas canister system that inflates the bag in

12 WHEN IT COMES TO PACKS, SIZE DOES MATTER. TO FIT EVERYTHING IN, BIGGER IS BETTER. TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

AVALANCHE RESCUE GEAR

TRANSCEIVER While transceivers are expensive, we do not recommend buying used ones as you can’t Modern digital avalanche safety be sure that a used one will function up to transceivers are intuitive and relatively manufacturer’s specifications. easy to use quickly and accurately with some practice. Cost starts in the low $300 SHOVEL range for a basic transceiver, which is all most skiers need. Your shovel is an exception to the lighter is better mantra expressed earlier. One of our pet Make sure your batteries have enough peeves is skiing with a partner who, in an effort juice in them before heading out for your to go as light as possible, opts for a tiny shovel. trip. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on what type of batteries to use and when Avalanche debris is dense, burly stuff. You to change them. If in doubt, change them need a decent-size metal shovel (9 x 11 in / 25 out. x 28 cm) with an extendable handle to chop through and move as much debris as possible Experiment with your new transceiver and as quickly as possible. Some models have a practice companion rescue scenarios hoe-conversion feature, which is useful. before using it for the first time in the field. It’s also a good idea to do this at the Plastic breaks, and won’t cut through avalanche beginning of each ski season to refresh debris. So don’t score a shovel from Canadian your memory. Tire or Walmart. (We’ve even had reports of metal shovels breaking in real-world use.) Strap your transceiver on under your upper layers of clothing so that once it is in place you don’t have to remove it to remove clothing layers. If you opt to carry it in the pocket of your ski pants, make sure the pocket is sturdy and secured with a zipper closure and the transceiver is somehow tethered to you so that you don’t lose it if you pull it out and drop it.

13 REMOVE THE BATTERIES WHEN PUTTING YOUR TRANSCEIVER AWAY FOR THE SUMMER. TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

AVALANCHE RESCUE GEAR, CONTINUED

PROBE remote it is, having one in your group may be a transceiver and other sources of interference. good idea. Probes are pretty simple. Aluminum or carbon Finally, it’s wiser to keep yourself out of trouble fiber work fine. Don’t go too short trying to Be aware that any electronic device (radio, in the first place than to take unnecessary risks save weight. 300 cm in length is good. The GPS, headlamp) or even metal (shovel, probe) because you can push a button and summon most important feature of your new probe is can interfere with your transceiver’s signal help. In civilization, emergency response time you learning how to shake it out and operate transmission and reception. Be sure to keep your is measured in minutes. In the backcountry it’s whatever mechanism locks the sections phone on airplane mode and maintain at least 30 hours – or in some cases overnight – before together. Practice makes perfect. centimeters (1 foot) of separation between your assistance will arrive. COMMUNICATION If you have cell coverage in the zone in which you are skiing, a fully charged phone is useful. Smart phone batteries do not work well in the cold. To conserve battery, either put the phone in airplane mode or turn it off until you need it. Putting it on airplane mode and sticking it and a handwarmer packet inside a mitten or hat will keep it good all day. You can often resuscitate a cold, apparently dead, phone by sticking it under your clothing – in your armpit or other warm spot – and bringing it fully up to body temperature.

While not mandatory, two-way radios are useful in communicating among members of a group if they get separated or someone runs into a problem. A top-of-the-line model costs $180. You can buy a serviceable set of two- way radios at Canadian Tire or Walmart for $40 or $50 for the pair.

Spot, or emergency satellite messenger beacons, are becoming more popular. Depending on where you are skiing and how

14 IN REMOTE BACKCOUNTRY IT’S SAFER TO KEEP YOURSELF OUT OF TROUBLE TO BEGIN WITH THAN TO TRY TO EXTRICATE YOURSELF FROM IT IF YOU GET INTO IT. PHOTO: ALAN EDIE TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

CLIMBING SKINS

The humble climbing skin is what makes bottom of your skis that tends to ice up. glue and reglue them yourself. Check YouTube for backcountry ski touring possible. Like the instructions. Waiting to skin up in the parking lot instead of at soles of your shoes, you don’t really think home is actually a good idea for the same reason. Finally, some skin brands come with clever storage much about them – until they fall off. bags complete with webbing handles and Velcro On a really cold day, tucking your skins inside Our advice about buying local again rings closuress. These make excellent lunch bags. Just your jacket while descending can keep the glue true when it comes to climbing skins. You the right size. And amazingly, when you need a warm and working better. need to make sure the length is correct for lunch bag you don’t need a skin storage bag, and your ski, and with the advent of big, shaped Skin glue eventually gets gummy and loses conversely when you need the bag for storage, you skis, climbing skins need to be trimmed to its effectiveness. You can easily buy a tube of won’t need it for lunch. closely fit the contour of that shape. Trimming skins is not particularly complicated, and after you have been at this for a while you can tackle it. But if you are new to it, check out skins at the shop, have the shop employee make sure the length is right, and then let them trim the skins for you. They do it for free. That way, if they blow it, the mistake is on them and not you. Skins come from the factory with plastic “skin protectors,” the use of which does make it easier to peel your skins apart before sticking them to your skis. The problem with this in the field, however, is that the plastic tends to blow around in the wind and using them slows your transitions. So, unless your skin instructions tell you in big red letters to always use the protectors, it’s easier not to do so and most people don’t. If you’ve dried your skins out overnight in the drying room, stick them outside for a few minutes first thing in the morning before putting them on. If the glue is warm and soft it sometimes leaves a bit of a residue on the

15 THE HUMBLE CLIMBING SKIN IS WHAT MAKES BACKCOUNTRY SKIING POSSIBLE. PHOTO: ALAN EDIE TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

WHAT TO PACK

‡ Skis or splitboard, boots and poles ‡ Water bottle/thermos/bladder YOU CAN’T DRINK ICE ‡ Climbing skins with effective adhesive, ‡ Lunch and snacks Don’t carry your water bottle outside sized correctly your pack. It’s likely to freeze. Many ‡ Communication device (phone, radio, Spot) ski tourers carry a thermos. Others opt ‡ Avalanche transceiver with good ‡ Signal whistle for a Nalgene bottle with an insulating batteries ‡ Map, compass, GPS cover. Camelbak® or hydration pack ‡ Avalanche rescue shovel and probe bladders do work in winter, but do take some practice. Get an insulated ‡ Basic repair kit (heli straps, screwdriver or ‡ Ski helmet if you use one multi-tool with bits to tighten or adjust boot hose for winter use. Start with hot and binding screws, spare pole basket, water. Blow the hose and bite valve ‡ Day skiing pack small base scraper, duct tape, etc.) clear after each drink. Then tuck the ‡ Small first aid kit (blister pads, ibuprofen) end of the hose and bite valve inside ‡ Sunglasses, goggles SAM splint your jacket. If it freezes, curl the hose ‡ Sunscreen up and stick it inside your pack next to ‡ Headlamp with good batteries your back to thaw it out. ‡ Multi-layer ski clothing (see ‡ Space blanket or Mylar bivvy sack recommendations on layering) ‡ Handwarmer packets ‡ 2 pair gloves (or 1 pair gloves and 1 pair ‡ Lighter and fire starters mittens) ‡ Ski hat (a baseball cap with bill is also useful if exceptionally sunny or snowing) ‡ Ace-in-the-hole extra jacket

16 TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

TECHNIQUE

So, you have decided to take the model, most skiers find their boots to be Everyone has their own uphill pace that is plunge. You have accumulated all the ski more comfortable and to give better range comfortable and efficient. It may take you a few equipment and backcountry gear you of motion with the buckles loosened and outings to find yours. If you are struggling to need. You have lined up an experienced powerstraps unfastened. keep up with your partners, ask them to slow friend or two, or maybe hired a guide to down a bit or at least stop and wait for you A big part of the appeal of the backcountry is help you get started on the right track. regularly. Likewise, if you are faster than them the enjoyment of the winter wilderness. So, make sure you stop and regroup at regular Time to hit the backcountry. slow down and enjoy the experience. Learn to intervals. Let everyone catch their breath and embrace the going up as much as the coming Here are a few techniques tips that refuel and hydrate if necessary. down. hopefully will help you to have a safe and enjoyable experience.

UPHILL TRAVEL What comes down must first go up. So, it is only logical that we begin with uphill technique. Remember that backcountry skiing is 90% uphill travel. By moving efficiently on the ascent, you will have energy to spare for the descent.

Pace yourself. Moving uphill, sometimes through deep snow, can be a good workout. Be sure to travel at a comfortable pace. You should be able to carry out a conversation with your companions. If you are soaked in sweat it means you are either dressed too warmly (take off a layer), or you are going too hard (slow down). Long easy strides, sliding your skis as you move, rather than picking them up with each step, is the way to go. Proper technique is akin to cross-country skiing – not snowshoeing. Depending on the

17 TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

TECHNIQUE, CONTINUED

HOW STEEP SHOULD YOU CLIMB? there. There are usually two heights to choose Using the lifters unnecessarily, however, from and should be easy enough to flip up and will shorten your stride, slow you down, and Well, the shortest distance is the fastest down with your ski pole. increase the number of steps needed to get route, right? Maybe for airplanes and you where you are going. So, get in the habit of helicopters that is true, but not necessarily They are a great feature, allowing you to climb only using them where it is steep enough to be for skiers. steeply, while keeping the sole of your boot beneficial. Also, if you feel like you need to be more or less level, just like climbing stairs rather When you are first starting out you will on the highest position, it is probably too steep than a ramp. That can save you from tired calf most likely be following someone else’s of a climb to be efficient for more than a short muscles and overused Achilles tendons. uptrack. distance. Look for a mellower route.

Some tracks are a pleasure to follow. They have a comfortable grade and corners are easy to skin around. The track setter is skilled at their craft and it shows in the uptrack they leave. Other tracks you may follow seem like they are meant to be a test of your strength, and of the grip of your climbing skins. Super steep climbing and corners that are steep and abrupt enough to be dangerous are the mark of an unskilled track setter. You will soon find out that the lower testosterone type of uptrack will get you to the top just as fast and leave you with much more energy to enjoy the descent than the super steep suffer fests.

WHAT ABOUT THOSE THINGS ON YOUR BINDINGS THAT RAISE YOUR HEEL? Heel lifts, elevators, risers, whatever you want to call them are standard on just about every type of ski touring binding out

18 TRACKS SET BY AN EXPERIENCED SKIER ARE A PLEASURE TO FOLLOW. TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

TECHNIQUE, CONTINUED

AT THE TOP Sounds like a lot of things to do, right? It is. are organized and practiced enough to be fast at transitioning will find it easy to find partners Ok, you have managed the climb up. Maybe Some people are super-fast at their transitions for the backcountry. Those skiers who fumble even enjoyed it a bit. You have figured out and some are excruciatingly slow. with their gear and clothing, while everyone your clothing system to prevent overheating The transition from tour to ski at the top of the else is shivering and ready and waiting to go, and found a nice uphill pace that you can run and from ski to tour at the bottom are a big will require partners with a lot of patience. So, maintain indefinitely. Now you are at the top part of a day of backcountry skiing. Skiers who work at becoming fast. of the climb preparing for the much-awaited descent. Here is what you need to do next:

• Put on another layer or two of clothing before you get chilled. • Have a drink and a snack. • Take your skis off, one at a time if the snow is deep. Remove your climbing skins, folding them in half, sticky sides together and stow them in your pack. Sure, some of your more experienced friends may peel off their skins without removing their skis, which looks pretty cool and efficient. However, it is not cool and efficient if you fall over, getting yourself and your skin glue covered with snow. So, baby steps for now. • Switch your bindings to downhill mode, step into your skis and tighten up your boot buckles and, don’t forget to put your boots into downhill mode. • Helmet and goggles on, pack closed, pants and jackets all zipped up.

19 SAVE TIME AND SAVE FRIENDSHIPS BY DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE AND ORGANIZED TRANSITION ROUTINE. PHOTO: CATHERINE HAGEN TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

TECHNIQUE, CONTINUED

DOWNHILL TECHNIQUE SO HOW DO YOU HANDLE IT? You need to expect the unexpected in the snow and the terrain. You cannot afford to get What is the biggest difference between skiing Well, we can’t explain in this little book what hurt. Remember, this is called the backcountry downhill in the backcountry and downhill at a you need to do to address every possibility in skiing because you may be miles and hours ski resort? the backcountry, but what follows is what we away from help. Something as minor as a think is important. Simple. It’s the snow, and how it affects your tweaked knee at the resort might end up being skis, and ultimately you. First, and most importantly, you must roll in a a life or death situation in the backcountry. bit of caution when skiing in the backcountry. At the resort, the snow is groomed to a consistent surface. You know what to expect. Each new turn will feel about the same as the one before. If you are lucky enough to get a powder day at the resort, which usually doesn’t last for more than a run or two before it is skied out, you most often will still feel the firm base of the grooming under your skis. By contrast, in the backcountry, mother nature does the grooming. You might experience hero powder, windslab, ice, melt-freeze crusts or any number of snow conditions. Sometimes all in one run.

20 WITH THIS MUCH ROOM TO OPERATE, THERE ARE FRIENDS ON A POWDER DAY. PHOTO: DAVID SNADDEN TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

TECHNIQUE, CONTINUED

Feel out the snow as you go. What does it There is no single “right” technique in the The late renowned alpinist Alex Lowe once look like? What does it feel like? What does backcountry. Whatever works is the right said: “The best climber is the one having the it sound like? You need to be able to adapt technique. People who have spent decades most fun.” The same can be said about skiers your technique to the snow and terrain and skiing in the backcountry will use many in the backcountry. Don’t get hung up on how anticipate what technique the next turn is different techniques, right down to the good your technique looks. Do whatever works and going to require. At first that is difficult to do. old-fashioned beginner’s snowplow, in order to have fun! But like anything new, the more you do it, have a safe and enjoyable descent. the easier it gets. And it is the challenge of mastering the sport that keeps you motivated.

Here’s a tip: While travelling on the uptrack, get into the habit of observing the snow conditions as you ascend. Where is it wind affected? Where is it sun affected? Where is the best snow? That will give you some valuable knowledge for the ski down.

WHO WANTS“ A LIFE IMPRISONED IN SAFETY?

― AMELIA” EARHART

21 THIS IS WHY WE DO ALL THAT WORK. PHOTO: ALAN EDIE TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

FUELING AND HYDRATION

STAY AHEAD Lack of glycogen also affects your brain and bars, and some cookies or a piece of fruit. Snack your mood – you start feeling tired, sluggish your way through the day. Don’t wait for lunch A reasonably fit human body is like a car or or spacy. When marathon runners talk about to eat. Stick a bar or a cookie in your pocket truck. As long as you keep putting gas in “hitting the wall” or “bonking,” what they at each transition and eat it on the way uphill. a car, it will keep running. If you run out of are referring to is their body running out of Eat half your sandwich when you take a break gas, you come to a stop. The same is true glycogen. for your “first lunch” and the other half at your of you. As long as you keep putting water second. and calories in your body, it will run all day The key then is to make sure you eat enough too. carbohydrates during the day to keep your glycogen stores topped off. The old saying, “Eat before you’re hungry and drink before you’re thirsty,” sums up a solid approach to fueling and hydration. EAT WHAT YOU LIKE The key is not to get behind on either. Start by having a big breakfast. A typical daylong ski tour might run Carbohydrates (sugars) are your friend. 7-8 hours and burn 3,000 calories. Our Oatmeal, pancakes, cereal – all good. The muscles run on fat and sugar (glycogen). addition of a little protein like eggs, ham or Fat calories are primarily “burned” as fuel bacon is also good. Protein keeps you from during long, slow efforts like walking uphill. feeling hungry as quickly. Don’t overdo it Each of us has enough fat calories stored though – your body doesn’t convert protein to easily power us through a day of ski into energy quickly, so it’s not going to fuel touring. you today. The problem, however, is that the body What you eat during the day is largely a can only store about 2 hours worth of matter of personal preference. Typically you glycogen (stored carbohydrates/sugars). might pack a sandwich, three or four granola And that’s what your muscles need for higher intensity efforts like skiing downhill, or moving more quickly uphill.

22 THE SECRET TO FUELING AND HYDRATION IS TO EAT BEFORE YOU’RE HUNGRY AND DRINK BEFORE YOU’RE THIRSTY. TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

FUELING AND HYDRATION, CONTINUED

HYDRATE OR DIE START WITH A FULL TANK How much water you might drink in a If you get up early, eat breakfast at home and day also varies from person to person, then drive a couple of hours to the trailhead, it’s but bringing at least a liter is usually the good practice to eat a “second breakfast” before place to start. In cold weather, moving at leaving the parking lot if you are starting to feel a moderate pace and not sweating much, hungry again. This might be a banana and a you might not drink it all. In sunny spring granola bar. That way you don’t get behind on conditions, you might need more. fueling. Adding a powdered sports drink, like A similar hydration trick is to down an extra ½ Gatorade, to your water is an easy way to liter of water in the parking lot to start your day get a few hundred extra calories during the more fully hydrated before you hit the trail. day. Black or herbal tea with sugar makes Real food is generally more healthy and a cheap but effective, sports drink, too. appealing than energy bars and gels, but it’s not Then, just like eating, try to drink a bit at a bad idea to stash a few energy gel packets in each transition. If you feel thirsty, you’re your pack in case you or someone in your party already 2% dehydrated. bonks during the day or you need a little mojo for the day’s final climb. They are essentially like mainlining sugar. One packet will bring someone back from the dead for about 30 minutes. EXERCISE IS KING. With a little experience, you’ll dial in how “ much food and water you need to bring. As NUTRITION IS QUEEN. you consume your food and water, your pack conveniently gets lighter as the day goes on and PUT THEM TOGETHER you become a bit more fatigued. So it makes sense to bring a bit more than to run out. AND YOU’VE GOT A KINGDOM.

― JACK LALANE ” REAL FOOD IS (USUALLY) APPEALING. THERE’S NOTHING 23 LIKE A GOOD SANDWICH. TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

TRIP PLANNING

Regardless of your level of experience in Sources of information may include ATES rated areas can be found on: backcountry skiing, planning is essential. guidebooks, online sources, maps, Google • Avalanche Canada’s website, Earth and the advice of reputable backcountry Good pre-trip planning will help to ensure www.avalanche.ca/planning/trip-planner skiers. that you and your partners will have a • And Parks Canada’s website, safe and enjoyable backcountry ski outing In Canada, many popular backcountry www.pc.gc.ca/en/np/mtn/mountainsafety/ while staying within everyone’s level of risk skiing locations have terrain rated using the avalanche/ratings tolerance. Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale, (ATES). Terrain is rated as Simple, Challenging or There are many ways to plan a trip – some Complex. are good and some not good. What is imperative to the success of a trip is that you gather and consider well ahead of time the important information about the terrain, the avalanche conditions, the weather and your group to determine if the planned outing will be suitable or not.

TERRAIN Find out as much as you can about the PLANS“ ARE OF terrain of the trip you are thinking about:

• How serious is the terrain? LITTLE IMPORTANCE, • Is it avalanche terrain? BUT PLANNING • Is it steep or low-angled? IS ESSENTIAL. • What elevation zones will be travelled? (Below treeline? Treeline? Alpine?) • What aspect? (Sunny? Shady? Windward? Leeward?) ” • Are there options for safe routes, or are you fully committed to just one ― WINSTON CHURCHILL route? FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF BRITAIN 24 TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

TRIP PLANNING, CONTINUED

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS WEATHER For example, if there was more precipitation, or more wind, or warmer temperatures than Be sure to consult the local avalanche Guides and most experienced backcountry forecasted, it is quite possible avalanche bulletin when planning your trip. Taking an skiers are weather junkies. They are continually conditions could be worse than what was introductory level avalanche safety course looking at various weather products and originally forecasted. will help you interpret the information that anticipating how the past, current and is available. forecasted weather is going to affect the snow. In Canada, avalanche bulletins produced Not only does weather affect the quality of the by Avalanche Canada are found at snow from a skiing perspective, but weather www.avalanche.ca. also drives the changes in the stability of the snow, (how likely it is not to avalanche), which is In the US, avalanche bulletins produced by especially important from an avalanche safety the US Forest Service and other regional perspective. avalanche centers can be found through www.avalanche.org. So, get in the habit of monitoring the weather and comparing it to what was Before you step out the door, you want to expected. If the weather that happened or is know what the avalanche danger rating currently happening is different than what was is, what avalanche problems are to be forecasted, it is likely avalanche conditions will expected and what terrain is best to avoid. be different than what was forecasted. You will also want to know if avalanche conditions are forecasted to change for the worse, the better, or stay the same on the day of your trip.

AVALANCHE BULLETINS ARE AVAILABLE FOR MUCH OF THE 25 US AND CANADA AND SHOULD BE CONSULTED BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME. TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

TRIP PLANNING, CONTINUED

YOU AND YOUR GROUP Everyone needs to carry avalanche rescue equipment as well as personal clothing and When doing the planning for your outing, accessories, food and hydration. you need to consider yourself and the people you are going with. Things to spread out amongst the group members may include: Things to think about include: • First aid kit • What is the skiing ability of group members? Consider the weakest • Equipment repair kit skier in the group. • Navigation aids: map, • What is the fitness level of group GPS, compass members? Again, consider the • Communications: weakest skier in the group. cell phone, satellite • What is the level of avalanche training messenger, satellite of individual group members? phone • How prepared is the group, and what • Emergency shelter: is their ability to deal with unforeseen tarp, space blanket, situations such as injuries, fire starting tools avalanches, equipment, malfunctions or getting lost? Consider what level of first aid skills, avalanche rescue skills and navigation skills the group has. • What are the goals of the outing and are all group members compatible with those goals? For example, a group composed of some skiers who want to practice turns on low- angled terrain, and some skiers who want to ski steep, challenging terrain would not be considered as having compatible goals for the outing. • What gear is required?

26 YOUR GROUP’S OBJECTIVES SHOULD BE MATCHED TO THE ABILITY OF ITS MEMBERS. TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

TRIP PLANNING, CONTINUED

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER “Know before you go” is an often-used phrase Last but not least, let someone know your plan in backcountry skiing. By minimizing possibly – where you are going, and with whom, and Remember, the objective of pre-trip planning unpleasant surprises by exercising good, when you will be back. is to find out as much as possible about the thorough pre-trip planning, you will go a long terrain, avalanche conditions, weather and way to ensuring that your trips will be enjoyable group capabilities to determine if the planned and safe. trip will be suitable or not. You need to be honest with yourself. Look at the gathered information objectively. If something doesn’t fit within the matrix of an acceptable plan, look at what it would take to change the outing so that you and your group stay within your comfort level. For example, if the terrain of the trip is steep and complex avalanche terrain and the avalanche danger rating is high, look for a trip with simpler avalanche terrain where there are options to avoid high risk areas, or choose to postpone your trip until conditions improve. Or, if the planned trip looks like it is long and strenuous, and a few group members would physically have troubles, consider finding a shorter, physically easier trip.

27 THE OBJECTIVE OF PRE-TRIP PLANNING IS TO FIND OUT AS MUCH ABOUT THE TERRAIN AND SNOW CONDITIONS AS POSSIBLE BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT. PHOTO: JAMES TRICKIER TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

MANAGING YOURSELF AND YOUR GROUP

Previously, we have outlined the 1. You should have a quick discussion of 3. Then check to be sure everyone’s importance of proper planning of a goals for the day, snow stability, group transceiver is turned on in transmit mode. backcountry ski trip. We discussed how by dynamics and risk tolerance. taking into consideration the terrain, the 2. Do the members of the group have avalanche conditions, the weather and our everything, and does it work? Check your group members, we can stack the odds in checklist. Make sure everybody has their our favour and have a safe and rewarding personal gear and allocated group gear outing. before you set off up the trail. Now at the trailhead, about to begin, practicing good management of yourself and your group throughout the course of your trip will further ensure that you have a great day.

TRAILHEAD PROCEDURES Depending on how frequently group members have skied with one another, your group may wish to designate one member as its leader based on their experience and skill. The role of leader is to monitor the group. The leader is generally the person that did the planning, and conceived the trip.

28 THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE GROUP’S LEAD AND TAIL SHOULD BE WITHIN RANGE OF SIGHT OR VOICE. PHOTO: MARGRIET BERKHOUT TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

MANAGING YOURSELF AND YOUR GROUP, CONTINUED

ON THE TRAIL • Monitor and reevaluate – Continuously monitor and Now that you are on the move, pay reevaluate individual and group attention to how you manage yourself conditions. Are the snow conditions and your group. what we expected? Is the weather • Pace – Set a comfortable pace changing? Are members lagging? that everyone can maintain: slow Are we still having fun? Should we enough to be comfortable but fast adjust our plans? enough to keep warm. Stop before • Timing – Keep track of time. too long to adjust clothing for Remember that daylight hours can temperature management. be short in the winter. Start early in • Lead and tail – Someone needs the morning and be sure that you to go first, setting the track, and have enough time, with a buffer make the small-scale route-finding built in, to get back to the trailhead, decisions. If the trail breaking is or wherever your destination is difficult the leader will need to before dark. be spelled off regularly. The tail position is responsible for making sure no one gets left behind. If you find you are slower than your Generally, the distance between companions, don’t push yourself into the lead and the tail should not the red in an effort to keep up. That’s exceed visual or voice distance. highly counterproductive. You’ll become exhausted and slow the group down Regroup – Regroup at regular • even more. Go at a steady pace that you intervals so that everyone can have can maintain without stopping to catch a rest, have a drink or eat. your breath • Communicate – Have group You can compensate for being slower discussions about important route on the uptrack by being more efficient decisions. Everyone’s input should at fueling by keeping snacks in your be welcomed and considered. pockets and eating on the go, and Decisions made by consensus are working hard at being efficient at generally better than individual transitioning from uphill to downhill ski decisions. mode.

29 YOUR GROUP MAY WISH TO DESIGNATE ONE MEMBER AS ITS LEADER BASED ON THEIR EXPERIENCE AND SKILL. TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

MANAGING YOURSELF AND YOUR GROUP, CONTINUED

MANAGEMENT ERRORS DEBRIEF plan and prepare for a trip, how you move through THAT CAN TURN A FUN TRIP the terrain, and how you make good decisions. At the end of the day, have a discussion with INTO AN EPIC, OR WORSE your trip partners. Talk about what worked during It is a lifelong learning experience. You will learn Most backcountry skiers can remember trips the day and what didn’t. What would you do something every time you go out. It’s up to you to that started out well enough, but then devolved differently next time? put that learning to good use and make your next into an experience where what was meant to trip better than the last one. Becoming a good backcountry skier is much more be a fun day became something they would not than about how you ski. It is all about how you want to repeat. Here are some common mistakes:

• Travelling alone in the backcountry. If you run into trouble there will be no one to help you. • Allowing someone in the group to go back or go ahead on their own. If they run into trouble you may be too late to help them. • Becoming overly fatigued, which can cause poor judgement. When tired at the end of the day choosing a risky shortcut route versus the longer safe route. • Running out of time or daylight can affect judgement and cause you to rush into terrain that really deserves some serious thought. • Not speaking up if you are uncomfortable with the plan or route choice. Sometimes we don’t want to voice our concerns because we don’t want to be perceived by the rest of the group as being timid or fearful.

30 ENCOURAGE GROUP DISCUSSION ABOUT IMPORTANT ROUTE DECISIONS. PHOTO: MARGRIET BERKHOUT TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Backcountry skiing offers you the Craig Evanoff is an Association of Canadian Brett St. Clair is a washed-up climber and opportunity to enjoy some of the most Mountain Guides Ski Guide who, with his wife mountain bike racer who first skied over the memorable moments and best conditions Bonnie, owns and operates Dezaiko Lodge, a headwall of New Hampshire’s Tuckerman you’ll ever experience on skis. It also remote backcountry lodge in British Columbia’s Ravine on a pair of Karhu XCD-GTs and barely- carries a significant responsibility to Rocky Mountains. He was 3 years old when first over-the-ankle three-pin leather boots. After manage the sport’s inherent risks. put on skis. Now several decades later he has telemark skiing for 30 years he switched to AT skied and climbed throughout North America gear fours years ago and hasn’t looked back. We hope you find the advice in this little as well as in Asia, South America and New His day job is Western Skyline Marketing & book helpful in getting started. Experience Zealand. Communication and his clients include Dezaiko is the best teacher and you’ll gain Lodge, Amalgam Skis and Cody Townsend’s confidence and competence as you spend [email protected] Fifty Project website skithefifty.com. more time in the backcountry. dezaiko.com [email protected] Be safe and have fun. wskyline.com — Craig and Brett

31 TIPS FOR BEGINNING BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS

THANKS COPYRIGHT BRETT ST. CLAIR AND CRAIG EVANOFF, 2020

We appreciate the help of Kristin St. Clair, Bonnie Hooge, Susan Houghton, Gary Hunter, Martha Wilson, George Holt, Phil Taisey and Etienne St. Pierre for proof reading and feedback on content. Thanks to David Snadden, Alan Edie, James Trickier, Margriet Berkhout and Catherine Hagen for photography. And special thanks to Rose Lowry of Beechleaf Design for making us look good.

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