Winter is not the only storm on our hands these days. The pandemic’s path of destruction and human suffering has been causing real pain on our streets for months. While many still hunker down, glued to a blue screen, zoomed out with no contact, the outdoors is clearly calling us now more than ever, providing a true sense of relief from the black clouds swirling in our minds.
This past summer, spinning bike wheels provided a much-needed break and now, the focus is shifting as we ponder how to cope throughout the winter season. Resort skiing and riding will hopefully offer many the similar benefits biking did this summer, moving your body and savouring outdoor glory.
In fact, growth in winter sports like alpine skiing and snowboarding is on the rise given recent spikes in gear sales and increased season pass holders at plenty of ski areas across British Columbia and Alberta. While skiing inside the boundaries of commercial ski resorts is perfect for many, others might feel the tug of backcountry skiing and want to head deep into the white wilderness.
Backcountry skiing and riding have the allure of untracked freedom, spectacular mountain backdrops and a remarkable silence to balance our overworked minds and emotions. In a quest to go further off and out, this activity provides a mix of high cardio benefits with an uphill zen-like trance of relaxation and natural infusion of the wilderness to ease our souls.
Before you go, please know the risks and follow the steps to get educated. Humbly accept that you are just beginning a lifetime’s trail of education, respect and care; not only for yourself but those you travel with. Also be mindful of others who may be out and, of course, the safety of those who would have to be called out to rescue you if something went awry.
You are out in the wild with no facilities to warm up in, no ski patrol and many hazards. Fortunately, now there are many options and ways to gain knowledge, so approach it like a cake by taking a layered approach. Combine your own learning with many other key ingredients like hiring an Association of Canadian Mountain Guide (ACMG), taking avalanche education courses, registering for a group intro to backcountry skiing course and going out with friends who have experience. Ultimately, the point is to become educated, head out with a knowledgeable crew and deploy that expertise you’ve gained in ways like route finding, weather intel and snow knowledge. Understanding Avalanche Bulletins and heeding trip beta from valued sources will make a world of difference to ensure you can continue enjoying day after day in the mountains.
Mountains of Education – Avalanches provide a real threat to all backcountry travellers
You are entering an uncontrolled environment, so it’s essential to get schooled by seeking out education and continued training on this unpredictable terrain. Check out the following opportunities and remember this is not just a one-time deal to becoming an instant expert. Always refresh your knowledge of the material, take more courses and ask tons of questions of those more educated on backcountry skiing. We are very fortunate to have many talented ACMG Guides who make their home in the mountains of Alberta and British Columbia. You can either choose to hire your own ACMG Guide, which is highly recommended in the beginning, so you can garner the benefits of a one-on-one learning environment. Another great option is to sign up for one of the many reputable courses offered like Weekend Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Riding (offered by the U of C Outdoor Centre) or check out Canmore based Yamnuska Mountain Adventures’ Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding courses. Another option is the Alpine Club of Canada, which offers an all-women Level 1 Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding, complete with solid COVID protocols in place. Everyone must click on Avalanche Canada and sign up for an Avalanche Skills Training 1 course, offered by a variety of professionals and organizations. Continuing to learn is a must for anyone venturing into potential avalanche terrain, to provide basic foundational insights and the key ‘how-to’ of the ever-important companion rescue.
Take stock
Make sure you are physically ready to go. Not only with regards to cardio and strength but also skiing and riding skills. Don’t get too hung up, you don’t need superhero hulk, but reasonably good fitness is key as you are climbing uphill. Keep in mind that when you are starting out you work even harder since the finer finesse areas, like kick turns, have not been perfected. Sometimes equally as challenging will be the downhill which can come with mixed snow conditions and terrain, along with natural obstacles. Unlike groomed ski area slopes, this can be a lot of work. The good news is that, if you sign up for one of the Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Riding Courses, you will get tips on the uphill and downhill portion of ski touring to accelerate your learning curve. About those skiing skills? If you are feeling like a star on ski area intermediate (also known as blue runs), then you’re good to go. Otherwise, why not go for a ski lesson at your local ski area, raise your skills and become prepared to conquer more types of terrain.
Gear up
Beyond the decision of whether you will ski or snowboard, decisions then cascade into the specific gear needed for a ski or splitboard touring set up. In addition to your skins and the essential skiing and riding equipment, it’s vital that you and your crew carry the needed safety gear (this is critical). Everyone will need an avalanche transceiver, avalanche shovel and avalanche probe, plus a good ski touring backpack to put it all in. Before you head out into the mountains, take a moment at the trailhead to double check that all avalanche transceivers work, your batteries are charged and that all the safety gear is on-hand.
Tips
Light or feather-light? Everything from bindings, to skis to boots, there is a lighter, more expensive version. Want examples for boots? Try trusted brands like Scott and La Sportiva for value and lightweight as super worthy options. For skis, there are so many options like Rossignol’s BC 120 for value, to G3 or Black Diamonds, and the new Helio line. In terms of bindings, check out names like Fritschi or G3, which are featherweight and Canadian made. Think about it, this sport truly comes down to comfort, performance and your own personal preference. But don’t sacrifice fit, go to a local mountain or outdoor gear shop to get professional input and make sure you have the right fitting boots and equipment.
Ski or board type? Most of us can only afford one pair of skis or board, and that will usually work just fine. Some want to go deeper though, in which case you may want to think about a wider ski or powder board.
Helmet up. The age-long saying that helmets don’t fit well, or that it is not as warm as a tuque are long gone and there’s now no reason not to take this critical safety measure for mountain activities. Helmets are now widely preferred by choice, like the Smith Vantage which is lightweight, warm, a great fit and – most importantly – ‘noggin’ protection. Nobody plans to have an accident, and this is one easy step to avoid major headaches (or worse).
Not just any ski pole. Adjustable, sturdy and lightweight is what you’re looking for here. Check out the MSR Dynalock Ascent Carbon Backcountry poles. They also feature a well-placed grip area, which comes in handy on the uptrack and it collapses for easy storage too.
Hydration. Note that whether you use hydration systems like the MSR Dromedary Bag V2 or an old-school Nalgene bottle, you need to keep it from freezing and drink regularly throughout the day. Similarly, looking to keep your liquids hot? The Yeti Rambler 18 Bottle is perfect for serving up a nice hot tea on your breaks. After skiing, consider celebrating with Outdoor Research’s Growler Parka. You got it, this will keep your favourite craft brews from freezing too.
One cool pack. Gregory Packs’ new Targhee FT 45 is fully kitted out with helmet storage, hydration storage and easy access to the main compartment. It enables you to be within quick reach of essentials like your shovel and probe, plus offers an innovative way to carry skis.
