Backcountry. Advice needed

Loco-Deer-Slayer

Loco-Deer-Slayer

Active member
I was thinking next year instead of buying a ski pass to a resort save that money and buy skins and some AT binders.
Just ski the Backcountry all season, earning your turns I guess.
Has anyone done this?
I know little cotton wood gets slides all the time so it's gotta be dangerous to ski there.
I have taken the avi class at the U, which is supposibly the same as a level two certification.
Is it worth it to do this or just stick to the resorts?
+k for answers, thanks
 
There are plenty of people that do this...
It just comes down to Quality or Quantity. Neither one is better or worse. If you're willing to put in the time, the runs you are going to get are going to be really really good. And the aerobic aspect of it is banger also.
 
the teton gravity research has some great info on this, and a pretty legit following for BC/AT stuff. It is really unbeatable around here.
 
I tour once to twice a week in the wasatch, and enjoy it a lot. I usually get a dawn patrol or two before work during the week and a bigger tour on Sunday some weeks. If you love fresh turns it isn't a bad way to go. As far as avalanche awarness, if you want to ski the fun steep stuff you will need to get obsessed with the UAC and the weather. Talking snowpack will become one of your past times when u are not touring. You will need to get some friends that know the backcontry and are safety minded. Your life is literally in thier hands. I have no idea about the course at the U, but a level 1, is really enough. Level 2 courses are really designed for people in the snow industry or people that really geek out on snow. Level 2 talks about identifing snow crystals, different multiple burial tactics and jazz like that. Having avy gear isn't enough, u need to know how to use it and practice. Sorry for the parent like warning, but we have way too many burials in the wasatch because people are dumb or ignorant.

As much as i love touring, I would never give up my pass. Sometimes nothing beats a mindless day of shredding, lapping the park, or skiing 40 degree chutes at the bird/alta and not have to be worried about avy danger.

One other word or warning. I have a couple touring friends that no longer get passes. I would say their skiing ability has really leveled off because a one or two runs an outing really doesn't allow them to get much better. If you are content with your ability level and just want lots of pow turns, touring only might be for you....
 
I've toured quite a bit here in LCC. The thing that sucks is we get some long periods in mid winter where you really don't want to go out. Another thing is it is really hard to find someone to go out every time. Never never go out by yourself unless it is a low day and even then stick to areas you know and try to get someone to go with you.
It's really worth it to get a resort pass. Even a midweek at Brighton or something. There are times you just don't want to step into the backcountry after a big storm. It can go wrong really quickly.
 
That's pretty much just a personal choice, obviously you can do it if you want to and that's what you like to do. Only real logistical problem is having friends who are equally motivated and prepared.
 
Thanks for the replies.
Most likely get the $100 dollar Alta pass next year and then try and get some skins and bindings with leftover money.
 
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