Backcountry Skiing Colorado without Avalanche Training

[Zennan]

So I am planning on taking a BC skiing trip in Colorado soon (probably southwest, maybe Molas Pass area?) and was wondering if I have a probe, shovel, and beacon and know pretty well how to use it all but have no proper avalanche training if it is safe to ski out there? So ya, what other prepping do I need to have for safety and how necessary is the probe, shovel, beacon set up out there? (guys I am planning on going with doesn't have any of it). Also none of us have been BC skiing before, but have done plenty of extreme skiing, sidecountry, hike to's and stuff... mostly in Telluride -- we can handle the skiing no problem.

 

[Mingg]

was wondering if I have a probe, shovel, and beacon and know pretty well how to use it all but have no proper avalanche training if it is safe to ski out there? So ya, what other prepping do I need to have for safety and how necessary is the probe, shovel, beacon set up out there? (guys I am planning on going with doesn't have any of it).

Well look at it this way, if you're the one who gets caught in a slide, you're pretty fucked since the only people who can help you are pretty helpless without proper gear.

 

[Zennan]

Well look at it this way, if you're the one who gets caught in a slide, you're pretty fucked since the only people who can help you are pretty helpless without proper gear.

Alright just making sure... so i'll make sure they get the gear then. lol

 

[profa_212]

This is absolutely fucking retarded. Not only are you putting a heavy risk on your life...but everybody else you are with as well.

I don't care how much gear you have or how much you can use a beacon...there is a fuck load more that goes into it.

 

[gusestomp]

Absolutely fucking not. I just finished my AIARE level 1 course yesterday and you really should take one.

Basically, all of Colorado is getting dumped on making a lot of the snow unstable, be careful. And without everyone having the correct equipment is useless

 

[Zennan]

This is absolutely fucking retarded. Not only are you putting a heavy risk on your life...but everybody else you are with as well.

I don't care how much gear you have or how much you can use a beacon...there is a fuck load more that goes into it.

Alright my man... I appreciate the response that's why I ask, so I don't do dumb things... I just wanted some sort of reassurance before I lay down some money -- that's why NS is here to educate people and talk about stuff we love

 

[Zennan]

Absolutely fucking not. I just finished my AIARE level 1 course yesterday and you really should take one.

Basically, all of Colorado is getting dumped on making a lot of the snow unstable, be careful. And without everyone having the correct equipment is useless

Alright thanks a lot for the response. Do you recommend taking a course in the area I am gonna be skiing in? (sw colorado) or does it really matter where I take the course? I am assuming it does since snow pack varies across states and counties?

 

[gusestomp]

Alright thanks a lot for the response. Do you recommend taking a course in the area I am gonna be skiing in? (sw colorado) or does it really matter where I take the course? I am assuming it does since snow pack varies across states and counties?

I took my course at CMS up in Estes Park, you can take it anywhere really but Colorado's snow is really different compared to places like Cali so take it where you'll be touring the most i'd say.

 

[Zennan]

I took my course at CMS up in Estes Park, you can take it anywhere really but Colorado's snow is really different compared to places like Cali so take it where you'll be touring the most i'd say.

Alright that's great to take into account! I'll make sure to do that! Also congrats on the AIARE level 1!!!

 

[profa_212]

woah sorry guys i dont know what just happened so sorry about the crazy weird posting that just happened of me posting like a million times lol

NS was flipping out for me too lol.

I would suggest taking it close to where you would be skiing, because general snowpack can be different...like California or Washington compared to Colorado, but a general avi 1 will do you plenty of good no matter where you go.

 

[Zennan]

NS was flipping out for me too lol.

I would suggest taking it close to where you would be skiing, because general snowpack can be different...like California or Washington compared to Colorado, but a general avi 1 will do you plenty of good no matter where you go.

Alright that's great to know! I for sure will take it in the rado then! I am assuming then that a level 2 course isn't necessary but probably a good idea if I wanna go to ski some more dangerous stuff like spines and what not? (not gonna think about doing that my first BC trip lol)

 

[wrichmond]

Alright that's great to know! I for sure will take it in the rado then! I am assuming then that a level 2 course isn't necessary but probably a good idea if I wanna go to ski some more dangerous stuff like spines and what not? (not gonna think about doing that my first BC trip lol)

The different avy classes don't teach different types of terrain, they just go more in depth about the snow science and how to read terrain.

Generally at the earliest you can avy 2 one year after avy 1, to allow for practical experience.

Colorado avy conditions are TERRIBLE, so stay inbounds til you have the training.

 

[Zennan]

The different avy classes don't teach different types of terrain, they just go more in depth about the snow science and how to read terrain.

Generally at the earliest you can avy 2 one year after avy 1, to allow for practical experience.

Colorado avy conditions are TERRIBLE, so stay inbounds til you have the training.

Ah i get it! Thanks! Ya I'm getting the impression of that. Does Utah have better avy conditions? Just hard to justify skiing BC in Utah when the snow is, well -- your in Utah so the snow is probably perfect at Alta as well along with sick terrain!

 

[californiagrown]

Alright that's great to know! I for sure will take it in the rado then! I am assuming then that a level 2 course isn't necessary but probably a good idea if I wanna go to ski some more dangerous stuff like spines and what not? (not gonna think about doing that my first BC trip lol)

Hopefully the avy 1 class scares you straight. Cause right now you are straight retarded. You don't have equipment, don't have theoretical knowledge, have no practical field based knowledge, and have no partners with any of the above either.

And you think it is a good idea to ski rowdy terrain on THE sketchiest snowpack in America with the above.

Fuck.

You're the guy who thinks getting slid is NBD and your boyz will just dig you out no problem.

 

[Zennan]

Hopefully the avy 1 class scares you straight. Cause right now you are straight retarded. You don't have equipment, don't have theoretical knowledge, have no practical field based knowledge, and have no partners with any of the above either.

And you think it is a good idea to ski rowdy terrain on THE sketchiest snowpack in America with the above.

Fuck.

You're the guy who thinks getting slid is NBD and your boyz will just dig you out no problem.

Well thanks for the response but I actually do have the equipment, and did not think it was a good idea. That is why I decided to ask, to double check. I appreciate your response but NS is here to get informed and help each other out on topics they are not as informed about as others are. Not to bash on people for no reason. So where I appreciate your response, I would enjoy if in the future you would be a bit nicer and realize that everyone is not born with the knowledge of everything about accessing the bc. I came here to get information and make sure I do not end up in a bad position. That right there proves my point of I actually am the guy who cares about his safety and wishes to be informed on everything I need to be. Again thank you for responding, just I would appreciate it if you went about it in a much nicer way in the future. Last thing... I would appreciate you not using the word "retarded" out of a medical context.

all the best, and have a good season!

 

[Mr.Bishop]

Well thanks for the response but I actually do have the equipment, and did not think it was a good idea. That is why I decided to ask, to double check. I appreciate your response but NS is here to get informed and help each other out on topics they are not as informed about as others are. Not to bash on people for no reason. So where I appreciate your response, I would enjoy if in the future you would be a bit nicer and realize that everyone is not born with the knowledge of everything about accessing the bc. I came here to get information and make sure I do not end up in a bad position. That right there proves my point of I actually am the guy who cares about his safety and wishes to be informed on everything I need to be. Again thank you for responding, just I would appreciate it if you went about it in a much nicer way in the future. Last thing... I would appreciate you not using the word "retarded" out of a medical context.

all the best, and have a good season!

Hey man -

While 99% of the time I would totally say you are right to feel people were overly harsh in this situation... I think it's really important for you to take in the level of what you tapped into here.

There's a lot of stuff out there romanticizing the backcountry, and it's awesome as Fuck out there. However the mountains are an unfathomably dangerous place when you are outside of controlled resort conditions.

It is important to note as well that actions in the BC don't just get you killed - they can get others killed who aren't even skiing with you. For instance if you skied something stupid, you could trigger an avy that kills a group of seasoned BC professional skiers just because they were below you.

Howtility towards people thinking about making stupid moves In the backcountry is designed to put the fear of god into you - and to in turn spread that fear to everyone you encounter.

Everyone could have been nicer for sure - but you also have to appreciate the level of danger that your post shows you were considering putting yourself and your fellow skiers into.

Think of suggesting to go into the backcountry without education as the same as some bro from school suggesting that he was going to get wasted, do 3 tabs of acid and then go drifting in his car around an elementary school play area in the middle of recess.

You wouldnt calmly tell that guy to maybe do that when recess is over - you'd berate him for even considering any part of the idea.

That is an extreme example, but it's not entirely far off.

 

[Zennan]

Hey man -

While 99% of the time I would totally say you are right to feel people were overly harsh in this situation... I think it's really important for you to take in the level of what you tapped into here.

There's a lot of stuff out there romanticizing the backcountry, and it's awesome as Fuck out there. However the mountains are an unfathomably dangerous place when you are outside of controlled resort conditions.

It is important to note as well that actions in the BC don't just get you killed - they can get others killed who aren't even skiing with you. For instance if you skied something stupid, you could trigger an avy that kills a group of seasoned BC professional skiers just because they were below you.

Howtility towards people thinking about making stupid moves In the backcountry is designed to put the fear of god into you - and to in turn spread that fear to everyone you encounter.

Everyone could have been nicer for sure - but you also have to appreciate the level of danger that your post shows you were considering putting yourself and your fellow skiers into.

Think of suggesting to go into the backcountry without education as the same as some bro from school suggesting that he was going to get wasted, do 3 tabs of acid and then go drifting in his car around an elementary school play area in the middle of recess.

You wouldnt calmly tell that guy to maybe do that when recess is over - you'd berate him for even considering any part of the idea.

That is an extreme example, but it's not entirely far off.

Alright my man! I for sure understand ya! Just extremely inexperienced when it comes to the bc for skiing because I know absolutely no one that skis bc (thanks to where I live) and I like to do my research before spending money since I couldn't really get informed by anyone else (why I took the the NS). Only experience I have with bc is backpacking... and I don't worry about avalanches in the summer lol. But no ya I really appreciate your response! I just didn't really know much about what to do so that's why I ask! But ya its great to hear exactly what I need to do because obviously wanna keep everyone safe out there! Also I appreciate all the warnings of how dangerous it is and what I need to do!

 

[cydwhit]

You're getting harsher reactions because this stuff is really, really important. It affects lives, not just your own, but everyone else out there. Your lack of experience sets you up to drop a slide on other skiers, people's friends, fathers, brothers. It also sets you up to drop a slide onto a road, which hurts access for all backcountry skiers.

Chances are the people calling you out have lost friends, family members. Pay attention and this stuff starts to weigh heavy. I'm not even that close to it, but here's a personal example: On a day-to-day level it affects me when the pass is closed because some idiot skied something he shouldn't have and put 20 feet of snow on the road. That's happened twice in the last month. Last time it happened my roommate missed a doctor's appointment because he had to drive three hours around the avalanche. Add that to the fact that in the past month I've had three friends of friends die in the hills and maybe you understand why not everyone is happy huggy time? And I've been lucky, haven't even been that close to it yet.

Nobody cares that you have the gear. I'd rather go out with someone experienced and no gear than a gaper with an airbag and the rest of it.

I'm not usually a fan of taking anything about skiing too seriously, but avalanche knowledge and safety is worth it.

Start reading the avy report for the zones you're visiting now, buy Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain and scare yourself straight, then come up with an actual intelligent post asking for beta.

 

[Zennan]

I'm not usually a fan of taking anything about skiing too seriously, but avalanche knowledge and safety is worth it.

Start reading the avy report for the zones you're visiting now, buy Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain and scare yourself straight, then come up with an actual intelligent post asking for beta.

Alright awesome, thanks for letting me know! I appreciate your response -- sorry I don't know much about it, that's why I felt the need to ask! May I ask, should I try and just find someone that has been bc skiing before since currently the people I know have not?(obviously after training) It sounds as if it would be pretty dumb then to go out even with avy training with a group of people, all of whom have not accessed the bc skiing before. Or is the training really gonna be enough to go?

 

[cydwhit]

Alright awesome, thanks for letting me know! I appreciate your response -- sorry I don't know much about it, that's why I felt the need to ask! May I ask, should I try and just find someone that has been bc skiing before since currently the people I know have not?(obviously after training) It sounds as if it would be pretty dumb then to go out even with avy training with a group of people, all of whom have not accessed the bc skiing before. Or is the training really gonna be enough to go?

The training should be enough to scare you into not going out with a group of terrifying newbs.

Find someone more experienced than you who's kind enough to take you out and mentor you a little.

 

[californiagrown]

Well thanks for the response but I actually do have the equipment, and did not think it was a good idea. That is why I decided to ask, to double check. I appreciate your response but NS is here to get informed and help each other out on topics they are not as informed about as others are. Not to bash on people for no reason. So where I appreciate your response, I would enjoy if in the future you would be a bit nicer and realize that everyone is not born with the knowledge of everything about accessing the bc. I came here to get information and make sure I do not end up in a bad position. That right there proves my point of I actually am the guy who cares about his safety and wishes to be informed on everything I need to be. Again thank you for responding, just I would appreciate it if you went about it in a much nicer way in the future. Last thing... I would appreciate you not using the word "retarded" out of a medical context.

all the best, and have a good season!

How are you planning to access the skiing? Bootpack it?

What research have you done prior to announcing your plans to go ski the BC gnar with your boyz? Watched a few ski flicks?

How do you know how to use your equipment? You've practiced beacon searches in snow, practiced digging, probing etc? Or did you just skim through the manual once and put together your shovel?

I think the description of a mentally handicapped person fits well in this instance.

The training should be enough to scare you into not going out with a group of terrifying newbs.

Find someone more experienced than you who's kind enough to take you out and mentor you a little.

This. You kinda need a local to take you under their wing. Start out making overly conservative decisions until you get a better feel for the terrain, snow, and how to read it all. This takes years. Getting slid is no fucking joke. A 6" crown will send you at 50mph into a stand of trees or possibly bury you.

Too many folks think they will be slaying the gnar in deep pow all the damn time when in reality, it's rare conditions are stable enough and snow quality good enough to get into that type of terrain and ski what you want.

 

[Zennan]

How are you planning to access the skiing? Bootpack it?

What research have you done prior to announcing your plans to go ski the BC gnar with your boyz? Watched a few ski flicks?

How do you know how to use your equipment? You've practiced beacon searches in snow, practiced digging, probing etc? Or did you just skim through the manual once and put together your shovel?

I think the description of a mentally handicapped person fits well in this instance.

Ya thanks for your concern but I have done quite a bit of research. I know that I can go to an AIARE class list to see where and when I can take a class. I am planning on skinning up because if I were to like snowshoe up (which I never thought about doing) then when I get to the top my boots are gonna be frozen and crazy stiff, it would be less efficient, and just why wouldn't I skin up if I can lol. I know of relative places I am thinking of going based on asking people I have met that lived or are living in SW Colorado of safer places to go out in the BC so that I don't go and access for instance to Bear Creek my first go and get cliffed out and set off an avalanche since it is one of the more dangerous areas in my impression. I know you can check online at avalanche reports and snow reports to see the dangers of areas you are going to on a 1-5 scale and currently with the weather in the area I am looking at its a 3, so I wouldn't plan on going right now. I know to take extra stuff such as extra layers, gloves, med kit, water, food, lighter, headlamp, GPS, etc. I know of relative stuff in relation to avalanches such as try and keep track of the last seen sight of the person and start from there, and stick the probe in depending on how deep the person is (after you've located em) tells you how downhill you need to start to dig. I know there are ways to look at the snow and tell if the area you are in is more prone to an avalanche than others, I am just not 100% sure on how to do it since I don't have hands on experience with that... which I'm sure ill learn in AIARE level 1. I've used my stuff before (not because I was required to) and know how to throw everything together and start searching. I know I am not as proficient in using it as I should be, but obviously everyone can improve, so for sure I am going to do a few more practice runs before heading out, and obviously will do it with the whole group so we know how to work together and can trust each other in a potentially deadly avalanche. I obviously know you need a full AT setup lol (**I did do all of that research before posting here, I just wanted some reassurance on what I was thinking of doing was a good idea. Which was to take the class and overall just become more knowledgeable**). Really this thread post I feel might have come across a bit different than I wanted it to. I just wanted to make sure I guess that spending the money on the AIARE level 1 avy class is a good idea! I do though appreciate everyone's concerns and helpful comments!

**This post was edited on Jan 13th 2017 at 3:59:23pm

 

[wrichmond]

Ya thanks for your concern but I have done quite a bit of research. I know that I can go to an AIARE class list to see where and when I can take a class. I just wanted to make sure I guess that spending the money on the AIARE level 1 avy class is a good idea! I do though appreciate everyone's concerns and helpful comments!

Your research really begins in that class. Learning out of Trempers book (absolutely phenominal btw) is nothing compared to being with knowledgeable guides.

I know you can check online at avalanche reports and snow reports to see the dangers of areas you are going to on a 1-5 scale and currently with the weather in the area I am looking at its a 3, so I wouldn't plan on going right now.

Avy conditions aren't black and white (except DO NOT GO). That rating simply roughly describes the risk associated with terrain in a set area, pending aspect/elevation/terrain features.

Everyone's degree of risk is different, but you can definitely have a blast, safely, in considerable avy conditions. They'll just be 27-degree trees instead of dream TGR lines.

More to learn with the level 1 class.

I know to take extra stuff such as extra layers, gloves, med kit, water, food, lighter, headlamp, GPS, etc.

Avalanche forecast, terrain map, avalanche snow safety record book, and extra batteries are probably the most important, but those you listed are necessary as well.

I've used my stuff before (not because I was required to) and know how to throw everything together and start searching. I know I am not as proficient in using it as I should be, but obviously everyone can improve, so for sure I am going to do a few more practice runs before heading out, and obviously will do it with the whole group so we know how to work together and can trust each other in a potentially deadly avalanche.

Does your local ski hill have a beacon check / practice burial location? It's great practice for locating a signal, following the arc, zeroing in on the burial, probing, then digging them out.

For victims not affected by trauma, the burial fatality rate is 50% after 15min (I've also read 20min, depending on the stat). Speed is of the essence.

After you're prepared (class, practice, gear, etc.) approach the backcountry with mentality that you want to make it home every night. And you want to keep doing this til you're 80.

 

[TroyAntipasta]

Also I was talking to some patrol earlier today at copper and they said because the snow is much thicker/ wet this year. Making it much more Avalanche prone and dangerous.

 

[Zennan]

Alright thanks for the heads up! We may head out somewhere else or maybe just do some cat skiing or something instead? Do any of ya guys know of some good cat skiing in the southwest that won't break the bank? Colorado, Utah, New Mexico? When I was looking, for the most part it looked like most of the places were near Vail or Aspen area coming in around $600 per person for like 2 days of skiing. Does that sound about what is gonna happen?

 

[profa_212]

Alright thanks for the heads up! We may head out somewhere else or maybe just do some cat skiing or something instead? Do any of ya guys know of some good cat skiing in the southwest that won't break the bank? Colorado, Utah, New Mexico? When I was looking, for the most part it looked like most of the places were near Vail or Aspen area coming in around $600 per person for like 2 days of skiing. Does that sound about what is gonna happen?

Elko Nevada has a heli skiing operation that is very low key and very awsome...all of my roommates are from there and they know the owners. Sick stuff

 

[Zennan]

Elko Nevada has a heli skiing operation that is very low key and very awsome...all of my roommates are from there and they know the owners. Sick stuff

Sick ill for sure check out what up over there! Thanks for the info my man!

 

[profa_212]

Sick ill for sure check out what up over there! Thanks for the info my man!

Ruby heli ski company or something like that. It's cool! The ruby's are huge mountains...they just don't get traffic because they are in the middle of nowhere and halfway between SLC and tahoe.

 

[50Kal]

Silverton would be sick, but sounds like you've been in that area before.

Maybe Taos, Wolf Creek, Crest Butte, Monarch. Any of those would be good trips. Crest butte has been getting deep.

 

[SkiBum.]

Good luck. Let me know how it works out if you make it back to the trail head alive.

 

[tfsh]

Hey man it would be pretty unwise to go out there without any training. Colorado's snow pack especially is particularly un-stable. At least go online and do some free avalanche clinics. Seriously if you dont know dont go, because thats how people die (i believe 75% of avy deaths are due to this)

 

[schommi97]

what you wanna do is bad shit crazy. especially since you said nobody has ever skied backcountry. first of all everyone should get the right gear (beacon, probe, shovel) and know how to use it. if you really want/need to do this ski trip just hire a guide or someone that is entitled to show you around and maybe knows a lot more about the snow and the place than you or your friends

 

[Jibberino]

Ya thanks for your concern but I have done quite a bit of research. I know that I can go to an AIARE class list to see where and when I can take a class. I am planning on skinning up because if I were to like snowshoe up (which I never thought about doing) then when I get to the top my boots are gonna be frozen and crazy stiff, it would be less efficient, and just why wouldn't I skin up if I can lol. I know of relative places I am thinking of going based on asking people I have met that lived or are living in SW Colorado of safer places to go out in the BC so that I don't go and access for instance to Bear Creek my first go and get cliffed out and set off an avalanche since it is one of the more dangerous areas in my impression. I know you can check online at avalanche reports and snow reports to see the dangers of areas you are going to on a 1-5 scale and currently with the weather in the area I am looking at its a 3, so I wouldn't plan on going right now. I know to take extra stuff such as extra layers, gloves, med kit, water, food, lighter, headlamp, GPS, etc. I know of relative stuff in relation to avalanches such as try and keep track of the last seen sight of the person and start from there, and stick the probe in depending on how deep the person is (after you've located em) tells you how downhill you need to start to dig. I know there are ways to look at the snow and tell if the area you are in is more prone to an avalanche than others, I am just not 100% sure on how to do it since I don't have hands on experience with that... which I'm sure ill learn in AIARE level 1. I've used my stuff before (not because I was required to) and know how to throw everything together and start searching. I know I am not as proficient in using it as I should be, but obviously everyone can improve, so for sure I am going to do a few more practice runs before heading out, and obviously will do it with the whole group so we know how to work together and can trust each other in a potentially deadly avalanche. I obviously know you need a full AT setup lol (**I did do all of that research before posting here, I just wanted some reassurance on what I was thinking of doing was a good idea. Which was to take the class and overall just become more knowledgeable**). Really this thread post I feel might have come across a bit different than I wanted it to. I just wanted to make sure I guess that spending the money on the AIARE level 1 avy class is a good idea! I do though appreciate everyone's concerns and helpful comments!

**This post was edited on Jan 13th 2017 at 3:59:23pm

I feel like you're at the level where you would still be skiing inbounds, and getting your bearings straight. Where do you live and how often do you ski?

 

[Casey]

If there are back country gates at the resorts you are going to ask the ski patrol to show you around. At Alpental they used to require back country passes, which meant you basically had to take a run out there with some patrollers and they show you around and decide if you are too much of a moron to ski out there. It's a good way to introduce yourself to skiing out of bounds in a somewhat controlled and populated environment, there are a lot of people out there typically, patrol is maintaining the traverse, bombing in the mornings, closing the gate when AVY danger gets high, if I am by myself it's pretty common practice to just informally latch onto a group for a run so you aren't skiing alone.

Chances are you're going find plenty of challenging terrain inbounds. Unless you have a perfect learning opportunity with people that can show you around it's not a good idea.

 

[freeballer]

Also I was talking to some patrol earlier today at copper and they said because the snow is much thicker/ wet this year. Making it much more Avalanche prone and dangerous.

This is true to some degree. We had high danger for a few days because of a ton of wind and the heavier snow. However, over time, this heavier snow has now created a pretty solid bond with the old and new layers, so it has "healed" to some extent. The biggest threat in Eagle and Summit county now seems to be the deep down bad layer, so if it does slide, it's going to slide HUGE.

 

[californiagrown]

If there are back country gates at the resorts you are going to ask the ski patrol to show you around. At Alpental they used to require back country passes, which meant you basically had to take a run out there with some patrollers and they show you around and decide if you are too much of a moron to ski out there. It's a good way to introduce yourself to skiing out of bounds in a somewhat controlled and populated environment, there are a lot of people out there typically, patrol is maintaining the traverse, bombing in the mornings, closing the gate when AVY danger gets high, if I am by myself it's pretty common practice to just informally latch onto a group for a run so you aren't skiing alone.

Chances are you're going find plenty of challenging terrain inbounds. Unless you have a perfect learning opportunity with people that can show you around it's not a good idea.

Tahoe does not have anything like what alpy does. When you leave the boundary in Tahoe you are in the BC. when you leave the gates at alpy you are in a semi controlled area still within the boundary. Also, there is no card anymore.

Also patrollers will not show you around the BC anywhere. Even alpental. It is always good to check in with patrol to ask about conditions though as they are the best experts on snow conditions in the area.

 

[Zennan]

I feel like you're at the level where you would still be skiing inbounds, and getting your bearings straight. Where do you live and how often do you ski?

Dude I'm fine. I've been skiing since I was 2 and can easily ski every single hike to, EX, double Diamond anything. I've skied palmyra peak a few times at telluride with no problem, Dehedral chute as well with no problem at all of your familiar with telluride at all. I don't need any bearings to get straight. I've been skiing all over the place from whistler to mammoth to Colorado and am able to do all of the absolute hardest runs and bomb down em with style no problem. And every once in a while send the park. Thanks for your concern but no I'm passed that for sure lol. No clue how you even came to that conclusion... Just cuz I haven't skied outta the Bc yet? Kinda harsh but oh well can't make a judgement about someone's skiing capability when you haven't even met them or skied with em.

 

[Zennan]

If there are back country gates at the resorts you are going to ask the ski patrol to show you around. At Alpental they used to require back country passes, which meant you basically had to take a run out there with some patrollers and they show you around and decide if you are too much of a moron to ski out there. It's a good way to introduce yourself to skiing out of bounds in a somewhat controlled and populated environment, there are a lot of people out there typically, patrol is maintaining the traverse, bombing in the mornings, closing the gate when AVY danger gets high, if I am by myself it's pretty common practice to just informally latch onto a group for a run so you aren't skiing alone.

Chances are you're going find plenty of challenging terrain inbounds. Unless you have a perfect learning opportunity with people that can show you around it's not a good idea.

Those "backcountry" gates are normally still just inbounds slackcountry type suff that's all still controlled and not actually BC. I've done that stuff hundreds of times. I'm just looking for something new. Not necessarily harder. But better snow and just the whole BC expirence. Thanks for the recommendation though!

 

[californiagrown]

Those "backcountry" gates are normally still just inbounds slackcountry type suff that's all still controlled and not actually BC. I've done that stuff hundreds of times. I'm just looking for something new. Not necessarily harder. But better snow and just the whole BC expirence. Thanks for the recommendation though!

I've never known anyone to be as good of a skier as you claim, and have so very little knowledge about snow and avalanches.

You literally asked if your friends really needed beacon/shovel/probe to ski in the southern Colorado backcountry.

And most gates I know of serve actual backcountry. It'd behoove you to confirm with patrol at the area of your skiing.

Stay safe out there.

 

[profa_212]

I've never known anyone to be as good of a skier as you claim, and have so very little knowledge about snow and avalanches.

You literally asked if your friends really needed beacon/shovel/probe to ski in the southern Colorado backcountry.

And most gates I know of serve actual backcountry. It'd behoove you to confirm with patrol at the area of your skiing.

Stay safe out there.

I've seen it both ways. Homewood has a backcountry area on the mountain above it. They blow stuff up there because they have a cat skiing deal that runs out of the resort....but you are still allowed to hike up there. Just as safe as the resort.

But I've seen a ton more areas that are not controlled. Double check...because unless they have guides or something going back there I can't imagine a resort blasting backcountry terrain

 

[Zennan]

I've never known anyone to be as good of a skier as you claim, and have so very little knowledge about snow and avalanches.

You literally asked if your friends really needed beacon/shovel/probe to ski in the southern Colorado backcountry.

And most gates I know of serve actual backcountry. It'd behoove you to confirm with patrol at the area of your skiing.

Stay safe out there.

Well I'm a rarity I guess lol... I've heard of people that say that it is useless to buy it because you will never use it... and they worked in a ski shop (my co-workers). So ya I literally did ask that on NS your right, because I have been told it was not necessary. Believe me I would have been gone skiing the BC ages ago if I actually did think my buds didn't need the gear! I just wanted to double check since those guys were like nah don't waste your money on it. Plus It is very possible for someone to have my knowledge about snow and avalanches. I just literally haven't had to have any experience with it yet so why the heck would i bother learning about it until now ya feel? I bet you have also never known anyone to be as good of a skier as I claim and have very little knowledge about snow and avalanches and know almost everything there is about building skis and what makes a good ski and how all of the little tiny designed marks in a ski add up to the total performance of it, and also is starting to build his own pairs, and also works in a ski shop lol... It's possible. I just haven't ever had the opportunity to go BC until like literally late this season. Knowledge about snow does not = capability of skiing or knowledge about other aspects of skiing!

You stay safe as well!

 

[californiagrown]

I've heard of people that say that it is useless to buy it because you will never use it... and they worked in a ski shop (my co-workers).

Aaaaaand you took it too far and outted yourself as a troll lol.

 

[kung_powpow]

I've heard of people that say that it is useless to buy it because you will never use it... and they worked in a ski shop (my co-workers)

I wouldn't take any future advice from your co-workers lol the ignorance is almost overwhelming

 

[Zennan]

Aaaaaand you took it too far and outted yourself as a troll lol.

well if that's what you wanna believe lol... Anyways it doesn't matter (even though I wouldn't waste my time trolling because I literally hate trolls)

 

[Zennan]

I wouldn't take any future advice from your co-workers lol the ignorance is almost overwhelming

He got fired like a few days ago anyways soooo it would be hard to lol (plus he was a snowboarder, right there discredited lol I joke)

 

[Jibberino]

Well I'm a rarity I guess lol... I've heard of people that say that it is useless to buy it because you will never use it... and they worked in a ski shop (my co-workers). So ya I literally did ask that on NS your right, because I have been told it was not necessary. Believe me I would have been gone skiing the BC ages ago if I actually did think my buds didn't need the gear! I just wanted to double check since those guys were like nah don't waste your money on it. Plus It is very possible for someone to have my knowledge about snow and avalanches. I just literally haven't had to have any experience with it yet so why the heck would i bother learning about it until now ya feel? I bet you have also never known anyone to be as good of a skier as I claim and have very little knowledge about snow and avalanches and know almost everything there is about building skis and what makes a good ski and how all of the little tiny designed marks in a ski add up to the total performance of it, and also is starting to build his own pairs, and also works in a ski shop lol... It's possible. I just haven't ever had the opportunity to go BC until like literally late this season. Knowledge about snow does not = capability of skiing or knowledge about other aspects of skiing!

You stay safe as well!

Wow. The fact that you had to ask if avy gear was necessary proves the whole point. You have no business going in the BC until you get some common sense, and a whole lot of training.

 

[californiagrown]

Wow. The fact that you had to ask if avy gear was necessary proves the whole point. You have no business going in the BC until you get some common sense, and a whole lot of training.

Nah dude, he didn't "have to" ask. He just wanted to make sure!

His optimism and positivity will help keep him safe anyways!

 

[Jibberino]

Nah dude, he didn't "have to" ask. He just wanted to make sure!

His optimism and positivity will help keep him safe anyways!

Hahahaha, yeah he should be all good! Jesus Christ.

 

[drumbumocdp]

Sounds like you're fucked.

A beacon is redundant if you're the only one with one

 

[SkiBum.]

Are you dead yet?

 

[californiagrown]

Are you dead yet?

...Crickets...

Or the woompf of an avalanche starting...

Take your pick of the sound effect.