Tips for Uphilling/Sidecountry

[rojo.grande]

This year, I decided that rona can fuck right off and skiing for pretty much my mental health can't be cut short again. Living in southern CT, snow down here blows so urban isn't an option. Naturally, I'm gearing up to purchase daymakers so I can travel and hike to keep my season going. Im mainly going to be on cut trails (if mountains close) but might get into some other "out of bounds" stuff too, but nothing crazy by any means. Really Im looking for an easy way to hike up to features left in the ground in the worst case scenario, but its also nice to have the ability to head to Vermont for a weekend and find some untracked stuff.

Any rec on gear I should need, spots to check out, things to be aware of (safety, techniques, little useful bits of info etc) would be greatly appreciated!

**This thread was edited on Sep 23rd 2020 at 11:23:18am

**This thread was edited on Sep 23rd 2020 at 11:32:03am

 

[eheath]

Resorts aren't gonna shut down so I wouldn't bank on being able to hike up your local ski resort. You also come off as someone with zero avalanche training, you should look into that before you even consider buying gear.

 

[TRVP_ANGEL]

Resorts aren't gonna shut down so I wouldn't bank on being able to hike up your local ski resort. You also come off as someone with zero avalanche training, you should look into that before you even consider buying gear.

He lives in CT, avalanche doesnt exist on 200ft of vert

 

[rojo.grande]

Maybe I wasn’t clear enough... thought I made it sound enough like I won’t be getting into any situations where I’ll have to worry about avalanches but apparently not.

Aside from that, personally I like to bank on the unknown, and be prepared. My home mountain you’re allowed to hike even while lifts are running, so skinning not only would be a good warmup but also some good cardio, and a decent way to start learning about uphilling. I also don’t believe resorts will close, but in the event that they do I’d like to be able to keep skiing.

Resorts aren't gonna shut down so I wouldn't bank on being able to hike up your local ski resort. You also come off as someone with zero avalanche training, you should look into that before you even consider buying gear.

 

[eheath]

He lives in CT, avalanche doesnt exist on 200ft of vert

He said " I'm gearing up to purchase daymakers so I can travel and hike to keep my season going" implying he was going to travel somewhere with more vert.

 

[rojo.grande]

Hiking to keep my season going doesn’t mean I’m going to send it up to tucks to huck my meat without knowing what I’m doing. I meant more generally anywhere with snow. I am inexperienced in backcountry, and know my place on that front. I’d love to learn more and begin diving into that, but for the time being I’m kinda looking to make my setups touring capable so I can have the peace of mind. You gotta start somewhere, and I figured uphilling at local mountains and maybe some woods woulda been fun to start seeing that I’ve only ridden park and piste for my whole life.

He said " I'm gearing up to purchase daymakers so I can travel and hike to keep my season going" implying he was going to travel somewhere with more vert.

 

[SofaKingSick]

He said " I'm gearing up to purchase daymakers so I can travel and hike to keep my season going" implying he was going to travel somewhere with more vert.

yeah but he listed vermont as the likely extent of where he'd go and you have to try really hard to find an avy in vermont

i'm not saying OP shouldn't learn about avalanche safety and gear but it's really not a huge concern for him if we're being serious

 

[rojo.grande]

I’d love to learn more about it. My dad was a backcountry skier and mountaineer for a while working with NOLS, but it would be sick to really dive in and learn that shit. However, for the time being youre 1000% right.

yeah but he listed vermont as the likely extent of where he'd go and you have to try really hard to find an avy in vermont

i'm not saying OP shouldn't learn about avalanche safety and gear but it's really not a huge concern for him if we're being serious

 

[eheath]

yeah but he listed vermont as the likely extent of where he'd go and you have to try really hard to find an avy in vermont

i'm not saying OP shouldn't learn about avalanche safety and gear but it's really not a huge concern for him if we're being serious

You're saying there are no avalanches in vermont? That doesn't seem true at all, I've been to vermont, they have real mountains.

 

[freestyleskierjp]

Avy gear, extra layers, and 3+ beers for "weight training" make for a good start

 

[rojo.grande]

Aight listen, you can take a dig at CT or at my lack of avalanche skills, but I’m not going to be dealing with avalanches. I won’t be traveling to any place that it’s even of concern. Now that that’s out of the way, If you have any useful tips for someone getting into uphilling then that would be awesome. That’s all I’m looking for in this thread man.

You're saying there are no avalanches in vermont? That doesn't seem true at all, I've been to vermont, they have real mountains.

 

[rojo.grande]

Finally some actual advice cheers to that!

Avy gear, extra layers, and 3+ beers for "weight training" make for a good start

 

[eheath]

Aight listen, you can take a dig at CT or at my lack of avalanche skills, but I’m not going to be dealing with avalanches. I won’t be traveling to any place that it’s even of concern. Now that that’s out of the way, If you have any useful tips for someone getting into uphilling then that would be awesome. That’s all I’m looking for in this thread man.

chill out dude, I'm not calling you out or trying to insult you at all. Covid is going to bring 1000s of new people in the BC this year, everyone needs to do their part to be safe.

 

[freestyleskierjp]

Finally some actual advice cheers to that!

Reading an avalanche advisory, and recognizing what slopes are steep enough to slide (28°+) help too. Add in some common outdoorsy sense and you might come out alive!

 

[rojo.grande]

Heard that loud and clear big man, I understand the concern. I prolly just interpreted that wrong. One day I’ll work out to actual back country, but I’ll be sure to be well versed beforehand

chill out dude, I'm not calling you out or trying to insult you at all. Covid is going to bring 1000s of new people in the BC this year, everyone needs to do their part to be safe.

 

[SofaKingSick]

You're saying there are no avalanches in vermont? That doesn't seem true at all, I've been to vermont, they have real mountains.

no, i said that you have to try really hard to find avalanches in vermont. they exist but they are very rare, happen mostly in the Notch area, and we can say with certainty that OP isn't going to rush in there without training or gear any time soon

it's great that people are so quick to push avy training and awareness and they are a much more real danger than many realize, but this thread just isn't about an activity that requires avalanche classes, OP is talking about doing mellow tours between CT and VT. for now all he needs to worry about is getting some gear that will let him start trying out touring and take it from there

 

[skiP.E.I.]

, avalanche doesnt exist on 200ft of vert

They totally do, especially if you get a bit of fresh snow on top of bulletproof groomed. Not very big slides in terms of snow, but still enough to immobilize a person who's in the wrong place.

 

[skiP.E.I.]

As far as gear goes, both the Black Diamond and G3 skins are good choices. The BD ones tend to be a bit longer, which is nice, as I've noticed the short tail strap of the G3 skins tends to come undone. The big pro of the G3 skins is the nose clips might grab your tips better, depending on ski shape. Sometimes on skis with a more wide, rounded shovel the tip loops on BD skins are hard to keep in place.

Some good and inexpensive books on avalanche safety are Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper and The Avalanche Handbook -McClung and Schaerer.

A head lamp is really great to have for early morning or evening missions. Also, look for guide books or download and print topo maps of where you will be skiing.

Take plenty of water, snacks, a lighter, multi tool, knife and first aid kit. An Avi shovel can come in handy for building little booters, making a shelter or digging out your car.

As far as bags go, I like the Dakine Heli Pro. Not the top of the line performance wise, but it's a great day pack with all the features you'd need, good value and they have a good warranty.

Wrapping some duct tape around your poles just below the grip is a good way to have some on hand without packing a bulky roll.

Don't wear insulated pants or jacket-you'll spend the whole trip either too hot or cold and clammy.

 

[rojo.grande]

That’s fuckin legit thank you! That’s kinda exactly along the lines of what I’m looking for. I’m thinking I’ll have only a couple opportunities to utilize that kind of gear, but it seems like you just kinda set the standard for beginner uphilling. Originally the idea for daymakers started at the end of last season when my homies and I were hiking up after the hill closed, and I thought it would be good to add some uphill to my daily routine for this season (on piste.) but when the time comes I’m excited to break away into a little more. Thanks again brotha!

As far as gear goes, both the Black Diamond and G3 skins are good choices. The BD ones tend to be a bit longer, which is nice, as I've noticed the short tail strap of the G3 skins tends to come undone. The big pro of the G3 skins is the nose clips might grab your tips better, depending on ski shape. Sometimes on skis with a more wide, rounded shovel the tip loops on BD skins are hard to keep in place.

Some good and inexpensive books on avalanche safety are Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper and The Avalanche Handbook -McClung and Schaerer.

A head lamp is really great to have for early morning or evening missions. Also, look for guide books or download and print topo maps of where you will be skiing.

Take plenty of water, snacks, a lighter, multi tool, knife and first aid kit. An Avi shovel can come in handy for building little booters, making a shelter or digging out your car.

As far as bags go, I like the Dakine Heli Pro. Not the top of the line performance wise, but it's a great day pack with all the features you'd need, good value and they have a good warranty.

Wrapping some duct tape around your poles just below the grip is a good way to have some on hand without packing a bulky roll.

Don't wear insulated pants or jacket-you'll spend the whole trip either too hot or cold and clammy.

 

[freestyleskierjp]

https://skiskinsonline.com/ has the cheapest skins I've found, currently rocking a pair and they are exactly like BCA magic carpets. Always bring more water than you think you need. When you leave the trailhead/start hiking cold. I also rock some sunnies, and keep the goggles in the pack until the downhill.

If you are setting a skin track keep your eyes up and plan where you are going through trees and up steep terrain so you don't have to turn around, tis always a bitch. Try not to skin up slopes steeper than your risers because that just tires you out faster.

When you decide to reap the benefits of walking up put your jacket on before you rip your skins. If you are going to do multiple laps, keep your skins close to your body so they stay warm and stick to your skis

 

[tiger_shart]

If your gonna start adventuring out, find some homies that you trust who are willing to go out with you and show you the ropes. If your serious, beacon, shovel, probe is the first thing you buy (yes, even before touring bindings and skins). No matter where your skiing, you need the proper tools and you need to know how to use them. If your trying to take an avy course go to canada, my AST 1 cost $220 CAD as opposed to $450 USD for AIRE 1.

The first season touring is all about patience. Slow down, learn how to observe what is going on around you, and identify when your ego can lead to bad decisions. Your not gonna be ripping crazy shit right away, but if you follow the steps and build your knowledge and skill set you will be able to enjoy the mountains for the rest of your life. Hope that helps, praise ski boss...

 

[wass41]

There’s plenty of nice glade tours in southern and central Vermont with no avy danger. Look up the old CCC trails in the berkshires and mt graylock in mass too. And that stuff you’d be fine just sending solo if you are a good skier and have some mountain sense. As far as southern Vermont beta goes, just go up skiing at magic mountain a few times and talk to some locals who look like they know what’s up and study some maps and satellite Images of the area. As far as gear goes, I’d just rock old snow shoes and boot pack skis (just don’t goober up any skin tracks), or go full send and get a legit touring setup once you fully commit to it. Daymakers are big and heavy and way more expensive than snowshoes, and after one season with them you’ll just want a real touring set up anyway (or a tele setup is an option too).

 

[rojo.grande]

Big ups for this reply thank you!!

https://skiskinsonline.com/ has the cheapest skins I've found, currently rocking a pair and they are exactly like BCA magic carpets. Always bring more water than you think you need. When you leave the trailhead/start hiking cold. I also rock some sunnies, and keep the goggles in the pack until the downhill.

If you are setting a skin track keep your eyes up and plan where you are going through trees and up steep terrain so you don't have to turn around, tis always a bitch. Try not to skin up slopes steeper than your risers because that just tires you out faster.

When you decide to reap the benefits of walking up put your jacket on before you rip your skins. If you are going to do multiple laps, keep your skins close to your body so they stay warm and stick to your skis

 

[rojo.grande]

For sure it’s gonna be a slow start. I’m not expecting much whatsoever out of this season, really just tryna dip my toes into some lighter stuff. Thanks for the heads up man greatly appreciated!

If your gonna start adventuring out, find some homies that you trust who are willing to go out with you and show you the ropes. If your serious, beacon, shovel, probe is the first thing you buy (yes, even before touring bindings and skins). No matter where your skiing, you need the proper tools and you need to know how to use them. If your trying to take an avy course go to canada, my AST 1 cost $220 CAD as opposed to $450 USD for AIRE 1.

The first season touring is all about patience. Slow down, learn how to observe what is going on around you, and identify when your ego can lead to bad decisions. Your not gonna be ripping crazy shit right away, but if you follow the steps and build your knowledge and skill set you will be able to enjoy the mountains for the rest of your life. Hope that helps, praise ski boss...

 

[broken_skier0]

If you're anywhere without cell service, it can't hurt to have a satphone or a SPOT. If there's ever a serious accident, you want to be able to call for help ASAP. It's obvious, but always ski with a buddy.

**This post was edited on Sep 23rd 2020 at 8:15:47pm

 

[.squirrely.]

There's at most 5 sq miles of possible avalanche terrain in vermont, the notch, big jay, maaaaybe parts of mrg. NH is a different game but don't think avy training/ gear is the number 1 concern for this guy. Biggest thing is learning the terrain, spend the next few months looking at maps reading stuff online there's a ton of info out there you just gotta put in the time. Go hike in areas you want to ski to get a feel for it. Learn to appreciate/ respect the mountains

 

[GrandThings]

Just a heads up OP more and more east coast places are requiring uphill tickets as skinning becomes more popular/accessible (Cannon started one last year for example). They're usually only like $10 bucks but maybe just take a look at the resorts website ahead of time.

It also seems like a lot of mountains are still figuring out their plans for this year as a whole. Loon's current webpage for their uphill policy is currently down for example. I imagine everyone is trying to figure out what to do re. Covid and in likelihood of increased uphill traffic

 

[jca]

Day one of your first avy course: If it's steep enough to ride, it's steep enough to slide. Even and especially at closed resorts that haven't had the usual grooming and skier compacting.

You'll *probably* be fine on the low angle stuff, but I can't recommend taking an avy course highly enough. If you don't have access to one, or can't find anyone knowledgable enough to take you out and show you the ropes, there are lots of resources available online and the book "Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain" by Bruce Tremper is a standard-issue resource.

 

[rojo.grande]

Thank you for the heads up homie! I am planning on taking one soon, but in the mean time Ill be off on either main trails on hill or maybe glades between CT and Mass. I am making it a priority to get some training in before the end of the season, and won't touch anything of risk until I hit that point. A few members of my family have had course training and 2 have even had a few run ins- for sure not anything to fuck with!

Day one of your first avy course: If it's steep enough to ride, it's steep enough to slide. Even and especially at closed resorts that haven't had the usual grooming and skier compacting.

You'll *probably* be fine on the low angle stuff, but I can't recommend taking an avy course highly enough. If you don't have access to one, or can't find anyone knowledgable enough to take you out and show you the ropes, there are lots of resources available online and the book "Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain" by Bruce Tremper is a standard-issue resource.

 

[rojo.grande]

I hear ya loud and clear, working in the "industry" at some local mountains in CT, Ive heard thru the grapevine that more places are charging a small fee. All in all, not too much to ask. Covid will surely have an effect, hopefully I can work around most. My first few months are going to be at my home mountain (season pass/employee there) to get the feel so I should be set on that front.

Just a heads up OP more and more east coast places are requiring uphill tickets as skinning becomes more popular/accessible (Cannon started one last year for example). They're usually only like $10 bucks but maybe just take a look at the resorts website ahead of time.

It also seems like a lot of mountains are still figuring out their plans for this year as a whole. Loon's current webpage for their uphill policy is currently down for example. I imagine everyone is trying to figure out what to do re. Covid and in likelihood of increased uphill traffic

 

[rojo.grande]

This is gonna be majorly useful once I get the first few months and the feel of things out of the way. I do have a pair of snow shoes, may do that just to mess around for a bit while being cognizant of the skin tracks. Lot to learn, but stoked to add a new aspect of skiing! Thanks brotha!

There’s plenty of nice glade tours in southern and central Vermont with no avy danger. Look up the old CCC trails in the berkshires and mt graylock in mass too. And that stuff you’d be fine just sending solo if you are a good skier and have some mountain sense. As far as southern Vermont beta goes, just go up skiing at magic mountain a few times and talk to some locals who look like they know what’s up and study some maps and satellite Images of the area. As far as gear goes, I’d just rock old snow shoes and boot pack skis (just don’t goober up any skin tracks), or go full send and get a legit touring setup once you fully commit to it. Daymakers are big and heavy and way more expensive than snowshoes, and after one season with them you’ll just want a real touring set up anyway (or a tele setup is an option too).

 

[rojo.grande]

Also, to anyone seeing this thread that may know, are there certain skins compatible with the ON3P Jeffry 108s? I know I may have to cut them, but was just curious due to their squared off tip and tail shape.

 

[CatdickBojangles]

He lives in CT, avalanche doesnt exist on 200ft of vert

900ft of vertical must be where avalanche danger starts.

 

[TRVP_ANGEL]

900ft of vertical must be where avalanche danger starts.

damn bro tf OK. they spraying styrofoam snow out there in CT

 

[rojo.grande]

Wisp face is in Maryland. I don’t know avalanches but I’d guess the ground was a tad too warm for them to be putting down snowmaking piles of that size without pushing them out. Those piles also need to sit and drain for a few day’s bc of how saturated they are with water. Prob not the safest thing to be blowing snow in a region like that if the temps don’t support leaving those piles safely.

damn bro tf OK. they spraying styrofoam snow out there in CT

 

[skiP.E.I.]

Also, to anyone seeing this thread that may know, are there certain skins compatible with the ON3P Jeffry 108s? I know I may have to cut them, but was just curious due to their squared off tip and tail shape.

Any skins should work and you're going to have to trim them no matter what. Skis with more squared off ends are better for skins sometimes because the attachments are less prone to sliding laterally on the curve.

 

[rojo.grande]

Oh okay sweet. I was worried that the toe loop wouldn’t make it around the tip of the ski. I looked into some G3/X/Backcountry skins and thought ab adding the twin tip adapters to be safe, but not sure if I need to go this route. I’ve done a solid amount of research on trimming them, and helped my dad set up his a few years back... it’s just different applying it to my own shit now lol

Any skins should work and you're going to have to trim them no matter what. Skis with more squared off ends are better for skins sometimes because the attachments are less prone to sliding laterally on the curve.

 

[skiP.E.I.]

Oh okay sweet. I was worried that the toe loop wouldn’t make it around the tip of the ski. I looked into some G3/X/Backcountry skins and thought ab adding the twin tip adapters to be safe, but not sure if I need to go this route. I’ve done a solid amount of research on trimming them, and helped my dad set up his a few years back... it’s just different applying it to my own shit now lol

There honestly is quite a bit of wiggle room with skins. I know an older guy who uses skins from his old straight skis on easy tours where there's nothing tricky involved. They just cover the center ~60 mm of his skis but it works alright for very straightforward touring.

 

[Kevski]

Also, to anyone seeing this thread that may know, are there certain skins compatible with the ON3P Jeffry 108s? I know I may have to cut them, but was just curious due to their squared off tip and tail shape.

I tour on Kartel/Jeffrey 108s, and the Black Diamond Ascension skins work totally fine. There's still enough tip that the loop fits around and it holds them with no issue. But you'll want to go with a wider skin and trim down to fit. I think I went with 120mm or 130mm ones.

First up, try and always have a buddy with you. And if you don't, make sure you give someone details about where you're planning on going and when to get worried. You said you'll do your best to avoid avalanche terrain, but you never know when you hit a stump just under the surface and end up barreling into a tree. Some avy reading is a good call - you're probably not gonna trigger something big, but a small slide in a localized spot could still suck if it catches you off guard.

Headlamps are good to have - in the middle of winter the daylight is often shorter than your ambitions and it's common to start or end in the dark.

Layers are key. I like to tour up light and comfy, with a hat and sunnies and thin gloves (if any gloves at all). Get to the top and immediately throw on a bit of insulation and weather protection. Layers that compact down are best so you don't have shit dangling off your pack getting covered in snow when you're not wearing it.

Bring snacks and energy and nibble often. Nothing worse than being at the end of your rope chasing after a friend or ambitious objective and feeling like it's getting away from you.

Skip the hydration system and go with wide necked bottles - hoses and narrow openings will freeze and that's just annoying to deal with. Bring lots of water.

There's some good advice in here, I think you'll be set and I imagine you'll get hooked for full-on touring in no time.

 

[rojo.grande]

I tour on Kartel/Jeffrey 108s, and the Black Diamond Ascension skins work totally fine. There's still enough tip that the loop fits around and it holds them with no issue. But you'll want to go with a wider skin and trim down to fit. I think I went with 120mm or 130mm ones.

First up, try and always have a buddy with you. And if you don't, make sure you give someone details about where you're planning on going and when to get worried. You said you'll do your best to avoid avalanche terrain, but you never know when you hit a stump just under the surface and end up barreling into a tree. Some avy reading is a good call - you're probably not gonna trigger something big, but a small slide in a localized spot could still suck if it catches you off guard.

Headlamps are good to have - in the middle of winter the daylight is often shorter than your ambitions and it's common to start or end in the dark.

Layers are key. I like to tour up light and comfy, with a hat and sunnies and thin gloves (if any gloves at all). Get to the top and immediately throw on a bit of insulation and weather protection. Layers that compact down are best so you don't have shit dangling off your pack getting covered in snow when you're not wearing it.

Bring snacks and energy and nibble often. Nothing worse than being at the end of your rope chasing after a friend or ambitious objective and feeling like it's getting away from you.

Skip the hydration system and go with wide necked bottles - hoses and narrow openings will freeze and that's just annoying to deal with. Bring lots of water.

There's some good advice in here, I think you'll be set and I imagine you'll get hooked for full-on touring in no time.

This reply was sick, thank you! Since creating this thread I've jumped into some online any stuff as well as talking to a few family friends that have spent some good chunks of time touring. Even tho I'll mainly be on a designated ski hill, I still want to have the knowledge. As for gear, I have some good packable layers, and I've been rocking wide neck nalgenes since the first grade so hydration is set. Thanks again homie!!

 

[No.Quarter]

Probably beating a dead horse here, but complacency in the sidecountry, even in mellow "risk free" terrain, is bad form and how people get killed in the mountains. I know this thread is about CT, but especially given the anticipated extra traffic in the backcountry this season everyone needs to be on their toes in any out of bounds situatiuon

 

[rojo.grande]

For sure. When the time comes I get off into out of bounds stuff complacency won’t be an option!

Probably beating a dead horse here, but complacency in the sidecountry, even in mellow "risk free" terrain, is bad form and how people get killed in the mountains. I know this thread is about CT, but especially given the anticipated extra traffic in the backcountry this season everyone needs to be on their toes in any out of bounds situatiuon