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A Tale of Two Tours

By

Jason Albert

An otherwise fine day touring on Mount Rose. Photo: JB

An otherwise fine day touring on Mount Rose. Photo: JB

What brought me to the Tahoe region this weekend was partly the general malaise I was feeling in Bend. It had begun to snow in earnest late Wednesday. This was real snow, the dry-ish kind, in sufficient amounts. But insufficient to spark the joy I needed from it. I needed an exit strategy, and found…

Responses

  1. Alex Hatcher

    I appreciate the level of reflection regarding interpersonal dynamics these interactions sparked for you.

    On some days, in some moments, the difference between good touring partners and poor partners-or at least good group decisions and disharmonious ones-is clear and obvious. On other days in the hills, those lines are more blurry and nebulous. We may not perpetrate the worst offenses we have observed or heard rumor of, but none of us are saints with a clear conscience either.

    These moments should spark reflection-not about what bad tourists some folks are, or what good tourists others are-but a dialogue about how we can individually do better for our community. It’s not easy to change, and for most of us monumental changes are not required. But these are flags to be the community we like to see. The beauty of backcountry skiing is that it’s an opportunity to be a lifelong learner, especially from ann interpersonal aspect.

    1. Jason Albert

      This is a good point Alex. And I vacillated about writing this, or at least making it public. For the very reason of coming down as judgmental, etc. 100% I’ve been on the side of making poor decisions, or … being an unideal partner. On the other hand, well, I think it’s also a good moment to reflect. As I’m sure you have partaken in, there’s been some heavy conversations as of late.

      1. Whit

        I’m glad you published these thoughts.
        What seems common sense to me with touring partners isn’t always as common as I expect. Leaving partners behind, without eyes on them – no matter what the weather or snow conditions are – is not safe. So many things can happen especially if one person is less experienced. Wrong turn, an injury, a fall into a tree well, broken equipment, so many things. There are different expectations when touring alone but when you tour with others you sign a contract to stick together, unless there are mutually agreed upon extenuating circumstances.

  2. Will Tabor

    Partnership commentary aside, this is an excellent piece of writing. You have an unmistakable voice, Jason, and I find it a joy to read.

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