In this backcountry primer, the general ethos for making sweet turns like these is to focus on touring specific gear. You spend 90% of the day going uphill – touring is just that, touring. Photo: Alex Lee

In this backcountry primer, the general ethos for making sweet turns like these is to focus on touring specific gear. You spend 90% of the day going uphill – touring is just that, touring. Photo: Alex Lee

 

Friendly advice for those backcountry skiing first-timers and never-evers—What do you wish someone had told you when you started backcountry skiing?

A text of termination dust landed on my favorite group chat. I know it’s only August (when I began thinking about this), and the photo was from 62 degrees north latitude, but nevertheless gave me an ear-to-ear grin. Across North America, it’s time to get stoked for winter.

Over the past decade, the backcountry boom has flooded trailheads, skin tracks, and gear shops alike with a deluge of enthusiasm from newcomers to ski touring. COVID amplified this but has been a long time coming. The sticker shock of a day pass at your local resort, slow and steady gear innovation and accessibility, ever increasing beta availability, and social media have all paved the way for more folks to get into the backcountry for the first time.

A few times a year, I’ll get a note from a friend of a friend asking for gear advice to get started touring, info on where to go for their first time, or asking about signing up for avalanche education. These are all great questions that most new off-piste skiers face. In case you fall in this boat, here are some answers from a few long-time crushers out there.

What do you wish someone had told you when you started backcountry skiing?

 

  • “It gets easier the more you do it and forget the 50/50 set-up and fully commit to tech/reasonable weight from the beginning. Also Gore-Tex Pro isn’t your friend. And it’s completely reasonable to completely cut out resort skiing and still feel like you get to ski plenty. (Sorry, that’s more than three sentences)” –Eric D., ski dad hero

 

  • “When in doubt, pull out. That can be an entire ski day sometimes, and you have to be ok with bailing. #1 most important, turn around today to ski something tomorrow. Also, communication with your partner(s) is everything. Never be afraid to voice your feelings, fears, and anxieties.” –Najeeby Q., speed coach

 

  • “Two thoughts: 1. Just buy lighter gear if you’re financially able to and serious about getting into it. You’ll suffer a lot less and be able to concentrate on the important things—chasing your competent teachers around the mountains. 2. Go farther in the bottom of a kick turn before you initiate.” -Maresa J., Montanan

 

  • “Don’t wreck your feet! Get the right boots!” John B., Cantewell resident

 

  • “Oof, good question.” –Andy Danger

 

  • “Meadow-skipping is ok (and fun!), and practicing transitions gives you time to focus on the fun parts of skiing.” Andy M., ski mountaineer

 

  • “The fastest way up the mountain is a smooth, elegant line that utilizes the natural terrain – 80 kickturns usually aren’t necessary. And for women specifically (we typically have tighter calves), use your heel risers often and early!:” –Haley J., morning person

 

  • “Nordic skiing can be more fun and safe(r). And don’t buy boots that don’t fit well.” –Malcom H., powder enthusiast

 

  • “It’s addictive, and you might spend the next 15 years making life decisions around it. Also, don’t buy the first production year of a new binding and hire a guide” -Nick V., former ski guide

 

 “I 100% agree first and foremost with the emphasis on gear. You spend 90% of the day going uphill – touring is just that, touring. Most folks end up in set-ups that are just too heavy for them.”

 

Now it’s my turn to land the plane. I love what everyone said here. I 100% agree, first and foremost, with the emphasis on gear. You spend 90% of the day going uphill—touring is just that, touring. Most folks end up in set-ups that are just too heavy for them. Back in the day, it was Marker Duke’s; now it’s the Shift bindings. Here in AK, I often see them mounted on 115 underfoot boards. A simple light tech binding and lighter mid-fat skis will make you happier. And the best money you can spend is on boots that fit your feet.

I found it interesting that no one I asked said much about avalanche education. Honestly, I don’t think folks should take an Avy 1 right out of the gate. Avalanche education courses are not intro-to-backcountry classes. Most avalanche education schools offer a “Know-Before-You-Go,” take that and get some time in the backcountry, then take an Avy 1. You will get way more out of class and learn to make better decisions once you aren’t also learning how to put on your skins and stay comfy outside. One new thing at a time.

Before you take that Avy class, however, keep it über conservative and don’t follow others into steep terrain—have fun finding 20-degree pow in the sunshine. The rest will come later.

The biggest addition I’d make to the list above is that the backcountry community is a huge part of skiing and why it’s fun. Make friends, don’t be afraid to ask to tag along, ask for beta, and keep asking even if folks are cagey jerks giving you shit. You’ll make friends if you keep showing up. Offer to drive, pay for gas, bring snacks, Don’t push yourself and get into trouble (totally fine to bail or ski around), be honest about your ability, and get in uphill shape (it’s more important than down).

Also, just know, don’t expect a one-and-done day.

Finally, there tend to be two types of skiers showing up in the backcountry: folks new to skiing or those new to skiing on the other side of the rope. If you fall into the first category, I advise spending a bit of time in bounds working to get comfortable on the downs. If you fall in the latter category, my advice is to forget what you learned about skiing in bounds; variable snow and variable terrain should be approached with a healthy amount of humility.

Either way, remember it’s all in the hands…