Back Country Skiing

[upcruiser]

Anyone here like to venture out into the white stuff?? If so is it by Telemark, Alpine Touring, X Country, or what?

[pskhaat]

I used to alpine race for Loveland between 1985->1993 or so, before that, in Casper, WY from 1982->1985. After racing I got into more back-country stuff, but unfortunately nothing more extreme than the CO/WY backcountry via hiking.

I got into freeheeling when I met my wife as it gave us the opportunity to hit the same hills, now living in PHX I obviously don't have much of an opportunity but really want to get back into some freeheel stuff as the kids get older.

[Ursidae69]

I ski mostly greens and blues. I have not gone yet this year because the winter is so horrible here in northern NM. I'm not up to driving to northern CO for decent powder. I tried boarding last year and it was memorable. I didn't know my back could pop from top to bottom in one huge ZIP! It was a hard day, I think I'll stick to skiing.

[upcruiser]

I used to alpine race for Loveland between 1985->1993 or so, before that, in Casper, WY from 1982->1985. After racing I got into more back-country stuff, but unfortunately nothing more extreme than the CO/WY backcountry via hiking.

I got into freeheeling when I met my wife as it gave us the opportunity to hit the same hills, now living in PHX I obviously don't have much of an opportunity but really want to get back into some freeheel stuff as the kids get older.

Cool Scott. I'm a former racer and current coach myself. I raced out of Ski Club Vail in '93 so I'm sure we've probably crossed paths. The ski racing world is a small one. I alpine ski a ton still obviously, and one of the perks of my job is that I get to ski all over the place which is fun. I do however also really enjoy tele skiing and getting off the beaten path. I wish I had more time to do it really, but I squeeze it in whenever possible. I snowboard too, but not very often and only really enjoy going out in the powder backcountry.

I'm really wanting to get more of a cross between tele and XC skiing for exploring and winter camping. I'm thinking of picking up some fat xc skis with edges and waxless bases in the spring for next season. Seems like you could do a bit of everything with those.

[upcruiser]

I ski mostly greens and blues. I have not gone yet this year because the winter is so horrible here in northern NM. I'm not up to driving to northern CO for decent powder. I tried boarding last year and it was memorable. I didn't know my back could pop from top to bottom in one huge ZIP! It was a hard day, I think I'll stick to skiing.

Yeah, NM and Southern CO are having a pretty awfull year, meanwhile Northern CO is having a record year. I was in Vail for the a month earlier in the season and by Dec 10th we'd already gotten 9 feet of snow. Pretty wild really.

[Hltoppr]

No snow in Flagstaff...:mad:

Telemark gear for me!

I guess I'll just have to mountain bike this season.....:victory:

-H-

[upcruiser]

We've had a horrible winter here this year. Very warm with little snow. We typically see 250+ inches of snow and very cold temperatures. Normally in January my porch thermometer reads -15F, this year though, all January has hovered around freezing. We even had a day last week get into the 50's! Crazy! Problem is, its lousy for skiing and biking. At least you can bike H! haha

[bigreen505]

Interesting thread. Alpine for me. I also came from the Loveland program, though a hand full of us are still there, either racing, coaching or both. Upcruiser, send me a PM and let me know who you are. I think I know who Scott is, there were only two Scotts that I can think of and I can rule out one.

As for backcountry, I've been too busy with new baby and lack of sleep, and sail boat racing has cut into summer/spring fun (Torreys, Grays, Evans, etc.).

Pshkaat, send me a PM and let me know if you keep in touck with Rachel A.

[pskhaat]

PMs sent. Such a small world isn't it? Apline racing in the 1980's yields contininued contact 20 years later on an expedition off-road site! Amazing.

[upcruiser]

PM sent as well.

[Exrunner]

wooo hoooo!!!!! this is my topic! Im 20 as of this january, and have been skiing since I was 5 years old...my father was an instructer and used to yank me out of kindergarten to ski...ha ha...the good ole days. Anyway, Ive been to a lot of East Coast places, and like them, but nothing touches out west. Ive been to Aspen, Snowmass (CO), and Park City, and the Canyons in Utah. I used to be into the freestyle/park stuff, but kinda got out of it. Im totally in love with the HUGE double blacks outwest, so backcountry tough techinical skiing is where its at for me. I love to ski, and will do it till the day I die. My equip is Volkl 169cm twin tips, Look Pivot bindings, Nordica freestyle boots, and some cheapy Axis poles that I beat the heck out of. Good topic! Keep up the posts.

[upcruiser]

wooo hoooo!!!!! this is my topic! Im 20 as of this january, and have been skiing since I was 5 years old...my father was an instructer and used to yank me out of kindergarten to ski...ha ha...the good ole days. Anyway, Ive been to a lot of East Coast places, and like them, but nothing touches out west. Ive been to Aspen, Snowmass (CO), and Park City, and the Canyons in Utah. I used to be into the freestyle/park stuff, but kinda got out of it. Im totally in love with the HUGE double blacks outwest, so backcountry tough techinical skiing is where its at for me. I love to ski, and will do it till the day I die. My equip is Volkl 169cm twin tips, Look Pivot bindings, Nordica freestyle boots, and some cheapy Axis poles that I beat the heck out of. Good topic! Keep up the posts.

Sweet! I've got a set of Volkl Karma 184's and love them. In fact I was only planning on using them for powder and screwing around on, but now I use them for everything. They ski like a fat GS board and are super stable at speed and hold respectable too. I also have a pair of Allstars in 178cm, 6 Stars in 173, P60 SL's in 165, and GS's in 183's. The Allstars are pretty kickass boards too, especially for railing 'em. Those are my current skis that I use frequently I probably have another dozen or so pairs of older stuff from various years that I don't use anymore but hold onto anyway. For boots I have 2 pairs of Tecnica Diablo Races and a pair of Tecnica labeled Alpine Touring boots that are actually Lowa's in disguise. I use those for the long cold days where I'm standing around alot on the hill coaching. I'm pretty fortunate in the respect that the manufacturers hook me up with equipment each year so it keeps me on alot of new stuff.

My tele gear is actually in the opposite direction. Old School. I have a pair of 198 Black Diamond Eclipses and a set of now 12 year old Merril Super Comps. I think I'm kind of a traditionalist when it comes to tele skiing. I'd probably ride skinny wooden skis if I had some (and I actually do have some wooden X country skis).

I snowboard too, but not as much anymore, just not enough time and honestly I like skiing ALOT more.

[Exrunner]

Man, I hear ya on the snowboarding thing.....Skiing is way better in my opinion. And 99% of the snowboarders out there suck, tail edge the whole way down, and make an icy mess for everyone. Now, this isnt to say that there arent any good snowboarders, because there are, and when theyre good, theyre good. But most of them just tail edge, or are out of control...Ive been hit by so many boarders....And then bad words exit my mouth.

anyway....DUDE!!! You have a ton of BA ski's! Are you sponsored or something? You said something about manu's hooking you up with a lot of gear. Thats pretty tight. Fat ski's are where its at man. Of course, out west, that all you can really get around the back country on.

So you used to park (or still do) it up? I remember my trip to Snowmass, we were huckin HUGE grabs and spins and stuff off the massive table tops....it was one of the coolest feelings floating around in the air forever, then droppin super smooth down the backside...aaahhhhhh.....I wish I was there. Im still turning away from that though and hitting up the back country skiing and Double Blacks....the technical skiing does a lot more for me....and what I really want to do is combine the tricks with the big mountain....nail a huge backflip off a cliff or something...

Im rambling here....theres just not many people I talk to that ski, or ski like I ski (not trying to be cocky). Im trying to plan a trip to Park City for my spring break....keepin the fingers crossed for some mullah....anyway...later for now. Alex

[upcruiser]

Well, I'm a former racer and have been a coach now for 10 years. I coached a lot of different levels from club to NCAA to national team projects. I'm employed by the United States Ski and Snowboard Association and work part of my time as a coordinator for events in the Central Division and the rest of my time (actually more of it) as a coach for development projects for the Rocky/Central Region and the National Development System. In addition to that I work here and there on US Ski Team projects. Volkl, Tecnica, and Marker help me out with equipment and have been really great to work with. As far as parks, nah, I don't really get into them much. When I lived in Colorado I was big into the big moutain stuff. And when I lived in Crested Butte actually got to ride with Seth Morrison, Dave Bluestein, Dave Swanwick, and a buch of other really sick skiers that weren't as well known. Seth was nuts of course. My roomate and best friend from highschool was roomates with Seth in college and was/is pretty good friends with him. So, yeah we did some pretty sick stuff, but that was right before the freeriding/park scene went big. That whole scene was in part brought on by Seth and some of the innnovative stuff he was doing off piste. He rips..:bowdown:

Most of my time on snow though is spent coaching and working races. I love skiing a bit of everything but never had much time to get into the park scene, nor do I think I will. I like going fast, I like big air, and I like off piste, but I don't dig inverts, haha.:D

When's your spring break? I'll be in Park City April 9-13th or so. Probably after you'll be their though eh? Anyway, sounds cool, keep it ripping.:)

[Exrunner]

yeah...my spring break is march 4-10 or something like that....no worries.

Man, youre a higher-up on the skiing totem pole dude....US Ski Team stuff and all that...pretty cool...I cant imagine what it would be like to make a living skiing. Thats way cool that you knew some of the original park fellas too.

Im out...good talkin, Alex

[devinsixtyseven]

Thought I'd poke this thread back to life...

I ride and telemark. I've worn downhills before, but...I dunno...it wasn't for me, despite over a decade of racing skinny skis...I guess that's why I went tele first, then got a board after riding a longboard to class in college every day for a year.

I can't count how many out of control skiiers I've been hit by...doesn't matter what people wear, boards are hardly The Problem so many skiiers seem to think they are, and now I see sooooo many skiiers with the same clothing and attitude that used to be exclusive to snowboarders that there isn't much difference anymore other than number of edges and the occasional throwback attitude...you guys have been around long enough to know the stereotypes and sources the bad attitudes came from on both sides, and the vast gulf between having an attitude vs possessing skill! It's just like Jeeps vs Toyotas vs Hummers vs people who know it's all in the driver.

On a more positive note, I've occasionally gotten a momentum dump from a friendly skiier when I'm stuck on a slow section...keep that in mind next time you see a bunch of kids all stuck on a traverse, they appreciate the help, it's great for a laugh, they'll remember it, and it goes a long way to ditch the rift and stereotypes that boarders and skiers still level at each other.

Ya really gotta push yourself to learn and grow, and going with someone who's more experienced (and patient) really helps. I started on my own, watched other people, then started riding with a buddy who's been snowboarding for about two decades now, and my tech improved dramatically in the first week alone. That was last season, now I'm learning to ride bumps and land solid. It also helps to try and teach someone else from square one--you can help them avoid all the problems you had, and explaining the technique greatly helps your own. Personally, I think every day is a technique day...or it should be. Right now, helping someone learn to transition and carve regular is helping me learn to do the same switch, which I hadn't really worked until now. There's definately still an awful lot for me to learn.

I used to go up with one or two people on boards, one guy on dh skis and me on the teles...it was a lot of fun, and really highlighted the specialties of everyone's chosen equipment. Downhill skis definately seemed the most capable in any terrain, particularly when it got technical, while snowboards seem to float and carve like nothing else, and nothing seems as graceful as a tele skiier floating the bumps (I am not one of those, but I can aspire).

I have a pair of old Garmont Firepower boots and Hot Chiles on a pair of cheapo downhill boards...one of these days I do plan on getting a pair of real tele boards, cheap and used...I've just been learning the board the last couple seasons and really enjoy it.

The board is a Burton BMG or something--slightly asymmetrical tip to tail all-mountain board--it's been a "white label" with a sticker over the topside mark since the day I bought it so I don't remember if it's BMG or BMC, with Nidecker 960s and Northwave boots. It's a very, very responsive setup, and I dig the bindings over anything else I've tried...they're an upgrade from a set of 800s I got when I bought the board (which were an upgrade from a set of Salomons).

-Sean

[texas taco]

Try living in south east texas, and being a free heeler. Noting like working out the turns!!! trying to move to B.V. Colorado as we speak. people around here start talking aboukt skiing,and you tell them you tellemark and they think our are a call solicitor.

[kellymoe]

Telemark for the last 20+ years.

[pskhaat]

I think this winter should require an ExPo Freeheel Rally in CO.

[DaveInDenver]

I think this winter should require an ExPo Freeheel Rally in CO.
Might I suggest my home mountain, Loveland (http://skiloveland.com/)? Very pinhead friendly.

[pskhaat]

I could never have suggested a better area; the area in fact where I used to be on the ski team ;)

[bigreen505]

I think this winter should require an ExPo Freeheel Rally in CO.

Let me know when you want to do it and I'll see if I can get Amanda and Natalie Angell to join. I probably should try it one of these days, but it looks like too much work to be fun.

[DaveInDenver]

Let me know when you want to do it and I'll see if I can get Amanda and Natalie Angell to join. I probably should try it one of these days, but it looks like too much work to be fun.
It's too much fun to be work. Next time you're up, see if you can find a freeheel skier who doesn't have a big ol' smile on. Well, except for the bondage gear converts who are trying too hard or the people who got lost on their way to Vail.

[Jacket]

Anybody ever done the winter hut thing to one of the 10th mountain division huts? My wife and I are into touring and backcountry, and we do a hut trip every year (kids limit our mobility these days). We did Uncle Buds a few years ago, Harry Gates, and then Betty Bear last March. Nothing quite like a winter sunset at 11000 feet in the comfort of your own rustic cabin!

For downhill stuff, I usually snowboard, but I've taken up telemark to better compliment the backcountry stuff.

[DaveInDenver]

I could never have suggested a better area; the area in fact where I used to be on the ski team ;)
I get a Loveland pass most years, so this is very very good IMO... But I can help with the area guiding and post-ski activities, no problem. How about early December as a target?

[spressomon]

Tele for the past 5-seasons; from alpine and XC. I am stuck in the intermediate rut...probably has something to do with not getting out more than a few times the past couple years!

Inspite of what it looks like...for those that haven't 'crossed over'...since you are using, basically, your whole body it is easier on my knees in general compared to alpine. And it is way more zen like when you finally get that t-turn down!

I have always wanted to do a few of the "huts" on the 10th Mountain Division in CO.

[DaveInDenver]

We did Uncle Buds a few years ago, Harry Gates, and then Betty Bear last March.
Of the 10th Mt. Div, we've done Janet's, Polar Star, Harry Gates, Francie's. Not sure which one we got in the lottery for this winter. Also have done the New York Mt. yurt and a couple of other small huts.

[erod]

not sure how i missed this one...we spend a ton of time in the backcountry, last year a lot in the tetons and big holes but also the snake river range, bridgers, gallatins, beartooths, la sals and others. i use alpine touring gear and my girlfriend at's, splitboards and tele's. anyway, sounds like you guys have it dialed by now and the colorado crew seems to be well represented and full of knowledge...hafe fun, be safe, and if you ever need info of some areas further north let us know! here are a few pics from last winter!

[TeleScooby]

Now we're talkin!

my screenname should give away my skiing preferences, but I actually had to give up freeheelin last year due to back and knee injuries. I know, it's not harder on knees in general, but I've got some severe cartilage damage that is directly impacted by the deep knee bends...that and my knee brace kept pinching :)

Anyway, I went back to alpine and got myself a pair of Head Monster 88s and am loving 'em! I'm thinking about putting some AT bindings on there and heading back to the Alpental backcountry this year...any local takers? I need new ski buddies, everyone's moved away:(

[pskhaat]

How about early December as a target?

That's about the time the new wee one comes into our lives so I'd have to do it in 2008...not that you exactly need my company to do it :)

[DaveInDenver]

That's about the time the new wee one comes into our lives so I'd have to do it in 2008...not that you exactly need my company to do it :)
Name a time, Loveland opens Chair 1 and the White Ribbon of Death (Cat Walk/Mambo/Home Run) most years on or around the second or third week of October. Usually by Thanksgiving it's decent enough to have 2 or 3 lifts running and a few options. Anytime after the new year Loveland will be running 7 lifts and be mostly open.

[upcruiser]

I'll be out in CO for the entire month of November and early December. I might be persuaded to bring my tele gear along but honestly, I'm in need of some new stuff. I'm still rocking my old Merril Super Comps with pink buckles and 200cm Black Diamond Eclipses. ha ha

I'd be down for a g2g though if one comes to be.

I botched it though this year, I didn't get to ski this June so I wrecked my impressive string of skiing every month of year. I'm heading to Chile on September 10th and they've been having a sick winter down there this year. Definately bringing my fatties down there!:snorkel:

[bigreen505]

Name a time, Loveland opens Chair 1 and the White Ribbon of Death (Cat Walk/Mambo/Home Run) most years on or around the second or third week of October. Usually by Thanksgiving it's decent enough to have 2 or 3 lifts running and a few options. Anytime after the new year Loveland will be running 7 lifts and be mostly open.

Wouldn't it be better to wait until things get a little better, like February? The ribbon of death is not my idea of a good time.

[DaveInDenver]

Wouldn't it be better to wait until things get a little better, like February? The ribbon of death is not my idea of a good time.
I quite agree, just throwing out options because I'd really like Scott to be able to make it.

[spressomon]

A few pics of a spring bc trip we did in the Eagle Cap Wilderness near Joseph Oregon...

[refried]

I know it's an old thread but it was at the top of the page.
I've been riding a Splitboard in the Mt. Baker backcountry for the last 10 years (snowshoes and snowboard before that). I have 2 splitboards (and about 25 regular boards), one homebuilt Voile' 182 and the second a factory built Voile' 178 Swallowtail split. When I first started riding it I'd be stopped by every other person asking questions about it, but now just about every snowboarder around here has one.
http://www.splitboard.com/site/Splitboard_Home/Splitboard_Home.html

[Co-opski]

Refried,
I'm a fan of BCRiders website for splitters, he has been on TelemarkTips for years posting some cool Backcountry stoke before he started his own site. I lurk there time to time reading up on gear and looking at the trip reports. Most of my backcountry partners are on splits now verses the MSR snowshoes they used to carry along. Funny thing is that my skis are now bigger than the split boards out there. Some of us telemark skiers saw the light and now enjoy the surfy feeling that all of you snowboarders were experiencing off piste.

[witt]

Old thread, but I ride alpine touring (randonee (french for "can't tele")) in the backcountry. Most of my knuckle-dragging friends ride splitboards.

I currently have a pair of Black Diamond Justice skis and Marker Duke bindings. The whole rockered (reverse camber at the tip/tail, short section of traditional camber underfoot) ski revolution of the past couple of years has made riding truly deep powder a whole new experience. Not much difference in 8" at the resort, but in bottomless backcountry powder it's fantastic.

Let it snow!!

[ssssnake529]

I live/love to backcountry ski. Skied BC a lot when I lived in Colorado. Hope to get out even more now that I live in Utah. (Last year was a bust because I had an early season injury.) Already can't wait for more snow.

I ride A/T gear.

[1911]

Still have my Åsnes Turski wood (Hickory soles with Lignostone edges) cross-country skis and cable bindings. My stock of wax is pretty hard now though. :Wow1:

[MakersTeleMark]

I get about 50-60 bc days depending on how long the spring pack lasts. And at least a hundred on the hill. It's a big part of my life.

[18seeds]

4-5 years ago i did a done of sled access back country skiing. Nothing beats it. As my snowmobile skis progressed I retired the skiing.

[Co-opski]

http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp277/Co-opski/kylek056-1.jpg
Jewl Glacier Mid-October.

[ssssnake529]

Some Backcountry Stoke:


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[Ray Hyland]

OK, I know we are sort of cheating, but when it gets snowy here we put Mattracks onto the Defender and drive into the mountains behind our house. We try to take the kids out and look for powder once or twice a week when we are in town.
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[Co-opski]

http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp277/Co-opski/jackfrost017.jpg

[ssssnake529]

My latest trip. 9762797628