{"id":10366,"date":"2020-12-12T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-12T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.powder7.com\/ski-blog\/?p=10366"},"modified":"2022-06-22T12:57:47","modified_gmt":"2022-06-22T18:57:47","slug":"how-to-start-backcountry-skiing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.powder7.com\/ski-blog\/how-to-start-backcountry-skiing\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Start Backcountry Skiing: A Step-by-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to the world of alpine touring.<\/h2>\n

First, know this: You are not the only person wondering how to get into backcountry skiing. In 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak has cast uncertainty over the entire institution of resort skiing. One side effect? The smoldering log of alpine touring interest has been doused with lighter fluid.<\/p>\n

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Want to ski uphill? There are some things you should know. | PHOTO: Alton Richardson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Backcountry skiing is a great way to get that essential Vitamin D plus fresh air and exercise. It also (usually) offers a respite from crowds. Skiers who are well-versed in backcountry travel\u2014who already have the gear and the knowledge\u2014have been finding solace in their favorite zones since long before coronavirus happened. #Cancelchairlifts may not have trended, but the sentiment exists on a personal level for many skiers. Others simply love balancing their fast-paced resort days with backcountry peace.<\/p>\n

Backcountry skiing also kills. Avalanches claim skiers’ lives every year. Some of those skiers are experts.<\/p>\n

How to Start Backcountry Skiing<\/h2>\n

So, in order to chart a safe and satisfying course into the world of alpine touring, it’s useful to take the right first steps:<\/p>\n

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  1. Know what you know, and know what you don’t.<\/li>\n
  2. Get the gear.<\/li>\n
  3. Get educated.<\/li>\n
  4. Find good partners.<\/li>\n
  5. Start small.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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    “Knowing you know nothing about avalanches is the first step to, well, knowing something about avalanches.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    1. Know What You Know, and Know What You Don’t<\/h3>\n

    Before you shell out $2,000 on new gear and wander up an unfamiliar trail, we recommend some self-assessment. Start by asking yourself these questions:<\/p>\n

    What is your ski level, and can you identify an appropriate run in the backcountry?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Do you know how, where, and when avalanches happen? <\/strong><\/p>\n

    Do you know how to stay out of harm’s way in the backcountry?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Do you know how to use ski touring and avalanche safety gear?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Can you dress and pack appropriately for winter backcountry travel?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Answering these questions honestly will give you a foundation. For example, knowing you know nothing about avalanches is the first step to, well, knowing something about avalanches. Rather than blindly following someone else’s tracks up a trail (a person who may also know nothing), learn how to stay out of hazardous situations first. And also, learn what you will do if something goes wrong. This applies to avalanches, sure, but it is also a useful approach for other hazards, like gear failure, being under-dressed for the elements, getting lost, etc.<\/p>\n

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    Step one: Know before you go. And if you don’t know, don’t go. | PHOTO: Bianca Germain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    2. Get the Gear<\/h3>\n

    When you are figuring out how to start backcountry skiing, the gear part can feel like an enigma wrapped in a conundrum. That’s where we come in! As always, you can call Powder7 at 303-237-7547<\/strong> to talk gear. Here are your options. Don’t miss our alpine touring shopping list below!<\/p>\n

    Get a Frame Alpine Touring Setup<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Frame alpine touring bindings allow you to skin uphill without buying a touring boot. They descend as full-on alpine bindings, so you can use them confidently for all your resort skiing, too. This option requires the least commitment and is often the least expensive. The downside is that, for touring, these setups are on the heavier side. And beware the alpine-boot blisters!<\/p>\n

    Get a Full-On Touring Setup<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Powder7 sells a variety of used alpine touring setups<\/a>, some with frame bindings and others with tech touring bindings. Tech touring bindings help you save considerable weight, but they can only be used with touring boots<\/a>, which feature walk modes, lightweight materials, and pin fittings. If you are looking to piece together a new setup, you can find lightweight skis<\/a> and tech bindings<\/a> on their own, allowing you to build the perfect kit for your human-powered future.<\/p>\n

    Get a Do-Everything Hybrid Setup<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The newest craze in the backcountry skiing world is the advent of hybrid alpine touring bindings. These allow you to tour uphill in a relatively lightweight binding with tech pins. For the downhill, the pins stow and you descend in a full-on alpine binding. Add a hybrid touring boot to maximize the versatility of your ski kit with the fewest numbers of products. <\/p>\n

    Don’t Forget Skins and Safety Gear<\/strong><\/p>\n

    First, you would be surprised at how many people buy AT setups without realizing they need climbing skins<\/a> in order to go uphill. Don’t be that person.<\/p>\n

    And second, do not skip safety gear. Even if you just want to ski right now and think you will do it safely, take a moment to consider the risk. By getting into alpine touring, you’re setting yourself up for next season and beyond. A full setup isn’t complete without the gear you need to stay safe in the backcountry<\/a>. At minimum, that’s a beacon, a probe, and a shovel. You also need to know how to use them and practice.<\/p>\n

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    Nerding out over touring gear is even better when you then get to score powder turns. | SKIER: John Paul<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    3. Get Educated<\/h3>\n

    This blog post, along with whatever similar articles or videos you have consumed online, do not substitute for formal avalanche safety training. Keep yourself, your friends, and other backcountry travelers safe by taking an AIARE Level 1 course<\/a> before you ski in the backcountry.<\/p>\n

    Naturally, not all skiers who get into backcountry skiing will start with a full Level 1. Such is life. One more time: We do not recommend this approach. However, there are a few basic steps you can take on your own to begin <\/em>your avalanche safety journey.<\/p>\n

    Watch this Video. Then Watch It Again.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Know Before You Go, is an industry-standard as in introduction<\/em> to avalanche safety. It’s a great starting point, but it doesn’t take the place of actual avalanche education, like an AIARE Level 1 course<\/a>.<\/p>\n