Comments on: Ten Tips for Randonnee AT Backcountry Skiing Newbies http://www.wildsnow.com/2009/tips-backcountry-skiing/ Backcountry Skiing Snowboard Telemark Snowsports Information News Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:38:42 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Chris http://www.wildsnow.com/2009/tips-backcountry-skiing/comment-page-1/#comment-23543 Chris Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:17:34 +0000 http://www.wildsnow.com/?p=2009#comment-23543 patb, This is a tough winter for washington. But you can do it if you have patience and determination. There are numerous places that offer mellow terrain and lower avalanche risk. I would recommend the Mazama ridge at Paradise to start. Remember to always have a buddy and all your avalanche gear with you. Have fun. patb,
This is a tough winter for washington. But you can do it if you have patience and determination. There are numerous places that offer mellow terrain and lower avalanche risk. I would recommend the Mazama ridge at Paradise to start. Remember to always have a buddy and all your avalanche gear with you. Have fun.

]]> By: patb http://www.wildsnow.com/2009/tips-backcountry-skiing/comment-page-1/#comment-23542 patb Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:14:13 +0000 http://www.wildsnow.com/?p=2009#comment-23542 Lou and community, I have been a climber and snowshoer in the backcountry for a few years now. I just bought an AT setup with goals of getting farther out in the backcountry than snowshoeing as well as increasing my skiing ability. I don't like skiing in resorts because they are too expensive for me and I love the backcountry too much to spend time in the mall-like setting of a resort. I am originally from the Midwest and now a transplant in Seattle. I have downhill skied a total of about 10 times at a resort and cross country/skate skied about 5 times on groomed trails. I read a lot on your site about more difficult snow conditions in the backcountry than in the resort. The resort skiing I've done in the Cascades has mostly been in the rain and on HARD snow/ice. Am I crazy to think I can start learning to become a competent skier in the backcountry? I mostly want to start AT skiing by moderate terrain touring and easy descents; mainly as a quicker mode of transport in the backcountry than snowshoes. Do I stand a chance of picking up the skills of skinning and natural snow turning without having a resort/downhill background? Thanks for your help! Lou and community,

I have been a climber and snowshoer in the backcountry for a few years now. I just bought an AT setup with goals of getting farther out in the backcountry than snowshoeing as well as increasing my skiing ability. I don’t like skiing in resorts because they are too expensive for me and I love the backcountry too much to spend time in the mall-like setting of a resort. I am originally from the Midwest and now a transplant in Seattle. I have downhill skied a total of about 10 times at a resort and cross country/skate skied about 5 times on groomed trails.

I read a lot on your site about more difficult snow conditions in the backcountry than in the resort. The resort skiing I’ve done in the Cascades has mostly been in the rain and on HARD snow/ice. Am I crazy to think I can start learning to become a competent skier in the backcountry?

I mostly want to start AT skiing by moderate terrain touring and easy descents; mainly as a quicker mode of transport in the backcountry than snowshoes. Do I stand a chance of picking up the skills of skinning and natural snow turning without having a resort/downhill background?

Thanks for your help!

]]> By: Paul http://www.wildsnow.com/2009/tips-backcountry-skiing/comment-page-1/#comment-22688 Paul Mon, 11 Jan 2010 03:11:57 +0000 http://www.wildsnow.com/?p=2009#comment-22688 I've always skied basic downhill, I'm getting interested in doing some back county skiing. I'm wondering whats the best way to get started. I was initially interested in tele skiing but your site makes some good points towards AT. Would it be feasable to ski only on an AT setup for both lift assisted and BC skiing? The thing that really sells me on AT is that they release in a crash. Is AT gear too burly for off track tours where only minor downhill runs would be expected? I'm 30 and have a family so getting laid up is not a good thing. In the past I've always snowshoed and downhill skied. AT skiing looks like a good way to go up and have a lot more fun getting down. Could any one offer advice on skies boots and bindings? paulvannoy@gmail.com I’ve always skied basic downhill, I’m getting interested in doing some back county skiing. I’m wondering whats the best way to get started.

I was initially interested in tele skiing but your site makes some good points towards AT. Would it be feasable to ski only on an AT setup for both lift assisted and BC skiing? The thing that really sells me on AT is that they release in a crash.

Is AT gear too burly for off track tours where only minor downhill runs would be expected?

I’m 30 and have a family so getting laid up is not a good thing. In the past I’ve always snowshoed and downhill skied. AT skiing looks like a good way to go up and have a lot more fun getting down.

Could any one offer advice on skies boots and bindings?
paulvannoy@gmail.com

]]> By: Malachi http://www.wildsnow.com/2009/tips-backcountry-skiing/comment-page-1/#comment-16854 Malachi Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:29:09 +0000 http://www.wildsnow.com/?p=2009#comment-16854 Thank you lou, for the advice. Thank you lou, for the advice.

]]> By: shoveler http://www.wildsnow.com/2009/tips-backcountry-skiing/comment-page-1/#comment-16851 shoveler Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:22:15 +0000 http://www.wildsnow.com/?p=2009#comment-16851 Hey, the 'tude thing is right on. Amazing how people go out there then start whining and moaning about stuff. Too many people, too many dogs, too many this, not enough of that. Leave the *itching for when you're writing letters to your Congressman, wear a smile when you're out there! Hey, the ‘tude thing is right on. Amazing how people go out there then start whining and moaning about stuff. Too many people, too many dogs, too many this, not enough of that. Leave the *itching for when you’re writing letters to your Congressman, wear a smile when you’re out there!

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