Comments on: Avalanche Near Aspen Kills One — Falls Only 200 Vertical Feet

By: Kidd

Kidd — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:19:44 +0000

Conservative is fine, but how bout skiing the resort and stay out of backcountry??

By: Martin

Martin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:42:33 +0000

that was “not always going to be there for them”. :blush:

By: Martin

Martin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:41:34 +0000

Thanks Jonathan L and Carla for agreeing with me and thanks Matt for your comments.
I agree that it may be difficult to get at your beacon under clothing but it’s better than the risk of having it torn off. I also see a lot of people removing the beacon so that they can take off a layer when they get hot – typically while climbing on a slope – just the moment in which an avalanche may decide to get it’s act on.

Concerning the checking of the beacons at the trail head I agree that it can be frustrating and there is the possibility of doing it a little higher up the track, but that’s when the skiers are following a more experienced mountaineer who should remember to do it – guide, instructor etc. As an instructor I want my students to get into the habit of doing something themselves before they set out. If they get into the habit of setting out without doing the check they might later to forget the check or even to turn the beacon on. Much better a little frustration than walking around without the beacon on. I or someone like me is not also going to be there for them.

By: Njord

Njord — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:33:42 +0000

Lou,

Love the “manned” hut idea…. too bad the Hidden Gems folks would freak out over such a great idea!

Njord
(I’m busy missing Europe: cold beer and a warm hut waiting for you at the end of the day without any Enviro guilt from the Boulder crowd)

By: Lou

Lou — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:44:11 +0000

If it can break my femur it can tear a beacon off. No need to get any more scientific than that. Trees and rocks tend to do things to you and your possessions when you hit the obstacles at 60 or 100 mph.