Black Diamond for everything climbing and skiing.    Dynafit -- Speed Up!    Tracker beacons, Stash packs, shovels, more more more.    Terrific deals on randonnee AT rando backcountry skiing gear.    K2 has the skis that stay true to earning your turns.    Garmont boots -- excellent choice for backcountry skiing.

Backcountry Skiing Avalanches and More Avalanches

Bookmark and Share            By Lou

Seems like more avalanche accidents are happening this spring than during most years. The recent backcountry skiing tragedy on the Sierra East Side is a good example. And on March 25 an Idaho skier survived incredible trauma due to a quick rescue from his expert and devoted companions. According to news reports Steve Waltcher was swept through trees (known in ski circles as a “strainer”) In addition to two broken femurs, one a compound fracture, Waltcher also broke his pelvis, left fibula and right wrist.

With a battering like that it’s simply amazing that Walcher lived. We pray his healing will go well and he’ll enjoy a 100% recovery.

Clothing report: I wore out my Serendipty soft shell (it worked well for Moab extreme Jeeping, need I say more?) — so Cloudveil recently sent me another one for continued evaluation and review. Thanks Cloudveil! My first take on this piece was super positive, and the latest incarnation of the Serendipty continues the trend. Changes are minimal, the only thing I noticed is better velcro closure tabs at the wrists. It still has the trim fit and deep Napoleon pockets many of us love. Highly recommended.

Telemark Skiing: Despite the idenity crises in their name, the Annual U.S. Extreme Freeskiing Telemark Championships appears to have gone well last weekend in Crested Butte, Colorado. Problem is, I have yet to see a photo of anyone telemarking at the championships (hence the name?) — every photo I see is of someone floating through the air looking exactly like any alpine latched heel skier. I’m sure the telemark hero shots exist, so I’ll post a link when I find one.

Posted by Lou on March 30, 2005 | Filed Under Misc Gear Reviews, Televangelism, avalanches 

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Welcome to Louis (Lou) Dawson's backcountry skiing information and opinion website. Lou's passion for the past forty years has been alpinism, climbing, mountaineering and skiing -- along with all manner of outdoor recreation. He has authored numerous books and articles about backcountry skiing and is well known as the first person to ski down all 54 of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks, otherwise known as the Fourteeners! Books and free back country information here, and tons of Randonnee rando telemark info.

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Backcountry skiing is a dangerous sport. You may be killed or severely injured if you do any form of randone, randonnee and randonnée skiing. The information on this website is intended only as general information. While the authors and editors of the information on this website make every effort to present useful information, due to human error the information, text and images contained within this website may be inaccurate, false, or out-of-date. By using, reading or viewing the information provided on this website, you agree to absolve the owners of Wild Snow as well as content contributors of any liability for injuries or losses incurred while using such information. Furthermore, you agree to use any of this website's information, maps, photos, or binding mounting instructions or templates at your own risk, and waive Wild Snow its owners and contributors of any liability for use of said items for backcountry skiing or any other use.