10 Tips for Spring Backcountry Skiing — number 1 and 2

Editor’s note: This series of basic tips is something we’ve had published for a while. Lots of newcomers to the sport these days, so we figured surfacing and editing it would be good. No sense letting this kind of content just linger in the past and clutter up the web. Please commenters, add your own tips.

Spring ski touring.

1. When we take newcomers out backcountry ski touring this time of year, what to wear is question number one. If you’re hiking for your turns, you will roast unless you use a good layering system.

Consider simple softshell pants for your legs. Look for pants made of fairly thin breathable fabric with thigh vents (many such pants are intended more as a mid-winter garment, and may be too warm for spring). For layering if the weather turns, carry a pair of lighter weight hard-shell pants in your pack, (but don’t wear slick hard-shell nylon for steep skiing — see below).

Your torso is tougher to dress for uphill sweating. While cotton clothing is usually verboten in the backcountry, in spring weather a cotton t-shirt or button-down may be the only layer that’ll keep you cool and still protect your skin from the sun, pack abrasions and such.

If the weather turns nasty, be sure to strip your damp cotton before adding layers. Attempting to use ANY cotton clothing for warmth can be dangerous, since it extracts heat from your body if damp or wet (and backcountry clothing usually ends up damp).

An alternative to cotton is any acrylic or nylon type fabric. Shirts made from such tend to pass moisture better than cotton does, and will dry in moments if you hang them from your skis or a tree during a break — but they don’t keep you as cool and comfortable as good ‘ol cotton.

2. Beware the “slide for life.” Every spring we hear numerous stories of backcountry skiers taking terrifying and sometimes fatal sliding falls down steep mountain snow. I’ve witnessed a few such falls. It’s amazing how fast you accelerate, then begin “rag dolling” with no chance of stopping. Many of these falls could be minimized or entirely prevented by clothing choice. While backcountry skiing on snow steeper than about 30 degrees, wear soft shell fabrics or wool garments, rather then slick nylon. Consider packing your crampons or rope on the outside of your pack, in such a way as to drag against the snow if you fall. And consider using a ski pole self-arrest grip such as the Black Diamond Whippet if you generally ski without falling, and do tackle steep terrain.

Equally important in preventing death falls: know your limits. If you can do “no-fall” skiing you’re qualified for steep terrain. If you fall occasionally, proceed with caution and dial back your expectations.

Tip 1&2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Tip 5
Tip 6
Tip 7
Tip 8
Tip 9
Tip 10

6 Responses to “10 Tips for Spring Backcountry Skiing — number 1 and 2”

1. Bill B May 4th, 2016 1:18 pm

   # 1 tip
   Practice with all your gear until very comfortable and knowledgeable in it’s operation before heading to the hills.

2. GeorgeT May 6th, 2016 5:22 am

   #8 add Fix-A-Flat and a 12volt tire pump.

3. EricT May 7th, 2016 1:53 pm

   Looking for spring condition reports. Any out there anywhere? Seems like this would be the likely place for them.

4. Lou Dawson 2 May 7th, 2016 5:24 pm

   Hi Eric, kinda random as we’re not a niche website, while others are. I can tell you that central Colorado is in really good shape in terms of a denser than normal snowpack, but we’ve had a few warm cloudy days that are not ideal though people have of course been out. What region of the world are you looking for ideas about? Lou

5. Eric May 9th, 2016 11:30 am

   Thanks for responding Lou. I’m the avi forecaster in the La Sals, near Moab and we just got a foot of snow last night! Got a friend coming out to visit around the 24th, we’re thinking of heading to Central CO for some late season turns, maybe Savage, Independence Pass area, or wherever has the best snowpack. We were originally planning on the San Juans but they’re looking kind of thin. Any beta you might have would be greatly appreciated. Cheers, and thanks, Eric

6. Lou Dawson 2 May 9th, 2016 1:06 pm

   Key is go where you can get high altitude, from road access tailgate. Red Mountain Pass can be a good bet, and Loveland Pass, Indy Pass doesn’t open till Memorial Day weekend ore thereabouts. If you want to do a little more hiking early morning, Castle Creek Road out of Aspen can be good, or Maroon Creek. Maroon will still be closed but bicycle can work, bicycle on Indy can work but longer distance, Ebike is the solution, got one yet? Lou