Originally Posted by
ahm
This is a very regular thread on so many skiing boards, and I find it quite interesting. Many post wanting to "know" about policies, terrain, "what's out there", etc, but few do I see doing the "sniff, sniff, study, study, hike, hike, approach to tree skiing. I think this may have something to do with "how much time you have available" as well as how "serious" a woods/backcountry skier you are.
I regularly ski the terrain that is available on both sides of the mountain, using Lincoln gap as one boundary and the end of Mt E as the other. This can extend to both sides of the ridge. However, be aware if you decide to drop over the ridge to the backside, that there is a great deal of logistics you need to deal with.
All of this brings me to the idiocy of my subject header which is "sniff, sniff, study, study, hike, hike" all before you drop in. These three things are essential to backcountry skiing that doesn't not involve ski areas and that crosses avalanche terrain. Consequently, I like to see woods skiers using a similar approach. It aids in safety, understanding, and will blossom into a much more serious approach to finding "the goods".
To find much of the skiable terrain that I use, I find by hiking the terrain in the off season and understanding the lines and brooks, I can maximize the "fun" factor once the snow falls. Obviously, when trail density is as low as it is at SB, the areas between the trails can offer some very nice woods skiing, and most of those routes are rather obvious and quite safe, short of hitting a tree or a toe tripper. This is why I would be careful going in "too early". My view is that there isn't really a snow pack and that unless we get a significant dump, woods skiing would be a bit risky at the moment. Not that I do not like risk, but if I am going to risk potential injury, the line is gonna be quite good and currently those lines just aren't available.
Smootharc talks about some new debris. Ahh, welcome to the "woods skiers world", the lines change every year, hence the hike, hike, part.
Tin would love a full blown Fortune 20 policy complete with powerpoint presentation. Unfortunately Tin, woods skiing doesn't really adopt well to a "hard and fast policy". It is one of those things that is passed down from generations, new lines are discovered and developed by a combination of old and new timers (just like Mike Douglass brought us a lot of new school skiing).
Obviously, for many they would love to do some of what TIn wants: organized trimming with volunteer crews etc. But some issues there surround liability and having people work on weekends, as that is when most maintenance get togethers are. So, bringing this "idea" to fruition is still a ways off.
I would encourage all tree skiers and those interested in discussing to have a more casual get together and see what comes of it...........................The Tav bar with some 60 min IPAs would be a great spot..........................I'll be there this Friday, and Sat (unless of course we have our in-depth snowmaking discussion that some have requested).
Right now I am finishing off my weekend preparations by covering my goretex jkt with polyurethane and installing wipers on my turbo fan googles so I am better equiped to handle the ncp that we seem to be getting this season so far...........until one of these pub sessions...................................it's back to W-O-R-K (which for me today is transition training.....................yep, as they transition, so will I.................to the ski area!!!
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