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Backcountry Skiing blogs, videos, photos, and a whole lotta stoke.

$5276.91 for backcountry ski gear | Teton Pass Backcountry, Jackson Hole, WY United States | 11/03/08, by Yardsale

For a mere $5276.91, you too can be a backcountry skier!

You:� 23 years old.� Graduated from college last spring.� This will be your 1st season as a bonified ski bum.� You grew up skiing, maybe even as a racer or on the freestyle team, but now you are free to explore the mountains on your own. �

Teton Pass:� 23 million years old.� Fresh powder every day, or so you hear.� Easy access, no lift tickets, no rules... Pure freedom beckoning (right?). �

Stagecoach Bar:� 230 dudes.� 23 chicks.� So inevitably, over a game of pool you start talking about the upcoming ski season and how you are going to kick ass at the pass.� Your friend Johnny, who has been in Jackson for a solid 8 months now, asks what your backcountry set-up will be.�� You're thinking of getting a pair of custom made Igneous skis, and you've heard good things about Dynafit bindings.� (Are they strong enough to withstand the landing when you drop that 50 foot cliff?) And of course you'll need some avalanche gear and a new pack. �

Your job:� Well, you're not exactly sure yet what you'll be doing, but you have some good options.� Work at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for $7/hour.� Find a job bussing tables for at least $5/hour + tips.� Work at a gear shop- $10/hour + pro deals, but the full time hours will cut into ski time...� Probable monthly income after taxes and rent:� $600/month. �

Wilson Backcountry Sports:� Johnny meets you at the gear store to help you get some essential AT gear.� After about an hour of shopping, you head to the check out with the best gear you could find:


Total Cost:� $3874.91 + $155 tax = $4029.91

As you were entering into the state of shock, the cashier started talking to you about how you really should sign up for a Level 1 avalanche class (American Avalanche Institute, $200) and that you really need a snow saw (Black Diamond, $45) and Slope Meter (Backcountry Access, $30).� Do you have an emergency bivy (Adventure Medical Kits, $12)?� Clif bars ($3 each)? Hand warmers ($2 each)? Hydration bladder ($20)?� Winter hydration sleeve ($20)? What about lightweight, breathable ski pants ($300)?� Down jacket ($400)?� Electronic boot heaters ($180)?


New total, including the avalanche class:� $5276.91

Yeah, so... about that job that pays $7/hour.� Isn't backcountry skiing supposed to be the cheap alternative to lift access???� If you are like most people in this situation, you'll just hand the credit card to the cashier and convince your parents to pay it off later...� Or maybe you have a trust fund and it's no big deal.

Let's assume though that you actually have some financial good sense and you realize that there is no chance in hell you'll be able to afford such a dramatic investment with your current salary.� Halt all purchases and go back to square one:� What does a true dirtbag skibum [you...] actually need to get out into the backcountry? Here are my suggestions:



New Total $1589.95 + $367 for an Avalanche Class and basic survival gear = $1956.95

Now you'll only have to work about 300 hours at the resort in order to pay the bill! (Are there even 300 working hours in the season?)� Based on your probable monthly income you'll have about $-1,400 for food and partying this month.� It'll all work out, no worries.

By the way, I just got a message from your dad.� He wants me to tell you that he has a job all lined up for you in New York.� Benefits include minimal healthcare, free travel to Iowa every week, a 401k and a parking spot in the far lot.� You'll only have to work about 85 hours each week and pretend that you enjoy golfing.� I'm sure you'll rush home for such a great opportunity!�

Or if New York is not your calling, you'll find a way to pay for the gear...� See you out on the pass!