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"Peak a Week" - One Step at a Time. | UNITED STATES, COLORADO, FRONT RANGE, MT. TRELEASE | 01/03/2011, by AlpineAmbitions
“Peak a Week” is a Skiing the Backcountry exclusive series. Hosted by Donny Roth, owner of Alpine Ambitions, the idea is to provide some insight into the process of backcountry skiing. Each episode will feature a new mountain and a new guest. There will always be an educational element that highlights a critical piece of the day. There will be no daring feats of stunning athleticism. Rather, it is meant to inspire the average recreational skier to get into the backcountry.
Of all the things we need in the backcountry, a partner with whom you’re compatible is one of the most difficult “essentials” to find. Backcountry skiing is an endeavor chocked full of decisions and options. The degree of difficulty of this task is elevated by the fact that many of these decisions are based on intangibles. There are few black-and-white choices in the backcountry, and this means that most everything must be discussed if it will be given fair evaluation.
I recently went out to ski with Bruce Edgerly, a co-founder of Backcountry Access, the maker of the popular Tracker Beacon. “Edge” and I had never skied together and while we are both passionate backcountry skiers, getting our schedules to align was difficult. I will admit that when we finally nailed down a date, I was a little nervous. I mean, the guy runs one of the most progressive companies in the industry and is an indefinite article away from sharing a nickname with the guitarist for U2 – he’s the definition of “cool.” I wouldn’t say I was intimidated, but I didn’t want to look like a hack either.
It is this type of pressure that can lead to big trouble in the mountains. If I’m concerned about living up to someone else’s expectations then I am not considering my own abilities. And this causes problems. Basically, you want to build an environment where everyone in the group is free to bring up concerns without creating hard feelings.
If you’re skiing with someone for the first time, this can be hard to do. It’s helpful to take it easy at first and not set the bar too high. A warm up lap can go a long way. Before Bruce and I ventured into the bigger terrain on the north side, he suggested that we do a quick lap on the gentle south pitch. It was only about five hundred vertical feet of skiing, but the process of doing this helped us understand each other better. The idea is to start making easy decisions before you must make a hard one.
Some things to consider are:
- What are each individual’s goals for the day? Do they align?
- What are the different tolerances for risk?
- Are there discrepancies in skill levels?
- Are conclusions reached respectfully?
Managing group dynamics is one of the key ingredients to successful travel in the backcountry – even if it is only a group of two. If you’re skiing with a new partner keep your objectives well within everyone’s comfort zones. Take it one step at a time with your new ski buddy – just like a great ski tour, you’ll be surprised how far you get.
That's Our Opinion. What's Yours?
Edge wrote on 01/05/11 at 5:02:18 pm pst:
Interesting take on our fun ski day, Donny. Human factors are a big deal in avi terrain. Didn't realize I was so intimidating! Hope I put that one to rest :) Let's get out again soon.
powderjunky wrote on 01/06/11 at 10:08:53 am pst:
Great article! At least you knew your partner knows how to use his beacon :)
Donny Roth wrote on 01/09/11 at 8:42:04 pm pst:
Edge - It was great to get out together. I look forward to the next time. And thanks a million for the beacon tips, now I am positive the Tracker 2 is the way to go.
