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To BC or not to BC?

Do you ski Backcountry?

  • Used to, but not anymore

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    18

skiNEwhere

Active member
Joined
Oct 29, 2006
Messages
4,141
Points
38
Location
Dubai
I've slowly started getting into the backcountry the last few seasons, took AIARE I last season, and tagged along with skiers that have a lot more experience than I do, but overall I'd say I do about 80-90% of my skiing at the resorts.

Would like to take AIARE II this season so that I can get out a little more.
 

skiNEwhere

Active member
Joined
Oct 29, 2006
Messages
4,141
Points
38
Location
Dubai
Thanks!

(Guessing you're posting from a phone and don't see there is an attached poll asking a question)
 

dlague

Active member
Joined
Nov 7, 2012
Messages
8,792
Points
36
Location
CS, Colorado
I have been wanting to but gearing up for it is like buying a bunch of new gear and I cannot justify the cost at this time. I know some people who use lift served resorts, park a car else where then go off the backside.
 

jimk

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 1, 2012
Messages
1,790
Points
113
Location
Wash DC area
Hard to get into BC living in Virginia. It can be done in WV, but we have enough trouble keeping open lift served ski areas around here with tons of snowmaking infrastructure. I know how to cross-country ski at intermediate level and could probably quickly adapt to AT if I got that gear. But not worth it unless I lived near good BC with plenty of snowpack. Also, correct me if wrong, but if you're a stupid newbie BC in the Rockies has a lot more serious consequences than BC in New England.
jim cross country.jpg
 

MadMadWorld

Active member
Joined
Jan 10, 2012
Messages
4,082
Points
38
Location
Leominster, MA
The cost has gotten a lot better. You can get boots that will be suitable for most EC backcountry as well as traditional alpine. Bindings are becoming more affordable and some manufacturers are figuring out ways to offer a hybrid setup. Best thing to do is borrow snowshoes and do some exploring. You will figure pretty quickly if you like it or not. It's definitely not for everyone. It's a lot of work for just one run. Give it a try and if you like it then shop around for gear swaps.
 

Terry

Well-known member
Joined
May 9, 2004
Messages
2,192
Points
48
Location
Fryeburg Maine
I have done some sidecountry skiing at our local Mt and have skinned up when not open or early mornings, but have not done any actual backcountry yet. Maybe this year I will give it a try if we get good snow cover.
 
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