Backcountry Questions

[St. Bear]

So I'm seriously considering hiking for some turns around my town next winter. There's a few spots with a hundred or so feet of vertical that I've had my eye on. My question to the board, what should I look for? Is there anything that I should look to stay away from? Part of what makes one hill particularly appealing is that it's located under some power lines, which would make it incredibly accessable. Is that sound logic? I used to bike under power lines as a kid, so I don't see a difference.

I'm looking to do some scounting over the next few months, but I've never done this before, so any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dmc]

just as long as you don't get nut cancer you should be ok...

Seriously.. Since snowfall isn;t that good - look for spot that arent "boney"... meaning stumps and pungies..

 

[tylerjames]

a good snow pack, i wouldn't think that living in NJ you should worry about huge slides but they can happen even a small slide can be just as dangerous as a big one, be careful. read some books about how to map you your lines. get the right gear, AT, tele, splitboard or even some snowshoes.

don't go alone

AMC

 

[St. Bear]

just as long as you don't get nut cancer you should be ok...

Seriously.. Since snowfall isn;t that good - look for spot that arent "boney"... meaning stumps and pungies..

That's also why the power lines seem appealing, hopefully it'll be relatively smoother (I know many powerlines have access roads underneath), and I can manage with less snowfall than somewhere with tree cover.

 

[dmc]

That's also why the power lines seem appealing, hopefully it'll be relatively smoother (I know many powerlines have access roads underneath), and I can manage with less snowfall than somewhere with tree cover.

Don't count out the trees... Look for old growth forest with limited underbrush... We rode the Watchung Reservation in NJ for 4 days straight one year... Short gnar lines...

 

[riverc0il]

Hike the lines before the snow hits and get a feel for where the "trouble" is including small-large rocks, stumps, down trees, etc. Sometimes you get so used to skiing in bounds where ski areas will blow three feet before they consider the run "safe" so it is amazing what 1' of snow looks like it hides but really does not. So you may want to wait for snow to consolidate a bit before giving it a shot. Pretty much just go for it but be cautious your first time down. Turns where ever there is snow, I like the attitude!!