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VAIL, Colorado — I hope that everyone in Colorado's Vail Valley has enjoyed the holiday skiing, and has ventured into the backcountry whenever possible. Unfortunately, storms have been missing the valley, but I predict (or hope) that trend will change as we ring in the New Year.
The lack of snow coupled with cold temperatures and strong winds have created a suspect snowpack throughout the Vail backcountry. This doesn't mean you can't venture out, just make sure you have avalanches on your mind.
Every year people die in avalanches. It's no surprise then that every year companies design and release more gear to help backcountry users survive. For years the fundamental and basic equipment carried into the backcountry by skiers and snowboarders has been a beacon, shovel and probe. These are still essential pieces of equipment that everyone should carry and know how to use.
When used properly, beacon, probe and shovel can locate and save a life. New avalanche research has proven that digging and extracting an avalanche victim takes longer than finding the victim once a signal is picked up, assuming you're carrying a beacon. However, without a probe and a probe strike, you'll be hard pressed to dig exactly where you need to, assuming you have a shovel. As you can see, not having any one of these pieces of equipment can lead to disaster.
Gear is great, and as we mentioned in our last article, having all the right gear at the right time and in the right place is essential for a successful backcountry adventure. However, don't be fooled by bells and whistles. The absolute best avalanche gear is knowing how to safely travel in the backcountry. This means that you know what causes avalanches, that you recognize avalanche terrain, and that you know how to avoid getting into a situation you'll later regret. Hands down this is the easiest way to ensure an avalanche-free backcountry experience.
Not all backcountry adventures will lead to powder turns on 30-degree plus slopes. Lower angle slopes can be just as enjoyable a skiing experience. This is not to say that 20-degree slopes will not slide in the right conditions. It's just not as likely.
But stick to these lower angle slopes when conditions are poor and practice working on a skiing technique that allows you to gain energy out of each turn. Enjoy going up and all the other wonderful things about backcountry skiing, and remember: it's not all about going down.
At Paragon Guides, we recommend that you annually practice your beacon search and shoveling techniques and stay on top of current best practices. For more information on shoveling techniques come join Paragon Guides at its backcountry center in Arrowhead Jan. 8 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call 970-926-5299 for more information.
Lastly, if you haven't taken an Avalanche Level I class, there are still a few being offered by Colorado Mountain College. If you would like a refresher, or don't have time for a full class, Paragon Guides can arrange a day of avalanche information for you and your friends.
Continue to daily check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center — http://avalanche.state.co.us — for comprehensive snow pack reports and avalanche conditions. Enjoy the New Year and think snow.
Will Elliott leads backcountry ski tours for Paragon Guides. When he's not leading visitors on classic ski tours throughout the Gore Range and beyond, he's fishing, climbing, hiking and rafting.
The lack of snow coupled with cold temperatures and strong winds have created a suspect snowpack throughout the Vail backcountry. This doesn't mean you can't venture out, just make sure you have avalanches on your mind.
Every year people die in avalanches. It's no surprise then that every year companies design and release more gear to help backcountry users survive. For years the fundamental and basic equipment carried into the backcountry by skiers and snowboarders has been a beacon, shovel and probe. These are still essential pieces of equipment that everyone should carry and know how to use.
When used properly, beacon, probe and shovel can locate and save a life. New avalanche research has proven that digging and extracting an avalanche victim takes longer than finding the victim once a signal is picked up, assuming you're carrying a beacon. However, without a probe and a probe strike, you'll be hard pressed to dig exactly where you need to, assuming you have a shovel. As you can see, not having any one of these pieces of equipment can lead to disaster.
Gear is great, and as we mentioned in our last article, having all the right gear at the right time and in the right place is essential for a successful backcountry adventure. However, don't be fooled by bells and whistles. The absolute best avalanche gear is knowing how to safely travel in the backcountry. This means that you know what causes avalanches, that you recognize avalanche terrain, and that you know how to avoid getting into a situation you'll later regret. Hands down this is the easiest way to ensure an avalanche-free backcountry experience.
Not all backcountry adventures will lead to powder turns on 30-degree plus slopes. Lower angle slopes can be just as enjoyable a skiing experience. This is not to say that 20-degree slopes will not slide in the right conditions. It's just not as likely.
But stick to these lower angle slopes when conditions are poor and practice working on a skiing technique that allows you to gain energy out of each turn. Enjoy going up and all the other wonderful things about backcountry skiing, and remember: it's not all about going down.
At Paragon Guides, we recommend that you annually practice your beacon search and shoveling techniques and stay on top of current best practices. For more information on shoveling techniques come join Paragon Guides at its backcountry center in Arrowhead Jan. 8 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call 970-926-5299 for more information.
Lastly, if you haven't taken an Avalanche Level I class, there are still a few being offered by Colorado Mountain College. If you would like a refresher, or don't have time for a full class, Paragon Guides can arrange a day of avalanche information for you and your friends.
Continue to daily check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center — http://avalanche.state.co.us — for comprehensive snow pack reports and avalanche conditions. Enjoy the New Year and think snow.
Will Elliott leads backcountry ski tours for Paragon Guides. When he's not leading visitors on classic ski tours throughout the Gore Range and beyond, he's fishing, climbing, hiking and rafting.
