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Spending dough for the Snow - Dough for winter Snow Sports |
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Written by Erin Frustaci
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Thursday, 02 November 2006 |
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Page 3 of 12
 BACKCOUNTRY SKIING
Many trade in downhill for telemark
Gone are the days when telemark skiers were generally perceived as granola heads wearing Peruvian hats, raging about recklessly on “skinny skis” and scaring the “real” skiers. A great old T-shirt asks “Why can’t they stay in the woods where they belong?”
Today, the woods are not just for telemark skiers, though they make up the majority of those venturing into the backcountry.
And with ski resorts becoming more and more crowded and expensive, traditional skiers are turning in their standard skis for backcountry set-ups.
Few things compare with the joys of backcountry skiing: great untracked snow, terrain generally unavailable at resorts, solitude and openness, and stunning views.
Sure, it takes a little more effort (or a lot, depending on where you want to go) because there are no lifts, but for all moaning and groaning on the climbs, there is nothing but smiles and heart-racing joy on the descents. It’s always worth it.
Keeping up with the heightened demand, companies are coming up with new and innovative products to help make the backcountry experience more exciting, less work and safer (avalanche safety courses are a must for anyone heading out back.)
Gear prices are similar to traditional gear, although a few other things are needed, like a backpack, shovel, avalanche beacon, probe poles and climbing skins.
Yet, considering what you’ll save on lift tickets, and the beautiful places you’ll be skiing, that’s a real deal.
Glenn BurnSilver
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ESSENTIALS
Avalanche beacon
($250-$600)
Shovel
($40-$65)
Probe poles
($50-$70)
or adjustable ski poles that probe
($60-$110)
Climbing Skins
($90-$160)
Backpack for gear, food, water, extra clothes and essentials
($60 and up)
Skis, boots and poles
($800 and up depending on package)
Prices from online research and area sports shops reflect a representative amount.
RENT IT
Gear rentals are available at Mountain Sports: Skis, boots and poles, $30 first day, $12 additional days; Individual components, $20/$10; climbing skins, $6/$3; Probes or shovel, $4/$2.
GET IT USED
Play it Again Sports, Ebay and PowerBuzz.com are good sources for gear
Cameron Pass and Rocky Mountain National Park are local hotspots, though Rabbit Ears Pass near Steamboat and Berthoud Pass aren’t too far.
National Geographic 112: Poudre River/Cameron Pass
MAPS
National Geographic 200: Rocky Mountain National Park
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| | My name is Michelle Turley and I'm 28 years old. I live in Severance with my hubbie, Brandon. We have 2 dogs and a cat. We enjoy camping, four-wheeling, and just being in the mountains. I like to cook, clean (go figure), flea market, and play poker. I have so much to say about poker... | |
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