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 Activity Specific
 Snowshoeing and Backcountry Skiing
 Beginner Backcountry Skiing - Where to start?		 Bookmark and Share     Reply to Topic
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Coastal
Junior Member


Vancouver
Canada
291 Posts
 Posted - 03/29/2010 :  09:48 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Day 1 backcountry skiing happened Saturday at Diamond Head. I dragged my brother and dad up on rented MEC skis and we skinned up until about the three quarter mark to the lakes when Dad said we better turn around because brother's feet hurt in the rental boots and brother wanted to turn around because Dad's feet hurt.

Skinning up was a bit slower than I expected as we have next to no technique and the full length skins had almost no glide to them. We probably made a little slower time than we would have done on snowshoes. Coming back down was just great. We couldn't wipe the smiles off our faces coming through the open thin crusty snow just above the Red Heather hut. None of us looked great, (seemed very hard to get the skis around after so much time on a snowboard) but when you're avoiding a 2+ hour decent who cares how you look?

I'm pretty sure we'll be at this again, probably with a little bit more attention paid to boot fit!

pmicheals
Advanced Member


Richmond, BC
Canada
2473 Posts
 Posted - 03/29/2010 :  10:16 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Day 1 backcountry skiing happened Saturday at Diamond Head. I dragged my brother and dad up on rented MEC skis and we skinned up until about the three quarter mark to the lakes when Dad said we better turn around because brother's feet hurt in the rental boots and brother wanted to turn around because Dad's feet hurt.

Skinning up was a bit slower than I expected as we have next to no technique and the full length skins had almost no glide to them. We probably made a little slower time than we would have done on snowshoes. Coming back down was just great. We couldn't wipe the smiles off our faces coming through the open thin crusty snow just above the Red Heather hut. None of us looked great, (seemed very hard to get the skis around after so much time on a snowboard) but when you're avoiding a 2+ hour decent who cares how you look?


Yes rental Gear would have sucked pending on the conditions. I would have taken LeeL's suggestion and done a day on Seymour or Cypress. Also the skins (Rental) might have been dirty, worn, needed cleaning and sprayed with a silicone Tx to avoid freezing, clumping etc.

JMO

pmicheals
Advanced Member


Richmond, BC
Canada
2473 Posts
 Posted - 03/29/2010 :  10:18 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Are you interested in some very good condition touring gear for starters. I'm interested in replacing mine and might be able to swing you a deal. Email me if you are.
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