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TOURS
Backcountry skiing: Solitude and powder snow Backcountry skiing has exploded in popularity across North America in places where there’s rugged mountainous terrain and sufficient snow to ski it. There’s a lot to be said for the experience of quiet exploration, solitude, and skiing the wild snow. BY JOHN WALKER The Tetons are one of the world’s premier locations for backcountry skiing – there’s easy access and lots of terrain, providing ample room for anyone who wants to get after it. If you want to try backcountry skiing but aren’t sure what it’s all about, here’s a little primer on the basics.
Backcountry skiing is physically more demanding than skiing at a ski area and riding lifts, because you hike up or ski in with the necessary gear before skiing down. Being at least an intermediate skier is a prerequisite. In addition, a good fitness base is important to enjoy the day. Terrain and snow assessment skills are important to travel safely in the backcountry. When ski touring, identify reasonable objectives and maintain a safe margin of error. If you have the skiing skills but are unsure about the
other backcountry skills, a good option is hiring a local ski guide (see guide service info on page 18). Backcountry skiing equipment is specialized, but today the gear is also exceptionally easy to use. To facilitate touring on skis, boots are designed with a specialized walk mode, and the boots pivot in a touring binding so you can walk with your skis on. Skins on the bottom of your skis provide traction for climbing and traveling over flat ground. When you’re ready to ski down the mountain, you remove the skins and lock down your heel for skiing – just like you’re on alpine gear. Skis are available for all types of skiers. The weight, length, width and profile determine how a ski will perform. Skinny Skis has backcountry packages for daily rental if you’re interested in giving it a try, or you’re already a backcountry skier but don’t have gear with you. Additional equipment you’ll want for a backcountry trip includes a backpack, climbing skins, avalanche shovel and probe, avalanche transceiver (and the knowledge of how to use it to find someone in the event of an avalanche),
GIMMMEER !! SHELLTTEER
Skinny Skis staff member John Walker’s skiing pursuits include nordic, alpine and backcountry.
extra clothing, hat, gloves, glasses, goggles, food and water. Jackson Hole is surrounded by skiable terrain. Teton Pass has the easiest access and is the most popular location for backcountry skiing. This area has seen a tremendous increase in skier days over the years, but once you negotiate the crux of finding a parking space, there’s a lot of remote backcountry terrain. More remote backcountry skiing can be found in Grand Teton National Park. Familiarity with terrain and avalanche conditions while skiing in these areas is critical. For skiers new to the area it’s important to ski with someone who is familiar with the terrain and current snowpack. If this is not possible, a local guide service is the answer. If you want more specifics, information or advice about backcountry skiing in Jackson Hole, stop by Skinny Skis and visit with our friendly and knowledgeable staff. d
teton hut system day trips & hut tours D.I.Y. hut rentals deep wyoming powder teton pass grand teton national park
307.353.2900 skithetetons.com Authorized concessionaire of GTNP and permitte of CTNF. PHOTO: TUCK FAUNTLEROY
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