Dec/110
The Comforts of Ski Camping
Tips for keeping warm, hydrated and frost-bite free
Winter ski touring doesn’t have to be a sufferfest. In fact, with knowledge, preparation and the right gear, backpacking on skis in the dead of winter can be quite comfortable, says Mike Schwartz, an experienced winter camper and owner of The BackCountry store in Truckee. “I think ski touring in winter is actually a lot more comfortable than people think. Usually you don’t have to ski very far to feel like you’re deep in the wilderness — although skis can get you back to the car quickly if you do. Then you climb into your tent and sleeping bag and you’re warm and comfortable.”
Hot Water Bottles
The key is staying dry, Schwartz says, or if that’s unrealistic, knowing how to get dry. He recommends putting wet socks and gloves into your down jacket pockets and then your sleeping bag. “Filling a Nalgene bottle with boiling hot water will not only keep you toasty for hours, but speed up the drying process,” he adds. “I bring two. Camelbak-type bladders don’t help in this critical task.” You should be able to do most of your cooking and snow melting right outside your tent door, in the open or in a vestibule with ventilation, while still in your bag and down jacket. “Bring enough fuel to melt water and make sure your stove works well beforehand,” he warns. “If you’re using butane fuel canisters, they fi zzle out in the cold when they get low so just stick them in your jacket to warm them up. And protect your stove from the wind as best as possible to use less fuel.”
Cooking Inside?
Though not recommended by tent manufacturers for obvious liability reasons, Alpine Skills International, the venerable Truckee-based guide service, teaches students how to safely cook inside their tents using a hanging stove, and in the process provide some ambient heating. “The key is having good ventilation,” says ASI guide Logan Talbott, to protect against carbon dioxide buildup. This means at least two vents to provide cross ventilation, ideally one high and one low. The stove provides enough ambient warming that bulky insulation layers are usually not necessary to bring, helping to keep packs lighter and slimmer, he says. “We’re trying to keep weight down to a minimum so people can tour more comfortably and efficiently, and enjoy down skiing along the route.”
Bring a Garbage Bag
Another component of ASI’s interior-stove cooking and heating system utilizes a sturdy plastic garbage bag. Rather than going in and out of the tent to fetch snow to melt, ASI teaches campers to collect all the snow they’ll need for water and cooking in the garbage bag, compact it and bring it in the tent. By condensing the snow in the bag you get more water from it during melting, rather than heating air particles, saving fuel and weight through efficiency.
Photo by Josh Beddingfield
underestimated, not only for comfort, but for performance when climbing and skiing. When you’re at altitude in a cold, dry environment, performance and warmth are highly dependent on adequate hydration.
Camp Site Prep
When setting up a tent in the snow, ASI teaches students to dig out a platform and use the excavated snow to build a snow wall around the tent or at least on the windward side. This helps protect the tent in nasty weather and keeps it warmer and calmer inside. Trying to sleep in a wind-battered tent is challenging, to say the least, and potentially dangerous.
Tents need to be guy-lined to the ground or snow anchors, says Schwartz. Extra stuff sacks, filled with snow and buried, work well as “deadman” to guy your lines to. “Be prepared to dig a snow cave if you think it could really storm,” he adds. “Believe it or not, you will be warmer under the snow as you can expect it to be 32 degrees down there. And have good shovels and goggles to dig the hole. Probe around before digging to make sure it’s deep enough.”
Dreaded Wet Boots
For comfort the next morning and to guard against frostbitten toes and digits, ASI’s Talbott reiterates the importance of drying out your boot liners, socks and gloves in the tent or in your sleeping bag overnight. Even if not completely dry, at least they won’t be frozen solid when you stick your feet and hands in them. Bring some cheap VBLs (vapor barrier liners) — plastic bread bags work great — and put those over your socks before jamming your foot into your boots if your feet tend to sweat so much that it’s impossible to dry out your liners overnight. Wet boots, especially, will kill your motivation to get out of your bag in the
morning and ultimately turn you off winter camping quicker than just about anything else. ASI teaches these winter camping principles, and many other tricks discovered and honed from decades of experience in the elements, in their backcountry ski and snowboard programs.
Their two-day Sugar Bowl to Squaw Valley tour, in particular, is designed to introduce clients to ASI’s “high and light” ski camping system and serves as the ultimate prep for longer multi-day ski touring in the High Sierra and elsewhere. The Sugar Bowl to Squaw tour costs $365 and will be run on weekends in February and March this season.
See www.alpineskills.com for more information or call their winter offi ce at the Backcountry Adventure Center at Sugar Bowl at 530-582-9170.
For gear needs or advice, as well as recommendations on where to go in the Tahoe region, call or stop by The BackCountry in
Truckee (530-582-0909 or 888-625-8444), or check out their Tahoe Guidebook and Backcountry Forum at www.thebackcountry.net.
—Pete Gauvin
Oct/090
Train for Snow
Alpine Touring on Mount Humphries.
Photo: Mike Schwartz
What’s the deal with winter? If you are anything like me, winter is generally a bad time for fitness and outdoor sports. Oh sure, I try every year to resist the lure of massive holiday overeating, but inevitably I am ten pounds heavier and in lousy shape come spring. Then I spend spring and summer getting back into shape and the whole cycle starts again—fit and motivated in the summer, lazy, fat and uninspired in the winter. Gaining fitness in the summer; gaining weight in the winter. You get the picture.
Well, this year the cycle ends. The following snow primer is the result of an epiphany that can be summed up in three words: “TRAIN FOR SNOW.” In other words, I will not stumble into the winter outdoor sports season. This year I will start training weeks before the first snowflake hits the ground. This year I will set personal fitness goals and work hard to achieve them. Train for snow. Corny? Probably. But if you are anything like me, it sometimes helps to have a corny fitness mantra to help gain some much-needed momentum.
In this regard, we have asked a few experts in various snow sports to briefly describe what they love about their favorite winter activity. Maybe you are looking for your first winter sport to pursue as a fitness hobby. The following will serve as good introduction to a few popular snow sports. On the other hand, possibly you are a little tired of your old routine and would like to try something new. Well, clearly there are many options, from the mild to the wild. As a downhill skier you may want to switch to snowboarding, or maybe you are a cross-country skier wanting to up the adventure factor on tele-skis. Either way, getting out of a rut is crucial for all of us. The key is to make it fun and start getting ready NOW for this year’s snow season. Given the wide variety of snow sports (and the complicated gear that goes with each discipline) the following may clear up some confusion.
Finally, Olympic Skier and fitness instructor Eva Twardokens has some training advice. Contrary to popular opinion, occasional running and other cardio programs alone are NOT the best way to train for our most kick-butt snow season ever. Injury prevention should be the foundation for any snow fitness regimen, according to Eva. This makes sense, given that the first day back on the snow for most of us is a humbling barrage of spills, wipeouts, and near misses. Read Eva’s sidebar, and train for snow the right way. Because now is the time if you want to be snow fit come January. Train for snow—it’s not just an idea, it’s a victory chant. See you at the gym!
– Matt Niswonger
SNOWSHOEING
What’s the deal with snowshoeing?
Snowshoeing is truly a silent sport for those that enjoy trekking in a winter environment. It’s easy to learn; you can become an expert within a few steps. Snowshoes allow walking in comfort and stability over snow. Snowshoes are used for everything from taking a stroll about the meadow to climbing mountains, some folks actually run on the things. As a fitness activity, snowshoes offer a low-impact, safe form of exercise. For those that feel a little intimidated of slipping and gliding on skis, snowshoes are a great alternative.
Why do people love it?
Snowshoeing is straightforward, inspiring and great exercise. It’s just a matter of putting on another pair of shoes and off you go. Walking over snow gives one an aerobic workout while out enjoying nature with friends and family. Snowshoes are very maneuverable, so one can go places others cannot get to. They are simply the most hassle free way to enjoy an outdoor winter adventure.
Debbi Waldear is director of the Kirkwood Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center. She is an eight-time World Masters Ski Champion.
Cross-country skiing at Bear Valley.
Photos: Jared Brick.
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
What’s the deal with cross-country skiing?
Cross-country skiing is a multi-faceted winter sport that is enjoyed by young and old alike. It can be done out the back door in any snowy landscape, or enjoyed at a facility that offers professionally groomed, mapped and signed trails. Unlike other snow sports, half of the participants are women. The rhythm and flow generated by the striding motion is almost dance-like and is very easy to learn. Like bicycling, there is a lot of glide on the flats, some effort required to go up, and often thrilling descents. Gear that is suitable for the various styles such as striding, ski skating, or backcountry touring can be rented or purchased. Instruction is recommended and prior experience with other balance-oriented activities (surfing, rollerblading, ice skating, etc.) can be very beneficial.
Why do people love it?
It’s been said (at least by me) that cross-country skiing is about the most fun you can have with your clothes on. Many enjoy the fact that it’s highly social. The quiet magic of skiing through an aspen forest, hidden meadow or scenic ridge-top is unparalleled. Modern gear has enhanced control and enjoyment. Simply adjust your pace to choose your desired level of exertion. It may be one of the best exercises out there, but it does not have to be a lot of work.
Paul Petersen is the owner of Bear Valley Cross Country on Ebbetts Pass and the author of The Essential Cross Country Skier, an excellent primer on the sport.
DOWNHILL SKIING
What’s the deal with skiing?
Most people think of “skiing” as a recreational downhill sport in which one visits a ski resort, purchases a lift ticket, and rides on a chair lift. Upon reaching the summit, the skier disembarks from the ski lift and travels downhill, propelled by gravity. Practiced by millions every winter, skiing actually requires quite a bit of skill. One should not attempt skiing unless trained at a ski school and proficient at turning and stopping safely. If you haven’t learned to turn, you will gain excessive speed, only to run into stationary objects such as trees. Modern downhill skis rely on a fixed-heel binding and sharp steel edges for control.
Why do people love it?
Staying in control is the key to having a good time on skis. As one gains skill and confidence, control can be maintained at high speeds and through varying terrain like moguls and trees. In time, skiing will begin to feel like flying. For many it is absolutely the most thrilling way imaginable to stay fit during the cold winter months. The feeling of cold mountain air blowing on your face as you hurl past beautiful pine trees, snow, and other skiers is an adrenaline rush that leaves many hopelessly addicted to the wonderful sport of downhill (also known as alpine) skiing.
Lorre Johnson has 46 years of skiing experience and has been a ski instructor for 22 years. Lorre currently works in the Guest Relations and Marketing Department at Sierra Summit Mountain Resort.
ALPINE TOURING
What’s the deal with Alpine Touring?
Alpine Touring, commonly shortened to “AT” and known in Europe as randonnee, refers to touring the winter alpine environment by your own power. AT gear is specifically designed to make hiking and skinning (using traction strips attached to the bottom of your skis, allowing uphill progress) possible on regular downhill skis. AT bindings allow your downhill skis to have a touring mode in which the heel releases to enable efficient ascent of snow-covered slopes.
In general, AT boots and bindings are much lighter and more comfortable than regular downhill gear. AT boots and bindings will help you fly up the hill and walk rocky ridges with confidence. Unless you huck cliffs or ski moguls, you should be very satisfied with AT performance while downhill skiing at a chair-lift resort.
Why do people love it?
Backcountry skiing is all about sniffing out the best snow conditions and terrain. Why fight for a tiny patch of fresh snow at the ski resort when endless backcountry powder waits? The beauty of Alpine Touring is that downhill skiers don’t have to learn a whole new sport to start exploring the backcountry. Like cycling, you can work as easy or hard as you want. Sliding your skis on snow is usually the fastest method of climbing and descending your favorite mountain summit.
To get in the AT game you’ll need some fairly soft and lightweight skis, preferably with a waist width of 85-95mm. Popular AT specific skis are made by Karhu, Black Diamond, K2, and G3. Keep in mind that converting your favorite downhill skis to Alpine Touring skis won’t work if your regular skis have integrated bindings. Don’t forget skins, adjustable poles, and avalanche rescue gear. Backcountry travel requires awareness, safety training, and experience.
Mike Schwartz is the owner of The Back Country with locations in Truckee and Tahoe City. Go to www.thebackcountry.net for a free Tahoe Backcountry Ski Guidebook.
TELEMARK SKIING
What is the deal with tele-skiing?
Telemark skiing is a graceful blend of nordic and alpine styles. It first appeared in a ski jumping contest in 1868 which Sondre Norheim won while using the telemark position to land. Sondre was from the Norwegian town of Telemark for which the new style was named. The telemark turn is easily recognized when a skier laterally separates their feet, one foot forward, one foot back, with the heel of the rear foot raised off the ski. Today telemark skiers use specialized nordic gear which in materials resembles alpine skiing equipment except the boots are more flexible and are only fastened to the skis at the toe.
Why do people love it?
A proficient telemark skier is smooth, graceful and strong. Good style requires almost constant motion and balance. A blend of power and grace translates into an exciting performance for both the skier and observer. However, telemark skiing is not easily learned and sometimes counter-intuitive to the veteran alpine skier or snowboarder. Often a few lessons or studying books such as Paul Parker’s “Freeheel Skiing” or Paul Petersen’s “The Complete Cross Country Skier” can quickly get you pointed in the right direction.
Aaron Johnson has been a professional ski instructor for 17 years and is the owner of Mountain Adventure Seminars (MAS) which hosts the Bear Valley Telemark Festival (www.mtadventure.com). Aaron is also an owner of the BaseCamp Lodge in Bear Valley which offers the best “sleep & ski” packages in the Sierra Nevada (www.basecamplodge.com).
Train for this. Big powder day at Heavenly.
Photo: Heavenly/Corey Rich.
SNOWBOARDING
What’s the deal with snowboarding?
Snowboarding has a little bit of something for everyone. Whether you’re an adrenaline junky who likes ripping through the steeps, a “park rat” who lives for big air in the half pipe and big jibs in the terrain park, or a “soul surfer” who loves to cruise through the big powder, snowboarding’s got you covered. Snowboarding has its roots in surfing (you originally could only buy snowboards at surf shops) and the two sports share many of the same physical movements and culture. Snowboarding also takes a lot of its influence from skateboarding, where you’ll recognize a lot of the same tricks and a lot of the same lingo.
Why do people love it?
Floating over the snow is an incredible sensation, and as one gains skills, high speed carving and aerial tricks provide limitless thrills and challenges. Also, boarding has become a unique cultural identity. Because it’s still relatively new, but also because it’s so pervasive, nobody can claim that they own snowboarding. That makes it a very welcoming environment and community.
Russ Pecoraro is Heavenly Mountain Resort’s Director of Communications. For more information on Heavenly, please visit www.skiheavenly.com.
SPLITBOARDING
What is a splitboard?
A splitboard is a hybrid snowboard that can split in half to become two skis. Designed for earning your turns in the backcountry, this schizophrenic chariot allows you to ascend harnessing the utility of skis and descend milking the bliss of snowboarding.
In ski mode, the bindings attach only at the toe allowing your heel to pivot like a telemark ski. Using traditional climbing skins the skis have tenacious uphill grip. At the top of the peak, the skins and bindings are removed and the skis get reassembled into a snowboard. Re-position the bindings to your snowboarding stance and the splitboard is ready to ride away.
Why do people love splitboarding?
Avid backcountry snowboarders embrace splitboarding, as the efficiency of skiing uphill has significant advantages over snowshoes in certain snow conditions and terrain. When a backcountry snowboarder slips their boots out of snowshoes and onto some split skis they instantly notice the increased floatation, the smooth glide of a free-heel stride, and the glory of a lighter backpack. When you’re chasing fresh tracks, moving lighter and faster is a huge benefit. Splitboards are ideal when the backcountry adventure demands traversing of rolling terrain, slugging through deep snow, or hauling a big pack. Fast laps on a short slope may require frequent transitioning, but with practice assembly of the splitboard in either orientation is quite easy. For backcountry snowboarders looking forward to ripping up remote peaks or touring to distant valleys, the splitboard may be the ultimate tool.
Seth Lightcap is a fiendish explorer whose addiction to adventure rarely lets him stand still. Splitboarding is the ultimate expression of his passion as it focuses the balance of skate/snowboarding, mountaineering and XC skiing in a single pursuit.
Oct/092
GEAR: Tele vs. AT — A Matter of Preference
Text and Photos by Mike Schwartz
Telemark and AT (Alpine Touring) gear are all the rage these days. They’re proliferating at ski areas as fast as in the backcountry. The latest gear is half the weight and twice the performance of what you might expect. With one setup, you can comfortably tour the Sierra backcountry and hit the steeps at Squaw Valley. The choice to drop your knee or not is a tough one. Don’t sweat it if you can’t decide; the skills you develop in one discipline will help you conquer the other should you wish to switch later.
Alpine Touring (AT or Randonnee) refers to downhill ski gear that has a touring mode in which the heel releases for climbing uphill with skins (traction strips for your skis). Although AT gear is designed for the backcountry, most resort skiers will find no performance downgrade in this comfy, ultra-lightweight choice. Who wouldn’t want to cut the weight of their alpine ski gear in half! The boots have curved, lugged, rubber
soles, which help you walk comfortably and confidently in the mountainsor in the parking lot. You’ll feel like driving home wearing them. The bindings have release functions with traditional “DIN” settings and have become quite durable. Not coincidentally, many ski areas are adopting open boundary policies; helping customers hit the neighboring backcountry slopes in the same day.
Most AT gear comes from Europe where the ski areas and backcountry blend together even more. When improved AT products from Fritschi, Scarpa, and Dynafit hit the United States a dozen years ago, the wave began to really grow. The masses finally realized you didn’t have to learn to telemark to explore the backcountry. Today, AT gear can be lighter weight and costs about the same as telemark gear. AT gear sales surpassed telemark gear sales this year in the US. In Europe, AT skiers outnumber telemark skiers by a staggering percentage. The term Alpine Touring says it all. AT gear is for exploring the “alpine” or high mountains. The sport of telemark skiing is just that a type of turn you can make if you want to ignore the evolution of alpine skiing. Telemark gear works great for backcountry skiing as well. But without the desire to master the telemark turn, most ski mountaineering pros usually suggest AT gear.
THE DEBATE:
AT Ski Mountaineer:
Locking your heel in AT gear means you’re less likely to blow a turn where it counts. Most telemark skiers never get real comfortable on steep, firm, or exposed terrain.
Telemark Evangelist:
Most backcountry skiers don’t aim for such terrain anyway. Others master the hybrid parallel turn, and like the versatility of more turning options.
AT Ski Mountaineer:
Skipping the hundreds of lunging knee bends a telemark skier performs means reduced fatigue.
Telemark Evangelist:
Uherso what’s your point?
Actually, parallel turning on tele gear isn’t too tough with typical smooth snow conditions found in the backcountry. Tall boots and fat skis make telemarking a lot easier as well.
AT Ski Mountaineer:
The AT binding pivots more freely at the toe compared to the telemark binding, which drastically improves climbing efficiency. Breaking trail in new snow sucks with telemark bindings, as your shovel dives into the snow. Furthermore, AT bindings are easier to change direction on steep terrain with a practiced “kick turn” you can perform, thanks to the free pivoting binding.
Telemark Evangelist:
Yeahno amount of stretching or Yoga helps you lift your uphill ski above your neck in the switchbacks. There are tricks to make it through extreme skinning situations it’s not impossible. Actually, two new tele options just surfaced this year with a free toe pivot!
AT Ski Mountaineer:
AT ski boots lack the extra “duck bill” at the toe, which allows more purchase when kicking steps uphill.
Telemark Evangelist:
Dude, at the point where I’m nervous standing high on a firm slope, either my crampons or skis are on!
AT Ski Mountaineer:
In the event of a serious fall or an avalanche burial, you’ll be psyched your AT bindings released you out of your skis.
Telemark Evangelist:
There is a viable “DIN” releasable telemark binding that is gaining popularity. On the other hand, it would suck to post hole all night to get home, because your ski accidentally went shooting into the wrong drainage. Unwanted ski release is bad news in a steep couloir as well.
AT Ski Mountaineer:
AT bindings don’t have cables that can snap, or 3-pins to fail.
Telemark Evangelist:
You’ve obviously missed the last 10 years in telemark binding evolution. AT bindings break out there too, but only the telemarkers seem to carry spare parts.
Knowing all of the AT advantages, I’m still a telemark skier. It’s not because I look cool, because I don’t.
It’s not because I’m old school, because I’m not. It’s not because I’ve mastered it; my AT friends sometimes ski by me like I’m standing still. I’ve become addicted to the free-heel feeling when skins are off. I also love the versatility of throwing in any turns I’m in the mood for. Of course, you’ve probably heard tele gear is pretty advanced these days. The free-heeling chargers you see on the steeps at the ski area are often people who have only a season or two under their belts. Boots have gotten taller and stiffer, but weigh less than the old leather boots. They are so supportive that you can learn to make flawless parallel turns in smooth snow conditions. “Paramarking” saves energy and gives the telemark skier freedom to hold an edge more confidently on firm snow. Dropping the knee sometimes gives you back your balance in tricky snow that confuses the AT skier. Still, few actually try to argue that telemark skiing is easier than AT skiing. Okay… no one does.
If you’re still wondering what to do, ask yourself: “Do I usually do things the easy and smart way?” A few years ago, K2 Skis, which produces one of the most popular telemark ski lines, came out with a bumper sticker that reads, “Randonnee… French for can’t tele.” I still haven’t seen a comparable comeback from the fixed-heel crowd.
Mike Schwartz is owner of The BackCountry stores in Truckee and Tahoe City. He encourages people to enjoy the Sierra snowpack no matter what gear they use. More info on AT and tele gear, and where to break trail with them in the Tahoe area, is available on his website, www.thebackcountry.net. You can also check out avalanche and weather conditions, and the latest postings on the Tahoe Backcountry Message Board.
