Alpine Skills International’s Introduction to Backcountry class is a no brainer for any intermediate to expert skier or rider who is drawn to the allure of stepping away from – or completely abandoning – resort skiing. Get out while there is still snow!
Breathing in the fresh mountain air, taken in the expansive 360 degree views and simply soaking in the majestic and peaceful surroundings is invigorating. There are few if any other people on the hill.
You might remember that in the beginning of March, weeks had passed since the last significant snowfall. On March 2, I made the four sweetest turns of my season. Why sweet? Our Intro to Backcountry class led by Bill Seline had already been on the snow for a couple hours and something special happens when you spend most of your time ascending rather than skiing downhill. Time slows down. Each turn is precious. The up, like hiking on skis, is gratifying.
The Experience
Shortly after a thorough review of gear – from wicking layers to bindings and skis to packs – followed by an avalanche awareness “101” talk, we left the confines of The Backcountry and took a short drive to the Snowshed parking area near China Wall on Donner Summit. Seline comes to this area about 70 times a season – he’ll often get in a quick workout before heading to work. And, this is the crux of it, similar to all ASI guides, the list of authentic credentials that Seline has earned do more than instill confidence – they create an amazing experience!
Suggestions are sprinkled throughout the whole day - from checking our transceivers before leaving the parking area to tips on using the avalanche beacon to the reminder to keep chest out and head up as we skin uphill to recommendations on great local places for beginner backcountry skiers.
At the beginning of our class Bill says, “I’m going to try to share information accumulated over 10 years in one day!” Clearly impossible but the day is packed with experience and information. Using a forward hip motion to slide one ski forward and then another, Seline demonstrates the up-hill shuffle. As the terrain steepens and we’re beginning to feel a bit sluggish, he introduces an energy-saving step and later teaches us how to straighten our downhill leg to effectively execute kick turns. It’s all fun.
After slowly climbing 600 or so vertical feet, we take a lunch break. Little things that people new to backcountry skiing might not think of – like having the skins face the sun when we break for lunch and pulling out our puffy down jackets to stay warm are shared.
Opportunities
With more than 30 years guiding in the Truckee area, ASI brings expertise and a fine tuned operation to surprisingly affordable backcountry excursions – the Introduction to Backcountry class costs just $199 including all equipment, small group experience and guide for the entire day. And, the trip doesn’t end when we get to the car, our guide emphasizes that anyone in the class can give him a ring to learn more or ask advice on gear, routes and more. Plus, the adventures are just beginning – additional one day and multi-day trips with ASI beckon.
ASI offers dozens of programs. Domestic spring 2013 highlights include:
• ASI’s “most aggressive steep skiing and mountain trip” is the Palisades Couloir Camp. Skiers camp at 12,000 feet and make day trips to chutes and couloirs.
• For a shorter, less intense and technical getaway, the two-day Mt. Shasta trips offer Bed & Breakfast accommodations and day trips on Shasta.
• The ultimate experience is the six-day “Sierra High Route. ASI developed High & Light systems that have revolutionized ski camping adventures in the Sierra and have been used to complete ski traverses around the world.
Go!
April 15-19 The Evolution Loop
April 20-21 The Buttermilk Camp, Hwy 395
Apr 27-28 Mt. Shasta Steeps
Guides are also available for private guiding and instruction so whether you have little backcountry skiing experience or a lot, design the ski excursion of your dreams knowing you are with the top guides in the industry. ASI holds permits to operate in Tahoe, Inyo, Shasta, Eldorado National Forests, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Denali National Park. Bugaboo, Garibaldi and Robson Provincial Parks, British Columbia, Yamnuska Natural Area and Peter Lougheed Provincial Parks, Alberta, Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Parks, Canada.
Visit alpineskills.com or call (530) 582-9170 for details.
