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March 12 – Yoeman Park / Iron Edge Trail
March 20 – Vail Pass North / Polk Creek
March 26 – 10th Mountain Hut Loop
April 3 – Homestake Peak
Backcountry Turns
A Transitional Snowpack
By Don Shefchik
Years ago I recall hearing Knox Williams, now retired Director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, say that February 18 was the day that winter begins to wane and spring begins to take over. Knox had taken into account many factors and statistics to declare that February 18 was on the average the day when the strength of winter gives way to spring. This “transitional” time presents its own set of new considerations for the backcountry skier.
Having not excelled in the sciences in school, I look to the obvious signs and effects of this “transitional” period on my backcountry skiing decisions. Here are some of the factors I take into consideration.
1. Longer days mean more sunlight. As the sun begins to pass higher in the sky it begins to affect more and more of the snowpack.
2. We know that March is statistically the biggest snow month and this is a good thing. The “sugar snow” that has been present all winter will hopefully be covered by a thicker, stronger “supportable bridge” making touring and turning better.
3. Warmer temperatures during storm cycles will promote a denser more homogeneous snowpack. For me this is not a “green-light” for ripping the steep and deep. Lingering winter layers within the snowpack will still be present as well as weaknesses from recent storms. (Therefore, our snowpack begins to consolidate with greater efficiency and certainty.) As we move through this “transitional” period and into spring conditions, beware that our mid-winter snowpack may very well re-appear!
For me one of the delights of mid-winter is the promise of cold, dry snow. My wax kit is simple: green, blue and a cork. Even with days of sunshine we still ski powder. February 18 is a reminder to me that the influence of the sun is stronger with each passing week.
For the backcountry skier a few challenges arise as spring begins to influence the snowpack. The opportunity to ski wet snow, breakable crust, or powder will depend on the aspect of your ski tour. A month or so ago 80% or more of the “Compass Rose” assured us of dry snow. Now, moments of sunshine can drop that percentage dramatically. If powder is your goal, search out the “shadow lines” that protect east and west aspects. Notice when and where the sun shines. If the morning is cloudy then east aspects may be spared of sun-crust effects. Vise-versa for afternoon clouds. The obvious choice: head North when you can.
Keep in mind that snow quality can also impact the performance of your gear. I’ll leave some of this to your own experimentation, but here are a couple “transitional season” insights. I carry a scraper all season long, but find a real need for it after February 18 when we begin to deal with wet and dry snow conditions on each tour. Melting and freezing can affect the mechanical parts of bindings, so have a tool you can use to clean out a jammed binding. Also, if you haven’t yet skinned from wet snow into dry snow, I invite you to give it a try! Skin wax can help but the scraper is often the right tool for the job. Resist the temptation to use your beautiful aluminum-alloy or carbon-fiber ski pole to knock the snow from your skis, whether those extra pounds of snow and ice find their way to the top or bottom of your skis. Snapping a pole in half during your tour is a real bummer.
After February 18 search out the powder or try to ski the breakable crust, but arm yourself with knowledge and the right gear. Soon enough it will be spring skiing or we will enter a storm cycle with days when the sun doesn’t make it out with us.
Donny Shefchik is a Senior Guide and Field Director for Paragon Guides. He has spent nearly 30 years earning his turns in the Vail backcountry and Tenth Mountain Hut System.
Join us Friday, March 12 for the Yeoman Park – Ironedge Trail
Tour begins at Yoeman Park (9,060’), 16 miles south of the town of Eagle. The Ironedge Trail climbs 4.5 miles to the Estin Hut (11,200’). Depending on weather and snowpack a “loop” route can be skied using the Hat Creek Trail. Tour length will depend on group strength and interest, mileage will range from 4-9 miles, gaining from 700’-1500’. This is a Moderate Tour focusing on trail skiing and turns below the hut. Highlights are the Yoeman Park riparian area and turns depending on route selection.
Cost is $99/person. Transportation included.
* Lunch – BYO or arranged upon request
*PG offers telemark/freeheel rentals
*Special apres-ski gatherings
For more information or to sign up, call 970-926-5299 or email trips@paragonguides.com.
Join us on Saturday, March 6, for the Jackal Hut Tour.
Tour begins at Camp Hale (9,425’) and follows the Ranch Creek trail to the Jackal Hut (11,610’). This is a steep ascent requiring good climbing skills and fitness. This is an Advanced Tour requiring good downhill skills as well. The tour is designed to be a “point to point” tour descending either the Pearl Creek or Cataract Creek trail. Total mileage depends on route and will be approximately 9-11 miles. An additional shuttle vehicle may be needed. The focus of the tour is reaching the Jackal Hut, one of the classic 10th Mountain Huts. From the hut the decision will be made for the descent. Highlights are views of Mt. of the Holy Cross, moderate descents for turns and some excellent trail skiing.
Cost is $99/person. Transportation included.
* Lunch – BYO or arranged upon request
*PG offers telemark/freeheel rentals
*Special apres-ski gatherings
For more information or to sign up, call 970-926-5299 or email trips@paragonguides.com.
Part II: Endurance techniques
In the last Backcountry Turns article I talked about an important aspect of staying strong all day when backcountry touring; your physical and mental being, taking care of yourself. Today I’ll talk about another important aspect of staying strong all day: your skiing technique.
Ascents, or just miles on the trail, are a constant energy drain requiring certain skills and a mindfulness to keep a workable pace for yourself and everyone in the group. Here’s a classic scenario: faster members of the group shoot off ahead only to find themselves waiting. As a result, they start getting cold or antsy. Then when the slower members of the group show up and get in a couple of deep breaths, the faster people say let’s go! Although pace may be the number one factor in losing or maintaining your strength throughout the day, there are several other aspects that will ultimately contribute to staying strong all day.
In cross-country skiing there is a term for conserving energy called the “work/relax rotation”. Simply stated, for every effort there needs to be a moment of no effort. This can be realized through even a slight glide with each stride. Each stride should have a momentary ‘rest step’ that allows your leg a moment of relaxation. Begin each stride from the hip not the thigh muscle. Relaxing your shoulders with each pole plant and allowing your arms to swing by your side will increase efficiency, relax muscles and conserve energy.
Conserving your energy on ascents includes setting a quality up-track. I’ve spent way too much time drinking beer with buddies exploring the pros and cons of a steep up-track, and they’ll be quick to inform you that I’m always stressing how it’s not worth squandering one’s energy just to set a steep up-track. Strong legs and lungs will vary within the group, as will climbing skills, snow conditions, climbing skin width, and even bindings. Whatever steepness you choose, don’t struggle and don’t let your partners struggle behind you. If you or they are struggling even a little, drop the angle of your up-track by a few degrees. I have had the opportunity and pleasure to follow a few seasoned professionals up the trail and their mindfulness of terrain and sensitivity to their partners always keeps the up-track at a consistent and comfortable angle. Strive for this.
The ascent may also dole out the occasional situation or condition, usually on steep terrain or in deep snow, when a “kick-turn” is needed for a switchback rather than a rounded stepping turn. Even experienced skiers can have difficulty with the “kick-turn”, a maneuver that is often overlooked because, well, everyone can do a “kick-turn”, right? Yet, this seemingly easy skill can use up a lot of energy if you struggle, especially if you have to do it over and over. Trust me, the energy scale will begin to tip against you.
Here’s how not to struggle: Almost always make the “kick-turn” uphill. There are a few instances when a downhill “kick-turn” is necessary, I find this when the snow is very deep and you may have to pack out a platform to allow room for maneuvering. When “kick-turning” uphill don’t do a giant “V” shaped step turn. Rather, from the angle of the up-track bring your skis perpendicular to the fall-line (critical if you are waxing) then kick-turn bringing the uphill ski nearly 180 degrees around, then follow through with the second ski moving from the hip.
Of course, touring techniques also apply to your backcountry descent. Poor downhill skills, whether on a powder slope or a trail, can quickly drain your physical and mental energy. If you have trouble controlling your speed or just staying upright, this usually means you’re a bit tense and you may strain muscles just to stay on your feet.
Many people hold their breath when struggling and exhaust themselves getting up from numerous falls. This scenario leads to a significant energy drain. When I see this situation playing out on a tour, I look to change something, like adjusting the route if possible, finding better snow, traversing difficult sections, or putting on climbing skins. Simply put, I stop the struggle.
Finally, if a rest stop or lunch allows the time, sit down for a few minutes! Hours of standing up is tiring and you don’t want to get behind on your calorie intake. Put on your hat, add a layer if you start to chill, sip some tea, eat a snack and enjoy the view. Remember, you have the power to stay strong all day.
Donny Shefchik is a Senior Guide and Field Director for Paragon Guides. He has spent nearly 30 years earning his turns in the Vail backcountry and Tenth Mountain Hut System.
Join us on Friday, February 26, for the Chicago Ridge Tour.
Tour begins at the Ski Cooper Ski Area (10425’) and follows the Vance’s Cabin trail. A moderate ascent to Taylor Hill (11725’) provides views of the Sawatch Range and a possible route to Chicago Ridge (12400’) eventually looping back to Ski Cooper. This is a Moderate to Advanced Tour and can be adjusted depending on weather, snowpack and group strength. Tour length is approximately 5-6 miles with elevation gains of 1300’-2000’. Highlights are moderate turns, good touring and above tree-line travel.
Cost is $99/person. Transportation included.
* Lunch – BYO or arranged upon request
*PG offers telemark/freeheel rentals
*Special apres-ski gatherings
For more information or to sign up, call 970-926-5299 or email trips@paragonguides.com.
Backcountry Turns
Finding – and keeping – backcountry ski partner
By Will Elliott
While going solo in the backcountry can offer much needed self-reflection and serenity, it’s not always safe. You head to the hills on your own when you want to take time for yourself. Solo touring is not about skiing big lines, but about spying an animal track or simply gliding and turning through fresh, morning lit snow. However, when you’re looking to descend a sweet line and tour hard – that’s when you need a solid backcountry ski partner by your side. You never know when nature might have plans different from your own.
But, what makes a good backcountry ski partner? Logistics aside – as in finding someone who has the same days off as you – having a good partner can elevate your experience from a so-so outing to an unforgettably fantastic day. Often, finding a ski partner is a process that can evolve from skinning up the mountain together after work, to eventually planning and executing an all-day tour.
First, having a partner with the same goals as you is truly important when it comes to decision making in the backcountry. We all have different perceptions of risk, so finding a risk-compatible partner is key. How do you assess a friend’s risk-taking volume? Ask, observe, and don’t be afraid to speak your mind. There is a time and a place to push your limits. I usually air on the side of caution. I think that comes from my guiding mentality. I also understand that the mountains will be there another day. Does your partner?
I also recommend that you travel with a backcountry ski partner who has a solid foundation of avalanche awareness, carries all the necessary safety equipment – beacon, shovel and probe, and knows how to effectively use them. If something goes wrong for either you or your partner, you want to make sure you have each other’s backs. Think about it. When was the last time you had to apply your avalanche rescue skills in a real life situation? Hopefully never. The next time you find yourself questioning backcountry ski conditions that may keep you from enjoying a long tour, call up your partner and whip up a beacon scavenger hunt in the woods.
In a perfect world, you and your ski partner will have compatible levels of fitness and skiing skills. This means you can both stay strong all day (see Donny’s last two articles for more on all-day touring endurance), you skin at a similar pace and your touring habits are compatible. I love having a partner who knows how to take turns breaking trail, sets a great up-track and enjoys taking frequent but shorter breaks to refuel energy with liquids and food to stay warm.
Keep in mind that it may take time for you and your partner to arrive at an acceptable point of compatibility. For me, there’s nothing worse than getting to the bottom of a run, wanting to go back up for a second lap, but then waiting 20 minutes for my partner to get his skins on. (Split-boarders this is important to note if you travel with skiers.) For others, this is a non-issue. Evaluate what you can and can’t handle in your backcountry partner and deal with the tradeoffs that might unfold. Even though your partner might be slow at skinning, he might have the best avalanche be the safest person you know when it comes to questionable terrain.
Which brings me to my last point. It’s not enough to find one or more backcountry ski partners that you get on with well. You also have to be the kind of partner other backcountry skiers trust and enjoy. It’s important to keep an edge on your own knowledge and skill set, as well as your fitness. Perhaps more than anything, your attitude and demeanor can turn an otherwise pleasant day in the backcountry into an epic voyage. How do you respond to bad weather? Broken equipment? Forgotten lunches? Mis-judged routes and altered plans?
More than anything remember to always practice safe backcountry travel techniques whether in a group or solo. And, be careful not to always rely on the one person who has the most knowledge and experience to make the decision for the whole group or team. Talk it out, hug it out – whatever you need to do. Just make sure that everyone in the group feels safe and voices his or her opinion. Then, once you find a good ski partner, buy him a beer to show your appreciation. You may have found a partner for life.
Join us on Thursday, February 18, for the Spraddle Creek – Bald Mountain Tour.
Tour begins near Vail Village at the Spraddle Creek trailhead (8480’). This is an “out and back” tour and can be adjusted depending on weather, snowpack and group strength. Tour length is approximately 5-7 miles with elevation gains of 1500’-2500’. This is a Moderate to Advanced Tour requiring good climbing and downhill skills. Climbing skins will be used for the ascent. The focus of the tour will be to access the base of Bald Mountain. Highlights include great views of the Vail Ski Area and Mt. of the Holy Cross, moderate turns in evergreen glades and open meadows.
Cost is $99/person. Transportation included.
* Lunch – BYO or arranged upon request
*PG offers telemark/freeheel rentals
*Special apres-ski gatherings
For more information or to sign up, call 970-926-5299 or email trips@paragonguides.com
Join us Saturday, February 13 for the Sangree Hut Loop Tour.
Our tour begins at the Buckeye Gulch trailhead (10,180′) just east of Leadville. Round trip to the Sangree M. Froelicher Hut (11,700′) is 6 miles gaining 1,500′. The Sangree Hut is the highest hut in the Tenth Mountain Hut System. This is a Moderate Tour and can include an “above tree-line” loop depending on weather, snowpack and group strength. Climbing skins will be used for most of the ascent and good trail skills are needed for the descent. Highlights are seeing the hut, finding moderate turns below Mt. Zion and looping back to the Buckeye Trail.
Cost is $99/person. Transportation included.
* Lunch – BYO or arranged upon request
*PG offers telemark/freeheel rentals
*Special apres-ski gatherings
For more information or to sign up, call 970-926-5299 or email trips@paragonguides.com
By Donald Shefchik
There is a story I like to occasionally tell – and its telling requires a little latitude, so please bear with me. I base the story on a few hard facts, a bit of nutritional understanding, lots of personal experience and perhaps a dose of embellishment. It goes like this.
I get to tour with lots of people, friends and clients alike. When I perceive a long day, I ‘start out slowly then back-off’. Some of my touring partners don’t embrace this philosophy and therefore I find myself, early in the day, occupying a position in the rear. I’ll take my turns breaking trail but I keep those efforts short in favor of sharing the physical effort.
Throughout the day I try to minimize effort, eliminate struggle and keep a comfortable, steady pace. It seems I’m always taking up the rear, until later in the day when I’m continually looking back to check on my partners. OK, that’s the embellishment and ‘in my dreams’ part, but this does happen. How can we maintain a consistent energy level throughout the day and finish a tour with some reserves on hand?
I’ll focus on several factors that I believe contribute to having a steady, comfortable tour where you control your expenditure of energy and sufficiently replenish your fuel load throughout the day. These factors can be divided into two categories. The first is the focus of today’s article: your physical well-being. That is, taking care of yourself and being mindful of what your body needs to remain strong for the day. The second, and what we’ll cover in the next article is your touring technique – those skills that increase efficiency and minimize the work load.
Ever heard this saying, “eat before you’re hungry, drink before you’re thirsty”? I couldn’t agree more. Food throughout the day is what works for me. Each rest stop includes a few bites of my continual lunch. I’m not a big energy bar or goo guy although these products have their place during the day. I choose a sandwich, some cheese, slice of turkey, salami, fish, something salty and maybe an apple with peanut butter. I try to save the chocolate and various sweets for later in the day.
Fluid intake is perhaps the most critical part of the energy formula. Dehydration can be subtle and lead to lethargy, body temperature problems and poor decision making. Being hydrated helps maintain efficient metabolism and keeps your energy level at a consistent and optimal level. This means both starting your tour in a well-hydrated state, as well as drinking fluids throughout the tour. I carry “road water”, sipping on that during the drive to the trailhead and in my pack I carry a one liter bottle and often a small thermos of hot, sweet tea. Most importantly, remember to drink what you carry. Don’t save it for the ride home.
Controlling body temperature is also an important element in staying strong all day. Overheating zaps your physical as well as mental energy. Being cold burns fuel reserves at a higher rate potentially leaving your furnace without adequate fuel. Controlling body temperature during a tour is a learned skill requiring not only the proper clothing but the patience and foresight to deal with the changes throughout the day.
Lastly, taking care of yourself also includes managing your mental well-being. I have seen and felt the tiring effects of anxiety on a tour. Thoughts such as, “I can’t keep up”, “I’m slowing everyone down”, and “I’m flailing when others aren’t” are all signs of touring angst that can drain your physical and mental energy. Be realistic in planning a tour, being aware of all skill levels in your group along with each member’s fitness and overall touring shape. Agreeing on a pace that works for everyone is an important factor.
Finally, if a rest stop or lunch allows the time, sit down for a few minutes! Hours of standing up is tiring. Put your hat on, maybe a sweater and enjoy the view.
Donny Shefchik is a Senior Guide and Field Director for Paragon Guides. He has spent nearly 30 years earning his turns in the Vail backcountry and Tenth Mountain Hut System.