Paragon Guides

BACKCOUNTRY TURNS

A Stronger Sense

By Ryland Gardner

As I embark on another hut trip – skiing from Turquoise Lake (NW of Leadville) to the Skinner Hut and then on to the Betty Bear Hut before descending into the Frying Pan drainage above Basalt – I am thinking of how psyched I am to be heading into the magic of winter for the next five days.

Sure, the skiing will be fantastic and the fun with old clients will be festive, but the thing that I look forward to on the highest level is being immersed in the wilds of the Sawatch Range. It will also provide the opportunity for all of us to leave behind the day-to-day travails of the human world. To move within a place where the natural rhythms of the planet have a better chance of finding that deeply immersed rhythm that exists in each of us.

During the next five days I will have the opportunity to open up to these mountains and this particular place, to notice the “grand show” going on around, and perhaps within, me. The trick is to allow this to happen. The trick is not to bring the frenetic pace of the human world with me onto the trail. Rather, I strive to remember that my work here is to embrace mountain rhythm in a way that serves me best. For me, that means slowing down and being intentional about experiencing this wildness.

The peace of this place is the foundation for the rest of what I will observe. I will see what unfolds around me as I ski along. I will notice the thin, cold air and how the snow lingers on the branches of the aspens. How the light casts shadows of gray on the bright white snow and how the breeze moves the limbs of the trees in a dance as old as time. And I will notice the animal tracks, those telling remembrances of the many critters with whom I will share this place over the length of my journey.

As I ski along, my tracks will share the snow with the foot steps of many of the wild critters of the subalpine: red squirrel, ermine, snowshoe hare, coyote, field mouse, vole, and hopefully Canada lynx. Each will leave a distinctive pattern or some other kind of clue that may help me to determine which animals have been here before me, which animals are part of this amazing place. The tracks I will look for are specific to different types of animals with varying ways of moving through the snow.

I think about how this experience feeds me. I think about what it is that pulls at my being as I glide along among the critters and these majestic mountains. I believe it is something that we all yearn for on so many levels – a connection with the wildness from which we originated – to connect with that relationship that our ancestors knew intimately, a relationship with the natural world.

Yes, I will relate to it very tangibly as I ski the untracked powder, but I also need to slow down and let it find me as I move along the trail. This is what will tip the ends of my smile up for the next several weeks.

Ryland Gardner is a senior guide for Paragon Guides as well as a NOLS Outdoor Leadership instructor and WMI Wilderness First Aid instructor. His passion for the natural world has been inspired through work with Prescott College and the Gore Range and Teton Natural Science Schools.

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.

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.

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.

By Donny Shefchik, PG Field Director

Call it what you will, depth hoar, faceted grains, kinetic metamorphism, or the layman’s term – sugar snow, the Vail area backcountry is ripe with it. Although early season storms have laid down a deep snowpack in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado, here in the central Rockies our snowpack is thin. Combined with long periods of clear skies and cold nights, we have the perfect formula for a weak snowpack.

What makes sugar snow more tolerable? Simple: more snow! Don’t be fooled though. This bottom layer of sugar snow is here to stay for most of the season. However, future storms will eventually bury the sugar snow deep enough so that a “supportable bridge” of denser snow develops. Plus, this “supportable bridge” will grow stronger. But again – we must always remember that our ‘sweet,’ weak culprit is still present under foot.

For the Backcountry skier sugar snow is a three-pronged problem. First, breaking trail in sugar snow can be unbearable. There are times, and places, when sugar snow is so deep, or the “supportable bridge” is so delicate, that a skier’s weight cannot be supported – and breaking trail becomes extremely difficult. Even the slightest grade can take extreme effort (and ruthless patience). As a result, even a well-known tour can be hours more than expected. Sticking to an already broken trail is sometimes the best option.

Second, making turns can be very difficult when you have no base to push off of. Gliding or turning in sugar snow can be a demanding process. Certainly wider skis or snowboards can make a difference, as can skill and technique. But none of these are guarantees that you won’t be wallowing in bottomless snow.

Third, falling in sugar snow is easy and painless (except for rocks and stumps!) but getting up can be exhausting. If you find yourself “belly deep” in sugar snow, relax for a few moments, organize your gear and organize yourself with a proper body position. Try making an “X” with your poles (sorry boarders, maybe a reason for poles in the backcountry?), and push off of the middle of the “X”. Or, take your pack off and use it as leverage. Better yet, get your partner to help you up.

As the “supportable bridge” begins to develop we can begin to trust that we will not break through. However, this will happen from time to time and generally results in the skier or rider falling forward (be careful tele-ers!). Doing the “Ostrich” head first into powder can be fun and often brings hoots from your partner. But if you have no base to push off of, you’re left in a dire position. Snowboarders beware! Having both feet unable to separate can create a more serious problem.

Additionally, tree wells hold deep pockets of sugar snow and exacerbate the problem. In my guiding as well as with friends I will often ski last, especially if someone is struggling, so that I can help out if a fall occurs. Suffocation from a fall is a real life possibility. Being just 50 vertical feet below your partner who is not able to get upright is a terrible thought. Getting to your partner by having to climb up through bottomless sugar snow could be a slow, painful reality.

Lastly, some of my friends may tell you that I don’t like dogs. I beg to differ. Keep in mind, though, that dogs on a ski tour in sugar snow without a well-defined and compacted trail – not just your ski track – can be incredibly exhausting for the dog. Do your canine friend a favor and leave him or her at home or choose an area with a packed trail.

I believe that a sugar snow snowpack is one of the most challenging conditions we deal with in Colorado. A heightened awareness, realistic goals and a “what if” approach will help ensure a sweet tour. Now, pray for snow and lots of it.

“ The wrong gear in the right place can make for a bad day.” I don’t recall if these words of wisdom came from Confucius (ancient Chinese philosopher and skier, maybe) or from Buck Elliott, owner of Paragon Guides (definitely a skier). But the words hold just as true today as when I first heard them.

In our last Backcountry Turns article, head guide Will Elliott had some great ideas on getting ready for the ski sea son.

He assumed your gear was as ready as you are. However, for the pur poses of today’s article, I’ll assume your gear is not ready. C’mon, do you really remember the condition your gear was in when you put it away last spring?

Today, I will focus on a backcountry skier’s main tools: skis, bindings, boots and climbing skins. A skilled craftsman knows the value of not only good tools, but also keeping those tools clean, sharp and well-oiled. It’s an unsure carpenter or skier who blames his tools for a day of poor per formance. Applying this adage to your gear will make for many happy days in the backcountry.

When you pulled your favorite skis out of summer storage, did you have to scrape off the storage wax? If not, check the bases for oxidation (dry looking?) and the edges for signs of rust. An early season tune may be nec essary. Tuned skis not only glide bet ter but also help with turn initiation. I find that “ripping” climbing skins is a smoother operation with a waxed ski. Whether you ski telemark or alpine touring bindings, check them before you hit the trail. It never hurts to test for loose screws, so get out your screwdriv er. Also, with so much plastic used on bindings these days, check for cracks. Being a “tele-er,” I check cables for wear and base plates for stress fractures.

If you’re old school (are there really any left?) at least put some polish on those leather boots, check the sole by the “3-pin” holes for cracking and check the welt for “dry rot.” I know most of you use plastic boots. At least give them the attention of a quick inspection. Mechanical parts can bend, liners can rip or tear. If nothing else, you might dump out a valuable summer collection from an industri ous mouse. Feet do change, so check the fit and hope that sock thickness is all that needs to be changed.

Of all the backcountry tools, climb ing skins may need the most attention. Sometimes they stick so well it’s a struggle to get them off, other times you can’t keep them on.

There are many variables and too many brands for me to cover all the nuances, but a few basics are univer sal. Check for excess glue or areas where there is no glue. There are prod ucts available to rejuvenate or replace skin glue, but none works as well or lasts as long as the factory job, so do all you can to keep your skins in good condition.

Local shops may be able to recondi tion skins with good results, and I would recommend that approach rather than doing nothing and facing the consequences of bad skins on a long tour. The plastic mesh that is available for climbing skin storage seems to keep the glue in better condi tion but is often difficult to work with in the field. Lastly, check the tip loops for wear, and if you use a tail connector, check it for proper function.

Maybe Confucius wasn’t a skier, but I’m quite sure he did say, “earn your turns.” So get out there (with your recently inspected and properly func­tioning gear) and enjoy.

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.

Article reprinted from the Vail Daily 12/18/09 edition

PARAGON GUIDES THOUGHTS ON AVALANCHES

Over-use and abuse of National Forest Service areas have taken their toll on many trails and backcountry routes. The USFS strives to protect these areas and manage their use in such a way that still leaves these public lands of ours beautiful and accessible for all of us.

Be prepared to get back to the backcountry

Vail Valley skiing: First order of business is organizing your gear

VAIL VALLEY, Colorado — After months of anticipation, I finally believe that ski season is here in Colorado’s Vail Valley. Although I might get out a few days in November (often one of Colorado’s snowiest months), if you’re like me, December means skiing.

With a new season afoot and energies sparked by the latest round of ski movies and magazine gear reviews, it’s time to prepare for a return to backcountry powder adventures.

The first order of business is organizing your gear. I’ll assume you have your skis tuned, your boots fit and skins ready. But what about your pack? Need an upgrade? If so, second only to comfort is storage capacity.

I recommend always going bigger than you think you need and then carefully select what you put in your pack. I’m always amazed when I see small packs that look like a Christmas tree with so many things hanging off of it. Go big. A good target is 2,400 cubic inches. Black Diamond and Back Country Access make durable, well-fitting backcountry packs that easily stow shovels and probes and include hydration systems that know how to with-stand freezing temperatures.

How much food, water and extra clothing you carry in your pack depends on personal preference, but there are four items you should always have: first aid and repair kits, a probe and a shovel. Prepare for the worst. This means that I have several sizes of both first aid and repair kits, depending on the size of party and adventure. Key components to my repair kit include a multi-tool, small compression strap, steel wool, extra screws, and matches.

First-aid kits are available in many sizes. At the very least, make sure you can treat blisters, cold hands and feet, headaches, and bloody noses.

Now that you’re organized, you’re ready to make some turns. For those of you who are relatively new to backcountry skiing, first you have to learn to enjoy the climbing as much as the turning. In the guided trips I lead, helping people enjoy the climbing starts with making sure they’re wearing a comfortable and proper layering system. Find what works best for you.

Remember, regulating your body temperature in the backcountry is critical to preventing hypothermia. You can save energy and maintain your body temperature better if you keep moving. So start out a little cold. I guarantee that in no time you will be warm. If you start to overheat, or even get cold, take the time to adjust your layers.

You won’t be caught off guard for on your first outing if you put some prior thought to what you will need. The backcountry is no place to find yourself unprepared. And, with the new season, don’t forget to change out the batteries in your beacons. I also like to do a few practice beacon searches with my core touring partners. If you’re new to the area and haven’t taken a Level I Avalanche course, don’t delay. Safe backcountry travel requires knowledge and experience.

Lastly, consult the Colorado Avalanche Information Center for daily weather and snow conditions:http://avalanche.state.co.us. Make a small donation and they’ll send you daily e-mail reports.

But, don’t let the report tell you everything. Use your judgment when approaching avalanche terrain, and remember winter is long. We have been spoiled the last two seasons with lots of early snow. So keep your eye on the weather and prep you gear, for the best is yet to come.