Backcountry Ski Partners
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.
