As promised, here is the first of a few posts on getting around the back country fast. As I wrote it I realized it was going to be lengthy so I decided to break it up into smaller posts and spread it out over several days. That way, people might actually read the thing. After this little introduction, I will cover clothing, food, gear and technique.
Some of this stuff will seem painfully obvious to many of you but if my observations of tourers in the BC around here are any indication, it's not obvious to everyone. You know the guys I'm referring to - the dudes sweating their asses off, plodding uphill on their Megawatts, Marker Dukes, ear flap hats and Gortex hard-shells. If anyone knows one of these types, send them this link so they might find an alternative path through the wilderness.
First, a disclaimer. The skiing style I outline here is not for everyone. Most ski mountaineering racers already practice much of what I describe. For others, these techniques represent a level of intensity they would rather avoid when out skiing for fun. Big groups, multiple dogs, heavy gear, long transition stops and elaborate lunches completely change the experience and create a touring style that is the polar opposite of what I will describe in the next few posts.
The fast and light approach also comes with an increase in risk under certain conditions. Do not charge ahead with eyes closed. Awareness and, ultimately, acceptance of this risk is part of the experience and, in my mind, enhances it. There are those that will deride your efforts for efficiency and speed. I have been met with thinly veiled distain on the skin track or at transitions. On the other hand, others may applaud your efforts. Either way, it's best to look within for satisfaction as you hone these techniques.
Onward…
"Speed Up". Dynafit's battle cry for their persistent involvement in developing gear to move quickly through the mountains in winter. It represents the most visible island in a sea of big boots and fat skis where "It's all about the down". For most of the industry, it really is all about the down. This is what sells. No one goes to a fall ski film opening to watch guys plod uphill, no matter how fast or how far. It's boring. The sex appeal lies in dudes arcing huge TGR turns down massive faces, out-running sluffs and stomping huge airs. For sure you need the heavy artillery for these antics. But I'm old and cautious. I try to keep my skis on the ground most of the time. I've long since sold my Avalung and don't own a ABS-style pack. I try hard to avoid terrain and conditions where I could use that stuff. Nothing's guaranteed, I realize, but I will continue to put my energy toward covering ground and skiing lines in a different style. Not necessarily better, just different.
As excited as the crazy free skiers get over supportive boots and big-ass skis made to slay the gnarliest lines, I feel the same way about a lot less. Less weight, less bulk, less complication. Trimming the fat is not without its risk, of course. Stupid, unpredictable things happen in the mountains and if we are not equipped to deal then things could get a little western. The trick to going light is to fully assess the risks, decide on what's acceptable to you and your partner(s) and then commit to your ideal. Because conditions in the mountains change almost daily, the contents of our packs and perhaps what's on our feet can change, as well.
I've been a skier most of my life but haven't always lived where skiing everyday was possible. In those days, I went with the current trends, following the crowd and generally having fun. I was even a telemark skier for years. Sometime around 1995 I got my first AT setup. Dynafit was nearly unheard of in my circles, thought to be very fragile, so boots were big and heavy with bindings adequate to the task. Locking my heels down I realized just how easy skiing could be again. And going uphill was a dream, even on 9 pound Raichle touring boots.
I moved to Jackson full-time in 2005 and my eyes were opened. This was the land of Dynafit with the early distributor, Life Link, right down the street. Skis were getting fat and everyone said I needed them. Again, I listened to the conventional wisdom and my quiver grew. But I was still a mountaineer at heart and I started to push back against the increasing weight of what "I had to have". Guys like Steve House, Mark Twight and Rolando Garibotti were doing big things in huge mountains with little on their backs. This style has always been a factor in my own aspirations. I may not possess their talent but the "how" is just as important as the "what". We can still do more moderate things in brilliant style.
At the same time, ski mountaineering racing was growing. Again, Jackson was somewhat of an epicenter for the sport since Dynafit was here and we hosted the National Championships. I cast a glance at it from time to time but did not stick my nose in it right away. I was still recovering from many years of bicycle road racing and wasn't ready to compete and breath that hard.
Eventually, I stepped to the line and got hooked. The gear fascinated me and I loved the tinkering. Grinding rubber off boot soles and drilling out plastic was so fundamentally appealing to me it was silly. Manufacturers started taking note and now produce gear that's light and up to the task. The most exciting thing is seeing race equipment concepts trickle back to the broader touring market at a time when stuff is getting bigger and heavier.
Speed Touring is a phrase that is now part of the modern skiing lexicon. Just like climbing ginormous numbers of pitches in a day is the new rock climbing challenge, covering multi-day tours in a single push is becoming an increasingly popular skiing outlet. Athletes who embrace this style are looking to their local mountain ranges and imagining the possibilities. It's very exciting. The next few seasons we're going to witness an explosion of these link-ups. It's going to be mind-blowing!
In the last few years, my own skiing has seen a paring down of equipment and refinement of style. My big skis and boots are collecting dust on the rack while I wear holes through my race boot liners. My gear selection for ski days is constantly evolving (devolving?). Obviously, skiing fat skis and big boots in certain conditions is a riot but, for now, I am drawn toward this other game. In the next few posts, I will share some of my choices for gear, equipment and style and hopefully get you guys to share some of yours. - Brian