Hop turns for steep terrain
Staying loose and lively is key to managing steep, technical terrain. K2 Ski partner Mike Alkaitis with the Colorado Mountain School sent us this short video on steep ski training in Rocky Mountain National Park earlier this month. Mike and the CMS guides found some great steep terrain and good snow for a perfect showcase of their training.
Hatt's Tricks: Getting in & out of your skis on steep slopes
As warm weather starts to fill the mountains, we're getting psyched up for spring chuting season. Long days allow plenty of sunshine and good corn, and bootpacking up consolidated snow makes for swift travel. Depending on the line, the changeover between climbing and skiing can be one of the hardest parts, whether it's at the top of a couloir or mid-line at a downclimbing crux. Making these changes on firm snow can be unnerving, but a few simple tricks will provide you with a super stable platform for transitions and give you the confidence for the rest of the line. Check out Hatt's Tricks for transitions on steep slopes:
Mike Hattrup demonstrates how to build an emergency sled
Sometimes you get the bear, sometimes the bear gets you. That's what my dad used to say.
We head into the backcountry for the wildness and adventure of it all. No matter how well-planned out, you still never know exactly what you'll find, from terrain to snow, weather, and even people. Most of the time it goes to plan, or at least goes right. But being prepared for when it goes wrong can make all the difference in the world between an adventure, an epic, a challenge, or a disaster.
Travel over snow is relatively easy when you're on skis or skinning. But subtract your ability to ski or walk when you're several miles deep in rough or new snow, and that simple task can become daunting. If someone gets hurt on your tour, knowing how to build an emergency sled will let you quickly adapt to the situation and move efficiently out to safety or care. Watch below as Mike Hattrup demonstrates how a couple small backcountry essentials can expedite an exit from a backcountry injury with a makeshift emergency sled:
Backcountry Techniques - Stay Tuned
The crisp feel of fall is in the air, and we're cranking away on all the backcountry tips and techniques you'll need to explore the backcountry this winter. Keep checking back, as we'll have video techniques and pro tips from guides and athletes like Mike Hattrup, Andrew McLean, Martin Volken and others.
