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Backcountry virgin

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Armanzoid
Posts: 2453 - Karma: 26
Alright, so im planning a trip to whistler. Im from the east coast, and i plan on doing a lot backcountry skiing. Me and my buds never did this before, but we sure as hell know it can be very dangerous.

So essentially what i need is a basic rundown of general info of what i need to have and know to ski backcountry. What kind of packs do i need, should i take a class on avalanche safety, would it be a good idea to get a GPS tracker. Any advice you westerners can give me would be great.
Dec 24 2006 1:19PM
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Aenigma
Posts: 11256 - Karma: 424
Don't even consider going OB without a beacon, shovel, probe, and somebody who knows the area.  Also, take an avalanche course.  Even if you're just going to use it on one trip, it's good knowledge to have as somebody who spends a lot of time in the snow.
Dec 24 2006 1:23PM
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tahoearmada20
Posts: 971 - Karma: 352
buy a beacon, probe and shovel as well as a GPS then take an AVY 1 class (take class 2 also if you can afford it), read some books, dig some pits, hike to get in shape (unless you'll be on a sled) and most importantly USE YOUR BRAIN!
Dec 24 2006 1:24PM
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bobs
Posts: 4801 - Karma: 868
read as much as you can in mags or online about back country/ avalanche safety.  Also if you don't know the terrain see if you can hook up with a local.
Dec 24 2006 1:25PM
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Armanzoid
Posts: 2453 - Karma: 26
yeah, thats what i was wondering, how could i find a local who knows the lay of the land and is a dependable skier. Also, how much the an average class cost. And should each guy have a shovel and probe on him?
Dec 24 2006 1:27PM
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ShadyHillGroup
Posts: 2881 - Karma: 213
really if its your first trip out west, especially at whistler, you can find enough techy terrain inbounds. but if you insist on hitting the BC, take an avy class, check and see if they will be holding on in the whistler area when your there, you need a beacon, probe, and shovel, and the know how on how to use them properly. I assume your arent going to be skinning anywhere, but boot backing, so pack wise look for something that holds skis diagnolly(sp) i like my helli pro II alot. Also alot of mts have backcountry guides, never been to whistler, but look into a guide, so much fun skiing with someone who knows the mountain well and they know where to go so you guys dont get in over your head.

Yeah also read books there are plenty of them out there on snow study, avalanche terrain, and the basic know how of BC skiing
Dec 24 2006 1:28PM
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kristie
Posts: 1667 - Karma: 214
Yes, you should take an avy class.  Yes, you should get a beacon, not necessarily a Tracker.  But that won't help unless your friends have beacons, too, and you know how to use them.  Also get a probe, a shovel...if you're planning to tour you might want skins and trekkers.  www.genuineguidegear.com
Dec 24 2006 1:28PM
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ShadyHillGroup
Posts: 2881 - Karma: 213
um yes every person needs a probe and shovel, its not gunna do you much good if the one guy with a shovel is burried 4m under snow
Dec 24 2006 1:30PM
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afarrell
Posts: 303 - Karma: 28
if this is your first trip out west whistler will keep u busy without skipping ropes....there is shit in bounds there that will challenge anybody. Buy that new book that lists all the intense inbounds shit and read up before you go. I think its called the "advanced guide to Whistler Blackcomb" or something.
Dec 24 2006 1:48PM
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ijibgoremtn
Posts: 4221 - Karma: 13
i bet if you posted a thread called " Whistler Skiiers i neeed help" then you could find someone on here who would do it dirty cheap for a fellow ns'r
Dec 24 2006 1:50PM
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Armanzoid
Posts: 2453 - Karma: 26
Iv been to big mountains like whistler but out in Europe. The city i come from actually hosted the 1984 winter Olympics. I just never felt safe to go to the BC out there. Here its much more regulated.
Dec 24 2006 1:57PM
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ShadyHillGroup
Posts: 2881 - Karma: 213
what do you mean by regulated, thats the thing, inbounds north america may have better blasting and avalanche safety, but no matter where you go BC is going to be BC it is not safe no matter where you are, but you can use your head, carry the proper equipment, know how to use it, and make your trips safer. If i was you i might just stick it out inbounds, there is plenty of really challenging lines inbounds
Dec 24 2006 2:01PM
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Armanzoid
Posts: 2453 - Karma: 26
Because there a higher technological standard here when it comes to GPS, avalanche safety techniques, and helicopters.
Dec 24 2006 2:04PM
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TheStamos
Posts: 9311 - Karma: 910
Its not really something you can just go out and do safely. You need to know the area, know avy's and have a group of kids with you you would trust with your life. PLus all the gear wich will cost you in the $800 range.
Dec 24 2006 2:17PM
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Pigletpen
Posts: 1137 - Karma: 18
dood face it, youre from the east. youl get to whistler and not know what to do with yourself.
its hhhhhhoooooooooooooooooooooooj!

Dec 24 2006 2:28PM
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Kev
Posts: 7411 - Karma: 35
Sounds like to me, your going to just stay in bounds.

In Bounds whistler/blackcomb has lots of stuff you can hike and traverse, lots of cliffs, hucks, trees, and other nick nacks to keep you busy, happy and safe, that all eventually lead back to a lift.

If you actually plan to take a cat, skin, snowmobile into the BC avy courses are a must have, and you gotta go with a guide wither it be paid, or a friend that has their head on their shoulders and is familiar with the area. Cause the mountains don't joke around.




Dec 24 2006 2:45PM
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