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Getting into Backcountry

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davesmatf
Posts: 86 - Karma: 183
Hey guys I need some advice, help, tips on the backcountry. I live in Tucson AZ so don't ski to far from home. Mostly Sunrise, Snowbowl and some Telluride. Believe it or not Arizona has some backcountry to ski! I bought a pack with airbag but still need my beacon, shovel, and probe. Is there anything else I should get besides what I listed and what size of probe should I get? And yes I know the airbag is not a superman cape or a reason to otherwise make a stupid decision. It creates a false sense of security as I've read and I really want to avoid that. I've kinda compared to car with airbags and one without. Would that change my driving? Probably not. Anyways most importantly I want to take some avy courses but damn they're expensive like $300 each. I know skiing isn't cheap but is that how much they're everywhere else? I don't want to travel out of state to take courses if I can help it. Im pretty limited to my choices in Arizona but I think they're some in Flagstaff and it's like a class at NAU I think. Is there any online Avy courses and should I even consider it an option? Anything I'm missing? Good advice and responses much appreciated. Thanks guys
Jul 20 2014 7:00PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7481 - Karma: 11,497
I would take the course at NAU if possible.

That should be your first purchase.

Normally for those you need a beacon, shovel, and probe, so those should all follow.
You also will need a touring binding obviously or alpine trekkers.

Search for the thread in Ski Gabber. A lot of information in that.
Jul 20 2014 7:25PM
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davesmatf
Posts: 86 - Karma: 183
.MASSHOLE.I would take the course at NAU if possible.

That should be your first purchase.

Normally for those you need a beacon, shovel, and probe, so those should all follow.
You also will need a touring binding obviously or alpine trekkers.

Search for the thread in Ski Gabber. A lot of information in that.


Yea kinda bought everything backwards got '15 Bentchetler with gaurdian 16 then the airbag lol. Kinda got the airbag because it was a good deal. I don't have AT boots though do I need them?should I get them? Is there a big difference? Also got the BCA magic carpet skins and been reading lot of bad reviews. Are they that bad n should I consider getting other ones?
Jul 20 2014 7:46PM
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Craigskis
Posts: 6650 - Karma: 1,645
Is your life worth $300? Over the course of a lifetime that "expensive" course adds up to peanuts.

You've already got a piece of gear worth triple what the course will cost you.

Getting into Backcountry has some start up costs when you're acquiring the gear. Proper training, discernible judgement, and knowing how to use the gear is key.

Take the course with whom you plan on skiing with if possible to know everyone is on the same level, and find a mentor where possible with more experience.
Jul 20 2014 7:49PM
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elm.
Posts: 1493 - Karma: 13,497
a lot of people forget to pack the super basics before they go touring. just put all this good stuff in your bag.

matches/lighter
compass
knife/multitool
batteries (for your beacon)
water. duh
food. duh
rope
extra cl
Jul 20 2014 7:59PM
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elm.
Posts: 1493 - Karma: 13,497
smellsa lot of people forget to pack the super basics before they go touring. just put all this good stuff in your bag.

matches/lighter
compass
knife/multitool
batteries (for your beacon)
water. duh
food. duh
rope
extra cl


extra clothes
extra baskets for your poles
anything you need to fix your skins (the things that connect to your tails)
extra socks

i gotta little carried away
Jul 20 2014 8:04PM
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mtbakerpow
Posts: 1105 - Karma: 927
G3 alpinist skins,or black diamond skins..def want a boot that has a walk mode..probe and shovel and becon don't really matter too much. Most important is learning how to read snow conditions and using the 3 together to save your friends life..make your friends you ride with take a class/clinic with you.
Jul 20 2014 8:23PM
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skier58284
Posts: 1705 - Karma: 5,365
Most important things are:
>Have gear
>Know how to use it
>Ski with someone
>Make sure that person has avalance gear
>Make sure that person knows how to use it
>Don't be an idiot, pay attention to conditions and avalanche warnings, know what conditions (slope angle, snow condition, etc) most often trigger avalanches, and don't ski in a really big group and go one at a time, have one person wait til the other person gets down before starting your line

Also if you are caught in an avalche it could help to stand against a tree so the avalanche pushes you against the tree, that way you don't get taken all the way down and buried (if you don't activate your airbags in time), and even if you do activate your airbags, it could prevent you from being tossed around more. I believe I have heard of this saving someone, but there may also be risks, I don't know if it's generally a good idea to grab a tree. Something to think about though.
Jul 20 2014 8:28PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7481 - Karma: 11,497
dctalk16Yea kinda bought everything backwards got '15 Bentchetler with gaurdian 16 then the airbag lol. Kinda got the airbag because it was a good deal. I don't have AT boots though do I need them?should I get them? Is there a big difference? Also got the BCA magic carpet skins and been reading lot of bad reviews. Are they that bad n should I consider getting other ones?

You do not. Walk modes are a luxury, not a necessity. You want a boot that fits as you will be on your feet all day. Invest in a good footbed and boots that fit properly. There is a difference with ROM (range of motion) when you walk, but since you have guardians, you need a boot with a classic sole, not a rockered AT sole. I have friends who enjoy the BCA, but if you can, swing for BD.


stevenspassriderG3 alpinist skins,or black diamond skins..def want a boot that has a walk mode..probe and shovel and becon don't really matter too much. Most important is learning how to read snow conditions and using the 3 together to save your friends life..make your friends you ride with take a class/clinic with you.

Ignore this. You may WANT a boot with a walk mode, but a boot that fits better is x10000 more important at this stage of the game. Probe, Shovel, and Beacon are the MOST important gear pieces and will save you and your friends in times of need. Do not ever go out without them and do not ride with people who do not have them. If either of you get caught in an avalanche, you will not be able to find them nor will they be able to find you.

Other gear you will want was covered pretty well by someone else. Always have food, layers, and emergency supplies incase you get stuck in a situation where you will spend the night. Just pack smart.
Jul 20 2014 8:29PM
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methscratchface
Posts: 1204 - Karma: 4,445
sell airbag and take avy course. If at all possible take it somewhere close to where u will be doing most of your touring, so it will be more catered to that snowpack. If you are not already, become fixated on the weather. If you cannot be out there daily observing, Snotel sites give pretty accurate readings so you can constantly look for clues. Please never be afraid of asking others questions. You will not sound or look gaperish. It is very important to leave any kind of resort ego bullshit at the resort. Kindness and being respectful to others in the backcountry is also huge because those old gray bearded hippies on Karhus may end up saving your life.
A piece of super cheap gear that I always keep in my pack are a couple foldable ponchos. They dont take up much room and they are great for making an emergency shelter, or an extra layer thats steezy as fuck. Good Luck.
Jul 20 2014 9:34PM
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toastyteenagers
Posts: 1834 - Karma: 6,793
Get used to it buddy a day of heliskiing is 1.1k
Jul 20 2014 9:58PM
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davesmatf
Posts: 86 - Karma: 183
Yup 300 bucks or even 600 isn't much if your life depends on it. I guess I just thought It would be cheaper.
Jul 21 2014 12:28AM
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davesmatf
Posts: 86 - Karma: 183
Thanks for the input and help guys +K for all!
Jul 21 2014 12:29AM
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Rusticles
Posts: 2180 - Karma: 1,337
-practice with beacons everyday you're out, don't go alone, make sure your buddies are competent with beacons.

-make the right decisions, evaluate the conditions, evaluate the terrain, know safe spots and be aware of terrain traps! don't drop in if you're at all unsure of the snowpack, I did this last year and it almost cost me my life.

-get an emergency locator beacon like a "SPOT" for emergency's, I have an ACR Resqlink, I think it was $180 and no fees, it will alert search and rescue and give them your GPS if you have an emergency.
Jul 21 2014 1:45AM
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50Kal
Posts: 2828 - Karma: 5,373
Sell the airbag and those new bents. Take avi 1. Get beacon, probe, shovel, and some lighter skis. Bents are a great ski for super deep snow. Some how I don't believe you get many deep days in AZ. Keep the guardians and just use a proper fitting boot.
Jul 21 2014 1:49AM
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toastyteenagers
Posts: 1834 - Karma: 6,793
stevenspassriderG3 alpinist skins,or black diamond skins..def want a boot that has a walk mode..probe and shovel and becon don't really matter too much. Most important is learning how to read snow conditions and using the 3 together to save your friends life..make your friends you ride with take a class/clinic with you.


/claim

"probe and shovel and becon don't really matter too much."

The probe beacon and shovel are the most important part.

By the way... Get this shit called resqwater it has one of the highest fluid replacement value, but definitely bring a water resivoir/bag
Jul 21 2014 9:18AM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
Someone to mentor you is more important than anything mentioned in this thread so far. Ask around your local network and hook up with someone.
Jul 21 2014 12:45PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7481 - Karma: 11,497
BoaxSomeone to mentor you is more important than anything mentioned in this thread so far. Ask around your local network and hook up with someone.


Agreed, but some people may not want to take out a newbie who lacks a beacon, probe, shovel, and the know-how to use them.

But this doesn't hurt either.
Jul 21 2014 2:45PM
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davesmatf
Posts: 86 - Karma: 183
Rusticles-get an emergency locator beacon like a "SPOT" for emergency's, I have an ACR Resqlink, I think it was $180 and no fees, it will alert search and rescue and give them your GPS if you have an emergency.


This is additional to Avy beacon or the same? I was looking to get the Mammut Pulse Barryvox
Jul 21 2014 7:44PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7481 - Karma: 11,497
dctalk16This is additional to Avy beacon or the same? I was looking to get the Mammut Pulse Barryvox


Additional.
Jul 21 2014 7:50PM
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Rusticles
Posts: 2180 - Karma: 1,337
dctalk16This is additional to Avy beacon or the same? I was looking to get the Mammut Pulse Barryvox


It's additional, you would use in case of an emergency to alert officials of your location and that you require immediate rescue. Imagine if you broke your femur 10miles from your vehicle and there is no cell service.

Avalanche beacons are a necessity as well, the Mammut is possibly the best beacon, however a BCA is a lot cheaper and is incredibly efficient simple and durable, it works great. The key with beacons is simplicity and durability. Another tip, don't let your beacon batteries get too low. I swap mine at 50%.
Jul 21 2014 9:06PM
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Casey
Posts: 7849 - Karma: 24,317
RusticlesIt's additional, you would use in case of an emergency to alert officials of your location and that you require immediate rescue. Imagine if you broke your femur 10miles from your vehicle and there is no cell service.

Avalanche beacons are a necessity as well, the Mammut is possibly the best beacon, however a BCA is a lot cheaper and is incredibly efficient simple and durable, it works great. The key with beacons is simplicity and durability. Another tip, don't let your beacon batteries get too low. I swap mine at 50%.


Also remember to turn your beacon OFF when you get home. I've had mine wake me up in the night a week later because its been on the whole time. I'm like "what the fuck is that beeping in my closet??"
Jul 21 2014 11:04PM
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Rusticles
Posts: 2180 - Karma: 1,337
CaseyAlso remember to turn your beacon OFF when you get home. I've had mine wake me up in the night a week later because its been on the whole time. I'm like "what the fuck is that beeping in my closet??"


Haha I've done that so many times. Go to bed light blinking in the corner. Or go to turn it on then realize I never turned it off
Jul 22 2014 12:29AM
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