SNOW TIME: PRE-SEASON PREP
by PATRICK L WELCH
For the last month the Wasatch Mountains have had consistent snowfall every weekend, vibrant leaves are carpeting the ground, and there is a distinct chill to the air. These things cause a collective reaction from the local backcountry community. We all know the signs: a systematic removing of gear from the closet, dusting off of gear, and maybe even trying on said gear and striking a pose. This is all fine and good, but there are a few other things to observe before we pour ourselves into the gear (which, by the way, has shrunken, because certainly WE didn't gain weight), and get ready to hit the trails.
Most healthy people stay at least semi-active during the off months of ski season, but it is not a bad idea to step up with some specific exercises to warm up for the months ahead. We will all have those Gumby legged first days of the season but strengthening up our legs with biking, running, or hiking will go a long way to making the transition to winter more smooth. These activities also up our cardio intake ability that will aid in vigorous activity at altitude.
For great backcountry training, go for a hike with a little bit of extra weight at higher altitude so that humping up a hill will be that much easier. You can wear ankle weights linked together for a weighted waist belt, or carry a backpack with some dumbbells or weight plates in it.
Get gear-ready for the backcountry by checking everything to see that it works, and see if it needs to be updated. New gear items are getting lighter and more efficient every year. If you've been hanging on to an old pair of skis or boots---you can feel when gear is starting to become dead. Don't put up with equipment that holds you back. Replace it.
One of the bigger advances that have come out recently is the air bag that keeps you afloat in an avalanche. No American companies make them yet, so right now stores that sell them are restricted to Canada and Europe. If you want one, Backcountry Magazine did a review of the avalanche air bags, or you can just search for the companies which make them on the interenet.
If you are touring, skins make things a lot more efficient. You don't have to carry your skis on your back, and you won't be slipping and sliding all over the place. if your old skins have worn patches that you have to compensate for, come on, buy a new set.
Also, start thinking about water. People underestimate how easily they get dehydrated in the backcountry because it's cold and they don't feel how much water they are losing through sweat and exhalation. For an afternoon of activity, an average large size camelback should be carried---and drunk! At least half of your water supply should be gone by the time you turn around to start back.
If you have boots that are more than a season or two old, it is a good idea to revaluate their fit. In my humble opinion, I think you can have whatever skis and whatever binding in the world, but the most important part of the link that can make or break your style out there is the fit of your boots. Over-tight boots will cut off your circulation, which will in turn make your feet cold, and crunch your toes painfully. Sloppy boots that are ill-fitting and large will cause your foot to slide forward and back, and create shin and toe bang, which, aside from the next day's pain, gives you almost no steering ability of your ski. Either way you will leave the hill un-stoked and frustrated.
I have worked on hundreds of boot fits and have aided in many others. There are two maxims in the Black Diamond shop where I work: The “Perfect Fit” is an elusive and mythological creature. Ski boots will never fit like slippers or calf skinned moccasins. They are tight, rigid, and plastic and are made to be that way in favor of performance and steering ability, even in the backcountry. But, they can be pretty comfortable without destroying your feet. You want a uniform snug fit all around,with light pressure being an acceptable norm. The closest thing to a perfect fit is an expensive custom made boot, otherwise we get 'close enough' boots. Older boots that have packed out can be made better by a foot bed, thicker socks, or liner replacement. Boots that are tight can possibly be re-molded to give space (provided you have a thermo-moldable liner) or thinned out by light hammering of the affected area; but this must be done by a shop tech..
Old skis always need a little pre-season love. If you do not know how to do general maintenance or safety upkeep, take them into a shop to be tuned, waxed, and adjusted. If you are inclined to do so, the masterful art of tuning and waxing is an often satisfying and money saving pasttime that can also help you wrangle beer from your other ski buddies who don’t know how to do it. Shops can also usually repair any dings to the base of your boards with p-tex. That's definitely a good idea because base gouges can create friction and drag with the snow surface. A gouge can also cause core integrity problems owing to water getting into deep gashes and into the core, which will in turn rot.
Backcountry skiers also have a few extra toys to attend to. Avalanche beacons should be checked for accuracy and battery life. This is important. You don't want to find out your GPS doesn't work when you take it out for the first time of the season just as you arrive at the trailhead. New batteries and a set of replacements are nice to have, and can give peace of mind in that panicky moment when your batteries go dead. Practice with the beacon is also always wise. A game of hide and seek with a friend around the house, in the back yard, or in the park is an easy pre-season exercise that will keep you sharp for those critical moments.
Now you are ready, my raccoon-faced hombres. All you need is the firewood, turtle necked Norwegian ski sweater, and beautiful glass bottled brandy for après ski bliss. See ‘ya on the slopes, I’ll be the blur of red and black braying like a donkey at Alta. Pee’ Haaaaw!
-Patrick L Welsh, 26, is an employee of Black Diamond Equipment and Alta Ski Lifts. He is a born and raised Wasatch “Loc” (local) who is proud to be a Utahn