Backcountry Skiing, Ski Mountaineering
Pine Needle Mountaineering
Ski Mountaineering Essentials: What Your Need ...
Ski Mountaineering Essentials: What Your Need to Take Your Backcountry Skiing to the Next Level
Backcountry Skiing, Avalanche Safety
Pine Needle Mountaineering
Backcountry Skiing and Avalanche Safety
Backcountry Skiing and Avalanche Safety
Backcountry Skiing
Pine Needle Mountaineering
How to Choose the Perfect Backcountry Ski
How to Choose the Perfect Backcountry Ski
Environmental Practices
Pine Needle Mountaineering
Insulation and Sustainability

Buying from an environmentally friendly and sustainable company is more empowering now, than ever.

Insulation and Sustainability
Trail Running
Pine Needle Mountaineering
How to Run the Hardrock 100

Pine Needle Mountaineering’s very own, Drew Gunn is running his 7th Hardrock 100 this year (July 20-22, 2018). We are thrilled to have sat down with Drew prior to the race. He offered his very inspirational perspective and how he got to his seventh Hardrock. 

How to Run the Hardrock 100

Avalanche Safety

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Backcountry Skiing and Avalanche Safety

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Tips and Tricks for Backcountry Skiing and Avalanche Safety

  1. Gear and Training

  2. Get the Forecast

  3. Terrain Management

  4. Parking Etiquette

  5. Backcountry Etiquette

Our partner and non profit organization, Friends of the San Juans, started producing video shorts this year about what it takes to travel safely and stay smart in the San Juan backcountry. We encourage everyone to get out and explore the backcountry. Before you go out, make sure you know what it takes to do it safely.

Episode 1: Gear and Training

Backcountry Skiing and Avalanche Safety Gear and Training

What do you need while out in the backcountry? The three main pieces necessary for backcountry travel are beacon, shovel and probe. Once you have the gear, get the training. Keep backcountry skiing safety a main priority. Check out these local options for backcountry training and courses.

Silverton Avalanche School

San Juan Expeditions

San Juan Mountain Guides

Episode 2: Get the Forecast

Get the Forecast with Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC)

Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is the place to go for avalanche forecasting. Make sure you check the avalanche forecast everyday before you head into the backcountry. CAIC gives avalanche forecasts, field reports, weather forecasts, and live weather data to help with your backcountry skiing and avalanche safety.

Episode 3: Terrain Management

Terrain Management and Avalanche Safety

Terrain management is key in backcountry skiing and avalanche safety. It is the only factor you can control while in or around avalanche terrain. Keep an eye out for the five red flags while backcountry touring.

  1. Recent Avalanches

  2. Cracking and Whumphing

  3. New Snow

  4. Rapid Warming

  5. Recent Winds

Episode 4: Parking Etiquette

Backcountry Skiing and Parking Etiquette

During winter storms make sure to stay out of the Colorado Department of Transportation. Park in established parking areas, don’t stop in designated avalanche areas, be aware of your surroundings. CDOT is trying to maintain avalanche safety for everyone, do your part. Also make sure to check COtrip for road closures and highway information before driving over the passes.

Episode 5: Backcountry Etiquette

Backcountry Etiquette

Everyone is in the mountains to explore and have a good time, including you. Make sure to treat others with respect in the backcountry. If using a radio, keep chatter to a minimum and be clear and concise. While setting a skin track, keep it safe, accurate and efficient. Things to consider while digging a pit, dig in a safe location and fill in your pit when finished. Remember, we are all there to have fun!

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Backcountry Maintenance and Repair Kit

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Repair Guide

The ability to fix and maintain your ski equipment in the backcountry will save you time, hassle, and personal anguish. At under one pound, the suggested list above will enable you to improvise in most repair situations and help get you off the mountain in one piece.

Depending on the length and commitment level of your ski tour, you may want to add or subtract from the items listed above. 

 

Maintenance

1. Glide Wax:  A quick fix for a faster glide, and will help prevent snow from freezing to the base of your skis.

2. Plastic Scraper: Scrape sticky snow & ice from the base and top-sheets of your skis. 

3. Skin Wax: Apply liberally to maintain your climbing skin's hydrophobic properties and prevent them from glopping up with snow.

 

Repair

4. Rubber Ski Straps: The longer the better. You can secure a rescue sled, a broken boot cuff, or splint an injured extremity. The options are endless. 

5. Quick Curing Glue: If you’re binding strips off of your ski, a strong, fast-curing glue or epoxy will help to secure binding screws to the ski-- hopefully long enough for a successful retreat.

6. Bailing Wire: Offers endless options for boot & binding repair.

7. Cloth Tape: Another go-to repair/first aid item that is multi-functional. 

8. 5mm Cord:  Cord is always useful and can supplement the use of ski straps, bailing wire or rigging scenarios.

9. Lighter: Mold pesky boot plastic or build a fire.

10. Zip-Ties: Feather-weight and useful in almost any repair scenario.

11. Binding Screws & Bits: A few binding screws and bits to will allow you to adjust or re-mount a binding that has stripped off the ski. 

12. Break-Down Screw Driver: I prefer this driver over a "binding buddy". Binding screws are easier to access with a with a longer tool and will perform better if you really need some wrenching power.

13. Hose Clamps: Use to secure a pole splint to a broken ski pole. 

14. Multi-Tool with Pliers: Useful in almost all repair situations

15. Pole Splint: When secured with hose clamps, an old section of ski pole cut lengthwise will splint a broken ski pole.