Falling Into Backcountry Skiing

Last winter, I ventured more into BC’s backcountry on snowshoes. However, on trips like Parkhurst Mountain, a 22 km round trip with 2200 m vertical, it was clear that we would have been more efficient on skis. So this year, I decided to try backcountry skiing. 

Backcountry Skiing Gear

I had been skiing with Kavya at Grouse Mountain for the last few years, so I had some basic understanding of ski gear. However, it didn’t take long to realize that I knew nothing. I asked friends what gear they use to get a sense of the setup I would need. As I read more online, specs like Traditional Camber with Early Rise, Release Value 4-10, Last 101, Flex 110, etc., confirmed that I needed help. 

I called Oudi, and he walked me through the specs for Skis, Bindings, Boots and Skins. Then, after a couple of calls and visits to local ski shops, I narrowed down my options and had a good idea of what I needed. Finally, I had my setup by mid-December – G3 FINDr 94 skis (factory second), G3 Ion 10 bindings, G3 Alpinist Universal skins, and Scarpa Maestrale boots. Oudi helped me trim the skins and, based on Winifred’s suggestion, got the bindings mounted at North Shore Ski and Board.

The boots were the hardest to find as I have flat feet, and most didn’t fit well. Finally, I tried Scarpa Maestrale RS and liked the fit. Assuming Scarpa Maestrale would have a similar fit, I bought an older (2017) unused model on sale. The boots didn’t disappoint. I even managed to get myself punched in the face while removing the liners – twice. 

First Outing

A week before Christmas, Oudi, Anna and I went to Mount Seymour. Anna recently got into backcountry skiing and had already done a few outings. As soon as the gates opened at 7 am, we drove up and parked at the P5 parking lot. BC had recently launched a day pass system for Mount Seymour, and we had an AM pass for 7 am – 12 pm.

Oudi walked us through the basic setup of boots, ski bindings, applying skins, adjusting poles and finally stepping into the skis. This video does a pretty good job of explaining the basics – 

Last winter, I had done AST-1, so I have the avy gear. Once we got to the trailhead, we did a quick beacon check. Soon, we had a steep section where we got one of the toe risers up, which helped me maintain a good stance and not slide back.

At one point, we had to ski down a slope while in the skin mode. Oudi and Anna went first. It looked easy, but then I proved it wasn’t. I would lean forward like I would when downhill skiing and soon find myself swimming in snow. While Oudi offered the masterclass and Anna showed how it’s done, I entertained them with my falls. 

It was a beautiful day, and despite my skiing, we managed to explore terrain beyond Brockton Point. Avalanche hazards were considerable, so we had no intention of going any further.

Around 11 am, I was tired. Thankfully, we just had an AM pass, and it was time to head back to the trailhead. Thanks to Oudi and Anna, I had a fantastic day and learned a lot. 

I made three more trips to Mount Seymour over the next two weeks. Although I like my backcountry skiing setup, I don’t think they like me yet. They keep throwing me off. I am working on the relationship. Tomorrow, I am heading to Whistler Olympic Park for an Intro to Backcountry Skiing trip with BCMC. Hopefully, I won’t be swimming as much.

Territory Acknowledgement

I would like to acknowledge that this trip took place on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. I commit to learning about Indigenous peoples and issues and making reconciliation an ongoing effort.

Source: Native-Land Pronunciation Guide: First Nations.info

Resources:

Types of Skiing: REI Article

Backcountry Basics: G3 University | REI Beginner’s Guide

Canada West Mountain School – AST-1 Course on Mt. Seymour

Avalanche Canada – Forecast | Avy Savvy – Online Avalanche Tutorial | Recorded Webinars

Weather Forecast – SpotWx | Yr.No

AdventureSmart – Trip Planning

If you are in Lower Mainland, check out British Columbia Mountaineering Club (BCMC) for trips and courses.

Disclosure: The links I have shared in the post and under the Resources section are not Affiliate Links.

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