Nestled into the mountainside near the summit of Ophir Pass at 11,700 feet, Opus Hut is a ski-tourers dream. Not only do you have great access to some of the best skiing Colorado has to offer, but the hut masters keep you warm and well-fed throughout the duration of your stay. For these reasons it is obvious to see why we have made the Opus Hut the destination for our annual staff retreat. After a long season of talking to each other on the phone, it is always great for our employees to spend some quality time in the mountains together.
Arguably the best part about going on a hut trip!
With the trip falling at the end of the season, the goal is to ski steep corn in the high alpine but this year, however, mother nature had different plans. Our trip corresponded with a strong spring storm so instead of sunny skies, we battered down the hatches as we were pummeled with 20 inches of snow. While our bags were initially packed with crampons and ice axes, we don’t suspect that anyone was too upset at the prospect of some good old fashioned powder skiing.
From the turn off of Red Mountain Pass, it is roughly a 5 mile and 2000 foot ascent to Opus. Most years you can drive a good portion of the way to the hut and minimize your approach, but as we all know, this was not a typical winter. When we rounded the corner on Highway 550 and Ophir Pass came into view, we were greeted with a fully snow covered road and a longer approach than expected. While we obviously would have preferred to drive right to the summit of Ophir, the promise of afternoon soup and a great trip ahead kept our spirits high. So after shedding all of the unnecessary weight from our packs, we made our way up to the hut.
Picking our way through avalanche debris on the skin in to Opus
As soon as we started the tour in, the snow flakes started to fly, and they wouldn’t stop until we returned to the cars two days later. As we ascended it quickly became clear why the road was closed as the historic early March Avalanche cycle had taken its toll. Entire switchbacks of the road were completely taken out as we navigated through swaths of fallen trees and avalanche debris piles. After a bit of adventure skinning, we arrived at the hut just in time for the afternoon soup which was aptly named ‘lentils and friends’.
For anyone who has spent time in a ski hut, you can understand the feeling that sweeps over you when you walk in the front door and go completely off the grid. This feeling is only amplified when you’re surrounded by great company and it is absolutely dumping snow outside. After a long and busy season making other peoples ski touring dreams comes true, it was time for the Cripple Creek Staff to fulfil our own. Half of us went out for a quick sunset tour near the hut while the other half dove into a puzzle. Everyone was stoked.
Puzzle prodigy Paul, Marissa, and Jack enjoying down time at the hut
We woke up the following morning to upwards of ten inches of new snow and temperatures in the low 20’s. Needless to say spirits were high and after an energy packed breakfast of steel cut oats, the entire crew geared up and set out for some good old fashioned May powder skiing. With avalanche danger heightened, we opted to ski right outside of the hut with low angle powder turns right down to the valley floor. With a skin track in this face was farmed thoroughly over the course of the day and rightfully so. Around midday the visibility improved enough for a group to make their way over to ‘Paradise Basin’ and ski a line known as the Labyrinth. After a magical day of powder touring we reconvened at the hut to enjoy the sauna, delicious food, and some guitar.
(Almost) the whole CCBC crew!
We woke up on our final day to another ten inches of snow and so there was only one option to cap off the trip. We dropped off the hut and partied skied as a group down to the valley floor. On a trip with so many high moments this was the highlight. The whole Cripple Creek staff hooted and hollered down the untouched powder field all the way to the valley floor. It was one of those moments that you feel so incredibly lucky to be where you are and it was such a wonderful cap to a phenomenal season as a company. Following that run, we started to go our separate ways as some of us needed to get back north earlier than others.
Party skiing low angle powder right out of the hut!
On the return trip to the car we skied right over the debris piles that we had to skin through on the way in. With a fresh coat of snow blanketing the mountains, it was a fitting end to an unbelievable season for Cripple Creek. Now we just can’t wait back to do it even bigger and better next season!
Photos by Lauren Danilek
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Doug has been getting out to the local stomping grounds around the Elks, but has also gotten out of town for some longer expeditions. In addition to the CCBC staff retreat, he made it down to the San Juan's a second time to ski peaks around Telluride. The highlights of the bunch were the San Joaquin Couloir and the Northeast face of Wilson Peak- one of the 50 Classic ski descents of North America. Listen to his recap at the end of Episode 59 of Totally Deep with Cody Townsend.
In what is becoming a yearly tradition Doug also made the trek out to Moab to ski the snowy peaks above the red rock. We have heard rumors that the La Sals are at as much as 600% of average this year, so don't forget to take your skis along with your mountain bike.
Later this Spring, you can find Doug loading up the van and heading out to ski the Cascades Volcanoes. His big missions will be on Shuksan and Baker which are the last remaining volcanoes on his tick list. However, it is hard to drive past Hood, Adams, and Rainier and not get on snow. Check back here for his full trip reports as the season develops!
Matt spent April and early May in the Elks where he was content hitting variations on lines that don’t usually hold snow. During that time, he mixed in a couple of weeks helping friends dig out an avalanche affected backcountry hut that was under dozens of feet of snow and trees, before he headed to the San Juan's for some lines above 12,000’.
Fantastic access for big peaks has allowed for some crowd favorite social skiing with snow holding deep all the way to parking lots and closure gates. A highlight of the spring for Matt has definitely been scoping the new avalanche paths, ski lines, and access routes that were opened up by mother nature’s timber removal.
Now that the county crews are out in force trying to get mountain passes open, this year is feeling more like a ‘third season’ has emerged. As we get back to more traditional spring access with plowed road approaches and exits, Matt plans to make the most of the 'off-season'. Stay tuned for trip reports as Matt links up the local ridgelines, peaks, and couloirs close to Aspen as long as the snow will allow!
Tom has been taking advantage of some of the low hanging fruit around Summit and Eagle Counties. Some highlights included a day skiing steep spring powder in the Gore Range, a morning lap in Silver Couloir, and a beautiful day on Grouse Mountain. Venturing a little further away from home, Tom had a blast during his first 'Sopris Sprint' and powder skiing in the San Juan's during the staff hut trip. Honestly, he is just psyched to be skiing after a long winter of digging pits and looking at snow crystals!
Looking forward, Tom plans to make the most of the opening of Independence Pass along with a bike to ski mission of The Cross Couloir. Tom is loving the quiet times during the off season and has taken advantage of the dryer trails at lower elevations along with the phenomenal skiing in the Alpine. While he will admit his bike has been out of storage once or twice, Tom is still psyched on skiing and plans to ski all 12 months in 2019.
As the season progresses be sure to check back here as we publish trip reports from all of our adventures!
The Cripple Creek Backcountry team has been testing The North Face's new FUTURELIGHT all season. This awesome new fabric is an ultralight, remarkably breathable, and super stretchy fully waterproof fabric that will be the standard in TNF's top end lines. From powder skiing in the trees on cold days to big days ski mountaineering in Colorado's high country, we've put it through the wringer!
Vail store employee Gary Smith gave it a solid go for the past few months and has a thing or two to say about it on <wildsnow.com>. Check out his article here, and get psyched to pick up a piece of the future next season in our stores!
Gary pulling cramp-ins in the FUTURELIGHT pants
(WildSnow guest blogger Gary Smith is an avid backcountry skier and ski mountaineer residing in Eagle County, Colorado. You can find him at Cripple Creek Backcountry in Vail when he is not in search of steep lines or face shots. Please visit @g.allen.smith on Instagram for ski shots and snippets of mountain life.)
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Working in a backcountry ski shop for the past two seasons, I have had the pleasure of undergoing a complete gear overhaul. Skis, boots, bindings, skins, backpack, outerwear, you name it, I have tested the lot and invested in my favorites. However, one of the best gear discoveries I have made so far isn’t the shiniest or sexiest. In fact, oftentimes it is the most overlooked. After years of never being truly satisfied with my ski socks, I couldn’t be happier with the fit, performance, and quality of Dissent Labs Socks. Happy feet are of the utmost importance when spending a day in the mountains, and after spending a season in these compression ski socks, I will never use another brand. Dissent Socks fit great and keep my feet warm and dry across a wide spectrum of conditions. In short, Dissent socks are built for big days in the mountains.
You know your ski socks are comfortable when they stay on your feet long after the ski day is finished
When you first slip on a pair of Dissent socks the first thing you notice is how tight they fit all over- I was even concerned that I bought mine a size too small. However, after a few moments you realize that Dissent socks fit snug in all of the right places, and instead of inhibiting circulation, they enhance it. On the coldest of days my feet stayed remarkably warm in the GFX Compression Wool (Green) socks thanks to increased blood flow to my extremities. In addition to enhanced circulation, the compression fit holds its structure and prevents bunching even through the most intensive movements. This prevents blisters from forming and causes no pain points or distraction from the activity at hand.
Whether it is a multi-day backcountry trip or skiing resort laps bell to bell, I put my gear through the ringer. For me durability is what sets Dissent Socks apart. I have had socks that felt good during the first uses, but over time lose their compression, fray, and start to smell not so great. I have not experienced any of these issues with my Dissent socks. In fact, I wore the same pair of GFX Compression Hybrid Socks (Blue) four days in a row and was amazed at the socks ability to shed scent and moisture. After a season putting my Dissent socks through the gauntlet, I am confident in their ability to last.
Navigating through Dissents website it can be easy to feel overwhelmed at the variety of options available and what function they serve. However, after testing the lot it comes down to Synthetic vs. Wool. The wool options I’ve skied are warmer and more padded, while the synthetic options better wick sweat. For cold backcountry days and most resort days, I used a predominantly wool option (green and orange) and enjoyed warm feet. On the other hand, for most backcountry days and those warmer resort days, I used a more synthetic option (red and blue) and was consistently impressed with how dry and cool my feet kept. No matter which sock you choose, though, you will enjoy the benefits of a compression fit which not only increases circulation, but prevents blisters.
Happy feet = Happy Turns
As an avid backcountry skier, the socks I use are subject to more movement and temperature variance than resort skiing. Consequently, this is where most of my problems with socks occured. My two main issues have consistently been blisters and cold feet. Since i’ve switched to Dissent, I have used their socks across a huge variety of conditions and applications, and had minimal if any of these issues.
(Cripple Creek Contributor Thomas Bull is an avid backcountry skier and lover of snow. When he's not crouched over looking at snow metamorphosis in a pit, you will most likely find him in our Vail shop. He can be found on Instagram @_nobullshit_)
]]>If you open up one of our shop iPads these days you are just as likely to find caltopo.com zoomed in on a steep nook of the Rocky mountains as you are our point of sale app. My tasks as assigned by shop owner Doug on a recent Wednesday in late March were to wrap up the inventory check we had been working on and to find something big and steep to ski the next day. A dusting the night before made me hesitant to ski the sunny aspects as they could have been a little gluey, so the hunt was on for something north facing, steep, and reasonably nearby the Vail shop. After a bit of map browsing, I decided that we should go have a look at the Quandary couloir.
Mount Quandary (14,265 ft) is just a short drive south of Breckenridge on Hoosier pass and is one of the more frequently visited of Colorado's 14,000 ft peaks, particularly during the winter. The high elevation trailhead (10,850 ft) and straightforward approach make for a quick hitter. The east ridge is a great entry level 14er ski, and the Cristo couloir can be a killer 2,000' corn ski. However, the "couloir" tag on the Cristo is a bit generous, given that it is more of a gully that holds snow better than the rest of Quandary's southern wall. The Quandary couloir dropping North-Northeast from Quandary's summit is the real gem on this well traveled mountain. Problem is that coverage and stability don't often link up enough to ski the 2,000+ ft shot down into McCullough gulch. On this late March day the stability was there, the question remained, does it go?
Doug, Hugh and I left the comfy confines of the Cripple Creek sprinter van and hit the trail at about 6:30. A quick pace up to tree line helped us warm up and catch a surreal, seemingly never ending sunrise laced with purples and oranges. We pushed up the east ridge in to the upper bowl at about the time the sun finally broke over the clouds. After a quick break in the sun, we crossed the upper bowl to begin inspecting the entries to the northerly shots. Our first stop was an absolute dream line that unfortunately appears that it may in fact never go. A ten foot wide chute trapped between 200' cliffs would require a 100' down climb over very large and very loose scree and boulders. Pipe dreams shelved, for now, we continued up the ride to find the entry in to the Quandary.
If the stars (snows) aligned. Potential entry hidden from view below Hugh (red)
Another 500 feet or so of vert gained gave us a glimpse into the middle of the line. I abused my skins and punched across the scoured roll above the shot to get a look at the entry. The limitations of the line are generally the entry and the exit, as the meat of it is fairly well protected between it's walls. There were two rather spicy entries. Furthest north was all snow, albeit a large cornice above a huge convex wind pillow and was out of the question. The second would require a traversing side slip over loose talus on to a tight 45+ degree pitch of sastrugi between two larger rock formations. Perfect! We continued the 200' or so vert up the ridge to grab the summit, transitioned, and headed back down to the mostly blown out entry.
Hugh rips skins on the summit
The sporty technical entry gave way to a perfect wide and wandering tube. We were treated to a buffet of conditions for the ski including windboard, heavy powder, powder powder, trap door powder, slick bed surface, and suncrust. The couloir offered many safe zones on the skiers right allowing us to leap frog down to the last dog leg. The couloir both tightened and rolled just below us and that roll would reveal the answer to the question that had only been half answered at the entry. Does it go? Maps and photos via the interwebs gave us solace that worst case would be an annoying down climb over scree rather than a game changing cliff and deflating booter back up the line. Doug skied towards the choke, and right after disappearing over the roll yelled a reassuring, "It goes!" We skied out the choke and apron at a more confident speed in some of the better snow of the ski. The Quandary is a great and less traveled shot on a busy mountain but is only one of several amazing looking skis on the very impressive north and northeast facing wall of Quandary.
What it's all about- Doug in the gut
Are you and intermediate skier looking to ski your first 14er? Go for it! Keep up with CAIC daily, find a solid partner, and head up and backdown the east ridge of Quandary on a sunny spring morning after several days of sun for some great corn skiing. Strong experienced backcountry skier looking for more of a challenge? Peek into the Quandary couloir and see if it goes.
For more info on gear we recommend for 14er missions, give us a call at either shop. On this day we were in Scarpa F1 boots, Kastle TX 98 and DPS Tour1 Wailer 106 skis, Dynafit bindings, and Pomoca Pro Glide S skins. Happy mud season!
Gary Smith
Cripple Creek Vail shop tech and pusher of team ski missions
]]>The Grand Traverse is a grand event, indeed, an epic point-to-point tour with an abundance of logistics and manpower being channeled to facilitate a relatively smooth and enjoyable struggle for the participants. Emphasis here is important. Because things do happen outside of your control that may disrupt flow, and the struggle is absolutely real. But, that is not to say you cannot properly prepare for and thoughtfully execute when the clock strikes midnight on March 25th/26th.
To begin, let’s talk about preparation. One should be touring (uphill at resorts/backcountry) at least a few days a week in the month of two leading up to the GT, with one of those days being a longer tour, in the range of 3-4 hours to start, and building up to 6-8 hours. If time permits, getting in back-to-back long days is beneficial, as it accustoms the body to fatigue and builds character and mental tenacity. Having an efficient and smooth kick-and-glide technique will keep you moving smoothly over the fairly tame and non-technical terrain. Also, when it comes time to fly across Richmond Ridge to the top of Aspen Mountain, knowing how to skate ski in your race gear will give you an edge(!) over those stuck(!!) to their stubborn ways.
Photo: 6512 and Climbing
Being familiar and competent with one’s gear is paramount. Showing up to the line with a vague understanding of how to operate a tech binding is ill advised. The very first thing you should consider is purchasing a pair of boots that fit the shape of your foot and use them as much as possible to ensure you will be able to tolerate a 12+ hour tour. Know how your bindings operate, and be able to efficiently step into and out of them. Be able to apply and rip skins like you would a Band-Aid (bring an extra pair of skins, and keep them close to your body so they stay warm and dry).
Photo: A. PARKER/JEREMY SWANSON
Having nutrition dialed on race day cannot be understated. Find what works for you and your GI tract. Perhaps it’s simple calories, like vFuel gel and Clif Shot Blocks. Maybe your prefer real food, like cooked brown rice mixed with coconut oil and cinnamon. Whatever it is, make sure you can reasonably digest it while you’re maintaining a high level of aerobic output at 10,000 ft. In addition to food, I would suggest supplementing with a simple calorie electrolyte mix, like Scratch Labs Matcha with Lemons. I find soft flasks work best for storing liquids, as they are not as obtrusive as a water bottle and you can keep a handful of them in the interior of your skin suit or jacket, where they are unlikely to freeze. From start to finish, eat, drink, eat and drink some more, as you cannot overeat on a 12+ hour tour. Get calories in your body consistently. It isn’t much fun to bonk and feel dizzy and cold twenty miles into the Tour.
Executing on race day boils down to feeling both prepared and absolutely stoked for the adventure ahead. Having a good attitude does wonders for you and your partner. Let’s not forget that this event takes place alongside another human being. Keep spirits high and the motivation flowing with positive reinforcement. It helps to know that when you hit a low point, your partner is there to lift you up and bring you back to your happy place.
Organize your gear a week or two beforehand. Layout your entire setup, from attire, to ski gear, to the mandatory equipment, and be confident in your ability to pack/unpack and proficiently use any of the equipment and gear you bring along. DO NOT WAIT until the days before to assemble it. Get it together a few weeks in advance and get in a long tour or two to get a feel for the dimensions and weight. Check out the mandatory gear list here: http://www.elkmountainstraverse.com/mandatory-gear/. A crucial piece of gear that is not on the list that I would suggest bringing is a tow-strap. It can be as simple as 10 ft of 1/8"-1/4" elastic cord with non-locking carabiners on either end. If your partner is struggling, you can put him/her on tow and pull a bit of extra weight.
Photo: TeamCrestedButte.com
Here are a few gear recommendations:
Skis: Hagan X-Race / Hagan Cirrus / Dynafit PDG 2.0 / Atomic Ultimate 78
Bindings: Hagan ZR / Dynafit Speed Superlite 2.0
Boots: Dynafit PDG / La Sportiva Syborg / Scarpa Alien
Skins: Pomoca Race / Dynafit Race Ready
Pack: CAMP X3 600 / CAMP X3 Backdoor / Dynafit Broad Peak 28 / Dynafit Denali 42
Race Upper or Race Suit: Dynafit PDG Jacket / Dynafit Radical Racing Suit
The Grand Traverse should be an experience of a lifetime, and there is no reason why it can’t be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Show up prepared, know your gear, eat and drink, stay positive and get your ass to Aspen with a smile on your face. There is ample beer and food and friends waiting for you at the finish!
Photo: Dale Strode - Aspen Times
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So You Want to Go on an Expedition.
Ok, you have purchased all the gear. You have spent the time and money to enter the wonderful world of ski touring.You have spent the winter walking up the local ski area, and have even done a few hut trips. You have even ventured into the backcountry in the spring and you are hooked. Ski touring the local peaks is something you have fallen in love with. When you scroll through Facebook posts from people out in far off ranges, you can’t help but dream of doing this yourself. You are in the best shape of your life, and your interest is reaching peak levels; you want to do go on an adventure! The only issue, you don’t know where to start!
Planning an adventure isn't easy, but it is always worth it
At 8kPeaks, we have spent our lives venturing to the world’s greater ranges, and we want to share our wealth of knowledge with you. Over the last 30 years we have explored remote parts of Alaska, South America, and Asia in a natural progression that has taken us on expeditions to nearly 50 of the world’s highest peaks. Over the course of our mountaineering career, we have not only learned how to pick appropriate peaks for all levels of expedition ski mountaineering, but we have figured out some of the logistical aspects that can make or break your expedition. We have made all the mistakes, and also overcame them. So if you’re thinking about taking the step and want to plan an ski adventure, here are 10 things to be aware of
1. Picking an objective. This is a critical place to start. The peak has to meet your experience level in order to make the most of your expedition. At any experience level, when you venture to the greater ranges, it’s going to put you in an arena that is simply different than the local peaks of the ranges found in the lower 48. Altitude, glaciers, cultures, and logistics all come into play. Picking the appropriate peak is critical for maximizing your experience.
2. Picking your mates. The peaks of the greater ranges are much more involved, much larger, much higher than what you are probably used to, so they take weeks instead of days. Pick the wrong partners, and friction can deteriorate friendships into enemies. There is nothing worse than having to spend time in a tent with someone who you find irritating or has different objectives for the expedition.
You are going to be spending a lot of time with your partners!
3. Picking the right gear. If you are interested in planning an expedition, chances are you already have most of the gear you will need. However, the greater ranges also demand things you might not have. Ropes, hardware, tents, cook kits, and a lot of other items will need to be acquired in order to be prepared for the environments that are different than the one you learned in. When you get off the airplane in La Paz Bolivia, if you forgot or didn’t realize you needed a half dozen pickets, chance are slim that you will be able to find them. Something as simple as gas for your stove becomes critical but you can’t fly with gas, so you have to look ahead.
4. Logistics. Different countries and different regions entail different paper work, identification, permits, and visas which all need to be understood. Air tickets, travel rescue insurance, and not to mention food! Finding operators that can pick you up at the airport, get you to and from the mountain, and back to the airport are important. If you find yourself in Kashgar China at the airport and don’t have a contact waiting for you, you won’t even be able to hail a taxi unless you speak the local language. There are all kinds of things that need to be taken care of long before you step on the plane. Logistics are probably the most difficult aspect to a successful expedition and we can really help.
5. Funding. While some will be more costly than others, an expedition certainly requires finances and you have to understand the costs. From our experience, you have to set up budgets for everything as a first stage, and then build in contingencies. There is nothing worse than being a week out from departure, and then realizing you need $1500 for a garbage deposit and not having it. Our experience has taught us the necessary questions to ask the operator, and of what to generally expect.
6. Physical Training. As logistics are ironed out, training must begin. Generally, you need 6 months to properly train for a high altitude expedition. We have devised a three phase program that gives us the combination of power and endurance necessary to succeed. Climbing and skiing at altitude requires more than just endurance from getting out locally. Our program starts with strength training, then a combination of strength and endurance, phasing into more endurance.
When all of the training pays off!
7. Mental training. Along with the physical training, you have to “get your head on straight” in order to have a successful trip. If you’ve never been to altitude before it can create major question marks that can lead to a ton of anxiety. Anxiety before and during an expedition wastes a lot of energy so talk to people about what to expect and how to settle things down.
8. Pre trip preparation. Getting all your bases covered before you depart whether at work or at home can also create anxiety before a big trip. You are going to be gone for a long time and this is daunting. That anxiety can drag you down, deplete your immune system, and ultimately make you tired. Making an effort to look ahead and iron out some of the organizational details of your life are processes we have done many times. There certainly is psychology involved and in short, nothing drastic will happen in the month or so that you are away. Try to enjoy the process!
9. Altitude. This is the main hurdle in big mountain ski expeditions in that it exposes you to all the perils of the mountains. Dealing with altitude mandates understanding it, and then working with it. It’s a huge aspect to an expedition, but once you understand it, you can also really “enjoy” it.
What are you waiting for?
While this list certainly won’t uncover every rock on the journey, it will give you an idea of where to start. This list is meant to get you thinking in the right direction On confidently approach your expedition in a manner that gives you the basics to have a great adventure.
Stay tuned as Mike dives into each one of these topics further with subsequent blog posts!
- Mike Marolt
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame Class of 2017
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Ski mountaineering demands gear you can trust. When you’re scratching down the side of a 45-degree couloir or towering above a jagged rock band with only a thin edge of metal holding you to the mountainside, you need to be confident that your gear choices are among the good decisions of that day. Another quick jump turn and you scrape down ten more feet of a gnarly line, tips and tails scratching rock on either side of you. These are ski turns that could only be enjoyed on a light and fast ski mountaineering setup.
Paired with a Superlite 2.0 and Alien RS boot, Aidan is light and fast for the Corn Season
For the past few years, I have been on the search for a ski that fulfills my needs for spring mountaineering. After testing a few different styles and shapes, I knew I was looked for a niche ski with a specific set of features to safely get me up and down steep Colorado Couloirs. My search culminated in the Dynafit’s Speedfit 84 special for ski mountaineering. Here is why I love this ski:
The ski is light: Coming in at 1,350 grams (size 176cm) and paired with a 175-gram Dynafit Superlight 2.0 binding, boot packs are a breeze and the miles fly behind you on the skin track.
Sidewall construction: While many lightweight racing skis offer a cap sidewall construction to save on weight, this ski offers a full sidewall edge with a lower height and more width along the entire length of the ski. This feature is important because it makes the ski stiffer and increases edge pressure. What that translates to is precision edge control. Keep your edges sharp, and the thin edges excel in steep, alpine descents.
Core construction: With Dynafit’s 3D carbon construction, and combination wood and fiberglass core, this ski offers good vibration-damping allowing the ski to cut through chunder and irregular surfaces. Another subtle benefit to the Dynafit 3D construction is that Dynafit intentionally reduced the amount of material in front of and behind the mount zone. With this design, the mass is distributed along the ski in a way that spreads the weight more evenly to the tips of the ski that makes it easier to have controlled, effortless, and intentional jump-turns when skiing a consequential line.
Light and Fast all Winter (and Spring) Long
Rocker and Effective Edge: A couloir ski needs to have an effective edge along the full length of the ski. The combination of tip rocker and effective edge in this ski allows it to stick to steep slopes while making turns. A unique feature of Dynafit is the amount of thought behind the design for each different size. The men’s version of the Speedfit 84 comes in 158cm, 167cm, 176cm, and 183cm sizes. The women’s version in 149cm, 158cm, 167cm sizes. For all of these ski lengths, the rocker construction at the tip and tail and the sidecut are adapted, a unique feature in the ski touring market. This keeps the effective edge length equally proportional to each size, allowing the Speedfit 84 to function independent of the size.
The Final Word: Dynafit’s Speedfit 84 is not a rando-race ski, and it’s not an all mountain ski either. Instead, it’s marketed as an on-piste touring ski that is lightweight and can handle ripping corduroy on groomed slopes. However, Dynafit created a ski that can handle itself in more situations than simply a pre-work fitness lap at the resort. I bought this ski in anticipation of a spring ski-mountaineering corn cycle but ended up using it more than any other ski in my quiver. A ski that can tackle a long day in the mountains and hold an edge in steep and potentially bulletproof couloirs. Despite the name, this is a versatile touring ski that is also light enough to carry on your back.
- Aidan Goldie can be found on Instagram as @aidan.goldie
Show your support for Sean with a donation to Aspen Strong
"You will feel better than this, maybe not yet, but you will. You just keep living until you are alive again.”
On March 17th, Sean Vanhorn, is attempting to ski human powered turns for 24 hours in an effort to raise money for Aspen Strong: an organization dedicated to providing mental health treatment for the Roaring Fork Valley. Colorado has a long history of 24 hour endurance challenges, and there is something intrinsically exciting about the massive emotional challenge Sean will be facing. As a local endurance badass and great friend of Cripple Creek, we want to extend our best wishes to Sean as he embarks on this journey!
Like so many of us, Sean has battled his fair share of demons over the years and this event is the culmination of a long journey to health. While he has is eyes set on Mike Foote's record of 61,200 vertical feet in 24 hours, his real mission is to help stoke the dialogue around a relevant topic, especially in mountain towns. Show support for Sean by donating to Aspen Strong, and you will help Mental Health in the Roaring Fork Valley!
With a big winter like we've had, it is more important than ever to support your local Avalanche Information Center! Join us March 23rd at the Alehouse Deck on Highlands Mountain for an afternoon of live music, beer, pizza, and a gear raffle that will keep you stylish during this spring corn season. Tickets are just $20 and will directly support the Friends of The Colorado Avalanche Information Center. As a 501(c)3 organizaton, your donations will support a robust backountry avalanche forecasting system with cutting-edge technology, free avalanche education programs, and a staff dedicated the Colorado Backcountry. We cant't wait to see you there!
Let us know you're coming on Facebook.
Winter flew by but the ski season is just getting started! Thanks to a great winter we are looking forward to months of great skiing ahead of us.
Come help us celebrate another awesome season (thanks to you), with a day filled with biking and skiing on the flanks of Mount Sopris followed by BBQ from Slow Groovin, cold pints from Roaring Fork Beer Company, and live music!
The festivities begin at 2pm back at the shop. Tickets are just $10 and include one plate of Slow Groovin BBQ and 1 pint from Roaring Fork Beer Company.
Tickets are $10 pre-order or at the door, and if you climb Mount Sopris during the morning, enjoy a plate of BBQ on us!
Thanks for a great season and we will see you there!
Be sure to RSVP on Facebook!
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Pulling out your shovel and digging a pit is great way to gain an understanding of the snow pack beneath your feet. Feeling the snow with your hands and visually observing the layers using your probe as measurement provides valuable information for decision making. However, if you want to increase your margins of safety or just nerd out on snow science, it might be time to beef up your snow study setup. The tools listed below will help provide more accurate data and make observations easier in the backcountry. However, remember the old adages that “a tool is only as good as its user”, so seek out mentorship, textbooks, and further avalanche education to fully utilize your snow study kit1
Slope meter
A slope meter paired with a ski pole or probe provides quick and accurate measurements of how steep the terrain is. If you don’t already have one of these in your pocket this is a great place to start. The industry proven BCA Slope Meter is lightweight, easy to read, and reliable. Additionally, the free Backcountry Access app (available on both Apple and Android devices) taps into your phones’ internal meters and GPS to provide slope angle measurements, elevation, coordinates and compass bearing.
ECT Cord
When paired with two probes, a 10 foot length of 3mm utility/accessory cord with knots tied into it every few inches works great for isolating blocks to perform an extended column tests (ECT). This is a valuable tool for assessing stability for a minimal investment of just a few bucks. As a bonus, the cord has a negligible weight penalty and can also come handy as part of a rescue sled in an emergency situation.
Extended column tests can tell us if a fracture will propagate through a weak layer
Crystal Card and Magnifier
These two items go hand in hand when it comes to getting up-close and personal with the snowpack. Crystal cards provide a flat dark surface to observe snow up close, along with a square grid pattern to evaluate grain size. A basic 10x magnifying loupe invites you into the microscopic world of snow for observation of facets, rounded grains, and fresh powder. Pro-tip; keep the crystal card in the snow on sunny days to keep it cool as the dark surface will absorb heat and melt snow crystals faster than you can properly view them.
There is a whole different world behind your magnifying lense!
Snow Saw
Often neglected due to weight and size, the snow saw still deserves a spot in your kit, although just one per ski touring group will usually suffice. Snow saws make quick work of stiff slabs and consolidated snow to provide consistent results when isolating columns for various stability testsp. In an emergency situation the snow saw proves its worth by cutting clean blocks for building a snow shelter or cutting up wood for a fire or splint. Weight weenies should check out the carbon UpSki Quarry Snow Saw.
Snow saws are an invaluable tool when isolating snow for stability tests
Thermometer
Advanced users find a thermometer vital to assessing the snow pack throughout the season. Tracking the temperature gradient in your favorite zone lets you know if snow structure is gaining strength or degrading into facets. BCA’s trusty analog thermometer provides accurate data and never needs new batteries. But if you’re on a budget and have a rarely used digital meat thermometer laying around the kitchen you can get started by stabbing that into the snow instead of your steak.
- Evan Green can be found on Instagram as @thegreenevan -
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As we enter into the later stages of one of the most active winters in memory, it is as important as ever to remain diligent when traveling through Avalanche terrain. Join us March 11th @ 6pm in our Aspen shop for an informative presentation and discussion hosted by Colorado Avalanche Information Center's Brian Lazar. He will be discussing the state of the snowpack, techniques for traveling through avalanche terrain, among other topics.
Be sure to let us know you're coming on Facebook
Whether you're a seasoned backcountry skier, or have never step foot in avalanche terrain, this presentation is a wonderful way to keep avalanche safety at the front of your mind. So grab a friend who you want to keep safe in the backcountry and join us in our Aspen shop for a cold beer and a great discussion. See you there!
]]>Join us Tuesday, February 19th at our shop in Lionshead for a Full Moon Skin up Vail Mountain followed by Live Music! We will meet at the shop at 6pm, music will be at 8PM from The Runaway Grooms, and the first beer is free for everyone who skins courtesy of Bonfire Brewing!
Be sure to RSVP on Facebook
Whether you're a first timer or a seasoned veteren, this event is great for everyone. This is simply a meet up so the skin up Vail is completely self paced. Skin as high and long as you like, and then meet us at the shop for a beer afterwards!
- Headlamps recommended
- No dogs allowed on Vail Mountain
- Music courtesy of The Runaway Grooms
- First Beer is free courtesy of Bonfire Brewing
]]>Whether you're an nordic skier, alpine skier, ski tourer, or snowboarder, knowing how to take care of your own gear is essential to the sport.
On Wednesday, February 20th 6:00pm, we will teach you how to wax your own skis! Although this will be a nordic specific lesson, this wax job will work on any ski or snowboard. Tune in for a metal edge clinic coming your way in March if you need your edges sharpened for when the powder slows.
Bring a friend you want to keep safe in the backcountry!
Be sure to let us know you're coming on Facebook!
]]>The Commando route can be done in the summer or winter, with a bike, skis, or the shoes on your feet. At 18 Miles, 3500 feet of gain, and 5800 feet of loss one way, you’ll have a sustained ski traverse on long ridgelines with breathtaking views.
Once a training run for the 10th Mountain Division, this route has its place in history as an iconic traverse in Colorado. The 10th Mountain division would complete this tour as an overnight outing, carrying 100 lbs of gear on their backs not to mention their heavy cotton and wool uniforms.With 21st century lightweight touring gear, we aimed to complete The Commando Run in a morning (It’s amazing the doors that tech bindings will open for you).
Not bad for a 'backyard' traverse
The route comes in three parts. Beginning at the summit of Vail pass, you first climb up the mellow Shrine Pass Road. The second deviates from the road and begins to climb to the top of an unnamed 11710 ft peak and traverses along a ridgeline to the 11800 ft Red Benchmark peak. The Commando Runs ends with a long downhill upon entering the boundary of Vail ski resort.
An early start got us at the top of Vail Pass at 7 am on a brisk January day with a car at both ends of the traverse. With skis on our feet, and doughnuts secretly packed away in honor of Tom’s birthday, we were off trying to take advantage of the manicured snow on the Shrine Pass road to try to put some miles behind us. Making it to the top of Shrine Pass in good time, we stopped for our first transition. From here we descended from the top of shrine pass for a leisurely 1.5-mile glide before stopping again to transition for the uphill. GPS proved useful in ensuring that we were gaining the ridgeline along the path of least resistance.
Getting outside on a bluebird day in the mountains is always worth it!
From this point, all of the fun really begins. The traverse on skis is absolutely delightful and breathtakingly beautiful. You’re skiing on a ridgeline and can see for miles into the Gore on one side, and the Sawatch to the other. Staying on the highest part of the ridge, we found some good turns before descending into Two Elk Pass.
From Two Elk Pass begins the last climb of The Commando Run, a good 1000 feet to the last end of the ridge traverse. At this point, you will see a gate to cross into the Vail Ski Resort boundary. From this high point, pick your route down to the base to complete The Commando Run. I chose to make my way towards the base of Lionshead, exiting the gate to the west and skiing the trees to my home in West Vail. 5 Hours after our start from the top of Vail Pass, I kicked off my boots, and enjoyed a hot drink on my porch.
]]>With our new ski mountaineering shop in Aspen we thought it only right to invite some of our friends to present a slideshow on how special our local mountains are. This will be an evening of live story telling from our own backyard to far off international mountain adventure. Partnering up with one of your favorite magazines Ascent Backcountry Snow Journal this will be our first annual "SLIDE SHOW" with video and photo presentations from some of the the most bad ass ski mountaineers we know.
-Local legend Jordan White will recount some of his favorite steep skiing exploits and first descents from the surrounding Elk Mountains.
-No mountain range is safe from Teague Holmes! Last winter he traversed the Gore Range in a day and he'll present on his epic "day" in the mountains going light and fast.
-Noah Howell displays the ups and downs of skiing big mountains in Alaska, where last spring he pulled off a descent of the mighty Mount Hunter.
No ski event would be complete without a huge gear raffle and the Slide Show is no exception! Win products from the top backcountry brands including Black Diamond, Flylow, Scarpa, Julbo, Jaybird and more. Raffle proceeds to help benefit the CAIC.
Every winter, our Full Moon skin series is a highlight and we want to kick off the 2018/19 edition in style. Join us December 22nd at 6PM in our Vail shop for a community celebration. We will skin up Simba as the sun sets before skiing down in a moonlit valley. After the ski we will meet back at the shop for some live tunes from The Runaway Grooms and beer from Bonfire Brewing. For those who partake in the skin, the first beer is FREE! Be sure to share/join the Facebook Event.
All ability levels are welcome!
Whether it's your first time going up at night, or you're a seasoned veteran, there is something incredibly special about being out in our mountains during a full moon. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for the current uphill policy in Vail and so we want to be as respectful as possible. A few things to remember:
- Absolutely no dogs on Vail Mountain at any time
- We are organizers of this event but are not guides
- Please stick to the designated trail and respect all mountain operations!
See you there!
*Photo Credit: Scott Bellow Photography*
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I've been running a pair of the Pomoca Race Pro 2.0 skins for about a year now on wider touring skis. The skins are now offered in a 120mm wide strip either cut off a roll or pre-fastened with a back fix. Cost of the roll will generally equal the back fix or more after all the extra hardware and labor is acquired.
The Race Pro 2.0 pink plush has become a standard on the race circuit with its exceptional glide and the legendary Pomoca glue compounds. This skin has also become a great option for powder ski touring with wider skis. I have been using it with a DPS Wailer 106 Tour1 and Dynafit Beast 108 ski. The grip is plenty until the track gets super slick. I think this is a great option for experienced ski tourers to shave some weight and size while adding some glide without giving up a traditional glue compound.
Read all about my experience with the wide pinkies on wildsnow.com
Gary Smith
CCBC Vail
* Picture Credit: @ajmirabito
]]>If there’s one thing I’ve learned about backcountry hut trips it’s that if someone invites you, say “yes” immediately and drop everything else because hut trips are awesome (also, pay the person who just dropped $500 - $1,000 to reserve a cabin for you and all your buddies knowing full well that it will be like pulling teeth to get everyone to pay ahem cough Tommy C).
Situated outside Aspen, the Barnard hut is guarded via a long approach
Hut trips may be the most fun way to ski in the backcountry, even if your hut is the size of a minivan. The Barnard Hut, part of the 10th Mountain Division Hut system, was a new one for me, and it’s on my short list to visit again. Rumor has it that Barnard often goes unbooked because of the relentless skin in and the potentially more difficult skin out. I can confirm that both directions with a heavy pack were significantly more difficult than I had expected, but like every hut trip I have ever been on, it was well worth the brief periods of agony.
Backcountry huts are awesome for so many reasons. Think about the Shining; it’s like you’re Danny during his first few days at the Overlook Hotel. The whole cabin and surrounding terrain is your private playground. Sometimes you know everyone joining you, and sometimes you get to make a bunch of new friends who also like spending time in the backcountry.
Ski some awesome turns before warming up by the fire
There are a bunch of activities waiting for you, depending on the length of your stay and the status of your legs after hauling in all that beer (I’d never warn against bringing beer. That said, boxed wine gives you a little more bang for the ounce, so to speak). Up for a day in? Play some cards, do a puzzle from the 90’s, or lose yourself in a progressively complex and intrusive game of “what are the odds.”
Up for playing in the snow? Even better. During a season like this one there is feet of unskied powder in every direction. Our trip to Barnard landed us in the middle of a “considerable” avalanche cycle, so low angle trees were the unanimous call. When you’re able to start the day deep in the backcountry, your options are vast so long as you’re willing to break trail. The low angle trees surrounding Barnard are endlessly entertaining if you can keep your speed up. The snow was blowing, the wind was howling, and our faces were frozen into near-permanent grins.
After assessing conditions, low angled goodness was the answer
Skiing from morning to sundown is pretty wonderful in itself, but returning to a warm hut after a long day in the snow is perhaps the most après thing you can do on this side of the Atlantic. Pour a drink, get that fire roaring, and enjoy a tech-free night with old friends, new friends, and a bottomless pot of pad thai.
The time and freedom afforded by hut trips is a pretty special thing these days. There are countless opportunities available when you’re forced free of your smartphone and Netflix. Dig a few snowpits. Try every stability test you know. Build an igloo. Write in your journal. Read the National Geographic article from 2005 that’s on the shelf. Drink coffee and stare out the window. Rub sticks together until they catch fire. It’s a freedom that I’ve certainly missed, and one that always provides some refreshing clarity.
Hut trips are more than just a weekend getaway. They can be whatever you make them. You can ski powder until your legs give out or lose yourself in reflection. They are an accessible template for any type or scale of backcountry adventure.
Ready to start planning your first or 21st backcountry hut trip? Stop by Cripple Creek for all the hut trip beta you can shake a stick at.
CCBC Team Member Bergen Tjossem can be found on Instagram as @bergentoejam
Lets face it, the more time you spend in the backcountry, the more you appreciate quality gear. Not only does it enhance your look, but it can make your life a whole lot easier when things don't go exactly to plan. If you're looking to bring your Splitboarding to the next level, check out some upgrades that will make your next tour a little bit smoother.
#1: Tip + Tail Clips
Splitboarders no longer have to hold their breath when dropping in to less than ideal snow conditions wondering when, not if, their tip connection will chatter loose. This season Karakoram and Spark R & D have released new tip/tail clips designs to address previous flaws. Karakorams “tip-lock” uses a cam lever to hold the clip in place, while Spark has opted for progressively tighter notches to dial in the connection. Either way you can’t go wrong as this hardware is a small investment that leads to a big improvement and increased confidence on the down.
When your board's connection is solid, there are many smiles to be had
#2: Karakoram Ultraclips
Having a split that rides the same as a solid resort board is the ultimate goal in backcountry performance. To achieve this it seems nearly every splitboard hardware manufacturer has been hard at work engineering a stronger connection for the two board halves. Spark R & D recently released their Crossbar Clips that creates a confidence inspiring split connection and a more responsive ride. The Karakoram Ultraclips are a vast improvement over standard clips by utilizing a cam lever that “actively joins” the two board pieces together in a reliable and easy to use design. This eliminated their previous latch design which was known for poor tolerances and incessant rattling on the skin track. Colorado based Phantom used the K.I.S.S design principle when developing their lightweight Hercules Hooks that provide a fast, simple, and secure connection with no moving parts, genius!
Adjustable Karakoram Ultraclips make all the difference with a more 'active' connection
#3: Bindings
Bindings are the heart of splitboarding and have seen rapid advancement in recent years. Spark R & D developed their now proven T1 system a few years ago, but didn’t stop there and have constantly made refinements based on customer feedback and emerging technology. Items like the lightweight yet durable Pillow Line Straps or the easier to engage “Whammy” riser bar make great affordable upgrades for current users who missed out on this tech a few seasons ago. This season Karakoram released an update to the Prime binding interface with “Ride Mode 2.0”. The revised bindings deliver easier transitions, a stronger connection, and increased resilience against icy buildup. Riders using an aging Voile setup or one of the previous design iterations from Spark or Karakoram should take a serious look at investing in one of the options from this latest crop of bindings.
#4: Skins
Minus some minor specifications in material and glue, skins are skins; unless they’re Pomoca. These skins do not use traditional gloppy glue so the days of parking lot skin tug-o-war are over. They stick to your board when you need them and are quick and easy to remove when it’s time to drop in, all while providing the grip and glide you need from a great pair of skins. Additionally, they are lower volume than most of the competition, making them simpler to stuff away and leaving you more space in your pack. It’s no wonder why Jeremy and the discerning crew at Jones turned to Pomoca to outsource the manufacturing of the Jones line of splitboard skins. These skins do end up on the high end of price comparisons, but we feel the extra $10 to $20 are well worth it for these durable easy to use and care for skins. Pomoca and Jones skins are great choices whether you’re shopping for your first set or ready to retire a pair after a few seasons of rock damage, stream crossings, and bad glue.
Spend less time worrying about skins, and more time enjoying the view
#5: Radios
Ok, so radios are not splitboarder specific, but all backcountry users can benefit from better communication. “Inter-group communication is just as important to avalanche safety as is your beacon or airbag” – Lou Dawson. Backcountry Access first released their Link Radios in 2013 and they instantly became the gold standard. The Link radios improve backcountry safety with hassle-free group communication whether skiing pitches, navigating in harsh weather, or skinning up complex terrain. New for this season is the BCA Link 2.0 which are not only smaller and lighter but also features double the transmitting power and improved durability (no more frustration with the mic unit attachment randomly coming unplugged!). Compatible with the original Link, along with other FRS GMRS radios, and easily recharged on the drive to the trailhead via micro-USB, the Link 2.0 is a no brainer.
- Evan Green @thegreenevan (Cripple Creek Team Member) -
- Photo Credit: Lio DelPiccolo -
Uphill skiing inbounds is a great way to get familiar with gear and to get a good workout. However, it is not a risk-free activity as some might think. Once the lifts close at your local ski hill a slew of mountain ops personnel get busy. Snowcats groom, ski patrollers mitigating avalanches, and snowmakers blowing snow are only a few of the things going on. So while the potential to trigger an Avalanche is not as high as it would be in the backcountry, there is a ton of activity during non-operational hours which pose a different set of risks. As a snowcat operator, here are a few things to keep in mind if you choose to utilize our wonderful terrain when the lifts aren’t spinning.
We are grateful for our states generous attitude towards the uphill community, and we want to keep it that way!
I am often surprised at how comfortable people are being close to a snowcat. Not only are these machines heavy and potentially deadly, but visibility is often zero for drivers. It’s like operating a heavy piece of machinery inside of a snowglobe. It's extremely nerve racking when a skier suddenly appears or even worse, ends up on the blade of your cat! It’s super helpful when uphillers wear a headlamp and if you choose to skin with headphones, keep the volume down slightly so that you can hear us coming. Often we are hustling as fast as we can to get projects finished, especially in the morning. It helps a lot if people are aware and willing to move so we can keep working and keep everyone safe!
Inside the Snowglobe
It is important to be aware of these hazards and respect ski areas’ rules with regards to uphill travel. The majority of ski areas in the U.S. allow uphill travel in some capacity which is pretty amazing. Some restrict access to a particular route or to a certain time of day and this information can be found on most ski area websites. For instance, on Aspen Mountain where I work, we allow uphill travel before 9am when the lifts open on a designated route (Spar Gulch for those of you who are familiar with the area). If avalanche mitigation or a winch cat is operating uphill routes may be closed or altered. It is important to read and respect posted signs and to stay as close to the uphill route markers as possible. We want everyone to have fun but more importantly to stay safe!
Be aware of snowmobiles and give them plenty of space!
We love skiing which is why we work where we do, a friendly wave goes a long way. Get out to your local hill and get your legs ready to suffer in the backcountry!
- Joseph DeMoor
You can find Joseph on Instagram as @josedemoor
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]]>Be sure to share/join our event on Facebook!
Following the movie's showing we will be meeting back at Cripple Creek Aspen for drinks and a meet and greet with Mike and Steve! We are pretty in awe of what these amazing athletes were able to accomplish at a ridiculous altitude, and we could not be more excited to be hosting the afterparty. Drinks will be provided courtesy of Aspen Brewing Company, see you there!
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There is nothing like formal training, such as an AIARE course to get you ready for backcountry travel. This is not that! Instead it is an informal discussion lead by Brian Lazar, or local CAIC (Colorado Avalanche Information Center) forecaster. This month Brian will be presenting on lessons learned so far this season. There have been many snow and wind events and there is a lot of information to be gained from going over the season thus far, come learn your lessons here before you learn them the hard way!
These free events that happen at Cripple Creek Backcountry the first are an incredible opportunity to bring avalanche knowledge and awareness to the front of everyone's minds. We all have a lot to learn and relearn and an open discussion is the best place to do this. As always we will have beer on tap for your tasting pleasure!
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Last week we had the opportunity to tour the production facility and visit the taproom of one of our favorite local breweries. Based in the town of Eagle, Bonfire Brewing was founded in 2010 and is rapidly growing into a regional staple. Owner Andy Jessen showed us what goes into their production and was generous enough to let us taste a few in their taproom. We couldn't have been more satisfied with the quality of their beer, and we couldn't be more excited to continue a great partnership with a flourishing local business.
We felt right at home surrounded by mountains of beer cans
So what's on tap at Cripple Creek this winter? Well, it depends on the week. We love to support local business and will rotate our taps accordingly to showcase the fantastic local beer we are lucky to enjoy. In our Vail shop, our four taps will be primarily occupied by our good friends from Bonfire, but will also boast some beer from Vail Brewing Co. among others. In Carbondale, we can't say enough good things about Roaring Fork Beer Company and thanks to our mutual employee Matt Hoogenboom, we have a direct line to the source!
Kegs for days
There's nothing better than ending a day in the mountains with a local beer. We love sharing laughs and stories around our taps and encourage all of you to come say hello and share a cold one! We'll see you soon!
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Every winter, our Full Moon skin series is a highlight and we want to kick off the 2018/19 edition in style. Join us December 22nd at 6PM in our Vail shop for a community celebration. We will skin up Simba as the sun sets before skiing down in a moonlit valley. After the ski we will meet back at the shop for some live tunes from The Runaway Grooms and beer from Bonfire Brewing. For those who partake in the skin, the first beer is FREE! Be sure to share/join the Facebook Event.
All ability levels are welcome!
Whether it's your first time going up at night, or you're a seasoned veteran, there is something incredibly special about being out in our mountains during a full moon. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for the current uphill policy in Vail and so we want to be as respectful as possible. A few things to remember:
- Absolutely no dogs on Vail Mountain at any time
- We are organizers of this event but are not guides
- Please stick to the designated trail and respect all mountain operations!
See you there!
*Photo Credit: Scott Bellow Photography*
]]>It’s dumping and I’m not afraid to say it: I’m pretty notorious for being extra safe in Avalanche Terrain. Growing up in a Colorado ski town instills a healthy fear of the white death. Maybe that’s why I like reading Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper so often. I just picked up the 3rd Edition, updated this year with all the latest in science and dry humor. If you haven’t read it, Bruce Tremper is the Obi-Wan of educational avalanche book authors and it’s a masterpiece.
The three times I’ve read it, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how many new things I’ve taken away from it (and a little concerned about the details I’ve apparently missed). This time around, I picked up three new concepts that are worth considering.
Next time you see this iconic cover, be sure to snag a copy!
1. Perhaps 25% of backcountry travelers think “Considerate” avalanche danger ranks below “Moderate.”
Tremper admits that his informal survey is not scientifically rigorous, but even as a ballpark measure, it’s a frightening statistic. Hypothetically, if you and four buddies are touring around during “considerable” avalanche danger, there’s a real chance that one of them is severely under(?)estimating the day’s skiing potential by a factor of 10. If that buddy is particularly persuasive or wears an “expert halo”(i.e. they’re perceived as an avalanche expert but actually aren’t), your fun day in the backcountry could be in jeopardy.
Is this concept that surprising? If asked to arrange the words High, Moderate, Extreme, Low, and Considerable in order of severity without any color clues, a lot of folks would struggle. This goes to show that it might be worth vocalizing avalanche danger levels at the trailhead rather to avoid a misinformed opinion of the potential hazard. Especially since “poor communication is a common denominator in almost all avalanche accidents” according to Tremper.
Getting beta on snow conditions is an important component in the decision making process
2. Most avalanche accidents occur the first sunny day after a storm.
It’s as obvious as it is profound. Who doesn’t want to get pitted in a foot of fresh, especially when it’s a Saturday? But yes, it’s the logical conclusion to the most elementary concept in avalanche education: avalanches occur after sudden change. Big Friday dumps are a big change, and three eager buddies testing a freshly loaded weak layer is also a big change. Don’t get me wrong - fresh snow on a sunny Saturday is more fun than just about anything, but it requires perhaps the most attention and group discipline of any backcountry scenario.
As Roger Atkins, a Canadian heli-ski guide is quoted in the book, “staying alive in avalanche terrain probably has more to do with mastering yourself than mastering any knowledge of avalanches.” As a confirmation to this point, Tremper references Fredston and Fesler (both scientists) that in most accidents, the victims proceeded despite the presence of many obvious clues. So, look for clues! The most obvious one being the avalanche forecast telling you that fresh snow on a sunny Saturday might not be as good of an idea as it is tempting.
"I’m not afraid to say it: I’m pretty notorious for being extra safe in Avalanche Terrain"
3. On average, teams are more than 20% more accurate than individuals.
Teams are better at making the right decision than a qualified individual according to two studies mentioned in the book. But to make team decision-making the most effective, there must be at least some avalanche expertise or knowledge within the group. In fact, the best ingredients for successful team decisions include a diversity of opinions, free competition of ideas, and a mechanism to narrow choices (e.g. universal veto power).
Creating a solid group dynamic where all input is not only solicited, but valued, is a goal worth working towards even if it makes you look like a safety nerd. Fortunately, skiing with a group founded on respect, face shots, and making it back to the car to crack open a frosty Cold Snack makes for the best days in the backcountry, hands down.
- Bergen Tjossem
You can find him on social media as @bergentoejam
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Can gear be both pragmatic and stylish? The answer to that question is hell ya! When not skiing or climbing my job has me perpetually on the road. For these business trips my go to has been the Proprius Down Hoodie or Active Jacket. These two simple pieces keep you warm and dry no matter how wet or cold it gets. Plus, they’re both very stylish. I’ve been stopped on a rainy after work run in North Carolina and a frosty dinner meeting in Fargo, North Dakota and complemented on both pieces.
Here's the best news about the new Summit Series!! The North Face is giving away their entire Ski Mountaineering his or her package valued at $5000 this Saturday at the Cripple Creek Backcountry Aspen Grand Opening! Come support this awesome new shop and check out this incredible line of gear from North Face.
- Tyler Newton
You can find him on social media as @TyNewt
When not skiing or riding bikes he is the Implementation Coordinator at PubWorks.