Guest Posted February 21, 2002 Share Posted February 21, 2002 Never been off the groomed slopes myself, and was just wondering why people rave so much about trekking off the normal runs. Link to post Share on other sites
Ocean11 0 Posted February 21, 2002 Share Posted February 21, 2002 Tumbling **se over **t down a secluded valley and having half of it falling on you in large chunks is just so different from skidding down an icy gelende with everybody else. Luffing through the dark pines like a hobbit is not quite the same as keeping your eyes peeled for skiers intruding on one's line. That's 'off-piste' anyway - I wouldn't know about 'backcountry'. Link to post Share on other sites
rach 1 Posted February 21, 2002 Share Posted February 21, 2002 It's smokin' Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted February 21, 2002 Share Posted February 21, 2002 OK I think I mean "off-piste" rather than backcountry maybe... Link to post Share on other sites
Ocean11 0 Posted February 21, 2002 Share Posted February 21, 2002 Gotta go now and soak the 'off-piste' off me in a hot bath. Goodnight all, sleep well. Link to post Share on other sites
ivo 0 Posted February 21, 2002 Share Posted February 21, 2002 RIDING OFF PIST AND BACKCOUNTRY IS VERRY VERRY DANGEROUS AND IT SUCKS EXTREMELY!!! NEVER GO OFF PISTE!! JUST DON'T DO IT!!! Link to post Share on other sites
barok 0 Posted February 21, 2002 Share Posted February 21, 2002 if you are at a good resort, you shouldn't even need to go off-piste, because the entire mountain is open, except for the places where you absolutely shouldn't go (sharp rocks, chasms, etc.) a good example of a good resort is big sky, montana - where there are very few ropes. however that doesn't seem to be the case in japan, so backcountry is a necessity. the off-piste has been discussed to death on this board, so here's my take on backcountry. the majority of backcountry consists of people trucking each other up in pickup trucks or cars to a designated point, then those people skiing or riding back down to the truck point. so it's basically free, although you should always kick down for the drivers. the terrain is usually better than resort terrain as it isn't developed, crowded, groomed, or tracked out, you can actually get good snow. you can build big jumps without being harassed, and it's just a chill vibe. the whole thing is you get killer terrain and killer snow for cheap. it's also that much more of an adventure, cuz you're doing it with only the help of friends, no bigwigs. the downside is that the risk of avalanche and injury can be high, if you are in an avalanche zone. but with a little research and training, those avalanche zones can be avoided. an example of an avalanche zone is the woods around Nederland, Colorado. There is a South facing ridge that gets tons of snow and then the sun beats on it, then it gets more snow, and that snow is prone to falling and falling fast. knowing where you are is your best weapon in the backcountry. [This message has been edited by barok (edited 21 February 2002).] Link to post Share on other sites
James 0 Posted February 23, 2002 Share Posted February 23, 2002 I've never been backcountry, not even really off-piste, kind of wondering what I am missing with it all. Link to post Share on other sites
TeleSkier 0 Posted February 24, 2002 Share Posted February 24, 2002 Hey Checkout couloirmag.com and they have a section on backcountry skiing or go to telemarktips.com and you can do some reading there. I think this should help you out quite a bit. Link to post Share on other sites
Ocean11 0 Posted February 24, 2002 Share Posted February 24, 2002 james, rather than being a resister, you sound like a beginner, am I right? When I was getting the hang of riding the gelende, I couldn't understand why my mates who introduced me to the sport were so eager to take me away from where I was having so much fun and challenge to some obscure and dangerous part of the hill. It's a bit like the Internet - until you try it, no amount of explaining is going to make it seem attractive. Now 'backcountry' seems pointless to me in my 'off-piste' stage, but no doubt I'll get caught up sooner or later. Link to post Share on other sites
badmigraine 0 Posted February 25, 2002 Share Posted February 25, 2002 It's a bit odd that in these backcountry threads hardly anyone ever mentions what an exhausting chore it is to have to hump it through knee- or even hip-deep snow, up steep slopes, carrying a pack and your board or skis, a shovel, probe, all the safety gear... On a cold mountain day in the thin air it sure feels nice to work up the same kind of sweat you'd get after jogging in a down parka for thirty minutes. All that sweat turns clammy and cold, or, if you have the correct expensive technical undergarments, quickly begins to stink like a gym locker room with no showers or running water. FUN!!! After half an hour or more of slogging through the snow, you get maybe 5 minutes of actual riding. Then you have to hump up all over again... If it were always like that, I would never have taken up skiing or snowboarding. Give me lift-accessed powder every time. I hate walking up, and I hate walking out. I think even building a kicker would turn me off after 2-3 hikes back up. I have strong legs, am in shape, and enjoy active sports. But when it comes to snowboarding, make mine lift-accessed, or I'll see you on the couch over beers afterward. Link to post Share on other sites
Ocean11 0 Posted February 25, 2002 Share Posted February 25, 2002 Maybe it's different if you go up the hill in a Toyota Surf and build your kicker near the road... I guess a lot of people do it in cars. But I don't see myself doing much with shovels in the near future. How was Hokkers, badmigraine? Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted April 15, 2002 Share Posted April 15, 2002 Backcountry is pretty much the only choice you have now mate! Link to post Share on other sites
Ocean11 0 Posted April 15, 2002 Share Posted April 15, 2002 Unless you try mountainboards or the newer skateboards... Link to post Share on other sites
miteyak 0 Posted April 15, 2002 Share Posted April 15, 2002 or any other summer sport, for that matter! Link to post Share on other sites
Panda 0 Posted April 15, 2002 Share Posted April 15, 2002 qf: Cross-country - what IS the appeal?? It's a different attitude to getting about. It's not just about going down mountains. I enjoy lift-resorts a lot, but sometimes it seems like it's all handed to you on a plate - designated groomed runs and chairs to shorten the "boring" (read:uphill) bit. It feels good to earn your turns sometimes. But don't you all come out there - wouldn't want it to get all crowded like a resort. Link to post Share on other sites
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