Lou Dawson

Turning on slope angle shading can give you an approximate indication of how you should travel to minimize your exposure to that sweet spot slope angle. Comparing slope angle shading in CalTopo on the left in the image below to a more sophisticated GIS software using LiDar data, you can see the difference in terrain detail that could have led the party to introduce error in their trip planning. While CalTopo slope angle shading can give the backcountry traveler a general picture of the expected terrain from the comforts of their home, it isn’t a substitute for informed decision-making in the field. Wind forecasting Along with slope angle, wind should be a variable high on a backcountry traveler’s decision-making mindset.

Despite abandoning alpine gear 19 years ago, strenuously arguing that alpine turns on tele gear amounts to treason, mocking alpine training heels, and spending the last nine years coaching youth telemark programs, I secretly bought a full rando race set up last season. From essential to borderline obsolete: a brief history First, let us recall that the resurgence of telemark skiing in the 70’s and 80’s triggered the backcountry skiing renaissance we are all enjoying today. This means we have skiers on modern tele gear putting down lines in big mountain competitions that would be unimaginable to most telemark skiers 20 years ago, and are on par with what is happening in alpine big mountain skiing. The resurgence of resort telemarking driven by gear improvements and big mountain competitions is showing people that you can tele and not be a 60 year old hippy (though that’s cool too).

The boot also offers a Spider Buckle Evo lower closure system which simplifies transitions from walk to ski, as well as the new Scorpius CR Liner which we’re told is comparable to the Intuition Pro Flex Evo. La Sportiva uses their own version of a quick step-in tech fit on the toe that will guide your boot in with your eyes closed, and La Sportiva remains one of the few companies that have a Trab TR2 compatible heel insert. While there are three setting to the forward lean (12°, 14°, 16°), there are no medial or lateral cuff adjustments. Last: 102 Range of motion: 68° Forward lean: 3 positions (12°, 14°, 16°) Buckles: SWING-LOCK Closure System™/ Spider Buckle Evo

For AT skiing and especially ski mountaineering, however, we are dealing with a sport that includes both a need for power and endurance. , what I have found is that while I never forgo resistance training in my weekly routine, for the few months before ski season, I definitely concentrate my gym workouts to be slightly more intensive towards overall power and strength training. By around turkey day, I am a few pounds heavier than during the summer, my endurance is not what it was in July, but my power and endurance are in key shape to take on skiing. One day a week, before I do a resistance routine, I do this 20 minute routine: 6 minutes easy warm up on a tread mill, then a minute sprint followed by a minute to recover, and then repeat 7 times with a warm down.