Photo by David Gonzales.
There are many advantages of going to a resort: chair lifts, lodges, and restaurants. But there are numerous disadvantages like lift lines, traffic, and high ticket prices. Some people just prefer not to even deal with the ski areas and go off into the woods and create their own tracks. It’s a lot of work but it can be one of the best runs you will ever take. There’s always concern over loose snow which can break free and create an avalanche but that’s just a risk some skiers and snowboarders are willing to take.
Rob Haydock is a Colorado native and a skier with over 15 years experience. He’s had numerous season passes over the years and continues to go to the resorts but he definitely likes to do some back-country skiing from time to time. When asked about the length of a typical back-country run, Rob replied, “If you hike and do more, you can make it a longer run for sure.” I asked Rob about the conditions of back-country skiing and if there is a high chance of something bad happening, “when you do the wrong thing it can be sketchy.” But these are just some of the risks that he is willing to take.
Another Colorado local, Scott Finley, has been snowboarding off and on since he was a little kid. He hasn’t had a pass in a few years, so he likes to go back-country snowboarding because it’s free. “The lift tickets at resorts are over $100 now which is just ridiculous”, when asked why he doesn’t go to the resorts, “the resorts are just gauging everyone, if you dont have a pass you’re screwed.” Scott has a good understanding of the risks that he takes when he goes into the back-country telling me that “four people died last year just off of Loveland Pass.”
Dave Dowd, a former pro snowboarder of 15 years whose main event was boarder cross, talks about his experiences in the back-country. “You’re out on top of mountain with no one a round and untouched powder”, Dave said, “there’s really no greater feeling.”
Some snowboarders and skiers enjoy the solitude of being in the back-country even with the great risks that come with that solitude. There are numerous things that could happen to you but that’s just the name of the game and in the end you got to do what you love.
1) http://www.adventure-journal.com/2011/02/backcountry-warning-sign-polarizes-teton-pass-skiers/
Lost Ski Areas 