I probably don’t feel as intimidated as John Glenn when he became the first person to orbit the earth, but it’s indeed a bit nerve wracking to pack for a Euro trip during this age of security baggage restrictions and such. We finally got it all figured out last night. I got some advice from Chris Davenport, who told me to just sling my ski boots over my shoulder as carry-on, so I’ll do that and carry my computer as other bag. Packing the checked bags was easier. I’m well under the 100 pound 2-bag limit — didn’t want to get too crazy and move the whole gear closet to Europe.
I did bring two backpacks (BCA Alp 40 and Black Diamond Covert Avalung), and a variety of clothing. I’ll use the BCA If we’re traveling light and ski touring an area with little avy danger. If things look intimidating or I have to follow a group or guide into the unknown, I’ll carry the Avalung pack for an extra measure of security. We did remember to pack the slippers in case Italian huts don’t have them, and yeah, a two week supply of Glucosamine and Cytomax to maintain the machinery. For a beacon I chose the BCA Tracker because I won’t have a spare and they’ve proved to be the most reliable we’ve used. Lightweight crampons, ice axe and harness, and a half roll of duct tape round out the load. If the skiing is crummy perhaps we’ll climb some nice peaks in Italy, and what can go wrong if you’ve got duct tape?
I’ll be taking that funky commuter flight from Aspen to Denver, then get on the international flight which will stop in Philly before heading over the ocean to Munich, Germany. Let’s hope the two Cliff Bars I packed in my computer case are enough to keep me alive — I’m traveling economy class.
Stay tuned — blogs coming from available wireless connections.
(For new blog visitors: I’m headed to Europe as a guest of Salewa/Dynafit ski and mountaineering equipment to cover their annual product launch. The event is held in the Ortler Alps of Italy. Along with that, I’ve got a few extra day at either end of the event to do some interesting European touristing that I hope to blog about in the coming days.)
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.
