Baby talk? Nah, we’re past that. We got a nice sponsorship from GU energy foods. I just hope my level of ski touring fitness does it justice. Liking the Chomps, and the Roctane. Lots of caffeinated and non-caffeinated options, but watch what you consume if your caffeine intake is limited. I’m also digging their recovery drink for days I’ve got enough self discipline to limit my caloric intake after my workouts (otherwise known as eating everything in sight after exercise).
GU food for ski mountaineering.
WildSnow GU drawer, ready for winter.
I’ve experimented with athletic gels and drinks for years. When I’m at average to poor fitness level, they don’t seem to help more than simply eating a healthy snack every hour or so during backcountry skiing exercise, and drinking plenty of water. But once I get somewhat fit, I honestly notice an excellent effect in terms of increased endurance and strength when I use the more scientific stuff according to instructions. Not sure why that is; perhaps because the racing metabolism when your fit uses the readily available carbs of the gels in a more important way.
I’m also experimenting with GU version of athletic drink they call GU brew. Basically an electrolyte replacement, I think I might prefer more substantial athletic drinks that include plenty of carbs. But perhaps the GU way is the way. We shall see. Always fun to experiment with fueling the human machine.
Esteemed Wildsnowers, what’s your opinion on this stuff? Bagels cheaper and just as effective? Roctane rock your world? Pray tell.
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.