An inclinometer is a useful tool for backcountry skiing. We like ours for everything from measuring how steep we ski (in this case known as a macho-meter), to determining the “alpha angle” of an avy slope so we know if we’re far enough away to avoid certain death from a full path mega event. Life-Link’s model is lightweight and the price is right, but it’s a bit bulky. No problem, get out a pair of sharp scissors and snip it down to size.
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| This is our more conservative cut. We also chopped one down quite a bit more, leaving only enough plastic to show the degree rays without the numbers, since the readings are also shown within the dial (if a bit small). |
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| Slopemeter without mods, our cut takes a chunk off the left and right sides, as well as angling the top corners. Use sandpaper to smooth sharp edges after you cut. |
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.
