Trip Reports Backcountry

Marble, CO backcountry skiing, Black Diamond Verdict and Dynafit Manaslu skis for backcountry skiing

Ski descent of Castle Peak east face, Elk Mountains Colorado.

With all the fatal avalanches we’ve seen this season, a good chunk of them at resorts, there is renewed awareness that skiing inbounds doesn’t guarantee 100% safety. Patrollers do a great job keeping our resorts controlled, but avalanches don’t play by the rules. And while my ski crew is always safe and takes precautions, getting my AIARE Level 1 avalanche certification was in order so that I could make good decisions when skiing – either in the Bowl or in the backcountry – without relying on others to make those decisions for me.

Ski Trab factory visit in Bormio, Italy, ski for ski mountaineering and backcountry skiing

Mount Sopris is the quintessential peak, white capped, riven by couloirs, crowned with twin summits rising 7,000 vertical feet above our quaint village like a Jules Vern fantasy. Less informed locals sometimes think the mountain is a volcano, as from most angles it appears to stand alone, apart from any parent massif. That’s not the case. Sopris is indeed lofty, but just behind the alp are its parental units: 14,000 foot Snowmass and Capitol peaks. The area is big alpine, always good for a special day.

When gale winds blow like a sandblaster on the high peaks, you can still summit. If you want. But you might choose some powder farming instead, or perhaps a classic point-to-point tour. A bit of weekend stoke from such decisions.…