Donald Shefchik
I have had the opportunity to ski for almost my entire life. Like most of us, my introduction was in the alpine ski resorts. As I matured as an alpine skier my interests in skiing began to change. I began searching for quality skiing rather than quantity. My days of getting as many runs as possible by using the ski lifts became fewer as I looked to the backcountry for those opportunities to ski untracked snow or challenge myself in a variety of backcountry snow co nditions. Backcountry skiing can give all of us the chance to be in the mountains in a w ay that is much different from the alpine ski resorts. The possibility to beco me more intimate with the mountain environment seems easier with backcountry s kiing. As we slowdown to a human pace rather than the machine pace of ski lift s, our awareness of all things around us increases. A desire for adventure leads many people into backcountry skiing. The opportun ity to determine our own course, to be responsible for our decisions, and to u se our knowledge of the mountains and the winter environment to travel safely and find good downhill ski courses is very rewarding. In Colorado, there is a saying among many backcountry skiers - "Earn your turn s." To me, this means we put in extra effort and work hard for our skiing. In doing so, we are rewarded with an experience away from crowded slopes, a grea t physical exercise, a wonderful escape from our daily lives, and a chance to see nature in a personal and positive way. And if we are lucky, the chance to ski untracked snow.
The attractions for telemark skiing in the backcountry are from many reasons. For some people it is a change from using alpine ski equipment to lighter weig ht equipment that is designed for faster travel and provides a unique feeling for the subtleties of downhill skiing. For some people it is the challenge to learn a new type of skiing that has many technique possibilities. The versati lity of telemark equipment is an advantage for easily skiing on the trail and also for good performance skiing downhill. It is also an efficient and safe te chnique for skiing with a heavy pack or in difficult snow conditions. One of the main skills in telemark skiing is developing what I call "natural b alance". In using lighter and softer boots and having the heels free we must l earn to balance on our skis without the support of higher, stiffer alpine ski boots. The ability to lift th heel at anytime is not only an enjoyable skiing experience, but it increases the number of reactions we have for various snow conditions and different types of turns. For skiers who enjoy alpine skiing an d telemark skiing, I believe they can become better alpine skiers by learning "natural balance" from telemark skiing.
For me, the goals for successful backcountry skiing are: Safety, equipment an
d challenge.
If the dangers of backcountry skiing are not understood, or the rules of safet
y are not followed, the results can be at the least inconvenience, and at the
most injury or death. Being aware of the possible dangers is the beginning of
successful backcountry skiing. Learning skills such as map and compass, avalan
che knowledge, weather, first-aid, winter survival and controlled skiing techn
ique will make your backcountry skiing a safer experience.
The enjoyment of backcountry skiing is somewhat different for each of us, but
there are some common things that will make the experience enjoyable for every
one. It is important that a course is chosen that can be skied safely by the e
ntire group. The length of the course and the type of terrain must be chosen b
y keeping in mind the weaker skiers in the group. Remember, a late start is of
ten a mistake that is made. Knowledge of snow conditions for the time of seaso
n and the time of day can often be the difference between skiing good snow or
difficult snow. Knowledge about the correct clothing and when it should be use
d is an important part of an enjoyable backcountry skiing experience. Having a
ll equipment in good condition and checking equipment before a tour can make t
he difference between a great day and a day of frustration. If a piece of equi
pment breaks during a tour, it can be a not so enjoyable time.
Many of us enjoy the challenges of backcountry skiing. The challenge may be to
ski many kilometers or climb 2000 meters in a single day. Or navigate a diffi
cult course. The challenge may be to find a very good powder slope, or try you
r technique in difficult snow conditions. Whatever your challenges are, rememb
er first to be safe, and second, not to overestimate ability levels in yoursel
f or the group. Challenges offer excitement and personal satisfaction. These f
eelings will keep all of us interested in backcountry skiing and help to make
each tour successful.
* * * * *
My enthusiasm for skiing comes from many areas. My love for the outdoors and t
he winter season may be the most important reason. In spending most of my life
as a skier it has become part of me, as predictable as the first snow in Octo
ber. The excitement of skiing a good slope is wonderful, but I realized long a
go that my interest in backcountry skiing goes far beyond those few moments of
pleasure. The opportunity to be in the mountains touring a scenic ridge line
on a beautiful sunny day, or on a day of a storm to be moving silently and smo
othly through an old forest are experiences as valuable as any ski run. With a
new snow fall the mountains have a look of freshness and beauty that is easil
y explored with backcountry skiing. It is my favorite time for seeing the beau
ty of nature. It is an environment I have become very familiar with, and each
year I enjoy it's return as if an old friend has come back.
Spending much time backcountry skiing gives me the opportunity to see the chan
ges that happen during winter and to know the snow conditions very well. I loo
k forward to this knowledge and feel I am more in touch with the winter season
. To be able to find good powder snow or avoid difficult snow conditions are a
ll part of the reason my interest in backcountry skiing continues. Perhaps it
is a game I play with myself, and win or lose, my enthusiasm for playing conti
nues.
* * * * * * *
The friendships I have found and the experiences I have had with friends while
backcountry skiing and telemark skiing are the main reason for my enthusiasm.
I enjoy sharing the happy moments that often follow a good run. I find pleasu
re in the excitement of a friend skiing well, or the satisfaction of completin
g a long course.
I have had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people that have made my con
tributing to this book possible. We shared many happy moments backcountry skii
ng in Colorado, and now we have done the same in Japan. The skiing was fun and
challenging, the mountains were beautiful. But what I remember most are the s
miles and laughter of people enjoying sharing their lives. These are the memor
ies of Japan that I will always have. I would like to thank all of these frien
ds who took time to show me their backcountry skiing and their country. A spec
ial thank you to Keiro Kitada and the Caribou Club for inviting me to Japan an
d planning my ski tours and clinic. Experiences like this give me enthusiasm f
or life, and when I put my skis on, that enthusiasm becomes even easier to hav
e.
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