BACKCOUNTRY NEWS AND FORUMS

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Where to start

mojo43

2013-10-24 12:09:24

Where to start

Hello forum members,

I live in Ottawa. A three hour drive from Lake Placid and Tremblant etc.. I would really like to start getting into backcountry skiing, but I would like some advice about where to start. I know that I am not located out West, but maybe this is better since I should probably start small.

I used to downhill ski alot, but other than that I don't have gear and I have never backcountry skiied.

Where do I start?

I don't have any gear yet and would love to have recommendations on a type of ski that would be able to convert from a downhill to a cross country type of ski.

Also, route-wise. What is there to do around here? I checked the Eastern section and there didn't seem to be too much?
admin02

2013-10-24 18:43:50

I would walk into MEC Ottawa and rent stuff from them for a weekend. I'd also ask them if there's anywhere in the Gatineau with a little slope and no lifts where you could just go, walk around a bit, and get used to the equipment. I would skip telemarking and go straight to alpine touring--it's easier (I can say this because I telemarked for a decade).

I could go into equipment considerations but that would take too long. Have a real-time conversation with a retailer and come back to the forums with some more specific questions. There are lot's of great ski touring in the adirondacks (near Lake Placid). Go to adkbcski.com and spin around there. Perhaps pick up a copy of the Slide Guide book. Find a buddy/club and get out there this winter. It sure is fun.

andrew
mojo43

2013-10-24 19:21:09

Fantastic answer. Thanks, I will do that and come back with questions after I have done some research.
skifreak

2013-10-24 21:12:19

Hey Mojo43, I would recomend taking a visit down to Lake Placid as the surrounding Adirandack mountains is one of the largest parks in the US and have miles and miles of hiking trails in summer that also offer up some pretty descnet ski toruing in winter on what they call "slides" - basically open avi paths in winter. I am sure there must some info on line about what to do and where to go, let me know if you find any info?
mojo43

2013-10-25 09:12:56

Thanks, I have checked out the adirondacks and they are beautiful. This is what I plan to work up to. I will keep you up to date with what I find.
JF

2013-11-02 06:11:21

You might not like my answer, but I felt like someone had to give you a better perspective. BTW, this is a serious answer.

Where to start?

Move out west (or Europe, or anywhere with mountains and snow). Then we can talk.

Otherwise you're wasting your time and money. You are better off picking up another sport.

If you want to start small, move to a place like Nelson/Whitewater. Great little hill, lots of slackcountry options, great snow.

Also, don't waste your time in ski shops. Probably half the people that work in ski shops in Revelstoke don't really know their stuff (the touring side of things). So take a guess what they might know downtown Ottawa or Montreal...

I'm from the east, moved west, I know what I'm talking about.

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Where to start