 Poster: A snowHead
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Skiing in the US may seem over-regulated, with signs and ropes penning people into patrolled areas, but an increasing number of skiers are breaking away from the groomed fairways.
This article from USA Today takes a look at the current backcountry ski scene in Colorado...
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| Aaron Brill is one of those capitalizing on the interest in extreme skiing. He built a one-lift ski area near remote Silverton in southwest Colorado to guide skiers into the backcountry. Initially, he was allowed 40 skiers a day under his permit; in his second year, he turned 1,000 skiers away. Last season, his permit allowed 80 a day, and he still turned people away. |
...but realism is a necessity
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| There is no question extreme skiing has its dangers. In the past 10 years, the number of backcountry avalanche deaths in the United States has averaged 27.1, with a high of 35 reported two winters ago. In the 2002-2003 season, 30 people were killed; in 2003-2004, there were 20 nationwide fatalities, according to Colorado Avalanche Information Center figures. |
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| "Equipment has improved, ability levels have improved. What hasn't improved is the ability of people to use their brains. People get summit fever," said Breckenridge ski patroller Joe Kanetsky, the resort's avalanche specialist. |
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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In my back yard I see this a lot (CO). We have so many new bc skiers every year. The majority are savy in avalanche training and use all the proper precautions, but unfortunately more and more just jump out there because they can't afford the "pass" or are too eager to wait for a resort opening.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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This US article seems to call anyone who skis in the unpatrolled areas (what we would call normal off-piste skiing) extreme skiing. Extreme skiing is something else over here: something I have brushed up against a few times but I don't really aspire to. Or is it just this journalist who is confusing the two?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Confusing the two in my opinion. Typically yes, this is your off-piste skiing, but labeled extreme because of the additional element of danger (if not properly prepared). Extreme (at least to skiers, not journalists) skiing here is cliff hucking! But I've seen this rock climbing as well. Whenever they refer to us who rock climb, we're engaged in an extreme sport. Not true unless you're doing it without a rope!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Yes, though it doesn't have to be big air: a 50º slope is extreme in my book.
My own brush with the extreme was skiing Punte Victoria at Alagna.
Last edited by Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do. on Wed 10-11-04 1:07; edited 2 times in total
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| snowball wrote: |
| Yes, though it doesn't have to be big air: a 50º slope is extreme in my book...... |
An mine 
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snowball, thx for posting the link! Damn. I think of skiing memories and I don't think one has that level of "extreme"
I can't imagine how scared I would be.
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