It’s that time of year when we are still a ways off from the first snowfall, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start putting items in place to be ready to head into the backcountry.
Gearing up for the season takes many forms, and I’m going to bring you in on some of my practices over the next few weeks as I prep for the coming winter. (Feel free to skip to the round-up of links below)
First Pro Tip of Prepping for the Season: Gear Check!
Scan your gear and make a list of what you need to tune-up, patch, thrift, or buy new. Just did this with my little guys and we are looking pretty good to go. Looks like the main needs are a belt to hold up Mr. Skinny-Long-Legs pants we grabbed during a spring close outsale and then we’ll need the next size-up on pants for Mr. I’ll-be-a-four-year-old-soon.
Check out this video of us testing out their other gear…
My own gear check showed that I need to…
- …finally reglue a pair of my skins. After many seasons of getting by, it seems that more and more glue is ending up on the base of my skis than staying adhered to my skins. I’m going to give the reglue G3 sheets a go.
- …be researching and hunting for deals to finally upgrade my jacket after 6+ seasons. My Norrona Lofoten has worn really well and has me wondering if there is a round #2 in my future. I love the powder wrist gaiters, powder skirt, gore tex, etc. The price is a doozy so we’ll see if I can’t track it down on geartrade again.
- …get on the hunt for a Garmin inReach Mini for those days when you are out of cell service in the backcountry.
- …begin a ski boot search throughout this next year. My boots are starting to turn the corner after a few good seasons of use, but I’m hopeful I can rock them another season and that the newest Dynafit Hoji Free ski boot with smaller last will be available and in my price range in the next year or so.
What’s on your gear list and what are you considering? It’s taken a good while for me to get all of the things in my kit and quiver, but a little each year has made a big difference. I’m the guy who slowly converted all of his alpine stuff year by year… first AT bindings and skins one season, then an avalanche receiver, then AT touring boots another season, it took a while and it’s endless really. But make the scan and make plan for the season ahead. Winter isn’t too far away!
Here for the BC Ski Links round-up? Here you go!
SKI MOVIE TRAILER SEASON IS HAPPENING!
Rad video trailer that captures an awesome splitboard outing into the backcountry.
WHAT’S YOUR WINTER PREDICTIONS?
These folks at Direct Weather have some hopeful news for the northern US this winter. East Coast looks to be forecasted for an epic and their is some vague yet hopeful news for the Rockies and a portion of the PNW.
CHEAPEST CAT SKIING AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA???
Monster X Terrain at Panorama has some of the cheapest cat skiing I’ve ever heard of! 15$ (CAD so 11ish USD) and then even better deals if you book multiple trips! https://www.panoramaresort.com/planning/tickets-and-passes/monster-x/