Introduction to Backcountry Uphill Travel on Skis - Meany Lodge

We will meet at 8:15am in the overnight parking area of the Crystal Spring Sno-Park.  Find one of the instructors (Art or Dave), as there will be other people there headed to Meany Lodge to ski for the day.  Your car will need a State Sno-Park Permit.  Have your ski boots on and your skis handy (skins in your pack).  Most days we will done our skis and be towed into  Meany Lodge behind the Meany snow cat.

This experience is for those looking to improve their backcountry skiing skills, especially those relatively new to the activity.   Instructors  have considerable experience in the backcountry on Alpine Touring gear, and will tailor the class to meet the needs and desires of students.  Some time is typically spent coaching on techniques for skiing snow conditions and terrain found in the backcountry, and, depending on conditions, the slopes at Meany can be ideal for this.  Participants begin the day with an orientation to Meany, its terrain, and learn to safely ride the rope tows.  The group can then ride the tows and take some runs together for a guided exploration of the area. 

The emphasis for most of the day will be on skills for skinning up the hill, including track angle, route selection, turning, efficient transition and gear issues, such as skins, ski width and ski crampons (bring if you have).  Students should have Alpine Touring (AT) gear, and be at least strong intermediate skiers with some experience skiing in broken or new snow.   The fee for the class includes a copy of the book  Backcountry Skiing: Skills for Ski Touring and Ski Mountaineering, by Volken, Schell and Wheeler, published by The Mountaineers.

We will end by 5pm, and we expect to be back at the cars by 6pm.  Bring a headlamp and the ten essentials.  This is a trip into the Mountains.

COVID-19 Notes: Everyone is expected to bring and wear a mask anytime the group is gathered.    In a normal year, we have lunch inside Meany Lodge.  This year, the Lodge will be closed with bathroom only access.  Please bring food for lunch and clothes that will keep you warm outside from 8am till 6pm.  We will be attempting to run Meany Lodge for day-use this year, so if that works out we will have a simple hot lunch available to us to eat in an open shelter at mid-day, but we cannot guarantee it.  This class will still run even if COVID restrictions mean the Meany Lodge cannot open at all, but will  be cancelled and refunded if COVID restrictions prohibit even small groups outside.  We ask for your understanding and flexibility as we all navigate these difficult times.  The instructors and the Mountaineers will send more information as the course date approaches.