Planning
Plan with confidence using our experience and pro tips.
Planning
Abilities & Grouping
Who you share your turns and time with in the mountains often plays as much of a role in your enjoyment as do the conditions. Being sure of your abilities will help you get the most out of your experience with us while enabling us to match you with a backcountry buddy who just might become your partner for missions elsewhere.
What type of skiing or riding do you enjoy? Think it over while considering your pace, fitness, and your skills in the backcountry where combining all of these equates to your ability level.
Forget the groomers and the chop on powder days. Forget the signage, trail markers, and ski patrol. Out here freedom rules but so does nature. We put you onto the best conditions each day but being in the wild Andes means that ridges can be scoured, icy patches encountered, and winds tolerated. Steep and rugged terrain abound and it is normal to find variation of pitches and conditions throughout the day. Coming back to lower elevations can lead to crusty or sticky snow which can make skiing and riding that much more difficult if your legs are jelly. Knowing that these challenges exist means that you'll be properly prepared to make the most out of every glorious powder turn from start to finish each day.
Backcountry Conditions
Imagine you're making laps at your favorite resort... What type of terrain draws your attention? Do you prefer blue runs over black diamonds and double diamonds? Do you spend more time arcing wide open turns on groomers or do you enjoy dynamic movements in treed and more technical zones? How do you handle changes in snow from powder to chop, mash potatoes to crusts, or dramatic differences in pitch?
Skiing & Riding Preferences
Focus on the trends of your skiing or riding style as you read through the descriptors below.
Define your Abilities
Experience
I have good and confident technique making turns on groomers but very limited experience skiing or riding powder off-piste at resorts or in the backcountry by way of touring, snowmobiling, snowcat skiing, or Heli-boarding. I have little to no tree skiing experience.
Terrain
I ski/ride comfortably and controlled on groomed runs with a moderately fast pace in easy and open terrain. I really slow down in steeper and treed areas or when snow conditions are variable but I'm able to make it down with some rhythm and cautious turns.
Mindset
I'm a bit apprehensive or have a tinge of fear when it comes to steeps, trees, or challenging snow conditions and inclement weather. Regardless of the factors, I enjoy being in the mountains and understand it's part of the experience.
Flow
I prefer shorter pitches and/or a relaxed pace with numerous short breaks to rest during ascents and plenty of recuperation time between laps.
Experience
I am strong, confident, and regularly ski or ride powder off-piste at my local resort. I have a some tree riding experience. I don't have extensive backcountry experience but I have a few days on the skin track.
Terrain
I ride/ski at a fast pace in moderately steep and open terrain. I may slow down some in challenging terrain but maintain my rhythm with my turns even though they may be slightly cautious.
Mindset
I am a little hesitant in trees or when snow conditions a variable and difficult. I hardly affected by snowfall so long as I am warm and dry.
Flow
I choose a moderate pace and keeo it moving with short breaks and a proper rest when I am hungry.
Experience
I have strong and honed techniques with a lifetime or numerous years spent skiing all over the mountain. I spend a number of days each season in the backcountry and never go out without my beacon, probe, and shovel.
Terrain
I ride/ski fast and find the same comfort from top to bottom regardless of terrain or trees. I do modulate my pace in tough conditions but maintain a consistent and relaxed rhythm.
Mindset
I approach challenges in the mountains with consideration and respect but feel confident in my abilities to manage them with comfort. Bluebird or storm days I'm always keen to be out making turns!
Flow
I have a consistent pace only stopping to sip water or to appreciate nature during the ascent. I like to keep in motion and get as many laps as possible enjoying a proper rest at transition points during the day.
Experience
I have excellent to impeccable technique with extensive off-piste and backcountry experience. I have years dedicated to my craft in the mountains and practice yearly with my transceiver, shovel, and probe. I have taken a level 1 avalanche and rescue course.
Terrain
I ride/ski fast and aggressively, confidently charging from summit to valley with strong fluidity only affected by extreme conditions or the occasional off day. I'm only human and the mountains will be here long after I'm gone.
Mindset
I rejoice in challenging terrain and enjoy storm cycles for the tree runs with sheltered nooks. I feel alive in the mountains and fueled by the rewards to be earned. I'm tuned in to my body and what snow conditions are.
Flow
All day long, all day strong. From the crack of dawn until my legs can't handle anymore I cruise in the mountains sipping water when needed and making the most of the conditions before lifting off the throttle.
