Sometimes I post to this blog in haste. When that happens, I either post nonsense or things that aren't that interesting. When that starts to happen, I don't post for a few days. If you don't have something nice (or interesting to say) don't say anything at all, right?
Well, in my post about other people's blogs, I failed to mention 3 of my favorites. There are a lot of people out there much more interesting than me and better writers to boot. One of those guys is Adam Lisonbee. His blog www.grizzlyadam.net, is filled with outdoor adventures and his writing really boarders on prose. He's an advocate for the otudoors and a great photog. Check out his blog, as he rarely publishes anything that is not worthwhile.
Another great writer can be found at http://www.skibikejunkie.com/. My friend Mark Albrecht is isn't afraid to inject his personal opinions and insights on anything from the cycling to religion and he does so very eloquently. He updates about once a month or so, but its always worth the read.
The last one for today is really just one of the time wasters, but a great one indeed. Point your browser to http://bringatrailer.com/ for some of the coolest and sometimes rarest car finds around. The blogger basically searches the interweb for classic cars listed for sale that have some sort of unique quality. Its updated daily and worth the trip. You can search by marque or key word and can really find some special stuff.
So there it is, blogs to fill your day.
In closing, OPB, makes me think of another classic from Naughty by Nature. Careful, if you ain't down with OPP, don't listen to the words of the clip below, but if you'd like ot take a trip back to high school, play away. There's nothing wrong with a little OPP, I mean OPB!
Showing posts with label backcountry skiing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label backcountry skiing. Show all posts
Monday, February 18, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Backcountry Awareness Week
The lure of the skiing in the backcountry is unmistakable. The thought of endless fresh lines, earning your turns and getting away from the crowds is enticing to more and more athletes. I am one of those athletes. Earn your turns is a mantra that not only makes for fun times in Utah's mountains, but makes for great exercise and instant adventure. Not to mention the money saved on lift tickets.
But the draw of the backcountry should never overshadow the real dangers that exist out there. People die in avalanches. Experienced and novice alike take too much risk and end up at the bottom of a slide. But even the most careful BC travelers can get caught. Its just the nature of being out there. While the risks of BC skiing can be mitigated, its important to understand the risk of avalanche is never 100% gone.
When I started BC skiing about 7 years ago, one of the first things I did was go to an avy awareness class. These classes are usually free and cover the basics of BC travel. There are plenty of opportunites to get more advanced training as well. In Utah, the best resource for any and all of this info is the Utah Avalanche Center. Even though I only make it out skiing 10 times a year or so, I usually check the avy forecast daily. It gives me a great history and background of the conditions and I'm able to take note of the season's trends.
For anyone going out into avalanche terrain, whether its snowshoeing, snowmobiling or skiing, don't go without 4 crucial and bare minimum pieces of equipment: shovel, beacon, probe and a partner. The real key is knowing how to use those things as well.
Julbo Down Snow Goggles - Black/Fire (Google Affiliate Ad)
I've taken some time to test my beacon at beacon parks at the local resorts. If I have a friend buried, I really don't want to be fooling around with equipment I'm not familiar with. The practice ans training in my opinion is part of the joy of being out there.
You also have to be prepared to not ski. I've been out before where we skied less than exciting terrain, simply because we felt conditions were too dangerous.
Local TV station KSL actually has a good piece this week about BC travel. Check it out below. Not only does it feature my favorite weather lady Jodi Saelan, but its a great starting point for anyone wanting to go out of bounds.
There's so much to explore out there. Keep it wild and keep it safe.
But the draw of the backcountry should never overshadow the real dangers that exist out there. People die in avalanches. Experienced and novice alike take too much risk and end up at the bottom of a slide. But even the most careful BC travelers can get caught. Its just the nature of being out there. While the risks of BC skiing can be mitigated, its important to understand the risk of avalanche is never 100% gone.
When I started BC skiing about 7 years ago, one of the first things I did was go to an avy awareness class. These classes are usually free and cover the basics of BC travel. There are plenty of opportunites to get more advanced training as well. In Utah, the best resource for any and all of this info is the Utah Avalanche Center. Even though I only make it out skiing 10 times a year or so, I usually check the avy forecast daily. It gives me a great history and background of the conditions and I'm able to take note of the season's trends.
For anyone going out into avalanche terrain, whether its snowshoeing, snowmobiling or skiing, don't go without 4 crucial and bare minimum pieces of equipment: shovel, beacon, probe and a partner. The real key is knowing how to use those things as well.
Julbo Down Snow Goggles - Black/Fire (Google Affiliate Ad)
I've taken some time to test my beacon at beacon parks at the local resorts. If I have a friend buried, I really don't want to be fooling around with equipment I'm not familiar with. The practice ans training in my opinion is part of the joy of being out there.
You also have to be prepared to not ski. I've been out before where we skied less than exciting terrain, simply because we felt conditions were too dangerous.
Local TV station KSL actually has a good piece this week about BC travel. Check it out below. Not only does it feature my favorite weather lady Jodi Saelan, but its a great starting point for anyone wanting to go out of bounds.
There's so much to explore out there. Keep it wild and keep it safe.
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