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 | | Freeriding in the backcountry | | |
While many skiers and snowboarders are content to glide effortlessly down the groomed slopes and take advantage of the modern trams and gondolas to get up the mountain, more and more 'freeriders' are crossing over the resort's normal boundaries to access backcountry slopes. These areas, which typically border the rest of the ski resort, are typically left unmarked and are left unattended by the resort's professional ski patrol. In other words, if you get yourself in trouble, you are on your own. Cliffs, rocks, trees abound in these areas. But so does plenty of untracked snow. |
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Getting away from it all
The prospect of leaving their signatures in virgin powder or fresh snow sends many people outside the normal boundaries of the ski resorts. Almost all backcountry skiers and snowboarders take a certain artistic pride in the elegant trail that they leave scrolled down the mountainside. Many are no doubt also looking for the kick or that hit of adrenaline. Nevertheless, some would argue it goes deeper. “We live in a complex world. People talk on their phones, while reading e-mail, and listening to the radio. We are bombarded by information. Skiing in the backcountry on challenging terrain forces me to focus on just one thing – getting down the slope in one piece. That is extremely satisfying,” says Hal K., a 40-year-old insurance executive from Chicago on a visit to St. Anton.
Others are just grateful to get away from the masses on the rest of the slopes, which at many of Europe's major resorts resemble an ant farm. They argue that skiing has become too commercialised. Most skiers seem more interested in the best après ski locale than the sport itself. In many ways, one could argue that freeride skiers and snowboarders are part of a 'back to the roots' movement in the sport. Several decades ago, skiing entailed hiking up the mountain with one's skis strapped to the back. |
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New technology
Still, it is new technology that has spurred the trend on. The snowboard's geometry with its wide nose and plenty of surface area is ideal for laying down tracks in the snow. While snowboarders may have sparked the trend towards backcountry, skiers have certainly not been far behind. New ski technology has certainly made travelling from the beaten path far easier. Shorter wider carving skis also float better on top of the powder and crud than their longer, narrower predecessors. Moreover, most boots, particularly the more expensive ones, can be adjusted for easier walking and hiking. |
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The trend at Europe's ski resorts
European ski resort operators have certainly recognised the trend. Little wonder that in 2002-2003, Zermatt opened its Stockhorn and Kitzbühel opened Bichalm, both for hardcore freeriding. Resorts from Gstaad to St. Anton have followed on the heals with their own areas, which are typically accessed through a gate. The Swiss resort of Verbier and the rest of the Quatre Vallee, a haven for backcountry skiers, have gone one step further. The resort operates a tram to the top of Mt. Gele, but otherwise skiers and boarders on the mountain are completely on their own. Other resorts are offering this growing segment of skiers tours with qualified guides. This is all the more important in Europe's glacier-covered ski areas, such as Zermatt or Saas Fee. Outside companies are also getting in on the action with helicopter and snow-cat tours. |
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The proper equipment
Most experts agree that people venturing into uncharted territory should wear a helmet and carry with them an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe. Several companies have also launched so-called air bags for backcountry skiing, allowing skiers or boarders caught in an avalanche to release the stowed bag in their backpacks. While some would argue this overkill, this is something nobody wants to contemplate under two metres of snow. The risk is very real. According to the Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research in Davos, 21 people died in avalanches in the winter of 2002-2003 in Switzerland alone. Despite more people in the backcountry, the number of avalanche-related deaths has declined slightly over the last decade in most of the Alps. The reason for the improvement is the greater awareness and better equipment. |
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Better awareness saves lives
The number of avalanche awareness courses is clearly on the rise. For instance, Swiss avalanche beacon manufacturer Mammut and the ski resort of Zinal joined forces last year to create an avalanche training centre, complete with a mock avalanche site. Avalanche awareness means recognising avalanche-prone areas or conditions, learning to use avalanche equipment properly, and taking necessary precautions. Zinal recognised “that it is a waste of time to prohibit freeriding because the sport satisfies a demand and is steadily becoming more popular.” |
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© September 2010 - European Publications GmbH
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