[AgentJibber-411]

Great article, as a newb to backcountry, having just done my first hike on Hoosier Pass in Colorado this past saturday, I found the new article really cool and insightful. Thanks for the heads up

[Dirk]

Leadership and group dynamics are often THE critical safety factor on BC outings, whether you are on a multi-day traverse, bagging a 50 degree chute, or just going on a mellow day tour in the woods. Yet nobody ever really talks about it. Thanks AT, for summing it up in a short, clear article.

[trackhead]

Good read indeed.

[keithermadness]

Two items listed that seem to be weak in terms of the groups I've been with is the lack of medical ability [way under emphasized, including myself] and the tendencies for members of the party to wander off on their own [I wasn't in the group but this has lead to one death of a friend]. Another side note is the mix of people in a group. Some I refuse to tour with because of insufficient bc knowledge and strength to keep up a reasonable pace. Spoils the fun. Groups need to be more on the same page with each other.

Good stuff AT!
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~km

"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."

— Agent009

[bcrider]

Awesome read and great topic!


I really liked this line, “Backcountry skiing is a team sport that masquerades as an individual activity” .

Absolutely true and I think that’s why so many of us are drawn to it. Teamwork is involved but you get to do your own thing as well.

Thanks for the educational bc stoke ATA. I can’t wait to get out there!
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more cowbell!

[ATP]

Great article and good food for thought next time out.

[keithermadness]

Oh, one more...its a tendency to let the least skilled go down last. Like there is somekind of sacred pecking order. I like the notion of sending them down second so everyone can keep an eye on them.
_________________
~km

"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."

— Agent009

[cesare]

Bravo maestro!
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Many things on my mind,
Words in the way.

-- Sly Stone --

[trackhead]

[keithermadness]

...and photo's to prove it
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~km

"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."

— Agent009

[paintrain]

Reasonable pace is relative.

ATA skis with a bunch of fat slobs who do nothing but sit around and eat pork rinds, swilling old milwaukee and watching season 2 of Twenty-four until it snows over 10 inches.

So reasonable for some is ludicrous to others.

It is an excellent point. I find when parties do that sort of thing, you tend not to have that party skiing together the next time around. I also know numerous groups of guys who relish going out early in the morning just to skin over each other's vomit stains in the snow, no matter the snow conditions. Go figure, they love to do it week after week.

pt

[cesare]

Maybe the vomit cleans off the dog hair?
_________________
Many things on my mind,
Words in the way.

-- Sly Stone --

[keithermadness]

I was wonder what the hell was on the bottom of my skins
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~km

"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."

— Agent009

[devon]

i too was impressed by this comment:

[telemike]

now that's what I was hoping for Andrew. Very good effort!
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Ad astra per alia porci