Two Nights in the Backcountry with Record Low Temps

[Vaca Russ]

Last year “Sport” and I posted a report about the “Backcountry Ritz Carlton”. We had such a great time we went back last weekend.

This year we were able to rent some Alpine Touring Skis at the UC Davis Recreation Center. Unfortunately this equipment was a little old. Like, the skis were mammoth tusks and the skins were real seal skins.

We learned an important lesson that you really need to have well-fitting boots. We enjoyed our time in the backcountry in spite of the pain caused by the “cruel ill-fitting boots”.

We are in the market to purchase new equipment now that we have experienced backcountry skiing. We would welcome any equipment advice from those with backcountry skiing experience.

Both the trip in and out was significantly faster than the year before when we had snow shoes.

Folks, there is a lot of fresh snow in those hills.

We took our lunch break at the storm shelter.

Converted Privy

It would be nice if we could get a shelter built up this road.

Road to Shadow Lake

Eventually we made it to our lovely destination.

Some law breakin’ yahoo had been up there with his vroom vroom.

I’m keeping this location a secret from the bots, but I will clue you in to the country.

Is this a great country or what?

That evening the Crystal Range turned from pink to purple.

Tells, McConnell, Silver and Red Peaks

Did I mention the snow was perfect powder?

It was cold! It was record cold! But I brought along a little something to keep me warm.

I had a wonderful time. I am so fortunate to be able to share such a great experience with such a great person!

Thanks for reading our TR.

-Russ

[maverick]

Thanks for the TR, looks like a lot of fun in the snow.

[oldranger]

Vaca Russ

Re: new equipment. As you have learned comfortable boots are the key and every foot is different. So rent different boots until you find a pair good for 5 or more miles with no wear and tear on your feet. When you find the boots then you will know the binding you need. My preference is the backcountry Nordic Norm Binding--I can get in and out without bending over which is a big advantage at my age. I also like the support of the boots that match up to the BCNN binding. I have BCNN bindings on all of my skis whether track or backcountry because I like my boots so much. A metal edge nowax (a misnomer because you still need a good glide wax) ski, relatively wide with a sidecut enables me to do some easy telly turns, parallel turns, and wedge turns in both soft and hard snow conditions. I like nowax because of the extreme temperature variations on the west coast. A 20 degree change up and back down is not unusual and that can make for some significant downtime waxing and dewaxing (removing klister has got to be one of the worst tasks in the world.) If you are anticipating getting into heavyduty backcountry skiing then the traditional 3 pin set up might be appropriate.

Mike