Ski Mountaineering Introduction
Ski Running terrain, the stuff you used to dread
Let’s just start by saying that I recognize that this is not a post for every kind of skier. For whatever reason, the subject of going backcountry skiing for more than just ripping turns or dropping into steep couloirs is more than some can handle. I know thanks to a few pieces of hate mail I recently received for suggesting (here) that there may be something other than fat skis and big attitude as reason to go skiing in the mountains. That “something” was light backcountry ski gear and the idea of backcountry skiing as an endurance sport. I also received more than a few comments and emails praising the post and asking for more details. It is for these people that I once again write about this idea of Ski Rando Racing, Ski Running, or Ski Mountaineering – whatever it is called in the US. It is so young that it has yet to really have a name stick. So here are my thoughts about this sport that I am sure would be phenomenally popular if given a chance.
Maybe Ski Running is a good term as in some ways it is a fit. If you are a trail runner, road biker, mountain biker, nordic skier, or hiker …and also a backcountry skier – Ski Running combines all of these into a winter sport that can be done alone on all that lower angle terrain you have been ignoring while headed to the steeper stuff. No, it is not about the turns, it is about the experience of going to the mountains, moving quickly, efficiently and becoming fantastically fit from it all. Think nordic skiing light but backcountry capable, and think perfect singletrack where you decide to lay it down.
For me, the opportunities opened up when I saw the gear. Having previously lived in the Mammoth Lakes area of California, backcountry skiing meant telemarking. I ignored that and promptly locked my heels down many years back when AT gear became more efficient. Nevertheless, the setups were still a bit clunky and heavy. Dynafit certainly helped lighten the load but the typical US gear selection was still about skiing down, not necessarily up, even though 90% of the backcountry skiers life is spent going…. up.
The Euro racing scene
As I started spending more time in Europe, specifically the Italian Dolomites, I discovered an entirely new gear selection. Superlight everything, taken to an even higher level thanks to the phenomenally popular European race culture. Suddenly there is backcountry gear not much heavier than a nordic set up that also allows one to ski well… down.
After three back to back ski trade shows in recent weeks it is becoming clear – this gear is beginning to make its way to the US and just might possibly be on shelves for the winter of 2011. Dynafit seems to be riding this wave most effectively with their new Dy.N.A. Race and TLT5 ultralight all purpose boot. Scarpa’s F1 has long been the standard, and continues to be king, but keep an eye as well on both Garmont and Scarpa’s new offerings.
Because I know the range so well, and especially the potential for big spring tours, I cannot imagine a much better place for ultralight ski touring gear than California’s Sierra Nevada – so maybe this post is for you guys. In Colorado, Utah and Wyoming it has already caught on, yet in the Sierra, where it is a perfect match, not quite yet.
A ski running day rather than a skiing day. But yes, the big bowl back there, already skied it.
Ski Rando Case Study
A beautiful, still winter day in the Dolomites. Time to get out for some exercise and I would live to ski, but with whom? It’s a Tuesday morning and I made no plans with friends. I grab my light ski gear and head out the door. Destination: frontcountry, lower angled, rolling terrain, ridgelines; in other words, safe.
3 hours later I have a 26km ski behind me with an average heart rate of 165. I still managed to gain 1200 meters and even made some nice powder turns in the trees. Sounds like a fun workout, much like going for a summer run or ride, but all while being in the mountains in the depths of winter.
Tiny heel post
My Ski Rando Gear
Skis: Ski Trab Duo Sintesi Aero – an all around superlight ski for both training and moderate tours, yet light enough to race on. There are lots of skis to choose from…
Bindings: Dynafit toe piece, Schia heel post. Be warned, many race heel bindings are not releasable. Dynafit does make a very light, releasable heel with the Speed Binding
Poles: Ski Trab with tall grip for multiple hand positions, length = floor to nearly shoulder height
Skins: Ski Trab narrow skins, they only go 2/3 of the ski length, You want some base showing to allow for skating and gliding
Boots: Scarpa F1′s
My thought about all of this is the simple fact that you can go out for a very real backcountry ski using extremely comfortable, light gear. Skinning will suddenly feel like trail running, but get to the top, rip your skins and enjoy the benefits of being on skis. It doesn’t matter if you intend to ever race, it’s really about getting out more often, experiencing the backcountry in a new way and implementing a different type of exercise for fitness – one that will have you all the more appreciative when you really go backcountry skiing.
Yep, it's a workout. Guess I can't hide the two stops at huts
The tallest sandwich on record post ski running workout yesterday
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US Ski Mountaineering Team Member Nina Silitch as Guest Contributor
In the coming days, Top US Team Member Nina Silitch will be writing up a post of her own with details about being at the top of the game while living in Europe as a Ski Randonee Racer (or is it Ski Running? Ski Mountaineering? What did we decide?)
Finally, Nina will include her thoughts on the US scene and how it is evolving. More about Nina at: FasterSkier.com
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Further Ski Mountaineering Links
The US Ski Mountaineering Association
Boulder Performance Ski Rando Racing
Local Dolomites Race – Tour de Sas Video
excellent article….. just the information that I was looking for.
Grazie….maybe Janine can tell me more on the WOMAN’s side, ie. gear…I suspect that like in most sports, best shapes, colours and stuff to choose from is “for men only”, as if WE WOMEN WOULD NOT EXIST at all! JANINE, WHERE ARE YOU?!
Funny you should say this Tite… but, Janine is not so into the ski running. But, Nina’s post might possibly address this – I will ask her t include something. Thanks.
… to be more specific: I’ve been wearing GARMONT ADRENALINE in the last 3 years, but i don’t find them, great. Any suggestion for a lean foot?
If anyone has questions about ski Rando racing, or gear… US Team member Nina Silitch will be answering the questions here.
Ski Running … Mountaineering or whatever…. let’s go back some time.
I perfectly remember my first SR race, it was exactly on my birthday and I was 16 years young in 1992. One of those classical races, where people take part just for the party after the competition. And coincidence, this race is held every year in the Fanes Natural Park from where the pictures of Dan in this post come from
After that, I took part at the first 4 editions of the exhausting Sellaronda Skimarathon (www.sellaronda.it). After the 4th edition, I said to myself “never again” … but it seems that the word NEVER doesn’t exist for an athlete, so 3 years ago I was again ski running, at night, around the Sella massiv chasing headlamps. I’m not a real fanatic of SR races, but I take part at around 5~7 each winter season.
What changed in the ski gear the last 15 years? I think after computers, the SR gear is the equipment that had the biggest improvement. The credit for this, goes to all the athletes and fanatics that helped the different brands to improve their equipment. And of course to this brands like Dynafit, Ski Trab, Scarpa etc. that listened to this athletes and believed in a big market.
In my first SR years, the thing I remember the most are … blisters, blisters and again blisters. This until Dynafit came out with the first Ski Running boot, it was the really colorfull one that you needed to buy together with the ultra light bindings. After that Ski Trab followed with ultra light ski’s and the race for ultra light gear started.
This race doesn’t come to an end. At the beginning of each season, you know about the new products, lighter and better. Then you go at the races … and what you see at the starting line are all the new Ultra Light gear, but with a lot differences. All single athletes are modifying boots and bindings. Some also cut the tail of their skis. As example, if you buy a Scarpa F1 or other boots, the first thing one does is taking away the buckles and replace them with a 4mm string. Does it work? Since I tried that, I’ll never go back to buckles! (opsss, I said never again). Here a picture of my Scarpa F1 modified boots: http://yfrog.com/3iq9yvj
The bottom line?
If you think, that with your last shopping, you have all the last new ultra light gear, you may be wrong. The fantasy of some athletes goes further than you can image in some cases.
PS @tite: Clothing brands already think at the woman side of this sport: http://igort.posterous.com/new-badiasport-skirandoneering-girls-team-sui
Grazie Igor, I saw the girls outfit: good for when it’s really cold, but I wonder why W’s outfit is ALWAYS black, which, if you think at the sun often on us while running with or without skiing, is a contradiction. (yes, I know, apparently black makes you thinner, but we are athletes, aren’t we?!).
My main interest was for technical gear, like boots and skiis: as for buckles, you described its evolution perfectly and I guess it’s valid both for men and for women.
LIGHTNESS, I understand, is the the new stream, all the more important for a woman. I would add another feature, ie. the W’s LEANER FOOT than man’s, which is why my Garmont Adrenaline boot (W)is loose although I buckle it up to the maximum…I’ll go and try Scarpa and Dynafit. Details soon, any suggestions are very welcome.
Tite, I just got the new Dynafit DyNA Boots and they seem narrower. And… amazing how light and precise, but I do feel like I need to re-learn the down part of skiing.
Nice post Dan, I’m living back in the Colorado mts now, and I’m getting back into the groove of rando racing, or ski running. It all started for me with the touring, and I LOVE the downhill, but I’m also a fitness freak and very often can’t find people to tour with, so, rando/running. Love the fitness part of it and April is race season in Colorado. It all starts with the 5 Peaks, the longest rando race in America, right in my backyard of Breckenridge, put on by national champ Pete Swenson. Looking forward to it!!
Dan, My story is much the same; I love to ski, I love to train, and I love to compete in endurance events. Ski rando race training is something that can be done solo, and the races… fantastic fun.
Wish I could make the 5 Peaks but we have back to back commercial shoots then we go right to Italy. And all my race stuff is there anyway…..
Let me know how it goes – have fun.
Dan
Dan,
The 5 Peaks went off without a hitch. With beautiful weather, 38 teams of two showed up for the first race. I know the field was tiny compared to what you’re used to, but the competition was very good, the course was tough, in and out of bounds, it was great all around. My friend Liam took great pics, (http://liamdoran.smugmug.com/5-Peaks-Ski-Mountaineering) and I know you and all your buddies would’ve had a great time. Lots of awesome volunteers and spectators to thank as well.
Maybe next year for ya, it will be a good one.
Dan, I am certainly hoping to make some US races next winter, 5 Peaks tops the list. Thanks for posting.
Dan