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Ski Haus Avalanche Clinic Despite less than desirable snowfall this year the annual Ski Haus Avalanche Clinic was held last weekend on Rabbit Ears Pass. Fifteen people came out for a fun and informative day of learning the basics of evaluating snow pack as well as companion recue.The clinic began on Friday night at the Community Center here in Steamboat Springs with an interesting presentation by Brian Lazar, the Deputy Director of the CAIC (Colorado Avalanche Information Center). He gave a talk using a risk based approach to evaluating avalanche terrain. He talked about the two avalanche related deaths that occurred in the Steamboat Zone over the last ten years,

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one on Farwell Mountain and the other off of Buffalo Pass. He also spoke about the CAIC’s website and how to read and interpret the avalanche report. Brain shared his vast knowledge of snow science and how to apply that to terrain selection and route choices while at the same time highlighting the importance to continue avalanche training into the future.

The next morning the group met at Ski Haus at eight o’clock and carpooled up to Rabbit Ears Pass where we spent the day exploring the snowpack at Fox Curve. As instructors the group had two professional ski patrollers Kyle Lawton and Craig MacDonald from the Steamboat Ski area, Patrick Meyer from Rocky Mountain Ventures and Tim Brown a CAIC avalanche forecaster. The group began by digging a snow pit on a NE wind loaded aspect in order to confirm the days CAIC forecast. Tim demonstrated to the group how to indentify various layers within the snow pack. They looked at different weak layers that persisted as well as the very sugary snow that makes up the majority

of the lower snowpack. Even though Steamboat has not received a lot of snow the weak layers were well demonstrated due to the bad snowpack. After evaluating snow pits the group moved onto companion rescue. The professional rescuers demonstrated the proper techniques and use of beacons. Afterward the group split into groups to run through companion rescues. The leaders buried packs with beacon inside to simulate a burial, the groups were charged with locating the bags with their beacons then using their probe and shovel to extract the victim. For many this was their first time using their beacons and although digital beacons have become much easier to use it highlighted how important it is to practice these skills on a regular basis. Overall it was another great event. The turnout was a little smaller than usual but it was a motivated group with a real enthusiasm to learn more about safe travel though avalanche terrain. By four the sun was setting and the group headed back to the parking lot, with the feeling of a day well spent and the thirst to learn more about avalanche awareness.

The opening of the Side-Country As skiing continues to evolve throughout the world a new type of riding has gained in popularity, side-country skiing. Resorts are opening up new areas to hike to that are becoming increasingly popular. Here in Steamboat we have seen the same build up in side-country access, with increased skiing opportunities from East Face and Saint Pats to the Canyon. Skiers and riders are seeking more and bigger opportunities than just skiing inbounds. The ski industry has responded with a plethora of safety products opening up more terrain to more people. The basic accessories that any side country skier needs are a beacon, probe, shovel and the knowledge and skills to use those products

Six different companies make avalanche beacons that all conform to an international standard of 457 kHz as well as a set number of operating hours in both search and send mode. Today's digiatl beacons have made searching more user friendly and faster than ever. Back Country Access for example, based in Colorado is the only manufacturer of beacons in the United States. Their first beacon, still in production today and a standard in the industry, was the Tracker, a two antenna beacon with a search range of about 40 meters. Today they are still producing the Tracker but have added a three antenna beacon the Tracker 2 that has a larger search range of 60 meters. By adding an additional antenna the Tracker 2 offers more detailed and accurate search results during fine searches when you are close to the victim. Pieps, Ortovox, and Barryvox all have their own take on digital beacons that all work amazingly well. The Barryvox Pulse features a very interesting life saving function that allows the rescuer to see which victims are still alive. If two victims and one rescuer are all wearing the Pulse, the beacon can tell the rescuer who is not moving and thus the rescuer is able to spend their energy on the surviving victim. The Pieps DPS beacon is another great option with a few more features. For a little more money than the Tracker 2 you get a 4 antenna beacon, the extra antenna is for self checking the bacon when it is turned on; it runs a diagnostic test to ensure proper functioning. The DPS is also capable of testing other beacons, signals of older beacons tend to wander off the 457 kHz standard and the DPS can check how far it has moved off signal. This winter Pieps is premiering their new beacon the Vector that combines the use of flux lines and GPS technology for even faster and more efficient searches. Beacons are getting easier to use which is good because more and more people are relying on them as life saving devices. A probe and shovel are the other crucial parts of any backcountry or side-country set up. Salt Lake City based Black Diamond is one of the largest manufactures of backcountry accessories. They produce aluminum probes such as the Quick Draw probe (260cm) as well as a Guide probe (300cm). They also make a 240cm carbon probe for those weight conscious travelers. It’s important to buy a probe that is appropriate for your snow pack, aka it is long enough to reach the bottom. Here in Steamboat a 260 cm probe is quite appropriate to deal with our snow depth in Northern Colorado. Genuine Guide Gear (G3) makes an aluminum Speed Probe which comes in 240cm and 320cm lengths. They use a new closer system this year that is a ball attached to the cord that you slide into a slot locking the probe in its extended position allowing for easy set up and break down. Shovels also came in a range of options that are quite personal. The two major schools of thought are that a big shovel moves big snow, or a small shovel moves snow more effectively thus you can move more snow faster, neither one is right - they simply vary on the user. Brooks Range makes an interesting shovel called the Shark Tooth, which they offer in a variety of sizes, which has a serrated blade that allows for chopping through avalanche debris better. Black Diamond makes the Deploy shovel that has a curved shaft that slides out faster for quicker digging, they also make a more traditional shovel and handle that comes in a 3 and 7 liter version. The kind of shovel does not matter as long as you have a good solid metal one that works for you. This year K2 is producing an all in one backcountry kit, the Backside, a backpack that come with a shove and probe retailing for $189. Many areas will not let you out the gate if you don’t have a backpack, shovel, probe, beacon and partner. The ski industry is making a plethora of dependable backcountry products, it’s your job to learn how to use them but more importantly to find a friend to travel with that is just as knowledgeable. For years beacon, probe, shovel have been the standard for backcountry safety devices, in the last few years companies have added to the safety device options. Black Diamond during the latter part of the 90’s developed the Avalung, a device that allows a buried victim to expel carbon dioxide out the side of their pack rather than into their breathing pocket in front of their face. By moving the carbon dioxide away a buried victim can remain alive under snow for a longer period of time. The Avalung has been tested to varied results, the largest issue is getting the breathing tube into your mouth during an avalanche and keeping it there. Another safety device that has been popular for years in Europe and is catching on in the United States: inflatable packs. These devices have an air canister and giant nylon pillow that inflate when you pull the rip cord. The idea being that the extra air will provide increased buoyancy that along with fighting for your life (literally) will help decrease or eliminated your burial death. Other than knowledge and good choices it is the only preventative rather than reactive safety device on the market. They are expensive, the Mammut and BCA version are both well over $700 and up depending on the size but have tested very well in Europe and are going to be on the market for quite some time. The air tanks are single use and can be refilled at any certified station such as dive shop and an increasing number of ski shops. BCA lists on their website all refill locations. All these tools aid in making the backcountry a safer place, but the best tool is still your brain in conjunction with these life saving devices.

Another Ski Season, More Fun Skis. As another ski season gets under way, the age old question starts meandering further and further to the front of our minds: what new skis do I want this year? The good news is that there are a plethora of fun skis out there, the bad news is that it’s hard to decide but who cares - skiing is just fun! From Solomon to Rossignol, to the growing number of boutique brands, such as Icelantic and Fat-ypus, there are a lot of options on the market today. As skis have gotten fatter they have got more fun, different companies are telling their own stories; mixing camber, rocker and side cut to create different experiences for different skiers. As rocker has grown in popularity the ski industry has once again found a new technology that makes sliding on snow easier and more fun. We are seeing increasing innovation in ski technology such as Nordica adding high rise in the form of their Hammerhead Technology that maintains the fattest part of the ski in the tip allowing for a longer edge while the ski is turning on hard pack while at the same time offering a fat ski for floating in deep snow. Nordica has unveiled the Patron, with its modern approach to Mexican art that Diego Rivera would happily shred, and the Unleashed Hell with its light weight honey comb core and toned down top-sheet; both featuring Nordica’s newest in technology. Another interesting example lies with Salomon’s new BBR, a ski that premiered as tester skis last year and has now been put into retail circulation with a mild blue wood mixed top-sheet. The skis design borrows heavily from surfboard shaping crossing over into the ski world. With a very wide pointed shove up front, a large amount of side cut that is not at its narrowest point underfoot but instead slightly behind allowing for a totally new skiing experience. It’s going to be a great winter, get out and demo some new skis, and go have some fun!

Ski Haus hosted our annual Swix Alpine Wax Clinic last night. Mike Wagner, Director of Alpine Race Services, gave a great presentation and everyone learned a ton. Ski Haus has been hosting these waxing/tuning clinics for over 20+ years and everyone continues to learn something new with each clinic.

Here are a couple highlights from this year's clinic. A great basic wax selection for racing will include: - CH4, LF6, LF7, HF8, and HF8BW. This will cover every temperature and snow condition you encounter this winter. - The new Swix Marathon Wax is going to become a solid go-to wax. The temperature range is 14° to 68° F. That's massive! How can you miss? This wax was used extensively in both Alpine and Nordic events at the Vancouver Winter Olympics because of its durability, wide temperature range, and great ability to repel dirt and moisture. - For those just starting their waxing careers don't forget to brush out your bases after you have waxed and scraped the skis. Brushing is the final step. A single great all around brush to have in your kit is the White Nylon brush. As you add brushes a Bronze or Steel metal brush is essential, followed by Horsehair and Blue Nylon. - Polyethylene (ski base material) melts around 280°. When you are working with colder/harder waxes... keep your wax iron moving!

Armada JJ Some skis attain legendary status over time. Others deserve the distinction immediately. The Armada JJ became legend as soon as it hit snow. If you simply want the best back and sidecountry ski available, the JJ is without question the ski for you. EST Freeride Rocker and the UltraLight core combine to produce the most balanced big ski on the market. It handles blower pow with ease, transitions to busted crud without shifting gears, and it will carve a turn that will leave you speechless.

Rossignol S3 - Review The S3 from Rossignol was one the most popular alpine skis last season… and for good reason. It’s an incredibly versatile all-terrain vehicle that grants its rider access to all the nooks-and-crannies on the mountain. The 2012 model will soon be available at Ski Haus and offers the same Powder Turn rocker found on its big brother, the S7. Powder Turn rocker utilizes low camber underfoot and high tip and tail rocker to provide amazing floatation, tracking and an efficient angle of attack that gives skiers effortless steering and instant speed control. At 98mm underfoot, the S3 is a functional and lightweight all-mountain powder ski that is exceptionally maneuverable and forgiving. Whether using an Alpine, AT or Freeheel binding the S3 has the quickness and agility perfect for poaching secret stashes in and out-of-bounds. With the ‘Boat-loads of that famous Champagne powder en route to our backyard this winter, you’re gonna want to have a pair in your size mounted up and ready to go!

A Good Problem: A Clark Peak Yurt Trip Early Sunday morning we met in the Ski Haus parking lot to finalize plans and do a quick gear-check before the two-hour drive to the Cameron pass area. With the gear loaded we drove over a very snowy Rabbit Ears Pass and down through Walden to our eventual pull out past Michigan Reservoir. At the trail head the three feet of snow that had fallen in the last forty-eight hours was very apparent, blocking in cars that had been there for only one night. We loaded the sleds and packs, put on skins and started up the trail. We quickly learned that one sled was too wide for the trail and too heavily loaded with extra goodies for the yurt. After two hours of uphill slogging in a driving snowstorm we arrived at the yurt to find the fire still going, water in the pot and the gift of rotted meat under the stove the previous guests had left for us. The Clark Peak Yurt that we stayed in is part of a large yurt system owned and run by the Never Summer Nordic LLC whom manages a few yurts in the area. After unloading gear and drying off we headed out to see what lay beyond the clouds in front of us and to try to finds some turns. The new layer of snow that had blanketed the area left us with few skiing options. The steeper skiable pitches had too much avalanche danger while the other options it was difficult to carry enough speed to make turns due to all the snow. As we rotated braking trail slowly moving uphill this reality was quickly becoming apparent. After two hours we decided we had reached a good spot, we striped skins and headed down. After six laps we returned to the yurt in less than twenty minuets.  That night we filled our bellies with cashew chicken and bourbon and slept soundly as the fire crackled in the wood stove. The next morning after breakfast we headed out again to continue to break trail and try to make turns. The clouds had lifted a little so we headed back up our skin track from the day before and continued from there. After a few more hours of difficult trail braking we found ourselves at a good mid point on a ridge and dropped in right there. Although the skiing was limited it was awesome. There is nothing better than turns you earn.  We took a few laps before heading back to the warmth of the yurt. After another fun night, sitting around the table playing cards, laughing, and eating, we loaded the stove with wood and bedded down for another night. The morning brought our first clear skies of the trip, as we skied back to the car we could finally see the magnificent mountains that had surrounded us for the last two days. Overall this was a great trip that I would recommend to anyone. It's a great way to spent time with family and friends.

Ski Haus 1457 Pine Grove Road Steamboat Springs, Colorado 80477 970.879.0385 or 1.800.932.3019 info@skihaussteamboat.com

Ski Haus
1457 Pine Grove Road
Steamboat Springs, Colorado

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