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ADK beginner backcountry ski workshop?

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  • ADK beginner backcountry ski workshop?

    Having never backcountry skied in the Adirondacks I'm thinking this might be a good place to start. Has anyone heard anything good bad or indifferent about this workshop? I am a beginner backcountry skier(rolling hills of CNY) and I would love to be able to descend some of the peaks in the Adirondacks and Catskills in time.

  • #2
    I haven't taken that particular workshop, but have taken other workshops from ADK and in general have been pleased with how they're put on and the education that's offered. It looks like you'll learn about equipment(boots, bindings and skis), which will be useful as you get more experienced, along with getting out on the trails around the Loj. In one day there's only so much they can teach you. It really will then depend on how you apply what you've learned. And the only way to do that is by getting out on various terrain.

    Key information that allows you to ski increasingly difficult terrain is how to turn, how to slow yourself and how to stop. Equipment plays a role in this along with technique.

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    • #3
      Also mindset. You will learn what to focus on and equally important what not to focus on. I have done a backcountry workshop at the Loj some years ago.

      I remember..focus on the spaces between the trees, and not the trees themselves, and do NOT watch your feet.

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      • #4
        RDL, I see your from Holland,NY. Is there any good BC skiing between you and I? I often wondered about naples area?

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        • #5
          I've never skied in the Naples/Finger Lakes area -- I tend to head south or west if I'm staying in the area. Allegany/Allegheny has some excellent mixed level terrain. Also some of the county property near Ellicottville. How close is BREIA to you ? I remember one excellent powder day there a few years ago carving some great turns through the trees.

          Edit: just noticed you're from Horseheads -- so ASP is a couple hours away for you ? And BREIA would be about the same ?

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          • #6
            I did this workshop a couple of years ago and found it to be of some value. Yellowcanoe's comment is common sense, and it was stressed in the session which I attended. Look directly at where you DON'T want to go and you'll hit it straight on. Keep your eyes directed ahead to where you want to be and you'll get there.
            On a more concrete note, contact ADK to find out who the instructor is and then direct an email to him/her so that you can explain what your skill level is and what you want to get out of the workshop.
            "Days in the woods are days beyond time"--Paul Jamieson

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            • #7
              Mr Hydrant,
              I have not had any experience with the back country ski workshop, but I ski back country often.
              I would recommend that you get comfortable with aggressive terrain, tree skiing, varying conditions including a breakable crust, and powder.
              If you already can ski any condition and any terrain in combination, ignore my previous line.
              But, if you are like a majority of skiers that frequent ski areas that groom, maybe try some ski areas that take a minimalist approach to grooming as a primer to true back country. Not too far from you is Plattekill, in Roxbury. The terrain is as good as it gets, they do not groom or make snow on the steeper terrain, and they have an open slope policy...nothing is out of bounds.
              You can practice your BC technique within the safety and support of the ski area.
              The more solid your technique, the wider range of terrain and conditions you can safely enjoy...and that's what it's all about, right? Enjoyment...
              Do you have any ski buddies that want to to BC as well?

              And nutmeg makes an excellent point - direct contact with the course instructor can be invaluable in helping you decide.

              Good luck, have fun and stay safe!
              Last edited by stripperguy; 01-04-2013, 01:26 PM.

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              • #8
                Solid advice! A phone call is order. My experience is more xc than downhill.

                Thanks for advice

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