This backcountry skiing intro class took a little while to come together but finally it did, and it was held on a gorgeous day telling us it was probably worth the wait. The last attempt to make it happen didn’t go as planned. Not sure what the issue was, but probably weather — it’s a theme around these parts. Originally Redline Guide Pat Ferland was going to take the class into Tuckerman Ravine and to play along the Sherbie. The prior days of sun and warmer temperatures and subsequent snow melt would have made for great conditions. But unfortunately this was followed by very low temps and icy winds cranking from the west making the ravine potentially dangerous and unforgiving. Long, sliding falls would have been likely.
Instead of risking the well-bring of our students, Pat decided to spin the dial back a little. His thought was to follow the sun, stay out of the wind, and avoid the ice. This would involve taking the students into two classrooms. The first stop was the road heading up to Cathedral Ledge. It was early and still cold (read: firm) making this a great time to work on everything but the actual skiing/riding. After the myriad related topics were covered, including avalanche awareness, Pat brought the team over to Doublehead Mountain in Jackson (a 52WAV peak and home to the Doublehead Ski Trail) where they were able to get on an enjoy putting to practice some of what they learned. Here are a few photos of the day.
