Anything goes in the backcountry. Especially as it concerns backcountry skiing. Barring avalanche dangers — which should be avoided plain and simple — one has the embrace the variability to survive. Acceptance. The snowpack and ground conditions can be variable ranging from Champagne powder to hardpacked snow and ice. And this can all occur on the same line so being prepared for whatever the mountain throws at you is the key to success.
Such was the case on a tour a couple days ago led by Redline Guide Dominic Torro. He led a guest into Tuckerman Ravine but due to solar gain on South and Southeast aspects, the team encountered a crust. They skied it anyway, and they had a good time, but such is the case when skiing the backcountry: the mountain gives what the mountain gives. The beauty of this type of tough-love training, however, is you can learn to handle just about anything.
