Baker Backcountry??

[skibum193]

Im gonna be skiing Baker a lot next year, and im taking an avi course in the fall, and was wondering if some experienced locals could maybe show me around the backcountry there next winter. Any help would be awesome, thanks.

[ZGnzo]

I'm a junior at WWU...been skiing baker for the past two years, but only inbounds. I'm getting all the backcountry gear this summer, and plan on hitting the OB more this winter. I'm not experienced in the backcountry though, but i'd be happy to carpool at least. Who are you taking the avi class through? I've been looking for avi classes in the fall.

[mtbakerskier]

Well if you can keep up, have the gear and the knowledge, me or BB could probally show you around if where not out shooting.

[BakerBoy]

Beer talks, as long as you've got all the gear and shit.

[skibum193]

ive been looking at mountain madness, as well as gary brill's courses through REI. both are in january though, soo if anyone knows of an earlier one, that would be helpful

[BakerBoy]

If you're in town, you might as well do the courses that Baker offers. Hands-on training on your local mountain with your local snowpack, and you get to talk to people who spend a majority of their day out on the slopes. Pretty cheap too, but I don't think you get a cert... then again, people with cert's die just as easily as non-certed people. I've always been a believer in field-smart vs. book-smart, but a base knowledge is obviously necessary.

edit: The cat-ski gig I work for does a fantastic 4 day course in Woodinville in later fall, if you're interested. Plus you can get some free cat time on brand new terrain that's never had commercial trips on it before...

http://www.cascadepowdercats.com/

[skibum193]

once they have dates set, that sounds awesome. and how much cat time do we get? looks like a slick outfit. i mite have to talk my dad into doing that...are most of the people pretty good, or do you get some begginners?