Looking for Backcountry Routes (PNW Area)

**PeachesNCream** · 01-09-2019, 05:22 PM

What do you guys use for finding backcountry routes? I've been resort skiing for years but am just getting into backcountry and don't have much knowledge about the area. Are there any websites or apps people use for finding routes? For example, I use Trailforks for mountain biking, is there something similar for backcountry skiing?

Side note: If anyone is in the Seattle area and knows some good routes and are willing to share, much appreciation would be sent your way

.

**DolphinSki** · 01-09-2019, 05:30 PM

Google Earth and Caltopo combined with local knowledge. The great thing about backcountry skiing is that the only limitations to where you can go are natural. There aren't trails or routes necessarily. You may be able to find common skin tracks through guidebooks, blogs, and here. I've found what's best is talking to people and making connections in the community. Get general ideas of where to go then scope out tree coverage with Google Earth and slope angle with Caltopo.

REI also runs a website called PowderProject but I don't think it's very popular.

Good luck

**PNWbrit** · 01-09-2019, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by brundo

What do you guys use for finding backcountry routes? I've been resort skiing for years but am just getting into backcountry and don't have much knowledge about the area. Are there any websites or apps people use for finding routes? For example, I use Trailforks for mountain biking, is there something similar for backcountry skiing?

Side note: If anyone is in the Seattle area and knows some good routes and are willing to share, much appreciation would be sent your way

.

JFC.

Edit.... call Pro Guiding Service in North Bend (other vendors may also be available) tell them you just bought a pair of skis with AT binders on and you don't have a clue.. or apparently a partner with one.

Purchase one of their Intro courses.

And no there isn't an app for it.

**ACH** · 01-09-2019, 11:12 PM

Yeah, if this isn't some sort of elaborate two part troll and you are serious, get your level 1 while you are at it. This isn't mountain biking, you don't just get gear and go rip. The nuances for safe BC travel are many and the risk is real.

**Patarero** · 01-09-2019, 11:48 PM

Stay inbounds, get more turns, stay alive.

**NW_SKIER** · 01-10-2019, 09:16 AM

Yay. Another jong in the bc. How did santa know thats what I wanted?

**SumJongGuy** · 01-10-2019, 09:18 AM

Might as well also ask for fishing holes while you're at it..

**PNW_Skier206** · 01-10-2019, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by ACH

This isn't mountain biking, you don't just get gear and go rip. The nuances for safe BC travel are many and the risk is real.

100%. Also guys don’t rip him for being interested. Everyone was in this spot once too.

I’d recommend getting an avy 1 before doing anything. Then either getting a trusted partner who is knowledgeable, patient, and willing to show you the ropes. If that is not possible hire a guide to do this.

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**PeachesNCream** · 01-10-2019, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by PNW_Skier206

100%. Also guys don’t rip him for being interested. Everyone was in this spot once too.

I’d recommend getting an avy 1 before doing anything. Then either getting a trusted partner who is knowledge, patient, and willing to show you the ropes. If that is not possible hire a guide to do this.

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Haha no worries, I expected some bashing for being a newbie to the backcountry. Now everytime I go backpacking it's stupid busy so I understand the hate.

Yep took an avalanche class and hoping to tag along with a coworker who's been doing it for a few years, he's out of town for a month so was hoping to do a small trip or two before then and not be completely reliant on him.

**2FUNKY** · 01-10-2019, 11:01 AM

Good to see your not like the recent batch of jongs who got all butthurt when the normal welcoming committee responds.

**skiitsbetter** · 01-10-2019, 11:08 AM

Is there a guidebook? Where I am from (Canadian Rockies), there was a good guidebook (Summits and Icefields) that was helpful when I was starting out. I asked my avalanche instructor what would be a good route to start out on. I started there and then progressed through other tours that interested me in the book. Go in with a conservative attitude, stick to mellow terrain if the rating is "Considerable" (3/5) or higher, be skeptical of existing skintracks that take shitty routes, be ready to turn around before you get into trouble. Yeah the books cost money, but cheaper than gas for a couple of trips to the mountains.

**Andyski** · 01-10-2019, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by brundo

Haha no worries, I expected some bashing for being a newbie to the backcountry. Now everytime I go backpacking it's stupid busy so I understand the hate.

Yep took an avalanche class and hoping to tag along with a coworker who's been doing it for a few years, he's out of town for a month so was hoping to do a small trip or two before then and not be completely reliant on him.

Turns all year’s FB account seems to be a burgeoning place for people to seek partners: just be clear when you ask that you’re a newbie and describe your avy education, fitness and ski ability and I suspect you’ll be rewarded.

**Chugachjed** · 01-10-2019, 11:12 AM

Good luck finding someone to tour with. The lot 4 peeps are super cool but I found it downright impossible to find someone to tour with. Not the friendliest backcountry scene.

**kevin267** · 01-10-2019, 11:15 AM

When you're new I think going out with a professional guide in some way is a good idea. Can cost a bit but you get a chance to learn some basics, ask questions and figure things out without holding up buddies and with someone who really knows what they're doing.

**PNW_Skier206** · 01-10-2019, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by skiitsbetter

Is there a guidebook? Where I am from (Canadian Rockies), there was a good guidebook (Summits and Icefields) that was helpful when I was starting out. I asked my avalanche instructor what would be a good route to start out on. I started there and then progressed through other tours that interested me in the book. Go in with a conservative attitude, stick to mellow terrain if the rating is "Considerable" (3/5) or higher, be skeptical of existing skintracks that take shitty routes, be ready to turn around before you get into trouble. Yeah the books cost money, but cheaper than gas for a couple of trips to the mountains.

This one is a solid place to start and the first BC book I picked up.

https://books.google.com/books/about...kp_read_button

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**PeachesNCream** · 01-10-2019, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by PNW_Skier206

This one is a solid place to start and the first BC book I picked up.

https://books.google.com/books/about...kp_read_button

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I actually looked at that book last time I was in the ski shop, seems like a good one. I'll go pick it up this weekend, thanks for the suggestion!

**PNWbrit** · 01-10-2019, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by brundo

I actually looked at that book last time I was in the ski shop, seems like a good one. I'll go pick it up this weekend, thanks for the suggestion!

https://www.proskiservice.com/books/...aineering.html

This one is worth picking up too..

**raisingarizona13** · 01-10-2019, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by brundo

Haha no worries, I expected some bashing for being a newbie to the backcountry. Now everytime I go backpacking it's stupid busy so I understand the hate.

Yep took an avalanche class and hoping to tag along with a coworker who's been doing it for a few years, he's out of town for a month so was hoping to do a small trip or two before then and not be completely reliant on him.

If that's the case you can practice transitions and skinning inbounds at a ski area that allows uphill travel. that way you don't feel like you're fucking up a day or a few for your buddy.

**PNWbrit** · 01-10-2019, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by raisingarizona13

If that's the case you can practice transitions and skinning inbounds at a ski area

Get the shuttle from North Bend.

**SumJongGuy** · 01-10-2019, 12:26 PM

Rise To The Top to the white courtesy phone please!

**NW_SKIER** · 01-10-2019, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by Chugachjed

Good luck finding someone to tour with. The lot 4 peeps are super cool but I found it downright impossible to find someone to tour with. Not the friendliest backcountry scene.

That's because we were all too fucked all the time on your boomers to go anywhere.

Originally Posted by SumJongGuy

Rise To The Top to the white courtesy phone please!

Ha! Don't forget wolf protection.

**NW_SKIER** · 01-10-2019, 01:11 PM

Pick up a copy of "snow sense" while you're at it.

**Greydon Clark** · 01-10-2019, 01:48 PM

I recommend this book for tours around Crystal.

**ACH** · 01-10-2019, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by fullStack

Double top secret backcountry access signal:

Uphill travel closed
Attachment 263712

Uphill travel allowed
Attachment 263713

Ha!

**PNWbrit** · 01-10-2019, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by ACH

Ha!

Brilliant.

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