Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA NA . C O M 21 Now for the fun part. You've slogged up the skin track, working up a good sweat. Time to de-skin, clip and the let 'er rip. It's possible to remove your skins without taking off your skis, but it's like a game of twister on snow. Remove the climbing skins, fold them together and stow them in your pack. Be sure to secure your skis while you do this, so they don't take off without you! You'll want to add a layer or two of clothing and maybe put on your helmet. en you lock down your heels down for the fun part — downhill. Here you finally reap the rewards of the expensive gear and the long climb. Vast, untracked powder fields await your signature as you float down the mountain with the greatest of ease. Any time you ski outside of a developed ski area, and the slope is 25 degrees or steeper, you are in avalanche terrain. Take an avalanche awareness class first through the Southwest Montana Avalanche Center or the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation. Get the right gear and do not skimp — an avalanche beacon, collapsible probe pole, stout shovel, and a good backpack are the basics. Always go with friends and make sure everyone is familiar with backcountry ski safety and avalanche protocol, such as skiing one at a time and keeping each other in sight and shouting distance. Practice using your beacons ahead of time and always discuss your plans as you progress in the backcountry. Learn about digging snow pits and assessing the avalanche danger. Advanced rescue gear like an automatic airbag and an Avalung can also increase your chances of survival should you get caught in an avalanche. Obviously Alpine Touring requires a certain level of fitness if you are going to have any fun. You don't have to be an uber-athlete, but you need to be ready for aerobic exercise. Cross country skiing, running, hik- ing, and working out at the gym will all help you prepare for the uphill grunt. You don't want to be out of gas at the top of the hill, just as the fun begins. Nor do you want to be that guy who holds everybody up. You can get a taste of AT style skiing at any ski area that offers "side- country" access, such as Big Sky, Whitefish Mountain, or Bridger Bowl. Open for Dinner M - SAT, 5 PM - close // Lunch TU-F, 11:30 - 2 PM Ph: 406.577.2585 // 290 W Kagy Blvd • Please call for reservations >>> Located across S 3rd from the Museum of the Rockies <<< Hand Crafted Italian Dining DANIEL THUMS Climbing for your ski turns makes each run more special and memorable. CONTINUED

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