| MAS Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding | |
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 About
Backcountry Ski & Board  |
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MAS offers a variety of backcountry ski and snowboard programs at some of the finest areas in California. Whether you are looking for an educational course, a one-day tour, a private guide, or a longer and more demanding adventure, MAS can provide "top-notch" backcountry experiences for both skiers and snowboarders.
Strong intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders are welcome to enroll in MAS backcountry ski and snowboard programs. MAS considers participants who can confidently ski or ride any intermediate slope at a ski resort ready for backcountry programs. If you have any questions we recommend contacting the MAS office.
Each program has specific prerequisites to assist people in finding and preparing for the appropriate program. If you have any questions, or would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact the MAS office - we love to talk about our work!
| Backcountry Ski & Board Equipment | top |
Backcountry
skiers have
several equipment options to choose from, including telemark, randonee
and alpine trekkers.
• Telemark - a.k.a. "freeheel" or nordic downhill. The boot is only attached in the toe area with a cable or 3-pin design. Graceful to watch but difficult to master. Fortunately MAS offer a unique telemark ski school at the Bear Valley Mountain Resort which uses the ski lifts to maximize time spent descending to learn and perfect the telemark turn.
• Randonee - a French dictionary defines randonee as "a hike". In skiing this means alpine style skis (often shorter & wider) with a special binding and lighter more flexible boots which assist striding. The binding releases in the heel and pivots at the toe for easy climbing, then the heel re-locks to the ski during descents. This setup allows alpine skiers an easy transition into backcountry travel and is very popular in Europe.
• Alpine Trekkers - An alternative to dedicated randonee bindings. Trekkers click into regular alpine bindings, then the boots attach to the Trekkers. Heels are now free for climbing. At the top, remove the Trekkers and climbing skins. You are then free to descend on your normal bindings and skis. (available for rent through MAS with advanced notice - $20/day)
Essential Backcountry Ski Items:
- All skis must have metal edges and be in good working order.
- Bindings must properly fit ski boots.
- Ski boots must properly fit your feet.
- A good pair of climbing skins is essential. (available for rent w/MAS - $10/day)
- MAS provides avalanche beacons, probes and shovels on all programs
- A day pack to carry extra food, clothing and gear is needed.
- Ski poles - extendable poles are nice.
Ski leashes or brakes are required for all resort skiing, including Lift Access Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Programs.
Backcountry
snowboarders typically use snowshoes
and collapsible ski poles for climbing with the snowboard attached
to their day pack. Snowshoes and snowboard exchange positions at
the top of a climb or high point, and poles are collapsed and secured
onto pack. Another option are "split boards" which
are specialized snowboards designed to split down the middle to
become two short skies with skins which mimic snowshoes. These is
a nice option but expensive to purchase.
Essential Backcountry Snowboard Items:
- Snowboard in good working condition and ability to attach onto pack.
- Snowshoes required for "non split-boards".
- MAS provides avalanche beacons, probes and shovels on all programs
- A day pack. to carry extra food, clothing and gear is required.
- Collapsible ski poles - climbing without them is a drag.
If using a "split-board" without snowshoes proper fitting climbing skins that are in good condition are required.
