backcountry gear
| Fri, 17/02/2012 - 4:06pm |
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I think it's time for me to stop reading about backcountry skiing and give it a go. I'm driving to Chamonix for the 27th Feb and wondered if you could help. I need to hire a guide and some gear. I think I'm fit enough to cope (good cardio vascular enduro and strength). I've got a pack but it's nearly empty (isn't a Christmas list useful for getting what you want!) and so far I've got a metal BCA shovel, a black diamond probe, and my climbing harness (Camp). I've got a budget of £700 for gear/guides this year - I know this isn't enough to buy everything I need and hire a guide (accommodation/food/passes are already paid for!). My shell outerwear should be good enough to cope. Please point me in the right direction. If you don't think Chamonix is the place to be late Feb then I'm happy to travel by car to the right place. |
| #1 Tue, 21/02/2012 - 3:36pm |
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| Re: backcountry gear |
Good plan! Chamonix in late Feb is a good bet. Our editor Nicola is a big fan of Dream Guides (www.dream-guides.com) who are based in Cham - ask for Kenton. In terms of gear, sounds like you've covered pretty much all the basics, but an avalanche transciever is a must. They are pricey if you buy them new, but more than worth it - Ortovox's 3 plus transciver is great, as is Mammut's barryvox element and Arva's link transciever. And, conveniently for you, our backcountry issue comes out this Thursday - there's a beginners guide to backcountry as well as a whole section dedicated to backcountry gear. Good luck with your trip and let us know how it goes (skeeks@fall-line.co.uk) Mary |