Touring Vs the Ski Hill
So the other day my partner and I engaged in the annual "are you buying a pass for the ski hill" discussion. We ponder and pontificate, weigh the value of riding a chairlift for the cost, versus just touring all season. I came up with a list of pros and cons for backcountry skiing, and I am clearly leaning in one direction, (and yes, I do realize I may be preaching to the choir since I am posting on a backcountry skiing website!!) but I still haven't made a decision yet. Feel free to add to this any other pros or cons you can think of!
PROS for Backcountry Ski Touring
1. It will make your ass look better
2. The photos you take in the backcountry are usually way cooler than those at a resort. And then you can post them on FB and all of your so called "friends" who you dont really even know, will think you are super rad.
3. Smaller Carbon Footprint when you tour, as opposed to the hill
4. Save $$. It is close to $100 a day to ski at a resort, and you still have to drive there!
5. POW!! Maybe if you get to the resort 10 min early, you might get a bit of fluff a few cms deep for your first run or two. and then its moguls, moguls, moguls
6. Your chance of getting injured from an out of control punker is pretty slim
7. Your chance of getting sued for hitting someone while being out of control is pretty slim
8. You get to bring your dog
CONS on BC skiing
1. People bring their dogs.
2. You will never get good at skiing steep ice and moguls.
3. You have to make your own food, potentially forcing you to eat healthier.
4. You will probably need to drink your beer from a can, from the back of your vehicle, outside.
5. Fashion goes out the window: your pants will probably need to be sitting on your hips, rather than below your bum, and that fur collared jacket takes up too much room in your pack
6. You get far less runs when you are touring (see number 2 above)… Quantity vs Quality?
7. I usually dont have cell service where I ski tour, thus hindering my ability to update my facebook status every 10 minutes