| Saturday March 7, 2009:
Demos & Mini-Clinics at Otis Mountain
New this year, Otis Mountain will host demo gear (skis and
boots) from Black Diamond, Dynafit, Garmont, Karhu and Scarpa as well as
several mini-clinics. Join our great reps for some fun skiing at a small private
ski hill where you can skin or ride the rope-tow for turns on all-natural
snow. Registration not required, just show up ready to ski! Feel free to try
gear and/or join the following mini-clinics:
Skinning (10-11am): Most first-time backcountry skiers are
surprised at how difficult skinning can be! A few tips and some practice in
a controlled environment go a long way toward learning how to do it right.
Avalanche Beacon (11-Noon): Join Marcus from Ortovox for beacon search practice
and a chance to test out Ortovox's beacon line.
Telemark Skiing (1-2pm): Get some pointers on the telemark turn or
try it for the first time.
Guided Backcountry Tours
Karhu Traverse ($90) (novice-intermediate nordic) - Guided
point-to-point cross-country ski tour through the rugged Avalanche Pass.
This is your chance to do the classic traverse with a great group of skiers
and without the need organize a drop off. Participants should be prepared
for a long (13 mile) day, and are encouraged to use lighter weight XCD touring
gear rather than heavy-duty telemark/AT gear. Karhu XCD ski demos are
available as well as limited boots--if you have your own boots please bring
them (3-Pin compatible only if you are
using our demo skis).
Intermediate Tour ($150) (intermediate backcountry skiers) -
A full day tour to backcountry ski trails, glades or a summit in the High
Peaks. Guides will review equipment and relevant techniques along the way.
Skiers will need their own equipment, including skins. Demo gear is
available--advanced notice required.
Advanced Tour ($150)
(advanced-expert skiers with prior backcountry experience) - A full day tour
to a backcountry slide in the High Peaks. Guides will review equipment,
relevant techniques and hazard assessment along the way. Skiers will need
their own equipment, including skins, beacon, probe, shovel and
mountaineering crampons. Very limited demos available--if you don't have
your own gear you probably don't belong in this class.
Après-ski
Dinner at the Keene Valley Lodge ($20 includes beer) - Join fellow
Skifest participants at the Keene Valley Lodge (three doors down from the
Mountaineer) for a catered dinner and beer.
Backcountry Magazine's Saturday evening show at the Mountaineer ($10)
- Backcountry Magazine will show several short backcountry ski films
upstairs in the Mountaineer. Great backcountry stoke and a generous raffle
make this a must-attend show! Films TBA.
Sunday March 8, 2009:
Guided Backcountry Tours
Karhu Traverse ($90) (novice-intermediate nordic) - Guided
point-to-point cross-country ski tour through the rugged Avalanche Pass.
This is your chance to do the classic traverse with a great group of skiers
and without the need organize a drop off. Participants should be prepared
for a long (13 mile) day, and are encouraged to use lighter weight XCD touring
gear rather than heavy-duty telemark/AT gear. Karhu XCD ski demos are
available as well as limited boots--if you have your own boots please bring
them (3-Pin compatible only if you are
using our demo skis).
Intermediate Tour ($150) (intermediate backcountry skiers) -
A full day tour to backcountry ski trails, glades or a summit in the High
Peaks. Guides will review equipment and relevant techniques along the way.
Skiers will need their own equipment, including skins. Demo gear is
available--advanced notice required.
Advanced Tour ($150) (advanced-expert skiers with
prior backcountry experience) - A full day tour to a backcountry slide in
the High Peaks. Guides will review equipment, relevant techniques and hazard
assessment along the way. Skiers will need their own equipment, including skins, beacon,
probe, shovel and mountaineering crampons. Very limited demos
available--if you don't have your own gear you probably don't belong in this
class.
- advance registration required
- all tours are 6 skiers : 2 guides
- all tours will meet at 8 am at the Mountaineer. NO refunds if you're
late and miss your group
- cancellations after Feb. 25th will only be refunded if we can find
someone to fill your spot
- price includes use of demo equipment if needed; advanced notification and early arrival (7:30)
required for those demoing equipment
- participants in the Intermediate and Advanced
tours must bring their own climbing skins
- participants in the Advanced tour must bring beacon, probe,
shovel and crampons
- this event benefits the Adirondack Ski Touring Council and the NY Ski
Education Foundation Nordic ski racing programs
- register by phone at the Mountaineer (518) 576-2281
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