Book Review: Crystal Mtn's South Backcountry

Hmm....Looks like we could sneak a couple more fresh tracks into Joe's Bad Ass Shoulder?

Joe, Could you revise this picture with some red arrows, and connect it to google earth so I can figure out how to get there, get down, and back out? Thanks!
Don

However, I have a feeling of admiration for the authors, who made an effort to assemble something and actually create a distribution channel, however slim.

I agree with Larry. Way to go! If I had the gumption and stick-to-it-iveness when I was in high school, to make a small ski guide, I totally would have. They saw it through from beginning to end, and I think it's great they did this project. Kudos!

I also feel they made a good decision with using the south bc. It's a good crossover area for people to learn basic backcountry skills, and providing them with a guide can enhance some routefinding skills as well. As far as people getting hurt or killed, or not bringing their avy gear - I guess I would hope they have a "Backcountry skiing is dangerous and one assumes the risk as their own...blah blah blah" section to preface their guidebook.

I had to laugh one day when I came back into the Silver Basin and saw how many tracks were at my namesake run.
Hmm....Looks like we could sneak a couple more fresh tracks into Joe's Bad Ass Shoulder?

Exactly. I think someone said it before...it's a good thing it's Silver Basin...it's a bit of a "catered" backcountry experience.

Since discovering backcountry touring, playing with maps and exploring that area on skis has been the consistently greatest joy in my life. But then I always have to remind myself too of the ol' "different strokes for different folks" saying, and realize that the backcountry turns are THE objective for some, despite their non-skiing backcountry skills or "mountain mind" as I call it.

Actually, to throw a guidebook together, even if it is Silver Basin, these guys are probably working on all the skills and planning mentioned. Sounds to me like they're getting into the same aspects we enjoy.

For the great mass of climbers, long gone are the days of exploration of new ground via your eyes only and picking of a line from the ground-up.

and, there are still some climbing possibilities out there...they're just a little more tucked away!

Right... at the front of the book is this:

[size=14pt]Disclaimer[/size][size=12pt]

Warning: Skiing and snowboarding are sports with innate risks.
Participating in these sports may result in injury or death. This
guidebook was created for expert skiers and snowboarders only.

All runs in the guidebook are dangerous and require a great deal of skill to ski. Since conditions on the mountain vary from day to day and year-to-year,
characteristics of the runs may be very different than those described.
Difficulty and quality ratings are discretionary and depend greatly on the
weather and the snowfall. There may be incorrect information in the
book about run description, quality, and difficulty.

The Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol has the right to close South Backcountry or any run within at any time. You must obey all closures and signs. The authors of this book are not liable for injuries, death, or any other damages that result from the use of this book.

[/size]

... and this:

[size=12pt]Safety:
• Although most of the terrain described in this book undergoes rigorous
avalanche control by the Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol, it is all in
avalanche terrain. Traveling in the backcountry is dangerous, but these
risks can be mitigated by using safe backcountry travel techniques.
These include:
    o Travel with a partner
    o Carry an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe and know how to use each
    o Pay attention to weather and avalanche forecasts as well as the avalanche history of the slope
    o Ski within your limits
    o Avoid tree wells
    o Practice safe backcountry travel!

Useful Websites:
www.skicrystal.com
www.nwac.noaa.gov
www.wsdot.wa.gov

A Note on Snowboarding:
Snowboarding in Crystal’s South Backcountry is very difficult. Most
runs require a lengthy traverse and many have flat runouts. Thus,
snowboarders are required to hike in and out. This results in rutted
traverses and slows down skier traffic. If you do decide to snowboard
in the backcountry, please be courteous and avoid bootpacking in
traverses.

Useful Phone Numbers:

1-888-754-6199
Crystal Mountain Hotline, updated several times daily with weather
information and operational status.

206-526-6677
Northwest Avalanche Center avalanche information hotline provides
the latest weather and avalanche forecasts as well as detailed reports on
slides and snowpack information.

1-800-695-7623
Washington Department of Transportation hotline has information on
road conditions, closures, and restrictions

360-663-3060
In the case of an emergency, call the Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol at the
above number.[/size]

Nice, I would say that covers things about as well as what I see in every other guidebook. I like that they said to avoid bootpacking on traverses too...A+ if I was the teacher grading.

Nice, I would say that covers things about as well as what I see in every other guidebook.  I like that they said to avoid bootpacking on traverses too...A+ if I was the teacher grading.

Posting to add, resume worthy...
Good job.