Getting Started in Touring

better yet, if you like wilderness and do not believe the earth revolves around Xtal... then perhaps pick up a backcountry skiing in WA route book (blair has a lot of good beginner tours). Peruse the book until you find routes saying low or minimal avalanche hazard and start with those.

Best advise is to find someone with winter travel experience and go out a couple times with them. There's a lot that can be done safely, so start with that. Personally, you couldn't pay me to go to Crystal, let alone skin up the ski-area... but that's "backcountry" skiing for some people.

Now Hyak mid-week, that's where it's at!

Personally, you couldn't pay me to go to Crystal, let alone skin up the ski-area...  but that's "backcountry" skiing for some people.

Now Hyak mid-week, that's where it's at! 

Now here's a man talking sense.
Real backcountry skiers do not go to Silver Basin or ski three in a line up the middle of Rolling Knolls. Stay away from the pathetic Crustal...go to Paradise or Alpental BC (Chair Peak and Snow Lake)where the real backcountry skiers are.

... just hang out and post comments, no skills required...

Todd, that was funny.

Brian, if your ever in the Baker area I would be happy to take you out for the day. Herman Saddle would be a perfect beginning tour. Will be off for two weeks on the 18th. Otherwise it is weekends only.

... just hang out and post comments, no skills required...

T.Eastman has certainly proven that to be a viable alternative.

Welcome, Brian.  You could start the way most of us started.  Offer to drive, AND buy beers, in exchange for a guided trip, and intorductory knowledge.  Eventually (persistence and multiple beer, buying gas paying trips will pay off), you'll be instructed into the secret initiation rites that allow you access to where the powder is stored.  Of course, this will cost you more beer and gas, but I can tell you from experience it's worth it.  Hyak is pretty good, too, though.  PM me.  I like IPA and Hefewiesen.