The snow is falling, the air is fresh, and there are no other users around you. You have the primeval feeling of freedom in the wilderness, away from the crowds and the chaos. Your skis are strapped to your legs, and the mountain is calling your name. Self-restraint is no longer a concern. Simply take a step forward, throw your arm up into the air, and shout “vaya!” The rest is history.
But what if the history books are wrong? What if there is no record of you and your friends climbing the mountain, living your life in the majestic outdoors, and leaving your collective heritage on the snow? What if you simply want to go back in time and relive the adventure?
Well, don’t fret. There is a way to self-arrest skiing, and it’s not as complicated as you might think. All you need is an anchor, a rope, and a few climbing skills. Let’s have a look.
Table of Contents
The Goods
Climbing gear is essential for any aspiring mountaineer. You wouldn’t want to be scrambling up a mountain wall with nothing but your shoes and your wits. The following should be on the checklist of any ski bum:
- Backcountry skis
- Snowboard
- Waterproof pack
- Head torch
- Bivvy bag
- Tent
- Camel bag
- Space blanket
- Parachute
- Whistle
- Pocket knife
- Whistle (for signaling)
Ripstitching 101
Climbing is all about using different tools and techniques to ascend a wall or cliff. You will need a combination of these skills to set up a top rope for the next summit bid. The most useful of these tools in a given situation is known as “the good,” “the essential,” or “the necessary.” To give you an idea of how useful and versatile these items are, here are a few words that you will read over and over again while climbing: