The moment we've all been waiting for has arrived: time to make our descent.
Helmet on, thick gloves, boots in ski mode or splitboard set up. Do I just point it straight down? NO!
Why?
To choose a line, I need to plan how many turns I'll take or where I'm going to stop, and know how to manage the objective hazards (the hazards I find in the winter mountains):
-Are there terrain traps? Islands of safety?
-What aspect is the slope we've chosen to ski?
-Are there tracks?
-How's the visibility?
-How much snow has accumulated?
-Is the slope loaded by wind (leeward)?
-Do I have escape routes?
-Am I going to do a stability test before dropping in? Do I know how to do the famous “ski cut”?
Once I've analyzed these factors, I'll assess the subjective factors (the human group):
-Have I done a beacon check?
-Am I going first?
-How many people are in the group?
-How are we going to communicate?
-Does everyone know my descent plan?
-Do we have a descent order/sequence?
-Are we meeting at an island of safety?
-Do we have an emergency plan in case of an accident?
I go slowly for a turn or two and then I let loose; I know the slope now, and everything is going as I planned. I pick up speed, a powder turn makes me yell and laugh at the same time, I straight-line it and reach the flats. I turn around and the whole group is watching me. I raise my hand and signal for the next person to come down while I watch them, still thinking about how great our sport is and looking at the next descent.
Did you know everything we just covered? Had you ever thought about it?
If your answer is “no,” we encourage you to get trained, read, and learn from those with the most experience. Remember that taking a course always gives you the tools you need.
Our sport requires constant training.
Enjoy your descents!
