BC Skiing, where to begin?

[Bryan]

Hey Guys,

Great forum with great info. I'm hoping to tap into some of it...

I've been skiing since I could walk, and can manage most terrain, but have no experience with BC touring.

This past spring I purchased some BD AT gear on deep discount. I want to get out and break it in this year. I'm fairly familiar with the Whites through hiking/backpacking in both summer and winter. My knowledge of where to ski is limited to those places with lifts....

So, without tipping your hats, how/where would you suggest I start.
Books?
Easy first trips?
Groups?

Lastly, what is the general concensus on BC skiing solo? I do a lot of winter hikes solo (though the GF-now wife-now future mother would like this to end) and enjoy the peace and quiet. Iws BC solo an option?

Any and all info would be great.

Thanks,

Bryan

[RR]

Are you the same Bryan who has climbed Carter Ledge with Dan and me?

Even if not, the books are a great armchair companion. You should get the Goodmans. Mounatineering - Freedom of the Hills is also good, in a general way, and read TR's from season's past as often as you can.

Plenty to do...enjoy!

[Bryan]

Nope, not me... Haven't hit the Carters yet. It's on the list though....

I have Mountaineering, and love the book. Good night-time read while the wife watches crap on the TV. I'll check out Goodmans and do some searching around here.

Thanks for the leads!

Bryan

[drewvw]

I second the purchase of the Goodman book, you will need it.

And within that book you will find information on Mt Cardigan. As good a place as any to start, many of us have cut our teeth there.

Good luck!

[riverc0il]

Cardigan or the Sherburne Trail would both be great options for the first time turn earner. Closed ski area hiking early season after a dump is a good option as well.

I solo more often than I go with a group. It has its risks. Leave a plan with someone with an expected time, a worst case time, and a time to be concerned. Stick with the plan you leave for others. The safe plan is to ski more popular areas in which you might be solo but you are not completely alone. Though to be frank, there is something to be said for being in the middle of no where all by yourself and not seing a soul after you leave the road until you get back to it.

Since you winter hike, I will assume you know how to layer properly. That was my first lesson learned when I first started earning turns. :doh:

[Skidmarks]

A copy of the Goodman book got me started and http://nelsap.org/ puts some fun old places on my radar. Forums like this one fill in some of the blanks when people want to talk.

[boardman]

yes, many here BC solo. you just have to be smart about it. watch the weather and track conditions throughout the season to know which aspects might be doing what. if you haven't already, take the Avalanche I class -- I would not recommend anyone going into the BC without it (sure you can do things like the Sherbie and the Cardigan CCC trails, but you WILL want to get out on steeper stuff once you see it). And watch this board for folks putting out Roll Calls; you'll very often find a partner when you thought you had none.

[RR]

... you'll very often find a partner when you thought you had none.'Specially when you go to the pizza place...

;)

....tired inside joke

[BladeGirl]

The AMC usually has a few trips each winter. Reasonably priced. Good people.