How to spot a good partner might be a better question, but there is no yin without yang. So, Backcountry.com hit on how to spot a bad ski or mountaineering partner. Some good points are brought up.
“This week we sat down with four of our sponsored athletes and asked for tips to spotting a douchebag mountaineering or skiing partner. We spoke to Exum Guide Andy Tankersly, Exum Guide Garrick Hart, Arc’teryx Athlete and two-time Freeski World Tour Champion Crystal Wright, and Dynafit Athlete and US Ski Mountaineering Team Member Meredith Edwards. Below are 6 tips and some advice along with them.” – Backcountry.com
How to Spot a Bad Mountaineering or Skiing Partner
#1 = Watch for Big Talkers
#2 = Look for Wrong/Sloppy Gear
#3 = They Don’t Work as a Team, They Don’t Communicate, or They Are Inappropriately Competitive
#4 = They Aren’t Mountain Aware
#5 = Girls Need to Be Wary of Guys
#6 = If You Aren’t Sure Don’t Risk It
For full explanations of all the above topics, please visit:
Good list. Here are some additional ‘rules’:
#7: Be wary of people who self-identify as ‘ski-mountaineers’. This often means they’re good at climbing and jump turns, but aren’t great at skiing or making decisions in soft snow.
#8: Guides and ski patrol often have more training than practical experience. Don’t be fooled unless you’re paying them $$$.