You are peering over the edge, staring into the jaws of a 45 degree couloir, thinking, is this over my head? Is this a smart thing to be doing? Do I belong here? Can I ski this?
We’ve all been in a similar situation. Filled with doubt, wondering if the terrain we were about to ski into was just a little bit over our head. Most of the time we’re all right and all of the worrying was about nothing. You skied it. Sure. Did you feel comfortable or confident about what you did? How can you push things safely to the next step?
If you look at the ski blogs, movies or web sites it seems everyone is skiing steeper and steeper terrain these days. Perhaps these may not be some of the best role models for the average guy. So, if this is the year you have decided to learn how to handle wild and steeper terrain while overcoming your fears, then a steep clinic may be the thing for you.
Here’s a list of some of the clinics being given by ski areas, guide services and extreme skiers in all parts of North America and Europe this winter. Under the guidance of a confident and skilled instructor, you’ll learn to push your limits and broaden your comfort zone. All of these programs are targeted towards the advanced through expert adult skiers. While ski camps may not turn you into an instant extreme skier, they are a good place to start.
Check them out. Sign up. Ski the steeps.
Steep Skiing Camps Worldwide: SSCW
Founded in 1993 by Doug and Emily Coombs. Doug was a 2-time World Extreme Skiing Champion and pioneer of steep adventure skiing both in the Chugach Range of Alaska and in the European Alps. Doug’s incredible energy and passion for steep skiing remains the inspiration behind the Camps.
Miles and Liz Smart worked along side Doug for many years and were Doug’s chosen successors for the Camps. Their approach to the camps is to ski as much adventurous steep terrain as possible while educating you about the big mountain environment and steep skiing technique.
GoPro Steep and Deep Camp | January 14-17, 2015
http://www.jacksonhole.com/steep-ski-camp.html
Offering the highest level of instruction, expert coaches provide tips on finding the best line, reading a slope, steep skiing etiquette, and terrain selection. Guided by instructors’ knowledge of the conditions and the mountain, students ski mostly black and double black terrain. Highlights include the Hobacks, the Expert Chutes, and, on the last day, the infamous Corbet’s Couloir. Groups also may head out of bounds to explore Jackson’s legendary backcountry.
KEEN Rippin’ Chix Steep Skiing Camp
http://www.alisongannett.com/rippin-chix-camps/womens-steep-skiing-camps/
Camp price $350.00
Crystal Mountain & Alison Gannett’s Rippin Chix have teamed up to offer Keen Rippin’ Chic Steep Skiing Camp in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State.
This 2-day camp includes two full days of instruction and video analysis, with Alison’s famous baby step steep skiing progression and lessons from free skiing champions of trees, moguls, crud and powder.
Kling Mountain Guides
http://www.klingmountainguides.com/ski-mountaineering-camps.html
The San Juan Mountains around Silverton, CO. provide the ideal classroom for improving your ski mountaineering skills.
Kling mountain guides will help you build on the skills you need to head into the backcountry. Learn advanced alpine rope work and improve further on your snow safety knowledge. Work on improvised shelter construction for winter camping. Timing is everything with big mountain skiing. That’s why they hold their Advanced Ski Mountaineering Camps in the spring. The months of March and April offer safer avalanche conditions than mid-winter as well as amazing snow conditions.
Taos Mogul/Steep Camps
http://www.skitaos.org/page/camp
The curriculum covers technique as well as tactics on steep runs and bumps. You will be dancing through the moguls; skiing all over the mountain and having fun doing it.
Kim Reichhelm Steep Ski Camp
Steep Camps are designed to help skiers work on their techniques in a safe, controlled environment. Aspen, Vail and Alta ski resorts are the perfect places to practice these skills. A large variety of slopes to choose from allow for terrain progressions suitable to different comfort levels. Kim and her staff will ensure that you walk away with confidence, knowledge and a smile on your face, ready to take on the deepest snow and the steepest slopes you can find.
