More common in the resort sidecountry but not so much in the true backcountry in GTNP. The packs themselves they come in are just never great to use in my opinion, plus the weight. I think there’s some scenarios they definitely make sense. Usually spots with big open clean runouts. Alaskan heli skiing they have probably saved hundreds of lives since they’ve come into play.

My buddy Charlie who got slid used to ride with one. Trees were his main enemy in this slide. You can make a case that the airbag helps protect the head as well as floatation. Luckily he never hit his head on the ride.

He had a GoPro on and he was on top of the snow for the whole time but just kept getting ping ponged off trees. We hypothesized he would’ve ended up near where I found his snowboard and likely on top of the snow. If he had been on skis he probably could’ve stopped himself on the first tree he hit. It bounced right in the middle of his board.

Once his snowboard popped off he was able to almost walk on top of the moving snow. He tried to get off to the side of the slide and then eventually stopped when a broken tree hung up on his backpack. The videos pretty crazy. I’ve only watched it 3 times. It definitely gets me choked up. I was so confident he was dead when I saw the powder cloud crashing down the drainage. Best radio call ever.

2 ...

Report Post

Posted by Bunsbert Montcroff

Phoenix AZ / Boise ID

Member since Jan 2008

5514 posts

Posted on 3/23/23 at 6:15 pm to bamafan425

quote:
I think there’s some scenarios they definitely make sense. Usually spots with big open clean runouts. Alaskan heli skiing they have probably saved hundreds of lives since they’ve come into play.

My buddy Charlie who got slid used to ride with one. Trees were his main enemy in this slide. You can make a case that the airbag helps protect the head as well as floatation. Luckily he never hit his head on the ride.

He had a GoPro on and he was on top of the snow for the whole time but just kept getting ping ponged off trees. We hypothesized he would’ve ended up near where I found his snowboard and likely on top of the snow. If he had been on skis he probably could’ve stopped himself on the first tree he hit. It bounced right in the middle of his board.

ok, this makes sense. the backcountry stuff I visit most often is in a burn scar, so good sight lines but LOTS of dead trees still standing. even the sidecountry at bogus basin has lots of trees to navigate (and smaller bowls with shorter runs) where the airbags might not make as much sense. best wishes man, there is still lots of snow out there (and more coming this early spring) - enjoy!

1 ...

Report Post

Posted by Newc

Member since Feb 2017

346 posts

Posted on 3/31/23 at 4:46 pm to bamafan425

That is a nasty slab. And at 35-40 degrees or so, in the wide open away from the trees, it makes sense that the crown was where it was. Your buddy just hit it at the wrong part, could happen to anyone.

So far, I have never had to use my beacon or my shovel, aside from digging snow pits. But even if you are careful, like you mentioned, each time you head out into the backcountry, you are increasing your exposure. I have yet to be humbled, but it only takes one time. Very happy that no one was seriously, seriously injured. You ski with a lot more frequency than I do, and that was just your unlucky time.

Makes you shudder, because no matter how careful you are, this is an inherently risky activity.

0 ...

Report Post

Travel Board - Replies to Post

Return To Board

Page 1

Return To Board