Events | Equipment List | Ability Level | Registration

Please note: All clinics are now full; please call to be placed on the waiting list.

Saturday March 6, 2010:

Demos & Mini-Clinics at Otis Mountain (10am-3pm, Free)

New this year, Otis Mountain will host demo gear (skis and boots) from Black Diamond, Dynafit, Garmont, Karhu and Scarpa as well as several mini-clinics. Join our great reps for some fun skiing at a small private ski hill where you can skin or ride the rope-tow for turns on all-natural snow. Registration not required, just show up ready to ski! Feel free to try gear and/or join the following mini-clinics (clinic times subject to change; more clinics TBA?):

Telemark Skiing (11am-Noon): Local legend Ron Kon will help you with the telemark turn.
Skinning (Noon-1pm): Most first-time backcountry skiers are surprised at how difficult skinning can be! A few tips and some practice in a controlled environment go a long way toward learning how to do it right.
Telemark Skiing (1-2pm): Ron will teach another tele clinic! Be there.
Avalanche Beacon (2-3pm): Join Mammut for beacon search practice and a chance to test out their Barryvox beacon. Beacon park will be available all day without instruction.

Guided Backcountry Tours

Karhu Traverse ($90) (novice-intermediate nordic) – Guided point-to-point cross-country ski tour through the rugged Avalanche Pass. This is your chance to do the classic traverse with a great group of skiers and without the need organize a drop off. Participants should be prepared for a long (13 mile) day, and are encouraged to use lighter weight XCD touring gear rather than heavy-duty telemark/AT gear. Karhu XCD ski demos are available as well as limited boots–if you have your own boots please bring them (3-Pin compatible only if you are using our demo skis).

**FULL**Intermediate Tour ($150) (intermediate backcountry skiers) - A full day tour to backcountry ski trails, glades or a summit in the High Peaks. Guides will review equipment and relevant techniques along the way. Skiers will need their own equipment, including skins. Demo gear is available–advanced notice required.

**FULL**Advanced Tour ($150) (advanced-expert skiers with prior backcountry experience) – A full day tour to a backcountry slide in the High Peaks. Guides will review equipment, relevant techniques and hazard assessment along the way. Skiers will need their own equipment, including skins, beacon, probe, shovel and mountaineering crampons. Very limited demos available–if you don’t have your own gear you probably don’t belong in this class.

Après-ski

Dinner at the Keene Valley Lodge (6pm – $20 includes beer, pre-register at the Mountaineer) – Join fellow Skifest participants at the Keene Valley Lodge (three doors down from the Mountaineer) for a catered dinner and beer.

Backcountry Magazine’s Saturday evening show at the Mountaineer (7:30pm – $10 at the door) – Backcountry Magazine will show “The Freeheel Life” by Josh Madsen (Telemark Skier Magazine Editor) and “The Fine Line” by Rocky Mountain Sherpas (amazing avalanche film). Great backcountry stoke and a generous raffle make this a must-attend show! Running time ~2hrs.

Sunday March 7, 2010:

Guided Backcountry Tours

**FULL**Intermediate Tour ($150) (intermediate backcountry skiers) - A full day tour to backcountry ski trails, glades or a summit in the High Peaks. Guides will review equipment and relevant techniques along the way. Skiers will need their own equipment, including skins. Demo gear is available–advanced notice required.

**FULL**Advanced Tour ($150) (advanced-expert skiers with prior backcountry experience) – A full day tour to a backcountry slide in the High Peaks. Guides will review equipment, relevant techniques and hazard assessment along the way. Skiers will need their own equipment, including skins, beacon, probe, shovel and mountaineering crampons. Very limited demos available–if you don’t have your own gear you probably don’t belong in this class.

Important Info:

• advance registration required
• all tours are 6 skiers : 2 guides
• all tours will meet at 8 am at the Mountaineer. NO refunds if you’re late and miss your group
• cancellations after Feb. 25th will only be refunded if we can find someone to fill your spot
• price includes use of demo equipment if needed; advanced notification and early arrival (7:30) required for those demoing equipment
• participants in the Intermediate and Advanced tours must bring their own climbing skins
• participants in the Advanced tour must bring beacon, probe, shovel and crampons
• this event benefits the Adirondack Ski Touring Council and the NY Ski Education Foundation Nordic ski racing programs
• register by phone at the Mountaineer (518) 576-2281