SkiFest Tour Selection - ability expectations:
An honest assessment of your experience, ability and fitness level is very important. If you can't keep up with the others in a particular group, you will be frustrated.
Please review the following guidelines:
Intermediate Level – You may already have some backcountry skiing experience, and should have familiarity with nordic touring or skinning. You are a regular alpine skier and can comfortably ski intermediate level (blue square) trails at any major ski area (like Whiteface). Your fitness level is good enough to spend 5-7 hours out skiing with a pack, and the energy to control your descent on moderate to challenging terrain with variable surface conditions.
Tour guides will cover/review strategies for efficient travel and comfort for these types of days, and present intermediate to advanced level techniques for ascent and descent in variable backcountry terrain & mixed conditions. Participants should own and bring their own Alpine Touring or Telemark equipment, but The Mountaineer does rent AT gear for those interested in trying lightweight Dynafit touring equipment.
Advanced Level – You must have prior backcountry experience to participate in the advanced tours. In addition, you are an avid alpine skier and can comfortably ski expert level (black diamond) trails at any major ski area (like Whiteface). Your fitness should be good enough to spend 6-8 hours out skiing with a pack, with the energy to control your descent on challenging terrain and snow conditions. Instruction assumes prior knowledge of your equipment and intermediate techniques and focuses on more advanced backcountry techniques. You must have your own Alpine Touring or Telemark equipment, as well as own and be familiar with avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe).