Here at The Adventure Junkies, we’ll to teach you everything you need to know to learn how to ski backwards. In addition to step-by-step instructions, we’ll also touch on some safety tips, what gear you’ll need, common mistakes and a few tricks you can show off while skiing backwards. So, let’s get started!

TIPS TO LEARN HOW TO SKI BACKWARDS

GET INTO STARTING POSITION

Your knees should be shoulder width apart and centered on your skis. Your hands should be out in front of you. You should also keep your chest up and resist the temptation to fold at the waist.

BEGINNING MOVEMENT

As you begin to slide backwards on your skis, scissor your legs a little so that one ski is further backwards than the other ski. If your right ski falls back, you should then rotate your shoulders and hips so that you are looking over your right shoulder. By doing this, you will carve towards the left.

Next, let your left ski fall back while you rotate your shoulders and hips over your left shoulder. Doing this will let you carve towards the right.

LOOK WHERE YOU ARE GOING

If you turn your body fully instead of merely glancing over your shoulder, you will be able to see more of what is going on behind you when you are skiing backwards. It is important not to look straight back up the hill because then you will have no idea where you are going and could easily run into a downhill skier or an obstacle. This could even cause serious injury to you or someone else.

CONTROL YOUR SPEED

When most people are first learning how to ski backwards, they will want to control their speed by doing a backwards “pizza” maneuver. This technique is pretty similar to how they learned to slow down when skiing forward. While this maneuver works, it really isn’t the proper way to control your speed.

The best way to control your speed when skiing backwards is to carve deeply in one direction. For instance, it would be advisable to let your right ski fall back while looking over your right shoulder. Your skis will eventually carve around far enough that you will be skiing up the mountain, thereby controlling your speed.

PRACTICE

Most people find that with practice, skiing backwards can be one of the most fun activities on the mountain. In time, it can even become second nature to any skier.

When you first learn how to ski backwards, you should master the skill on a gentle slope where you can easily control your speed. As you progress to steeper slopes, you can begin to add terrain park features.

COMMON MISTAKES WHEN LEARNING HOW TO SKI BACKWARDS

STAY IN BALANCE

Most skiers prefer to either carve right or left when they learn how to ski backwards. Usually, that is because it is more comfortable to rotate your body to one side than to the other side.

However, it is important to resist the urge to only look over your right or left shoulder. Over time, it will limit your muscles and make it even harder to break the habit.

TURNING TOO FAR

While it is important to rotate your hips and shoulders so that you can see where you are going, turning too far can cause issues as well.

MINIMIZE ARM MOVEMENT

If you are learning how to ski backwards to do tricks on the jumps and rails at the terrain park, it’s important to keep your hands in front and not tucked behind you.

You can use your arms for momentum by keeping your hands in front of you when it is time to hit a jump especially if you plan to twist around from skiing backward to skiing forwards or vice versa. If they are too far behind you, then there will be too much arm movement before you do your trick.

SAFETY TIPS TO SKIING BACKWARDS

When you are starting to learn how to ski backwards, it is essential that you begin on either a bunny hill or a non-crowded, groomer-type run. Follow the rules of the slopes, yield to the downhill skier and always be aware of those around you. Through this tutorial, you will learn how to turn your body so that you have the most visibility of the slope in front of you.

GEAR THAT YOU MAY NEED TO LEARN HOW TO SKI BACKWARDS

SKI HELMET

While some may argue that any knowledgeable skier can learn how to ski backwards without any specific gear, most will disagree. Generally, a ski helmet is recommended.

Although a helmet is always a good idea when learning a new skill or when skiing in the terrain park, it is especially crucial to prevent trauma to the head.

TWIN-TIP SKIS

In addition to the helmet, most skiers will recommend twin-tip skis. These are rounded and tip up at both ends, which prevent the tail of the skis from getting caught in the snow when the skier is skiing backwards. Skiers find these easier to maneuver in the terrain park and can generally be used all over the mountain, as well.

The post How To Ski Backwards – A Beginners Guide appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Here, at The Adventure Junkies, we want to help you limit your choices when selecting the best avalanche shovel. We’ll discuss the main features that you should consider, explain why those features are important, and review a variety of avalanche shovels to help you find the best one for you.

For more of our top snow sports gear recommendations, check out these popular articles:

Avalanche Beacons | Avalanche Probes

Reviews - The Best Avalanche Shovels

Black Diamond Evac

Specs

• Best For: Overall
• Material: Aluminum
• Grip: D-grip
• Shaft: Telescoping
• Blade Shape: Large and Flat

BEST FOR AVALANCHE RESCUE, SNOW PITS, BACKCOUNTRY JUMPS

PROS: Converts to hoe, lightweight, collapses small, good construction

CONS: Gets stuck extending to full length occasionally, doesn’t fit in all ski backpacks

View at Evo

View at Moosejaw

Backcountry Access Bomber B-2

Specs

• Best For: Budget
• Material: Aluminum
• Grip: T-grip
• Shaft: Telescoping
• Blade Shape: Large and Flat

BEST FOR AVALANCHE RESCUE, SNOW PITS, BACKCOUNTRY JUMPS, SNOW SHELTERS

PROS: Lightweight, slotted holds for rescue sled, fits in most ski backpacks, durable, easy to breakdown

CONS: Ice can get stuck in the locking mechanism

View at Backcountry

Black Diamond Deploy 7

Specs

• Best For: Rescue/Snow Pit Combo
• Material: Aluminum
• Grip: D/T- hyrbrid grip
• Shaft: Telescoping
• Blade Shape: Large and Curved

BEST FOR AVALANCHE RESCUE, SNOW PITS, BACKCOUNTRY JUMPS, SNOW SHELTERS

PROS: Quick assembly, fits in most ski backpacks

CONS: Handle too short for some skiers, slightly heavy

View at REI

Voile Telepro

Specs

• Best For: Budget
• Material: Aluminum
• Grip: D-grip
• Shaft: Telescoping
• Blade Shape: Mid-size and Flat

BEST FOR AVALANCHE RESCUE, SNOW PIT

PROS: Lightweight, slotted holds for rescue sled

CONS: None could be found

View at Amazon

G3 AviTech

Specs

• Best For: Rescue/Snow Pit Combo
• Material: Aluminum
• Grip: T-grip but with D-grip attachment
• Shaft: Telescoping
• Blade Shape: Large and Flat

BEST FOR AVALANCHE RESCUE, SNOW PITS, SNOW SHELTERS

PROS: Quick assembly, lightweight, slotted for rescue sled

CONS: None could be found

View at Backcountry

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST AVALANCHE SHOVELS

MATERIAL

The material of shovel is one of the best ways to narrow down your options when selecting the best avalanche shovel for you. If the shovel is made of inferior materials, it will break and become useless during a rescue mission. Most avalanche shovels are made of one of three types of materials: aluminum, plastic, or steel.

ALUMINUM

Aluminum is—hands down—the best material for an avalanche shovel. It allows the user to engage in the chopping action that is essential for rescuing a victim of an avalanche. It is stronger and will last longer than plastic. It is also lighter weight than steel and is often fabricated from the same material that it used for bike frames and airplanes.

PLASTIC

In most cases, plastic avalanche shovels are not recommended. Plastic avalanche shovels have the tendency to break in extreme cold and when the blade hits debris while digging. The only benefit to carrying a plastic avalanche shovel is that it may be very lightweight, but in an emergency it will not be a good selection.

STEEL

Steel shovels are extremely durable, but they are also extremely heavy. Most backcountry skiers prefer the lighter weight of heat-treated alloys over the heavier weight of a steel shovel.

BLADE SIZE

Blade size is a key component to selecting the best avalanche shovel for you. Many backcountry skiers prefer a larger blade, so they can move more snow. The downside to that is that—in an emergency—the person shoveling may get tired faster. The alternative is a smaller blade that is easier to handle. While a smaller blade will let you shovel snow for a longer period of time without experiencing fatigue, it is also less efficient at chopping away at dense snowpack and removes less snow than a larger blade.

It is also important that the blade’s size does not prevent you from storing your avalanche shovel inside your ski backpack. If it is attached to the outside of the pack, it will get torn off during an avalanche, making it useless.

BLADE SHAPE

The blade shape is a matter of preference. There are two main shapes—flat or curved—with benefits to each. Either shape of blade can also be serrated. A serrated blade will cut through cement-like snow, ice, and avalanche debris better.

FLAT BLADE

A flat blade is best for digging snow pits. Backcountry skiers dig snow pits to check the stability of the snowpack, letting them know the likelihood of an avalanche. The ability to take such precautions is as important as a good ski helmet. The cleaner and smoother the wall, the easier it is to see how stable it is.

CURVED BLADE

A curved blade is best for avalanche rescue since it will remove more snow with each scoop than a flat blade.

SHAFT

The shaft of an avalanche shovel can be extendable or telescoping, allowing for greater leverage, or it can be a fixed length. A longer shaft will give more leverage, while a shorter shaft will give greater maneuverability.

GRIP

There are three types of grips on the handle of an avalanche shovel: T-grip, L-grip, and D-grip. The T-grip is very effective and also most common type of avalanche shovel grip. The L-grip is the lightest and most compact type of avalanche shovel grip. The D-grip is the most ergonomic shovel handle grip. It is the easiest to hold when wearing mittens, but it also takes up the most space in your ski backpack because it is bulkier and heavier than the other grips.

The post Best Avalanche Shovels of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Here, at The Adventure Junkies, we want to help you narrow down your choices when selecting the best ski backpacks. We’ll break down the features that you should consider, explain why those features are important— depending on the type of skiing you will do — and review a range of ski backpacks to help you find the best one for you.

For more of our top ski gear recommendations, check out the Best Ski Bags. 

Reviews - Ski Backpacks

Deuter Freerider Pro 30

View Women's Version

Specs

• Airbag System: No
• Best For: Side or backcountry
• Hydration System: Yes
• Gear Capacity: 30 liters

BEST FOR SKIING IN THE SIDE OR BACKCOUNTRY

HYDRATION SYSTEM: Hydration system compatible

SKI-CARRY OPTIONS: Vertical (center or sides) and diagonal ski-carry systems

PROS: Helmet holder, avalanche gear storage and goggle pocket, sitting mat, strong zippers

CONS: Pack sits flat against the back so not great for bulky items

View at Amazon

Backcountry Access Float 42

Specs

• Airbag System: Yes
• Best For: Overall
• Hydration System: No
• Gear Capacity: 32 liter

BEST FOR OVERALL ALL-MOUNTAIN USE

AVALANCHE AIRBAG SYSTEM: Float airbag system deployed via compressed air cylinder, left or right trigger mount

SKI-CARRY OPTIONS: Diagonal ski-carry system

PROS: Lightweight, great value for an airbag pack, integration for BC Link radios, fleece goggle pocket, helmet sling, shovel and probe sleeves

CONS: One size only, small safety gear pocket

View at Amazon

Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32

Specs

• Airbag System: Yes
• Best For: Overall
• Hydration System: Yes
• Gear Capacity: 32 liter

BEST FOR OVERALL ALL-MOUNTAIN USE

HYDRATION SYSTEM: Insulated hydration system compatible

AVALANCHE AIRBAG SYSTEM: AvaLung ready

SKI-CARRY OPTIONS: Diagonal and A-frame ski-carry options

PROS: Comfortable for all day skiing, helmet compartment, axe loop, avalanche gear pocket, great value, unisex only but two sizes for different body types (small/medium and medium/large)

CONS: Avalanche safety pocket takes up too much room

View at Amazon

Dakine Heli Pro

View Women's Version

Specs

• Airbag System: No
• Best For: Budget
• Hydration System: Yes
• Gear Capacity: 20 liters

BEST FOR SIDECOUNTRY OR CHAIRLIFT ACCESSIBLE SKIING

HYDRATION SYSTEM: Hydration system compatible

SKI-CARRY OPTIONS: Diagonal ski-carry

PROS: Fleece lined goggle pocket, avalanche whistle, durable, easy to attach helmet and poles, lightweight (1.8 pounds)

CONS: Needs deeper pockets

View at REI

View at Backcountry

Mammut RAS 3.0

Specs

• Airbag System: Yes
• Best For: Overall
• Hydration System: Yes
• Gear Capacity: 22 liters

BEST FOR OVERALL ALL-MOUNTAIN USE

HYDRATION SYSTEM: Hydration system compatible

AVALANCHE AIRBAG SYSTEM: Removable airbag system with refillable cartridge sold separately

SKI-CARRY OPTIONS: Diagonal and A-frame ski-carry options

PROS: Helmet compartment, axe loop; avalanche gear pocket, ergonomic shoulder straps, fleece-line goggle compartment, TSA friendly so you can fly with empty air canister and refill canister at destination

CONS: No waist belt pockets, airbag system takes up space

View at Amazon

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SKI BACKPACKS

GEAR CAPACITY

Gear capacity is a great way to narrow down your options when selecting the best ski backpack. In most cases, it goes hand-in-hand with the type of skiing you will do. There are three major categories that gear capacity can fall under.

LARGE GEAR CAPACITY (35-55 LITERS)

These ski backpacks are often used for overnight hut trips because of their abundance of room. Expect a heavier bag, but more features and room.

MEDIUM GEAR CAPACITY (20-35 LITERS)

Ski backpacks with medium gear capacity are ideal for single-day skiing in the backcountry.

LOW GEAR CAPACITY (20 LITERS OR LESS)

These small ski backpacks are perfect for trips into the side country that are served by chairlifts, helicopter, or snowcats. Some can be used for resort skiing, simply storing extra gloves and a snack.

GENDER-SPECIFIC OR UNISEX-ONLY OPTIONS

Depending on your body shape, a gender-specific ski backpack may be necessary. Typically, women’s ski backpacks have shoulder straps that are closer together and form an s-shape. The hip belts may be contoured for a woman’s body more so than for their male-specific counterparts. Some ski backpacks only have unisex options available, which may work fine for many body types. Plus, some of those unisex skiing backpacks offer two sizes (small/medium and medium/large) instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.

HYDRATION SYSTEM INCLUDED OR COMPATIBLE

Dehydration is one of the most dangerous things that skiers will face. In fact, researcher Dr. John Seifert has reported that—every hour— a minimum of twelve ounces of water or sports drink should be consumed while skiing. There are three different hydration system options for ski backpacks. The ski backpack hydration system can include the reservoir/bladder, or it can be compatible for a reservoir/bladder. In addition, some ski backpacks have insulated sleeves to prevent the water from freezing in the tube. Not all skiing backpacks contain a hydration system.

AVALANCHE AIRBAG SYSTEM

The primary pieces of equipment for backcountry skiing is the avalanche beacon and the helmet. However, some people prefer to add additional safety measures, such as an avalanche airbag system. In fact, the American Avalanche Association’s journal, The Avalanche Review, reported in October 2014 that 36 out of every 100 skiers who were killed in an avalanche would have survived if they had an avalanche airbag system.

While not all skiing backpacks come equipped with an avalanche airbag system, many are. There are four different types of avalanche airbag systems: sealed nitrogen cylinders, atmospheric air cylinders (refillable), CO2 cylinders (disposable), rechargeable lithium battery systems that operate a jet fan. While some (the lithium battery system) are travel friendly, others are not. There is also a system called the AvaLung, which basically allows a skier caught in an avalanche to breathe residual air from within the pockets of their clothes.

SKI-CARRY SYSTEM

Skis may be attached to skiing backpacks if you need to hike up and ski down. Depending on if there are deployable air bags, skis may be attached vertically, diagonally, or as an A-frame.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Expect a good ski backpack to have some additional features. While some features are key for skiing the backcountry, others are nice to have when skiing in areas accessible via chairlift. These features can include easy zipper access, helmet attachment (loop, sling, or clip), axe loop, avalanche gear tool pouch, extra avalanche protection, and google pouch (preferably fleece-lined).

The post Best Ski Backpacks of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.