Backcountry Skiing - 6 images

[Tim A]

I am enrolled in a wilderness and leadership training program. This past winter I had the opportunity to learn how to backcountry ski - both touring and telemarking. After three days of training on a bunny-hill up a logging road, and trip to a local ski hill, I pretty much had the basics down. A week later we took a three day trip into the backcountry near Plains, Montana. The mountains peak at around 7000'-8000' and the slopes are gentle with little worry of avalanche - the perfect first trip for a beginner. Well let me tell you the trip was amazing. I hope to continue learning and venturing out into the backcountry in the years to come. I have just spent two or so hours processing some of the better photos, I hope you enjoy looking as much as I enjoyed taking.

All critiques welcome, I'd love to hear thoughts on the technical stuff, as well as general comments.

All the pictures have been cropped to the 35mm 3:2 aspect ratio instead of the digital 4:3 ratio. Just trying something new and I like it very much.


The first day we toured four or so hours away from a logging road, along a ridge line to our campsite.
http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/2242Tour_Through_the_Storm.jpg

By the next morning the weather had moved on and the sun was shining. Prospects for a fantastic day were good. I wasn't to thrilled by the original of this picture. It's amazing what Photoshop can do...now I really like this one.
http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/2242Awe_and_Anticipation.jpg

This is me. I made it all the way to the bottom of this run w/o falling! The next one wasn't so successful, but just as fun.
http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/2242Me_.jpg

A classmate from Washington on a slope just minutes from our camp near the end of the day.
http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/2242Skiing_Eli.jpg

Our instructor, who had gone through the program about four years ago. I think this is the best shot of the trip.
http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/2242Late_Run.jpg

I've already posted this in the critique forum but I'll repost here. This was taken on the morning of the last day as we skied back to the logging road and our ride down the mountain.
http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/2242Touring_Tracks_Sunrise.jpg

Thanks and enjoy,

Tim

[PhotosGuy]

Good shots. (I'd rather buy a lift ticket!) ;-)

[Tim A]

Thanks, Frank. I thought the same. When skiing the backcountry (unless you get choppered in) you need to expect to ski down alot less then you tour across (and up) country. But that' spart of the experience. At the top of the mountain we skied down there were old, knarled, dead trees all over...it was really cool - other worldly even.

Tim