Our levels of experience in ski touring were different. A.Sang has toured more than I and has her Level 1 Avalanche Safety course from 2001. I have a recreational course under my belt and had only a dozen or more days of touring experience, but basically our backcountry forays had been random and far between; this was our first winter to shred daily. Our determination was fierce. While stuffin’ down a full time night shift at an electronics factory to maintain our uppity lifestyle in the trailer park, we stepped up to the plate and led the charge on our own.

Our attitudes were those of an eager student who knew just how rookie she was. We kept on top of the weather and the avalanche bulletins and asked lots of questions to our local Whitewater patrol to keep up to date on skiing conditions. Being new in town and jonesin’ to find the goods, we chatted up every group of tourers we ran into, learning names of lines we’d already skied and access routes to new ones.

Anna and I were perfectly in tune with each other’s ski style and level of ability since we live together, worked together and skied together every day.

Although all this girl time left hardly any chance for schmoozin’ with the local hotties, it was worth every second. We had our morning ski routine dialed and became the most efficient sleepless zombies in the Kootenays. Little did we know, nobody works in the Kootenays and our dedicated work schedule seemed pretty outlandish to the ski scrub population of fire fighters and tree planters. They were happy to put up with our delirious laugh attacks from sleep deprivation knowing that we’d still be there to slay new lines day after day.

Shreddin’ with new groups of people was a great way to learn tricks of the trade and we felt confident enough to split from the pack if we felt unsafe. I was finally able to start seeing lines and pick them myself rather than follow like a sheep, which had been my position in previous years. My world of skiing was no longer diggin’ and scratchin’ to keep up, but enjoying the entire experience and getting more confident on my sticks.

Our winter was devoted to learning and gaining experience. Often this left us standing on the safest ridge feeling terribly left out as we watched others shred the gnar...but I believe our patience paid off. No major injuries last winter and the spring brought us plenty of lines that we’d been drooling over all winter. Our commitment to skiing dragged our sorry-half-asleep-asses out of bed every morning and kept us fit. I was obviously able to be way more aware of surrounding conditions when the climb up became quicker, and less of a kick in the ass. Consecutive days in the backcountry is the best way to improve, and the more I toured, the longer I wanted winter to last. So many lines, so little time.

It’s a brave step to venture into the backcountry, and as girls we’re usually outnumbered.It is often intimidating, but it shouldn’t be discouraging. We’re all out there for the same thing.... to ski pow! So ladies, starting small and learning from more experienced skiers is only going to help you; You’ll learn lots more by asking questions and getting involved in decisions. Be aware of your situation and make your own judgements. If you’re really at the breaking point of busting into the touring scene, then make it happen. Get out there lots! Find a reliable partner in crime; I really appreciated having a solid pal to ski with all winter who was on the same wavelength as me 99% of the time. I can’t wait for Team Girl to rip it up again next year. Same time, same place, see you on the slopes.

Lisa Kelly

Check out Lisa's Other Articles:
5th Annual Summit 2 Summit Race - April 4th
Kootenay Pass Playground Editors Choice! Sick Video and Photos
Freeheelers Cup at Whitewater
Your Visit, Nelson's Pleasure