Safety First: 3 Backcountry Lessons From Guidebook Author Fritz Sperry

With 10-15 inches expected in Colorado from Saturday to Tuesday, Fritz Sperry is out to make your day.  Author and publisher, his Giterdun Guides school skiers and riders on where to skin and drop in, starting in Colorado.  Active Junky asked Fritz what three lessons he’s learned in the process.

Lesson #1: “The Mountains Aren't Going Anywhere”

Image via Fritz Sperry

“I think the greatest thing I learned was that the mountains will still be there. If I put my goal for the day or the book itself ahead of what I'm seeing develop on any attempt, then I risk not being able to ski, be a father or even live. Developing an understanding and the tools to decide if the goal for the day is safe to pursue and having the humility to turn around short of that goal are really important. Most likely if you come back another day, the conditions will be better and you will have more fun.”

Lesson #2: “Have The Guts To Listen”

Image via Gary Fondl

 “Always listen to your gut if it's telling you to back off. One example of this was up on Fletcher Mountain. I climbed it a different way than ascending the line. I wasn't late at all and the freeze was okay. Still, when I got to the steep section of the line, something just held me back from dropping in. After about 3 minutes of dallying and second guessing myself, the entire cornice dropped through the choke of the couloir. That would have been it for me. I feel the subconscious perceives more than the conscious mind. There must have been something that put me on guard. Listen to those alarm bells and try to develop an understanding of them.”

Lesson #3: “The Skies Don't Lie”

Image via Joe Brannan

“Lightning and weather in general must be given the utmost respect. Every year, lightning kills in the high country. Rapid weather changes can be just as deadly. Being attuned to the environment when you venture into the hills is integral to the mountain experience. After an unplanned night in a snow cave on Blanca Peak in -20 degree temps, I always carry an emergency bivy sack. Likewise, I have a plan for dealing with lighting. Start early and have a general turnaround time. I try not to make hard and fast rules because the mountains are a dynamic place. The conditions might not develop at all; going in thinking they will and monitoring their potential development can help you make it home safe and sound.”

Let Fritz and his team steer your right with their three current guides that cover Colorado’s Front Range (south of I-70), Rocky Mountain National Park and the Tenmile-Mosquito Range.  Visit MakingTurns.com to learn more.

Make sure you head out into the backcountry with knowledgeable partners and the gear to match: Exclusive Savings at Backcountry.com here.