Next Level Skiing Erik Lambert: Backcountry - More Than Just Avy Skills
Dec 29, 2020
Erik Lambert, co-founder of Bluebird Backcountry, shares insights from his journey in backcountry skiing. He discusses the innovative training programs at Bluebird that bridge the gap between resort skiing and avalanche courses. Erik explains the importance of a structured curriculum and how they cater to a diverse clientele. He emphasizes essential skills for backcountry travel, the need for a sustainable operation, and offers a vital tip: always check avalanche forecasts. His experiences highlight the evolution of backcountry skiing education.
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A Middle Ground Is Needed
- Erik Lambert saw three poor entry paths to backcountry: gear-up at resorts, jumping into avalanche courses, or heading straight into true backcountry.
- He concluded a middle-ground training ground combining resort comforts, guide knowledge, and safer on-snow practice would fill that gap.
Take A Progressive Course Path
- Do progressive backcountry training: start with gear orientation, then movement skills, then prep for avalanche courses.
- Build basic uphill/downhill competence first so avalanche classes teach decision-making, not equipment fiddling.
Standardize Training With Certified Partners
- Use established frameworks like Aerie to standardize instructor quality and curricula.
- Partner with certified programs to formalize how people learn and transition into avalanche education.