To contribute to research we share data collected in Skida with CARE, Centre of Avalanche Research and Education, at the University of Tromsø. CARE are running several projects relying on data from backcountry skiers. To make the most out of these data we want to gather some “attributes” on each user. For research purposes we gather your skills related to skitouring, Avalanche skills and skiing skills.
Levels of skiing skills
Backcountry skiing requires other skiing skills than riding on groomed slopes. The different levels below describe skills to travel both up and down a mountain in the backcountry.
1. Beginner
Working on developing balance, position and speed control with backcountry-equipment on GENTLE terrain (open fields and sparse trees with slope up to 25°)
2. Limited skills
Can negotiate GENTLE terrain without problems both uphill and downhill in almost ALL snow conditions. Can handle STEEP terrain (slope up to 35°) if the terrain is OPEN and snow conditions are GOOD.
3. Basic skills
In addition to level 2: Can negotiate STEEP terrain both uphill and downhill without problems in almost ALL snow conditions, if the terrain is OPEN. Can handle chutes and trees in STEEP terrain if snow conditions are GOOD.
4. Medium to advanced skills
In addition to level 3: Can negotiate almost all kind of STEEP terrain both uphill and downhill without problems in almost ALL snow conditions. Can handle short sections of VERY STEEP terrain (slope up to 45°) without problems if snow conditions are GOOD are good and the terrain is OPEN. Can handle traversing and side slipping down many types of terrain.
5. Advanced skills
In addition to level 4: Can negotiate almost ALL type of VERY STEEP terrain both uphill and downhill without problems in almost ALL snow conditions. Can handle short sections of EXTREME terrain (e.g., narrow chutes, with slope up to 50°) if snow conditions are GOOD. Good with ice axes and crampons.
6. Expert/ professional skills
In addition to level 5: Can negotiate LONG sections of EXTREME terrain in ALL snow conditions. Has alpine climbing skills (knows how to build and use snow anchors and protection equipment to climb up and rappel down).
