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I grew up cross-country skiing. This was my rite of passage. If I wanted to learn how to downhill ski, first I needed to learn how to do a snowplow without edges. As a result, I’ve always had a knack for the type of skiing that makes you sweat. Turns out I also love Type II fun.
As a result, when I’m backcountry skiing, I tend to like the up. Heck, I prefer it. For starters, if I just wanted to ski downhill, I’d go to a resort, simple as that. If I’m putting forth the effort to pack a bag, plan a route, and every other meticulous element that goes into backcountry skiing, I want it to be worth it. I’m trying to work hard on the ascent and eat a ton of peanut M&M’s (for fuel, of course) along the way. By the time we reach the top, I need my legs to be jelly.
This, to me, is why I backcountry ski. I do enjoy the downhill, just not as much. The snow is often okay, but seldom is it great. I’m also almost always cold. Even with the world’s best moisture-wicking clothing, I find it extremely difficult to maintain a proper body temperature, which is not exactly comfortable.
Also, the down is pretty antisocial. Lots of the time, I’m going outside to spend time with friends. You can’t chat with your team on the way down like you do on the way up. Backcountry skiing is inherently social, and skiing with a group is part of the reason I love it so much. The slow incline allows us to be our most honest (and often, funniest) selves. It’s also when we can be as motivational and encouraging when we see our friends start to wane. On the contrary, when skiing down the conversation quiets. How’s everyone feeling back there is replaced with general directions; keep right here, or it’s a little light this way, avoid the rocks.
For me, I’m choosing to backcountry ski for the workout, the camaraderie, and to slow down in nature. All three are best experienced on the way up, and while the ride down is undeniably fun, the ascent reigns supreme.
Maybe I’m just a curmudgeon who hates fun, maybe I’m not skiing the right stuff, or maybe I’m just not skilled enough to appreciate technical lines. Perhaps, everyone else is just eating M&M’s on the descent. Whatever the right answer may be, I just know that I’m now and forever Team Uphill.