The simple trick that makes hiking hills a breeze
Hiking up Highlands Bowl. Image from Aspen Times.
Plus how everyone can you use this tip to score a free season pass to Aspen!
Bootpacking up a mountain is bloody hard work. Add a daypack or an overnight pack and it’s killer. Of course you can buy a set-up with skins and pin bindings so you’re on skis and it’s easier, but sometimes you just want to hike up because that face looks amazing and you need to get first tracks RIGHT NOW.
I was reading an article recently from We Are Explorers or Outdoor Magazine that gave an excellent tip for hiking up stairs - unfortunately I can’t remember who wrote it, and can no longer find it. But lucky for you I remember what it said and it applies perfectly to bootpacking up a mountain too. And I’ve tried it and it works a treat.
Here it is
When hiking up a steep slope, stop for a fraction of a second between each step to let your muscles recover. That’s it. Super simple but super effective. You can send you thanks here.
In a bit more detail
Place the top leg and foot on the step above (let’s say it’s the left one), keeping your weight on the standing, downhill leg. Freeze for a fraction of a second, letting the top leg muscles rest and have blood flow through them, allowing for better oxygenation and reduced build up of lactic acid. Then lean your body forward and step onto the uphill leg (left) swinging the right leg swiftly up into place for the next step. Keeping the weight on the right leg freeze for a fraction of a second and let the uphill (now the right leg) have blood flow properly through the relaxed muscles. Repeat and repeat until you’re at the top. Is it slower? Perhaps, but you made it to the top didn’t you? You didn’t fall in a heap with cramps and exhaustion. Plus it makes you more mindful and gives you time to take in your surroundings, if you’re into that sort of thing.
The other way you could do it is pre-season fitness training and lunges like you’ve never done before. But that needed planning and should have started months ago. You’re on the mountain now, give this a go.
The other trick is a well packed backpack with your skis trapped on securely so your hands are free to use your poles for balance. And of course, if you don’t have well fitted ski boots then your leg muscles won’t be screaming any where as much as your feet.
Free season pass to Aspen, anyone?
Did you know anyone can get a free premier season pass to Aspen, giving you unlimited access to all four of their world-class ski areas? And after an early season opening and 41 inches of snow they’ve scored this week, I know where I’m booking my flight to this year.
All you have to do is help bootpack Highlands Bowl (now that you’ve got the skillz and know how to do it well) - I never said it was easy to get a free pass. It’s an incredible ski run and famous for it’s steep and deep turns. But how do they make sure it’s safe for skiers and doesn’t avalanche? They get volunteers to help ski patrol to bootpack it each year at the beginning of the season. Depending on the number of days you volunteer on it, you can get a premier season pass, 2-day per week pass and more. Sign up for the bootpacking program on Highlands Bowl and let us know how you go. All you need is free accommodation and you’re living the skiers dream.