by look » Thu Jan 29, 2015 5:38 pm
I think boundaries should be open. It is a big part of what makes some ski areas so much fun, like those in Europe and the Northern U.S.A. However their is a safety factor to worry about, which should be the responsibility of the skiers. Unfortunately we have a small amount of experienced backcountry skiers in NM compared to the ski area recreationalists. Consequently if boundaries were open we might have more less experienced skiers out there then those with training or know how. If you look at ski areas like Jackson Hole, Big Sky, or Bridger Bowl they all had closed boundaries until fairly recently. When the boundaries were closed a culture of poachers emerged who were somewhat experienced and willing to take risks. In many regards these guys learned the ropes of the backcountry in proximity to ski areas. When it came time to consider opening the boundaries, the population (skiers, patrollers, forecasters) already had a sense of the backcountry terrain and character due to the poachers experiences. I think in order for the boundaries to be open we need to get more skiers out their to test the outcome of high traffic avalanche terrain in Northern New Mexico. Granted poaching is not the reasonable way to do this but instead ambitious exploration, we should get more skinners out there, get together and practice our rescue techniques, and most importantly share our experiences. Small steps should be made by us skiers in a movement to open the ski area access to the mountains. After all we go to the ski area to feel free, yet rules don't help.