“Do you look sick, or do I look like a Jerry?” It’s the question I ask myself every time I strap into my backcountry setup for a day at the resort. Early season turns blur the line between style and practicality, and I’m unapologetically in the latter camp. The truth is, I only own backcountry ski gear, so I use it at the resort. Why not just head into the backcountry? Let me explain—but first, here’s a breakdown of my setup.
The author skiing at Heavenly with an inversion layer over Lake Tahoe.
My New Backcountry Ski Gear
This season, I invested in the Blizzard Zero G skis with Look bindings and Lange XT3 boots. While this setup isn’t the lightest, it’s incredibly versatile. It handles everything California throws at it, from light powder days to spring corn and even the infamous California concrete. I’ve already logged eight days on these skis at the resorts, and so far, I’m impressed.
The Zero Gs offer a solid balance of weight and performance, and the Lange XT3 boots deliver both power on the downhill and mobility for uphill skinning. It’s the perfect setup for transitioning between resort groomers and backcountry exploration.
And no, I’m not wearing my beacon while lapping groomers—thank you for asking. But if I were exploring the backside at Kirkwood or venturing into out-of-bounds terrain, that might be a fair question.
A selfie while testing out a new jacket in snowy conditions.
Why I Use Backcountry Gear at the Resort
You’re probably wondering why I risk looking like a Jerry skiing a resort in backcountry gear. Here’s why:
1. The Backcountry Isn’t Ready
The season is still young, and the snowpack in California isn’t reliable enough for safe backcountry trips. Conditions are thin, avalanche danger is higher, and frankly, the terrain isn’t worth the risk yet.
2. My Ski Buddies Aren’t Ready
None of my friends are eager to join me in the backcountry this early in the season. And while I could branch out and find new ski partners, I’ve opted to wait until conditions improve. In the meantime, I’ve been making the most of my Epic Pass and running fitness laps at the resort.
3. Fitness for the Backcountry
Backcountry skiing demands serious stamina. Running lap after lap at the resort builds the fitness I’ll need when conditions improve. These early-season turns help me shake off the summer rust and build strength for longer, more grueling days in the backcountry. When the snow finally comes, I’ll be ready to tackle second, even third laps with confidence.
4. Shaking Off the Rust
A day at the resort is the perfect environment to dust off your skills after months away from the snow. The predictable terrain and forgiving conditions let me focus on dialing in my gear and technique. By the time the backcountry season kicks off, I’ll be skiing at my best.
Tips Up while riding the lift back to the car after a day of resort skiing in backcountry gear.
Am I a Jerry?
To the untrained eye, maybe I do look like a Jerry. But let’s be real—there’s no shame in maximizing your gear’s potential while waiting for the backcountry season to fill in. So, this one goes out to everyone like me, riding lifts in their backcountry gear, building strength, and waiting for the snow to fill in. We might look like Jerrys now, but when the powder finally drops, we’ll be the ones cruising past with fresh legs and sharp edges.
For now, I’ll keep running fitness laps, dialing in my Blizzard Zero Gs, and laughing at the question: “Do you look sick, or do I look like a Jerry?” Maybe the answer is both—but I’m okay with that.
