Solitude Back Tracks Review? - Snowboarding Forum

03-16-2009, 09:19 PM

I'm going to Utah in 2 weeks (I know I might be a little late) and I was wondering if anyone had any reviews on the Back Tracks backcountry tour at Solitude. I was looking for some cheap backcountry options and this sounded like a good choice.

Also, do you guys think it's necessary to rent a splitboard or snowshoes or should I just man up and strap my snowboard to my backpack? Thanks.

**killclimbz** · 03-17-2009, 09:05 AM

You will need snowshoes or a splitboard. You are definitely not going to boot pack it all over the backcountry. Well you could, but your group will be back and drinking beers for hours while they wait for you to catch up.

If you rent snowshoes, you'll have to carry your board on your back. If you rent a splitboard, you won't have to do that, but you will be on skis. Expect some low angle short down hill sections. Overall a splitboard takes less energy and is easier to get around on than snowshoes. There are also drawbacks, such as assembly time, taking care of your climbing skins, and such. It's still way better than carrying a board on your back and stomping around with slowshoes on.

SB4L · 03-17-2009, 10:03 AM

I used snowshoes for the first time this season, wow what a difference even they make. Only situation you don't really need them is slackcountry around resorts where there is typically a bootback. I really want to try a splitboard next season since they seem to be the most efficient way to get the most runs in.

03-16-2009, 09:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
victorvaughn Guest Posts: n/a	Solitude Back Tracks Review? I'm going to Utah in 2 weeks (I know I might be a little late) and I was wondering if anyone had any reviews on the Back Tracks backcountry tour at Solitude. I was looking for some cheap backcountry options and this sounded like a good choice. Also, do you guys think it's necessary to rent a splitboard or snowshoes or should I just man up and strap my snowboard to my backpack? Thanks. Last edited by victorvaughn; 03-16-2009 at 09:22 PM.

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03-17-2009, 09:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
killclimbz Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Front Range Posts: 9,178	You will need snowshoes or a splitboard. You are definitely not going to boot pack it all over the backcountry. Well you could, but your group will be back and drinking beers for hours while they wait for you to catch up. If you rent snowshoes, you'll have to carry your board on your back. If you rent a splitboard, you won't have to do that, but you will be on skis. Expect some low angle short down hill sections. Overall a splitboard takes less energy and is easier to get around on than snowshoes. There are also drawbacks, such as assembly time, taking care of your climbing skins, and such. It's still way better than carrying a board on your back and stomping around with slowshoes on.

03-17-2009, 10:03 AM	#3 (permalink)
SB4L Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Onterrible, Canada Posts: 329	I used snowshoes for the first time this season, wow what a difference even they make. Only situation you don't really need them is slackcountry around resorts where there is typically a bootback. I really want to try a splitboard next season since they seem to be the most efficient way to get the most runs in.