VIDEOSGEAR
Elizabeth Smart
DOB: October 31, 1981
Hometown/Mountain: Currently Chamonix/l'Aiguille du Midi, However I was born and raised in Aspen
Skis: K2 Gotback
Boots: Lange Comp Pro 120 for Freeride, o Dynafit Titan Ultralight for Ski Mountaineering, Dynafit TLT 5 for light and fast Ski Mountaineering
Poles: Lockjaw
Biggest backcountry accomplishment:
Skiing from the summit of the Eiger. I climbed and skied the West Face with Miles Smart and Joe Vallone last April.
How did you get started backcountry skiing?
I took an avalanche course when I was 16 and was immediately hooked. I started skipping race training to ski in the backcountry around Aspen.
Who is/was your ski hero?
Doug Coombs, because he loved every aspect of skiing and was always having fun.
Best skill/lesson someone taught you about the backcountry?
Be prepared for anything. Things can change really fast when you are skiing off-piste and it is important to be ready.
Most essential equipment?
An avalanche beacon, shovel and probe are essential, but the thing that is most likely to save your life in an avalanche is an airbag pack. In addition knowledge and good decision-making can keep you from ever using the safety equipment
Rocker is _______
Rocker rocks! It isn’t just for big powder days; it works great in variable snow and can make ski touring easier as well.
Highlight from last year's La Nina Season:
3 weeks of powder skiing at Roger’s Pass, BC. Guiding a great powder descent of the North Face of Mont Blanc. And of course, skiing the West Face of the Eiger in April.
What's at the top of your need-to-ski list?
There are tons of long couloirs and steep faces in the Alps that I still want to ski, so it is just a matter of waiting for the right conditions at the right time. That is the best part of skiing; there will always be something I want to ski.
