THREE COLORADO ADVENTURE ATHLETES SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS

By Elsa Russell

Home to thousands of jagged peaks, crystal clear lakes and stunning alpine views, it is no surprise that Colorado is also a mecca for adventure athletes of all pursuits. Whether it be specific gear or a favorite craft beer, every outdoor enthusiast has their own backcountry essentials. Connie Sciolino, Jason Antin, and Eric Henderson share theirs.

CONNIE SCIOLINO is the owner and head coach at Alpine Training Center, a strength and conditioning gym in Boulder. She is a certified strength and conditioning coach and holds a masters degree in exercise science. In the backcountry, Sciolino loves to ski, rock climb and run.

What do you thirst for in life?

I love traveling. Outdoor adventures are my excuse to travel. Going to a new place and learning about new cultures, people, food, or a new area is best done while doing. I’m not good at the typical tourist vacation and you will never find me on a cruise. Best way to see the Grand Canyon? Run it rim-to-rim. Best way to see Yosemite National Park? Hike to the top of Half Dome and have a look. Want to know what skiing is like in Canada? Go on a hut trip. I don’t do the biggest, baddest things but I like new adventures and would love to be able to keep doing them as long as possible.

How do you quench that thirst?

Kind of the same as above: travel. I like to run, ski and climb. Traveling anywhere that I can do one of those activities is on the list.

What are your top three must-haves in the backcountry and why?

1. The right crew. The people you do things with are probably the most important part of any adventure. Friendships and memories are forever with your adventure crew.

2. Food. It is key to plan what you are going to eat while adventuring, when you get there, and when you get back. God forbid you get hungry.

3. Comfort. I hate being cold. I will carry as much it takes to ensure I don’t get cold. I typically have the biggest pack, stuffed mostly with clothes.

What is your preferred pour after a day in the backcountry?

There is nothing better than beer after a long day (or even a short day) in the backcountry. My current favorite is Upslope’s Craft Lager. I’ve carried one to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, hiked some in for a backpacking trip, and definitely have them on hand for après ski. They are easy going down in cold or warm weather and always hit the spot.

JASON ANTIN is a mountain guide, coach and a co-founder and co-executive producer of Beat Monday on Outside TV. He enjoys trail running and rock climbing, and some of his backcountry accomplishments include summiting Denali twice in one week and The Nose on El Capitan in one day.

What do you thirst for in life?

I love long days in the mountains with great partners. As a mountain guide and coach, I enjoy sharing and teaching others. However, I also really enjoy taking on challenging outings in the outdoors and moving quickly over varied terrain.

How do you quench that thirst?

Constant rigorous movement over varied natural terrain. Rock climbing, trail running, mountaineering ... or ideally blending them all together into one incredible outing.

What are your top three must-haves in the backcountry and why?

1. A great waterproof shell jacket. In Colorado, the weather can be fierce and unpredictable. A good waterproof jacket can keep you sheltered from the elements and help keep you warm in the alpine any time of year.

2. Garmin InReach. As a member of a local search and rescue group here in Colorado, I’ve seen time and time again the power of a personal locator beacon for emergencies. The InReach is also how I communicate with my wife and family on long outings off the grid.

3. Ski/voile strap. These things do it all! From gear management to first aid uses to holding technical gear to the outside of your pack. I always have at least one ski strap with me regardless of the outing.

What is your preferred pour after a day in the backcountry?

Nothing really beats an ice cold, salty margarita on the rocks after a hard day out. It could be from Ed’s Cantina in Estes Park after a big climb in Rocky Mountain National Park, or a Nalgerita (Nalgene with pre-made marg) served over fresh snow after a day out of spring backcountry skiing.

ERIC HENDERSON is the owner and founder of Meteorite PR. He is also an American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) certified ski guide and a certified telemark guide. As an avid backcountry skier, Henderson has been on expeditions on Everest, in Alaska, the Tetons and China’s Altai Mountains.

What do you thirst for in life?

As I get older, my goals and thirst for adventure have changed. There was a time in my life when steeper, deeper, and scarier was all I wanted. However, today, as a dad and small business owner and after breaking my neck in a ski accident, my thirst is enjoying as much time as possible outside and appreciating every moment I have on the slopes, skin track, or in the hills. Despite my now 30 years in the backcountry, my value for safety, etiquette, and sharing the passion that gravity offers has remained consistent.

How do you quench that thirst?

I quench my thirst for life by working, recreating, and parenting with the goal of living a healthy, diverse life that is inclusive to all. I am delighted with the increase in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) awareness and will continue to embrace all people, no matter color, sexual preference, or abilities in the natural world.

What are your top three must-haves in the backcountry, and why?

My top three must-haves for the backcountry are a reliable partner, the ability to make decisions on the fly, and an understanding of the terrain you are planning to ski. The partners are the most important, as they are your lifeline for rescue, injury or equipment failure. Decision making is an art form. Many people believe experience comes from bad judgment. That can be true, however, in the case of backcountry skiing, any bad judgment can lead to injury or worse. An understanding of the terrain is often the most overlooked must-have for backcountry travel.

As for gear, countless amazing brands offer my must-haves: skins by Pomoca, bindings, boots, and skis by Dynafit, helmets and goggles by Sweet Protection, and apparel by Rab Equipment.

What is your preferred pour after a day in the backcountry?

I love beer. That said, I don’t drink beer and ski. I save it for the bar, parking lot or hut once the skis are parked for the day. All this said, I’ll drink a 22-ounce pint of a fresh 7.8 ABV IPA with a midrange IBU to quench the day. And there is never only one! Second should be a hydrator: Mexican lager or a nice sour beer, finished with a slice of pizza and an IPA. Finish strong, then rinse and repeat for the next day.

Elsa Russell is studying English and Global Studies at Colby College in Maine. She also enjoys writing and spending time in the mountains and in the kitchen.