JANE APPLESEED

The north face of Slalok mountain in the Joffre group. There's a beautiful couloir I've been staring at from the upper lake for two years. It's committing, and would push my comfort zone. That's exactly why I want it.

Yes. Second year touring, we triggered a small wind slab on a convexity I should have recognized. Nobody was caught but it ran further than expected. I was relying on my partner's assessment instead of my own. Now I always do my own evaluation — even if I'm with someone more experienced. Two sets of eyes, two independent decisions.

Three weeks ago on a Joffre approach. Visibility dropped, wind was loading the feature we wanted to ski, and the uptrack felt hollow underfoot. We bailed at treeline and skied low-angle trees instead. Best decision of the day.

Someone who communicates constantly, carries a full kit without being asked, and genuinely doesn't mind turning around. Fitness matters less than decision-making. I'd rather tour with a cautious intermediate than a reckless expert.

Always. Anyone in the group can kill the objective at any time, no questions asked. If you feel like you need to justify a veto, you're touring with the wrong people.

Long-term access to big mountains with people I trust. I'm not chasing footage or first descents — I want to be doing this at 60. That means skiing conservatively now so I'm still around to ski later.

Every fall before the season starts and at least once mid-season. Full scenario — burial, search, probe, dig. I also do a quick beacon check drill at the trailhead before every tour. If my partners haven't practised recently, we run through it together.