From Anchorage, we flew out to Prince William Sound, set up camp, and dashed out for some runs on mellow, south-facing slopes. From our first summit, I looked north, down into a steep chute filled with shallow, soft powder. To me, the snow had that old, ultra-stable look. We skied it. It was amazing. But I bombed it. These are my mistakes and how I can improve:

Mistake #1: I didn’t apply terrain progression.

I always preach “Apply terrain progression!" Start small and get on bigger terrain, if conditions allow. We did plan to start small with some corn runs, but I got lured into the chute. It was like placing a fillet of Copper River Red in front of our really bad cat and saying, “Don’t touch!” I couldn’t resist. Applying terrain progression takes diligence and self-control. Next time, I’m going to discuss terrain progression with my partners before putting on skis, so they can help keep me in check. Then I’ll keep the self-control gun stuck to my head.

Mistakes # 2 & 3: I didn't dig a pit and I didn't listen to my partner.

As we assessed the entrance to the chute, one person in our group said, "I think we should dig a pit." Seemed like a good idea. We had little information on this wild snowpack. Might as well get our hands in the snow and gather some data. Especially if I’m going to ignore terrain progression! But two of us in the group felt that the snow was stable. In my frenzy to ski, I brushed off my partner’s request to dig the pit. Big mistake. More data equals less uncertainty. Next time, I'll try and take 10 minutes to dig a pit. And I’ll try and listen to my partner’s suggestions.

Mistake #4: I didn’t consider the weakest link.

Not everyone had 100% confidence in their ability to make turns in this chute. It was steep enough that a slip from the top could send you sliding to the base. With two 100-foot sections of rope, we belayed the initial ski cutter down the steepest section, and the second skier. The problem is, if I’m getting the rope out on the first run, I’m making a big mistake. Next time I’ll warm up with terrain progression. And I’ll do a better job at tuning into my partner’s concerns about steep terrain.

Camp Gully. Self-Critique rating: 60%