Fuel and Hydration

Bonking sucks! Human-powered skiing is a low-intensity, long-duration activity. A typical day is six-hours or more. But we're rarely racing around. Staying fueled and hydrated is critical to success, especially on consecutive days. I plan on eating around 200-calories per hour of touring. I guess I could eat six pre-packaged energy bars during the day, but then my gut would hurt and I would eventually hate skiing because I would associate it with crappy food. Instead, I make most of the food I eat during the day. Not only is it better fuel, it is better nourishment. I look forward to stopping for a bit to eat!

For hydration, I use Skratch Labs Exercise Drink Mix. I drink anywhere from eight to twelve ounces per hour of touring. In the winter, it's hard to beat Apples and Cinnamon, which kicks ass hot.

I consider staying properly fueled and hydrated critical. It not only allows us to ski more, it promotes better decision-making, particularly at the end of the day, when things tend to go south too quickly. I can deal with a hole in my jacket or missing the wax on my skis; but when I am bonking, it's time to go home.

Here are some of my favorite foods while touring. If you're intrigued, you can pick up a Feed Zone Cookbook and start making your own portables.

Mornings are busy.  I start with some muesli I can make the night before and a cup of coffee while I look at the avalanche bulletin and weather forecasts.  By the time I hit the skin track, I am ready for something more substantial.  … — Mornings are busy. I start with some muesli I can make the night before and a cup of coffee while I look at the avalanche bulletin and weather forecasts. By the time I hit the skin track, I am ready for something more substantial. I usually have a breakfast burrito. They are easy to make ahead of time, still warm during the early part of the tour and provide long-lasting energy.

Baked eggs are simple to make and feel like breakfast, which is always comforting.  I line the muffin tin with eggs, put in a little meat and/or cheese and tend to add some spice.  Eggs to go! — Baked eggs are simple to make and feel like breakfast, which is always comforting. I line the muffin tin with eggs, put in a little meat and/or cheese and tend to add some spice. Eggs to go!

French toast bites.  I have sweet tooth.  This always hit the spot because I pre-load them with maple syrup.  I make 'em in a small muffin tin so they are one-bite sized.  I'll bring a bag of them out and share them.  Then I… — French toast bites. I have sweet tooth. This always hit the spot because I pre-load them with maple syrup. I make 'em in a small muffin tin so they are one-bite sized. I'll bring a bag of them out and share them. Then I make someone else break trail.

Rice bars.  So many variations.  You can make them savory or sweet.  So much better than a pre-packaged bar! — Rice bars. So many variations. You can make them savory or sweet. So much better than a pre-packaged bar!

Skratch Labs Cookie Mix.  This was put together by their chef, Lentine.  Every time I make these I secretly profess my love to her.  Simple to make and not full of a bunch of bullshit.  Perfection. — Skratch Labs Cookie Mix. This was put together by their chef, Lentine. Every time I make these I secretly profess my love to her. Simple to make and not full of a bunch of bullshit. Perfection.

Who doesn't love peanut butter and jelly?  But it gets everywhere, right?  Making a "quick crust" with two-pieces of bread and it becomes an enclosed pastry.  Magic! — Who doesn't love peanut butter and jelly? But it gets everywhere, right? Making a "quick crust" with two-pieces of bread and it becomes an enclosed pastry. Magic!