Rookie vs. Veteran

I recently had the pleasure of participating in my first ever winter hut trip.  A fairly experienced (in-bounds) telemark skier, I jumped at the invitation of a friend to join a group of experienced backcountry skiers on a backcountry hut trip to the 10th Mountain Hut, part of the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association, near Leadville, CO.  Part of the appeal of this trip for me was to escape the comfort and familiarity of resort skiing, but it was mostly about getting outside, pushing myself physically and learning how to travel safely off-piste.

It felt good to be humbled by my lack of experience ... I had never skied with a pack, never used skins, and knew little beyond the basics regarding avalanche safety.  My counterparts were patient and willing teachers - instructing me on when to use which wax, how to put on my skins, and other important techniques.  However, when it came to the subject of Leave No Trace, I was shocked to learn that my cohorts and I didn't share the same philosophies.  

I had (optimistically) assumed that all experienced backcountry users shared the same ethics when it came to leaving our natural areas in the same shape (or better!) as we found them. 

After a brief break during our ski in to the hut on the first day, I wondered allowed where to put my apple core - in the outside mesh pocket of my pack or back in my food bag.  I was shocked to hear my fellow skier, one of the very "veterans" who had already taught me so much in preceding hours (I'll call him "Joe"), say, "just chuck it in the snow.  The animals will appreciate it."  

I took several issues with this statement, knowing well that introducing my food waste into the diets of wild animals is never a good idea.  However, the hardest part of this verbal exchange was my changing perception of this talented and experienced backcountry skier whom I admire and respect.  It's always been challenging for me to stand up to the contrasting opinions of my elders (I blame my Southern upbringing), but in this case, I didn't hesitate to stand my ground and tell Joe that I didn't think it was at all a good idea and proceeded to put my apple core into the side pocket of my pack.

I refrained from preaching, ranting or rattling off the hazards of introducing human food waste into the diets of animals.  Instead, I chose to lead by example, which I personally feel is the best way to impact the behavior of others.  I have found that the best way to share Leave No Trace outdoor ethics with others is to educate, not regulate.  

What do you think?