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In recognition of the dirtbag element that has driven the backcountry scene for so long, we always make back issues available online in pdf format for free.  Well, we just posted this season's mags as PDF's. That's right, all four issues from the 2007-08 season are yours for the reading in digi form. Enjoy and Subscribe to get the real mag at home next season! Don't forget to check out our fine 100% organic cotton ball caps too!

    The following information on a proposal for Mt Hood Meadows Ski Resort to expand their avalanche control operations came accross my desk this week. The text comes directly from the Snowrider Website. There are some obvious questions regarding the proposal listed in the information release. The subject is bound to  stir up some controversy from both sides of the table. This will be a good one to stay posted on if you are a Mt Hood user.     On Friday,...

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     HANS SAARI MEMORIAL FUND AWARDS 2008 GRANTS     For those who are into exploring the lesser known ranges of the world the Hans Saari Memorial Fund Grants are helping to fund some good exploration. Joe Stock and Andrew Wexler received a grant to help their continued exploration of Alaska's Tordrillo Range (you can read about last year's experience in the March Issue of Off-Piste). Read about the rest of the grant recipients below.   Bozeman, Montana….The...

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  We have been ski testing the past week and have more on deck this week. It is quite a process to get all the skis mounted and tuned up, not to mention getting them on snow. The weather has been great for testing. We have had new snow and cold temps for several days. Now it looks like we may get a dose of classic spring crud to add into the mix. The wet snow is actually quite good for testing as it pushes a ski to its limits pretty well.   We have ski s from K2, Karhu, G3, Atomic,...

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The 2nd Annual Kootenay Coldsmoke Festival at  Whitewater Ski Resort in BC was a success.  Although the snow gods did not provide a fresh offering, there was still cold snow to be had. In the words of Mitchell Scott (the event's MC for the weekend), folks in Nelson do not pray for snow, they party for snow! And party they did at Coldsmoke. For a window into the event check out this short video from Murray Adventures

There are a couple of good Telemark events this weekend in the Northwest Mt. Hood Meadows                                                      Stevens Pass                         ...

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Insight into the oh so complex charlift mind

  I have been testing the SPOT messenger device for a few weeks now. SPOT is a hand-held unit that uses GPS satelites and commercial communication satelites to transmit a call for help or to send a message that everything is ok. In addition to your message, it includes your gps coordinates.   The device retails for  $169 and requires a fee based service plan to run the messages. The unit must be programmed at home on the computer. You set up three recipients for your ...

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G3 has a survey that enters you for a chance to win skis

http://genuineguidegear.com/takethesurvey-d.html

We just got a note from Scarpa about an upgrade they are offering for folks who purchased this year's Terminator X. Here is the note from Scarpa -   Hey Dave –   Wanted to shoot you a little beta on a free upgrade that SCARPA is offering to customers who bought this year’s Terminator X. As you may or may not know, we are going to triple-injection molding in this boot next year that will allow the bellows to have a softer flex while still retaining the tornsional and...

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I just returned froma little skiing up in the North Cascades and i am happy to report that winter is still in full swing in the mountains. It may feel like spring here in th valley but upper elevations are still producing good winter skiing.   We toured a couple days with Larry Goldie of North Cascades Mountain Guides and even spent a little time with the boys at North Cascades Heli. Wind was the weather feature of the weekend but skiing remained excellent. The North Cascades have...

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