To the Hills & Back is not your typical ski movie. It’s a story of risk and consequence. What is risk? Risk is the likelihood of something bad happening and understanding the consequences. The new Sherpas Cinema film explores the consequences. It’s a story of loss, humility and resilience. No one heads to the mountains thinking about the worst that… Read More
Archive | General
Welcome to the home of the backcountry skiing blog from Off-Piste Magazine. Here we post backcountry ski gear reviews, feature stories and avalanche safety advice, plus ski news, events and more.
Blow-In 2 – The Latest Industry News and Bits from the Interweb
Ski Industry News Blown-In — a semi-regular look at the latest ski industry news bits — is a collection of press releases, new products, and interesting stuff circulating on the interweb that catches our attention. This week’s edition of Blown-In features a new avalanche beacon from Pieps, a new teleark ski boot from Scarpa, how to become a sponsored adventurer and… Read More
Blown-In 1 – The Latest Industry News and Bits from the Interweb
Ski Industry News Updates Blown-In — A semi-regular look at the latest ski industry news bits — is a collection of press releases, new products, and interesting stuff circulating on the interweb that catches our attention. This week’s edition of Blown-In features fresh outerwear news from Norrøna, PHANTOM Glide for Nordic skis, new backcountry gear from HEAD/Tyrolia, a new AT ski… Read More
Is Skiing Art? Check out Abstract
Skiing is not art, and skiers are not artists. Unless, of course, skiing is art and skiers are artists? Abstract, Faction’s fourth feature film, exhibits pure creativity through a series of freeski sequences—from the vibrant streets of Japan to the powdery pillows of British Columbia to the finely manicured terrain parks of Switzerland and Italy. Each location provides a blank… Read More
Backcountry Film Festival – Online Stream
Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival Presented by Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Backcountry Film Festival captures a range of backcountry adventure, culture and advocacy. You can stream the full two-hour show right at home! Check out the film festival trailer below. Just kick down $20 to support the Winter Wildlands mission, and you can watch the full selection of films… Read More
Ski Boot Fitting 101 – 10 Tips for the Best Ski Boot Fit
Measure twice. Buy once. Ski Boot Fitting Tips Whether you’re shopping for ski boots at your local ski shop or buying them online, knowing how to measure and size your foot plus understanding how a boot should feel are the first steps to getting the best boot fit. Buy boots that are too small, and you’re guaranteed cramped, sore feet…. Read More
Mountain Bike Helmet Tech – Smith Engage Helmet Hits the Sweetspot
How much should you spend on a mountain bike helmet? $100, $200 or even $300? No one wants to put a price on their head. But price still plays a role for most of us when shopping for a bike helmet. So, what’s the difference between a $100 mountain bike helmet and a $250 one? Aside from obvious design features… Read More
MADE – Handmade Bike Show in Portland, Oregon
Whether you’re in the market for a new ride or just love the culture that surrounds the craft bike world, you should put MADE — a handmade bike show — on your radar. It’s coming to Portland, Oregon August 25-27, 2023. MADE is a multi-day trade event dedicated to spotlighting custom and boutique frame builders and domestic bike production. Celebrate… Read More
Updated Avalanche Transceiver Interference Guidelines
If you’ve ever taken an avalanche safety course, you’ve probably heard about electronic interference and avalanche transceivers. Electronics like cell phones, heated gloves, smart watches, two-way radios and even snowmobiles can create electromagnetic interference (EMI) that will disrupt an avalanche transceiver search. Basically, some electronics emit EMI that can alter avalanche transceiver behavior. The good news is that you can… Read More
What is a DWR and How to Renew the DWR on your Jacket?
Ever feel like your waterproof jacket looks like it’s getting wet? Well, that’s because it is likely getting wet — on the outside anyway. Here’s why: Your jacket’s DWR (durable water-repellent) finish is worn out. All waterproof, breathable jackets (and pants) include a DWR treatment, even with a waterproof, breathable membrane like GORE-TEX.First, it’s essential to understand that there are… Read More
How to Pack for the Backcountry – Five Tips for Packing Light
Pack Light. Go Far. It’s the rare day that look at a fellow backcountry skier’s pack and think, “Wow, that pack looks light and efficient.” More often than not, I wonder why a pack looks so big or full. Packing light, or packing smart as I like to think of it, is about more than just having the lightest weight… Read More
Made-to-Order Ski Jacket and Pants – MADE Custom Technical Apparel
I’ve worn a lot of different ski jackets over the years—waterproof, breathable shells from the biggest names in outdoor technical apparel—Patagonia, Arc’teryx, Outdoor Research, Norrøna, Dynafit, Black Diamond, Helly Hansen, Stio, etc. For the most part, they’ve all done a great job keeping me dry and protected in stormy weather, but very few have fit the way I wanted them… Read More
Cool Gifts for Skiers
It’s that time again. Here’s our annual guide to cool gifts for skiers on your holiday list. Skier Gifts $100+ Give-r 4-Season Leather Gloves $119 We are big advocates of leather ski gloves, and it’s hard to beat the simplicity, durability and price of Give’r Gloves. They’ve got several glove and mitten options, but if you just want one pair… Read More
Sharing the Stoke – Backcountry Skiing with Kids
Sharing the Stoke – Backcountry Skiing with Kids “I can’t go any further,” my six-year-old son exclaims with the added drama of excruciatingly slow forward shuffles on the skin track. “Let’s regroup and take a break at the larch tree just ahead,” I offer encouragingly as I look over my shoulder to gauge the whereabouts of my wife and daughter… Read More
2022-23 Ski Season Snow Forecast – La Niña vs El Niño
Winter 2022-23 Ski Season Forecast It’s that time of year! Time to start dreaming about winter. And what better way to fuel your backcountry powder skiing dreams than to obsess about long range weather forecasts, La Niña vs. El Niño and the latest temperature trends in the equatorial Pacific that directly influence the big picture weather through the El Niño… Read More