Check out our feature stories about backcountry ski gear, skiing and culture.
The classic backcountry ski checklist – shovel, probe, beacon, brain – has also come to include the avalanche forecast, and most of us make the effort to check the forecast before we head into the mountains. But an important question that’s often overlooked is; “Are really absorbing the most important information contained in the forecast?” Sure, the avalanche hazard rating… Read More
Ski Waxing for the Backcountry Backcountry skiing is a far cry from ski racing, but freshly waxed skis are still important to keep you sliding and slashing through the pow. And the good news is that ski waxing for the backcountry is not rocket science. In fact, it’s downright simple. You only need a few basic tools and supplies to… Read More
Dysfunctional climbing skins are frustrating at best and will put an early end to a day of backcountry skiing at worst. Fortunately, most climbing skin problems can be overcome in the field or, better yet, avoided through proper care and use. The following climbing skin tips and tricks will help keep your skins doing what they do best – sliding… Read More
Roller Ski Bags – The Only Way to Travel A minimalist at heart, I traveled for many years with the most basic of ski bags: a single-zip padded bag with a shoulder strap. I’ve looked on with envy at those traveling with roller ski bags as they effortlessly negotiate the airport and car rental counters but have never bought in… Read More
Vacuum Insulated Beer Growlers The evolving world of water bottles is heavily weighted toward vacuum-insulated metal bottles these days. The new breed of stainless water bottles is durable and free of chemicals. They keep cold liquids colder and hot liquids hotter than any of the basic single-wall designs we’ve all been using for years. The price is weight and dollars…. Read More
Portable Chargers for the Backcountry Electronics in the backcountry are the norm. Apps like Gaia (GPS), Strava, Avenza and RidewithGPS turn our phones into worthy gps and navigation tools for adventure in any season. However, keeping electronics fully charged and ready to go on a multi-day backcountry trip requires back-up power options. There are many portable chargers and storage batteries on… Read More
Roof Box Modification Rooftop cargo boxes are a great way to haul skis and keep your gear out of your vehicle. I have a Yakima Rocketbox, and I use it all winter long. I’ve noticed that my ski edges often rust when I leave my skis in the box for multiple days. Basically, snowmelt from the skis pools in the… Read More
Book Review:Training for the Uphill Athlete:A Manual for Mountain Runners and Ski MountaineersSteve House, Scott Johnston, Killian Jornet$30 from Amazon Whether you are planning a week-long ski tour, a backcountry hut trip or looking to broaden your trail running horizons, your experience depends on your fitness. Whether you are looking to be competitive or simply enjoy the rewards of an… Read More
Ski Mountaineering – Ski Crampons and Boot Crampons Guide Climbing skins can only get you so far when it comes to summit attempts, climbing couloirs and spring ski mountaineering objectives. From firm boot packs to firm skin tracks, lightweight boot crampons and ski crampons are the ticket to efficient ski mountaineering travel. Ski Crampons Ski crampons are an underrated tool… Read More
Rain-X For Ski Top Sheets Snow build-up on your top sheets is part of backcountry skiing, and spring is the worst season for sticking snow. Warmer temperatures mean heavier snow, meaning you’re dragging more weight up the hill than necessary. K2 tried to address top sheet snow buildup with a p-tex top sheet material on their backside ski line a… Read More
I like to start a day of touring with an innocent-sounding question; “Anyone know what the hazard is rated today?” This question is a very effective way to begin a conversation with your touring partners about the current avalanche conditions. I like to follow it up with something like, “Considerable, eh? What’s our main concern?” Now, with a discussion about… Read More
You know the drill. You know the feeling. There’s no real rush for winter to arrive, because we know it will arrive in time. But would the anticipation process be the same without some encouragement from the slow release of ski film trailers to help fuel the fire . . . Here’s the latest from the crew at DPS skis… Read More
Rogers Pass – Uptracks, Bootpacks and Bushwhacks As winter approaches, so does the trip planning. There is perhaps no other destination that offers better roadside access or more consistent snow conditions than Rogers Pass, British Columbia. The Rogers Pass backcountry is one of the largest and most accessible backcountry ski playgrounds on the planet. It lies between Revelstoke and Golden,… Read More
Adventure Map – Rogers Pass Given GPS enabled phones and Google Earth, one might ask who needs a traditional folding map? Modern technology can be awesome, but paper maps are multi-purpose planning, navigation and entertainment tools. A good map of the area should be considered required equipment when visiting a new place. The Rogers Pass Adventure Map (winter version) offers a… Read More
Hans Gmoser was a pioneering mountaineer and skier who pushed the limits of skiing and climbing in the Canadian Rockies and beyond. He also happens to have started the world’s first heli-skiing operation in the 1960’s. Bugaboo Dreams A Story of Skiers, Helicopters & Mountains by Topher Donahue captures Gmoser’s spirit of adventure and passion for skiing that gave way… Read More
