When I started researching techniques for partner skimo racing, a common theme emerged: lots of winning teams use a towing system to attach the partners to each other. I had an inkling that this happened because my Camp Race 260…
The Black Diamond representative was good enough to drive to Seattle for the Northwest Snow and Avalanche Workshop. Among the Black Diamond offerings were their partner-brand offerings from Pieps and Fritschi. This year, Fritschi is debuting their first tech-compatible binding,…
A friend asked: If you could have only one ice axe, what would it be? There are ice tools, ice axes, piolets, hammers, glacier walkers, third tools, and oh my many more. But one axe to do it all? That’s a tough question.…
This is just a quick note before some coming articles. The Trail Factor 50k went down yesterday in the pouring rain and deep mud. More on that to follow as soon as I can walk again. Reflection on training strategy,…
This is Part 5 of the Choose Your Tools series. Also check out Part 4: Universal Gear Truths. Going Light The world’s lightest ski boot, the Pierre Gignoux XP-444. 590g. You don’t need these. Going fast and light is, among…
After our circumnavigation of Mt Hood recently, I’ll be damned if I was going to have to circumnavigate another volcano or ski amazing PNW corn snow without ski crampons. To reiterate what I’ve said before, you don’t always want ski crampons,…
This is Part 4 of the Choose Your Tools series. Also check out Part 3: The Seven Needs of Backcountry Travel. Before delving further into the specifics of gear selection for the backcountry, there are some universal truths that need to be carved into stone.…
This is Part 3 of the ‘Choose Your Tools’ series on Gear Selection for Backcountry Skiing. See also Part 2: Avalanche Hazard and Safety Gear If you were ever a boy scout, or made fun of one, then you’ve probably…
This is Part 2 of the ‘Choose Your Tools’ series on Gear Selection for Backcountry Skiing. For Part 1: Introduction Click Here. Or check out the next in the series: The 7 Needs of Backcountry Travel Backcountry skiing is an…
I am excited to announce this project, which will be ongoing over the course of the next few weeks, published in digestible parts. I hope to produce a resource that’s valuable to you, whether you’re new to ski-touring or a backcountry master.…