avalanche_advice_for_backcountry_beginners_header

Avalanche Advice for Backcountry Beginners

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting a lot of things, including ski season.  Back in May 2020, Powder Magazine wrote an article predicting an impending wave of new backcountry users as a result of increased restrictions at ski resorts. While recreation is more important than ever for mental and emotional well-being, there exists the concern that those new to venturing beyond …

backcountry_ski_training

Backcountry Ski Training: Part 2

Fitness is leased, not owned, and the rent must be paid every day. In Part 1, Backcountry Ski Fitness, I wrote about the importance of intensity in your training plan. I forgot to mention, unless you have already built the proper aerobic base by doing high volume at lower intensities, you are unlikely to benefit from high-intensity training. Even once …

rec_vs_pro_avalanche_education_pits

Rec vs Pro Avalanche Education in the US

As some of us are getting early season turns, I bet we’re all amped for a full-on winter! We now move into our fourth winter season with avalanche education in the United States split into 2 tracks: recreational and professional. Here are my thoughts on this change and the current course structure.  Make a Plan Like having a plan to …

backcountry_ski_fitness_markcleblanc

Backcountry Ski Fitness: Part 1

It takes relentless self-discipline to schedule suffering into your day. But if you do, you’ll find that at the other end of that suffering is a whole other life waiting for you. -David Goggins Backcountry ski fitness takes time. There is nothing that any of us can do to create more time. However, we can manage our time differently or …

risk_tolerance_in_the_mountains_matier_pilars.jpeg

Risk Tolerance in the Mountains

Risk: possibility of loss or injury. Tolerance: the act of allowing something. From: Merriam Webster Dictionary As I was descending from the summit of Mount Matier to the saddle of the NW Face for our ski descent, I was awestruck by the beauty of the glowing, rimed snow pillars on the ridge. Distracted for a brief second during the exposed …