It’s no secret that Alaska is famous for its skiing. When you visit, it is mind blowing how big this place is and how many different mountain ranges and diverse climates it offers. For me, living here for 13 years now I am committed to life in the last frontier. A common question I get from guests I guide is …
Meditation and mountaineering are more connected than you may think. When I am climbing mountains on my splitboard, I’ve realized that my attitude and thoughts influence how far and how fast I can go. I also notice how much better I feel after taking the time to meditate before and/or after a day of peak bagging. Exploring the validity of …
After nine years and several hundred combined expedition days, V-Team Ambassadors Aaron Diamond and Ty Guarino wanted to put together a body of information that was tailored to anyone looking to go on their first ski expedition; specifically, Alaska-style basecamp expeditions that maximize fun and minimize discomfort. Most of this information is universal for a ski expedition, but a few …
In the dark early morning hours, I am lost in shifting hues as the sun nears the horizon. Color starts to emerge in the world as the day starts and the mountains around me become visible. The rhythm of my skis sliding uphill provides me a space for meditation. I am pondering my story of climate change and its relationship …
Women in the Mountains feature photo: V-team ambassador Emily Sullivan (left) and Melis Coady (middle right) on an all-female basecamp patrol on Denali. Photo by Emily Sullivan. As International Women’s Day approaches, I’ve been reflecting on the distinctive experience of being a woman who lives for the mountains. I often think about the challenges women face in the outdoor community, …
The Camel’s Hump Challenge has been around for over 30 years. The Challenge Trail takes skiers on a 15-mile loop that circumnavigates Camel’s Hump, third tallest peak (4,083 ft), keeping you at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,900 ft and intersecting Section 20 of the Catamount Trail as it loops around the mountain. The Camel’s Hump Challenge is a benefit …
Before we dive into this Beginner’s Guide to Skimo Racing, let’s revisit my first-ever randonée race. I’ll never forget the experience: I was on a loaner ski setup that weighed 22 pounds. The boots barely walked and the skis were heavy powder skis, complete with frame bindings. It was a lap-style sprint race where participants try to get as many …
Thanks to all those who participated and shared your passionate essays. We received so many impressive entries and are excited to announce the Wandering Trails Media and Voile Women’s Backcountry Scholarship winners. As the first year running this scholarship, we received nearly 90 applications from 56 cities and three different countries. It has been extremely difficult to select only two …
A perfect photo of glowing powder spraying against sunset in pristine mountains can inspire us to buckle up those boots and go exploring for winter nirvana. Yet after an incredible day of ripping fresh lines, ever come home to find your backcountry skiing photography doesn’t capture the epic-ness? If you’re craving the ability to capture that shot to stir the …
The season has been off to an epic start here at the Voile headquarters in Utah! Luckily, we aren’t the only ones getting hit new storm cycles and decently stable snow. We’ve loved seeing your Voile backcountry adventures but are hungry for more, whether they are from this season or past memories.* For all of February, we are spreading the …
