Alpina alaska boot stepping into a Rottefella Xplore binding mounted on Voile Endeavor BC skis

Rottefella Xplore: The Bridge Between NNN BC and Alpine Touring

The Rottefella Xplore binding system was developed to bridge a long-standing gap in backcountry skiing equipment. For decades, skiers choosing between traditional Nordic backcountry setups and Alpine Touring gear often had to compromise between efficient touring and confident downhill performance. In this conversation, Voile’s Dave Grissom sits down with Rottefella CEO Torstein Myklebostad to discuss where the Rottefella Xplore binding …

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The Change Collective with Tele Mike

Your Peoples There’s nothing like having your peoples in the back country with you. It’s late March in Summit County, Colorado, and it’s the first time that I have met face-to-face with the Change Collective squad. Shredding with the Change Collective squad is like meeting your past life regression friends in this life who have reincarnated as backcountry ski and …

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Fish Scale Skis: Rediscovering Winter One Glide at a Time

A season of soulful ski touring, winter camping, and finding joy in the quiet corners of snow-covered landscapes A Winter Without Lifts — And With More Meaning For the first time since I was a youngster, I had no lift pass. No resorts, no high-speed lifts, and no powder frenzy dawn patrols. Furthermore, the snow conditions were not ideal for …

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The Science of Slope Angles

The Delicate Science of Slope Angles I have a very privileged position as an avalanche instructor. Not only am I lucky enough to be many people’s first guide into the backcountry, but I am constantly in a mindset that critically looks at decision-making systems and how to present those systems to my students in a way that is engaging and …

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Seasons of the Ski Guide: Adapting to the Changing Backcountry

Working as a Ski Guide throughout a winter season encompasses a seasonal shift that essentially mirrors the snowpack as well as the seasonal life span of a recreational skier. I would break the seasons of the ski guide into four distinct chapters: Hopefully, this post works in two ways. To inspire folks who are looking for more mentorship in backcountry …

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A Geological Ski Tour of Mt. Shasta

The young summit looked like a volcanic rock fortress, a specter surveilling the crater below, covered in rime but otherwise untouched by time. According to the map, it was only 600 ft. or so above where we stood, but it appeared a thousand times taller before us.  Just before midnight, Nathan and I began the drive up the long, curving …

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Legend of the Dusty Foot Philosopher

While living in the land of the Rising Sun for ten years, Dr. Fanon Wilkins, aka The Dusty Foot Philosopher, taught African American history at Doshisha University. He also became one-half of the founding partners of Epic Life Adventures, which curates exotic international ski trips for people of color to unworldly locations all over the planet. And, although the Dusty …

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Tools, Space, and Support – A Model for Mentorship

Outdoor sports have a complicated relationship with mentorship. On one hand, there’s a long history of oral tradition and mentorship in outdoor pursuits… Whether learning to hunt from a community elder or following a more experienced friend around a skin track. On the other hand, access to a mentor often requires the mentee to be part of the “in” crowd, …

State of Avalanche Education

The State of Avalanche Education

The AIARE Avalanche Education Curriculum Like many other readers of the Voile Blog, the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), has played an integral role in my development as a backcountry skier. Chances are you and your touring partners have taken a recreational Level 1 Avalanche Education Course (or beyond) through AIARE or an equivalent organization. Founded in …

Family That Skis Together

The Family That Skis Together

The Tele Mike V-Team Vlog This VLOG is dedicated to the families that ski together and the heartfelt familial connections that are forged in snow and ice. I always thought that I would be a fantastic father for a daughter to raise in the mountains in addition to my son who is quickly outpacing my ability to keep up with …