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25 Tips for Your First Ski Expedition

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 …

Beginner's Guide to SkiMo Racing Anchorage Rando Racers3, CREDIT_ Alex Lee

A Beginner’s Guide to Skimo Racing

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 …

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Backcountry Skiing Photography: 9 tips from Ming Poon

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 …

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Avalanche Forecasting 101

Do you want to go on a hut trip to the remote backcountry of British Columbia with your buddies? How about an expedition to ski from the summit of Denali? If so, you’ll need to be your own avalanche forecaster. And if that sounds like work, it’s because it is. But don’t let this scare you. With practice and persistence …

Map and Compass Backcountry Basics

Escaping the crowds and adventuring into the depths of the backcountry beholds countless rewards during all seasons. Whether you’re searching for a choice basecamp, untouched lines, or new routes with unique objectives, the backcountry is all about getting out and getting the f*** away. To do so, carrying a map and compass is necessary for backcountry explorers. But it’s not …

Q&A with an Avalanche Forecaster

Q: What are your earliest memories of backcountry travel? It really started because of my Dad’s love for skiing. He started me at a young age of two, and before then would ski with me in a backpack. I switched over to snowboarding when I was twelve and never looked back. They were the cool kids back then – remember; …

Getting Your Head Back in the Avalanche Safety Game

Even as a professional powder junkie I am usually a little rusty getting out of the gates. I am fortunate in the fact that I get to ski in the backcountry more than most people every year, but before things get started I like to sit down and organize my thoughts and gear for the upcoming season. The following is …