Voile Straps Giveaway! Photo credit: Montanus

Voile Straps Giveaway

Feeling lucky? Now is your chance to win the Voile Straps Giveaway! Voile Straps were invented more than THREE DECADES AGO as a unique way to bind skis together. They have since evolved into an incredible way to secure, bundle, and repair almost anything on the go. You’ll never tire of how simple, compact, durable, and strong Voile Straps are. We are …

Avalanche Shovel Giveaway

Our avalanche shovel collections are engineered for maximum strength, ease of assembly, and ergonomic efficiency. They are the industry standard among ski patrollers, mountain guides, avalanche forecasters, and even some military groups. Now’s your chance to win your choice of the Voile Hoback Avalanche Shovel series! To enter:  Follow @voilemfg and @voilestraps Like this post & tag 3 of your …

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 …

Jen Girardi splitboarding through BC powder. Photo by Ben Girardi.

Enjoy the Journey: Japan Backcountry Culture

WINTER IS COMING Shorter days, lingering morning frost, and snow blankets the mountains- winter is near. Skiers and snowboarders itch to get back in their bindings. For lovers of mountain exploration, this season of anticipation is nostalgic and exciting. It is time for reflection on past trips and planning of future trips. Time for pulling out old gear and reminiscing …

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; …

Guests of Honor to the “Cloud Splitter”

Before this past October, I had never actually skied with Beau Fredlund. There were many times we would say hi and agree to find time to get out together. Unfortunately, the timing never seemed to work out. The closest we had come to making turns together was teaching an avalanche awareness course. But alas, one ski-run on the ungroomed blue …

Backcountry Hut Trip: Legs Tired, Soul Awakened

There is something magical about the first backcountry hut trip of the season. The glistening tranquil forests with boughs laden, the fragrance of pine, and pixie dust floating down and sparkling in beams of light. It’s the hiss of skis gliding through snow, the tinkle of shattered hoar frost, and the cold nip to the hands and feet that spills …

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 …

Low Tide Adventure in Argentina

Skiers and snowboarders are part of a nomadic tribe that can be found dreaming about the next turn, sometimes traveling to great lengths in search of pow. This summer, as the days were getting longer and temperatures higher, I found myself longing to get away from the scorching heat in Whistler, BC. Perhaps an adventure in Argentina? Traveling to the …

Photo Gallery: A Remarkable Season Guiding in Alaska

I spent the 2017/18 season in Alaska, guiding folks from all over the world across its incredible landscape. One of my best days was ironically the worst day of the season for conditions; with rain crust to treeline, sun crust on solar and wind hammered high alpine. Good to have these reminders that it doesn’t have to be great conditions …