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 …
Decisions, decisions, decisions We make an uncountable number of decisions every day. For each of them, there are two different processes at work. The conscious and the subconscious. Some decisions, we make with logic and thought. This is the conscious. Spoiler alert, most of our decisions are not made with the conscious. As you can imagine, this greatly impacts our …
There is so much to be said about the lessons I’ve learned from my partners in the mountains that I could literally write a book from their teachings. Choosing the right backcountry ski partner is the most important choice you will make about your day, not just for safety, but for having fun and growing as a backcountry skier or …
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 …
All Photos in “Be Curious, Not Judgemental” Courtesy of Aidan Goldie-Ahumada The backcountry is a harsh and unforgiving learning environment. While Backcountry skiing is a uniquely thrilling and multi-faceted activity that can give access to stunning and untouched natural landscapes, interacting with avalanche terrain comes with inherent risks. Over the years, avalanches have indiscriminately claimed the lives of many people, …
Planning a backcountry ski tour requires more than just picking a destination—it’s about managing risks, understanding avalanche hazards, and navigating with precision. This guide breaks down essential tour planning steps, from interpreting topographic maps and slope angles to incorporating avalanche forecasts and timing strategies. Whether you’re new to the backcountry or honing your skills, this article will help you create …
Often overlooked, the avalanche shovel is an essential piece of gear that can hold much more utility than just scooping snow. Each avalanche shovel comes with its own unique size, weight, grip, and special features (such as air-guitar-ability). To help distill this information, we’re going to break it all down to help you decide which is the right avalanche shovel …
SKIING LOW-ANGLE TERRAIN IS STILL SKIING, AND SKIING IS THE BEST. PERIOD. Many avalanche classes and backcountry riding communities stress that “the decision to not go is never wrong,” or some other such quip that values the ability to ski another day over the risk of life or serious injury in the event of an avalanche. In a world where …
Lexie Anderson on a spring touring mission in the Tetons on the Voile Spartan Splitboard. Photo courtesy of Arron Diamond. The days are getting longer, temps are getting warmer, and if your anything like me your eyes have been gazing upwards, towards the alpine, all winter waiting for the peaks to become more friendly. The deep snows of winter are …
Voile has always been committed to building simple, solid, backcountry equipment. We have manufactured Voile Avalanche Shovels for over three decades. Our avalanche shovels have long been recognized as the industry standard among ski patrollers, mountain guides, avalanche forecasters, and even some military groups. Shovel History & Evolution Voile’s namesake and CEO, Wally Wariakois, put his technical know-how to work. …
