During a day of backcountry skiing or riding, the vast majority of our day is spent walking uphill, usually quite slowly, to access our intended objective. It stands to reason then, that we should think about the up track as just as much a part of the day as the ski back down. As backcountry skiing continues to grow in …
Hut trips… This simple term evokes mental images of endless deep powder runs, quality time spent with friends, eating excellent home-cooked food, and living a life of backcountry simplicity solely centered around what skiing dreams are made of. Of course, this is likely the general idea of what all of us are hoping for when we drop $1,000-5,000 on …
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, …
They say that only the unluckiest of people come to Fairy Meadows Hut and don’t ski powder. We dreamed of a week of snow that would turn into sun. We were lucky and our dreams came true. The Heli Ride In The helicopter soars over the final ridge and drops down into a glacial valley. Trees race by outside the …
Each year the most challenging part of running this scholarship is having to select recipients from a pool filled to the brim with incredible applications. This year is no different! It’s truly amazing witnessing the bravery each athlete showed by sharing their stories with us. We couldn’t be more excited to announce Mai Li O’Keefe (Grand Prize) and Laura Wang …
Project Ski Africa: Chicken Jousting in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco Location: ZAWIYA AHANSAL Village, Morocco Big Mountain Objective 1: JBEL AZOURKI, 12,070 feet Equipment: Voile V8s (Telemark) and SuperChargers (AT) Project Ski Africa Cafe, sparkling water, and heat are the essential staples as we drive to our first ski destination of Jbel AZOURKI. Jbel means Mount and AZOURKI is the …
The 22/23 Wandering Trails Scholarship for Women in the Backcountry is now closed. Thank you to all who have applied! You can find the 23/24 Scholarship for Women in the Backcountry here! The Wandering Trails Scholarship for Women in the Backcountry is back! We’re incredibly excited to extend this opportunity again for the 22/23 season. In 2019, V-Team ambassador, Brooke …
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 …
All photos courtesy of Brooke Jackson Watching 60 lbs of pure fluffy joy barrel down a snowy slope is an unforgettable skiing experience. Since she was a puppy, my Field Retriever, Eva, has loved snow as much as any Powder Hound out there. As we drive up the mountain pass and hit the snow line, she begins whimpering in excitement …
Backcountry brothers and sisters. Welcome to the Tele Mike V-Team Vlog. Today we’ll chop it up with the BIPOC Mountain Collective, Vibe Tribe, and Hip Hop artist MC Ric Riggler who pulled together their collective efforts to collaborate on a film project about backcountry skiing and riding in the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community. One may ponder, “Well …
