Height of Land Publications Equity and Inclusivity Statement
Like so many among us, we at Height of Land Publications—the parent company of Alpinist, Backcountry, Cross Country Skier and Mountain Flyer—are grieving the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and other Black people whose lives have been lost because of racist violence. We stand with those protesting for civil rights and systemic […]
As Public Lands Reopen, What Does SAR Want You to Know?
“Do you have any painkillers?” A strained voice called out across the Coleman Glacier, one of the most direct routes up Washington’s volcanic Mt. Baker in the North Cascades, as my party of three … [Read More...]
Inside New Hampshire’s Craft Glading Movement
In spite of the prominence of New Hampshire’s Tuckerman Ravine as a classic spring-skiing destination, the U.S. Forest Service has closed access to Mt. Washington's east side and the Mt. Washington … [Read More...]
Mt. Washington’s Great White North
In spite of the prominence of New Hampshire’s Tuckerman Ravine as a classic spring-skiing destination, the U.S. Forest Service has closed access to Mt. Washington's east side and the Mt. Washington … [Read More...]
Leader of the Pack: ACMG guide Jasmin Caton navigates guiding, running a lodge and motherhood
This story originally ran in our 2019 Skills Guide. We're resharing today in celebration of Mother's Day. Thanks, Mom! When I reached out via email to see if Canadian-certified guide and Valhalla … [Read More...]
Meeting the Masses on New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington
In spite of the prominence of New Hampshire’s Tuckerman Ravine as a classic spring-skiing destination, the U.S. Forest Service has closed access to Mt. Washington's east side and the Mt. Washington … [Read More...]
Mountain Skills: Take the time to be prepared for early season turns
It’s late fall and many mountains throughout the U.S. have seen some decent early season snow. As a result, stoke is high and people are itching to ski. Not many ski areas are open yet, however, and … [Read More...]
Higher Learning: The nuances of how, when, where and why to take a course
Two Marches back, as I stood on the edge of the frozen Bell Lake in Montana’s Tobacco Root Mountains, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. Together with a half dozen no-longer-strangers, I … [Read More...]
Outdoor Research Inception Aerogel Gloves
The Tech: Though freeze-dried ice cream is questionable, anything approved by NASA usually holds up on earth, in this case Outdoor Research’s Inception Aerogel Gloves. These gloves employ Primaloft … [Read More...]
2020 EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS: SKIS 105-108 MM
This year at Powder Mountain Utah, testers gathered for the 2020 Gear Test Week to review 157 pairs of skis. Of those, there was a noticeable abundance of standout mid-fat chargers that boasted waist … [Read More...]
K2 Aspect Snowboard Boots
“Vans-slip-on comfort while touring” The Tech: The Aspect dynasty continues with a fourth consecutive Editors’ Choice Award. Testers were amped on the inner Boa lacing system, which cinches the … [Read More...]
Mountain Hardwear Kor Strata Jacket
“The two different materials are put in all the right places; the jacket breathes incredibly well and is comfortable, worn as a midlayer or stand alone on cold days moving uphill.” The Tech: The … [Read More...]
2020 Testers’ Choice: Nick Rustigian’s Picks
The 17 inches of powder that fell on Powder Mountain, Utah this past March didn’t distract testers at the 2020 Gear Test Week from logging hours on this coming season’s newest skis, splitboards and … [Read More...]
2020 Testers’ Choice: Meg Schultz’s Picks
The 17 inches of powder that fell on Powder Mountain, Utah this past March didn’t distract testers at the 2020 Gear Test Week from logging hours on this coming season’s newest skis, splitboards and … [Read More...]
2020 Testers’ Choice: Betsy Manero’s Picks
The 17 inches of powder that fell on Powder Mountain, Utah this past March didn’t distract testers at the 2020 Gear Test Week from logging hours on this coming season’s newest skis, splitboards and … [Read More...]
2020 Testers’ Choice: Hans von Briesen’s Picks
The 17 inches of powder that fell on Powder Mountain, Utah this past March didn’t distract testers at the 2020 Gear Test Week from logging hours on this coming season’s newest skis, splitboards and … [Read More...]
2020 Gear Guide: Splitboard Accessories
In 1994, Voilé release the first ever splitboard kit for those who wanted to transition their solid board into a backcountry friendly device—all you needed was a table saw and a bunch of free time. … [Read More...]
2020 EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS: STANDOUT OUTLIER SKIS
There is a time and a place for niche taste and from uphill-oriented speedsters to lightweight powder slaying, women’s specific and brawny freeride chargers, these unique standouts will help you with … [Read More...]
2020 EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS: SPLITBOARDS
It was a brave new world for splitboard brands at this year’s Backcountry Magazine 2020 Gear Test at Powder Mountain, Utah. Five new companies submitted boards to be tested and reviewed, and three of … [Read More...]
2020 EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS: APPAREL
In its third year, the Backcountry Magazine Apparel Test is based on the in-depth reviews from our dedicated team tasked with skinning, sweating and shredding with the upcoming season’s … [Read More...]
2020 EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS: SKIS 105-108 MM
This year at Powder Mountain Utah, testers gathered for the 2020 Gear Test Week to review 157 pairs of skis. Of those, there was a noticeable abundance of standout mid-fat chargers that boasted waist … [Read More...]
2020 EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS: BOOTS
The story behind many of the boots in this year’s 2020 Gear Guide is one of lightweight chargeability. With two Editors’ Choice-winning boots ringing in at less than 5 lbs. and two more under 6 lbs., … [Read More...]
