Backcountry Magazine - Backcountry Magazine

Can Crested Butte, Colo. Learn to Share the Slate Valley?

Nordic skiers slide along groomed trails with Paradise Divide looming in the background. [Photo] Courtesy Silent Tracks When Frank Konsella moved to Crested Butte a quarter-century ago and began … [Read More...]

Backcountry Magazine releases The Backcountry Podcast: Season one includes Caroline Gleich, Cody Townsend and Wiley Maple

Jeffersonville, Vt., November 2019: As part of its 25th anniversary season, Backcountry Magazine is excited to launch the Backcountry Magazine Podcast. Recorded largely from host and former … [Read More...]

Backcountry.com battles small businesses over trademark, apologizes. Backcountry Magazine remains unaffected.

November 7, 2019

Before winter has really even kicked into gear across the U.S., the word backcountry is already making major headlines. But not because of news of avalanches, access issues or tension beyond … [Read More...]

Backcountry Magazine CEO Responds to Backcountry.com Lawsuits

November 7, 2019

This was supposed to be the week we announced our new Backcountry Podcast and prepared for our annual community fundraiser, the Barn Bash, to get more kids on snow. Instead it was spent not sleeping, … [Read More...]

Backcountry Barn Bash 2019

November 5, 2019

All tickets include a FREE Smuggs lift ticket! Join Union Bank of VT & NH, Smugglers' Notch Resort and Vermont Electric Co-op for the 12th Annual Backcountry Magazine Barn Bash at the Cambridge … [Read More...]

Mountain Skills: Take the time to be prepared for early season turns

October 30, 2019

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

February 5, 2019

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...]

Hagan Boost 99 Skis

October 22, 2019

“For the weight, the Hagan Boost surprised me with its stable, predictable ride,” one tester said, praising the well-rounded prowess of Hagan’s new midfat. “These skis hold an edge well, have a shovel … [Read More...]

Black Diamond Equipment Helio 95 Skis

October 1, 2019

Black Diamond overhauled their Helio line of touring-specific skis last season and the widest model, the Helio 116, earned an Editors’ Choice Award for its best-in-class weight-to-width ratio. This … [Read More...]

Völkl Mantra V.Werks Skis

October 1, 2019

With their Mantra V.Werks, Völkl didn’t just create a ski for the masses; they’ve provided the masses with a chance to ski better. “The platform underfoot is stiff and snappy, giving unrelenting … [Read More...]

Black Crows Camox Freebird Skis

October 1, 2019

“Best for someone who wants a monogamous relationship with their skis,” one tester quipped of the Black Crows Camox Freebird’s loyalty-inspiring performance that’s now secured this 96 mm-underfoot ski … [Read More...]

Voilé Hyper v6 Skis

October 1, 2019

Last season, Voilé injected their skis with a special sauce that elevated the line to another level. The new recipe goes by the name Hyper, a fitting moniker given the energy dividends these lightened … [Read More...]

Salomon QST Stella 106 Skis

October 1, 2019

“Responsive, easy-turning and moderately lively, the Stellas manage most terrain and conditions with grace and ease,” The Tech: Salomon’s overhaul of this year’s QST line extends across their … [Read More...]

Fjell M1542S Splitboard

October 1, 2019

The only thing identifying Fjell’s lightweight, directional MT1542s model is a “^” and coordinates for Ålesund, Norway, the home of their showroom—that’s it. This muted marketing left testers unsure … [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

2020 Testers’ Choice: Betsy Manero’s Picks

2020 Testers’ Choice: Hans von Briesen’s Picks

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...]