Pemberton, B.C. Slide Sparks Concern, Criticism and Class Action Claim Over Beacon Design
While filming with Teton Gravity Research (TGR) this past spring in Pemberton, British Columbia, professional skier Nick McNutt was caught in an avalanche on March 9 after a large pillow in his line became dislodged. The slide carried McNutt into a section of trees and, given how the slope transitioned to a lake below, quickly […]
Olympic Dreams: Benjamin Alexander Trains for Speed in the Backcountry
Benjamin Alexander in front of his favorite descent. Photo courtesy of Benjamin Alexander “I absolutely love speed,” Benjamin Alexander says. “I love any sport that allows you to go fast, … [Read More...]
Worried About Climate Change? For These Guides, It’s a Numbers Game
On any normal winter day, Informalex, the email list that ski guides across western Canada rely on for beta, is active with discussion about avalanche conditions and route information. In the … [Read More...]
Legends of the Fall
It was the time of year when it’s warm in the city and cool in the mountains, when the clear skies and crisp air beckon you to higher altitudes. Outside the city, leaves were painted in sleepy colors … [Read More...]
Editors and publishers form Outdoor Media For Inclusion: A group aiming to diversify voices in outdoor media
A group of publishers and editors who oversee consumer and B2B outdoor media titles have formed the working group Outdoor Media 4 Inclusion (OM4I) to provide more opportunities for journalists and … [Read More...]
2020 Snow and Avalanche Workshops
For those new to the backcountry, figuring out where to begin can be intimidating. Avalanche courses are pricey, and it's difficult to get your money's worth if you've never stepped onto the … [Read More...]
This is the year to go remote, and our 2021 Gear Guide has all the skis, boards, boots and bindings to get you there. Whether you’re looking for your first backcountry setup or just updating those well-loved planks, we’ve got unbiased and in-depth reviews of 51 skis and 29 splitboards that will take you where you want to go, wherever that may be. Plus, 21 boots, 12 bindings and 28 pieces of apparel, all of [Read More…]
Damn Enthusiasm: Greg Hill’s Pakistani Avalanche
In May, Greg Hill, who’s best known for feats like skiing 2 million vertical feet in a single year or 100,000 meters in a month, ticked off one of his life goals, skiing in Pakistan’s Nanga Parbat … [Read More...]
Mountain Skills: Exploring with Modern Navigation Tools
“My map and compass never have dead batteries.” This is the most common rationale I hear for not learning and adopting new technology. Film still works in cameras and the Postal Service still gets … [Read More...]
Atomic Backland 107 Skis
Last year, Atomic beefed up their touring-specific line with the 107, the widest version of its Backland models, and earned an Editors’ Choice Award in the process. The Backland 107 returns unchanged, … [Read More...]
Hagan Boost 99 Skis
“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...]
Fjell M1542S Splitboard
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
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...]
