Remembering William Altenburg: The Backcountry Pioneer You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

In 2003, Brian Irwin wrote an article for Couloir about Phillips Brook Backcountry Recreation Area. This spring, the founder of the New Hampshire backcountry yurt system passed away. Twenty-one years since writing the initial article, Irwin reflects on Altenburg’s impact on backcountry skiing on the East Coast.

Avys in the East: Eastern Snow and Avalanche Workshop Recap

Last Saturday, November 9, more than 150 skiers and snow enthusiasts converged on North Conway, N.H. for the third edition of the Eastern Snow and Avalanche Workshop (ESAW). Having doubled enrollment since its inception, the full-day event brought in presentations from some of the most revered avalanche experts in the country. “This third year seems to be the breakthrough,” says Chris Joosen, lead snow ranger on Mt. Washington, of the turnout.

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