On Wednesday, January 24, Warren Miller, renowned ski filmmaker and outdoor industry icon, passed away of natural causes. He was 93. A California native, Miller purchased his first camera for 39 cents at the age of 12. In college at the University of Southern California, Miller pursued both academics and his passion for adrenaline-fueled sports […]
Photographer Profile: Ryan Creary captures the shades of winter
In the 2018 Photo Annual, we’ve asked seven photographers to dish on the inspiration behind a favorite photo of their choosing. These featured photographers capture the landscapes, community and emotion that that evoke the untracked experience, from dawn’s light to skintracks cutting across a blank white canvas.
Backcountry Basecamp 2018 – January 13 and 14 at Mt. Bachelor, Oregon
BASECAMP 5.0 – Backcountry Magazine teams up with Scott Sports to spread mountain education across the country Join our second BASECAMP stop at Mt. Bachelor, Oregon on January 13 and 14, 2018. We’ll have ski and board demos, educational workshops and tons of new gear to check out. BASECAMP at Mt. Bachelor also coincides with […]
The Skills Guide: Four Steps for Managing Avalanche Hazards
Low, moderate, considerable, high, extreme—the avalanche hazard can be broken into fairly certain terms. But that simplicity belies a much bigger and more nuanced beast, ever changing and deeply complex, especially when paired with personal perspectives on risk and consequence.
The Skills Guide: Four Steps to Overcome Human Traps
Ian McCammon popularized the term “heuristics” in avalanche education in 2002. In his widely circulated article, “Evidence of heuristic traps in recreational avalanche accidents,” the National Outdoor Leadership School educator found that human factors—defined as familiarity, social proof, commitment and scarcity—play a significant role in avalanche accidents.
The Skills Guide: Four Steps to Know Thy Self
Benjamin Franklin popularized the saying “God helps those who help themselves” in his 18th-century Poor Richard’s Almanack. And while Franklin’s country-dwelling character may not have been much of a backcountry traveler, his philosophy holds true today in the mountains: taking care of yourself and your gear leads to safer and more fun experiences.
The Skills Guide: Four Steps Toward Enlightenment
Many snow pros spend their lifetimes researching avalanches, safety or decision making. And while traveling the backcountry isn’t the career of most individuals who are out there, everyone can learn a lesson from those investing their life’s work in promoting mountain safety: education is an ongoing process, requiring constant commitment to practice, progress and inquiry.
The Skills Guide: Four steps for Blissful Ascents
There are few high-output activities as rhythmic, tranquil and calming as skinning. Indeed, the uptrack is a major draw for many, whether it’s deep in the mountains or alongside a resort-bound groomer. But achieving uphill bliss takes practice, attention to detail and the right gear.
The Snow Pro: Steve Banks engages friends and clients in terrain conversations
Steve Banks, a Crested Butte, Colo.-based IFMGA guide and director of mountain guide operations at Irwin Guides, believes attempting to outsmart nature is a fool’s errand. And he’s learned to approach mountains and avalanches with the respect they deserve.
The Snow Pro: Sarah Carpenter is cool with being a snow-science geek
Sarah Carpenter, an AMGA guide and co-owner, guide and educator with the Victor, Idaho-based American Avalanche Institute, believes in the art of the checklist and geeking out on snow science.
