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.
The Snow Pro: Janelle Smiley talks the art of efficiency
Janelle Smiley, a Jackson, Wyo.-based Exum guide and holistic life coach, believes efficiency is the path to peak success.
The Snow Pro: Avalanche forecaster Drew Hardesty sets his intentions for success
Drew Hardesty is a long-time forecaster with the Utah Avalanche Center and climbing ranger in Grand Teton National Park. Here, he muses on how setting the right goals and intentions for the day will help define safety parameters for any objective.
The Snow Pro: Donny Roth talks risk, communication and guiding around the world
AMGA guide Donny Roth, from Crested Butte, Colo., spends his time guiding throughout the Elk Mountains during winter before heading to the Southern Hemisphere to guide on Chile’s volcanoes for the other half of the year with his company, Chile Powder Adventures.
Photographer Profile: Brian Mohr talks East Coast winters and family
Brian Mohr, of Moretown, Vermont, talks about the role home, family and community have in his artistic pursuits.
Photographer Profile: Guy Fattal finds inspiration at home and in the mountains
I am originally from Israel, so I didn’t grow up skiing, but my love for photography and the mountains has led me to travel all around the world chasing snow and photos. But, really, the place that inspires me the most is Israel. I used to just enjoy shooting markets and colors and streets—the warm vibe of Israel.
Photographer Profile: Bruno Long’s in the right place at the right time
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.
