Over the last five south central Alaskan winters, temperatures have swung from one end of the thermometer to the other like the wipers before me. And in a state where rideable terrain starts at sea level, the difference in a few degrees determines whether low-elevation terrain is accessible or not.
A Devine Path: Canadian-certified guide Kate Devine looks to mom for inspiration
Mothers and daughters: it’s a relationship not often talked of in the ski-guiding world. But as the number of female guides grows, so too does the source of inspiration for ladies taking on the challenges of this particular career path. For Canadian-certified guide Kate Devine, her relationship with mother Grania has fueled her professional pursuits and helped her find guidance.
Caroline Gleich completes McLean’s Wasatch Chuting Gallery
On April 6, 2017, 31-year-old Caroline Gleich became the first woman to finish all the lines in Andrew McLean’s Chuting Gallery. To hear about this achievement and what it means to her, we caught up with Gleich at her home in Cottonwood Heights. Here is what she had to say.
Backstory: 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 in preparation for the slow, fluttering journey to their final resting place. The hills gleamed gold as we wound up into them; the car’s thermometer registering lower and lower around each rocky switchback. Summer was fading and was winter still waiting. It was time to hunt down fall turns.
Skis of the Future: A conversation with DPS and Black Crows
DPS is overhauling their carbon skis with the new Alchemist line—that’s touted as having more damping qualities than their previous Pure3 construction—and Black Crows continues to improve and lighten their tester-loved Freebird skis. And both companies are guided by passionate skiers making developments for the future of backcountry skis.
Backstory: The Blizzard of Babies
Yesterday, in the living room, my 10-month old daughter Clover and I watched our favorite movie, Blizzard of Ahhh’s. Her giant blue eyes stared at the screen while Mike Hattrup floated another effortless turn. Clover pointed, squeaked “Da-da,” and giggled, her smile validating my obsession with the snow and mountains. I nuzzled my nose into her chubby cheek. She gracelessly clapped in approval.
From Granite to Grizzlies
Military Outdoors initially started in 2006 and extends from one basic principle: if the Sierra Club is designed to protect and promote exploration of the outdoors, then those who dedicate their lives to protecting these spaces should get a chance to enjoy them. Plus, being outside can help ease the transition from military service to civilian life and provide mental and physical health benefits.
Tough Calls: Caroline Gleich talks mountainside decision making
A few weeks ago, contributor Seth Heller dove into ski-mountaineer Caroline Gleich’s 2016 attempts of Mount Cook and Mount Dixon in New Zealand. In his article, “Just Walk Away,” Heller discusses Gleich’s decision-making process that led her and her team to turn around before the summit of Mount Cook. And in Heller’s interview with Gleich, her motivations and past experiences that informed that tough call are clear. Here’s what Gleich had to say.
Backstory: Hot, Flat and Snowy
My heart jumps. There’s more snow than I expected, covering the summits of Mt. Stirling, the west ridge of Buller and the high edge of The Bluff. Closer to the mountains, I follow the Delatite River, which runs fast with snowmelt, and then, finally, starting up the mountain itself and into the alpine ash forest.
Aaron Rice announces plans to tag 3-million feet in 2018
In 2016, Aaron Rice skinned and skied a record 2.5-million vertical feet in the calendar year. Now, the Wasatch-based skier has announced a new goal for 2018—over the 365 days beginning on January 1, he plans to tag three-million feet.
