Alpine Islands delivers a new mindset for backcountry education. We combine expert skill development with intuitive wisdom, helping backcountry skiers and snowboarders connect more deeply with their surroundings. Our unique progression system supports all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans. Through hands-on workshops, mindful practices, and real-time safety updates, we provide both technical knowledge and instinctual awareness for confident, tech-free mountain awareness. Join us to sharpen your skills, build meaningful connections, and explore the wild like never before.
Becoming more adapted to nature is a lifelong pursuit. We humans have a distorted relationship with nature as a whole. But through individual growth we can inspire the world around us to be more mindful, more cautious, and more harmonious with nature’s forces.
A couple years ago I heard the news that Yeti, the famous cooler and drinkware brand, bought out backpack maker Mystery Ranch, and was a bit confused. The synergy didn’t
Quick Stats Difficulty: Strenuous (17% average grade).Elevation Gain: 1,200m+Distance: 14km (round trip).Best For: Fit hikers, technical scramblers, and alpine photographers.Pro Tip: This is a “joint-killer” descent. If you value your
WHISTLER, BC, APR. 1, 2026 BC Parks officials announced earlier this morning a landmark deal between Vail Resorts, parent company of Whistler/Blackcomb, and the BC Government for a transfer of
In the world of hardshell jackets, Gore-Tex is the gold standard. Let’s get that out of the way right now. But Gore-Tex is a material, and material only goes so
A good helmet needs to be protective but not noticeable. Anon’s Merak does that better than any I’ve tested, period. Thankfully, it’s more strange to see someone skiing or snowboarding
It has been an interesting season in the Northern Hemisphere. 2026 will go down as one of variability. Much of North America had some unseasonable warmth at some point, and
Fly in to a campsite and learn to love a zone intimately for a week or two.
