Let’s Shape Our Backcountry Education Programming Together
Alpine Islands has always been about collaboration. We are a club, and by that definition we are only as strong as our membership. So while we are still working out the logistics of programming and what a membership entails (without going too nuts right out the gate), we would like to shape the direction with the people who will benefit the most…. YOU!
So please fill out the form below and reach out if you have any other questions. We hope to be more deeply involved as this club continues to take shape.
Survey Results So Far
The results so far from our survey has been excellent. People saying they’ve always been waiting for something like this, and it couldn’t have come at a better time… etc. Here are a few select nuggets so far:
I think for beginners, providing a safe, open, friendly and supportive backcountry community is very important. Practicing vulnerability and humility beforehand and during is very important to me. Not being afraid to ask questions etc. And to build up experience, slowly, in safe zones in order to gain the experience and confidence. Even offering online zoom webinars or discussion opportunities with members or non-members, mentors or guests to share experiences would be great!
Multidisciplinarity. My stoke level went way up hearing that you’re film crew for Natural Selection. Beyond avalanche safety, I’m also eager to develop skills in other mountain activities, wilderness photography and filmmaking, and more. Adventure racing sounds amazing. Imagine a Sea to Sky triathlon: stage 1 kayak, stage 2 mountain bike, stage 3 ski/split!
I’m so damn thrilled to get involved at the ground floor. One comment I have is to consider how you’ll serve both more beginner and/or casual members as well as more advanced and/or ambitious members, as I think that’s often a challenge for something of this nature. I like to think I fall toward the latter category, coming from a thru hiking background and hoping to get into some splitboard mountaineering and winter camping. Also, I recommend creating early on a platform for members to interact and communicate, whether a Facebook page or similar. Be heavily interactive! And don’t be afraid of things being half baked at this point. I know I’m eager to bounce ideas around and try stuff out, and I bet other early members are too.
Alpine Islands is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this page, I may earn a small affiliate commission — at no extra cost to you. It never changes which gear earns a spot. [*** swap in your standard disclosure wording if you have one ***] Exploring nature with nothing but your feet and a… Read more: The Best Hiking Backpacks We’ve Tested In The Field
Alpine Islands is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only write about gear we’ve actually tested in the field. Read more about the Gear Review Policy here. There are a multitude of hiking boots out there claiming they are… Read more: The Best Hiking Boots of This Decade (Updated in 2026)
Alpine Islands is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this page, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only write about gear I’ve actually put to use. I once heard Merrell’s Moab 3 Mid called “The Ultimate Dad Shoe”. Now that I’m a dad, I really do see… Read more: Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots Review
Alpine Islands is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I’ve actually put on my feet. Zamberlan sent me this pair to test; my take is my own. New shoes are a dime a dozen. But… Read more: Zamberlan Exotrail GTX Hiking Shoes Review
Alpine Islands is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small affiliate commission — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I’ve actually put through its paces in the field. See the full disclosure for details. Hiking boots are a very broad topic. What is one… Read more: Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Hiking Boots Review
