The Spearhead Traverse is a horseshoe-shaped loop in the alpine environment connecting Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. While you can take the Peak2Peak gondola for a short ride in the sky between the two mountains, “The Spearhead” is an epic, multi-day (for most) journey that is not for the faint of heart. The route itself spans […]
Big Changes Are Coming To The Spearhead Traverse Read More »
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
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Why Wind Is a Big Deal For Avalanche Safety Of all the variables that can lead to an avalanche, wind might be the most overlooked risk factor. People tend to put a lot of emphasis on fresh snowfall—which is a huge factor—but the wind can be a bit more uncertain if you don’t know what
Avalanche Awareness 101: Wind Read More »
Every snowboard has a story worth telling. Because somewhere, someone with a vision set out to have a board that can help us ride better, or shred faster, or jump higher. We’ve seen the rise and fall of mainstream hype towards snowboarding so even the larger companies know that it’s pointless to make mass-produced garbage
YES. Sender XTRM Snowboard Review: This Thing Pops! Read More »
Over the past 20 years the advent of technology has truly changed the way we explore the backcountry. Not all of it is for the better. The devices we all hold in our pocket so dear have brought about knowledge in ways that our ancesters would have never thought possible, and we have assimilated it
Your GPS Device Is Weakening Your Senses In The Backcountry Read More »
When I was a kid, snowboard bindings didn’t really innovate for at least a decade. The biggest new development would be a new toe piece or some new bushings. Then, a few years ago, Step-ons came out and totally changed the game. Since then, snowboard bindings have been evolving at a rapid pace. It seems
Jones Mercury FASE Snowboard Bindings Review Read More »
What is a Persistent Slab Avalanche? In the world of avalanche safety, a persistent slab avalanche is one of the most notorious hazards because of how long it can linger. Unlike storm or wind slabs that may stabilize quickly, persistent slabs are caused by weak layers deep within the snowpack, such as buried surface hoar
Avalanche Glossary: Deep Persistent Slabs Read More »
Riding fresh powder. Those who know the feeling undoubtedly have their own emotions come out when they hear that phrase. It elicits a feeling of freedom, weightlessness, and flow. There really is nothing like it, and for those who pursue it, a lifelong passion is born at the first moment those turns connect. Surfing gives
Jones Meteorite Snowboard Bindings Review Read More »
Spring is arguably the best season of the year for backcountry skiing and splitboarding. Warmer temps, longer days, and a solid snowpack are usually in the cards. Winter is great for snowfall, but as we know, too much snow can be a bad thing in the backcountry. So in the mountains, spring is where we
Level Up With Our Spring Backcountry Ascension Clinics Read More »
Base layers keep you warm and are the first line of defense against the elements. Here are the best ones we tested in the snow.
The Best Baselayers For Snowboarding and Skiing in 2025 Read More »