A good day skiing or snowboarding starts at home, the moment we get dressed. The right thermal base layer will make or break a day out there by providing warmth, expelling sweat, and regulating the body temperature in frigid temperatures. It might be the big turning point in a person’s skiing or snowboarding journey when […]
Icebreaker 200 Oasis Merino Baselayer Review Read More »
Every good club has a creed. And no, not the semi-emo rock band from the 90’s with the mumbled lead singer. I’m talking about a credo, a statement, one that people can unite behind to find a shared direction. Some may call it corny, but you can also think of it as a rallying point.
The Alpine Islands Creed Read More »
Updated Dec 12 2025 A lot has happened in the mountains around Whistler this December. Freezing levels have oscillated like a yoyo to bring conditions that change by the minute, it seems. The alpine has been getting plenty of great snow and even saw an opening on the mountain last week when Harmony finally cracked.
Current Whistler Backcountry Conditions: Dec 12 2025 Read More »
Support small business! We use affiliate links on some of the items below to help pay the bills. If you have a friend who loves backcountry skiing or splitboarding but maybe aren’t as obsessed as they are, it might be hard to find the idea gift. That’s where we come in! As people who are
Gift Ideas for Backcountry Skiers and Snowboarders Read More »
A good pair of snowboard pants satisfies a few different needs: It has to be warm, keep you dry, look good, and not hinder your riding. That’s the absolute baseline. But for snowboard pants to ascend from good to great, you also need pockets that are functional, and craftsmanship that will wisthstand years of shredding
Jones MTN Surf Snowboard Pants Review Read More »
If you’re exploring the backcountry, knowing how to use a topographic map and compass is essential. GPS devices can fail or lose battery, and you don’t want that happening when it matters the most. Here in British Columbia, there is much more wilderness than occupied land. Getting lost isn’t a difficult thing to do, and
You Can Get Free Topographic Maps of British Columbia Here Read More »
To discuss snowboarding’s history and not mention the Forum 8 is leaving out a key player in a 40 year old saga. The VHS era of snowboarding videos inspired a generation of riders, with the Forum videos of the late 90’s and early 00’s being at the top of that list. The team was arguably
Forum 3L All-Mountain Jacket Review: The Brand Is Back Read More »
One of the primary and most obvious contributors to an avalanche is fresh snowfall. When learning about backcountry safety and avalanche awareness, it’s crucial to understand how the amount of snow mixed with the other main variables (terrain, aspect, wind, and other layers) come into play. This page discusses why it’s important to factor in
Avalanche Awareness 101: Snowfall Read More »
Why Temperature Matters Temperature is one of the most easily observable variables in the backcountry, but also one of the most overlooked when it comes to avalanche risk. Unlike complex snowpack tests or hard-to-read terrain features, temperature is something anyone can track with the right mindset and tools. For skiers and snowboarders who want to
Avalanche Awareness 101: Temperature Read More »
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 »