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 »
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
Take The Survey To Shape The future Of Backcountry Education Read More »
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 »