When reading an avalanche bulliten, you might come across the term surface hoar when it comes to discussing avalanche problems or troublesome layers. This can be one of the most annoying and deadly features of a snowpack. Read on to learn more about how surface hoar forms and how to mitigate the risk if you […]
Avalanche Glossary: Surface Hoar Read More »
The Dark Start is a honoured tradition where the brave and the foolish unite in the same body to leave their tent in pre-dawn hours to get a head start on the day for optimal riding conditions. The jacket of the same name is an ode to those times and also an enhancer for them.
The Best Midlayer for Backcountry Skiing Or Snowboarding Is This Hoodie Read More »
Updated Jan 21, 2025 Current Status: Much More Solid With a Creamy Top The Bottom Line: Significant, steady warming from the past 5-6 days mean a bit of instability has firmed up and south faces are a go with creamy, corny, semi-crusty and runnelled riding surface. My Recommendation: You can definitely step out into bigger
Current Whistler Backcountry Conditions: Jan 20, 2025 Read More »
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 »
Updated Jan 15, 2025 Current Status: “Hot Dog Days” & Assessment Mode The Bottom Line: Significant warming and a “rain-to-peak” event have created a complex and dangerous snowpack structure. We are currently seeing a classic “Upside Down” snowpack—heavy, cohesive slabs sitting on top of weaker, soft snow. My Recommendation: This is not the week to
Whistler Backcountry Conditions Update for Jan 15, 2026 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 »
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 »
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.
Whistler Backcountry Conditions for Dec 12, 2025 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 »