Author’s Note: This article stems from a core belief that has guided my work in backcountry education: there should be no gatekeepers in the mountains, only mentors. While professional guiding is a vital service, the “trust me” model is increasingly at odds with a public that is more educated and empowered than ever before. This […]
Why Backcountry Guides Must End the “Trust Me” Model Read More »
We spend countless hours pouring over avalanche forecasts, analyzing snowpits, and meticulously packing our backpacks. But out in the backcountry, one of the most dangerous hazards doesn’t come from a buried persistent weak layer or a sudden spike in temperature. It comes from inside our own heads. As human beings, our brains are wired to
Heuristic Traps: Navigating Invisible Human Factors In The Backcountry 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 »
You usually don’t notice the impermanence of good snow until it’s gone. I say this as the rain deluges the Pacific Coast here in British Columbia, where the final patches of snow wash away after two weeks of a rare treat: champagne powder at sea level. The west coast endured a three-day blast of arctic
The Study (and Love) of Temporality In Backcountry Snowboarding and Skiing Read More »
Avalanches Can Happen To Anyone Dave Henkel was a genius. Not the type of genius that most of society considers, but he is one who had life dialled in a way that bode well for him. He was a true trendsetter, and led the way for a generation of backcountry shredders in Whistler that didn’t
Why Every Backcountry Explorer Needs Consistent Practice Read More »
Every adventure has its first step. There is always a key moment when you finally set forth, looking forward, prepared as you can be but with the understanding that you’re not in control. This is that moment for Alpine Islands. No longer an idea, but a concrete effort to move ahead and materialize what has
Alpine Islands: The Origin Story Read More »
There’s a famous quote by Max Planck that says: It’s one of those meditative little lines that becomes more deep and insightful the more you ponder on it. There are many good analogies that can come from this, but the way I like to think about it by making the you in the quote a
Understanding Aspect in Backcountry Decision Making: Building Your Mountain Sense Read More »