Everything you need to know about staying safe in the backcountry, from first aid to emergency protocols and risk management.
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 »
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 »
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 »
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: Persistent Weak Layers Read More »
What are Cornices? Cornices are massive, overhanging snow formations that develop along ridgelines and peaks, sculpted by wind into precarious, delicate structures. To an inexperienced backcountry traveler, they might appear like natural snow drifts, but they are one of the most deceptive and dangerous hazards in avalanche terrain. Cornices can collapse without warning, triggering avalanches
Avalanche Glossary: Cornices Read More »