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 would like to shape the direction with the people who will benefit the most…. YOU!
So please fill out the form below and reach out if you have any other questions. We hope to be more deeply involved as this club continues to take shape.
Survey Results So Far
The results so far from our survey has been excellent. People saying they’ve always been waiting for something like this, and it couldn’t have come at a better time… etc. Here are a few select nuggets so far:
I think for beginners, providing a safe, open, friendly and supportive backcountry community is very important. Practicing vulnerability and humility beforehand and during is very important to me. Not being afraid to ask questions etc. And to build up experience, slowly, in safe zones in order to gain the experience and confidence. Even offering online zoom webinars or discussion opportunities with members or non-members, mentors or guests to share experiences would be great!
Multidisciplinarity. My stoke level went way up hearing that you’re film crew for Natural Selection. Beyond avalanche safety, I’m also eager to develop skills in other mountain activities, wilderness photography and filmmaking, and more. Adventure racing sounds amazing. Imagine a Sea to Sky triathlon: stage 1 kayak, stage 2 mountain bike, stage 3 ski/split!
I’m so damn thrilled to get involved at the ground floor. One comment I have is to consider how you’ll serve both more beginner and/or casual members as well as more advanced and/or ambitious members, as I think that’s often a challenge for something of this nature. I like to think I fall toward the latter category, coming from a thru hiking background and hoping to get into some splitboard mountaineering and winter camping. Also, I recommend creating early on a platform for members to interact and communicate, whether a Facebook page or similar. Be heavily interactive! And don’t be afraid of things being half baked at this point. I know I’m eager to bounce ideas around and try stuff out, and I bet other early members are too.
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… Read more: Icebreaker 200 Oasis Merino Baselayer Review
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.… Read more: The Alpine Islands Creed
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… Read more: Current Whistler Backcountry Conditions: Jan 15, 2025
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… Read more: Gift Ideas for Backcountry Skiers and Snowboarders
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.… Read more: Whistler Backcountry Conditions for Dec 12, 2025
