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.
Tested by Steve Andrews Where Grouse Mountain, Whistler Mountain, Blackcomb Mountain How long 10 days, spring 2026 Used for Slushy park laps, alpine bombers, and playful afternoons Photos Steve Andrews and Lindsay Gough In this review Alpine Islands is reader-supported. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small… Read more: Thirtytwo Permanent Vacation Snowboard review
Profiled by Steve Andrews Products tested 3 so far (board, boots, bindings) Using it since About 25 years Relationship Free samples, no sponsorship Updated October 2026 In this profile Alpine Islands is reader-supported: if you buy through an affiliate link on this page, Alpine Islands may earn a small commission at no extra cost to… Read more: thirtytwo Snowboarding: An In-Depth Brand Review
Guided by Steve Andrews Zone Blackcomb backcountry, Whistler BC Season Winter · ski & splitboard Belt range Blue → Red Forecast region Avalanche Canada: Sea-to-Sky In this guide No paid placements. Routes, resources and gear links are on this page on merit only. Some gear links may earn Alpine Islands a commission. The Blackcomb backcountry… Read more: Guide to ski touring and Splitboarding Blackcomb Mountain
ISSW 2026 Whistler, BC, September 29-October 2, 2026 The World’s Top Snow Aficionado Gathering Was a Huge Success Last week marked the biennial gathering of worldwide snow-nerds, the International Snow Science Workshop. For five days, the world’s top researchers, practitioners, guides, and forecasters came together to share their latest findings for understanding how snow behaves… Read more: International Snow Science Workshop Debrief
Smartphones are great navigation tools until they aren’t. And the chances are, if you spend any amount of time in the backcountry, sooner or later, your phone will die. And chances also are that if something goes wrong, you’ll want to know where you are. Countless calls to search and rescue happen every year due… Read more: What to do When Your Phone Dies: Analog Navigation 101
Steve Andrews is a lifelong adventurer since before he could walk. A skier since age 2, snowboarder since 11, he began his guiding career in 2007. He has a passion for teaching people how to fish, and helping them discover their own power in the mountians. He started Alpine Islands to give people a different take on achieving mastery in the wild (hint: you’re never a master of Mother Nature). He lives in Horseshoe Bay, British Columbia with his partner and two kids.
