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.
Arc’teryx just came out with news that could quite possibly change the outdoor apparel industry going forward. I come from the same town as its headquarters, North Vancouver, BC. So I have seen the company grow from a niche brand offering technical climbing and outdoor gear to a billion dollar mega corporation owned by an… Read more: Arc’teryx Announces A New System Of Circularity With the Sperro SV Jacket
Alpine Islands is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only write about gear we’ve actually tested in the field. Read more about the Gear Review Policy here. I’ve had the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC on my feet for about… Read more: VivoBarefoot Tracker Forest ESC Barefoot Hiking Boots Review
Alpine Islands is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we’ve actually used, and no brand pays for placement or a favourable review. It took me a long time to get in the habit of using a… Read more: Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio Review: Tested In The Coast Mountains And Howe Sound, BC
An avalanche is not a random occurrence. Even though it can be hard to predict, the conditions leading to an avalanche are more of a science that can be studied and understood. Problem is, we overlook a major part of what leads to avalanches: weather patterns. Understanding weather patterns is a huge part of avalanche… Read more: Use This Free Tool To Train Your Senses To Read Weather Patterns For Red Flags
This page uses affiliate links to help pay the bills. We only recommend products we’ve tested in the field and actually enjoy. Read our Gear Review Policy for more info. Glacier glasses are one of those pieces of kit where the gap between adequate and excellent is easy to ignore right up until the moment… Read more: Vuarnet Glacier 01 Sunglasses Review
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.
