An interesting article posted by our friends over at Granite Chief about the in’s and out’s of backcountry skiing…why we do it and why people seem to be getting into … Read More

Respect the Mountains - Episode 5 

Straight from the pro’s who are pushing it hard in the mountains.  Jimmy Chin, Xavier De Le Rue, Dana Flahr, Mark Carter,  Sage Cattabriga Alosa, and TGR Guide Kent Scheler, talk about experiences not wanting to repeat.  Unconsious, 4000 feet vertical, destroyed!  But alive. 

These accounts, should make you think twice, maybe 3,4,5 times whatever gets the job done always getting you home safe.  The point is to do it more, and progress throughout a body of work.  Think about it as a life resume or levels.  You can’t KNOW everything and have EXPERIENCE without mileage, be safe, know when to back off, and always have open communication, talk a lot and practice but never try to create danger.

Searching for your buried friend, as their countless seconds tick away, the person you like to high 5 after a sick run will change you and them forever, and shit you may even loose a friend.   - Props to the mountain people.  Like these guys are saying, THERE ARE COUNTLESS WAYS TO MAKE IT SAFER.  Choose wisely, mistakes come in bunches. 

The North Face gives us a good lesson and reminders on how, what, and why we need to be educated on snow science.  Learn about local snowpack, practice, and never stop learning and observing.  Check out Mt. Baker’s Backcountry policy.  Be aware, ski within your abilities and be safe!