Embarking on a backcountry ski adventure in Utah’s Cottonwood Canyons now demands strategic parking planning. Long gone are the days of making last-minute decisions based on avalanche conditions or powder mornings for a dawn patrol. We now live (and ski) in a new world where advance devising is required. And in certain high-traffic areas, your…
Tag: backcountry skiing
Ski Walk (Not to be Confused with Cross-Country Skiing)
With a winter full of holidays weekends, and therefore ski-resort season pass blackout dates in effect, the only thing bummed-out skiers can do during those downtimes is head to the backcountry. But what if avalanche conditions are too dangerous, or you can’t find an available partner? Then it’s time to go on a ski walk…
Featured Video: The WURL
The Wasatch Ultimate Ridge Linkup (WURL) is an endurance test for Utah trail-runners. But that’s in the summer. In the winter, The WURL has never been done. The route is 58km of continuous ridgeline running/hiking/scrambling that forms a horseshoe around Little Cottonwood Canyon. Only the best athletes can complete the route in under 24 hours….
A Skier’s Lament
Thanks to Coronavirus (aka Covid-19) I’m not recreating nearly as much as I used to. So to feel like I’m still outdoorsy, I’ve taken to wearing outdoor gear everywhere I go. Mountain bike knee pads work great when I’m on the ground to pull weeds. I discovered that a rock-climbing helmet is the perfect shape…
Ever doubt why you live in Salt Lake? Watch this Dash Longe shredfest for a reminder
For skiers, residing in Salt Lake City offers the best of both worlds. You can have have a good career in the big city while still living the ski life among mountains. Some of the best skiing in the world is right here in our back yard. In the latest episode from DPS Cinematic and…
Best spring backcountry ski routes in Utah
Utah may be known for its world-famous powder, but spring is the best time to backcountry ski big lines in remote ranges. A more stable snowpack and warm, sunny weather are both advantages. But also consider that snow-bound roads melt out, allowing access to far-flung peaks. This time of year, you may be tempted to…
Triple Aught Design Equilibrium Series review
Temperature regulation during high-output activities in cold weather is the golden egg of the outdoor industry. About every outdoor apparel-company has an insulated jacket that supposedly works in this regard. It’s a mid-layer piece that breathes and releases excess heat during activity, yet keeps you warm when you’re standing still. The idea is that you…
How to drink beer and watch an old-school skiing slide show
Watching ski movies to get psyched for winter is an age-old tradition, but what ever happened to the old-school slide show? Well you can get retro and throw back a few brewskis at the same time during the 1st annual Ascent Backcountry Snow Journal Slide Show at Brewvies Cinema Pub. Hosted by Noah Howell of…
Salomon S-LAB X ALP 20 pack review
When you’re bagging peaks, the last thing you need is your pack getting in the way. Salomon has created what I feel is the perfect mountain summiting pack (summer or winter) in the S-LAB X ALP 20. What makes this pack stand out is the fact that you don’t have to take it off your…
Osprey Kode ABS Compatible 22 +10 backcountry pack review
Avalanche airbag packs used to be an elusive beast; a rarely seen mountain specimen. But now, airbags are almost as common in the backcountry as beacons, shovels and probes. The packs are still expensive, but prices have been climbing down, and many more companies are getting into the game… including Osprey. This season is the…