Stop me if you’ve heard this before: the winter of 2017-18 wasn’t exactly stellar here in Utah. Resorts had meager amounts of terrain open for the holidays, and touring season didn’t start until well into the new year (for me, anyway). When the snow finally came, the weather was variable, even by Utah standards. All…
Author: Ryan Malavolta
Backcountry Touring at Idaho’s Galena Pass
If you’ve already got a copy of Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Routes: Utah, then you know that the Beehive State has plenty of amazing touring options. But sometimes, you just need a road trip. My wife, Jess, and I wanted to get out of town and sample some new zones, so we pointed the car…
Finish winter strong with gear from adidas, Minus33, and Seirus
It may have been late arriving, but don’t let the slow start fool you: winter is still alive in the Wasatch. With more snow in the forecast, it’s not time to store your cold-season gear just yet. In fact, now might be the perfect time to make sure you have everything dialed. If you need…
Lander Wasatch Commuter backpack review
The intersection of the outdoor and tech worlds is something that, no matter how some of us may fight it, seems inevitable. Our gadgets help us navigate, can call for help if we are hurt, and are sometimes simply brought along for extra entertainment. Lander is a Lehi, UT company that is embracing the mixing…
Wasatch Ski Conditions Update: 2/22/2018
As our roundup of storm totals indicated, it’s been a hell of a week in the Wasatch! Two large storms went a long way towards improving conditions here in Utah. After shredding Snowbird for the past few days, I can tell you that the mountain has a very different feel to it, and I mean…
Minus33 Kancamagus midweight wool bottoms review
It’s winter, it’s cold, and you need protection from the elements. Why not treat your body to the plush feel of Merino wool? We’ve long extolled the virtues of this fabric, and with good reason: Merino wool is soft, stretchy, breathable, resists stains and odors, and can be washed and dried along with many of…
Freedom of the Forests campaign will support public lands
Colorado-based Weston Snowboards has announced that their Freedom of the Forests campaign will officially launch at the 2018 Outdoor Retailers Winter Market. This initiative is intended to benefit America’s public lands, as well as raise funding for our National Forests. Weston has joined forces with the National Forest Foundation to make it happen, and they…
Craghoppers Nat Geo CompressLite II Jacket review
There are copious amounts of puffy jackets available to consumers. I am willing to bet you have at least one of these (maybe even two) in your closet right now. When the possibilities seem endless, how do you choose one brand over another? I often go by one of my favorite gear rankings: bang for…
Utah ski conditions update: 1-8-18
It’s a new year, and hopefully a turning point for skiers and boarders awaiting the true advent of snow season. As we’ve documented, Utah resorts are open and their snowmaking teams are doing all they can to help riders access new terrain, but Mother Nature has been stingy with the snowfall (to put it mildly)….
Last minute gift ideas from GCI, Lander and Alpine Start for the campers in your life
Nine out of ten gear junkies agree: there’s nothing better than finding something under the tree that’s made for your next outdoor adventure. Yes, there’s still time to find the perfect gift for the campers in your life. Whether you need to make a big splash, add another item to the present pile, or simply…