Black Diamond for everything climbing and skiing.    Dynafit -- Speed Up!    Tracker beacons, Stash packs, shovels, more more more.    Terrific deals on randonnee AT rando backcountry skiing gear.    K2 has the skis that stay true to earning your turns.    Garmont boots -- excellent choice for backcountry skiing.

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 Colorado Weather & Friday Grab Bag

By Lou

Saturday Morning addendum (as the Colorado snow dumps outside our door):
Everyone, I was thinking quite a bit about avy safety over the past few days. Coincidentally yesterday, a writer called me up for an interview and asked me where I thought the developments were in avalanche safety. Like a trained dog, I barked the usual pablum about airbags, breathing devices, and beacon “improvements.” After I hung up the phone, I realized, wow, everything I mentioned had nothing to do with real avalanche safety, only avalanche rescue and survival. Perhaps that’s a fine distinction, but it became crystal clear to me.

Thus, I raise my hand and testify that I’m frequently guilty of focusing like some kind of brainwashed automaton on what we do AFTER we’re caught in an avalanche, rather than what we do to prevent getting caught. Read more

Posted by Lou on November 13, 2009 | Filed Under Backcountry Skiing, avalanches | 13 Comments 

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 What’s Better — New Ski Journal Mag, or New Wheels?

By Lou

…that’s an open question. Latest Ski Journal has the usual incredible photography and plentiful backcountry skiing spirit. But it is of course the more “full length” content that this fast and furious blogger enjoys actually slowing down and taking in. In this issue: History addressed with a freestyle pioneer Wayne Wong interview. Guiding is addressed with an first-person insider look at the brutal process of ski guide certification. Modern freestyle is addressed with a profile of JP Auclair as mentor. Cover includes subliminal image of at least two women’s curves. And so much more. Yep, three thumbs up. More here. Read more

Posted by Lou on November 12, 2009 | Filed Under Backcountry Skiing, automotive | 23 Comments 

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 A Day of Rememberence

By Lou

This morning, I was going to furiously edit a blog post I’ve been preparing. But it being Veterans Day got me thinking about just being quiet and honoring those who have passed. Then I dropped in on my news feed and noticed that Doug Coombs had been inducted into the National Ski Hall of Fame. Now I know we should just be slowing down today and honoring others.

First our Vets. Like it or not, reality is we need our warriors — and they sometimes are called on to make the ultimate sacrifice. Politics aside, we honor them. Indeed, much (or perhaps all) of the freedom we have to recreate as we wish is ours because of little events such as winning WWII.

Individuals such as Coombs epitomize those freedoms. Today, let’s remember Doug Coombs for how he inspired us to enjoy our great land, and let’s remember our Veterans for keeping it that way.

Posted by Lou on November 11, 2009 | Filed Under Eulogies, News Backcountry | 15 Comments 

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 PSA – Colorado Avy Info Center Fundraiser

By Lou

I try to be oh so urbane and cosmopolitan here in the WildSnow space. But sometimes going regional is the only way. Gotta have loyalty to my homies, eh? To that end:

The Friends of the CAIC invite you to the 2nd Annual CAIC Benefit Bash to help support the CAIC in their efforts. The evening will be filled with live music, tasty food, incredible beer, and great people. We will be hosting a silent auction, while throwing door prizes to the crowd.

If you think avalanche forecasting, education, and awareness is important in Colorado, then this party is for you. Tickets include one door prize ticket, three beverage tickets, dinner and entertainment from Rooster Rocket.

Visit our website at www.friendsofcaic.org for more information, to purchase online tickets and to see all of the sponsors.

Posted by Lou on November 10, 2009 | Filed Under avalanches | 1 Comment 

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 The Ultimate Trailhead Approach Vehicle?

By Lou

I saw this TAV during my daily morning news search. Embedding in a WildSnow.com blog post was mandatory. Backcountry skiing folks: enjoy, cry, or buy. Your choice.

More here.

Posted by Lou on November 10, 2009 | Filed Under automotive | 20 Comments 

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 Backcountry Bomb Is… The Bomb

By Lou

This has to be our gear pick of the week, if not the month. Let’s just hope the NSA’s high tech internet surveillance doesn’t cause men in black to come knocking on my door to check what kind of explosives I’m cooking up in my kitchen.

But if the jackbooted guys fly their black helicopter into our yard, I’m sure they’ll understand once I show them the cool “Backcountry Bomb” cornice cutter.

Backcountry Bomb cornice cutter fits in your hand, 8.7 ounces (246 gr) of explosive power.

Backcountry Bomb cornice cutter fits in your hand, 8.5 ounces of explosive power.

Read more

Posted by Lou on November 9, 2009 | Filed Under Misc Gear Reviews, avalanches | 41 Comments 

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Welcome to Louis (Lou) Dawson's backcountry skiing information and opinion website. Lou's passion for the past forty years has been alpinism, climbing, mountaineering and skiing -- along with all manner of outdoor recreation. He has authored numerous books and articles about backcountry skiing and is well known as the first person to ski down all 54 of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks, otherwise known as the Fourteeners! Books and free back country information here, and tons of Randonnee rando telemark info.

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Backcountry skiing is a dangerous sport. You may be killed or severely injured if you do any form of randone, randonnee and randonnée skiing. The information on this website is intended only as general information. While the authors and editors of the information on this website make every effort to present useful information, due to human error the information, text and images contained within this website may be inaccurate, false, or out-of-date. By using, reading or viewing the information provided on this website, you agree to absolve the owners of Wild Snow as well as content contributors of any liability for injuries or losses incurred while using such information. Furthermore, you agree to use any of this website's information, maps, photos, or binding mounting instructions or templates at your own risk, and waive Wild Snow its owners and contributors of any liability for use of said items for backcountry skiing or any other use.