In crucial moments, ski crampons can be your most valuable piece of ski touring or mountaineering gear. Here, the 411 on when, when not and how to use them.

Detailed overview of the spring ski touring kit, for general backcountry tours, overnights and camping, and ski mountaineering.

Whether to wear your beacon in your pocket or in a chest harness is ultimately a personal choice, but each option has its pros and cons.

Reviving climbing skins in the field. Basic prevention to dealing with a full climbing skin failure. Tips to keep your backcountry ski tour going.

Beyond the halls of formal avalanche education, the most simple way to avoid getting ‘lanched is to pay attention to slope angles.

Review of DPS Phantom Waxless Treatment and overview of what makes skis and ski bases glide better on snow.

Five tips for skin track success when ski touring safely in the backcountry. Craft an efficient skin track to avoid avalanche terrain and danger.

Overview of basic avalanche tools including partner, beacon, shovel, probe, communications devices and how to choose.

Tips, recommendations and mistakes of the backcountry ski touring beginner.

Guide for buying used ski touring gear including avalanche equipment, backpacks, radios, personal locator beacons and more.