Snow is finally starting to make a timid appearance in the PNW. A few of us got out December 1 and December 8 to check out conditions. Here’s a brief report from both outings. Crystal Mountain With the moody weather…

Recap of Mountain Rescue Aspen talk on planning for backcountry tour. Navigation, emergency preparedness, snowpack, sidecountry is backcountry, human factors and heuristics.

Review of improved G3 Zed ski touring tech binding for 2019-2020, stronger and the same quality feel for skimo mountaineering.

On Totally Deep Episode 70, we talk resort uphill best practices, the differences (or lack of) between women’s and men’s gear and Mark Smiley gives the lowdown on Mountain Sense’s online education suite.

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

With all of the gear, packing, logistics and more, ski trips can be overwhelming. Julia Dubinini breaks it down with these handy tips.

Can you learn to ski mountaineer online? We took IFMGA Guide Mark Smiley’s “Ultimate Guide to Backcountry Skiing and Ski Mountaineering” course to find out.

Mentorship is an essential element of a skier’s growth and progression in the backcountry. Jed Porter offers tips on how to make the most of a mentorship.

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.

Observations from and lessons learned at the first annual Four Corners Snow and Avalanche Workshop in Silverton, CO. The avalanche and snowpack education never stops.