Here at WildSnow.com we’ve been officially “blogging” since December 21, 2004. We registered the WildSnow.com domain name in August of 1998, and began website publishing soon after that. I’m amazed when I look back and see we now have about 3,500 posts and pages that are pretty much focused on ski touring. One has to wonder, how many books is that equivalent to? Now you know why I haven’t authored a paper book since my Colorado skiing guides came off the press many years ago. During a typical day, if I’m not writing a blog post I’m editing and producing a guest blogger’s contribution — or out living the backcountry lifestyle. Below, check out our most commented posts to date. Or if you like digging, check out our date indexed archive and subject indexed archive.
WildSnow.com Most Commented Posts of All Time
(up to 2015)
- Dynafit Radical ST Backcountry Skiing Binding – Review
Dynafit Radical ST and FT Backcountry Skiing Binding, this review covers performance and internal construction details. [more]
- Dynafit 2011/12 — The new Bindings
Dynafit bindings 2011 2012, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering racing. [more]
- Encore: The Problem with Snowsports Helmets — Progress Made
Skiing snowsports helmets, why they might not work and do not protect as well as they should from concussion and brain injury. [more]
- Top Ski Shops of the World — Vote!
List of the best ski shops in the world, especially for backcountry skiing, mountaineering and ski touring. [more]
- Avalanche Airbag Backpack Overview
Avalanche airbag backpacks and rucksacks for backcountry skiing, Black Diamond Jetforce, ABS, Snowpulse, also BCA and Mystery Ranch, WARY. [more]
- Scott (Garmont) Cosmos — More Details
Garmont Cosmos backcountry skiing boot, video review with more information about this freeride mountaineering boot. [more]
- Dynafit TLT 5 Performance Boots — Ask Mom
Dyafit TLT5 Performance boots, review, testing and modifications. [more]
- Dynafit Backcountry Skiing Binding Durability Tips and Tricks
Durability report for Dynafit backcountry skiing bindings, includes photos of breakage and suggestions for repair and maintainance, applies to other tech binding brands and models as well. [more]
- Backcountry Skiing News Roundup
In our department of Which Side is your Bread Buttered On?, it is interesting to watch the brouhaha surrounding Exum Guide Stephen Koch’s little illegal snowmobile foray to Mount Moran [more]
- K2 Coomback Backcountry Ski Review
Review of k2 Coomback ski, new version of Coomba and Antipiste. Conclusion is this ski is perfect for backcountry skiing. Light for its width, skis well, terrific. [more]
- Site Visit — Sheep Creek Avalanche near Loveland Pass
Site visit and evaluation of deadly Sheep Creek avalanche near Loveland Pass, Colorado that killed 5 backcountry skiers snowboarders. [more]
- Onyx Final Production Binding — Parts One and Two (Pre-Release prevention, Brakes, More)
Comparison review of G3 Onyx with Dynafit FT12 and ST backcountry skiing bindings. [more]
- Intuition Liners — Everything You Always Wanted to Know
Intuition ski boot liners 2008-2009 review, make your ski boots super comfortable. [more]
- Plum Guide Tech Binding: First Impressions
Plum Guide backcountry skiing tech binding, review. [more]
- La Sportiva Hi5 Ski – Let the Horses Run
Ski review of La Sportiva Hi5 for backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. [more]
- Avalanche Airbag Backpack – Use One or Not?
A comprehensive guide to avalanche airbag backpacks for backcountry skiing, these ski touring rucksacks can save your life and increase safety. [more]
- Scarpa Maestrale — Light Stiff 4-Buckle Backcountry Skiing Boot
Review of Scarpa Maestrale Backcountry Skiing Ski Mountaineering Boot [more]
- Sheep Creek Avalanche near Loveland Pass, Five Dead in Colorado
Avalanche near Loveland Pass, Colorado kills 5 backcountry skiers and snowboarders, analysis and opinion. [more]
- WildSnow Ski Weights Comparison Charts
Comparison of skis based on weight and surface area, also weight vs length, for ski mountaineering and backcountry skiing. [more]
- WildSnow Tech FAQ — Dynafit Manaslu Mounting
How to mount Dynafit bindings on the Dynafit Manaslu AT ski [more]
- Dynafit TLT6 P Ski Boot — First Retail Look
This refinement of the TLT 6 P Dynafit boot is highly developed and worthy of attention, here are the review details. [more]
- Tech Bindings Shopping Spree, Dynafit & More
Overview of Dynafit alternative lightweight tech bindings for skiing the backcountry. [more]
- Quiver Killer Binding Mount Inserts
Binding inserts for backcountry skis so you can swap bindings from ski to ski depending on the type of tour you are doing while mountaineering. [more]
- Dynafit Announces New Boots for 2012/13
Dynafit announces new backcountry skiing boots for 2012 2013 season. [more]
- New Dynafit Gear for 2014/15 Continues Trends
New Dynafit backcountry skiing gear for 2014-15 promises to deliver, Radical 2.0 binding looks excellent, and new boot. [more]
- Dynafit Speed Radical Backcountry Skiing Binding – 2012/13
Review of Dynafit Speed Radical ski touring binding for backcountry and mountaineering use, new features for 2012 2013. [more]
- Tech Ski Boot Fittings — Clicking, Play, Weird Release and other Nefarious Occurrences
Dynafit tech boot fittings for backcountry skiing, details and standards issues. [more]
- Austrian Local Arrested and Cuffed for Skiing Uphill at Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson Hole local arrested for uphill skiing at resort. [more]
- Dynafit Stoke Ski Review
Review of the Dynafit Stoke skis for mountaineering and backcountry, all types of skiing. [more]
- Mount Sopris Wind and Our Dynafit Manaslu Ski Review
Backcountry skiing with Dynafit Manaslu skis, review and trip report. [more]
- DPS Wailer 112RP – WildSnow Quiver Arrow of the Week
DPS is the WildSnow Quiver Arrow of the Week, first look at this cult worshiped Wailer 112 RP ski from the Church of Drake. [more]
- Encore – 10 Cool Backcountry Things You Have Done
List 10 cool backcountry things you have done, keeping it real on the backcountry skiing blog. [more]
- Scarpa Maestrale RS — Gear Tidbit
Review of Scarpa Maestrale RS backcountry skiing and mountaineering boots, beautiful craftsmanship. [more]
- Diamir Vipec 12 — New Fritschi Tech Binding
Fritschi Diamir Vipec is the latest tech binding new, has lateral release at both toe and heel and allows mode changes without removing skis. Could be DIN certified. [more]
- 11/12 K2 Coomback Ski Review
K2 Coomback ski review, 2011 2012 version of this ski is slightly improved, still one of the best. [more]
- Black Diamond Kilowatt – Backcountry Ski Review
Black Diamond Kilowatt ski review for skiing and climbing [more]
- Dynafit Vulcan Free Touring Backcountry Ski Boots — On Snow Review
Review and testing of Dynafit Vulcan backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering boot, focused on free skiing for 2012 2013. [more]
- Dynafit New Gear Part Two — TLT 5 Boots, Ski Poles, Backpacks, More
New Dynafit backcountry skiing gear for 2010 and 2011, including TLT 5 boot. [more]
- Dissecting the Salomon Quest Ski Boot Tech Fittings
Testing Strength of Salomon Quest Ski Boot Tech Fittings [more]
- WildSnow Tech — Dynafit Heel Gap Spacing and Safety Release
Dynfit tech binding heel gap, shim, gauge 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 4 mm, what’s the setting for backcountry skiing and touring? [more]
- Thomas Chapman — Bear Creek Telluride — His Story
Thomas Chapman explains his position with Bear Creek land near Telluride, regarding land exchanges, open space, Wilderness, and other issues. [more]
- Scott (Formerly Garmont) Cosmos Ski Boot — UPDATED!
Review of Scott (formerly Garmont) Cosmos and other Ski Mountaineering series backcountry skiing boots for touring and alpinism. Improved in many ways. [more]
- Whitefish Mountain Resort To Restrict Uphill Travel
Uphill skiing at ski resorts, issues with safety, land rights, etc. [more]
- Backcountry Skiing Binding Alpine Mode Flex Tests — updated Late November 2010
AT binding flex torque rolling deflection testing, backcountry skiing related using AT boots, Marker wins, Dynafit close second. [more]
- Dynafit 2011/12 — The New Boots
New and improved Dynafit backcountry skiing boots for 2011 2012 are impressive. [more]
- Dynafit FT12 Undressed — Honey, You Look Marvelous
Dynafit FT12 Vertical, backcountry skiing binding, detailed review covers binding internals and mechanicals. Evaluation of strength and opinion about improvements. 2008/2009 model. [more]
- Marker Kingpin Tech Binding – First Look & Testing en Sud America
First look and onsnow testing of Marker Kingpin hybrid tech binding for ski touring, an interesting development that could be a game changer. [more]
- Fritschi Vipec Adjustable Toe Pin – Details
Fritschi Vipec 2014 backcountry skiing touring binding has adjustable toe pin width that is critical for performance of the binding. [more]
- Unusual But Important — Dynafit Breakage
Dynafit toe unit breakage, FT model. [more]
- WildSnow Ultimate Ski Quiver 2012/2013 — Pink Head Scarves and Davenport Legs
Skis for backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering, tested and reviewed, Ultimate Quiver including many brands and models. [more]
- Write Best Funny Caption — Win Cloudveil Jacket or POC Hardhat
Cloudveil jackets and POC helmets for backcountry skiing. Humor caption contest. [more]
- Handcuffed for Skiing Uphill — Political Action Required
Uphill skiing in Jackson can get you handcuffed, makes it hard to train for backcountry skiing. [more]
- The Problem With PLBs, ACR, Spot Messenger, Etc.
Update, March 3. Wow. Rocky Mountain Rescue Group (RMRG) persevered and solved the mystery of the ghost personal locator beacon (PLB) that’s been plaguing them like something from a cheap [more]
- Dynafit Radical — Epic Details
Dynafit Radical series ski bindings have had some problems, explained here with solutions. [more]
- Salomon Guardian Ski Binding 2012/13 – Exposed
Salmon Guardian 16 real world weights and complete breakdown for skiers and alpinists. [more]
- Dynafit Radical Binding Upgrade — Not a Safety Issue, but Recommended
Dynafit Radical binding upgrade for rotation stop pin, not a recall or safety issue but recommended for backcountry skiing. [more]
- New Dynafit Gear 2012-13 — Beast Binding and the TLT Six Shooter Boot
Dynafit announces new backcountry skiing equipment for 2013 2014, ski that weighs 1 kilo, new freeride Beast 16 binding, new TLT 6 boot. [more]
- Volkl Nunataq — Ski Review
Review of Volkl Nunataq ski for backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering adventures, 2011 2012 model, recommended by WildSnow.com. [more]
- “Tech” Binding Summary Chart
Summary of available tech type backcountry skiing bindings. [more]
- RE Global Warming – Cognative Dissonance in the Ski Industry
Global warming and ski resorts, what should they do about climate change? [more]
- Forums: Is it Time?
Backcountry skiing forums for WildSnow.com? [more]
- La Sportiva Spectre Part 2 — The Review
Review of La Sportiva Spectre skimo ski touring mountaineering boot, innovative features and light in weight. [more]
- Dynafit’s New Firmer Toe Springs
Dynafit has released a binding that has stronger toe springs, FTZ12 with 110 mm brake has 20 percent stronger springs in the front jaws pincer, as of early winter 2010. [more]
- Frankenbooting the TLT6-P
Modifying Dynafit TLT6 boot with La Sportiva lower buckle, lean lock blocker and other fit and performance improvements. [more]
- Garmont Radium Backcountry Skiing Boots – OR Part 3
Garmont Radium backcountry skiing boots and other new gear. [more]
- Actress Dies of Head Injury While Skiing – Helmet?
Some things must be blogged. The tragic death of actress Natasha Richardson after falling and hitting her head on a beginner slope begs the questions. Do you wear a helmet [more]
- Ski 8,000 Meters – Everest, k2 and all the rest, who did them first?
Who skied the 8,000 meter peaks first? Everest, K2, all the rest. [more]
- Your Take on the ‘Tude? WildSnow Encore
Backcountry skiing attitudes and spirit, being positive and nice helps everyone, but can we do it? [more]
- Dynafit ZZeus Boot Fit & Performance
Dynafit ZZeus AT boot fit and performance review, super solid boot for skiing and climbing [more]
- K2 Wayback 2010/2011 – Ski Review
K2 Wayback Ski Review from WildSnow.com — Read it! [more]
- New Hut in Bear Creek, Telluride?
Telluride proposed mountain hut could be full service such as the hut lodges in Europe, Alps for ski mountaineering. [more]
- Dynafit Titan Boots — Too Stiff or Just Right?
Dynafit Titan AT ski boot review [more]
- Ripping Ligaments & Snapping Bones — Tech Binding Release Testing
Alpine touring ‘tech’ ski bindings, carefully tested and compared to alpine binding safety release including knee and bone injuries for backcountry skiers. [more]
- Movement Logic X-Series, Review
Backcountry ski review, Movement Logic x Series perform but save weight. [more]
- Snowpulse 2013 Airbag Packs including Lite 35 – Review
Snowpulse Lite 35 and Heli 22 review for backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering avalanche safety airbags. [more]
- CAMP Race 290 Dynafit-Compatible Crampons (and much more!)
Review of CAMP gear for ski touring and backcountry skiing, including randonnee racing and extreme. [more]
- DIN Numbers — The New Macho Meter?
A slope inclinometer used to be the skier’s macho meter. Is obsession with DIN numbers the new gauge? Is the max DIN of a binding any indication of quality or [more]
- Cerise Creek, British Columbia – Day One
Backcountry skiing hut trip and ski descent of Mt. Matier in British Columbia. [more]
- Unremovable Brake – Latest Dynafit Radical Binding
Dynafit Radical brake removal, 2012-13, brake is fixed to binding and requires complicated mechanics, custom wrench. [more]
- Quiver Pick of the Week — Volkl Nunataq Ski Review
Volkl Nunatag 170 cm backcountry ski that Bob Perlmutter of Aspen Powder Tours raves about and reviews. [more]
- Quiver Arrow of the Week — Dynafit Cho Oyu
Dynafit Cho Oyu is a low mass tool that carries nicely on your pack, feels like wings on your feet, and splits your jaw with a smile. [more]
- Dynafit Technique — Prevent Inadvertant Release in Touring Mode
How to prevent inadvertent binding pre release in touring mode, with Dynafit, Onyx or other tech binding. [more]
- Rando Race Bindings: No Longer Just for Rando Racing
Randonnee race binding such as Dynafit and tech, including Sportiva and ATK can be used for ski touring as well, if you want the super lightweight setup. [more]
- Fritschi Diamir To Release Tech Binding — First Look at Zenith 12
Fritschi Diamir Zenith 12 ski touring and backcountry skiing binding is strong and solid for mountaineering, this review covers first look. [more]
- Scarpa F3 is the Meow of the Cat for Big Tours
Scarpa F3 AT boot review for long backcountry ski tours [more]
- AT Boot Lacer — and Anti Blister List
How to add laces to a randonnee AT boot liner for backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. Prevent blisters. [more]
- Maestrale RS – Perl Says “Best Boots Ever”
Review of Scarpa Maestrale RS backcountry skiing boot, perfect mix of weight savings and performance. [more]
- Dynafit Radical 4.25? Heel Spring Shock Absorber
Dynafit Radical backcountry skiing touring binding, changes for 2013-2014 sales season, big is the heel elasticity. [more]
- G3 Onyx Backcountry Skiing AT Binding Review
In development for more than three years, Onyx is G3’s entry to the category of bindings known as “tech.” These are binding systems which originated under the Dynafit [more]
- Kebler Pass — Making Sled Skiers Look Bad Worldwide
How trashed do you allow your land to get? Ask that to the USFS and private land owners up above Crested Butte, on the Kebler Pass road. We drove over [more]
- Backcountry Skier’s Code Of Optional Conduct (humor)
Ok you jokers, have at it. I’ll start with a couple of your suggestions and a few more things. 1. I will always carry a bottle opener. 2. When skiing [more]
- Dynafit Skins Evolution
Dynafit climbing skins for backcountry skiing, new pair of Speedskins arrives. [more]
- Alien Rando Race Boot – Gear Tidbit from Scarpa
Alien 1.0 and Alien Scarpa backcountry skiing ski mountaineering race boot gear tidbit. [more]
- Scarpa Spirit 4 Ski Boot — Close Look
First look at Scarpa Spirit 4 AT boot for backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. [more]
- Mammut Ride RAS 30L Airbag Pack — First Look Review
Review of Mammut Ride 30 RAS avalanche airbag backpack for avalanche safety while backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. [more]
- Avalanche Safety Quiz
Avalanche risk self evaluation quiz is as a teaching tool then anything else, but also for fun. The idea is to stimulate thought and improvements in how we go about [more]
- Silvretta Pure – Strong Enough?
Like it or not, consumer testing of new products is a fact of life. When the first production model of Silvretta Pure backcountry skiing binding came out a few years [more]
- Marker F10, F12, Duke & Baron Mounting Template
How to mount Marker F10 F12 Duke and Baron ski bindings using aftermarket paper template in your home workshop. [more]
- Backcountry Skiing News Roundup
Backcountry skiing news roundup, Lindsey Vonn, tech bindings and backcountry communications, Lindsay. [more]
- Alpin Magazine Ski Reviews 2010/11 — 80 MM & Beyond
Alpin Magazine backcountry skiing ski reviews for 2010 and 2011 season. [more]
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.
