Prepare for the unexpected in the backcountry with systematic practice. Avalanche rescue skills are critical to being a competent partner, but are a reactive approach to safety. It is more important to take a proactive approach to managing your safety in the backcountry. Get educated, stay safe, and know how to effectively use your tools.

Buzzwords abound when considering the “green” economy. WNDR Alpine, based in Salt Lake City, incorporates bio-materials into their building process and, along the way, nudges the ski and snowboard industry to think differently. WildSnow takes a WNDR Alpine factory tour and has a first look at their newly released BelleTour splitboard.

Ryan Burke reflects on how we refine our processes to become humble and aware of the big terrain we’ll undoubtedly encounter in the backcounty .

We love the bliss of October into early November turns. Despite gouged bases and maybe sparks (rocks lurk), early-season snow is often irresistible. But, early snow brings some precautions — in some mountain ranges— as the snowpack evolves. This conversation with Chris Dickson gives insight into why a love-hate relationship exists with the early snowfall.

Will McKay brings us along on his AMGA Ski Guide Course, the first in a series of three required courses to become a certified AMGA Ski Guide in the United States. Along the way, we’ll learn about highlight reels, and making a rescue shelter slightly warmer.

A long awaited 1kg class boot from Tecnica, the Peak series, arrives on store shelves this fall. Cripple Creek Backcountry’s Doug Stenclik spoke with the brand’s Product Innovation, Test Teams, and Winter Validation lead, Stefano Mantegazza, about the Peak’s debut and the long road from prototyping to ready-for-market build.