The skimo scene is on the rise in the Big Sky state with an inaugural four-race series, the Big Sky Skimo Cup, going down this past winter.

Kelly Cordes evolves from backscratchers to slipping and sliding through the forest on skins. And then stops above a seven-degree slope and rips skins.

The problem with scary moderate is that not fully thinking it through is the first step in making some grave mistakes. Should we banish the term?

I participated in a few Grand Traverse races. Something that resonated, and still does, was Reverend Tim Clark’s “Blessing of the Freeheelers.”

Forest Service wilderness areas have yet to ban AT setups. But according to a Forest Service administrator contacted by WildSnow and speaking off the record, a ban is imminent.

In every arena, there is a learning curve inherent to being in a new environment. Hadley Hammer has some thoughts on mentorship and building community.