News from the ski touring world including Vail Resorts COVID operating plan, concerns about a busy backcountry, an unreliable winter snow forecast.

Granite Gear Crown2 60 backpack review. An excellent choice for lightweight 3-season trekking tested on week-long backpack in Wyoming’s Wind River Range.

Roundup of light minimal to burly multipurpose ski mountaineering ice axes including Blue Ice, Black Diamond, Grivel and Petzl and how to choose.

Review of the Julbo Aerospace Goggles on a trip to the Andes where the performed well in sun, snow and fog on the uphill and down.

During the pandemic, a skier turns to mountain biking and finds as much exploration and adventure in the backcountry in summer as in winter.

Lessons learned from a runaway ski that slid into a crevasse on Mount Rainier and what to do if it happens to you.