As a navigation tool, CalTopo offers a complex feature set that sometimes takes time to hone. With a little savvy, CalTopo offers some hidden gems to make backcountry skiing/riding trip planning more useful. Here are three specific features to dial in your ski and winter climbing plans.

Spring means more opportunities to bike-to-ski/ride. Here’s a primer from @cascadeconnections on securing your skis/splitboard to a bike frame.

Especially on multi-day trips, but on single day outings as well, it’s valuable to think of yourself as the “opportunistic raccoon in a dumpster,” carrying an array of snacks and foods that are sure to keep you interested in eating even after a few days on the go.

1+1=2. I’m pretty certain it holds for the old and “new” math. Here’s the rationale and the dice rolling, and math for our ski traverse shelter.

Ski crampons—maybe your best friend when skinning in firm conditions. But sometimes for steeper ascents, a mod is in order. Chris Dickson has an easy, cheap, and effective means of increasing ski crampon penetration with heel risers engaged.

Time to spring forward with some ideas and resources for safer and more efficient backcountry travel: think sharp pointy things and crevasse management.