Ski Trab factory visit in Bormio, Italy, ski for ski mountaineering and backcountry skiing

Mount Sopris is the quintessential peak, white capped, riven by couloirs, crowned with twin summits rising 7,000 vertical feet above our quaint village like a Jules Vern fantasy. Less informed locals sometimes think the mountain is a volcano, as from most angles it appears to stand alone, apart from any parent massif. That’s not the case. Sopris is indeed lofty, but just behind the alp are its parental units: 14,000 foot Snowmass and Capitol peaks. The area is big alpine, always good for a special day.

When gale winds blow like a sandblaster on the high peaks, you can still summit. If you want. But you might choose some powder farming instead, or perhaps a classic point-to-point tour. A bit of weekend stoke from such decisions.…

The femur splint, blood clotting packets and dressings in my pack were heavy but in my view essential. As were detailed plans for the nearest helicopter LZ — and the pilot we’d put on retainer. That’s the way daddy-angst works…

I’ve been riding and modifying “Mr. Tippy” lately. That’s the nickname I tend to use for our Yamaha Nytro snowmobile; a high-tech low-pollution 4-stroke machine that works well for ski access, but nonetheless is a bit on the heavy side…

Mount Backer backcountry skiing video has a variety of angles and terrain.