March 2009

Is “military precision” an oxymoron? I hope not, as that’s the ideal I strive for (and usually miss by a kilometer) when getting ready for these overseas backcountry skiing adventures. It’s morning, I’m driving to Denver in six hours, and…

While for the most part a design itteration over previous models, the new Fritschi Eagle backcountry skiing binding departs in several significant ways. Mainly, a relocated touring pivot provides much needed ergonomics (i.e., no more Fritschi Frankestride), and a wider binding support foot nder the boot heel yields enhanced stability. Weight remains similar yet slightly lighter (35.3 ounces per binding, Freeride is 36 ounces), stack height is the same, heel unit looks and performs as with previous models, and ramp angle stays identical. In all, we’d call this a very nice improvement to what’s easily the best step-in step-out touring binding on the market.

The inaugural Snowball Dinner and Auction to support Northwest Weather & Avalanche Center (NWAC) is less than two weeks away…Friday, April 10! Please join us at the Ballard Elks Club on Shilshole Bay in Seattle and show your support for a service we all rely on to plan trips and stay safe in the mountains.

or years, this mountain melee Elk Mountains Traverse race was treated more as a nordic skate race than a ski mountaineering comp. But recent developments in lightweight backcountry skiing gear have converted the race into something more along the lines of a true radonnee skimo comp.

Whew, that was a whirlwind Spring Break with the family. Ended up skiing five days in a row, rest day yesterday, perhaps a few pow turns later today. Leaving for Europe and Silvretta traverse all too soon, so I’ve been…

The 2009 US Ski Mountaineering National Championships is the culmination of randonee races taking place all across the US, including both coasts but with a concentration of racing in Colorado and Rocky Mountains.