December 2022

This is the first piece in a new WildSnow oral history project called Picture Show. Mike Gardner and Jason Thompson discuss a classic photo from Hyalite Canyon.

Visualizing the backcountry as a Splitboarder takes a different perspective than a skier. Learning to splitboard and reading terrain has unique challenges — we’re here to minimize those challenges with helpful pointers on anticipating backcountry terrain and keeping the fun factor high.

Keeping it slow news is a good thing, these are topsy-turvy times. Here’s some good news: Winter hit deep in November (and it continues) and saw a corresponding uptick in ski width. What follows is some backcountry-related news as we stream toward the winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.

Gift guide number two: Hopefully, these guides prompt us all to think of others and what they might like to receive as a gift. Also, it’s OK by us to show some self-gratitude and buy something for yourself. We have included replacement binding heel or toe units.

Prepare for the unexpected in the backcountry with systematic practice. Avalanche rescue skills are critical to being a competent partner, but are a reactive approach to safety. It is more important to take a proactive approach to managing your safety in the backcountry. Get educated, stay safe, and know how to effectively use your tools.