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You’ve got the setup nearly dialed; skis, bindings, poles. Perhaps the most critical piece remains — proper fitting boots. Aim for perfection when fitting ski touring boots. Here are five tips to ensure your feet are happy.

The earnest transition into fall has been a ski bounty for some in Alaska, and something other in the PNW’s latitudes; despite the sun streaking lower and lower in the sky, bluebird days and higher than normal temps have reigned. That should be shifting, so we’ve heard, in a week or so. But, backcountry related news still happens. Here’s a brief rundown

In a follow up interview after Zahan’s recent Totally Deep podcast episode, we explore the roots of his training methodology and how to prepare the body and mind for dynamic ski terrain.

A down puffy is key for backcountry skiing wellness: use it as needed to warm the core. Rab’s Electron Pro Down jacket is a go-to in near-freezing temps.

Welcome to the world of tech bindings. The emerging backcountry skier should be informed; it makes the conversation between you and the salesperson two-way rather than one-way. And, you’ll know what questions to ask to secure a product suited for you.

A 2020 Q&A with Hilaree Neslon, North Face team leader and 8000 meter peak skier on lessons learned over decades of ski mountaineering, favorite expedition gear and tips for aspiring ski mountaineers.

Protecting our precious soul-windows from the sun’s damaging rays should be tops on the list for skiers and alpinists. If you like the style, check out the Costa Del Mar Diego.

Aaron Rose, a Colorado splitboarder, brings a grounded perspective to interpreting the dynamic backcountry realm. “The observed and felt clues yield the most evidence to consider terrain management and avalanche avoidance. Snow sense is fundamentally built on a visual-tactile experience. Auditory stimulus is secondary, at least for me.”

Like a Lotus flower, the La Sportiva Vanguard beholds many secrets, first among them are attributes making this boot great for ripping and laser focused control. The uphills and transitions, like the flower, however, are more complex. Oh, La Sportiva!…

Too long, too short, or just right. Aim for just right when it comes to length of your backcountry ski. For newcomers, here’s some basic adivce.

Tecnica brings a carbon-cuffed uphill and downhill-oriented ski boot to market this fall. Here’s our post-first look review of this 1000g gem.

Atomic’s 22/23 Backland 107 arrives wide underfoot with a build and design to make this ski great in powder, but a whole lot more versatile too.

Looking for light, reliable, durable, and sweet looking: the PLUM R170 touring binding checks the boxes in an ~170g package. It’s a bit of race binding DNA for those maybe not wearing Lycra.

SoothSki, a site presenting troves of backcountry ski data, evolves the process Lou Dawson helped launch. It, too, might catch your attention if you are in the market for backcountry skis.

Elongated grips, we love them for their functionality. We review three telescoping options: the BD Vapor 2, Black Crows Duos Freebrid, and Salomon’s MTN S3.

Prakash Sherpa and Benedikt Böhm are in Nepal for their 7000m Himalayan speed project: a speed ascent and ski descent of Himlung Himal.

It may be a small world after all. Luke Smithwick makes a go of it in the Karakoram and Himalaya pursuing the guiding life and personal objectives.

All is takes it one crisp morning and the senses are heightened—snow will come soon. Get ahead of the fitness curve and consider wighted uphill training.

With more winter backcountry users and a scarcity of good snow and terrain, is it time for a unified voice to mitigate conflicts?

Backcountry skiing out of the French Ridge Hut, near Wanaka, New Zealand.