backcountry skiing

Out gear testing and skiing today, I couldn’t help noticing more people around (though we had room for everyone). Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) industry sales report (year’s end 2008) tidbits came in from a reader, here are a couple excerpts…

You’ve seen the ‘Dav’ in countless photos and vid segments, but how does he handle a screw driver? Just fine. I’m a witness. The other day we gave a pair of his Kastle FX84s the Dynafit FT12 treatment. Dav is now a Dynafitter (but don’t freak TGR boys, he’s still got plenty of Dukes mounted on his arsenal of Kastle guns.) Oh, yep, those are, gasp, Garmont Radium AT boots!

Skiing the classic Skillet Glacier route on Moran during winter requires a possibly brutal slog across about five miles of flat frozen lake, including challenges such as slush (or water) under powder, wind and more.

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.…

Monarch, Mt. – Race the Divide Race Report 2/28/09 By Bryan Wickenhauser The week leading up to Saturday’s race at Monarch ski resort started with warm snow and rain (yes rain in Gunnison, CO in February!) basically ruining our prized…

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…