Category : Skiing

Gear for Rando Racing
February 2, 2012
The bindings provide the critical functional difference for rando/AT skiers, allowing the heel to be free for climbing or fixed for downhill. In tour mode, they pivot at the toe. The lightest weight “tech bindings” popularized by Dynafit, which lost its exclusive patent on the design a few years ago but still dominate the market, feature two side pins, or jaws, up front that close onto the corresponding toe points of compatible boots with “tech fittings. Read More ...
February 2, 2012
The bindings provide the critical functional difference for rando/AT skiers, allowing the heel to be free for climbing or fixed for downhill. In tour mode, they pivot at the toe. The lightest weight “tech bindings” popularized by Dynafit, which lost its exclusive patent on the design a few years ago but still dominate the market, feature two side pins, or jaws, up front that close onto the corresponding toe points of compatible boots with “tech fittings. Read More ...

Skin It to Win It
February 2, 2012
, even if California skiers have been a little slow to join the fray. With two upcoming races in the Sierra, that may be changing By AJ Johnson Backcountry skiing has been on a strong growth spurt as evidenced by the increasing number of vehicles at the trailheads and the booming interest in alpine touring (AT) gear. Most skiers just want to go out on day tours or to find that remote powder stash, but like most forms of recreation, there is also a form of competition —randonee racing. Read More ...
February 2, 2012
, even if California skiers have been a little slow to join the fray. With two upcoming races in the Sierra, that may be changing By AJ Johnson Backcountry skiing has been on a strong growth spurt as evidenced by the increasing number of vehicles at the trailheads and the booming interest in alpine touring (AT) gear. Most skiers just want to go out on day tours or to find that remote powder stash, but like most forms of recreation, there is also a form of competition —randonee racing. Read More ...

Spontaneous Imprudence
February 2, 2012
Sometimes it’s hard to tell them apart. Thus it was with the idea to ski out to California’s favorite little ghost town, Bodie. We’d woken shivering, in the icy coffin of a Toyota 4 Runner. Read More ...
February 2, 2012
Sometimes it’s hard to tell them apart. Thus it was with the idea to ski out to California’s favorite little ghost town, Bodie. We’d woken shivering, in the icy coffin of a Toyota 4 Runner. Read More ...

The Endless Slope
December 1, 2011
And truth be told, I have a bad relationship with particular winter activities, namely skiing and snowboarding. Winter’s arrival has traditionally resulted in a seasonal downward spiral of my life’s overall fun factor, but that may be changing, sooner than later. While the outdoorsy folks around me seem to revel in the season, its arrival sends me into a panic, searching for the nearest exit door that leads south. Read More ...
December 1, 2011
And truth be told, I have a bad relationship with particular winter activities, namely skiing and snowboarding. Winter’s arrival has traditionally resulted in a seasonal downward spiral of my life’s overall fun factor, but that may be changing, sooner than later. While the outdoorsy folks around me seem to revel in the season, its arrival sends me into a panic, searching for the nearest exit door that leads south. Read More ...

Family Matters
December 1, 2011
Instead, I will reference Dickens: Family ski trips have resulted in the best of times… and also the worst of times. Truth is, as a parent you can do everything right and your little mini-me might still have a huge, public meltdown. Chalk it up to physical exhaustion. Read More ...
December 1, 2011
Instead, I will reference Dickens: Family ski trips have resulted in the best of times… and also the worst of times. Truth is, as a parent you can do everything right and your little mini-me might still have a huge, public meltdown. Chalk it up to physical exhaustion. Read More ...

The Ultimate California Combo
October 1, 2011
— the San Gabriel Mountains are just a couple hours or so away, trafflc willing. With proper planning and a dawn-patrol start, you can surf through the morning commute, and be dropping into your first lap on Mt. Baldy before most cubicle-ites have taken lunch. Read More ...
October 1, 2011
— the San Gabriel Mountains are just a couple hours or so away, trafflc willing. With proper planning and a dawn-patrol start, you can surf through the morning commute, and be dropping into your first lap on Mt. Baldy before most cubicle-ites have taken lunch. Read More ...

Squaw, Alpine Unite!
October 1, 2011
But in years to come, you can bet it’s envisioned that there are plans to establish an on-mountain ski connection. Anyone who skies Alpine or Squaw knows that one man has been betting on it for years. Perhaps his payday is coming near. Read More ...
October 1, 2011
But in years to come, you can bet it’s envisioned that there are plans to establish an on-mountain ski connection. Anyone who skies Alpine or Squaw knows that one man has been betting on it for years. Perhaps his payday is coming near. Read More ...

2011/2012 Season Pass Deals
October 1, 2011
Keep in mind, all prices are subject to increase by opening day or sooner. Many resorts use a hotel-pricing model — i. E. Read More ...
October 1, 2011
Keep in mind, all prices are subject to increase by opening day or sooner. Many resorts use a hotel-pricing model — i. E. Read More ...

California’s Dynamic Cascade Duo
April 1, 2011
While today’s air quality might not be as consistently clear as when Muir first stood atop the rime spackled summit of this Cascade Range giant, at 14,179 feet you’re bound to get some memorable views so long as you don’t climb this weather catcher when it’s shrouded in clouds. While you can attempt the summit of Mount Shasta year-round, the months of April, May and June provide the most consistent snowpack and the most reliable chance for optimal weather. If you’re a skier or snowboarder you’ll probably be in the minority of those attempting a summit on a clear day as for most people the goal is just to get to the top. Read More ...
April 1, 2011
While today’s air quality might not be as consistently clear as when Muir first stood atop the rime spackled summit of this Cascade Range giant, at 14,179 feet you’re bound to get some memorable views so long as you don’t climb this weather catcher when it’s shrouded in clouds. While you can attempt the summit of Mount Shasta year-round, the months of April, May and June provide the most consistent snowpack and the most reliable chance for optimal weather. If you’re a skier or snowboarder you’ll probably be in the minority of those attempting a summit on a clear day as for most people the goal is just to get to the top. Read More ...

Mammoth Extends Reach
February 1, 2011
Look at a map: Mammoth is directly east of the Bay Area, at virtually the same latitude as Hayward and San Mateo. By way of the bird, the Bay Area is closer to Mammoth than Los Angeles. If you had wings, you might care. Read More ...
February 1, 2011
Look at a map: Mammoth is directly east of the Bay Area, at virtually the same latitude as Hayward and San Mateo. By way of the bird, the Bay Area is closer to Mammoth than Los Angeles. If you had wings, you might care. Read More ...


