Current Issue
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 ...
A Diamond in the Rubies
February 2, 2012
It’s true. That's actually one reason I always have questioned going. Imagine skinning all day, only to be a few hundred feet away from the top of your objective — and then a helicopter lands on the peak and your hard-won line gets poached! Not the sort of daydream that usually gets us to visit epic backcountry locales. Read More ...
February 2, 2012
It’s true. That's actually one reason I always have questioned going. Imagine skinning all day, only to be a few hundred feet away from the top of your objective — and then a helicopter lands on the peak and your hard-won line gets poached! Not the sort of daydream that usually gets us to visit epic backcountry locales. Read More ...
Powder Pilgrimage To Hakuba
February 2, 2012
Turns out it was all true, and then some. Between the bullet trains, the pillow fields, and the daily face-shots, we found Hakuba to be one of the finest backcountry skiing destinations we had ever visited. Located about two hours northeast of Tokyo by bullet train, getting to Hakuba is a breeze by mountain town standards. Read More ...
February 2, 2012
Turns out it was all true, and then some. Between the bullet trains, the pillow fields, and the daily face-shots, we found Hakuba to be one of the finest backcountry skiing destinations we had ever visited. Located about two hours northeast of Tokyo by bullet train, getting to Hakuba is a breeze by mountain town standards. Read More ...
Dale Bard: “In the dead of winter”
February 2, 2012
Over the next 44 days, they were pummeled by heavy snowstorms, narrowly escaped avalanche burial and courted starvation. But it was all part of a grand adventure, according Bard. …………………………………………………………………………. Read More ...
February 2, 2012
Over the next 44 days, they were pummeled by heavy snowstorms, narrowly escaped avalanche burial and courted starvation. But it was all part of a grand adventure, according Bard. …………………………………………………………………………. Read More ...
PUBLISHER’S NOTE:
February 2, 2012
Why not? Doing a marathon has always been on my bucket list, and with my 42nd birthday looming, I am actually a little disappointed that I have waited so long. Which made me wonder, why did I wait so long? After a decade of working in the outdoor industry, I have met some inspiring athletes, and have especially admired women who juggle motherhood, careers, and busy race schedules. Unfortunately for me, I have often felt insecure in the presence of these women. Read More ...
February 2, 2012
Why not? Doing a marathon has always been on my bucket list, and with my 42nd birthday looming, I am actually a little disappointed that I have waited so long. Which made me wonder, why did I wait so long? After a decade of working in the outdoor industry, I have met some inspiring athletes, and have especially admired women who juggle motherhood, careers, and busy race schedules. Unfortunately for me, I have often felt insecure in the presence of these women. 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 ...
Drinking Local in the High Sierra: Mammoth Brewing
December 1, 2011
Located in Mammoth Lakes on the eastern edge of Yosemite National Park, the brewery was founded by Sam Walker in 1995, who sold it to current owner Sean Turner in 2006. Turner explains that what makes his beer unique is that at 8,000 feet water boils at 198 degrees Fahrenheit, rather than 212 degrees at sea level, resulting in a softer flavor profile during the brewing process. He also adds that at 8,000 feet, the mountain water they use is as pure as it gets. Read More ...
December 1, 2011
Located in Mammoth Lakes on the eastern edge of Yosemite National Park, the brewery was founded by Sam Walker in 1995, who sold it to current owner Sean Turner in 2006. Turner explains that what makes his beer unique is that at 8,000 feet water boils at 198 degrees Fahrenheit, rather than 212 degrees at sea level, resulting in a softer flavor profile during the brewing process. He also adds that at 8,000 feet, the mountain water they use is as pure as it gets. Read More ...
Family Shred Day
December 1, 2011
In the past, I have used code names effectively to manipulate my kids into certain behaviors. For example, “Operation Super Athlete” was somewhat successful in increasing the kids’ broccoli intake. With age, however, the boys have become increasingly wary of code names. Read More ...
December 1, 2011
In the past, I have used code names effectively to manipulate my kids into certain behaviors. For example, “Operation Super Athlete” was somewhat successful in increasing the kids’ broccoli intake. With age, however, the boys have become increasingly wary of code names. Read More ...
Love in the Snow
December 1, 2011
They may not prove to be spouse material, but they are at least the fabric of a lifelong friendship. A writer and self-defense instructor based in Santa Cruz, Leonie Sherman still thinks a snowplow is the most useful ski technique to have in your skill set. She has spent over 50 nights shivering in a tent over the past four winters and cannot wait for the snow so she can take her new partner for a spin. Read More ...
December 1, 2011
They may not prove to be spouse material, but they are at least the fabric of a lifelong friendship. A writer and self-defense instructor based in Santa Cruz, Leonie Sherman still thinks a snowplow is the most useful ski technique to have in your skill set. She has spent over 50 nights shivering in a tent over the past four winters and cannot wait for the snow so she can take her new partner for a spin. Read More ...
Sandbagging An Olympian
December 1, 2011
The task at hand was to take former Olympian turned pro freeskier Daron Rahlves into the backcountry for his first overnight Sierra ski trip. Now, Rahlves had explored the backcountry near Sugar Bowl on Donner Summit, but he had never been winter camping, nor had he explored the towering peaks of the High Sierra. That all was to change when he accepted my invitation to join pro snowboarder Jeremy Jones and me for an adventure in the Sierra last January. Read More ...
December 1, 2011
The task at hand was to take former Olympian turned pro freeskier Daron Rahlves into the backcountry for his first overnight Sierra ski trip. Now, Rahlves had explored the backcountry near Sugar Bowl on Donner Summit, but he had never been winter camping, nor had he explored the towering peaks of the High Sierra. That all was to change when he accepted my invitation to join pro snowboarder Jeremy Jones and me for an adventure in the Sierra last January. Read More ...
SUPathlon
December 1, 2011
Johnson Race morning started early at 5:30. I had to drop off my board at Leo Carillo before heading back to the start line. After years of setting up transitions for triathlons and feeling the nervous tension of the other athletes, setting my board in the sand next to two others was positively serene. Read More ...
December 1, 2011
Johnson Race morning started early at 5:30. I had to drop off my board at Leo Carillo before heading back to the start line. After years of setting up transitions for triathlons and feeling the nervous tension of the other athletes, setting my board in the sand next to two others was positively serene. Read More ...
The Comforts of Ski Camping
December 1, 2011
“I think ski touring in winter is actually a lot more comfortable than people think. Usually you don’t have to ski very far to feel like you’re deep in the wilderness — although skis can get you back to the car quickly if you do. Then you climb into your tent and sleeping bag and you’re warm and comfortable. Read More ...
December 1, 2011
“I think ski touring in winter is actually a lot more comfortable than people think. Usually you don’t have to ski very far to feel like you’re deep in the wilderness — although skis can get you back to the car quickly if you do. Then you climb into your tent and sleeping bag and you’re warm and comfortable. Read More ...
A Royal Opportunity
December 1, 2011
But in August, after the owners of Royal Gorge defaulted on a $16. 7 million dollar loan, a receiver was appointed to maintain Royal Gorge’s assets and prepare the 3000-acre property for sale. What does this mean for the future of one of America’s largest cross-country ski areas? David Achey, general manager of Royal Gorge, is optimistic. Read More ...
December 1, 2011
But in August, after the owners of Royal Gorge defaulted on a $16. 7 million dollar loan, a receiver was appointed to maintain Royal Gorge’s assets and prepare the 3000-acre property for sale. What does this mean for the future of one of America’s largest cross-country ski areas? David Achey, general manager of Royal Gorge, is optimistic. Read More ...
Gift Giving Guide
December 1, 2011
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December 1, 2011
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Bicycle Dreams, A Documentary
December 1, 2011
When I heard that one cyclist rode from California to Lincoln, Nebraska without stopping (71 hours), I knew that the race had great potential for exploring the unknown. This guy finally stopped when he began to have hallucinations of UFOs and aliens trying to knock him off his bicycle. That illustrated the mental aspect. Read More ...
December 1, 2011
When I heard that one cyclist rode from California to Lincoln, Nebraska without stopping (71 hours), I knew that the race had great potential for exploring the unknown. This guy finally stopped when he began to have hallucinations of UFOs and aliens trying to knock him off his bicycle. That illustrated the mental aspect. 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 ...
Pizza Farming
December 1, 2011
It will be the first farm in California to grow three varieties of pizza seed developed by agriculture giant Monsanto including pepperoni, cheese, and their flagship “Heirloom Super Vegetable” with five toppings packed with vitamins and minerals. “We chose Bishop Creek Farms because they are committed to growing produce that is on the cutting edge,” said Ralph Rogers, one of the lobbyists responsible for strong-arming the two farmers into corporate submission. “And we saw how well they did with other Italian vegetables like their famous trombonchino squash. Read More ...
December 1, 2011
It will be the first farm in California to grow three varieties of pizza seed developed by agriculture giant Monsanto including pepperoni, cheese, and their flagship “Heirloom Super Vegetable” with five toppings packed with vitamins and minerals. “We chose Bishop Creek Farms because they are committed to growing produce that is on the cutting edge,” said Ralph Rogers, one of the lobbyists responsible for strong-arming the two farmers into corporate submission. “And we saw how well they did with other Italian vegetables like their famous trombonchino squash. 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 ...
Tahoe’s Ace Snowcaster
December 1, 2011
If that sounds like he’s going to be spreading himself thin, maybe too thin for his loyal followers in Tahoe, Allegretto says not to worry. “I’m always tracking everything (across the country) … The only place I haven’t really got a handle on are the Rockies because I’ve never lived there to experience them firsthand, but it shouldn’t take long. ” One reason why Tahoe Weather Discussion has become so popular is that Allegretto writes his blog in fairly plain English so readers don’t need a climate science dictionary to get a sense of what’s going on. Read More ...
December 1, 2011
If that sounds like he’s going to be spreading himself thin, maybe too thin for his loyal followers in Tahoe, Allegretto says not to worry. “I’m always tracking everything (across the country) … The only place I haven’t really got a handle on are the Rockies because I’ve never lived there to experience them firsthand, but it shouldn’t take long. ” One reason why Tahoe Weather Discussion has become so popular is that Allegretto writes his blog in fairly plain English so readers don’t need a climate science dictionary to get a sense of what’s going on. Read More ...
