When it’s clear in Washington, there really is no better place than Mt Rainier. So this past weekend a group of us headed down for a quick ski. It felt more like spring then February but we weren’t complaining when we stepped out of the … Read More →
Tag Archives: backcountry skiing
The Science Behind Avalanches
I’m not sure if this is good or bad news, but regardless, it’s news. The New York Times just ran a story on the science of avalanches. As any backcountry skier knows, understanding how avalanches work is a bit of art and science…and, in my … Read More →
Can It Be? No Love in Whistler.
It’s been a tough year for backcountry skiing just about anywhere in the west. According to avalanche.org, there have already been 22 avalanche fatalities in the US and Canada. Not all of these were backcountry skiers, a couple were rock/ice climbers and almost half were … Read More →
Backcountry Skiing Photo Of The Day
Winter has officially arrived here in the Pacific NW. Besides a few breaks here and there, it’s pretty much been snowing for the past two weeks. This is great for the snow pack, but unfortunately the backcountry is hard to reach and scary to be … Read More →
Ticking Timebomb
This is not the weekend to go backcountry skiing, at least here in the Northwest. Interestingly, the reason for what could be a truly hazadarous weekend for any sort of ski touring, has less to do with the Pacific Northwest and more to do with … Read More →
Read Your Local Avalanche Center Website
The west is experiencing a series of big snow storms. The arctic front that had created havoc here in Seattle is moving across the country dumping all sorts of snow in the mountains. Great for ski areas, bad for backcountry skiers. Just today, the day … Read More →
Cross Country Skiing in Seattle
I never thought I would be skate skiing to breakfast…in Seattle! Ok, so it’s not exactly an epic backcountry ski tour. But when you consider having to be aware of what’s coming around that next blind corner, it’s almost like exploring a new mountain. And … Read More →
Skiing Pic Of The Day: Kettle Range, WA
Snow is finally starting to fall here in the Pacific Northwest and soon enough we should all be enjoying some backcountry ski tours. For now I’ll take what I can get, even if it’s a couple ski photos from past trips. This shot was snapped … Read More →
How Bad Is It? Bad Enough to Run Up Mt Si
It’s that bad. Dec 7th, 2008, and still no snow in the Washington Cascades. So what’s a backcountry skier to do? How about go for a trail run up Mt Si? Sounds like fun right? We’re getting desperate, but at least the 4,000 ft climb … Read More →
Van Epps Backcountry Ski Tour
Not many people know how extroadinary the Washington Cascades are. Heck, before I moved here I had no idea just how diverse and immense the Cascades were. Thankfully, I have a much better idea now… This was one of those perfect days of backcountry skiing, … Read More →