Momma's Safety Talk

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out!

November is finally behind us and the snows are starting to fall (naturally and otherwise) in the mountains of the East.  It's time for Momma's safety talk.  You know the one you get just before you head out the door.

Video Snackpack

If you're like me, you've been slaving away this week with an eye on the snow accumulating up North.  Your glowing rectangles have been sucking the life out of you all week, and you need something to keep the stoke alive.  Don't worry.  You're almost there.  Here's a little snack for your soul.


Check it out HERE


This short, titled "Desert River" is among the backcountry themed movies featured at the Backcountry Film Festival.  (Check out their promo HERE)

While the closest showing is at Oneonta, NY, it may be worth the trip, with titles like Australis and Deeper.


Bonus:  Coolest. Snowcave. Ever. at around minute number three.

Media Review: Going Deeper

Hey snowboarders.  Let's be friends.  I'm sorry that I've blamed you for pushing all the snow off of my favorite slopes and for causing every piste collision I've ever been in.  My disapproving glares and animosity are a thing of the past.  You can thank Jeremy Jones.

Gear Review: Backcountry Boot Comparison Chart

Ismelda Marcos had a closet that looked like this.

You're ready to jump into the backcountry, but not sure where your investment in gear should begin.  Chances are that you already have downhill alpine gear including the boots, poles, skis and bindings.

You can always throw those skis and bindings on your back and hike to the top of the mountain on your daddy's old snow shoes.  Alpine boots, however, aren't designed for walking from the car to the ticket counter, much less to the top of Mt. Cardigan.  More importantly, your feet are usually the first part of your body to get cold if not properly cared for.  They are also your most important body part, and asset, when you're more than ten miles from your car.  Frozen or blistery feet = slow or no movement = searchers find your body in June.

The Gear List: What to bring for a night on the mountain.

Home is where the -20 bag is.

What should you pack on an overnight backcountry ski trip?  Over the years I've learned some hard lessons and developed a list to survive (and even enjoy) a long winter's night on the mountain.  Some items are necessities, while others (down booties) are comfort items that I'm willing to sacrifice some space and weight to bring along.

See for yourself why I have back problem by springtime.

Gear Review: Karhu XCD GT/ Silvretta 500 (a.k.a. "The GT's")

Every ski quiver needs a long distance horse:  a go-to ski for a long tour on rolling terrain.

The Maine Huts, the Pemi-Traverse, the Long Trail and a trip to the Arlington Heights water tower need the right tool.  When I've got miles of rolling terrain to cover, I break out the GT's.