Aug 1, 2025 | Alpine Climb, Backcountry Skiing
In a recent article in the A3 journal, psychologist Maria Konnikova’s work around decision making was used an example to highlight the way our brains are hardwired to seek concrete answers. We want a clear cut answer, a concrete story about what is happening...
Mar 23, 2025 | AIARE Avalanche Education, Backcountry Skiing, Colorado, Education, Ski Mountineering
This spring in Colorado there was a pattern with the kinds of avalanches people were getting involved with: dry snow avalanches in a spring context. There are a couple nuances with this specific setup that can help us operate more effectively in the...
Mar 10, 2025 | Backcountry Skiing, Education, Educational Program, Ski Mountineering
I’ve gotten some questions about this from a number of people. I might go so far as to say it’s a troubling trend. You should really not think about it as ski “cutting” while on belay. You can sidestep, jump, stomp and observe on belay. But you...
Oct 9, 2024 | AIARE Avalanche Education, Backcountry Skiing, Colorado
When it comes to avalanche education, I only use the curriculum developed by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). The main reason for this is the curriculum support and instructor standards created by the non profit structure. Non...
Aug 31, 2024 | Alaska, Backcountry Skiing, Expedition, Guided, Ski Mountineering
The legendary Thompson Pass, Alaska. There is a reason this is a yearly trip. It always delivers. Get in touch early if your interested in joining, there are usually some prerequisites to make sure your ready. 2500-feet above sea level the pass provides amazing access...
Jan 11, 2024 | AIARE Avalanche Education, Backcountry Skiing, Colorado, Uncategorized
Its been a tough winter for snowfall in the lower 48. All over the American west we see a lot of red. In the PNW snow totals have not stacked up even as precipitation numbers are strong. Storms have been too warm and come in as rain. Colorado has generally hung around...
