Mountain Weekly News ~

Teton Pass, Wyoming

Everyone has heard of the legendary skiing and ridding at Jackson Hole, however it’s not just the ski resort the offers access to incredible backcountry terrain. Just up the road separating Idaho from Wyoming lies Teton Pass. This well known Pass only has 100 parking spots so don’t be surprised if you’re not alone waiting to slide into a spot up top. The Pass offers plenty of pow for everyone whether you plan on booting up Glory or skinning on the south side odds are a day on Teton Pass will leave you stoked, tired and wanting more.

Vail Pass, Colorado

Untamed powder waits on Vail Pass, the famous backcountry spot in Colorado just off I-70. With miles and miles and more miles of the land to cover, you could ride for a long time with the assist of a snowmobile. Be sure to check road conditions and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) before heading into this zone.

When Not working Patrol at Beaver Creek Garret Owmby heads to the Pass Photo Ben Koelker | Mountain Weekly

Mount Graylock, Massachusetts

Take a short drive west from Albany, New York and you’ll end up at Mount Graylock, home of Thunderbolt Trail, where the 1936 United States Eastern Alpine Championships were held. With a 35 degree pitch, who wouldn’t want to ride a slope like that? There are also many other trails with over 2,050 feet of vert. The view from the top looking over the Catskills and many other mountains, the hike won’t even be that bad.

Just about all these locals have one thing in common. They would crush it with a Lib Tech Hot Knife snowboard!

Loveland Pass, Colorado

Along with Vail Pass, Loveland Pass is another fun backcountry are to ride in. The characteristics of this high alpine zone set it apart from some of the other areas we mentioned in this article. The views here are incredible however the snow gets a lot of wind, so be mindful of playing in avalanche terrain.

Wait pump the breaks, what about the best helmet for snowboarding? We picked our favorites year after year to review. Checkout these lids before your next shred vacation.

Berthoud Pass, Colorado

To get the best runs at Berthoud Pass you’ll have to earn it with a hike to the top. Secret powder stashes and long runs will bring you right back to your car or an easy hitch back to the top of the pass.

These are just a few of the amazing free backcountry runs in the U.S. Keep looking, there are plenty more runs for you to find. Be safe out there and always check the avalanche information center forecast in your area before attempting to ski or ride in the backcountry.

Mike Hardaker Snowboarding Behind His House in Crested Butte, Colorado Photo Kevin Krill

Your Own Backyard

The best way to save money on your next ski trip is to select a destination that is within driving distance of your home. Obviously, the shorter the drive, the more money you will save. Fortunately, killer ski areas are located all across the country, even in some very unlikely places. For some lucky shredders going snowboarding can be as easy as walking out your backyard.

Mt Baker Beginner Chair Photo Mike Hardaker | Mountain Weekly News

Mt. Baker

Skiing at Washington State’s Mt. Baker could save you some serious cash. Mid week lift tickets are only $50 a day, less then half of some of the other major ski resorts in the country. Best of all, there is plenty of cheap lodging near the mountain, ranging from cabins in nearby Glacier to hotels, apartments, and condos in Bellingham an hour away. Check out Baker Accommodations and tell Kai you heard about them through the Mountain Weekly News

John Rodosky Suicide Chute Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City

Utah’s Salt Lake City is a great home base for skiers and snowboarders that like to hit multiple mountains in a single trip. With more than eight top-quality ski resorts within an hour’s drive, the city offers a little something for everyone. Best of all, if you avoid the uber-popular and uber-expensive spots like Park City and Canyons, you can actually find some pretty solid deals. The area is packed full of local backcountry zones that only take a little lung power and leg power to reach.

Gerry Lopez Surfing Mt Bachelor Photo Courtesy of Andy Tullis The Bulletin AP

Bend, Oregon

Want to ski on the cheap? Bend, Oregon’s Mt. Bachelor offers some of the most affordable deals for skiers and snowboarders in the Pacific Northwest. Lodging is cheap, there are a plethora of nearby breweries, and the scenery is wonderful. There is a reason legendary surfer Gerry Lopez calls Bend Oregon home.

Taos, New Mexico

Those that have not visited in the winter might not think of Taos, New Mexico as a skiing and snowboarding hot spot.  But it is. Rates are mostly affordable although its slopes are generally best suited for riders with a little more experience under their belts. Taos Ski Valley is also home to one of the top-rated skiing schools in the country.

Ski Resorts in the US Uphill Policies

by Ben Osborne

While riding the lifts is a nice luxury, there are other ways to get out there and make some turns. We appreciate resorts that allow us onto their mountains by our own will rather than having to pay a kings ransom, and we encourage every resort, if its in their best interest and the interest of the safety of the public, to adopt similar policies in order to allow everyone to enjoy the shred! Thank you kindly.

Some may argue the up is more fun then the down Photo Daniel Silverberg | Mountain Weekly News

Colorado Ski Resorts

Crested Butte – Buy a day ticket for $10, buy a season pass for $100, and skin like a free man/woman.
Aspen — Allowed, however you must be wearing a mink coat. No just kidding
Vail – Call before, but allowed—there are lots of rules… I mean it’s Vail, what did you expect.
Beaver Creek– Allowed, but call before.
Telluride – Prohibited during offseason, Allowed on Lift 10 only.
Wolf Mountain – Allowed any time during operating hours! Party on Wayne.

SKI LAW IN COLORADO
Make sure to check up on backcountry policies according to state law—these can be important in rescue situations.

Montana Ski Resorts

Montana, probably not the most welcoming. I think they prefer you buy a snowmachine to get up into the mountains…
Big Sky – Not allowed during operational season
Bridger Bowl – Not allowed during operational season
Moonlight – Not allowed during operational season
Whitefish – Allowed

Oregon Ski Resorts

Bachelor – Allowed, check website for rules
Timberline – Ticket required!

New Hampshire Ski

Cannon – Only during resort hours, check website for prescribed route!
Waterville – Allowed pre/post season, not allowed during season
Loon – Allowed during operational hours, 2 hours before—must have season pass or purchase uphill ticket for 20$

Utah Ski Resorts

Alta – Not allowed during operational dates, pre and post season allowed UNLESS POSTED!
Solitude, Canyons, Deer Valley – NOT ALLOWED ANYTIME!
Snowbird – Prohibited from 9-5, allowed otherwise unless Inter lodge is happening.

Vermont Ski Resort

Jay Peak – Not allowed outside of operational hours, allowed during though!
Stowe – Not allowed during operational hours, allowed after though! Be mindful of rules and snowcats at night, lots of night traffic on this mountain.
Mad River – Only allowed during non-operational hours.
Stratton – Allowed, check website for trail information and guidelines.

Washington Ski Resort

Alpental – Allowed, check in with ski patrol before you skin!
Crystal – Allowed, but play by the rules.
Stevens Pass – Check in with patrol, play by rules! Stevens Reserve right to limit traffic any time.
Mt. Baker Ski Area – Game on, you may even just find the GM Duncan snowshoeing around with his dog!! We like the tours from the upper parking lot..

The Town Hill, Snow King Resort Jackson, WY Uphill Travel Map

Wyoming Ski Resort Uphill

Jackson Hole – Not allowed, ask the 78 year old man who was arrested a few years ago after refusing ski patrollers’ orders to stop. Doug would be proud..
Grand Targhee – Allowed in some places, during some times, changes during operational and non operational hours.
Snow King Resort – The town of Jackson tradition continues this year however there are a few changes. The Resort is asking users to obtain an uphill pass which is free of charge, however a shinny pass holder will set you back $7.50, ok that’s random..  Monday’s are great, fun.  Pickup your dogs poop please..

-Always check the conditions, weather, and avalanche report (even if you are inbounds)

-Pay close attention to rules, laws, and guidelines regarding the state, resort, and area you choose to explore—each state has different and complicated rescue and trespassing laws.

-No matter whether you are going 20 miles deep into the backcountry, touring up your local hill just after it closes, or going on a moonlit ski, the most important safety precaution you can take is to tell someone where your going and when you will be back!

-Even though some resorts allow uphill skiing and may not have developed a official policy, don’t be a jackass. Because then once they do make a policy, the policy is gonna suck.

-When your hiking up the resort, do your best to make everyone’s’ life around you easier—aka the paying customers, the cat drivers, and the employees, because you get to shred for free.

Remember to always check the hills website or call before heading out, no matter what this page says. These are just guidelines… Who knows you may just enjoy earning your turns!!! We sure do

The post Best Backcountry Skiing and Riding in North America appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Jeremy Shurites.

Mountain Weekly News ~

COLORADO, USA – A long weekend in January 2016 granted me my first exposure to snowboarding in Colorado. It only took a couple days to realize that I needed to spend a full winter here to ride as much as possible. The last few snow seasons in the PNW have been moderate to lacking in overall snowfall, and when the majority of people think of ideal riding conditions, it’s pretty common to conjure thoughts of CO.

With fantasies of endless blower powder, picturesque blue sky, and expansive ranges displayed before me, I spoke with my wife to find that she too had similar visions. Fortunate enough to both have flexible working situations, my wife and I decided to make the move to Colorado early in January of this year to realize our dream of ripping the Rockies for the winter.

Holy smokes. We sure chose the wrong shred season to bail on the Pacific Northwest.

Our writer Cody once lived in Colorado, he now calls Mt. Baker home..

We opted for the Epic Local Colorado ski pass so we could have our choice of Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, Beaver Creek, or Arapahoe Basin on pretty much any given day. They are all located within an hour or closer of each other, and all things considered, it’s probably one of the best bang for your buck season passes out there, especially considering the borderline robbery those resorts commit for a day pass.

So with pass in pocket and gear loaded up, we arrived in CO from the PNW for the winter in hopes of a truly epic season, but the snow gods dealt us a cruel twist of fate.

We haven’t sniffed much more than a rogue flake here since February and it’s looking like we only have maybe a week of slush riding left. Meanwhile, the PNW has been getting hammered by snowstorm after snowstorm for months and it hasn’t let up yet. And I’ve only been able to laugh at myself for my decision to abandon my sweet, sweet corner of the country.

The routine for the past couple months has been the same. I get on my computer to check current Summit County, CO snow conditions and the upcoming forecast. As I begin navigating, I find that I’ve got way more than just my fingers crossed for a trace of fresh snow or a hint of an upcoming system that might bestow a couple inches upon us. Meanwhile, it’s impossible not to notice all of the news stories and updates from friends regarding the truly massive amounts of snow the PNW has been getting on a weekly basis.

meanwhile in the PNW:

My buds back home are waist deep in the fluffy stuff, and I feel like I’m competing in the pond skim at the bottom of every run. They are all making sure their powder skirts are snapped in place while I struggle not to get bucked over my nose every time the warm snow gets grabby. Those lucky people in the Northwest are all tearing up the mountains with face shots, and I’ve been playing the classic late season game of avoid the rock/dirt/grass bare patches for the majority of March.

At the time of writing this, mountains in the PNW that I’d typically ride have snow depths of 150 to over 200 inches. And they aren’t done yet. Alternatively, the resorts I mentioned earlier on the Epic Local pass are struggling to hold on to upper mountain base depths of 45-60 inches. (Source: onthesnow.com)

All the CO locals said to expect a big dumping sometime in March that will extend the season and be a source of some truly quality powder days. It hasn’t happened yet and hope for such things has worn beyond thin.

Now, despite what all this may have sounded like, there is absolutely no way that I’m going to ever complain about getting to spend the winter riding in Colorado. It really has been an amazing experience. I’ve had a total blast exploring fresh mountains, riding with new friends, and participating in my number one favorite activity. Snowboarding is just fun and I’ll enjoy it no matter where I’m riding.

But the whole situation is not without its irony. I moved from the Pacific Northwest to Colorado in search of an epic snowboarding season only to miss out on one of the best winters my home has seen in decades. Old Man Winter is never short on unpleasant jokes.

Editors note: All kidding aside it sucks that Andrew’s introduction to the “Sunshine State” came during one of Colorado’s more dismal snow years. That being said when one of our writers is clearly not reading our own articles, it makes you go hmm? Well bud we told you where to find snow this winter in our La Nina article way back in November.

The post Why Moving to Colorado This Winter Was the Worst Decision I Could Have Made as a Snowboarder appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Andrew Tillery.

Mountain Weekly News ~

Are you wondering where to find the best spring snow for ski touring and splitboarding? If so head up to Togwotee Pass in Wyoming atop the Continental Divide where winter starts early and ends late.

As of today April 12th 2017 the Togwotee Pass Snotel Weather station at 9,580 Feet is showing 90″ of snow on the ground. With deep snow, a mostly stable snowpack and plenty of terrain to ride I decided to take my dog out to explore the areas around the Radio Tower Coulior.

We had spent the past few days touring Togwotee Pass and literally had the place to ourselves which is sort of surprising considering the snow quality, stability and weather was practically perfect. Skiers and snowboarders living in the Tetons are most likely already burnt out on snow, or perhaps skiing big lines in the park or maybe they’re off surfing which is fine by me. Aside from a few distant snowmobiles and handful of cars driving the pass there was not a single soul to be seen.

My original tour plan for the day had us starting at the top of the pass and touring out past the Radio Tower Couloir to explore the eastern buttress. However my eyes kept wandering up towards the lines directly in front of me (hence writing a tour plan) as I knew I would be tempted to ski these faces. However due to their aspect and with evidence of roller balls and a temperature forecast of around 32°F I figured the eastern faces would offer better and safer snow.

As I approached Radio Tower Couloir the snow started to feel a little different, a little colder and there weren’t any roller balls around. I thought hmm. Maybe I can tour up 1/4 of the way and make some turns on the lower face below treeline before continuing onto my original destination of the eastern side.

So we started heading up the face towards the Couloir which at first was a pretty mellow skin.

However once we reached treeline the terrain started getting steeper which offered two options. Either ski back down, or take off my splitboard, attach it to my backpack and boot up the remaining face of the couloir.

It’s always weird looking at terrain from the bottom vs the top. This was the view looking up which felt moderate:

And this was the view looking down which begins to become a bit more technical:

From here up the terrain once again started to steepen and I started looking for a safe places to transition as it would be tough to get my board back into ride mode in this particular part of the couloir. Just above me I could see a “flatter” spot and decided to keep going uphill.

As I neared the flat spot I looked up to my right and noticed I was directly in the line of fire of a considerable piece of ice cornice that had been hidden from my view until I rounded the bend in the couloir. At this point I decided to move my boot pack to the other side of the couloir which although was much steeper it offered a safer route up.

Once we got to the mini bench I realized we were almost to the top. Ok sigh of relief as that last section sort of scared me or more importantly woke me up to the fact I was skiing this line alone with my dog.

The snowpack was stable and telling me to push on as I had dug numerous hand pits along the way testing the snows stability while putting in the boot pack and using my ski poles laid out across the snow to help climb and more importantly test for the existence of a slab.

The final 50 feet or so must have taken me about a half hour to climb. The snow was waist deep plus and I was doing my best to get up without snowboard boot crampons or an ice axe both of which are tools I don’t currently own. Typically I don’t find myself in this sort of terrain.

As we clawed, literally up and over the top my dog and I cuddled together for a few seconds soaking wet, after being pounded by wind and snow on the final pitch.

It was brutally cold as the wind ripped through the summit notch around 10,600 feet. Normally I would have taken time to enjoy the view, eat some food but all I wanted to do was get back down.

I was actually testing a new splitboard for this years Mountain Weekly News Splitboard Test – the Olive Nunchuck. This board has won the award for best splitboard in the past. Be sure to stay tuned to see the video of how the board handled the Radio Tower Couloir. Needless to say it was a fast ride down..

Once back to the car I headed east toward the town of Dubious were I was staying at a place you will be hearing a lot about from me in the future. 16 miles from the pass is home to the tranquil Big Diamond Ranch.

For $299 a night you can call this place home in the winter.

Or for $199 you can stay in one of the luxurious (dog friendly) cabins.

Next time you’re planning on skiing or riding Togwotee Pass give Martin a call at 307 455 3120.

The post Splitboarding & Climbing Radio Tower Couloir with my Dog on Togwotee Pass appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Mike Hardaker.

Mountain Weekly News ~

Hold on tight kidos the bangers are back and it looks like Quiksilver is picking up when Brain Farm stopped making movies. Quiksilver, Rubble & Helio Production, CMH Heli and Travis Rice have teamed up to create Depth Perception. Directed by Chip Taylor of Rubble and Chris Murphy of Helio & Company.

Taking place in the heart of snowboarding powder, deep in British Columbia a team of Quiksilver riders including Bryan Fox, Travis Rice, Austen Sweetin, & Robin Van Gyn set off in search of untracked pow and fat pillow lines.

Capping off a historical snow season that began with the release of his highly-anticipated Fourth Phase film, Travis Rice recently chased down some deep late-season powder with CMH Heli at Galena Lodge in beautiful British Columbia. While shooting for a new film, Travis took the opportunity to equip his Karma Grip Extension Cable to capture a new line he’s coined, “Hydro Dojo.”

Wondering how Travis kept the camera so smooth for these clips? The crew has been using the Karma Grip from GoPro. This unique perspective really show’s how Travis picks his lines down the mountain. The combination of smooth GoPro video capture and Travis’ fluid style makes for an incredible moment high in the Canadian Mountains, $299.99 Karma Grip

Travis Rice Depth Perception Tour Dates

World Premieres
Oct 16th – Bozeman, Montana
Oct 17th – Jackson, Wyoming

European Tour
Oct 19th – Innsbruck, Austria
October 23 – Munich, Germany
Oct 25th – Moscow, Russia
Oct 27th – London, United Kingdom

North American Tour
Oct 30th – New York City, New York
Nov 6th – Denver, Colorado
Nov 7th – Salt Lake City, Utah
Nov 8th – Newport Beach, California
Nov 9th – San Francisco, California
Nov 10th – Portland, Oregon
Nov 11th – Seattle, Washington
Nov 13th – Vancouver, Canada

The post Depth Perception, a New Snowboard Film from Quiksilver and Travis Rice appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Mike Hardaker.

Mountain Weekly News ~

With all the progression in snowboarding there are tons of new models, styles and types made for different kinds of riders. So first, you need to know what kind of rider you are so you can get through all the choices without wasting your time. Think of it this way, you don’t want to purchase a board built for tricks you can’t do, that doesn’t support your needs.

1. Ask Yourself What kind of rider am I?

Beginner:

Newbie, you may have had a lesson before or need to start with one. Probably hit the mountain 0-3 times.

Intermediate:

You may be able to catch a little air, can handle turning in both directions. You probably hit the mountain 3-5 times a year.

Advanced:

You can ride. And you probably already hit the park and are venturing into the backcountry.

All mountain/freestyle: You use the whole mountain, like to carve and catch air.

Technical: You include tricks in your riding, spins, jumps, grabs, and tear up rails.

Carve/alpine style: You have a need for speed and take up everything the mountain can offer.

2. Choosing Your First Snowboard.

A few points to keep in mind include:

• How wide is the snowboard? This is related to the size of your foot. So, you need a board that keeps your toes out of the snow while turning. Size 10.5 or larger and your going to end up on a wide board most likely. Narrow boards are generally better boards (even for beginners). Find the narrowest one that you can for your boot size.
• Heavier riders need a board with stiffer flex. Lighter riders can ride a board with softer flex.
• With your board standing on end, it should come up somewhere between your chest and forehead. Much of this depends on your riding style. 

3. What board should I buy?

The combination of your snowboard, boots, and bindings is commonly referred to as your setup.

Before investing in your new setup, it is also important to take your budget into account. Of course, you want a quality snowboard, but you might not want to dish out the big bucks right off the bat. At the same time, too cheap of a board will most likely make the snowboarding experience far less enjoyable than it should be.

If you are brand new to snowboarding, it is important that you try out a couple of different snowboards before you buy them. One way to do this is through renting from your local ski area. Rental boards are perfect for beginning snowboarders to get a feel for the slopes on.

4. Where to Buy a Beginner Snowboard.

Once you narrow down the selection based on function, you can finalize your choice based on the options available. There should be plenty of choices, so stay within your price range and pick a board that expresses your style, a brand you like and a design that motivates you to rip!

Snowboards for Sale at Backcountry.com

Snowboards for Sale at REI.com

Snowboards for Sale at Evo.com

Learning how to ride a snowboard is made so much easier when you have the right snowboarding setup. This means that you need to have the right equipment – and also have it set up properly.

More How To Snowboard Articles:

How to Buy a Snowboard for Beginners

How to Buy Snowboard Boots

How to Buy Snowboard Bindings

How to Snowboard in Powder

How to do Snowboard Grabs

How to do a 360 on a Snowboard

How to Jib on a Snowboard

How to Drop a Cliff on a Snowboard

The post Snowboarding Tips – How To Buy a Snowboard appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Brittany Artwohl.

Mountain Weekly News ~

In about 50 years, the snowboard has gone from a hacksawed piece of wood to one of the most heavily-engineered pieces of gear on the planet. But how did it happen?

The Snurfer

Surfing. And some skateboarding. That was what first drove men to take pieces of wood and strap them to their feet, with a cord in the nose to hold on. The snurfer, in 1964.

Then came Winterstick’s wooden swallowtail in the ’70s. The board floated better thanks to the swallow, it was longer, borrowing from surf over skate. But basically, for the first time a board let you speed downhill sideways with some vague semblance of control.

In the 80s, “skiboarding” became an actual thing. Many of the early ones were made of plastic, fiber glass, laminated wood. They had metal fins. They were attached to your feet by a band of heavy-duty bungee cord you stuck your toes under. It was also when Tom Sims and Jake Burton Carpenter fought for the title of who really invented snowboarding and in the process actually created snowboarding, pitting their metal-edged, turned-up-nose mass-produced boards in an ultimate battle for bragging rights.

Arguably the most influential event in snowboard history was the first-ever contest, hosted by Ski Cooper in 1981 as depicted in the rarely seen vid “The Holy Grail” by FOB films http://firstonboard.com. The footage shows snowboarding as borderline anarchy in motion, with announcers still calling them “skiboards” and competitor Tom Sims showing off the fins and V-channel on the tail of his board as Jake Burton Carpenter shows off his wide-nosed Burton stick and the big air is little more than a sloppy 3-foot jump into rough chunder (which didn’t matter because, hell, nobody stuck anything).

But this was the first gathering of the tribe, their first opportunity to compete with and learn from each other. To begin to try and cipher where this crazy thing was going. Still, back then it was mostly about onground tight S-turns and spins on skinny planks without anything resembling a tail.

From that the pioneers envisioned wider boards, with wood cores and technical base materials. Individual rubber footstraps were the first great innovation, an actual loops for each individual foot. Burton and Sims went to battle over who’d cash in, an East-Vs-West that could make Tupac and Biggie jealous. In the mid-80s, Burton added plastic highbacks for extra heelside responsiveness. Then toestraps you could ratchet and close. And once binders locked the feet to the board taking rider-to-board connection to the next level, boards changed accordingly. And Burton rode that to the top.

Ski construction came in — P-Tex, layered cores but boarders took it to the next level. Theirs was a world without rules except follow your internal inspiration and never stop pushing. While skiers were content riding one direction and occasionally popping 360s, snowboarders were landing switch, spinning 720s, launching backflips over roads, taking street skate elements to the mountains and going bigger than you could dream of ever going on a skateboard. Tails turned up, sidewalls went in and out to follow the natural shape of a deep, deeply satisfying carve. Skis were stuck in centuries of convention; snowboards had no such loyalties or preconceptions.

Boardmakers began to experiment with the concept of “camber,” adapting skateboarding’s concave decks to boards that did the work of skateboard trucks — that is, in a skateboard the trucks bend and flex into turns; in snowboards, the boards did that and so the board needed to flex. Pretty soon we had the modern snowboard: Fat nose and tail and skinny waist, parabolically curved edges, a profile that hit the ground only under the bindings and rose everywhere else.

Well it was ALMOST the modern snowboard. Because really, this was just the BEGINNING of the evolution.

The Flying Tomato

“We liked it more when you hated us.”

So goes the bumper sticker every bitter old boarder, myself included, thinks of when our friend’s mom starts trying to talk to us about “The Flying Tomato.” After years of having to hike to handbuilt kickers in the backcountry and occasionally poaching resorts, of middle fingers to square skiers in Bogner one-pieces and drug-and-whiskey-fueled rebel snow flicks, snowboarding was emerging as the sport of mainstream youth. The sport of the future.

Picture it: bright neon and bleached hair graces the covers of wintersport mags and ski specials. This raw display of attitude carried over from the growing phase of the ’80s to the early ’90s, when ski companies began manufacturing snowboards to stay relevant. As money poured into the sport from kids eager to rebel from their parents and skiers tired of the staid two-plank biz, engineers were given more resources to play with shapes and materials. Snowboards got longer and fatter and riders were launching higher, all set to a heavy punk soundtrack.

Riders were welcomed on nearly all resorts, which now began building “professional” jumps and halfpipes in areas called “Snowboard Parks,” even putting in logs to mimic the rail surfaces skaters slid. At the same time, other riders were taking snowboards places where only skis, with centuries of Alp mountaineering history, dared to go. Europe. AK. BC. Suddenly snowboard designs were more than just for beginners, intermediates and experts. There were boards with heavy camber for carving up the groomers; others with flat bottoms and softer edges and symmetric outlines for skate-style tricks. Others with floatier noses and rock-hard tails for backcountry pow. Basically, the modern snowboard was born.

Companies began experimenting with core materials and strategic construction, with materials changing from nose to under the bindings to between the bindings to the tail. Playing with board outlines was the next big step, before reverse camber, concave tips with a slightly rounded up base, was introduced (no doubt in part because Standard Films showed us how pow riding is the closest you can get to surfing a couple-thousand-foot wave, though most people didn’t have the strength and wherewithal to ride a camber board in such pow).

“I wish skiing could go back to the way it was before snowboarding,” Glen Plake told a skishop friend of mine. And it was true; to mimic snowboards, skis were adopting sidecut and upturned tails and skiers were sliding rails and landing switch in between off-axis spins and wearing spiked belts and learning to session halfpipes. Snowboards had now influenced skis and it was tough to discern where to next. In 2002 Lib-Tech unveiled the razor-sharp Magne-Traction edge, providing superior edge hold and board-snow connectivity.

Still, the ski industry had one last big role to play in snowboarding: The splitboard. Invented by an ambitious backcountry snowboarder and mass-marketed by Voile, a ski company looking for a way to rebuild brand and expand profits (yes, it was invented in the mid-90s but let’s be honest, how many of you heard about splits before, like, 2000-something?), it solved the dilemma of boarders having to boot through knee-high pow (or snowshoe) while their skier friends floated atop. But it’s the growing popularity of splits, combined with the fruits of a couple generations of heavy experimentation, that has brought us to the glorious modern era.

How Have Snowboards Changed Over the Years

We’re living in the golden age of shred, the inevitable conclusion to 4 decades of inspiration and frustration and innovation. Going from a thin skiboard with channel grooves, flat tail and fins, with plastic or laminated wood bases, here’s just a brief list of the different engineering feats that allow you to snowboard however you want in whatever conditions:

Cambered boards reach in and grip all along the edge into and out of your turns.

Reverse cambered boards (rocker) give more float and more forgiveness but sacrifice precision.

Variable camber, employing camber in the middle of the board and reverse camber for the nose and tail (compromise between precision in turns and forgiveability in tricks) or reverse camber for the middle and camber under the bindings and then reverse camber for the tips (combining pow float with toe-driven precision); various other alternatives to adapt to the explosion of backcountry freestyle and/or create the best quiver-killer resort/bc boards.

Stiff tails for popping up and absorbing impact on drops on more directional boards or for just powering forward on everything from bulletproof to chunder to fluffy while while soft noses save you from the dreaded scorpion.

Bat (or swallow) tails let the board sink back, popping up the nose so you can lean back and let gravity take you on a blessed surf through the snorkel-deep. Bataleon Surfer $1,199.95

Twinshapes allow for switch riding and landings, and have more flex for forgiveness on tricks and spins. Jones Mountain Twin $499

Magne-Traction edges give more traction especially on hardpack while standard edges give more versatility and forgiveability and rounded edges allow for that cab 450 to boardslide to 270 off a 15-step metal handrail. Lib Tech Skate Banana $499

Directional boards mimic the old days when speed and power in your standard stance was king; twins go fantastic in every direction, making for a great playful day but you sacrifice speed and drive, which is kinda pointless if the last time you spun a back 180 was half a decade ago. Burton Custom X Flying V $749.95

To round it out, asym is the newest innovation. Instead of having to adapt to riding heelside vs. toeside, the board adapts for you. Once you learn to unlearn all you’ve done to compensate for the awkwardness of riding on your heel (what surfers call backside), you might just start finding heelside carves as fullfilling as toeside. At the least, you greatly diminish the drag of heelsides. And some boards are so into the asym thing that they’ve embraced directional asym: there’s a board for goofy-footed riders and a board for regulars. Yes Greats Uninc $549

Core materials of seemingly every wood type, giving you options of variable stiffness, flex, pop and response. In some boards, different woods go in different parts, for example to dampen under the bindings with stiffer pop on the tips and softer flex in the center.

Then you add in splitboards: camber allows you to ride downhill like any other great board but lack some of the grip needed for long skins; reverse camber is great for the skin up and the ride down in pow but you lose edge hold on icey descents. Combo cambers are better. Fat noses excel in pow but can be problematic in narrow skin tracks. Etc… Salomon Split $799.95

Splitboards are also leading the way in topsheet engineering too. The snow that sticks on top of your board while skinning up adds some serious extra weight and so topsheets that shed snow are consuming the minds of split builders. The topsheet: not just for pretty graphics anymore.

What does this add up to? The very real idea that you can customize your riding to exactly what you personally are looking to do on whatever hill you choose to ride.

Snowboard Art

A great artist knows the value of having an arsenal of paintbrushes at their disposal. Thin and thick, fine bristles and large bristles and even palate knives (what up, Bob Ross) all give the skilled artist a different look. It’s taken 50 years but snowboards now allow you to get that board that fits your style; or even better, allows you to get a couple boards to take out depending on what your mood is and what the snowpack’s like on any given day. Boards have changed from flat wood planks to highly-specialized mountain machines, from clumsy pointers to a shredtool that takes you wherever you want to go, both physically and metaphysically.

No longer can we even point to 1 “best” snowboard, much less does any serious rider consign him or herself to just one board; you gotta do your research, and pick up at least a couple-board quiver to do the damn thing right. It’s a beautiful universe in which we live, one in which you can choose from any of a seemingly-endless assortment of tools to express yourself on the blank white snowy canvas in a way only you can.

From humble beginnings, the snowboard has evolved into one of the most individualized bits of sport gear for having fun and expressing yourself. You’re doing your snow stoke a disservice if you don’t spend some time figuring it out and then building the quiver that makes your sick little heart squeal with delight.

The post How Has Snowboarding Equipment Changed Over Time appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Ryan Ariano.

Mountain Weekly News ~

Ah, splitboard skins.  You either Love Em or hate em.  There really is no in-between.  Luckily we took the guesswork out of finding a solid pair of splitboard skins for your next tour.  One thing to keep in mind is for the most part splitboard skins are not coming cut from the factory to exactly match each board.  This creates areas where snow can and will get in and under the skin.

Everyone has a good splitboard skin story, that’s for sure.  Below are the skins we recommend for a fun, safe outing in the backountry. Oh and PS some of these skins are hard to find without contacting the manufacturer directly as they are European brands.

Best Splitboard Skins

1. Montana International Splitboard Skins

Montana International has got splitboard skins figured out by dialing in the perfect blend of synthetic Nylon and Mohair. If you are looking for a skin that offers fast glide on the skin track and tacky grip on the way up well these skins are for you.  The glue is awesome and even better is the added peace of mind that comes when using Montana International’s stout tip and tail clips.

The only hiccup with these skins is the glue is soo tacky it may take a few minutes to pull the skins apart. [Purchase: $119.95]

2. Kohla Mix-Mohair Splitboard Skins

Mohair is easier to glide but you sacrifice traction; synthetic fibers optimize traction but, as you can probably deduce from this little rundown, it’s tougher to glide. With a mohair/synthetic mix, you get the best of both worlds and across the most variable conditions. And depending on the depth and mix of the fibers, the mix can actually become a stronger beast than either individually. Kohla’s mix and length deliver just this and in spades.

They also use less material and less adhesive. This means your skins are easier to separate at those early morning trailheads. It also means they can roll up to smaller than a beer can and you can shove them into even the most-overfull backpacks because, hell, Backcountry 101 means you need to be prepared for every occasion and as you learn more about the what ifs, you realize you need more on your back. [Purchase: $149.95]

3. Jones Snowboards Pomoca Splitboard Skins

Many people might see the name Jones and rush out to buy their newest product. When it comes to boards, they are one of the top producers, so clearly the team is going to make a solid pair of skins, especially when teamed up with the likes of Pomoca. Made of 100% mohair, Jones Skins will be really sticky on steep tracks but will sacrifice some on the glide.

Like most Jones products, these skins are on the high end for pricing, and well worth the cost. [Purchase: $209.95]

4. G3 Splitboard Skins

All of G3’s skins come with some level of a mix of nylon on mohair, with different models containing different levels of each. The nice thing about G3 skins is the number of choices they offer, with different levels of traction, glide, and options for both skiers and boarders! Beautiful. Visit their site to decide if you’re a high traction kinda guy/gal, or if you need to use their Momix model for a bit more glide. G3 skins typically have a bit more glide than the average skin, so beware when purchasing them if you are especially opposed to a little extra glide—it can be quite inconvenient at times, or extremely convenient in the right situation.

In addition to many options for types of skin, G3 has a great tail/nose clip system, which works quite well. Quality choice for skins for slightly cheaper ($188) than brands like Black Diamond, but beware of the GLIDE—unless you need it. [Purchase: $188.95]

5. Spark R&D Splitboard Skins

Spark R&D is the company synonymous with the sport and it is exciting to see them branch out from bindings with their own set of skins. As always, they find ways to make the sport more enjoyable and user-friendly. Tail clips that adjust without tools and G3 high friction material make these seriously grippy skins solid in all sorts of conditions.

Spark sold out of these skins blindingly quickly ($190.00), so that either means their name holds incredible value in the splitboard world or these skins are insanely well built. Either way, I don’t think you can go wrong. [Purchase: $190]

6. Voile Splitboard Skins

The classic. Voile skins have proven to fit almost all brands of splitboard and hold up to massive amounts of abuse. Voile makes them extra-wide so that users can tailor them to their individual boards. In the grand scheme of things, they don’t do anything spectacularly well, but they are less expensive and may last longer than the other choices. Their only drawback may be the lack of new technology that is advancing the performance of other brands of skins. These are quality skins for a fair price, if you’re just getting into splitting I would highly recommend them. [Purchase: $150]

7. Colltex Mix Splitboard Skins

Never heard of Colltex before? Me neither. That’s probably because these babies are the Lamborghini of splitboarding skins, and let’s be honest neither you or I will ever be able to afford a Lamborghini. Colltex offers high-quality skins for a high price, but they are well worth it. With models from Extreme (best grip, excellent glide) to the Race (exponential glide), you have your pick of the nicest skins on the market today.

Once again unavailable to splitboarders, but maybe one day they will smarten up. This setup is quality, durable, but potentially hard to find due to the fact they are based out of Switzerland. If you want the best, this is the place to go.

8. Colltex Whizzz Splitboard Skins

What is it that makes the Wizzz skins from Colltex differ from other skins on the market? The Whizzz is made of 65% mohair + 35% polyamide. Mohair is the tried and true material for skins that offers great grip and glide all in one. What the Wizzz does is combine mohair with an acrylic adhesive glue-less layer that makes these skins super easy to pull apart and store without the need for a skin saver net.

9. High Trail Evotec Splitboard Skins

I will start with what I really like about these skins. First, off they are glueless making them incredibly easy to pull on and off your splitboard, and even easier to pull apart when the skins are stuck together, no more mesh needed.

One the way up it will be hard to find another pair of skins with this much traction. The Evotec skins use a silicone-based adhesion, to be honest not sure what that means, but it’s not glue and its working much better than any of the other 4 pairs of skins I am currently testing. That much I can tell you.

Splitboard Skins Price Comparison

1. Montana International Splitboard Skins – $119.95
2. Kohla Mix-Mohair Splitboard Skins – $149.95
3. Jones Snowboards Pomoca Skins – $209.95
4. G3 Splitboard Skins – $118.95
5. Spark R&D Splitboard Skins – $190
6. Voile Splitboard Skins – $150
7. Colltex Mix Splitboard Skins
8. Colltex Whizz Splitboard Skins
9. High Trail Evotec Splitboard Skins

Nothing is more frustrating than spending the first hour of your day messing with your skins trying to get them to work. Or the last half hour, or any time in between that.

It’s important to have a pair of skins that is durable and fits the type of skiing you are doing. Here are a few quality companies you can rely on year in and year out that make some of the best splitboard skins on the market and why :

As of now, there are skins made of three different types of material on the market—Nylon, Mohair, and Mixed (Nylon & Mohair). Essentially Nylon gives the user more uphill grip, and is more durable, while Mohair generally glides better, is a bit lighter (can pack into your pocket easier as well), but may be more susceptible to breaking down due to wear and tear.

The post Top Splitboard Skins for 2019 appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Mike Hardaker.

Mountain Weekly News ~

“Snurfing is skiing, skateboarding and surfing all rolled into one outrageous wintertime sport! Turn a snow covered slope into a snowtime party place. … Available in two models: The Standard and the Super Racing model.”

Snowboarding has come a long way from the faddish kid toy a couple crazies in Michigan called surfing on the snow (see our article “Evolution of Snowboarding”). The options for what you ride are near-endless, and if you’re just starting it’s like you’re buying a car full of technical meat peppered with bro-bra linguistics. I wouldn’t blame you for choosing a board based on how it looks, though I would, actually, because not knowing what you’re riding is almost guaranteed to ruin your winter, snowboarding experience, life, marriage, and role as a contributing member of society, though possibly not in that order.

Even if you’ve been riding for a while, unless you’ve wasted your time to live like us dirtbags you probably have some difficulty dissecting whether you want a pow directional or a variable camber twintip or, shoot, whether you want to make the move into splits.

Lucky for you, we’ve used our massive brains and several wasted lifetimes of experience as riders, geartesters and shop lackeys to bring you this little guide on how to pick a board.

CHAPTER 1: WHAT SIZE SNOWBOARD SHOULD I GET?

This is the most basic starting point: how big of a board do you want?

There’s a super simple answer: measure from the ground to your chin. Then measure from the ground to your nose. You want your board to be between those two.

There are some variations. To start off with, if you’re a beginner or have the build of a tweaked-out scarecrow, you’ll want something smaller. Same thing if all you want to do is learn how to ride park. Smaller boards are more responsive and easier to fling around the hill.

If you’re looking for a cruiser — i.e. something that dampens chatter and holds speed bombing groomers or floating through pow — go bigger. If you’re a meathead with legs like tree trunks who enjoys laying in a deep edge at high speed, bigger is definitely better. For example, my resort boardsare 159 to 161 while my split/big mountain sweetspot is between 163 and 165.

They also have all these fish shapes, freakishly short floaters with big ol’ fat noses but unless you’re in the market for a pow board or got a nice little cabin in Hokkaido or Wolf Creek, you’ll probably only get a handful of (glorious) days in even the longest of seasons.

CHAPTER 2: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT SNOWBOARD SHAPES?

Yeah, this is where it gets fun. The time when every board looks like a big hourglass is over. There are engineers who dedicate their whole lives to understanding the principles of angle and curve so let’s just stick with the broad strokes.

Burton TWC Pro Snowboard (Shaun White Pro Model)
Will you be riding switch? Is your goal to be the next Shaun White? Twintip is for you, and without too aggressive of a sidecut. Though an alternative is a nice little asym, like Japanese wunderkind Yuki Kadono rides [Ride Helix], to give you more power on your backside turns and kick your switch game up 5 or 6 notches.

Never Summer Big Gun
Do you think hardpack turns are for suckers? Will you gladly spend a day lapping the same run if it’s covered in the deep? Or booting for your turns? If your answer to either or all of those is yes, you want a fat, longer nose Powder shape (to float up, preventing scorps on deep days and absorbing chatter on the hardpack) with a shorter, less pronounced tail (usually stiffer).

Lib Technologies T.Rice Pro Blunt-Tip
Do you like riding All Mountain, and shredding a little bit of everything? A park lap every now and then but mostly you’re riding one direction, love groomers AND pow AND steeps AND sidehits? Then you’ll be going back to the old tried and true. Nose binding is set back but not overly so. There’s a side cut but it’s not excessive and the nose and tail are different but not noticeably to the naked eye.

CHAPTER 3: HOW ARE SNOWBOARDS BUILT?

This is where it gets confusing. Carbon laminate stringers and camber underfoot with reverse camber in the middle and rocker to the nose and tail; bamboo or ash or poplar, dampening wood underfoot and stiff tails and what?

Even more, a few years ago Lib-Tech introduced Magne-Traction and snowsports haven’t been the same. It’s kinda like a serrated edge that digs into ice so much better than your traditional edge. So it can be tricky if you’re not ready for hyper-responsive edges or if you’re lazy on your toes but if you’re gonna be ripping down East Coast ice, there’s nothing better.

For the rest of the build, here’s a quick rundown:

Part 1: Stiffness vs. softness

Super stiff, shorter tail is great for pow and big drops as it absorbs everything.

Stiff longer tail can be great for popping — think olleying in park or pipe. Usually, this will come with a comparably stiff nose for switch riding and olleying.

Soft nose, usually coming with a stiffer tail, is great for float and chatter absorption but nearly impossible to ride switch.

A softer nose AND tail combo lack power and pop but are really forgiving if, say, you overrotate your spin or don’t land your rail perfectly. Or haven’t yet mastered the art of the turn.

Part 2: Camber

Camber is an arch. The principle behind camber is that it matches the natural line of a turn so when you trench it, the whole edge will be making contact with the snow. For the longest time, it was really the only option for boards.

A camber board gives you better control but is also less forgiving.

Reverse camber, also known as rocker, is just as it sounds — instead of an arch it’s like a bowl. You sacrifice control, especially on high-speed hardpack rips, but you gain float and it’s more forgiving.

Variable camber mixes these. How can that benefit you?

For example, there are boards with reverse camber between the bindings, camber underfoot, and then rocker for the nose and tail. The reverse camber between the feet means it’ll float better in pow and be more forgiving in turns; the camber underfoot gives you more control than standard reverse camber because your feet will basically get that parabolic lock when going to toe or heel; and then the rocker on tip and tail keeps the nose and tail up, making them more forgiving while still providing super level bases. Combining cambers is where it starts getting tricky so I’ll just table it there.

Part 3: Materials

I had to mention materials but no, we’re not going to do an in-depth rundown of the different materials used to construct boards. Do you want to read an essay comparing the springiness of poplar cores vs. the stiffness of bamboo? How about carbon cores vs. carbon stringers?

Or carbon honeycomb vs. aluminum honeycomb? And there’s kevlar in some boards, and some boards are layers of a few types of wood while others are carved out of one piece of wood by some legendary samurai shaper using techniques passed down from Hatori Hanzo and since I’m not an engineer specializing in the properties of various types of woods and alloys I’ll probably get some scientific term wrong anyway, dammit.

What matters is the general guidelines:

-Get an extruded base if you’re just beginning and don’t want to worry about waxing or dinging your base (or riding all park); sintered once you’re ready for a faster and stronger base.

-Stay away from full cap construction (do they even do that anymore?) again, unless you want just a super low-maintenance board you’ll take out, like, 5 days a year for groomer cruising or plan on trashing on handrails.

-When you read tech specs of the board they explain why they used certain types of materials and how it affects the board so instead of focusing on what materials, look for words like “stiff,” “responsive,” “pop,” “forgiving,” “lighter” and so on, matching that to your riding style.

Read reviews to get real info and not what the brands just tell you. For example, that “springy” board might actually require legs of steel and perfect technique to olley, though if you’ve got that it’ll launch like 6 feet in the air.

CHAPTER 4: WHAT IS SPLITBOARDING ALL ABOUT?

that’s the age-old question. Splitboarding is the “Stranger Things” of snowboarding, an exciting reboot of something from the 80s sent to brighten the modern world. If you’re like us and you spend most of your time exploring outside the lines, this is a no-brainer: you need a split to ride any rowdy BC objectives unless you got that heli on dial. It’s also where the real innovation is happening. But here are a couple more reasons an average rider needs a splitboard:

1. Slackcountry isn’t always so slack. For example, you go far right out the gates in Steamboat, you’ll eventually end up booting back a long traverse. In deep snow that could be enough to ruin your day; but with a split you cruise back as easily as your skier friends.

2. Marital harmony. Okay, so you have trouble convincing the significant other to go on a snowboard trip because it’s just not fun: He/she sucks and you can’t keep lapping the green on your back edge for the next 6 hours. Cross-country is a great option for the non-alpine explorer. Pack your split and you have a great shredtool for the downhill but enjoy cross country adventures with the old ball and chain without putting on those weak skinny skis.

3. Dawn patrol. Wanna ensure you’re the first person in the corduroy? A wide swath of resorts allow you to skin uphill and it’s an awesome way to sweat out that hangover; not to mention there’s nothing like sunrise from atop a snowy peak before sampling the untracked.

4. You want to ride Alta. Breaking the law. Trespassing. Snowboarding isn’t allowed yet, but they’re technically skis so… It’s one of the few places where they still hate us, God Bless, and what fun is snowboarding if you don’t occasionally get to shake up the squares?

https://mtnweekly.com/sports/snowboarding/divide-and-conquer-2016-splitboards

5. You never know. Quality backcountry boards cost a chunk no matter how you shake it. Pay a couple hundred more for a split; unless you’re spinning double-corks, you’ll notice no difference between a split and a big mountain board. And if that dream chance comes up to get a guided trip with a local, you’re ready.

6. It keeps you young. No really. Lapping the resort all day leaves old dudes — these days that means 30s or later — with sore knees, swollen ankles. Injuries abound. When you split, you spend most of the day going uphill. While it cuts down the amount of vert you get, it ensures the turns you get will be the kinds your rheumy eyes flash to on your death bed, and it also saves your joints while getting you more jacked than a carton of Ripped Fuel.

EPILOGUE: CHEAT SHEET

So now you’re more confused? Fine, here’s us playing god and telling you what to buy:

Resort Rat: All-mountain board, direction but not overly, standard sidecut – measure to exactly halfway between your chin and your nose and buy it that size.

Park Rat: Twin-tip, little to no sidecut, if this is gonna be a rail board you should expect to go through at least 1 in a reasonably active season. Measure to the bottom of your chin, no bigger.

Slackcountry Rider: Stiff but light, longer nose directional, measure to between your mouth and your nose

Pow Crusher: Reverse camber, FAT soft nose with stiff tail (batwing and swallow tails especially fun), either super long or, if a fish shape, super short

Split: Apply one of the two directly above and buy it with a dramatic cut right down the gullet. Split bindings (and often skins) not included.

The post How to Pick a Snowboard appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Ryan Ariano.

Mountain Weekly News ~

The third component of a snowboarding setup, bindings are nevertheless of utmost importance. Learn How To Buy Snowboard Bindings below:

Buy your boots before you start to look at your binding options. You want as snug a fit as possible and this is hard to come by if you’re trying to match bindings to boots rather than the other way around.

Another piece of advice: simple bindings are almost always the best bindings. Yours shouldn’t have any special features if they are not concerned with improving fit.

When you head to the shop, ask an experienced sales person to help you evaluate your Riding Style, Binding Type, Components, Fit and Binding Compatibility with your board. They can help you find just the right binding for what you need on the mountain based on these things.

1. Snowboard Bindings based on Riding Style

Bindings fall into three categories, and it’s important to match the flex to your ridding style. You’ll need to determine the amount of flex you want according to the flex of your boots. You don’t want to have stiff binding and a soft boot, or vice versa. So, bring in your boots if you want. You’ll get a tailored fit for your ride, if you match up the flex of your boots and bindings. Flex ratings range from 1-10, 1 being the softest, and 10 the stiffest. (1-2, is soft, 3-5 is medium, 6-8 is stiff, and 9-10 is very stiff) and ratings vary.

Your riding style may be park, freestyle, all-mountain, or free ride and each style has different flex needs. Riders who spend most of their time in the park throwing down tricks, may want bindings with a softer flex so there’s softer landings, better tweak, and room for error. All-mountain riders typically ride powder, groomed runs and may hit the park, so they’ll usually want a medium flex. Freeride boarders have a need for speed so a stiffer flex offers better response for going big.

2. Types of Bindings

There’s really just two categories here: Strap-In bindings, and Rear-Entry bindings.

Strap-In Bindings have two straps. One that goes across the toe, and one across the ankle. They are supportive, and adjust easily. Suitable for all riding styles, they simply take a little bit of time to adjust on the mountain. These work great, but you might find that gloves get in the way of easy adjustment, and frigid fingers are too stiff to strap them to your feet. But if you don’t mind taking a bit of time to get strapped in, these work well, and are reliable.

Rear-Entry Bindings are made for a quick and easy entry. With a high back that just drops down for you to step into the binding, they make it easy to get up on your board fast. No need to holler “Hold up!” With these, you’ll be waiting on your friends. They are super comfortable and supportive. And if you are stoked on the mountain and want to get as many runs in before the day is out, these will help you keep up the pace. No need to strap up every time, just adjust them once and slip your boot in the back.

3. How Snowboard Bindings Should Fit

Different bindings have different parts. Getting to know how each part will support your riding style can help you decide which binding works best for you. There’s toe cap straps, traditional toe straps, hybrid toe straps, ankle straps, and a single piece that straps you in, depending on the type you choose. Highbacks, and baseplates are also important to a good fit, and a great response on the mountain.

Snowboard bindings come in just three sizes, Small, Medium, and Large. If you don’t bring your boots in with you, check the manufacture’s binding size chart and ask a sales person if that brand tends to run large, or small.

Bindings and boards all have different options when it comes to mountain. Since there are a variety of hole patterns, you’ll need to get the right set for the board you have. For example: Burton boards feature the Channel system, while others use a simple 2 x 4 and 4 X 4 disc pattern, or 3D pattern.

More How To Snowboard Articles:

How to Buy a Snowboard for Beginners

How to Buy Snowboard Boots

How to Buy Snowboard Bindings

How to Snowboard in Powder

How to do Snowboard Grabs

How to do a 360 on a Snowboard

How to Jib on a Snowboard

How to Drop a Cliff on a Snowboard

The post Snowboarding Tips – How To Buy Snowboard Bindings appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Brittany Artwohl.

Mountain Weekly News ~

For most of the snow world, opening days are bittersweet. Limited terrain, limited snow, and limited access all combine to give us a taste of the winter we’re waiting for without giving everyone everything they want. Out west resorts cross their fingers and hope to get a good storm, and Wolf Creek snaked Loveland and A-Basin by a full week this season-opening when a foot of fresh fell on the resort. But back here on the east coast, it was a snowmakers race again, with resorts in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont trying to push water uphill as soon as temps got low enough.

And this year, as in so many years before, Killington got the goods first. Edging out Sunday River in Maine when the K1 Express Gondola started spinning earlier than announced, season pass holders could ride the gondola to the top of Killington Peak on Friday, October 19th and then follow the catwalk to riders left across to the top of the North Ridge Triple Lift. Rime, Reason, and Upper East Fall were open, along with a quick three features from the Killington Parks crew at the bottom of Reason.

All opening days are less than complete experiences. With finite snowmaking capacity, and everyone excited to get on the snow (even if their legs aren’t ready to be back yet) there’s a lot of energy packed into a chaotic environment. But Killington got more than a few things right. First off, the snowmaking team did the unthinkable and managed to open two (two and a half if you count East Fall) runs for their full length and width. This wasn’t the usual “white ribbon of death” you think of on opening days, a ten-foot wide trail of snow packed from edge to edge with people going full season send without being in full season shape. Instead, it was a complete skiing and snowboarding experience, on surprisingly quality snow with completely manageable lift lines.

Furthermore, this wasn’t just a push to grab the “opening day” title and then shut down for a few weeks to get ready for “real” season. Sources tell Mountain Weekly News that Killington aims to be open for regular winter business hours from Monday, October 22 onward, weather permitting. Obviously, upper Killington Peak will be the place to watch as more trails are added, but there was obvious evidence of snowmaking on runs serviced by the Superstar Express Quad, so top-to-bottom runs at Killington can’t be far.

https://www.killington.com/

The post Killington Opening Day 2018 appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Jim O'Leary.

Mountain Weekly News ~

DENVER, CO – After another great day on the trade show floor, I wanted to share some snowboard porn focusing on 2017 snowboards and gear that will be available later this fall. Snowboarding is not dying, if anything it’s growing up nicely and these 2017 snowboard shapes and designs are a testament to that.

(click photos to expand)

This article is now a season old, perhaps check out our list of 2018 Snowboards instead.

2017 Capita Snowboards

2017 FLOW Snowboards

2017 Slash Snowboards

2017 Lib Tech Snowboards

2017 GNU Snowboards

2017 United Shapes Snowboards

2017 Roxy Snowboards

2017 Hippie Snowboards

2017 Smoking Snowboards

2017 Stepchild Snowboards

2017 Burton Snowboards

My 2016 Editor’s Choice Award winners article can be clicking this link!

2017 Arbor Snowboards

2017 DC Snowboards

2017 Nitro Snowboards

2017 Jones Snowboards

2017 Never Summer Snowboards

Once again the trend of powder boards is here to stay. Let’s hope that mother nature will play ball and be willing to cooperate. There are seemed to be a lot of brands selling boards and with the maybe too much inventory? I have to wonder how many snowboards someone needs? Its one thing to geek out on snowboards when you live in the mountains or work in the industry. However the average rider is not the person, the average rider can easily get 2-3 seasons or more out of their gear.

One of the sad trends I saw was amazon snowboards reps at the SIA floor?

So only time will tell which brand flourish and which brand shrink their lines. All I can say is there is a bunch of 2017 snowboards I am really excited to test and help promote in 2017.

For the latest snowboards, check out our 2019 Snowboards First Look

The post 2017 Snowboard Previews appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Mike Hardaker.

Mountain Weekly News ~

WILSON, WY – Game on in the Tetons. Felt nice to get some much needed turns in after a week at the SIA trade show in Denver, CO. A week off snow in the middle of winter is way to much time away from the mountains..

Glory Bowl Teton Pass Video

1/31/16

I was joined by some ripping skiers..

Glory Bowl Skiing Photos

Jacob Stinson Skiing Glory Photo Mike Hardaker | Mountain Weekly News

Ladies around here ski way better than you and Jake.. Photo Mike Hardaker | Mountain Weekly News

Jake charging as usual.. photo Mike Hardaker | Mountain Weekly News

The post Epic Glory Bowl Teton Pass Powder appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Mike Hardaker.

Mountain Weekly News ~

DENVER, CO – Mountain Weekly News is proud to have awarded our second annual Editor’s Choice Awards on the floor of the SnowSports Industries America (SIA) trade show this year. This is some of the hottest 2017 snowboard gear coming to the market next fall.

The SIA show is an exciting event that brings together manufacturers, retailers and media to preview all the cool snowboard gear coming to the market for the 2016/2017 season.

The five award categories were Best All Around Snowboard, Best Splitboard, Best Splitoard Binding, Best Binding, Best Camber Snowboard. Scroll down to find out who took home the prize for best of SIA snow 2016-2017. This is the 2017 snowboard gear I am standing behind. Odds are you will enjoy it too..

Best 2017 Snowboard *All Around

The man, the myth, the Chairman Vince Sanders with the Never Summer Type Two

$569.99 Backcountry.com | Never Summer Type Two Review

Two years in a row this honor has fallen on Never Summer and for good reason. They make the funnest, easiest snowboards to ride on the market. I have been rocking the Type Two for the past couple weeks and its a game changer. It makes me a better snowboarder and always put a smile on my face on or off snow. Homerun Never Summer for another Editor’s Choice Award!!

Best 2017 Splitboard

$969.95 Evo | Lib Tech Travis Rice Goldmember Splitboard Review

New for 2017/2017 is the Lib Tech Travis Rice Goldmember splitboard! Firepower + Lib Tech + Travis Rice and Jackson Hole = radness. This split can be taken anywhere in the backcountry. The days of riding sup-par splits are long gone. Odds are this split will perform better than a solid.

Best 2017 Snowboard Binding

JF kNOW’s more about snowboarding than most of us. Here with the Jeremy Jones Binding for 2017

$229 Evo

Nothing even comes close (well maybe the new Bent Metal Binders) but when it comes to running bindings on a solid board, I won’t ride anything but NOW. JF is a snowboarder who designed bindings for snowboarders, its really that simple. It’s no wonder this is what Jeremy Jones trust to attach his boots to his board and numerous other freeriders around the globe. The new Jeremy Jones NOW binding is sure to be a hit within our community.

Best 2017 Splitboard Binding

This is what you call a Motley Crue of splitboarders. Will and the boys from Spark R&D

$307 REI | Spark R&D Arc Splitboard Binding Review

Can you guess who’s going to win this year? Spark of course! Will and the Spark R&D team are crushing it. Again like JF, these guys started out by building bindings for their own personal use. With the epic backcountry around Bozeman, Montana at their home base of production and product testing just out the back door. Spark is changing the way splitboarders access the mountains. Turns out Sparks work and it’s really the only split binding I feel comfortable mounting up and riding day in day out. Especially if I’m swapping out between numerous splits throughout the season.

The 2016/2017 ARC Binding is rad with a single heel riser that has two height adjustments, a fancy forward lean adjuster and Spark R&D reliability. Which is crucial in the BC. Such an honor to be able to work with this crew, they “get it”.

Best 2017 Camber Snowboard

Arbor Guch Camber (Black) Rocker Tan, (Far Left) Photo Mike Hardaker | Mountain Weekly News

$599 Backcountry | Arbor Guch Camber Review

Everything’s better with Camber. Yes I said it. If you are over 30 and reading this you are odds are not opposed to Camber. And for people like Bryan Iguchi who lives and shreds in Jackson Hole camber has been proven reliable. The board will also be offered without camber if that’s your sort of thing. Either way this board, the top sheet and the quality Arbor is producing is unmatched.

Support the brands mentioned above the all all run by snowboarders, simple enough!

Find out who won the SIA Editors Choice Best of Show 2017 Awards.

The post SIA 2016 Editor’s Choice Awards appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Mike Hardaker.

Mountain Weekly News ~

DENVER, CO – Check out these photos of 2020 snowboards available next winter.  Camber, flat camber, rocker camber and just about everything in between can once again be found in these shapes.  I spent a few days walking the trade show floor at the annual Outdoor Retailer show and was able to get photos of most of the boards in the building.  We’ll have an updated article after our SIA on-snow coverage, so be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest snowboard gear news and more.

2020 Academy Snowboards

2020 Arbor Snowboards

2020 Bataelon Snowboards

2020 Capita Snowboards

2020 DC Snowboards

2020 Endeavor Snowboards

2020 Head Snowboards

2020 Jones Snowboards

2020 K2 Snowboards

2020 Nobaday Snowboards

2020 Never Summer Snowboards

2020 Nidecker Snowboards

2020 Nitro Snowboards

2020 Plum Snowboards

2020 Prior Snowboards

2020 Public Snowboards

2020 Ride Snowboards

2020 Rossignol Snowboards

2020 Salomon Snowboards

2020 Venture Snowboards

2020 Weston Snowboards

2020 Yes Snowboards

More 2020 snowboard coverage to follow after the SIA On-Snow Demo taking place on February 4-5, 2019.

Stick around, you might dig these articles too:

A Look at the Evolution of Snowboard Shapes and Designs.

Tips on How to Buy a Snowboard.

2019 Snowboard Previews

The post 2020 Snowboard Gear Preview appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Mike Hardaker.

Mountain Weekly News ~

As snowboarding becomes more specialized and more diverse, snowboard boots are adapting to make it easier than ever for every rider to find the right boots. At the 2019 Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show, every major manufacturer was showing off their 2020 snowboard boots showcasing new technology and new designs to help every rider find the right boot next season.

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest snowboard gear news and more.

DC Snowboard Boots 2020

They clearly know skate shoes, and DC Snowboarding leverages that experience to make their latest batch of snowboard boots some of their best. With more options for more riders, it’ll be easy to find what you need if what you want is DC.

Deeluxe Snowboard Boots

Based out of Austria, Deelux has never really made a bit mark on the US market. But ask anyone who’s ridden them and they’ll tell you about industry leading comfort and quality. And with groundbreaking innovation, like the snowboard-specific hardboot, Deelux Snowboard Boots look to maintain their image as innovative leaders in snowboard boot design.

K2 Snowboard Boots

Sure they’re a ski brand, but K2 Snowboarding isn’t playing games when it comes to supporting standing sideways. Next year’s lineup looks to continue what they do best- simple closures, reliable quality, and performance you can count on.

Nidecker Snowboard Boots

A sleeping giant in Europe, Nidecker Snowboards owns brands you know like Jones, Flow, Yes, and Rome SDS. And their new line of snowboard boots appears to continue the tradition of Flow boots- simple, to the point, and ready to ride.

Nitro Snowboard Boots

Featuring their largest lineup in years, Nitro Snowboard Boots are built to make it easy for any rider to find the fit that works for them.

Northwave Snowboard Boots

They’re a small brand now, but Northwave (and sister company Drake), were among the first brands to fully support snowboarding. While they may not have the same name recognition as the other guys, this upcoming collection of Northwave Snowboard Boots shows they’re still committed to making quality snowboard gear accessible to everyone.

Ride Snowboard Boots

Ride Snowboards was probably the first brand to really master making Boa Boots work. And that tradition continues, with plenty of boots that make it easy to dial in the perfect fit. There’s traditional lacing options too, for those who prefer to tie their own.

Rome SDS Snowboard Boots

Coming out of the great state of Vermont, Rome SDS continues to disrupt the west coast dominated industry by making snowboard gear that works for any rider anywhere. 2020’s boot lineup continues that tradition, offering reliable boots for riders of any ability level.

Rossignol Snowboard Boots

Known first as a ski company, Rossignol continues to make quality snowboard gear without much fanfare. The 2020 crop of snowboard boots continues this tradition, giving you their legendary fit and quality construction in several versatile styles.

Salomon Snowboard Boots

Debuting their new Fit To Ride (FTR) technology, Salomon Snowboards is looking to improve heel hold without compromising comfort in this new collection

ThirtyTwo Snowboard Boots

ThirtyTwo Snowboard Boots are familiar to anyone who’s spent any time thinking about snowboarding. And based on the collection on display at the 2019 OR + Snow Show that dominance looks likely to continue, as the brand had more boots in more styles on display than anyone else in Denver.

Vans will be updated soon.

The post 2020 Snowboard Boot Previews appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Jim O'Leary.

Mountain Weekly News ~

Learning to grab your snowboard while airing off of jumps is one of the first snowboard tricks that beginners to snowboarding should learn. It is relatively easy, simple, and is a good building block for more complex tricks. Learning how to do a board grab on your snowboard equals serious style points too.

Before you start to try and learn snowboard grabs, you should be comfortable getting air off of jumps and landing safely. Once you can do this, you’re ready to start learning. Below are a few tips to help you learn your snowboard grabs quickly and easily.

Snowboard Grabs Explained

Though it is true that you can grab your snowboard nearly anywhere and with either hand (or both), there are a few main grabs that most snowboarders start with. Learning these ones first is easiest plus they will prevent you from looking like a kook.

The grabs that you should learn first include:

How to do an Indy Grab

Grab the toe edge of your board between your feet with your backhand. Requires you to flex your knees.

How to do a Mute Grab

Grab the toe edge of your board between your feet with your front hand. Requires you to flex your knees.

How to do a Tail Grab

Grab the tail of your board with your backhand. Requires you to flex your back knee and straighten your front leg to help you reach the back of your board.

How to do a Nose Grab

Grab the nose of your board with your front hand. Requires you to flex your front knee and straighten your back leg to help you reach the front of your board.

How to do a Stalefish

Grab the heel edge of your board between your feet with your backhand. Requires you to flex your knees and reach around the outside of your back foot.

How to do a Lien Grab Snowboarding

Grab the heel edge of your board between your feet with your front hand. Requires you to flex your knees and reach around the outside of your front foot.

Beginner Snowboard Tricks

The first step to learning snowboard grabs is to practice them without a jump. You might feel corny doing this but it is a great way to train your body to make grabbing movements.

The first way is to strap into your snowboard on a flat area. Simply bend down and try to grab each area of the board. This is an excellent exercise in learning how to bend your knees correctly so that you can reach different areas of the board with ease.

The second way is to strap in and lay down on your back with both of your feet up in the air. You’ll look pretty silly but this is an even better way to get the mechanics of snowboard grabs down pat.

Once you have the movements down, find a safe jump that you feel comfortable on. You should be able to get a decent amount of air off the jump.

Approach the jump like normal. When you leave the lip of the jump, pull your knees in and reach down to do a grab. The key here is not to actually complete the grab (unless you are comfortable with that). Rather, bend forward, get your hand close to grabbing your board, and bring it back. Indy and Mute grabs are generally the easiest snowboarding grabs to start working with.

Build towards actually grabbing your board from here. Tap the edge with your fingers on a few attempts. And then just go for it – grab the board and stick the landing.

Snowboard Grabs Video

Practice, Practice, Practice

Like anything in snowboarding, you can only learn grabs with consistent practice. So grab your board, launch off your favorite jump, and work on a single grab until you have it down. From here you can progress to other grabs (including those not mentioned in this article) and larger jumps.

Snowboard grabs are actually fairly simple. They just take a little confidence, know-how, and practice. Get out there and start learning.

More How To Snowboard Articles:

How to Buy a Snowboard for Beginners

How to Buy Snowboard Boots

How to Buy Snowboard Bindings

How to Snowboard in Powder

How to do a 360 on a Snowboard

How to Jib on a Snowboard

How to Drop a Cliff on a Snowboard

The post Snowboard Tricks – How to Grab On a Snowboard appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Jake Walnuts.

Mountain Weekly News ~

What happens when you combine 6 feet of snow in 5 days at a place as legendary as Jackson Hole, with a bunch of ripping snowboarders and a tent full of snowboards to try? The Jackson Hole Shaper Summit is just that sort of event.

Gary Hansen Exiting the Whiteroom on a Never Summer Swift at the Jackson Hole Shaper Summit

Formally known as the JH PowWow the JH Shaper Summit is an annual snowboard test that focuses on riding powderboards and freeride snowboard shapes.  The valuable and honest feedback the testers known as Mountain Warriors give is in turn shared with the boards designers and brands.

The only hiccup with testing boards in a format like this is Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a burly mountain.  When the snow’s super deep and untracked you can get away with riding a board with a huge tail or some funky surf inspired shape.

However, when the snow starts to gets tracked it’s much easier and safer to pick a snowboard that will offer a more familiar feel.  In my case, that’s more of a twin tip, directional board to be able to handle riding Jackson Hole Mountain Resort from the top to bottom across a variety of terrain and snow conditions.

Below are photos of the snowboards I rode at the Jackson Hole Shaper Summit.  Full test results will be available online at – http://shapersummit.com/

2020 Rossignol Sashimi Snowboard

2020 Telos Back/Slash Snowboard

2020 Winterstick Rob Kingwill ARK Snowboard

Rob’s Winterstick Pro Model Snowboard was my personal favorite riding the mountain top to bottom

2020 Notice Smashghost Snowboard

2020 Never Summer Dipstick

2020 Cardiff Snowcraft Swell Snowboard

Looking for more 2020 snowboards?  Check out the photos of my coverage from the Outdoor Retailer trade show where I got photos of most of the 2020 snowboards at the show.  Want to geek out on boots too?  We put together a list of 2020 snowboard boots.

The post JH Shaper Summit Snowboard Test appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Mike Hardaker.

Mountain Weekly News ~

WILSON, WY – Game on in the Tetons. Felt nice to get some much needed turns in after a week at the SIA trade show in Denver, CO. A week off snow in the middle of winter is way to much time away from the mountains..

Glory Bowl Teton Pass Video

1/31/16

I was joined by some ripping skiers..

Glory Bowl Skiing Photos

Jacob Stinson Skiing Glory Photo Mike Hardaker | Mountain Weekly News

Ladies around here ski way better than you and Jake.. Photo Mike Hardaker | Mountain Weekly News

Jake charging as usual.. photo Mike Hardaker | Mountain Weekly News

The post Epic Glory Bowl Teton Pass Powder appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Mike Hardaker.

Mountain Weekly News ~

Learning to ride a snowboard halfpipe is not something that a straight up snowboarding beginner should try to take on. The photo above is out good pal Travis Young, a professional snowboarder..

Before you start, you should make sure that you have solid edge control and turning skills. The ability to ride fakie comfortably is also smart.

If you can do these things, then you might be ready to learn to snowboard in a halfpipe. Of course, working with an instructor in person is always the fastest and most effective way to learn a new snowboarding skill, but the tips below can help you learn to ride a halfpipe by yourself.

1. Start Slow

Learn to ride in a halfpipe in much the same way that you originally learned to ride in general. Traverse back and forth along the bottom of the halfpipe to get used to going up and down the same slope.

2. Sliding Turns

After a few traversing runs, try to get a little higher up on the transition of the halfpipe, taking care not to reach the vertical portion. When you reach the midpoint of the halfpipe wall, perform a slide turn to come down the other side. Learning to roll your edges (going up the transition on one edge and coming down on the other) is essential. Steadily work your way higher and higher up the halfpipe transition.

3. Jump Turns

Once you are near the top of the wall, it is time to attempt to get some air. Naturally, this step will be a little scary at first. No worries, it is surprisingly similar to going off a regular jump. Start very small, a few inches, and work your way up to more air steadily. Make sure to keep your knees bent slightly while landing and close to your body while you are in the air. Concentrate on the lip of the halfpipe during your landing so that you can prevent your nose from digging into it.

It is not impossible to learn to snowboard in a halfpipe by yourself. The tips above show you the basics of how to do so. Remember to start slowly, watch and learn from others more experienced than you, and make sure it’s your turn for a run, especially when you are first beginning to traverse.

More How To Snowboard Articles:

How to Buy a Snowboard for Beginners

How to Buy Snowboard Boots

How to Buy Snowboard Bindings

How to Snowboard in Powder

How to do Snowboard Grabs

How to do a 360 on a Snowboard

How to Jib on a Snowboard

How to Drop a Cliff on a Snowboard

The post Snowboarding Tips – How to Snowboard Half Pipe appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Jake Walnuts.

Mountain Weekly News ~

The University of Montana is in its first year of teaming up with the SkiTracks™ app.  SkiTracks™ is an app that uses GPS tracking software to literally trace your tracks on the mountain.  What began as a friendly GPS service aiming to break your day down into stats and numbers, has morphed into an avalanche awareness tool that aims to collect GPS location information and survey responses from backcountry skiers and riders to better understand what types of terrain decision we make.

SkiTracks App Review

Now, if you’ve got a secret powder stash or undiscovered pillow line, don’t worry, your secrets are safe with the analytics professionals. The focus is to monitor terrain decisions and human triggered avalanches and the goal is to build up data using statistics that help avalanche professionals better understand how skiers and riders choose what to ski based on observational knowledge of avalanche conditions.

The project calls for as many helpers as possible because more data means more accurate computation. You do not have to be an expert to take part in the project. Whether you’re a skier, snowmobiler, rider, alpine climber, or recreational winter hiker, it is encouraged that you share your GPS information with the Tracks™ project so that the most accurate information can be compiled and shared for our safety in the upcoming winters.

While you are out, take photos of any key decision points—did you see an avalanche and then decide to ski elsewhere (take a photo of the avalanche). Did you dig a snowpit and find out more information about the nature of the instability (take a photo of the snowpit). Or did you stop and discuss the route ahead (take a photo of the route ahead). Each photo is geo-referenced, so it can see where you were when you made this decision or discovered new information. You can do this for both the up and down tracks.

Once you have finished your trip, end by saving it. When you are back in cell phone or internet coverage, please send in your track and any photos (go into “History”, click on your track and share via email). You can set this as the default destination.

BATTERY FRIENDLY – RECORD YOUR WHOLE DAY

Unlike many other tracking applications, Ski Tracks is designed to use less power and will last all day. Ski Tracks also includes a battery monitor – stopping tracking and audio if your battery level gets too low – this reduces the possibility of that end of the day dead phone. 

Switch into airplane mode to preserve battery life

Unlike many other ski applications, Ski Tracks does not require any data or phone signal for Tracking. So enjoy your skiing or riding without worrying about data costs.

iPhone users can run Ski Tracks in the background and while the phone is locked. Continue to take and receive calls/text or run other applications while tracking.

Ski Tracks uses special algorithms designed for mountain users to accurately calculate your speed, slope angle and ski vertical.

Want to check your last run maximum speed or duration or even your last ascent then use the Run-by-Run analysis tool and Ski Tracks will break up your day into runs and lifts.

Why not share your Ski day in Facebook or how about emailing a file that will preview your entire day in 3D on Google Earth™.

Standard and Satellite maps are available for displaying your track, track runs, start, finish and photographs. Use the preview mode to playback your entire day.

Take photographs and they are automatically geo-tagged to your Track.

Looking for more ways to stay connected in the backcountry.  Why not try out a 2-way messenger for your next ski touring adventure.

The post SkiTracks Looks to Understand Travel Behavior in Avalanche Terrain appeared first on Mountain Weekly News by Nicholas Sirianno.