The Sierra Avalanche Center is an indispensable resource for those of us who frequent backcountry slopes in the Tahoe area. When there’s snow on the ground, they’re out there at dawn assessing he snowpack so they can pass the information to you. And it’s free to you and me. Pretty good deal, huh?
A really good way to help [...]

Emilie Cortes is back in action checking out the scene at the annual Ouray Ice Festival…

This article in the New York Times really got me thinking. The use of cell phones has been an issue among my climbing and skiing friends for some time. And my own take on the issue has evolved over the years.

When I started climbing and skiing,

Believe it or not, we’re talking about backcountry ski gear. Specifically, avalanche safety gear. With hundreds of products on the market these days it’s hard to know what it all does, and just what it is that you really need when you’re skii

The season’s already begun! Boreal is officially open for skiing and riding. Mammoth is opening tomorrow. The rest are coming soon. See below for a list of opening dates for area resorts.

This is all subject to change, of course, depending on weat

Never in my entire life have I had a comfortable pair of ski boots. My feet are wide and high-volume, my calves are big, and I have pain-in-the-ass navicular bones on the inside of my ankles, among other problems.

I’ve tried everything, but nothin

Many sources are reporting that the long-rumored acquisition of Alpine Meadows by Squaw Valley is indeed, at long last, complete. Details are nearly non-existent at this point, and the news has not been confirmed by either party. The news was first

Jon, Jen and I decided to do the 20 Lakes Basin loop with a night in the backcountry. It’s an easy-going and flat eight-mile loop through gorgeous high alpine lakes above the Saddlebag Lake trailhead. We drove up Friday afternoon and looked for a car

We’re headed up to the east side of Yosemite this weekend for a quicky overnight in the Tioga Pass region. So I went out to the local REI to pick up the topo map for the area.

I always bring a topo map and compass on all trips into the backcountry

When it comes to mountain bike ride in Tahoe, or the summer day hike on Mt. Tam, the Camelbak or “hydration system” is a no brainer.  It’s simple, convenient, and a great way to stay hydrated while on the go. However, when it comes to the mul