“Hitching a ride with the dogs to The Monster.”

Tag along with Nikolai Schirmer and Mark Abma as the hitched a ride behind some pups from Lyngsfjord Adventure in Tamok Valley, Norway to access a couloir simply and ominously named The Monster. The trip out with the dogs was relatively chill but once the stepped up to The Monster thing got serious. That choke is no joke:

About Tamok Valley:

Nestled in the heart of Norway, the Tamok Valley captivates visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty and serene landscapes. Situated in Troms County, this enchanting valley is renowned for its picturesque surroundings, characterized by towering mountains, dense forests, and pristine waterways. The valley is embraced by the Tamokdalen River, which winds its way through the rugged terrain, adding to the area’s allure.

Tamok Valley is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering a plethora of activities throughout the year. In winter, the valley transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting avid skiers and snowmobilers to its snow-covered slopes. The Tamokdalen becomes a playground for dog sledding and snowshoeing, providing a magical winter experience.

During the summer months, the valley undergoes a vibrant transformation as wildflowers bloom, and the landscape becomes a tapestry of green hues. Hiking trails beckon explorers to traverse the wilderness, unveiling panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The Tamok River invites kayakers and anglers to indulge in the tranquility of its waters, reflecting the stunning Norwegian skies.

The indigenous Sami culture also adds a unique dimension to the Tamok Valley, with traditional reindeer herding and cultural experiences available for those eager to immerse themselves in the local way of life. Visitors can stay in cozy cabins or experience the authenticity of Sami tents, known as lavvus, for an unforgettable connection with nature.

Tamok Valley, with its harmonious blend of natural wonders and cultural richness, stands as a testament to Norway’s untamed beauty, captivating all who venture into its embrace.

“Boot Tan Fest is the world’s largest ski and snowboard festival created to celebrate women and femmes. Tickets on sale December 5th!”

What started out with 27 fun loving women taking a backcountry lap in their birthday suits back in 2021 has grown to an incredible 2000 participants. Boot Tan Fest has found its home for the first three years of the event at Bluebird Backcountry but have switched it up for 2024 moving to Sunlight Mountain in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Looks like an absolute hoot. Tickets are on sale now. MORE INFO HERE:

FROM 27 TO 2,000 STRONG: BOOT TAN FEST CHRONICLES

In Spring 2023, 400+ incredible women & femmes ignited Boot Tan Fest’s liberating vibe. Now, brace for the 2024 spectacle! Sunlight Mountain Resort in Glenwood Springs sets the stage for an even more vibrant gathering of 2,000+.

Our tale kicked off in 2021 with 27 adventurous souls, embarking on daring escapades and breezy exploits. These pioneers set the groundwork for an extraordinary legacy.

As stories unfurled, we embraced change through connections, self-expression, and raw vulnerability. Now, Boot Tan Fest roars back for 2024, fueling empowerment and anticipation. Get set for another year of unbridled celebration at the sensational 2024 Boot Tan Festival

Here’s a trailer from a film about the event called “Full Frontal Freedom”

RELATED: Boot Tan Fest (Nude Backcountry Ski Festival) Takes Place This Weekend

The closing of Bluebird Backcountry was undoubtedly one of the sadder pieces of news to come out of this past summer. The ski area fully void of lifts and uphill transportation presented a great opportunity for backcountry beginners to get their feet wet without risking too much. The location was quite popular, but it just couldn’t stay. It wasn’t the only place in the world, nor North America, to try the liftless ski area concept, and it almost certainly won’t be the last.

Hankin Evelyn, located near Smithers, BC, is arguably even more of a backcountry ski area than Bluebird Backcountry was. There are cut trails, yes, but there’s no uphill transportation of any kind. It’s community operated, run by volunteers, and housing is limited to a day-use shelter and an overnight fire lookout.

“Hankin Evelyn ski area near Smithers, BC has no lifts, no base lodge and no ski school, yet skiers from across the world are flocking there in search of a new type of ski experience. Hankin Evolution examines the rise of backcountry skiing and how places like Hankin Evelyn are helping us reimagine what a classic day on the slopes looks like.”

So with rising lift ticket prices and growing lift lines, will the future of ski areas look more like Hankin Evelyn than Vail or Aspen?

I don’t think a majority of skiers and snowboarders are going to switch towards backcountry resorts anytime soon. Backcountry skiing and snowboarding really is a separate sport from resort skiing and snowboarding, and a lot of people who head to the resort are there for the resort. Sure, they like skiing and snowboarding, but they also like the fact that there’s a bar with lots of hot food and booze in the middle of the mountain, and they like that they can ride a lift to the top of the mountain.

Don’t get me wrong, backcountry skiing areas are awesome, but they aren’t for everyone, and I don’t think a majority of skiers and snowboarders love the concept as much as we do.

Related: Tuckerman Ravine Is The Birthplace of Backcountry Skiing in America

Image Credit: Salomon TV via YouTube

“Skiing is an import in the United States. As it got popular in the late 20s, early 30s its first stop on the way to colonizing the whole ski country of the US was New Hampshire.” –New England Ski Museum Historian, Jeff Leich

Really enjoyed this video highlighting the legendary east coast ski mecca that is Tuckerman Ravine located on Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Not often do we get a historian in our ski edits and I really appreciate what Jeff Leich of the New England Ski Museum had to say about the significance of Tucks in the story of skiing in America. Can you imagine “schussing” the headwall at 80mph in ski technology from 1939? Toni Matt…certified legend. Great video. Enjoy.

About Tuckerman Ravine:

Tuckerman Ravine nestled on the southeastern face of Mount Washington in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, is a glacial cirque renowned for its challenging terrain and iconic backcountry skiing. This natural amphitheater, carved by the elements over millennia, captivates adventurers with its steep slopes and towering cliffs, creating an environment that beckons both thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Aptly named after the 19th-century botanist Edward Tuckerman, the ravine is a testament to the raw beauty of the New England landscape. Its snow-filled bowl, encased by the rugged peaks of the Presidential Range, transforms into a winter wonderland that draws skiers and snowboarders seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush. The legendary headwall, a nearly vertical wall of snow and ice, is a legendary challenge for expert skiers who dare to descend its formidable slopes.

Beyond its winter allure, Tuckerman Ravine offers stunning vistas and hiking opportunities during the warmer months. Hikers and climbers navigate the well-trodden trails that lead to the ravine’s rim, rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Tuckerman Ravine stands not only as a thrilling playground for winter sports enthusiasts but also as a testament to the enduring power and beauty of nature in the heart of the White Mountains.

Backcountry people, how much time do you lose on the transition because of ice and compact snow? Obviously it depends on the time of backcountry setup, the bindings themselves, etc, etc, but ice can become a real problem, especially when looking at the toes of pin bindings. Not only can ice make clipping in and out more difficult, but it can affect the safety and function of the device, potentially leading to prereleases or injuries.

So what if there was a handy little tool designed just to clear ice out of backcountry bindings? It wouldn’t need to be very complicated. Really it could just be a small pick of some sort. It could just be the KikPik.

The KikPik, designed by The Alpine Lab, is a simple little device designed specifically to clear ice and debris from your ski boots and bindings and quicken up transitions in the backcountry. One end features a pick like needle point, allowing you to clear out snow and debris from those hard to reach locations on the binding. The small brush on the KikPik’s other end allows for even more perfection when it comes to clearing out your bindings. When the ice is clear and you’re done with the device, just stick it back into its bright and easily recognizable tube container and toss it back in your bag. Easy peasy.

Added weight will always be a concern when skiing in the backcountry. Bring what you need, not what you want. But the KikPik apparently weighs less than 2 oz, so it could be a pretty darn good addition to your toolkit if you have the space. For now, the device is only available through Kickstarter pledges. But, for $29, you can get your hands on either the sapphire or red KikPik.

Additionally, you could use the KikPik to clear out your bike cleats, scrape mud off your hiking shoes, or do whatever else you need to do with a stick-like device that weighs very little and could easily be tossed into your pack.

Related: XTRATUF Homer Slippers: The Indoor / Outdoor Slipper Gets an A+

Image Credit: The Alpine Lab via YouTube

If you’re looking to watch some cool backcountry ski films, you should head up to Portland, Maine next week. The Granite Backcountry Alliance, which has created some impressive backcountry skiing and riding zones in Northern New Hampshire & Western Maine, is hosting a film festival. The festival will take place on November 8th from 6 pm – 10 pm at the State Theatre in Portland. The event will include a costume contest, raffle prizes, vendors, guest speakers, live music from DJ Ninjah Nick, giveaways, food, drinks, and more. 

For more information, you can read Granite Backcountry’s press release below.

GRANITE BACKCOUNTRY FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS TO PORTLAND

The region’s leading backcountry skiing group brings human-powered films, nonprofits, brands, and a grand prize ski trip to Iceland to the State Theatre. 

Portland, ME – Granite Backcountry Alliance (GBA) is returning to Portland for its 8^th annual Granite Backcountry Film Festival at the State Theatre on Wednesday, November 8^th, showcasing films selected by Winter Wildlands Alliance to represent outdoor stewardship, grassroots advocacy, backcountry adventure, and the connection between humans and wild winters. This marks the second year GBA will be hosting the flagship film festival in Portland to celebrate its Maine glades: the Black & White Glade at Rumford Whitecap in partnership with Mahoosuc Land Trust and Black Mountain of Maine; the Baldface glade situated in the northeast corner of the White Mountain National Forest; and the newly designed Burnt Meadow Mountain glade in Brownfield, ME, just an hour from Portland, made possible through a collaboration with the Burnt Mountain Sno Club. The film festival will feature special guests, a Backcountry to the Future costume contest, and a grand prize backcountry skiing trip to Iceland, courtesy of Northeast Mountaineering.  

Produced each year as a celebratory, backcountry community event, the Granite Backcountry Film Festival raises critical funds for GBA’s network of accessible below tree line glades in New Hampshire and Western Maine, known as Graniteland. GBA’s local projects and programs perpetuate stewardship in the backcountry community and support human-powered activities as the basis for an emerging outdoor economy. Since 2016, Graniteland has amassed 17 backcountry skiing locations, from western NH to western Maine, with over 55,000 vertical feet of skiing through 33,000 hours of trail work by volunteers known as “Quarry Dogs”.  All terrain is publicly accessible with specific information on GBA’s website.  

“We’re ready to head to Portland and bring an incredible evening of stoke, storytelling and celebration to our backcountry enthusiasts from all over New England,” said Tyler Ray, GBA Founder and Granite Chief. “The funds raised by the film fest directly impact GBA’s capacity to maintain 55,000 feet of vertical terrain and build new glade zones while promoting stewardship and responsible backcountry conduct. And, we get to send someone to Iceland, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For any skier, this event will surely keep you entertained and praying for snow.” 

Film fest attendees will enjoy a vibrant night of activities including a costume contest, raffle prizes, vendors, guest speakers, live music from DJ Ninjah Nick, giveaways, food, drinks, and more.  The costume theme is “Backcountry to the Future,” inspired by GBA’s fall glade season that has led to the revival of two abandoned ski areas for backcountry use: Burnt Meadow Mountain just an hour from Portland in Brownfield, ME, and Page Hill in Tamworth, NH. The individual costume contest winner will take home a pair of Fischer Transalp 98’s. 

The Granite Backcountry Film Festival will take place from 6pm – 10pm on Wednesday, November 8, at the State Theatre in Portland (609 Congress Street). Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, available for purchase here. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore backcountry vendors and nonprofits including the Mt. Washington Backcountry Ski Festival; Black Mountain of Maine; Inclusive Ski Touring; STIO; Northeast Mountaineering; and Uphill New England. 

ABOUT GRANITE BACKCOUNTRY ALLIANCE

Granite Backcountry Alliance (GBA) seeks to enhance wintertime outdoor recreation across New Hampshire and Western Maine by developing its network of low-impact human-powered backcountry skiing known as Graniteland. Since 2016, GBA has developed 13 glade zones with over 45,000 ft. of vertical drop and maintained an additional 10,000 ft. of vertical drop on four historic ski trails through more than 33,000 hours of volunteer work. Collaborating with landowners, local businesses, state and national forests, and land trusts, GBA has generated terrain supply in Graniteland to meet the surging demand of backcountry skiing, the fastest-growing segment in the ski industry. Furthermore, GBA seeks to build a culture where everyone is welcome to contribute to the infrastructure development and community character of the sport. 

Image Credits: Karlos Keri Media, Granite Backcountry Alliance

Ladies and gentlemen, the ski season has begun. Maybe there’s just a few resorts spinning their lifts, and maybe there’s just one trail open at each of those resorts, but the ski season is underway.

Don’t believe me? Take a peak at Rise & Alpine‘s first turns on Vancouver’s North Shore. Did it require some work? Of course. Was it worth it? I don’t know, I wasn’t there. But, judging by the video description, I’m gonna go with most definitely.

“This is the earliest I’ve ever been on my skis in my life and I couldn’t be more stoked to be skiing again in the sea to sky. Honestly, I am shocked with how good the turns actually were. I somehow managed to ski a few hundred metres of untouched pow. I can’t believe it’s October. Sorry ski bases, it was worth it!”

We’ve hyperlinked the video to right before when he starts skiing, but you can (and should) start at the beginning and watch the whole thing. Rise & Alpine has some incredibly positive energy that you can truly feel through the screen.

Rise & Alpine is skiing at Vancouver’s Cypress Mountain Resort, which typically doesn’t open until mid-November. So, while the lifts aren’t spinning where he is, they likely will be within the month.

Nonetheless, darn good turns for October, there’s no doubt about that. Some skiers won’t see a day that deep throughout their entire season (sorry East Coasters. Some of you might see one or two days that deep, but that’s about it).

Related: Here’s What Opening Day At Arapahoe Basin Was Like

Image Credit: Rise & Alpine via YouTube

Marshall Mountain is going to be accessible to the public for decades to come. The Montana Free Press reports the City of Missoula and Missoula County each pledged $1 million to purchase the plots of land that once were home to a ski area. The three parcels of land, which altogether cost $3.2 million, will be purchased thanks to the money brought forth by the county and city, donations, and grants.

One of the donation methods currently ongoing is the selling of the remaining chairs. The chairs had been on the chairlift since its closure. They were recently removed after years of inactivity.

Those who donate $2500 or more get one of the remaining pink chairs from the triple chairlift. You can only acquire one though if you play Barbie Girl by Aqua continuously on the drive to and back from Marshall Mountain. Just kidding… I think.

The first rope tow opened in Marshall Canyon back in 1937. In 1956, the Green family purchased the land that is known today as Marshall Mountain, starting its trajectory as a ski area. Over the years, a triple chairlift, t-bar, a handle tow, night skiing, and snowmaking were added. An expansion was planned in its later years, with the trails even being cut. The mountain dealt with various issues, including low snowfall. Closed since the early 2000s, the mountain has remained a popular spot for backcountry skiers and mountain bikers.

Earlier this year, the county and city of Missoula developed a master plan for what could be added to the area. Some of the plans for the former ski area include new hiking/biking trails, a pavilion situated at the former chairlift’s base terminal, a mid-mountain structure for overnight campers, a new base lodge, and a magic carpet for beginner skiers and riders. While lift-serviced skiing outside of the beginner area seems unlikely, they will continue to maintain the area for backcountry skiing.

Click here for a more thorough breakdown of the future plans for Marshall Mountain.

Image/Video Credits: Google Earth, Skimap.org, Marshall Mountain Park, Missoula County

Back in the Spring of 2021, Michael Wirth set an ambitious goal for himself: to climb and then ski back down the 52 peaks in the Elk Range of Colorado with summit elevations that are above 13,000 feet.

The journey to pulling this off was arduous, but he got it done. Ultimately, he finished climbing and skiing the fifty-two peaks in just sixty days. Michael just posted a video of this challenging feat yesterday, and the film is truly an immersive watch.

Video Description via Michael Worth: In the spring of 2021, I set out to ski from the summits of all the 13,000′ mountains of the Elk Range in Colorado. Why? Well, the 14ers are known, but the 13ers still have a lot of adventure left within them.

The Elks are my home mountain range, so this project was a close journey to reach deeper into my home. In search of new lines, some rarely or never done. This is a snippet into that journey.

In sum, there are 52 peaks in the 13,000′ category and 7 above 14,000′. Over a 61 day period, I was able to climb to the summits of all 59 peaks in total and ski off them. It was a magical time of building an understanding of the range and watching my fitness and technical capacity become dialed – a true flow at home.

Special thanks to Luke Tornare who filmed this and edited it with me.

A special thanks also goes out to Julian Dysart for his wonderful music.

Neal Beidleman and I connected for the first time after I wrapped up this project and shared some nice thoughts about our mutual love for these mountains. There is a full filmed conversation between us. Would you like to see an uncut version of that uploaded to YouTube?

A final special thanks to James Brundige for camera gear and inspiration for filmmaking.

Image/Video Credits: Michael C Wirth

Last winter, a new ski resort opened up in Italy. The catch? It has zero lifts.

Tristan Kenedy from the Financial Times reports that Homeland has revitalized a remote community near the border of Switzerland and Italy. Located in Montespluga, Homeland is billed as Europe’s first lift-free ski resort, with eleven uphill routes, and 9000 acres of wide open skiable terrain. With this ski resort being two and a half hours from Milan, there’s potential to build something special here.

The owners were inspired by the now-closed Bluebird Backcountry ski area in Colorado. What’s different from this failed concept though is that they don’t charge money to use the trails. The prices for rentals are affordable: €55 (roughly $58) for all-new skis, boots, and skins, and €60 (around $63) for avalanche gear. They also offer €100 lessons (around $106) for novice ski tourers.

Like other parts of Europe, the number of ski resorts in Italy is beginning to decline. A 2023 report from Legambiente, which is the country’s top environmental NGO, found that 400 ski lifts in the country are abandoned. For the current and future areas that feature abandoned lifts, an alternative is ski-touring.

This new ski resort is a big boon for the town of Montespluga. Back in the 1950s and 60s, the town was home to four hotels and a ski lift. Over time, the ski lift and most of the hotels closed, and the town was practically abandoned during the winter. With this backcountry ski resort, the town’s trajectory has been altered.

Kikka Gramigna, a tourist who frequents the area, described to Tristan Kenedy of the Financial Times the effect the new ski resort has had on the community:

“They’re bringing life back to the village, there are people coming from Germany, from Austria, from all over. And their fire, their passion, it’s great.”

For a general idea about the skiing experience, the video below from
Alessandro Morolla is practically a cinematic experience. The video is in Italian, but there are English captions that make it easy to comprehend.

Image/Video Credits: Samuele Confortola (Featured & Header Image), Martina Mainetti, Alessandro Morolla