Gorp’s Top Ten for Skiiers

by Erik Olsen on

I was all set to do my own top ten ski areas list when I came across the exact same thing done by the good folks at
GORP. And when I saw that
their list was
compiled by author Peter Oliver and champion skier Alison
Gannett, and that it included several places I’ve never been in Europe, I realized it was better to just link to their
list. At least for now. Chances are we’ll do a list of our own, say, top ten California ski runs.

So take a minute, especially if you’re planning any Pres Day ski expeditions, to peruse the Gorp list and see if
anything there strikes your fancy. And where Alison Gannett’s five expert-only giga-diamond picks are concerned we
cannot be held liable if you decide to hurl yourself down one of them to, shall we say, disasterous consequences.

Beacon of Hope

by Erik Olsen on

I read
this piece on Sunday and made a note to
post it, but then burned a synapse and completely spaced it. Thankfully, I stumbled upon it again today and can now
enlighten you.

The piece is an interesting primer on avalanche beacon technology and how many people are still venturing into the
back-country without a rescue device of any kind, something akin to driving without your seatbelt.

The series of deaths in Utah and around the country this year have given backcountry a reputation as a new killer
sport (literally), which it doesn’t deserve, but that doesn’t obviate the need to bring a beacon with you when you hit
the deeps.

Anyway, give it a read.

Backcountry Bliss

by Erik Olsen on

We talked a bit yesterday
about some backcountry shenenigans in the high sierras, and while further north, they have not yet been blessed with
such great snow, I did want to bring to your attention this
piece in Backcountry Magazine about Plinth Peak in BC. It’s a quick little feature on hauling your arse up the hill
in order to have lots of sweet freshie on the way down. The way every backcountry day should be!

Outside Gear Guy’s Battery Heated Sock Advice

by Nino Marchetti on

When it comes to great outdoor gear advice, I find Outside’s Gear Guy always has great ideas. Case in point: a
question from January 28 on battery
heated socks to wear inside ski boots drew not only a suggestion on a company to consider, but also alternative
products like toe warmers and winter insoles. Great stuff to keep you warm as you go down the ski slope, up the ski
lift and repeat all day long.

Ski FAQ

by Erik Olsen on

We’re deep in the heart of ski season, so you probably already have all the gear you need, but in case you were in
the market for some new boards, Men’s Style Magazine has got a short, but
sweet primer on equipment that you may find useful. The piece gives
the low-down on ski length and talks about some of the new cuts and styles available. Also there’s good stuff on boots
and bindings. Generally, I’m skeptical about the big glossies and their recs, but these seem pretty solid. Worth a
quick look, anyway.