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Skis and Ski Gear

You can’t go skiing without skis. Make sure that you have a pair that offers stability and agility for an excellent day on the slopes. These skis from Salomon have excellent reviews and are best for downhill skiing in groomed and powdered snow conditions. Of course, be sure to get the best skis for the type of skiing you’re looking to do. Don’t forget your boots, as well as binding brakes to ensure a smooth and safe ride. And don’t forget your poles. 

Make safety a top priority by adding a helmet to your gear that’s ready for intense activity and has a slick, minimalist style. Be sure to have a pair of goggles ready to protect your eyes from the sun and the snow when you’re out on the slopes. This pair from Smith is great for skiers with smaller faces and offers a dual lens that disperses moisture to prevent fogging. 

Winter Apparel and Layers

Stay warm on the slopes with moisture-wicking base layers and a cozy, warm ski suit. You’ll also want to make sure you have a cozy pair of gloves and socks. When you’re not skiing, you’ll want to make sure you have a comfortable pair of snow boots for good traction when you’re walking around.

Snowboarding

Skiing isn’t your thing? No worries, you can still get out on the slopes. If you’d rather snowboard than ski, make sure your gear is ready for the season. If you’ve been in the market for a new board, check out this one by Arbor Ethos, currently on sale on REI. Designed for women, this board is great for all-mountain snowboarding. It’s tough, highly durable, and incredibly user-friendly—great for beginners. Don’t forget boots and bindings for a comfortable ride down the mountain.

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Step 1: The Basics

Once you’ve fallen in love with ice climbing after taking lessons, you’re going to need to start gathering your own gear. Make sure you start with safety, pick up a climbing helmet, like this one from Black Diamond. The Vapor is great because it is lightweight, keeping you light on your climbs (plus it’s currently 50% off). You’ll also want to find a great and reliable harness that will be comfortable and breathable when you’re out on the mountain.

Similarly to rock climbing, ice climbing requires ropes, and they come in different sizes and widths. Make sure you find one that feels right for you, is dry-treated, and is UIAA-tested to be safe for falls.

Another important basic is a good – no, a great – pair of climbing shoes. This pair from Butora has a fuse sticky rubber outside and a natural hemp lining that will keep you comfortable when you’re hanging on the side of the mountain.

And as is the case for most great adventures, you’ll want to have a sturdy backpack that can hold all of your extra gear, snacks and anything else on your way to the climbing site.

Step 2: Important Gear to Keep in Your Pack

Pack extras. Extra ropes, extra socks, extra gloves, extra carabiners, and extra pulleys. The colder, the wetter, the more relieved you’ll be to have more gear, not less. You’ll also want to ensure that you have belays and rappels available to you to ensure a safe descent down the rope. For safe measures, you can also pack some cords in your backpack to ensure that you have extra rope. 

Step 3: Dress for the Occasion

When it comes to climbing in any weather, it is important to note that the higher you get, the cooler it will become. Put on your favorite base layers to prepare for your chilly adventure. Make sure you have a good pair of wool socks to keep your feet warm and treat your hands to up a good pair of rappelling gloves. A sturdy, but lightweight hard shell will also keep you warm when you’re climbing up the side of a cold, icy mountain.

Ice climbing is an intense, and potentially very dangerous activity if you aren’t fully trained, prepared, and focused. Make sure you’re ready to go with proper lessons, conditions, and the top equipment.

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Adults

When was the last time you got a pair of actual snow boots? Your Dr. Martens do not count. If you’re heading out on a snowy outdoor adventure, remember that you need strong tread to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, and you’re also going to want something that will keep your feet warm, even in the harshest winter conditions.

This pair of Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat snow boots for men offer extra heat, protection from the elements, and a strong grip on the icy ground below you. They feature tech-lite midsoles and keep water out with their Omni-Tech waterproof membrane. 

For women, you can always size down a pair of men’s boots, if that’s what you’re most comfortable in, but if you’re looking for something that was made with your feet in mind, check out this pair from Oboz. This pair of Sapphire 8-inch waterproof boots offer a thermal insole that keeps your foot warm and stable on the ice and snow. 

Kids

Unfortunately for us adults, our snow boots are way less exciting to look at than the ones that are made for kids. Looks aren’t everything, though. If you have a little one who needs a new pair of boots, look for something that’s comfortable and that’s going to keep them warm in even the coldest conditions. The Merrell Snow Bank waterproof boots for kids are a great option for a pair of casual winter boots, and they’ll keep your kids’ feet warm in temperatures as cold as -25 degrees Fahrenheit.

If your little adventurer is a lover of all things outdoors, you may want to equip him or her with a pair of snow boots made for sports, rather than the casual romp and snow angels. Sorels Yoot Pack Nylon winter boots are an excellent choice for kids going on big outdoor adventures like a winter hike. These boots will keep your kids warm in the cold weather, and they have a hand-crafted vulcanized rubber to keep the water out.

Pets

There are times when your dog may need a pair of boots to keep his feet protected. Give your pets the grip they need to walk on the icy ground and protect their paw pads from sharp ice and other dangers that could be on the trails with a pair of Ruffwear Polar Trex Dog Boots.. 

It’s also important to remember that the rock salt that gets put down to melt the ice can hurt a dog’s feet, but a pair of boots will help. If you are putting salt on your property, try a pet-friendly brand like HARRIS Kind Melt. 

Accessories

Once you’ve got the family’s boots sorted out,  pick up some socks made from Merino wool. These will keep everyone’s feet warm and toasty.
Looking to keep your shins warm and dry? Try these Skyline gaiters from OUTDOOR DESIGNS. They’re made to fit snuggly over clothes and boots, so you’ll stay warm and comfortable in the cold weather. They’re made with a velcro closure to ensure a tight fit.

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Instagram user @jonfromupstairs recently added his video as a reel after seeing others share it without permission.

In the video, a massive avalanche crashes down Crystal Mountain in Washington State. The wall of snow consumes everything in its path.

No one was hurt in this video. However, five people died last year in Oregon and Washington from avalanches.

Whether skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing, anyone going into the backcountry in the winter should have proper avalanche training. The National Avalanche Center has more information on avalanche classes and offers daily forecasts on avalanche risk.

The post This Terrifying Video Captures the True Power of an Avalanche appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

In the video, the snow goes from waist to chest high, and the light powder covers Townsend occasionally as he makes his way downhill. For many, the winter of 2023 was a skier’s dream, and this is a prime example of what a handful of expert-level athletes got to experience.

Responses included:

“A very high bar was set. Fingers crossed for a repeat.”

“No such thing as too much snow.”

“Would someone dare say this is too much pow?”

Last winter brought record snow to places like California, which saw ski resorts open until August. The extended snow season happened despite the record-breaking heat of this past summer.

California experienced its second snowiest winter on record, with more than 56 feet of snow record in the Sierra Nevada. Colorado also experienced an above-average snowfall and recorded the 19th snowiest winter on record.

Weather forecasters believe an El Nino weather effect will bring warmer temperatures for the upcoming year. Places like the Mountain West and West Coast will also see above-average precipitation. However, it’s hard to predict snowfall this far out.

With more snow, there’s always an increased risk of an avalanche. Here’s some expert advice on how to keep yourself safe while backcountry skiing or snowboarding.

The post ‘No Such Thing as Too Much Snow’: This New Video From Cody Townsend Will Get You Psyched for the 2024 Ski Season appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

As one of the tallest mountains in the Eastern United States, the staff at LeConte Lodge stated that the snow fell on October 15, 2023. 

Temperatures dropped to 29 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday night. And after a day of heavy precipitation, the rain turned into snow.

Mt. LeConte is the third largest mountain in Great Smoky Mountain National Park and offers some incredible outdoors adventures. If you visit you can hike the 11-mile round trip trail, explore caves, and traverse the sides of mountains to take in the amazing view from the summit.

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An avalanche is a wall of ice and snow that hurles down a mountain. A person trapped in an avalanche risks injury and even death. Understanding where avalanche risks are is critical while enjoying time in the mountains in the winter.

In just Oregon and Washington State, avalanches were responsible for five deaths last winter. British Columbia saw a particularly deadly year in Canada, where 14 people died in eight separate incidents. According to the National Avalanche Center, avalanches kill more people in U.S. National Forests than any other natural hazard. On average, there are about 25 to 30 deaths a year.

The National Avalanche Center and several regional organizations provide daily forecasts of avalanche risk levels. However, officials say it’s up to you to spot problem areas, have proper training and be equipped with the right tools when venturing into avalanche territory.

How to Predict An Avalanche and the Warning Signs

Before heading out, you’ll need to do some research. First, check avalanche forecasting sites for recent avalanches. Those may be the best areas to avoid, especially when there are persistent slabs, meaning recurring avalanches. The same is true for checking current and recent weather in the area. A heavy snowfall or steady rain increases avalanche risks, and you need to consider that when planning your day.

Once you’re in the backcountry, there are several factors to remember. If you see an area that recently had an avalanche, that’s a good indicator that it can happen again. Also, keep an eye out for snow drifts or cornices of snow. That’s where large amounts of snow stack up, increasing the likelihood of an avalanche.

Identifying Avalanche Terrain

There is an ideal slope angle for an avalanche. Generally, any mountain slope that is 35 to 50 degrees increases the risk of sliding snow and ice. Slopes less than 30 degrees rarely see avalanches. Buying and bringing an inclinometer will help you understand the dangers of the trails you are hiking on.

Here’s how to efficiently use this tool.

Tools and Safety

Besides an inclinometer, anyone venturing into avalanche territory should carry a transceiver or beacon if they become trapped under the snow. Other tools include a probe, which can be almost any stick that can check the snow for a person underneath. Plus, a shovel to help dig someone out.

Avalanche experts suggest you always travel with others in winter in the mountains. If an avalanche traps someone under snow, a second person must dig them out and call for help. Also, move one at a time through an avalanche-prone area to reduce triggering an avalanche.

Finally, experts recommend taking an avalanche safety class to further all these skills.

As the National Avalanche Center says, “The forecast is only a starting point. You control your own risk by choosing when, where and how you travel.”

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If you’ve never been heli-skiing, here’s what to expect. First, you journey in a small helicopter with room for around six people. You listen to the noise and vibrations as you soar towards the mountains and then look them right in the eye as you land in fresh power. 

While heli-skiing offers the thrill of untracked terrain, it also comes with inherent risks. The danger level can vary depending on factors like weather conditions and terrain. Going heli-skiing is an amazing experience, but you have to be willing to take a risk.

Here are some of the most dangerous heli-skiing locations on Earth.

1. Alaska, USA

Alaska is famous for its steep, rugged mountains and deep powder, making it a top destination for heli-skiers. The extreme conditions and remote locations can pose significant risks, though. When heli-skiing in places like Tordrillo, be prepared for sudden, dangerous weather changes, and there’s always the threat of natural disasters like an avalanche. Knowing your skill level and respecting the unpredictable terrain is key to success at this extreme heli-ski location with relatively ungroomed terrain. Remember, not all deep snow is light and fluffy.

2. Kashmir, India

Heli-skiing is a popular activity in cold climates around the world, and that includes the Kashmir region of India. That said, Gulmarg is unlike any other ski area on Earth. Mount Apharwat, which looms overhead, is the edge of the disputed “line of control” between India and Pakistan. In 2002, Bill Clinton said it was the most dangerous place in the world. Politics aside, this site is also dangerous for being 99% off-piste and not ski-patrolled. It has a reputation for being like Hokkaido, but steeper. Heli-skiing here can offer amazing powder but equally great risks of avalanches. 

3. British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia (BC) offers some of the best heli-skiing terrain in the world, including in places like Golden and Revelstoke where there is vast backcountry areas and heavy snowfall. However, the challenging terrain and avalanche danger make BC a potentially hazardous destinatio. Canadian avalanches have killed at least nine people this year, including three heli-skiers in a single avalanche. 

4. Himalayas, Nepal

Heli-skiing in the Himalayas offers breathtaking views and access to some of the world’s highest peaks like Mount Lhotse and Mount Manaslu. However, the high altitudes, unpredictable weather, and technical descents can make it a dangerous choice. Hilaree Nelson, a famous American skier, fell off a mountain while skiing in the Himalayas, despite many years of experience, proving the dangerous nature of the terrain.

5. New Zealand

Try heli-skiing in New Zealand from Wanaka and Queenstown to Mt. Cook and Canterbury further north. (You’ll find the best snow at high altitudes at Mt. Cook.) New Zealand’s Southern Alps offer fantastic heli-skiing opportunities, but the rapidly changing weather conditions and varied terrain can pose risks to even experienced skiers. There may be steep or narrow sections, and since it’s in the untouched wilderness of New Zealand, the heli-skiing is remote. As with any location, dangers include avalanches and helicopter crashes.

6. Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

This remote region is known for its untouched powder and stunning volcanic landscapes. 

Kamchatka, situated in the far east of Russia, is a remote peninsula with few inhabitants, known for its pristine lakes and active volcanoes. Each year, it lures adventurous travelers, offering a unique opportunity to ski on the slopes of active volcanoes with a breathtaking view of the ocean—a truly unparalleled experience found nowhere else in the world. However, the lack of infrastructure and harsh weather conditions make it a dangerous place for heli-skiing. 

7. Himachal Pradesh, India

The terrain in the Himachal Pradesh region of India is nothing short of extraordinary. The slopes are challenging and avalanches are a real threat in this region, as are helicopter crashes. Starting in high alpine terrain, descend up to 5,000 meters framed by the majestic Himalayan peaks. Navigate steep snow, traverse long rippling ridge lines, and weave through spaced birch and oak trees.

8. Tien Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan

This remote and rugged range in Central Asia is known for its vast, unexplored terrain. The Jergalan area offers the best snow powder and the best ski slopes in Issyk-Kul Valley. For heli-skiers who relish unspoiled landscapes and descents on pristine snow, there are countless untouched slopes awaiting their exploration. The risk of avalanches here is greater in spring, so if you dare to take on this adventure, plan accordingly.

9. Antarctica

Antarctica is an extreme place, whether you’re heli-skiing or just visiting. From extreme cold to the extreme remote location, you’re in for a hell of a ride in Antarctica. Heli-skiing in Antarctica is the ultimate adventure, with pristine snow and incredible scenery, but unpredictable weather conditions make it one of the most dangerous heli-skiing destinations in the world. Heli-skiers have been injured or worse here from avalanches and falling.

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Brown bears must bulk up before they go into torpor, a state of sleepiness and inactivity, in late November. The grizzly bear’s bulking period is known as hyperphagia, and this helps ensure they can survive the five to seven months they spend in torpor. According to Yellowstone Bear World, Bears will gain three pounds a day before the start of torpor, and they can feed up to 20 hours a day. 

This means that bears need to eat upwards of 20,000 calories a day. 

In 2021, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, North East Region tweeted this photo out to help the public better understand what it would look like for a human to eat 20,000 calories a day. 

Bears go into hyperphagia in the middle of summer into early fall to pack on the pounds so they have enough stored energy to survive the long winter.

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El Nino is a weather pattern that happens every two to seven years. It starts in the Pacific Ocean near the Equator and leads to a warmer-than-average winter, according to ABC News. The surface temperature of the ocean can warm up to 7 degrees Fahrenheit. El Nino can lead to heavier rainfall in some places and lighter rainfall in other places.  

Northern states in the U.S. can expect lower-than-average rates of precipitation, especially in areas like New England. However, an El Nino Winter can also mean flooding in Eastern Africa, as well as a more intense cyclone season.

El Nino is not to be confused with La Nina, which causes a colder-than-usual winter. During La Nina, cooler, nutrient-rich waters are brought to the surface of the ocean.
Though El Nino is a natural phenomenon, scientists don’t fully understand how it happens, and it is hard to predict when it will and will not happen.

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