Links
SPONSORS
The following companies have been sponsors of video projects I have done. They are all great companies, I sought them out because I used and liked their gear.
Karhu
I started tele skiing on Karhus and have been working with the company for close to 20 years. Their lightweight backcountry skis - the XCD series- have always had the best combination of touring and turning performance. The recent Mountain series has been designed around backcountry versatility and great downhill performance.
Garmot
Garmont has been building plastic tele boots for close to ten years. Their double and triple injection construction really allows for a good combination of flex where you need it and rigidity where you want it. The Excursion is a great matchup with the bigger Karhu XCD skis, the Guide and the 10th Mt.
Voile
I've been using Voile's bindings and assorted gear for over ten years. Their trademark is avoiding unneccesary gadgetry, they keep it simple, clean, and light and their emphasis is in getting into the backcountry. The 3 pin cable is still the lightest and best touring tele binding going, and the Switchback is the lightest in the free pivot category.
Arc'Teryx
This company defines minimalist functional gear. The outer wear is very light and fits better then anything else I've tried - by far. Plus it's all made in Vancouver BC. Arcteryx also makes my favorite ski touring packs (also in Vancouver). Great attention to detail and the best harness system going.
HUTS & SKIING
Kootenay Mountain Holidays
Kootenay Mountain Holidays. KMH has two lodges, one in the Valhallas (Valhalla Lodge,with a 5 *rating!) and their newer one just north of Kokanee Glacier Park called The Carlyle. The lodge sits on the west side of Mt Carlyle with stunning views and terrain. It has exceptional tree skiing!
Powder Creek Lodge
This was lodge was opened for the 98-99 season and recently celebrated its 10th year in operation. Located in the snowy Western Purcells, it's a large hut with 6 bedrooms situated in big terrain. Helicopter access. Powder Creek was featured on "Big Mt Little Skier"- highly recommended.
Ymir Yurts
A Yurt system near Whitewater and Nelson BC in the Nelson Range. Very nice with wood floors, bunks, and wood heating. The terria is a great mix and close in to the Yurts. Cheeper then the lodges with shorter trips available. Also snow cat skiing.
WHITEGRASS TOURING CENTER
The best xc and backcountry touring in the SE. A unique oasis of pure nordicness with some great skiing and vibe - highly recommended.
Valhalla Mountain Touring
The Ruby Hut is in the Northern Valhallas, and is completely rebuilt into a beautiful mountain lodge. The area has a great variety of terrain, great for all levels of skiing. Snowcat access.
Whitewater Ski Area
My favorite ski area. Great terrain, great snow, no hype.
Wy'East Nordic
Wy' East does a full winter program as well as the summer tele camps on Mt Hood, a great time of skiing corn on the big volcanos of the northwest.
MAGAZINES
These magazines and sites are geared toward what we love, getting out in the backcountry .
Off-Piste
A black and white publication with a lot of soul.
Backcountry Magazine
Now based in Vermont but very national in it's coverage.
STORES
Mountain Gear
Based in Spokane, WA but with a large mailorder department and one of the best selections of backcountry gear in the country.
OTHER SITES
Northwest weather and avy center
Good weather and avi inf for the NW US area.
Canadian Avalanche Assoc.
The premiere avalanche training organization on the continent and a great site for up to date avi info as well as some great weather sites.
NOAA Climate Prediction Center
A great site for all weather junkies. Lots of stuff on EL Ninio and La Ninia.
National Weather Service
NATO
North American Telemark Ass. This is based on the East Coast and has a large array of clinics, workshops, and festivals mostly on the East Coast but a few out this way in the spring and summer.
Acadia Mountain Guides
AIARE Avalanche courses and WMA Wilderness Medicine courses.
CANSI
The Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors National Instructor certification courses for Cross Country and Telemark skiing.
Canada West Mountain School
Mountaineering, climbing, avalanche safety and backcountry ski instruction and guiding programs offered in BC and throughout the world since 1982.
North Cascades Mountain Guides
A small company of guides located on the east side of the North Cascades in the beautiful Methow Valley of Washington State. They offer courses and private trips for rock climbing, alpine climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing and backcountry skiing.
