Blogs

Starting in Chamonix France and ending in Zermatt Switzerland, the Haute Route is often described as the ultimate European ski tour - and for good reason. It does not disappoint. There are a handful of variations of the route and some serious terrain, but it is VERY accessible for experienced backcountry skiers. The Alps are littered with high elevation mountain huts that allow you to travel from hut to hut with a very light pack. This is NOT backpacking on skis.

The annual BCF "Climb Against The Odds" is coming up in June, and I'll be guiding it once again! This event is for men and women who come to climb Mt. Shasta as survivors of the disease, or who climb in honor of a loved one. For the last 8 years I have had the privilege of guiding this climb and helping raise money for this worthy cause. In the past I have donated part of my wages to the BCF, and in recent years I have begun fundraising efforts. This year my goal is to raise $2500.
Please consider donating!

http://tinyurl.com/2012BCF-Climb-Against-the-Odds

Spring Training

It would be an understatement to say it’s been a rough winter here in California, but we’ve had our moments, and enough snow to get some good days in. Furthermore, it’s now snowing—A LOT, and all over Nor Cal! So, don’t even think about hanging up the skis for the road bike, the baseball glove, or your golf clubs, because we have at least 2-3 months of skiing left.

The resorts will stop the lifts before you know it, but the high country is just coming into shape! Very few of us are happy with the amount of skiing we have gotten in this season, (uphill or downhill) but that’s no excuse to not be ready for the High Sierra, Lassen, Shasta, and beyond.

Even though it has been a pretty rough snow year here in California, there is still lots of skiing to be done! I went for a climb and ski of Mt. Tallac on Monday and was pleasantly surprised with conditions. Tallac might just be my favorite ski destination around Lake Tahoe because of its vertical, views, terrain, and options. You can often find a little something for everyone... Powder, corn, steeps, bowls, etc... On Monday I expected minimal snow coverage and lots of breakable crust. To my surprise the bottom third of the route was thin but manageable. The middle third of the route had lots of boot deep powder! The top third was a mix of firm snow and the expected breakable crust. All in all it was a worthwhile mission. I even went back and skied the middle third a second time.

Tahoe City, California – On February 4th Squaw Valley, USA, Dynafit, and Alpenglow Sports will host a Nacktspektakel ski touring event!

A Nachtspektakel is a traditional European-style ski event that bonds people through the sport of ski touring. A cultural norm in Europe, Night Spectaculars are new ways to combine skiing, beer and food that are sure to catch on in the States. There is no better way to spend a Saturday night than skinning, drinking, and meeting like-minded new friends!

This is an evening ascent to Squaw Valley’s High Camp, followed by food and drink.
Tickets are $40 per person, and can be picked up at Alpenglow Sports in Tahoe City, CA.

What the heck is a Nachtspektakel??? Check out the short video clip!