Backcountry skiing is skiing on unmarked, ungroomed slopes outside of ski-resort boundaries requiring the skier to climb slopes to gain access to untracked terrain. Backcountry skiing requires specialized equipment, safety gear and avalanche-safety knowledge. read more
Telemark skiing, also known as free heel skiing, uses skis with a binding that connects the boot in a fashion similar to cross-country skiing, connecting the boot to the ski at only the toes. Telemark skiing has its own type of turning and requires specialized equipment. read more
The only sure way to survive an avalanche is to not be caught in one to begin with. Despite the best efforts of skillful back-country travelers, avalanches do happen. In order to increase your chance of survival, it's important to know what to do, should you become caught in an avalanche. read more
Climbers and skiers traveling in avalanche terrain carry specialized rescue equipment that helps locate avalanche victims quickly. Each member of the party takes along three necessary items: a beacon, a probe and a shovel. Newer safety devices, like the Avalung and avalanche airbags, supplement the primary equipment. read more
Spend the holiday season in one of the 10th Mountain Division's 29 huts located in the backcountry of the Rocky Mountains. Ski hut to hut in Colorado's pristine backcountry and stay the evening in one of 10th Mountain's cozy, remote shelters. Hut trips are for experienced backcountry skiers with good route finding and avalanche safety skills. Skiers must tra… read more
Following an avalanche, the average victim has about 15 minutes to survive. This means his group has 15 minutes to find his general location with a transceiver, probe the snow to get an exact location and shovel him out. After that, th… read more
An avalanche brings tons of snow rolling down a slope, often reaching speeds between 60 and 80 miles an hour within the first five seconds. It isn't always possible, but you can try to ski out of an avalanche under the right conditions… read more
Lake Tahoe boasts seven full-service ski areas. Because of its location on the California/Nevada border, it offers a diverse mixture of activities, which range from skiing to casino hopping. In the summer, Lake Tahoe is a popular bikin… read more
Canadian ski resorts often receive the highest accolades for their terrain, conditions, ambiance, nightlife and amenities. Choosing the best is a matter of perspective. Some of these Canadian resorts will have a distinct appeal for a s… read more
You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
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