November 2012 archive

Twelve-13: Day 2, Earning ’em in-bounds

  The second winter storm of the season left a healthy coat of fresh snow in the Tahoe basin and backcountry skiers were out in force, skinning in-bounds at Sugar Bowl and Alpine Meadows this weekend. In theory there would be fewer obstacles lurking in the shallow snowpack on the groomed runs and everyone would …

Keep making backcountry turns

Gravity Master – serious brakes for serious blading

Ran into a man at the Start Haus last week (I’m pimping gear and stoke for them) who was headed out the door with a serious piece of speed machinery in his hands – I’m talking wheels, not edges – for pavement, not snow. Where the no fall zone begins a lot sooner, and the …

Keep making backcountry turns

Alpenglow Sports sponsors TBVC again!

  Alpenglow Sports in Tahoe City is sponsoring the Tahoe Vertical Challenge again this year, and hopefully the 3rd time will be the charm. Last year there was limited participation from backcountry skiers, largely due to a lack of snow for racking up the vert. Winter has already left her calling card for this season …

Keep making backcountry turns

First Look: Voile’s Charger BC

Lest you misunderstand, these skis violate the Nordic mindset with their width, and an Alpine skiers with the waxless pattern. But when you need qualities from both, it becomes an excellent fit for a lot of backcountry conditions.

Preparing Wood for Winter

  Thankfully, for the moment, the threat of winter has relented. Actually, it can come back any time but I needed the last three days to better prepare for it. In short, that meant splitting and stacking the wood supply for the winter.

Keep making backcountry turns