Our friends from REI are back today with another "How to" video. This time out, they share some tips on how to effectively and efficiently ski steep slopes. Here, we get a look at the basic skills needed to take on these challenges, helping beginner skiers to master the techniques to help them not only get down safely, but have a great time doing it. And if you like this clip, the team has also put together a second video on how to ski moguls too.
Showing posts with label skiing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skiing. Show all posts
Where Are the North Pole Skiers for 2018?
The Antarctic and Arctic expedition seasons use to be staples on the adventure calendar, with a few intrepid explorers setting off in both directions each year. But while the Antarctic has probably seen increased numbers of skiers in recent years, the Arctic has seen its numbers dwindle, and for good reason. Skiing to the South Pole remains a great challenge, although it is manageable for anyone who prepares properly, has the right gear, and doesn't mind spending a month and a half out on the ice.
Going to the North Pole is a completely different beast though, with much bigger challenges to overcome. Since skiers are actually traveling over a frozen ocean, there is a measure of instability involved that often leads to massive rubble fields that can take days to cross. Climate change has also caused the ice to thin, and created wide sections of open water as well. What was once frozen pack ice is now liquid, forcing skiers to go around or swim across instead.
Because of these changes, we haven't seen a successful full distance expedition to the North Pole since 2014, when Eric Larsen and Ryan Waters completed that journey. Over the course of the ensuing years, a number of people have tried, but most have had to give up very early in the expedition. Massive storms have become the norm this time of year, bringing fierce winds and frigid temperatures to the Arctic. Worse yet, those conditions have made it difficult for aircraft to operate in this part of the world, which forced Kenn Borek Air – a company whose motto is "anytime, anywhere" – to stop supporting expeditions to the North Pole.
That isn't to say that there haven't been people who have skied to 90ºN. On the contrary, each year there are "Last Degree" skiers who cover a partial distance to the top of the world. Most of them operate out of the Barneo Ice Camp, a temporary base created near the 88ºN mark on the Russian side of the ice each season. That base facilities scientific and exploratory missions, as well as adventure travelers, coming and going from the Arctic each year, and it is a point of exit for full distance skiers, but it isn't a launching point for those longer-distance expeditions.
One explorer that I thought we'd be following to the North Pole this season was Mike Horn. Last year, he skied across Antarctica as part of his Pole2Pole Expedition, which was to include a journey across the Arctic this year, which would continue down through Greenland before returning to his starting point back in Monaco. But, I haven't seen any indication that Mike is headed to the Arctic to attempt this crossing and the latest updates on his website were posted back in October when he was sailing the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. There have been some vague mentions of him having already competed this stage of the Pole2Pole, but I am unaware of this actually happening.
So all of this begs the question: wither the North Pole explorers? Have they all abandoned attempt on the Arctic with climate change making things extremely difficult? Is there someone making the attempt this year that I haven't been able to uncover? Is the age of Arctic exploration on foot truly over?
At this point, only time will tell. I can say however, that I am aware of at least two expeditions scheduled for next year, which is a long way off and provides plenty of time for cancellations, delays, and so on. Hopefully that won't be the case, but until these expeditions are truly underway, I remain a bit skeptical.
Do you know of an expedition to the North Pole that I should be following this year? If so, send the details my way please.
Video: How to Ski Powder
After providing a series of excellent short videos on how to care for our outdoor gear, REI returns with a new clip that offers tips on skiing soft powder. You would think that this wouldn't necessarily be all that tough, but the change in conditions can be hard to shift to if you don't have much experience in fresh snow. This video will offer some suggestions on how to handle the change. It doesn't offer much advice on where to find said powder this year, as it has been in short supply in some areas.
Antarctica 2017: The End is in Sight for More Antarctic Teams
We'll start with an update on Rob and Barney Swan, the father and son team that has been out on the ice for nearly two months now. The duo undertook this expedition as a way to raise awareness of clean energy with a focus on creating a 7-year goal to clean up 326 million tons of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in accordance to the Paris Accords. They have even used nothing be clean energy sources to power their adventure, using solar energy to keep all of their devices going.
Yesterday, the two men – along with a group of skiers who joined them for the final degree – reached the South Pole. It took them 56 days to compete the journey, covering roughly 600 nautical miles (690 miles/1112 km) in the process. Rob has been here before and knew what to expect, but was still impressive in his efforts at the age of 61. For Barney, it was his first polar journey at the age of 23. Congratulations to both of them.
Meanwhile, Norwegian skiers Astrid Furholt and Jan Sverre Sivertsen are closing in on the Pole as well. The duo were amongst the first to hit the ice way back in November, and have been following the original Amundsen route to 90ºS. If all goes as planned, they should arrive their as early as tomorrow, but their updates indicate they are exhausted, pushing hard against headwinds, and struggling to cover the full distances they need. Still, they are currently within striking distance of the South Pole station and should get there soon.
Their original plan was to ski the return leg back to the coast to complete a round-trip journey, but with the season now running short, It seems unlikely that will happen. We should know more in a few days, but the last ALE flight off the continent for clients is scheduled for January 26, just 10 days from now.
The Ice Maidens are now racing against the clock to beat that deadline, but they too have the end in sight. The six women who make up the team reached the South Pole all the way back on December 17, but that was just a milestone on their continued traverse of the Antarctica. By the time they are done, they will have covered more than 1700 km (1056 miles), beginning and ending at the coast. They'll also be the first all-female team to accomplish that task.
Finally, the Spectre team has completed its expedition at long last. You may recall that this expedition was made of three climbers – Leo Houlding, Jean Burgun, and Mark Sedon – who traveled to Antarctica to climb the Spectre rock spire in the Gothic Mountains. They used kite skis to reach that point back in December, and actually completed their climb on December 12, then started for home two days later. It took them until last Thursday – January 11 – to reach their exit point on the coast. It was a hard slog back, often with very little wind to help assist in the process. It ended up taking far longer than they expected, but they completed their journey at last and are now safely back home.
We'll continue to keep an eye on the Antarctic season as things unfold over the next couple of weeks. But, the curtain is definitely dropping on the expedition season, with very few teams still out on the ice. I'll post updates of any important news as it happens.
Video: Skiing the High Points of the American West
This beautiful short film takes us on a quest with skier Drew Petersen, who set out to ski the highest peaks in all 11 of the states that make up the Western U.S. They include Nevada, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, and Montana. In order to achieve his goal, Drew had to go to some great lengths, but as you'll see, those efforts were incredibly rewarding in so many ways.
Video: The Last Hill (Until the Next One)
This fantastic short documentary comes our way courtesy of the folks at Patagonia, and it follows a team of skiers and snowboarders who set out from Reno, Nevada on bicycles. Carrying their skies and other gear with them, they set out for Mt. Whitney, exploring some epic backcountry along the way. The only problem is, they are definitely better skiers and snowboarders than they are cyclists.
Outside Presents 8 Adventurers Who Changed the World
As you can imagine, the list is filled with distinguished and very worthy outdoor athletes, some of which have become household names. There are also several whose exploits we cover regularly here at The Adventure Blog as well, including the likes of Jimmy Chin, Alex Honnold, and Jeb Corliss. Beyond that, I won't say too much about who else earned a spot on Outside's list, but it is safe to say that there are some true legends here.
Narrowing down the list of iconic adventurers to just 8 couldn't have been easy. Personally, I can think of at least a half-dozen other men and women I would have put on here in addition to the ones that are named. But, it is safe to say that these athletes have certainly had an impact on the world of outdoor adventure, breaking new ground in their various fields of endeavor while also pushing boundaries in ways that we may not have ever considered before.
To read the entire article and find out who made the list – and why – click here.
Video: Speedflying at Night in Chamonix
Speedflying (aka Speed Riding) is the combination of skiing and paragliding down a mountain. The combination of the two activities opens up opportunities for skiers to soar over sections of a mountain that would normally be impossible to shred, while safely dropping off big cliffs along the way. In the case of this video, the skier is Valentin Delluc, who decides to add 20 meters of LED lights to his parasail and make a night descent of the Bossons Glacier above Chamonix in France. As you would expect, the video is quite spectacular. Check it out below.
Video: An Alaskan Ski Adventure with Chris Davenport
Alaska is the ultimate playground for experienced backcountry skiers. In this video, we join legendary skier Chris Davenport as he heads out to the Alaskan Range to explore the Kichatna Spires, a remote and wild place that few people would dare to attempt to ski. By Davenport is amongst those few people, and lucky for us we get to come along for the ride. Check it out below.
The Opening and Closing Dates of Every Major Ski Resort in the World
If you're a skier looking to hit the slopes this winter, I've come across a great resource you may want to add to your bookmarks. A website called SnowPak has published a comprehensive list of the world's major ski resorts from around the globe that indicates both their opening day, and their estimated closing date as well.
The list is in alphabetical order starting with Alpe d'Huez in France and running all the way through Zermatt, Switzerland. It also not only indicates the opening and closing dates for each of these places for the 2017-2018 season, but shares historical data for the past three seasons as well, giving readers an indication of just how long the ski season has been at each of these places in recent years. For instance, Arapahoe Basin in Colorado is well known for its long ski season, and that is confirmed here. Last year it ran from October 21 through June 11, and it is expected to be even longer this season.
For those planning on traveling throughout the ski season, this recourse can definitely come in handy. In addition to listing the opening and closing dates, each entry on this very extensive list also links to SnowPak's resource page for that resort, which lists sats on the mountain, number of list, a breakdown of the terrain, total number of runs, and so on. And if you need help getting lift tickets for any of these places, SnowPak can help with that too.
To find out more and checkout the opening and closing dates for your favorite hill, click here.
The list is in alphabetical order starting with Alpe d'Huez in France and running all the way through Zermatt, Switzerland. It also not only indicates the opening and closing dates for each of these places for the 2017-2018 season, but shares historical data for the past three seasons as well, giving readers an indication of just how long the ski season has been at each of these places in recent years. For instance, Arapahoe Basin in Colorado is well known for its long ski season, and that is confirmed here. Last year it ran from October 21 through June 11, and it is expected to be even longer this season.
For those planning on traveling throughout the ski season, this recourse can definitely come in handy. In addition to listing the opening and closing dates, each entry on this very extensive list also links to SnowPak's resource page for that resort, which lists sats on the mountain, number of list, a breakdown of the terrain, total number of runs, and so on. And if you need help getting lift tickets for any of these places, SnowPak can help with that too.
To find out more and checkout the opening and closing dates for your favorite hill, click here.
Video: The Off-Season with Emelie Forsberg
How does a world-class athlete spend her off-season? Why relaxing as much as possible, just like the rest of us. In this video, we join Emelie Forsberg as she travels to Tenerife in the Canary Islands for a little down-time between her trail running season and the start of the ski mountaineering race season. Of course, her holiday isn't all about just relaxation, as you'll see in this beautiful short clip.
Video: Skiing 2.5 Million Vertical Feet in a Year
This short documentary takes us on a globe-spanning quest with skier Aaron Rice who has set a goal for himself to ski 2.5 million human-powered vertical feet in a single year. To accomplish this goal, he'll need to ski more than 330 days, which means he'll be chasing snow in different regions of the world. This turns this endeavor into quite a grind for both body and mind, leaving little room for error.
2.5 Million from WILDER on Vimeo.
Outside Gives Us 100 Things to Do This Winter
To help us make the most of the season ahead, Outside magazine – working in conjunction with Columbia Sportswear – has published a guide for things to do and places to go during the colder months ahead. The story is called 100 Days of Winter, which is ironic since winter isn't even 100 days long, and is filled with suggestions on how you can embrace the cold and the snow to have the best winter ever.
Some of the suggestions that make the list include going camping in the snow, riding your bike in poor conditions on purpose, and take a polar plunge in a cold lake or river. Outside breaks down each of the activities by providing suggested dates to undertake them, and offers options based on locations across the U.S. too. Each entry on the list can also be conveniently shared to social media or email, and has an option to add the event to your calendar too. Reader's can even build their own personal lists of the things they want to do most, with festivals, outdoor events, winter races, and more to choose from.
Too often I hear people say that it is too cold to be outside or they don't enjoy their favorite activities during the winter. As I've said many times on this blog, having the right gear can make a world of difference. If you invest in a proper layering system, grab a good pair of winter boots, and embrace everything the season has to offer, I think you'll find it is just as rewarding – if not more so – to be outdoors in the winter. The solitude alone is usually worth the effort.
Check out Outside's entire list of winter activities here.
Video: An Expedition to Climb Ushba - A Remote Mountain in Georgia
Ushba is a remote peak located in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia. Standing 4710 meters (15,452 ft) in height, Ushba is a daunting climb that begins with a trek into the starting point on foot. In this video, we join a team of climbers that includes Samuel Anthamatten, Markus Eder, and Leo Slemett as they travel to Ushba to not only climb the mountain, but also make the first ski descent as well. As you can imagine, it is quite an experience.
Video: Mountain Biking Down Corbet's Couloir in Jackson Hole
Corbet's Couloir is a double-black diamond ski run in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Even for experienced skiers and snowboarders, it's steep, rocky slope is enough to give pause. But in this video, pro mountain bikers Cam McCaul and Casey Brown take on this iconic slope, attempting the first descent of the couloir by bike. As you'll see, it is a wild ride, with a skier in hot pursuit.
Antarctica 2017: Antarctic Ghurka Hits the Ice, Maidens Still Waiting
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One of the new skiers who has just launched his expedition is Scott Sears, a former member of the British Royal Ghurka Soldiers, who is attempting to become the youngest person to ever ski the full distance to the South Pole solo and unassisted. Dubbed the Antarctic Ghurka, Scott flew to Union Glacier on November 15 and was able to be taken directly out to his starting point at Hercules Inlet the following day. He's now three days into his journey and so far has had mostly excellent weather, with blue skies and bright sunlight. There have been occasional high winds, but for the start of his 1100 km (683 mile) expedition to the South Pole, it has been mostly smooth sailing thus far.
The same can't be said for the Ice Maidens, a team of six women who are active and reservist in the British military. They've been sitting and waiting at Union Glacier for more than two weeks now simply because there hasn't been a weather window at their starting location on the Leverett Glacier. Hopefully that will change soon, but for now they continue to sit and wait.
Delays like this one aren't all that uncommon in the Antarctic, particularly early in the season. They can be extremely frustrating nonetheless, as teams are eager to get started. A two-week pause at Union Glacier is somewhat unusual however, although not unheard of it. The weather forecast is starting to improve however, so hopefully the Maidens will get underway soon.
British polar explorer Ben Saunders has faced none of these delays and has already been out on the ice for two weeks. He has started to find his his rhythm and is making decent time across the ice, although he has started to run into the regular challenges that are found in the Antarctic, most notably high winds, soft snow, and sastrugi, all of which can cause serious slow downs and zap the strength from your legs. Soft snow is hard to ski in and sastrugi are very hard ridges of packed snow on the ice that act as speed bumps. Neither are fun to deal with, but Saunders is making the best of his situation so far and is forging ahead with impressive resolve.
That's all for today. I'll continue to keep an eye on the things going on down on the frozen continent and post updates as warranted. The season is truly just getting underway, so there should be plenty of interesting updates to come.
Antarctica 2017: Ben Saunders Officially Begins Solo Trek Across Antarctica
Saunders was expected to be dropped off at his starting point yesterday, but poor weather grounded the Twin Otters aircraft that would have flown him to Berkner. That isn't uncommon this time of year, as the austral summer hasn't quite settled in yet and conditions remain wildly unpredictable. He didn't have to wait long for the next opportunity to fly however, as he was on another flight early this morning that took him to the drop-off point.
Upon arrival, Ben gathered his equipment, hooked up his sled, and soon began skiing across the ice. High winds made things a bit challenging for the start, and blowing snow dropped visibility. Still, he reports that things are going well and he was happy to be moving at last. He skied for about 45 minutes before establishing camp for the night, all part of his plan to stay on UTC time, rather than switch to the Chilean time zone.
Ben reports that Antarctic explorer Hannah McKeand was also on his flight this morning. Back in 2006 she skied solo to the South Pole and has been guiding on the frozen continent for years. She is reportedly setting up a camp near a penguin colony near Gould Bay, and is likely guiding clients once again this year. Hannah was the record holder for the fastest time to the Pole for quite a number of years, and is obviously still very comfortable in Antarctic.
No word yet on whether or not the Ice Maidens or the Norwegian team have been flown to their starting point just yet. Both squad have yet to update their schedules. But, if the weather has improved, they should both be getting underway soon as well.
The next ALE flight to the Union Glacier camp isn't scheduled to take place until November 15, and it is listed as "Full" on the company's website. That is when we'll likely see the next wave of Antarctic skiers be delivered to the ice, although the flight schedule could be shifted around depending on the weather conditions.
Things should start to ramp up quickly now and we can expect a steady stream of updates moving forward. It promises to be another interesting expedition season down at the bottom of the world. Stay tuned for more.
Outside Presents the 2018 Winter Gear Buyer's Guide
The guide itself is broken up into individual sections that cover layers, ski and snowboards, fitness, and essentials, which covers things like packs, helmets, and other snow-sport specific gear. Each of those sections is further broken down into subcategories, with things like the best jackets and the best base and midlayers found under the layers heading, while the best running shoes and cold weather workout gear is found under fitness.
All told, there are literally dozens of gear items to sift through on the list, including suggestions for the perfect skis, snowboards, and snowshoes, as well as goggles, helmets, and camera equipment too. You'll find the best choices for gloves, the top picks for winter camping gear, and even the best winter fat bikes. In other words, everything you need to survive and thrive in winter weather.
If you're in need of some gear for your cold weather adventures, check out the Outside 2018 Winter Buyer's Guide now.
Video: Searching for the Fountain of Youth
At some point, every outdoor athlete begins to feel the effects of time on their bodies. We don't recover as quickly, injuries are more common, and the speed and agility of youth begin to wane. But, that doesn't mean we have to give up what we love, just approach it in a different way. In this video, pro skier Mike Douglas makes the journey to Japan to explore options for helping him staying younger and more vital. He discovers plenty of options, including imported diet and exercise routines. But, best of all, he gets some advice from Yuichiro Miura, the man who climbed Everest at the age of 80.
Video: Follow Through - Skiing the Wasatch with Caroline Gleich
When Caroline Gleich first announced she wanted to ski the 90 big mountain routes in Utah's Wasatch Range, she was laughed at and dismissed. She was 16 at the time and had just begun dreaming of backcountry adventures. But, over the years she built up her skills, gained confidence, and began taking on those mountains. Now, she's living the adventurous life she's wanted, despite becoming a polarizing figure on social media. In this video, you'll learn about her journey and witness first hand some of the harassment she has received, even as she travels deep into remote areas in pursuit of her dream. The 20+ minute short film, which comes are way via REI, is inspiring and infuriating at the same time. Kudos to Gleich for being able to stay focused and pursue her passions. We should all be so fortunate.