Gear Review: Kahtoola MICROspikes

MiroSpikes

What an epiphany when I realized that running on snow in the winter was not only accessible, but also more physically sustainable than running on roads, or even trail running in the summer. Accessible because of new advances in foot … Continue reading


Atlas Snow-Shoe Company Leads The Way On “Trail 2015”

Trail 2015 in Beaver Creek. Photo by Kim Fuller.

The 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships are drawing in crowds from all over the world to watch the races on Beaver Creek Mountain in Colorado, and Atlas Snow-Shoe Company is helping to keep the fans on their feet.

There … Continue reading


Colorado Roots Propel Cirque Mountain Apparel

cirque mountain apparel

Find a snow-covered cirque on skis, and you’ll likely be taking some great powder turns.

“A cirque is a basin carved out by a glacier,” said Alex Biegler, owner and founder of Cirque Mountain Apparel. “And they always make for … Continue reading


Up Your Elevation Awareness: The Importance of Acclimation, with Tips and Tools

After visiting his family in North Carolina and Virginia over the holiday season, Christopher Joyner said the transition back to Colorado altitude hit him harder than he expected.

Joyner is the public affairs specialist for the Bureau of Land ManagementContinue reading


Gear Review: Yukon Charlie’s 825 Pro II Series Women’s Snowshoes & Trekking Poles

Gear Review: Yukon Charlie's 825 Pro II Series Women's Snowshoes & Trekking Poles

There’s no doubt that one of the biggest improvements in snowshoe design recently are the bindings. I started snowshoeing about 10 years ago, and the only thing I disliked about the sport was putting on the equipment on my feet … Continue reading


Gear Review: SportHill Saga II 3SP Women’s Tight

Saga Tight

Twice a week throughout the year (minus mud seasons), a local group of runners and hikers rise with the sun to hit the steep on Vail Mountain in Colorado. Ellen Miller, accomplished mountaineer and endurance coach, leads the sessions out … Continue reading


The Intend Jacket by Dare2b Is Perfect for Snowshoeing

I should open with a confession.  I grabbed up the Intend Club jacket by Dare2b for only one reason: I thought it looked really cool.

And my fashion sense was quickly confirmed.  First, there were all the compliments.  Then there … Continue reading


The Height of Performance and Convenience: Black Diamond’s Carbon Compactor Poles

There are times when we need to pack up your poles.  When we’re traveling to our snowshoe destination by airplane.  When we’re touring the backcountry, camping along the way, or touring across a variety of terrain, some of which requires … Continue reading


A Great Vermont Export: Darn Tough Socks

While I never saw her drink the entire time I was growing up, my mother kept a small bottle of brandy in the cupboard.  Mom hailed from upstate Wisconsin and had been a great ice skater in her day, so … Continue reading


Is There Something Magical at Work in Klymit’s Backpacks?

Perhaps it had been too long since I’d studied the features of backpacks.  Perhaps I hadn’t ever taken backpacks seriously enough.  But I was a bit taken aback when I read what Klymit’s Motion 35 backpack can do.

A backpack … Continue reading


Stio’s Merino Wool Hoodie May Be the Best Midlayer Ever

When I began wearing my Merino wool hoodie by Stio, I didn’t have to be convinced of the value of Merino wool.  I already knew that Merino wool makes the best inner layer and probably the best “non-jacket” midlayer.

Wool … Continue reading


Exerting in Cold Temps, the Argus Jacket by Arc’teryx Stands Out

What are we looking for in a lightweight jacket for snowshoeing?  Probably three things:  Little bulk, for maximum body motion.  Insulation, for weather protection.  And breathability, for moisture management.

Arc’teryx’s Argus jacket meets all these criteria.  It is a good … Continue reading