SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "A year without purpose"

Max Vadnais:
"ASPEN — As an avid backcountry skier, this season has obviously been a conundrum of hope without results. After spending last year in the Wasatch range over in Utah and having 700-plus inches of snowfall and a perfect stability of snowpack all year, this season has been one of just training, but for what?

Of course there are many uphill competitions to take part in here in the Roaring Fork Valley, but like many others I enjoy the adventure of being out beyond the resorts and in the middle of exotic terrain that gets the heartbeat pounding and adrenaline flowing. So, where do we stand this year?

With the avalanche danger being the highest in 30 years here in Colorado, the simple answer is: We are at a monumental, if not total, loss. The more complex answer, however, is that this is a year to expand the horizon of what and where we ski....."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily News "Vail's Chris Anthony: Flying to the zone"

(Read Part One here)

Chris Anthony:
"I have been guiding at Points North for over 11 years and been skiing in the Chugach Range for over 22. Every year, I question my motivation and every year I leave knowing I'm coming back. I have to remind myself when I arrive to just slow down, get organized and be very patient but ready for anything. It's a tough mindset after a season of running all over the place. Base camp can be tranquil and quiet with little or no cell service and slow internet. Yogis would love it. On the other hand, it can have the same adrenaline of that of the deck of an aircraft carrier, which I have experienced as well..."  (Read more?  Click title)