Sportiva Spitfire Review (updated)

North Couloir, Tanaina Peak, Chugach, AK - photo: Mat BruntonThe insane run of high pressure finally comes to an end today and, as the clouds moved in, I realized I would finally get to write something. Some good days have been had and I’ll share those in the next few days but first I wanted to get a review out on my Sportiva Spitfire boots.

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Steep Skiing Fail

The incomparable Chugach, AKYesterday, I broke the number one rule in steep skiing – I fell. We talk a lot about no-fall skiing on blogs like this one. Defining a line as such requires a combination of pitch and snow characteristics. We rarely get to test the presumption. Doing so could cost you your life. Instead, we demand of ourselves utmost concentration and enough skill and judgment to ski the line without falling. Up until yesterday, I ‘ve been successful.

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My Otter Body Experience

For Teton ski mountaineers, there exists a list of ski lines that we covet and hope to climb and descend at some point in our lives. Skiing the Grand Teton is undoubtedly at the top of this list for most of us.  This event typically involves skiing the Ford-Chevy-Stettner couloirs, which has become a classic ski line in the range and is now even guided on a regular basis.

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Skimo Race Tips - Helmet and Goggles

Kim Young - 2013 US Skimo Champs photo: Mark GockeWhen I first started skimo racing several years ago, eye wear was a dilemna. Should I bring goggles? Do I need sun glasses? Should I go with nothing and keep it simple? Over several races I tried all those ideas. I also combed European race photos to see what the pros were doing.

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Powder Keg 2013

Get your race mojo on and show up at Brighton Resort next weekend for the annual Powder Keg. This is one of the best races of the season and one of the longest running events in U.S. skimo racing. After a lengthy stint over at Alta it almost went MIA until Chad and the folks at Brighton stepped up and saved the race from extinction. They have a great crew of volunteers and put on a quality event. Clearly, they've kicked it up a notch this year with the addition of the Sprint event on Friday and the Technical Teams race on Sunday. They're gettin' all Euro on us! This can only serve to grow the sport.

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