The first thing that comes to mind when I think about summer camp is dirt. When I close my eyes and think about the ten summers of frolicking through Minnesota’s Northern Woods, I see it, speckled with silver rocks and streaked with auburn mud, an idyllic mix of roughness and smoothness that always formed a perfect cushion beneath my feet. It is always on my mind. That dirt, after all, watched me grow up.
Somewhere in North America, $15,000 worth of outdoor gear hides and, since April 4th, adventurers across the nation have been tracking coordinates and studying clues to find it. The search ends in one week, but there’s still time for you to join the hunt.
This Friday twelve of the world’s most elite female cyclists will complete in a race that, this year, includes women for the first time ever. Olympic medalists, world champions, and the current U.S. Champion will race against the clock on a 15-mile course in the Amgen Tour of California Women’s International Time Trial Challenge.
On the infrequent days that you can see Mt. Shuksan from a ski area lift across the valley, the path we skied typically ended in a large pile of avalanche debris or falling pieces of the Hanging Glacier. But snow conditions were favorable and as we entered the couloir, the wind blew a sparkly confetti of snow. Despite the relative stability, we moved quickly, regrouping as the couloir doglegged, and preparing for an icy traverse where the focal concern shifted to cliffs. Large cliffs, on skier’s left.
Why being fired up before competition isn’t always a surefire way to be your best.
Two weeks ago I was packing my car and bidding my friends and life in Boulder, Colorado goodbye.
Women’s Adventure ventured into Utah’s backcountry this spring to research deep powder skiing.
Seven hours; 2,500 feet uphill; 3,500 feet downhill. Powder, mank, mush and corn skiing. That pretty much sums up our day on the mountain yesterday.
It’s funny how every place has its own lingo. Here are some fun new words I’ve learned this week at backcountry ski camp in Alta.
Today set a tough precedent for tomorrow. To recap, I’m in Alta taking a backcountry clinic with Utah Mountain Adventures with an awesome guide, Eric Gustafson, and three other rockstar skiers—Warren, Ted and Tim.
Women’s Adventure hits Utah this week for a backcountry ski clinic at Alta, where the runs are steeper, snow is deeper and skis are fatter–than almost anywhere.
Many women who live in Alaska live for adventure. Here are two women who embody this spirit. For a closer look at what sets these northern-dwellers apart, read this issue’s feature, Shining Bright.
Another weekend is approaching in Boulder, Colo., which means instead of focusing on this staff meeting I’m wondering where I will sleep tomorrow. Not in a sleazy way.
Cycling Toolbox:
Everything you need to know, tips, gear, reviews and more.
Video Toolbox: Helpful How-To vids on everything from technical fabric care to choosing bike shorts.
Hiking Toolbox:Tales from the four corners on favorite trails, gear reviews, videos.
Running Toolbox: What to wear, inspirational stories, your local events, yoga stretches and drills.
