Ski & Snowboard Know-How | Mountain Hardwear

It’s not an adventure until something goes wrong. Set in a smoke-saturated, storm-brimming episode in the North Cascades of Washington, this photo essay chronicles the challenges of the alpine and boils down the important things while climbing up high.

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Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, “The Incredible Hulk” towers over a floor of scree like a giant—and not the friendly kind. A steep 1,200-foot wall with long granite ridges stacked with striking spires culminates to its 11,300-foot summit, making a true marvel for climbers.

SKI KNOW-HOW:

fast track to the
snow track

buckle up

Whether you’re making the first turn on the bunny slopes or pushing 100 days in unexplored backcountry terrain, we’re all en route to a new learning that unlocks that next level of our snowsports experience. For the questions that you’re just not sure where to begin or who to ask, start here.

Whiteout, fresh powder conditions as a skier comes down the mountain in the backcountry.

what to bring backcountry skiing

THE MOUNTAIN GUIDES, Our alpine and rock climbing guide partner, talk through what gear is needed for a single day in the backcountry. From what layers to wear to what safety equipment is required, this article will provide guidelines to help dial in your own system.

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gif of packing your ski pack

loading your touring pack

A skier mid jump on a run in a resort, in between two chair lifts

resort etiquette: your guide to maintaining a safe & cooperative recreation space

Illustrations of all the ingredients to make egg muffins, pizza rolls and homemade energy gummies

power snacks for backcountry
riding & skiing

Skinning up in the backcountry on a bluebird day

adjusting mindsets to suit different riding environments

close up of scanning transmitter at an avy checkpoint in the backcountry

understanding snowpack & reading avalanche reports

Two skiers overlook the beautiful snow-covered backcountry before skiing down a line.

basic avalanche awareness and resources for backcountry skiing

Two skiers skinning on the top a ridge, making way to their line.

the best backcountry skiing destinations for beginners

Skiier warming up, pulling on her Women's Phantom™ Down Parkaover.

layering for backcountry ski excursions

Whiteout, fresh powder conditions as a skier comes down the mountain in the backcountry.

how to get ski fit

Blurry mid motion image of three skiers getting ready at the back of their truck, putting on ski boots and bibs at dusk.

the 100-day season: how to maximize your ski time

Mountain Hardwear Athlete Luke Smithwick walks upstairs in a ski hut, with old skis in hand.

how to maintain and revive old ski gear

Mountain Hardwear and Olympian athlete, Kyra Condie, mid bouldering competition alongside a competitor on the wall.

the top backcountry ski destinations in america

Three skiers in the distance doing a hike-to in a ski resort.

sidecountry and slackcountry: it’s all backcountry

Skier climbing up some rocks in the backcountry, with skis secured on Mountain Hardwear backpack.

building better ski shells: behind the scenes with gore-tex

Two skiers hiking their way up in the backcountry at sunrise.

Expedition Know-How