Force..the story of Mikely Schaefer

Time..

Some lessons here..on avalanche rescue

And the back story of the accident.

http://avalanchesurvival.tumblr.com/

Thanks DZ and JJ for the links.

The Grand Teton...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eka5SzZITaY&feature=youtu.be

Teton Ice...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0uMK4S58Ng&feature=youtu.be

Praxis Freeride ski

 

Caution:  If you aren't into geeking out on gear and big mountain skis in particular skip this one.
Next write up will be some "new" ice climbing gear I am using this trip.  So more to come.

"a little bit scary"

http://youtu.be/0iI0RI5hjWU

"https://www.youtube.com/embed/0iI0RI5hjWU"

http://youtu.be/OYlbPNRDOXQ

"https://www.youtube.com/embed/OYlbPNRDOXQ"

and a little Chamonix skimo

more ice in the Alps..

Careful what you ask for on Tech bindings!

Bend, break or drop?


"If you’re not getting accidental releases (pre- release) you are way ahead of the game on any binding, provided you’re the type of skier who seldom falls. Nonetheless, main thing is if you _can_ ski the binding unlocked, at reasonable settings, so you might get at least a smidge of leg bone and knee protection out of the deal."  Lou Dawson @ WildSnow

DPS 99 Tour vs Dynafit Denali..

DPS 99 Tour and the Dynafit Denali numbers and hand flex comparison...

This seems like it should be an obvious comparison.
I'm really interested in seeing what the "new guys", aka DPS, knows about real touring skis.  The same place Dynafit has a well established and exceptionally well respected entire line of skis.  I have owned 6 pair of DPS.  None I would call "touring skis".  But I also know others that do make that claim for their own DPS skis and use them as such all winter and spring.

Not for everyone...

But life continues to get better in the mtns.

A solid performance combo in any soft snow condition:
Dynafit Huascaran, 177cm, 112mm under foot.  Speed Superlight binding.  8# 12.5oz
Dynafit TLT6 size 28, 6# .5oz

Total 14# 13oz

Much of the PNW sucks for snow right now...

Last year I started skiing in the PNW in late October.  Not unusual for us.  This year it has been better bike weather than ski weather.  At 1:30am it is in the 50F out side my office.  Likely to set a new high record in the high 50s or low 60s in Seattle over he weekend.  Ouch!

Chamonix seems to be doing only marginally better!

But I've been playing with 4 tech bindings combos that are new to me.   Needed some additional info on one set up and found this...

http://skimo.co/tech-binding-heel-gaps

How can you not smile?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOScetWwEwc

Fear?

Yep, there ya go..."I FEAR crevasses".  Not the little ones, mind you that anyone spending time on a glacier commonly sees or better yet never sees as you whizz by on skis.

One of those days? Really?

Enjoy this one...skiing only and  @ the lifts but likely worth a look :-)

wow!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is5qkedjBY0#t=248





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo7I_V_Szpg

And the winter starts.....Avalanche!

Foglietta Avalanche Burial -Jan 2015

 http://biglines.com/locations/europe/avalancheburial/

Summary
6 people in the group; 5 people taken in the avalanche; 3 partially buried, 2 totally buried (under approx 30 cm); Avalanche released when the 5th person was skiing. 3 people injured needing medical attention e.g. broken bones and torn ligaments; 1 person spent 4 days in the hospital.

Neve!

For most in NA we seldom if ever see real Neve.  It is a thing of joy when found in abundance.   No screws of course but amazing sticks and easy on the calves.  The squeak of "some fun!"

Modern Skimo a its Finest

Petzl Nomic tools and Dynafit PDG super lwt skimo boots.   Cutting edge for this game currently.