With all the snow in the Sierras, some friends and I decided to take an avalanche level one course to learn how to be safe in the backcountry.

We got a good refresh on trip planning and avalanche rescue techniques, and a newfound appreciation for how complex snow science can be. I was already pretty humbled by the power of the mountains, and now have a more conservative understanding of the stability of what we are skiing.

Skinning up Andesite Ridge

Castle Peak Trailhead


Also got a few good days in at Sugar Bowl; the mountain rips when there’s fresh powder.

Empty Chair

Empty Chair

Gingerbread House

Gingerbread House