Surfing Lake Tahoe

Surfing Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite things to do. It’s so incredible to live here in Tahoe and have what we have so close to our backdoor. The skiing, biking, and climbing are all world class. But when the winds rip at just the right angle, and just the right speed, you can… Continue reading Surfing Lake Tahoe

The Annual Ice Axe Expeditions Antarctic Ski Cruise with Mountain Hub

Marco Crolla contacted me in the Fall of 2016. His dream was to ski all 7 continents, and raise money for cancer research along the way. Here he is 2017, celebrating after skiing a first descent in Antarctica.

The annual Ice Axe Expeditions cruise to Antarctica is one of the most unique ski trips in the world. This was my fourth time guiding on the frozen continent for Ice Axe, yet this one remains a trip that’s hard to truly articulate the depth and richness of the experience. On this year’s journey I… Continue reading The Annual Ice Axe Expeditions Antarctic Ski Cruise with Mountain Hub

Off to Guide and Ski Tour in Antarctica

Cover Shot. Late Winter 2017. Antarctica. Photo: Court Leve

The annual Ice Axe Expeditions Antarctic Ski Tour is ready for lift off! Guides and guests will gather in Ushuaia, Argentina this week where we’ll stretch our legs on the prime terrain of the Martial Glacier before setting sail for infamous Drake Passage, and eventually the Antarctic Peninsula. I’m super excited to work with Mountain… Continue reading Off to Guide and Ski Tour in Antarctica

Skiing 167 Months in a Row

In the last week of summer in California, I went skiing. Twice, actually. And to be honest, it was pretty good. Both sessions were off Carson Pass in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Kirkwood, and the conditions were a nod to last season’s monster winter. For those with a mind to join the turns-all-year club,… Continue reading Skiing 167 Months in a Row

Deep Powder in the Classic Super C Couloir | Portillo, Chile

It was another incredible summer trip to winter in South America this August. Every trip to Portillo in Chile is memorable, but catching the resort turn on with cold smoke powder is something else. Here’s an instagram RG from @mtnhub: Things are happening in Portillo, Chile! Mountain Hub Ambassadors Chris Davenport, Angel Collinson and Brennan Lagasse… Continue reading Deep Powder in the Classic Super C Couloir | Portillo, Chile

-60 Degrees in Kaktovik, Alaska for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Ario and myself ski tour across a frozen Arctic Ocean framed by the mighty Brooks Range. Kaktovik, AK

The winter has come and gone, but I will never forget supporting Ario this past February on his mission to support permanent protection for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Here’s a piece I wrote for the San Francisco Chronicle’s SF GATE snow folks about our trip: Skier embarks on epic snow adventure in Alaska for… Continue reading -60 Degrees in Kaktovik, Alaska for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Back from the Himalaya with Human Powered Ski Success!

Lots more to come from our trip, but overall we had a successful expedition in skiing a previously unskied line from 20,084ft while also seeing lots of potential for future human powered ski touring. Here are a few recent social media posts Luke has shared as he is a true wizard of the region, not… Continue reading Back from the Himalaya with Human Powered Ski Success!

Off to India to Ski Guide with Himalaya Alpine Guides

A zone Luke and I hope to explore with skis in the years to come.

Luke Smithwick is the owner and lead guide for Himalaya Alpine Guides. He has been exploring off the beaten path portions of Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Tibet for years. Luke and I met two years ago while I was ski guiding in Kashmir in the Gulmarg area. Luke is the snow safety officer for the Gulmarg ski resort.… Continue reading Off to India to Ski Guide with Himalaya Alpine Guides