tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20756520903423590712024-03-08T11:20:39.921-08:00Back Country Adventure GuidesMountain guide and global wanderer, Matt Schonwald shares his adventures and hard won insight into the international world of climbing and skiing, both the beauty and the underbelly.Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-81793657637518394322011-03-08T22:31:00.000-08:002011-03-08T22:32:34.765-08:00Same Blog New Address Come Join us at our new location!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">We have evolved to wordpress (http://blog.bcadventureguides.com/) and hope you enjoy our evolution in the coming ski touring season!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/qtXrNP3UlKc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-79754070826778801542010-12-23T12:45:00.000-08:002010-12-23T12:45:45.411-08:00Happy Holidays & the Cascade Powder Cats AIARE Level 2 course I just finished teaching a Level 2 AIARE avalanche course and feel energized! After 4 days at the Cascade Powder Cat Yurt, the students conducted a stability analysis, forecasted the local avalanche hazard, completed and executed a tour plan. Ottis, Tod, Tom , Steph and Christopher all demonstrated their learning and I wish them a fun safe winter season!<br />
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Happy Holidays,<br />
Matt<br />
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<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/alLvWyjC3c0?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/alLvWyjC3c0?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-81629785539011459252010-12-03T15:17:00.000-08:002010-12-03T15:17:54.523-08:00Northwest Snow and Avalanche SummitLa Nina has hit the Alps as the video below attests. The season's first fatality in Switzerland was also just reported and several hundred NW professional and recreational back country skiers and snow boarders gathered @ REI in Seattle for the Northwest Snow and Avalanche Summit last Sunday. <br />
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</tbody></table>Thanks to Micheal Jackson of ASAP and his elite volunteer staff, we experienced amazing discussions from the NW Avalanche Center's Mark Moore and Garth Furber, Dale Atkins from Colorado and the wisdom from the Great White North came in the form of Colin Zacharis, Brad White, and Bruce Jamieson which was received with wide eyes anf thoughtful questions.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/TNhHKidKQaI/AAAAAAAAAYw/ZWbm_GNX4b4/s1600/P1030636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/TNhHKidKQaI/AAAAAAAAAYw/ZWbm_GNX4b4/s200/P1030636.JPG" width="200" /></a>The highlights include Mark Moore explaining the increased risk or persistent weak layers in La Nina Northwest snow packs, the trials and details of the new international Danger Scale and the <a href="http://www.nwac.us/">Northwest Avalanche Center</a>. We learned about the new terrain warnings for Moderate and Considerable as well as how to use the Avalanche Rose forecast on the NWAC website.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dale Atkins showing people their best chance to live</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Later Dale Atkins discussed behavior and survival in avalanche accidents. He offered some important research pointed out how arousal aka fresh powder eads to exploratory behavior, influencing our judgment negatively. This knowledge enforces the need to learn and conduct your back country travels with the best safety practices available. Dale also stressed companion rescue is the best hope of surviving an avalanche.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/TNhHSl-l8uI/AAAAAAAAAZA/KQu4mszQiTM/s1600/P1030640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/TNhHSl-l8uI/AAAAAAAAAZA/KQu4mszQiTM/s200/P1030640.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Bruce Jamieson delivered his most recent research findings that the most important observation are weather and the surface snowpack. This will help recreationalists focus their attention to what they can see and not stress about making pits to determine hazard and make decisions.<br />
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Finally Dan Otter spoke about his accident on Kendall Peak and brought home the point that best practices include continuous communication about the people, conditions and how they relate to the objective they would like to ski that day.<br />
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All in all, the take homes, avoid averages, measure exact angles where you take your observations, be humble in the face of the unknown, communicate what you know, see and feel, and use alternative plans to help mitigate the choice to go or no go with a single objective.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-62045935733867923682010-11-21T23:06:00.000-08:002010-11-23T13:13:14.630-08:00Going Deep in Movember with Sara Hunter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/TOwtyg9yUoI/AAAAAAAAAaM/3LoyHt5GH8Y/s1600/P1030654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/TOwtyg9yUoI/AAAAAAAAAaM/3LoyHt5GH8Y/s200/P1030654.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Hitting the 3rd week of <a href="http://us.movember.com/">Movember</a> and my 'stache is taking on it's own personality, My competitive nature shines through as if I am actually training to win the best mo' in December when my friends get together check out each others 'stache.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/TOoSG86z1FI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/juZZwrn6rB4/s1600/P1030644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/TOoSG86z1FI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/juZZwrn6rB4/s200/P1030644.JPG" width="200" /></a>A few days ago, I had the pleasure to spend a few days on Mt Baker, aka Kulshan in November with Sara Hunter prepping for a climb on Cotopaxi in January. Our timing coordinated nicely with 3 feet of new snow that added 2 miles to the approach and some extra caloric boost to our hike in. After breaking trail for 4 1/2 hours, we camped at the historic Kulshan cabin site where Fred Beckey started his first ascent of the North Ridge many years ago. We hunkered down to a long, cold night with a quick skills session followed by Indian food and chocolate to put us to bed with full stomachs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/TOoS76FPB-I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/rkKcOfvqk9E/s1600/P1030646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/TOoS76FPB-I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/rkKcOfvqk9E/s200/P1030646.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>At sunrise, we enjoyed eggs, sausage and hash browns with fresh brewed coffee to warm ourselves up for the hike to the Coleman Glacier through thigh deep snow. 2 hours later we made it to Survey Rock and headed down to the ice to get our crampons dirty and hit something solid with our axes. This was harder then it sounds as 3+ feet of snow separated us from the glacier and all the visible blue was overhung ice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/TOoUczrxdyI/AAAAAAAAAaE/kqq0vhX-j4A/s1600/P1030647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/TOoUczrxdyI/AAAAAAAAAaE/kqq0vhX-j4A/s200/P1030647.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Two hours later, we stomped some ice into enough cubes for a few cocktails and made good progress for Cotopaxi with <a href="http://www.fieldtouringalpine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=85">Field Touring Alpine's</a> Ecuador January trip. Sara revealed to me her hometown is in Maine and she loves cyclocross which made this overnight winter experience seem tropical in face of 5" of new snow overnight with temps in the teens. After breaking trail for a total 6 hours in 2 days, we roped up, self arrested and climbed enough ice to strike fear into Cotopaxi, good luck in January Sara!Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-49913514669557837902010-11-18T21:48:00.000-08:002010-11-18T22:06:17.829-08:00BCAG & CPC help NPR with a public service announcement on avalanche safety this weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/TOYTuI8nkeI/AAAAAAAAAZs/uG7iG8_rKho/s1600/P3050352_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/TOYTuI8nkeI/AAAAAAAAAZs/uG7iG8_rKho/s200/P3050352_2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Sara Lerner from NPR interviewed me this morning about avalanche safety in the early season, have a listen and tell me what you think. <br />
<a href="http://indemand.nwpr.wsu.edu/NWPR/HomepageArticles/audio/111810Schonwald.mp3">http://indemand.nwpr.wsu.edu/NWPR/HomepageArticles/audio/111810Schonwald.mp3</a>Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-32658569817917727692010-10-20T12:37:00.000-07:002010-10-20T12:37:00.563-07:00La Nina Pre-Season Route Planning - A primer for going big La Nina, La Smina what is all the hype about? In 1998-99 the NW received 95 feet of snow. To take advantage of epic seasons a few key areas need attention such as Fitness, Gear and Travel Plans.<br />
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Fitness encompasses both mental and physical capacity to deal with skiing and touring in a deep snow environment. The physical preparation everyone generally understands, what takes people to the next level is intensity and planning peak performance. Periodization is a system to schedule peaking in a variety of time frames from 6-16 weeks. Great resources that you can follow online or pay for a subscription of coaching are:<br />
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<a href="http://thealpinetrainingcenter.com/training">Alpine Training Center</a>: Free, Boulder based, mountain specific conditioning programs for climbing and skiing. Originally part of Mountain Athlete, follows a similar philosophy and posts their workouts online that you can get an RSS feed for.<br />
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<a href="http://mtnathlete.com/">Mountain Athlete</a>: Paid subscription Jackson based gym that was inspired by Mark Twight's Gym Jones blend of Crossfit meets mountain sports. Rob Shaul stripped away the rhetoric and focused on fundamental strength and conditioning while blending climbing and skiing specific elements to the periodization cycles.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gymjones.com/">Gym Jones</a>: Paid subscription, Salt Lake City based gym blending Crossfit intensity with mountain sports fitness focus. Great program that comes with all of Mark Twight's philosophy, elite intensity and performance is the focus.<br />
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Training Mental fitness requires intense physical training with refreshing and building the many skills necessary for back country winter travel. Avalanche safety, travel techniques and planning strategies all need attention to stay safe and succeed on big objectives when the conditions permit. <a href="http://avtraining.org/">AIARE</a> <a href="http://www.cascadepowdercats.com/courses.html">avalanche courses</a>, <a href="http://mountainschool.blogspot.com/2010/04/route-planning-how-to.html">route planning </a>and <a href="http://www.bcadventureguides.com/trip/-back-country-leadership-course-ski-usa">advanced travel techniques</a> all can be learned and reviewed with friends or from guides services and retail stores with free clinics such as REI, Pro Ski Service and Second Ascent in Seattle.<br />
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Next week we review gear and travel planning preparation.<br />
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Pray for snow!<br />
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MattMatt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-23566595231683676382010-04-17T22:06:00.000-07:002010-04-17T22:07:09.467-07:00Explosion in number of ski touring fatalities in Switzerland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/S8qTXDYhMJI/AAAAAAAAAW0/Wt9MQQ1y33Q/s1600/rega.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/S8qTXDYhMJI/AAAAAAAAAW0/Wt9MQQ1y33Q/s320/rega.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://pistehors.com/news/ski/comments/0991-explosion-in-number-of-ski-touring-fatalities-in-switzerland/?gid=991000">Explosion in number of ski touring fatalities in Switzerland</a><br />
Fascinating look at the rise of risk taking. <br />
<img alt="" src="file:///Users/User1/Desktop/rega.jpg" />Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-3518943799654697982009-10-23T01:19:00.000-07:002009-10-23T01:19:49.508-07:00Ten places I want to ski before Climate Change overtakes the snowI just spent the last 2 weeks researching the Dolomites, Holy Cow! They are beautiful, big, littered with couloirs, long valleys and rifugios that are ridiculous in the level of service you expect to find above 6,000'. That pushed me to make my wish list where I want to ski before the snow goes away. I thought I should share my list and hope I hear some more ideas from you:<br />
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</div>Canada<br />
<ul><li>Roger's Pass</li>
<li>Fairy Meadows/Sorcerer Lodge</li>
<li>Wapta Traverse</li>
</ul>Europe<br />
<ul><li>La Grave</li>
<li>Dolomites</li>
<li>Chamonix/Courmeyeur</li>
</ul>Asia<br />
<ul><li>Manali/Simla</li>
<li>Hokkaido</li>
</ul>South America<br />
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<ul><li>Chile-Volcanoes</li>
</ul>Africa<br />
<ul><li>Morocco/Toubkal</li>
</ul>Those are my ten places to ski before Climate Change, so where do you want to go?Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-47859557060935503962009-10-16T21:44:00.000-07:002009-10-16T22:06:39.765-07:00Workout of the Day-Next week begins the Periodization for Opening Day!Some might think that some east german cult abducted me with all this talk of periodization! I actually suffered memory loss and recall some bright lights and sharp pain in my neck before waking up with this idea, however Mulder and Scully are on and I am back to working out, whew... With that out of the way, Periodization is a systematic approach to reach optimal performance at a particular time of your choosing. For someone like myself, it also performs the role of injury prevention.<br />
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The combination of sport specific and general core fitness will help me start the ski season and absorb some of the high impacts that occur at the higher speeds of downhill skiing. Today I did a leg centric routine combining maximal strength and work capacity.<br />
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<b>Warm up</b>: Shoulder band stretch from 8' bar, 3 sets of 10 air squats<br />
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<b>WO 1:</b> Back squats 3-5 sets working up to a set of 3eps at maximum load<br />
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<b>WO 2</b> 2 Kettle bell (8-16 kg) 3 reps(9 total per round) of sumo deadlift/dl & clean/dl & snatch for as many rounds in 15 minutes.<br />
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I felt worked but not over the top. Good enough to begin the next 8 week periodization cycle for mid-December opening day. If you are interested in following, let me know and I can post an actual schedule for the 8 week cycle.Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-62730536806905305582009-10-14T12:10:00.001-07:002009-10-14T12:10:06.333-07:00Google Sidewiki entry by Matt<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Makes the expression head in the sand seem more relevant.</p>in reference to: <a href='http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gyy9tlD4hRjJD2wQ__gxvo_IzYEgD9B6QSRG0'>The Associated Press: Saudis ask for aid if world cuts dependence on oil</a> (<a href='http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/mattschonwald/id/9CaU81HnavLxZJ7lhiCJYWlIvl0'>view on Google Sidewiki</a>)</div>Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-58719843002763392092009-10-13T21:15:00.000-07:002009-10-13T21:15:41.393-07:00The Legend of Glen Plake and the legacy of the Blizzard of AhhsI first saw Glen Plake in the Greg Stump Film,<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJdyPZPcRYU"> Blizzard of Ahhs</a>. That experience showed many skiers the world of skiing steep, big mountains, which cracked open my reality and inspired me to turn skiing into a vocation as well as a passion. Youtube now makes everyone a film-maker and twenty years later Glen and legendary Chamonix guide, Remy Lecluse, ski the peaks of Peru, my heroes! Enjoy watching the evolution of a skiing icon...<br />
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<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/e6jbHTcmlKw&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/e6jbHTcmlKw&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-79589705659468304172009-10-12T03:58:00.000-07:002009-10-12T22:19:28.371-07:00Fall Gear Review-Are you looking at filling a quiver or just seeking the one?Snow is falling in the high country across the west and I am feeling a strong buzz that needs to ski! On that note a quick look at our quiver of skis and see what the new season has to offer us. For myself, I look for 3 to 4 types of skis to cover my season.<br />
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For inbounds/resort skiing, I like to have an all mountain ski for powder and off piste, then a set of carving/race skis for firm conditions and fast skiing. My all mountain ski is 95-110 under foot with regular alpine bindings or a <a href="http://www.wildsnow.com/778/marker-duke-binding-john-wayne-would-be-proud/">Marker Duke</a> or Baron, since I will do limited touring and more hiking around the resort. The carving/race ski is optional, however <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/#/ski/skis/all-mountain">Salomon</a> or Volkl offer you an opportunity to enjoy hardpack and carve it like a samurai with a new blade.<br />
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</div>For the back country ideally two set ups will give you the best range for the variability of the snowpack throughout a season. My first set is a fat ski with a <a href="http://www.dynafit.at/home.php">dynafit binding</a> for early to late season deeper new snow conditions. This ski should handle powder, crud and some firm conditions equally well. With the new design of reverse came tip and zero camber in the rest of the ski, this generation of skis bring a dedicated tip that will float to the top effortlessly while allowing the rest of the ski to engage in dicey conditions.<br />
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The second touring ski is usually much lighter and narrower at the waist. It will also have a dynafit binding. This ski will be used for pre-season snow patch searching expeditions. After the first big dump of the season, this ski won't get pulled out again until late April and into the summer volcano season. <br />
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While it is nice to have a quiver of 4 skis, it is possible to get away with only two pair of skis, and maybe even..yes, I'll say it...one pair of skis. If you are looking to add to your quiver, I would highly suggest trying out the new non-traditional cambered skis. They will allow for the best powder days to become the best powder days EVER! As a one ski quiver goes, remember to buy a ski for the conditions that actually exist where you are skiing them and make sure your boots fit. Often times a new boot can make an old ski feel young again! <br />
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Check out the new series of 'tech' bindings. <a href="http://www.dynafit.at/home.php">Dynafit</a> has become the Kleenex of lightweight touring bindings, but now there is a new player in the market. <a href="http://www.genuineguidegear.com/gear/bindings/onyx">G3</a> (better known for their tele bindings and skins) has released a new binding that can be used with any <a href="http://www.garmontusa.com/921025211.html">'dynafit compatible' boot</a>. The term 'dynafit compatible' will be going away and the term 'tech compatible' will become the norm. Now that there is more than one player in the game, I guess we must change our old ways...hmmm.Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-88584551662097118532009-10-04T15:55:00.000-07:002009-10-04T19:58:23.575-07:00Workout of the DayI finally put down the laptop and got off the couch, after finishing a grad school homework binge, whew! I actually did workout, seemed hard but steady:<br />
<br />
Warmup<br />
Best stretch in the world, jump rope and 10*pushups, v-ups and air squats.<br />
<br />
1st workout<br />
2 sets of pull ups to warm up <br />
1 set max pull up (I got to 17:)<br />
<br />
2nd workout<br />
10* 30 seconds for each exercise , with 60 second rest followed by each set. Exercises are pull-ups and thrusters @ 20-60 kg.<br />
<br />
For weight, go as high as you feel comfortable, with 300 seconds you should be able to do it with near failure toward the end.Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-4086356810521207702009-09-28T11:07:00.000-07:002009-09-28T11:09:44.876-07:00Today's workout courtesy of Crossfit SeattleWorkout of the day in Seattle, All about the legs!<br />
<br />
Warmup<br />
3* 10 air squats/10 push ups 10 v-ups<br />
<br />
Round 1(max 20x)<br />
1*10 back squat just bar<br />
1*20 back squat just bar<br />
1-3 rounds at higher weight till max @ 20 reps<br />
<br />
Round 2<br />
4* 20 Wall Ball & sprint 100 meters<br />
<br />
Notes: Last round of wall ball just about claimed my breakfast, great start to the ski season try it!Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-54519431572707152132009-09-27T22:26:00.000-07:002009-09-28T00:57:12.564-07:00New Ideas for a new seasonAs the cold front hits Seattle, I am frantically organizing my life around the coming ski season, certainly a problem with a one track mind. Last time I mentioned some new ideas about my approach to fitness and taken the next step to start a new company with a good friend of mine, Christi Masi, founder of the <a href="http://http//www.healthy-bride.com/">Healthy Bride</a> & Healthy Goddess and all around multi-sport bad-ass. The new venture is <a href="http://www.nwathlete.com/">NW Athlete</a>, a fitness program based on Rob Shaul's <a href="http://www.mtathlete.com/">Mt Athlete</a> for the Northwest and my clients who for years have asked about mountain fitness.<br /><br />For the last year I have worked out with Crossfit and found a new level of durability and strength to compliment the usual running and climbing. For me, this compliments my new passion in sustainability as this makes all mountain sports a long time pursuit with the knowledge I am doing everything I can for fitness and injury prevention. As Christi asked me for a top ten list, here is what we came up with for our top ten reasons for getting fit for ski season:<br /><p> <img src="http://www.nwathlete.com/database/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/DSCN48151-225x300.jpg" alt="Deep Snow" title="Deep Snow" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-28" height="300" width="225" /><br />1. Because you are tired of skiing the one day tours and want to do a three tram ride day at La Grave or ski off Rainier and still have the stamina for all the beer you can drink afterwards.<br /></p> <p>2. Your kids are becoming better skiers than you, and you want to blow their minds this year by leaving them in the dust.</p> <p>3. You are one year older this year and you know you better work at getting in shape so you don’t hurt yourself this year.</p> <p>4. That trip to Rogers Pass will be WAY more fun if you can ski the mountain top to bottom without stopping.</p> <p>5. Those new skis will feel lighter if you actually workout a bit more...<br /></p> <p>6. That couloir/traverse/ski descent just keeps calling to you and THIS is the year!</p> <p>7. You want strong legs and core anyway.</p> <p>8. Your BFF is begging you to do it with her.</p> <p>9. To get your friend to go on BCA Guides trip this season, you have to go.</p> 10. Because you know it will be a great season if you get of the couch and just do it!<br /><br />With that in mind, an hour a day starting now will get you ready, starting Oct 15 I will start posting workouts you can follow and ask about for the first 8 week periodization program to get you ready for the December opening day!<br /><br />Cheers,<br />MattMatt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-7700078865392466512009-02-27T00:30:00.000-08:002009-09-16T21:53:30.071-07:00Get up Stand upSometimes, getting back to basics really enables one to strip away the useless fluff and unleash the machine within, or at least that is the misconception I operate under. As sport specific as climbing and skiing are, the core, adaptive fitness takes a back seat, til now...<br /><br />With the growth of Crossfit and Mt Athlete, I think it is time to reconsider what real mountain fitness is. First, let's examine some benchmarks to gauge what constitutes a fit skier or climber. Then we will break down the components.<br /><br />Skiing requires dynamic leg strength and power endurance to competently ski a big alpine run in any condition.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EyfWQLWSMX4&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EyfWQLWSMX4&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Touring like nordic skiing delves into deeper muscle endurance and specific fitness that must be trained in the discipline.<br /><br />One aspect that all of these disciplines have in common is adaptive, core fitness.<br /><br /><br />Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-64319374006551588272009-01-30T20:17:00.000-08:002009-01-30T20:32:22.490-08:00Grad School versus SkiingAfter 1 1/2 quarters of school, skiing feels a little put out from neglect. My inner hedonist keeps telling me, 'go ski, that's your job!' The overwhelmed student looks at the hedonist with bags under his eyes pleading for some discipline to get the work done, then play. So far the student is edging the hedonist since the purpose of the degree is Sustainable business MBA.<br /><br />Studying for the next generation of business actually entails studying business today, which currently hits my threshold of time. Luckily the crust in the PNW backcountry keeps me from losing my mind, I enjoy the chllenge to bring balance to this new phase of my life.<br /><br />Trying to link in <a href="http://technorati.com/claim/6nbqqzigc5" rel="me">Technorati Profile</a> and join the greater community.Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-45807577632981615062008-07-27T20:42:00.000-07:002008-08-21T15:07:40.881-07:00Solitude on Mount Stuart<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SK3em2NsMtI/AAAAAAAAADI/vNC7G1ZWUic/s1600-h/P1000577.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SK3em2NsMtI/AAAAAAAAADI/vNC7G1ZWUic/s320/P1000577.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237086700671087314" border="0" /></a>After much exchanging of schedules, Christi and I made a plan to climb the North Ridge of Mount Stuart the last weekend in July. Christi packed the rope and fresh baked cookies and I brought the rack and tent.<br /><br />The weather looked perfect, we packed light and put a camp at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ingalls</span> Pass to give us a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bivy</span> spot and a little more sleep. We started at 4:30 and made good time till the hike below Goat Pass and wandered a bit in the talus field for a while.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SK3evSj0_cI/AAAAAAAAADQ/pUy0pTm9RNE/s1600-h/P1000580.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 372px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SK3evSj0_cI/AAAAAAAAADQ/pUy0pTm9RNE/s320/P1000580.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237086845719084482" border="0" /></a><br />The traverse across the Stuart Glacier was mellow and uneventful. A couple was a head of us but turned around leaving us on our own for the day!Glacial recession exposed some more rock below the gully , so we had some alpine spice before 8, avoiding<br />looseness. Christi took the first block from just below the notch and led us to the first hard move, where I took over for a pitch. Christi got her grove on as it was her second lead of the summer and led the second block to the Gendarme!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SK3hpocyJcI/AAAAAAAAADY/M8KsPG9oa0c/s1600-h/P1000587.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 372px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SK3hpocyJcI/AAAAAAAAADY/M8KsPG9oa0c/s320/P1000587.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237090047050786242" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />We climbed the first 2 pitches of the Gendarme, awesome, even the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">offwidth</span> with many features outside for feet felt fun. We climbed around to the saddle for pitch 3 and arrived at the saddle where <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">simul</span>-climbing is not a great option. I tried to shorten the rope, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">I ended</span> up pitching it out for another 4 pitches and ended up 1 pitch below the summit. We finally encounter people, 6 climbers from the West Ridge, breaking our solitude for the the first time since we crossed the glacier, what a gift!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SK3idN4tY2I/AAAAAAAAADg/EZkY8ff6zJ8/s1600-h/P1000594.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SK3idN4tY2I/AAAAAAAAADg/EZkY8ff6zJ8/s320/P1000594.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237090933273355106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Sharing the route finding down the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Cascadian</span>, we headed down to beat the sunset, since it was just after 5. The descent was long, with a small snow field, many lost trails and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">headlamps on</span> from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ingalls</span> Creek to our tent. We made it back after 11, slept till 4 and drove home at 6.<br />Although our spouses were worried, we just a few hours behind schedule. With no cell phone reception till the end of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Teanaway</span> River Road, apologies waited till after 7 AM. Still a classic day in the Alpine, Thanks Christi!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SK3j4Ba-nCI/AAAAAAAAADo/UZ1laMT9aOw/s1600-h/P1000596.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 256px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SK3j4Ba-nCI/AAAAAAAAADo/UZ1laMT9aOw/s320/P1000596.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237092493295524898" border="0" /></a>Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-88758302838308166772008-07-27T20:40:00.002-07:002008-08-12T21:31:44.342-07:00Linguini with Penitente<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SKJjYFsjlTI/AAAAAAAAADA/w6m_YUQR1mw/s1600-h/P1000518.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SKJjYFsjlTI/AAAAAAAAADA/w6m_YUQR1mw/s320/P1000518.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233854982455006514" border="0" /></a>The allure of Mount Rainier for climbers and skiers is much like a moth to the flame. Hard to resist a big snow covered mountain, so Sally and I gave in and headed up the Emmons Glacier July 12-13. Sally and I share our East Coast roots, which helped create the trust needed to convince her that she should ski Rainier for her first glacier climb.... We headed up the Interglacier after trail damage and soft snow slowed us down but we made to camp by 6:30. Our welcoming committee to Emmons Flats included the all wise group leader asked us if we had read the forecast for high winds and if we were prepared to ski boiler plate snow. I thanked him for his wisdom, continued to set up camp and settled in to sleep by 9:30.<br /><br />The wind decided to blow on Sunday so we delayed our start till 4:30. Like wine, best to wait till the snow is ready to ski, otherwise the crust tends to disturb a perfectly good descent. The track was in so we followed the yellow brick road and depoted the skis at 12,500' due to big, open crevasses and increa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SKJgDBBB_2I/AAAAAAAAACg/9NiO71B4ceA/s1600-h/P1000501.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SKJgDBBB_2I/AAAAAAAAACg/9NiO71B4ceA/s320/P1000501.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233851321886572386" border="0" /></a>singly icy conditions.<br /><br />The route traversed all the way across the Winthrop glacier which added a lot of extra travel which allowed the 40+ mile an hour winds to pummel us that much longer. Sally pondered the value of the summit versus the skiing. At almost 14,000' she decided that she was too close to the top and would suffer the rest of the way.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We topped out in swirling clouds, increasing winds and diminishing views. Five minutes later <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SKJg8mc0gEI/AAAAAAAAACw/6VKfAe2eeSg/s1600-h/P1000497.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SKJg8mc0gEI/AAAAAAAAACw/6VKfAe2eeSg/s320/P1000497.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233852311187783746" border="0" /></a>we headed down and arrived at our skis an hour later. The sun had come out and the winds mellowed enough to soften the snow. A pair of skiers had sideslipped the route for us so we were psyched to click in and make some turns!<br /><br />Softening penitentes made the skiing challenging. We side slipped through some interesting crevasses but managed to whoop it up into camp. The best turns were on the Interglacier some 12+ hours after we started our day and Sally mentioned something about her legs were over it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SKJholFbiYI/AAAAAAAAAC4/ZO1oylpsvLk/s1600-h/P1000506.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 144px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SKJholFbiYI/AAAAAAAAAC4/ZO1oylpsvLk/s320/P1000506.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233853066735487362" border="0" /></a><br />With noodle legs we cruised the last 2000' of perfect corn into Glacier Basin, passing several large parties on foot. The best turns finished at the creek so we unclicked and packed our skis down to the car for our well deserved cold beer!Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-50587168473823696382008-06-23T22:33:00.000-07:002008-12-09T20:35:21.626-08:00MY NEW GEAR: 3 things I can't live without.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SGVdby7LlyI/AAAAAAAAAB4/55bHq6CsI-k/s1600-h/Produit_Image_160.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SGVdby7LlyI/AAAAAAAAAB4/55bHq6CsI-k/s320/Produit_Image_160.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216678475486435106" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="color: rgb(102, 155, 208); font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial MT Condensed Light,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" styleclass="style_Article2Title"> <b>MY NEW GEAR: 3 things I can't live without.</b> </div> <span>This spring I cleaned out my basement and after disposing of many loads of junk, I felt the need to pat myself on the back and go shopping! I did have some specific needs, so research ensued and this is my wish list for the summer...<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Rock Climbing</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">-</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Petzl</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Corax Climbing Harness</span><br />The Cadillac Eldorado of harnesses is what my carcass needs to enjoy a day of hanging and this is it. With skier's legs I need adjustability but not too much bulk in the belt so I can actually bend over and see my feet once in a while. After 20 + days of climbing outside(really, we have a rain shadow in Washington, state secret!) I can say the Corax is saving my kidneys and allowing me to focus on climbing, not </span><span>lack of circulation.<br /></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SGVdpPJKxLI/AAAAAAAAACA/8C4zLGJV7Ck/s1600-h/19.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 62px; height: 84px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SGVdpPJKxLI/AAAAAAAAACA/8C4zLGJV7Ck/s320/19.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216678706399593650" border="0" /></a><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ski Touring/Alpine Climbing-Grivel Alpine Pack</span><br />After months of physically examining dozens of packs, I caught an image on the internet of the new Grivel pack and I was hooked. Maybe it was the Italian accent, maybe because I had the previous generation of this pack and it lasted 700+ days of alpine climbing and skiing before it gave up keeping out water that I gave in to buying a new one. Thank the alpine gods Grivel figured out how to improve a great pack.<br /><br />Key features that sold me:<br /></span><ul><li><span>full length frontal zipper which opens from the top and bottom, perfect for ski touring(shovel, puffy jacket access) or climbing</span></li><li><span>floating, removable top lid with over sized powder skirt for carrying extras into camp, then climbing with a stripped down pack for the ascent.</span></li><li><span>Cordura material so your skis or ice tools will not shred the pack, maybe mountain lion will.</span></li></ul><span>After several trips into the alpine with loads to a high camp, I am happy to report, I love the accent and the pack!<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SGlc2cf0bOI/AAAAAAAAACQ/qnOOknx5yjE/s1600-h/35110_909_l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SGlc2cf0bOI/AAAAAAAAACQ/qnOOknx5yjE/s320/35110_909_l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217803733717773538" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Travel-Outdoor Research Organizer<br /></span><span>So I was looking for something to put some first aid supplies and toiletries in and I ordered the medium size kit. It arrived and immediately surpasses my expectations! Well designed compartments with differing zippers and mesh allow for great organization without feeling like you are dealing with nylon origami. Pen and card holders remind you that this is a travel organizer and can fly with you and your documents as well as your travel size toothpaste and deodorant.<br /><br /></span><span>You can find this harness and the products reviewed here at http://wwwfeatheredfriends.com</span><span>. Well then thank you for your time, I hope you have a great summer and look forward to hearing from you!<br /><br />Ski ya later,<br /><br />Matt<br /></span>Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-33570072758890370792008-06-23T21:08:00.000-07:002008-12-09T20:35:21.947-08:00Corn Skiing, Climbing or just relax: how to choose your activity in the heat of the summer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SGB_gYMW_UI/AAAAAAAAABo/hSmBRANLzJI/s1600-h/photo_1159292010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SGB_gYMW_UI/AAAAAAAAABo/hSmBRANLzJI/s320/photo_1159292010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215308562721865026" border="0" /></a><br /> <span>The thermometer is pushing 80, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">trail head</span> just melted out and it has not rained in 24 hours, it must be summer! In most alpine regions, just when <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">the</span> corn cycle peaks for great spring skiing, the will falters and the desire for shorts and lighter footwear tends to prevail. How to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">accommodate</span> all <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">activities</span> in a day takes good time management, that is the key to enjoying the brief window where you can ski, climb, windsurf, mountain bike, hike or just relax and watch the world go by with a cold beverage in a single day.</span><br /><span><br />At National Outdoor Leadership School, someone told me to do well in the outdoors you need the 7 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">P's</span>; <span style="font-style: italic;">Perfect Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance</span>. With this mantra the day before, select the activities you want to do, where each leg will take place, then pack a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">separate</span> bag for each leg, including the appropriate food and change of clothes. The phase of the planning will require timing each section to match the best conditions.<br /><br />Skiing should be first, since you need an early start to ski quality corn and gain enough vertical to make it worth your while. The volcanoes in the Northwest offer up to 10,000 feet of skiing but you have to top out on your intended run before 10 AM to guarantee consistent 2-6 inches of easy cruising before it goes to deep slush and starts to slide down the mountain with or without you. Typically a 4-6 AM start will get allow you enough time to accomplish the ski leg of your day, setting you up for a noon return to your car and plenty of time for the next activities.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bcadventureguides.com/climbingprograms_nevada.php"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/SGCApahcjlI/AAAAAAAAABw/0YuK5aU2Y0I/s320/P1010040_1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215309817477631570" border="0" /></a><br /><span><br />If you are like me and melt in direct sunlight ( a result of too many powder days), the next event should include some shade, so mountain biking or rock climbing</span><span> are</span><span> often good choices for this time slot. If <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">water sports</span> are your thing then it is another excellent activity to take advantage of the heat of the day.<br /><br />As with real estate, location, location , location. By late afternoon, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">temperature</span> should come down so you can enjoy your last leg, on rock, on a bike or in a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">chaise</span> lounge with your cold beverage which you rightly deserve! I wish you a fun and safe summer,<br />Matt<br /></span>Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-55479614396338124152007-12-24T22:01:00.001-08:002008-12-09T20:35:22.113-08:00I wish everyone a very merry white Christmas, Kwanza and Happy Holidays!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/R3CfW0LNVCI/AAAAAAAAAAk/E3Xkvwt52DA/s1600-h/IMG_0631.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/R3CfW0LNVCI/AAAAAAAAAAk/E3Xkvwt52DA/s320/IMG_0631.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147789588396069922" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Holidays from the Serial Skier! The Northwest has been blessed worth 4-8 feet of snow in the last week on an old rain crust, a bit of a double edged sword but good skiing to be had. I went up the Cascade powder Cats yurt and saw great coverage, but the hazard was pegged at considerable. That will change but caution was used.<br /><br />Take the time now to enjoy the travel and use all the tools available to make your assessments. If you feel rusty, be conservative, and consider a Avi refesher course to get your skills back to par. Check out the accidents this fall, more than not, the Road Runner principle(not aware what skills were necessary to be in the backcountry or not aware of the hazard at the time.) came into play more than once.<br /><br />Snow is in our future. I have heard from Morocco, the Alps, B.C. and our very own Cascades that the skiing is good, so be safe and enjoy the goods!<br /><br />Ski ya later, MattMatt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-22003741965794536202007-12-12T19:49:00.000-08:002008-12-09T20:35:22.279-08:00Decision Making in the Crosshairs<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/R2CvbMY9SuI/AAAAAAAAAAY/Rajbw-wbLnE/s1600-h/Alps+Girose+Couloir+tim.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/R2CvbMY9SuI/AAAAAAAAAAY/Rajbw-wbLnE/s320/Alps+Girose+Couloir+tim.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143303656174340834" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/R2CvbMY9SuI/AAAAAAAAAAY/Rajbw-wbLnE/s1600-h/Alps+Girose+Couloir+tim.jpg"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span></a>As an avalanche educator, BC ski guide and passionate skier, I have noticed several trends with new users of the winter backcountry that may contribute to the rising accident rate this winter.<br /><br />With snowshoeing, people have not tried to understand that the winter environment is dynamic. Without proper education any travel in avalanche terrain is Russian roulette without some knowledge of safe travel and terrain evaluation techniques. The books about snowshoeing that are published, I did read the mountaineers books on the subject, do not spend more than a brief chapter on avalanche phenomena. Snowshoeing is not the same as hiking since the terrain in winter can be hazardous when in summer it is just a trail and learning the difference is the key.<br /><br />With education, the expectation that avalanche courses should be less expensive or you should not have to spend money on safety gear is a poor argument when you consider how much you spend on your car to make it safe. Compare snow travel to scuba diving and there are similar safety protocols and expenses with getting started but once you get thru the initial costs it pays off with the safe travel you will be able to do.<br /><br />As for notices and who should inform the public, neither Alpental or the USFS should be responsible for individuals on public land. To ask them to do so will also bring the the responsibility of restricting access if the hazard is deem too high. In the US, we do not fund the USFS to conduct such practices. We do give private enterprise the responsibility to do so if they manage other hazards as well such as ski areas.<br /><br />What is the solution? First anyone who would like to travel in the backcountry needs to get educated on the skills necessary to go out there and understand the hazards that exist. Snowshoes and snowmobiles are just tools like skis and snowboards and need to respect the same practices other users have learned to conduct their activities.<br /><br />Once that is realized, then critical mass will help avalanche course providers offer courses specific to the different users. Publishers are also responsible for printing current information and not informing snowshoers that travel in avalanche terrain demands the same respect and education by all travellers, not just skiers and snowboarders.<br /><br />Until we reach that understanding, then avalanche education will be looked at as just another expense preventing people from getting their backcountry experience cheap and easy.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CfDtUfNvYKs/R2CvbMY9SuI/AAAAAAAAAAY/Rajbw-wbLnE/s1600-h/Alps+Girose+Couloir+tim.jpg"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span></a></div>Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075652090342359071.post-79333727504436234712007-12-10T20:43:00.000-08:002007-12-10T23:50:20.091-08:00White Death, a heavy metal band or a hazard on a bad ski day<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Welcome to the 2007-08 Ski season! With snow on the ground, a chill in the air, everyone is chomping at the bit to get this La Nina winter going! B.C. again seems to have it going on, with Austria, Mount Baker and Morocco contending for the best start of the season.<br /><br />As with most people with a seasonal twitch, it helps to have a job you want to quit to focus your efforts on getting up on the snow and skiing. With potentially five fatalities and seven burials last weekend, it serves as a reminder to take a moment and assess yourself then the conditions before heading out.<br /><br />One thing to remember with winter back country travel, respect the environment you are traveling by planning and preparing for your trip, whether a short hike or a multi-day tour. Learn the history of the area you want to travel, check the forecast before you go and check in with the local resources to get the most update information to help shape your decision to the tour you are choosing to go do.<br /><br /><br /><br />With a storm approaching, I look forward to a great la Nina winter and ski you later!<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Matt<br /></span>Matt Schonwaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511968063951854085noreply@blogger.com0