The Secret Ingredient to a Perfect Powder Day: Snow Liquid Ratio Some powder days feel like magic—light, airy snow that you can ski through like it’s barely there. Other days, it’s like skiing through oatmeal: heavy, dense, a workout in every turn. There’s a reason for this, and it’s not just luck or a specific mountain range. It all comes down to the Snow Liquid Ratio, a metric that’s as important […] Weather Clay Malott | November 13, 2024 0 Comments
Brain Post: Atmospheric Rivers—Nature’s Moisture Conveyor Belt A powerful force flows invisibly over the Pacific—a conveyor belt of moisture that meteorologists call an atmospheric river (or AR for short). These moisture bands transport enormous quantities of water vapor, crucial for precipitation—and snowfall—along the West Coast. Atmospheric rivers funnel this moisture from the tropics, like a fire hose aimed at western North America. When they land, they often […] Weather Clay Malott | November 12, 2024 0 Comments
Brain Post: Why are Weather Models So Bad When it Comes to Snow? Have you ever thought about why forecasting snowfall is so difficult? Why can we seemingly ace temperature forecasts days in advance but can’t even nail down a snowfall forecast the night before a storm? The Butterfly Effect Snowfall is a puzzle in the forecasting world, with every piece tangled in complex atmospheric dynamics, chaotic patterns, and ever-shifting terrain influences. Predicting […] Weather Clay Malott | November 11, 2024 0 Comments
Brain Post: The Hidden Dangers of an Early Season Snowpack Have you ever wondered why avalanche forecasters get so worked up about early season snow? Those first few storms of the season might seem harmless enough, maybe just enough snow to cover the grass and get us dreaming about powder days ahead. But here’s the thing: these early season storms can set up the snowpack for instability that persists throughout […] Avalanche Clay Malott | November 7, 2024 1 Comment
The Science Behind Snow Crystal Formation As skiers, we spend countless hours chasing powder, but how much do we really know about those weird crystals that make our favorite sport possible? The science behind snow crystal formation isn’t just beautiful–it’s crucial for understanding everything from avalanche risk to why that last storm dropped such perfect powder. The Basics of Snow Crystal Formation Let’s start with the […] Weather Clay Malott | November 6, 2024 0 Comments
Wind Loading 101: Nature’s Avalanche Architect What is Wind Loading? Think of wind loading like nature’s own snow transportation system. Just as a conveyor belt moves packages from one place to another, the wind picks up snow from windward slopes (where the wind hits first) and deposits it on lee slopes (the sheltered side). But here’s the catch—this isn’t your light, fluffy pow we’re talking about. […] Weather Clay Malott | November 5, 2024 0 Comments
Machine Learning is Revolutionizing Weather Forecasting: Here’s What That Means for Your Ski Season Have you ever stood at the base of your favorite resort, watching clouds build over the peaks, and wondered if tomorrow will bring that forecasted powder day? Or maybe you’ve been planning a backcountry mission and found yourself doubting whether the predicted “bluebird conditions” will materialize. Well, the weather forecasting game is changing dramatically—and it’s all thanks to artificial intelligence. […] Weather Clay Malott | November 4, 2024 0 Comments
Where Do I Find the Snow? Using Meteorological Data to Find Fresh Powder Powder: the elusive holy grail of snowsports. Though it may seem hard to find, it isn’t if you know where to look. This article will outline the tools and knowledge you need to be a competent powder chaser. Note: techniques in this article are meant to be used within the patrolled ski area boundary. Backcountry use of these techniques may lead […] Brains Clay Malott | October 29, 2024 0 Comments
Why Are Snow Forecasts So Inaccurate? You go to bed, a smile on your face. The forecasts are calling for 10 inches this weekend. You fall asleep thinking about catching the first chair of the day, and the silky turns through knee-deep snow that will follow. Related: The Ski Area Snow Report: Fact or Fiction? However, upon waking up on Saturday, you check the resort website to […] Brains Clay Malott | August 9, 2024 0 Comments
Exploring the New Frontiers of Bridgeport’s Winter Wonderland: The Latest Addition to the Trail System Bridgeport, California, renowned for its stunning winter landscapes, has long been a haven for those seeking the tranquility and adventure of the backcountry. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra mountains, this region is more than just a picturesque escape; it’s a burgeoning hub for winter sports enthusiasts. Last year, I delved into the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area (BWRA), […] Clay Malott | February 21, 2024 0 Comments
The Dangers of Early Season Backcountry Skiing Early season backcountry skiing is fun. Skiing in fall among the turning Aspen trees with untracked blower powder is a treat, but being aware of its dangers is vital to keep in mind. Related: Why Early Season Snow is Dangerous in Colorado | News Release: CAIC Trees Tree skiing is some of the best backcountry skiing, but early season snow coverage […] Avalanche Clay Malott | October 20, 2023 4 Comments
Why a Narrower Backcountry Ski May Be Best for You In today’s day and age, it seems like wide skis continue to get more and more popular. While the mid-fat ski has brought a powder revolution with increased flotation, there are also severe downsides to a wide ski, especially in the backcountry. Related: Wide Skis and Your Knees: Bigger Isn’t Always Better First of all, we must define a “fat ski.” […] Backcountry Clay Malott | October 11, 2023 3 Comments
Gear Review: Elevenate Bec de Rosses Jacket & Pants Last season, I had the opportunity to test Elevenate’s new Bec de Rosses kit. This is my unbiased review of the kit – both the shell and the bibs. I’ve broken the review into five sections: fit, uphill performance, protection from the elements, miscellaneous pros/cons, and “the bottom line.” Reviewer Stats: Name: Clay Malott Days with the Bec de Rosses […] Gear Clay Malott | September 20, 2023 0 Comments
Gear Review: 2023-2024 WNDR Alpine Intention 108 Review written by Bob Crowder; Aspen, Colorado. Reviewer Stats: Name: Bob Crowder Days skied on the 2023-2024 WNDR Intention 108: 10 Height: 6’2” Weight: 175lbs Skiing Level: Expert Boots Used: Scarpa Maestrale RS Bindings Used: ATK Raider Testing Location: Aspen, Colorado Technical specifications: Dimensions: 137-108-128mm Radius: 21.5m @ 188cm Weight: 2000 @ 188cm Lengths available: 164, 170, 176, 182, 188, […] Gear Clay Malott | July 9, 2023 0 Comments
8 Reasons Why Spring Is the Best Time of Year to Ski When thinking about skiing, the first season that comes to mind is winter. Winter, of course, is the peak of the ski season. Everyone knows that skiing exists in the spring, but people don’t understand how spectacular spring skiing truly is. Here are the top eight reasons why spring skiing is the best time of year to ski. Related: The 6 Best […] Clay Malott | April 28, 2023 0 Comments
Corn Snow: The Powder of Summer As the season comes to a close, many skiers reminisce about the effortless feeling of floating and darting through powder. As the sun gets higher and the temperatures warm, most assume that feeling to be gone until next season. But with some work and planning, you can still obtain that sensation 365 days a year—the secret: corn. Related: 8 Reasons Why […] Backcountry Clay Malott | April 28, 2023 0 Comments
Gear Review: 2022-2023 WNDR Alpine Intention 108 The 2022-2023 WNDR Alpine Intention 108. Credit: WNDR AlpineThis season, I had the opportunity to test WNDR Alpine’s revamped Intention 108 skis. Unfortunately, I tore my ACL in early January, leaving me with just three days of experience on these skis. Fortunately, another gear tester has been thoroughly putting these skis through their paces in every condition imaginable this spring; […] Gear Clay Malott | April 5, 2023 0 Comments
Review: Backpacker’s Pantry Freeze-Dried Meals – A Skier’s Tasty Companion As a skier, you know that staying fueled and energized during your adventures is crucial. Whether you’re carving down a resort or poking around in the backcountry, it’s essential to have access to nutritious and delicious meals to keep you going. Enter Backpacker’s Pantry, a brand that offers a variety of freeze-dried meals catered to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. […] Clay Malott | April 3, 2023 0 Comments
Brain Post: What is Wind Chill? We’ve all been there. You’re on the chairlift, one moment you’re perfectly comfortable and the next you’re absolutely frigid and wishing you wore that extra layer. So what is to blame? The answer is usually wind chill. In cold environments, your body is much warmer than the colder surrounding air. Your warm body heats a small layer of air around your […] Brains Clay Malott | December 20, 2022 0 Comments
Backcountry Paradise: The Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area Tucked deep in California’s Eastern Sierra mountains is a lesser-known winter recreationalist’s dream: the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area. A massive 7,254 acres of mountainous National Forest, the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area (BWRA) is less than 2 hours from Reno, and about 20 minutes north of its namesake Bridgeport, CA. It’s the best of both worlds – remote but easily accessible. […] Featured Article Clay Malott | December 14, 2022 0 Comments
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