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Katy Shipley

A High Sierra girl with a love for the outdoors. Just put me in the mountains and add water.

Bridgeport Winter Trail System: A Gateway to the Eastern Sierra

Brought to you by Mono County Tourism At the base of jagged peaks and alpine forests lies the quaint and historic town of Bridgeport, CA. A peaceful place where the cows graze, hot springs bubble, and winter recreation opportunities abound. Here, you can find over 500 miles of stunning trails–summer and winter alike. As the winter season approaches, the maintenance […]

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Katy Shipley | February 25, 2026
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Meet the Owners of High Sierra Snowcat & Yurt Near Mammoth Lakes, CA

Forty-five minutes north of Mammoth Lakes, California, lies some of the most expansive ski terrain in the Eastern Sierra. Accessing the upper alpine above Conway Summit is the key to unlocking this area. Luckily, a cat skiing operation provides direct access to the backcountry in this beautiful area without needing touring gear. High Sierra Snowcat & Yurt is one of […]

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Katy Shipley | January 28, 2026
1 Comment

Backcountry Beta: Exploring the Bridgeport, CA, Winter Recreation Area

Brought to you by Mono County Tourism When winter takes hold in the Eastern Sierra, the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area (BWRA) becomes a popular destination for backcountry enthusiasts. Powderhounds flock to this area during the cold winter months, usually with snowmobiles. Shortly after you turn onto Highway 108 (Sonora Pass), the snow starts, and the journey begins. Located seven miles […]

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Katy Shipley | January 21, 2026
4 Comments

Bridgeport, CA: A High Sierra Backcountry Base Camp

When I drive through Bridgeport, California, and turn the corner toward the mountains, I am filled with excitement. This quaint little town, surrounded by green pastures and granite cliffs, is the northern gateway to the High Sierra. Bridgeport always evokes nostalgia and is one of my favorite views of the Eastern Sierra. In my younger years, it was all about […]

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Katy Shipley | January 14, 2026
1 Comment

The Skiing Is Good, But What’s It Like to Date in Lake Tahoe, CA?

Chairlift dating

What is it like to date in Tahoe, California?  The transient nature of the area has a lot to do with shaping the dating scene.  The jobs are seasonal, housing is crowded, and there are few year-round residents.  The Tahoe basin and surrounding areas may be bustling with ski resorts and nightlife, but the dating scene is interesting, to say […]

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Katy Shipley | February 14, 2024
15 Comments

The Ugly Truth Behind the Mountain Blues

Montana, mountain blues

While we love to think it is all sunshine and powder days in the mountains, there are a few issues that seem to spring up in many mountain towns.  Unfortunately, suicide, depression, and substance abuse are nothing new to these Neverland destinations.  Anyone who has seen Dexter go off the rails in Aspen Extreme knows what I am talking about.  […]

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Katy Shipley | October 16, 2023
0 Comments

Know Before You Go: Heat-Related Illness and How to Prevent It

Heat exhaustion prevention

Summer means long days and fun in the sun.  After winter melts away, it’s time to hike, bike, and play in the water.  With summer in full swing, it’s time to brush up on heat-related illnesses and how to prevent them. Heat-related illness is often avoidable, yet it kills around 600 people per year.  Check out what experts say about heat exhaustion […]

Katy Shipley | July 22, 2023
0 Comments

Sunski Tera Sunglasses Review: The Newest Addition to My Spring Skiing Arsenal

When I first saw the Sunski Tera sunglasses, I fell in love with the style. But when it comes to ski touring, I think most would agree that looks aren’t everything. I was curious how well these stylish little glacier goggles would perform. Eye protection is so vital in the mountains, I couldn’t wait to see what these had in […]

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Katy Shipley | May 2, 2023
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Butt Naked Skiing: Freedom at its Finest

[arve url="https://vimeo.com/77177549"]
Katy Shipley | July 11, 2022
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Unhealthiest Foods in America Ranked, and How Much Skiing It Would Take to Burn The Calories

Breakfast Burrito, unhealthiest

The Xtreme Eating list is a collection of the unhealthiest foods at 200 American restaurant chains. Business Insider ranked the Xtreme Eating list highest to lowest based on calories, and the top of the list makes McDonald’s look like a healthy option. Unhealthiest Meals in America The Cheesecake Factory: Breakfast Burrito (2,730 calories) Chili’s: Honey-Chipotle Crispers & Waffles (2,510 calories) Shake […]

Katy Shipley | April 7, 2022
0 Comments

Top 5 Powder Stashes at Sugar Bowl Resort, CA

Sugar Bowl Powder

Brought to you by Sugar Bowl Resort Sugar Bowl Resort sits atop Donner Summit, CA, and is notorious for its deep snowpack and scenic vistas. It is also home to some of my favorite powder stashes of all time. The resort consists of four peaks, each with its own unique zones. A powder day at Sugar Bowl means touring the resort […]

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Katy Shipley | March 29, 2022
1 Comment

ZipFit: The Pro’s Choice for Ski Boot Liners

Aimee Doran Tahoe

Brought to you by ZipFit Foot health and good skiing go hand in hand. It goes without saying that boot liners can make or break your performance and comfort. For those who find themselves in foot pain, ZipFit Liners are the answer to happy feet and longer days on your skis.  ZipFit has quite the following in Tahoe with multiple […]

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Katy Shipley | February 10, 2022
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Going Farther in the Backcountry with Intuition Liners

Brought to you by Intuition Liners For backcountry skiing, comfortable boots are the key to longer tours and more aggressive descents. With the right boot and liner, you can take your backcountry stamina to the next level without cold, painful feet. Replacing the stock liners in your favorite boots can bring them to life and increase your performance, both uphill […]

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Katy Shipley | November 24, 2021
0 Comments

The Evolution of Ski Patrol: Dogs, Tech, and Love for the Mountains

Sugar Bowl Patrol

Ski patrol has been part of the ski industry from the very beginning.  From ancient monks rescuing travelers in the Alps to drones joining the Aspen Mountain Rescue, the desire to keep each other safe in the mountains is tried and true. Ski patrol today strives to keep up with the ever-changing ski industry. This had led to advanced avalanche mitigation and high […]

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Katy Shipley | August 26, 2021
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Safety Bar Talk: Up, Down, When Does it Matter?

The never ending debate: bar up or bar down? People insist bar up, others say bar down– some simply ask, “when is the bar open?” Depending on the resort and the terrain, the preference can change.  Whatever you do, make sure you call it out before slamming the bar down on someone’s head. Strangely enough, the debate of the bar […]

Katy Shipley | May 12, 2021
45 Comments

Ski California: Bluebird Days, Backcountry Skiing, and the Best Months to Go

Mammoth Mountain California

Best Months to Ski In California California holds high elevations, a deep snowpack, and great weather.  It can be tough deciding when to come here, considering resorts like Palisades Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain can run from November to July.  Great skiing can happen on Thanksgiving or the Fourth, so how do you stand the best chance at scoring the most […]

Katy Shipley | March 29, 2021
2 Comments

How Smaller Resorts Offer Smaller Environmental Impact

Small Resorts Small Impact

Brought to you by Monarch Mountain These days it may feel like the big corporations rule the ski world. The ski industry is pressured to open early, offer year round lift access, and create a comfortable environment in the most remote locations. When choosing where to ski or buy a pass, some might look for who has the most skiable […]

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Katy Shipley | February 22, 2021
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Headphones on the Slopes: When to Rock Out and Why

Outdoor Tech headphones

Music has gone hand in hand with sports for years.  Whether it’s an Olympic snowboarder plugging in before they hit the halfpipe, or an energetic spin class, music is a tool used by many different athletes. While headphones work great for snowsports, it’s debatable if they should be worn on the mountain.  The mountain environment offers challenges that require focus […]

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Katy Shipley | July 21, 2020
0 Comments

Housing in Ski Towns | Getting Your Foot In the Door

Aspen Extreme Housing

You’ve sent in your job applications, packed your gear, and are ready to spend your winter out west.  Powder days and party nights await, but one thing every mountain person has asked themselves at one point or another, “Where am I going to live?” Finding a roof over your head in a ski town requires some planning, a little luck, […]

Katy Shipley | July 6, 2020
3 Comments

Finding Love in the Mountains — Where to Start and How to Keep Her

We all know it can feel like a lonely man’s world out there on the slopes.  You’ve skied all day with the crew, captured some “footy for the boys”, what more do you need? But as much fun as a day of testosterone can be, you might be left wondering if you will ever find a girl to shred with. […]

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Katy Shipley | May 16, 2020
3 Comments

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