A ski touring group paused at the ruins of Mayflower Gulch to assess the trail conditions ahead. Most of the route features low-angle terrain, but near the end, it steepens significantly, with several avalanche runouts. It’s always crucial to evaluate risk factors with your group. In this case, due to moderate avalanche danger and poor visibility, the group chose to turn back and ski lower-angle terrain instead. If you’re ever uncertain about the terrain ahead, it’s best to play it safe—there’s always another day to ski.

Ever wonder what that crystallized snow is called and what causes it? It’s called surface hoar, and it forms on cold, clear nights when the snowpack loses heat to the air above, becoming colder than the air. As a result, moisture in the air freezes and creates delicate ice crystals on the snow’s surface.

Though beautiful, surface hoar is a key ingredient in the formation of persistent weak layers. Once new snow falls on top, it can create a cohesive slab that rests on the weak layer below, increasing the risk of avalanches.

Snow science is fascinating! Always pay attention when you’re outdoors and see if you can notice avalanche risk factors.

Come skiing at @steamboatresort with me! This quintessentially all-American mountain has everything - a fun but laid back vibe, great infrastructure, tons of tree runs, powder stashes, groomers, cruiser blues, steep gullies, variety runs wild here. Let’s go!

Ski and Snowboard Base Repair 101!

You don’t need to take your skis to a shop for scratch repair!

First, you only really need to repair scratches that either expose the wood core or run along the metal edge. Minor surface scratches don’t require repair unless you’re a racer.

Steps:

1️⃣ Clean the base with rubbing alcohol to remove old wax and oils.

2️⃣ Use a scraper or metal file to remove any loose plastic or uneven surfaces around the scratches.

3️⃣ Melt a P-Tex stick with a butane torch or lighter slowly. Avoid letting the flame get too big. Drip the molten plastic into the damaged areas and let it fully cool (10–15 minutes).

4️⃣ Scrape off excess plastic, then smooth with a metal file and fine-grain (400–600) sandpaper.

5️⃣ Clean the base again with rubbing alcohol.

6️⃣ Wax your skis, and you’re done!

It’s been an incredible week here at @steamboatresort! A little fresh snow Sunday made all the difference. Heading into February, it looks like we may see a shift in weather patterns that brings more of that world-famous Champagne Powder. But we for now, enjoying the blue bird conditions and no-lift lines!

There are so many charming ski towns across North America, but Steamboat Springs undeniably has a special magic. Local folklore speaks of the “Yampa Valley Curse,” which says that once someone visits and gazes upon the breathtaking Yampa Valley, they’re destined to return time and time again. Whether it’s the valley’s stunning beauty or the town’s warm and vibrant spirit, it’s easy to see why so many fall in love and keep coming back.

Have you made a trip to Steamboat yet?

Sometimes there’s so much beauty in simplicity.

I’ve met people who don’t understand ski touring. “You go uphill for hours only to come down in 10 minutes?!” Yes. It’s a lot of work, but that 10-minute run feels like such a reward. Interestingly, at the end of the day, you feel just as fulfilled as if you’d skied a crowd-free resort all day. The uphill trek is a huge part of the fun and adventure. It lets you find a meditative rhythm and synchronize with the elements.

I’ve been skiing since I was 3 years old, but I’ve only had my AT setup for a couple of years—and it’s been life-changing. Many people say, ‘All this work for just one run?!’ But for me, the uphill is just as much a part of the journey as the downhill. It’s a way to wake up, move your body, and a far better workout than running on a treadmill. I’m also incredibly grateful to access terrain I wouldn’t normally get to ski.

Stunning views of the Mahoosuc Range for your weekend enjoyment. @sundayriver

Living a bluebird dream over here today. @sundayriver @ikonpass

Wishing everyone a happy Friday and lots of weekend adventures! It looks like we’re in for a snowy weekend across many parts of the country. Will it snow where you are?

Hey! I’m Anton, captured here in my natural habitat. I figured it’s been quite a while since I reintroduced myself. I’m a software engineer turned professional photographer, based in scenic New Hampshire. Most of the photography on this page revolves around outdoor recreation, my love for nature, and my hope to inspire others to get outside and appreciate just how special our little blue marble is.

But my photographic journey doesn’t stop there. My partner and I have been running an elopement and wedding photography business for a few years now, and each year becomes more exciting. There’s something incredibly special about capturing love and connection in epic places.

As for this page, I love sharing my outdoor adventures and fostering outdoor education. During the winter, I spend most of my free time skiing—whether that’s cross-country skiing, riding lifts from open to close, or ski touring into remote backcountry terrain. I’m all in! In the summer, skiing is replaced by mountain biking, which I’ve grown to love more and more over the years. I also enjoy hiking, fly fishing, kayaking, rock climbing, and just about any kind of outdoor exploration.

Above all, I believe there’s a deep, transformative power in spending time in nature. It grounds us, restores us, and reminds us of our place in something much bigger. For me, nature isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a way of life and a source of endless inspiration. My greatest hope is that my work encourages others to step outside, breathe it in, and reconnect with the beauty that surrounds us.

LET’S GOOOOOOOOO 🤟🏻

One of my favorite ways to start the morning… anyone else? Nothing like a long run of hard-earned turns on fresh corduroy!

If you’re ever in Waterville Valley, head over to Schwendi Hütte at the top of the Oblivion run. They have great beers and delicious alpine fare! Plus, it’s one of the cutest alpine huts in the Northeast.

I didn’t get a chance to visit today, but the view from up there is always incredible. The Oblivion uphill route ends at the hut, making it the perfect spot to switch to downhill mode.

@waterville_valley

Morningside mornings #IYKYK @steamboatresort

Reminiscing about frolicking through cool, airy alpine meadows this autumn in the Dolomites. I love the American West and the wilderness our public lands have to offer, but the Alps are an incredible place—extremely accessible and breathtaking. You get epic, airy scenery with minimal effort, thanks to world-class infrastructure—for better or for worse.

That one time, down by the river, in a van… When van life is out of season, and slot canyon camping is thousands of miles away, having fun with miniatures is the next best thing.

Where do you want to see baby #ullrthevan? Comment and let me know what kind of scenery you want to see next!

Huge thanks to Paul from @coremountainguides for a weekend packed with learning and adventure. I took the AIARE 1 Recreational course which lays a foundation for safe travel in the backcountry. For those of you who have attended an awareness session or watched YouTube videos or read a book - I highly recommend taking the class because nothing can replace the field session and actually practicing the beacon search, probing, and especially the snow problem identification.

Starting the year with a peaceful nature walk. This little loop may be short, but the feeling of being immersed in the bog is unbeatable—I can’t get enough of the patterns and colors nature creates!