10 Search Results for "bouldering"

• High Sierra Backcountry Season High Sierra Backcountry Season Opener

  • From: sethlightcap
  • Description:

    
    
    Story and Photos by Seth Lightcap
    
    The rumors had started to trickle in the previous week. “Crest looking solid. Maybe Negatives?,” said one text message from a Mammoth bro. “Still thin but could be good high, real high,” said another message.
    
    These were the magic words we had been waiting for. Finally our frantic calls to friends living in Mammoth, Calif. asking, “How’s the coverage? Can we ski in the backcountry yet?!” were met with a response other than, “ Ummm...Bring your climbing gear! Perfect bouldering weather in Bishop!”
    
    Snow has been stacking up in the Northern Sierra and the Tahoe Basin since late October but the early season storms didn’t hit the High Sierra peaks near Mammoth Mountain quite as hard. Back to back storms the first week of December changed all that, or at least helped the effort. The couloirs and aprons dropping off the crest got creamed enough to start looking tempting anyway.
    
    A glimmer of hope that we might slay alpine pow lines while our backyard peaks in Tahoe suffered through a nasty melt/freeze cycle was all it took to round-up the posse. Alpenglow Sport’s Jeff Dostie, Brennan Lagasse, Toby Schwindt, Allison Lightcap and I rallied down HWY 395 and went to have a look around near Mammoth in early December.
    
    This Eastern Sierra season opener trip turned out to offer the complete package - good weather, stable snow, sweet alpine pow shots and the distinct feeling that we weren’t in Tahoe anymore. Conditions weren’t epic everywhere and the coverage was still thin at best, but one thing was certain, it was definitely worthy of leaving the climbing shoes at home.
    
    
    One day we toured out of the recently closed June Mountain. It was an odd feeling being the only two cars in the parking lot on a sunny Saturday. The lower lodge was barren of any signs of life. It looked like no one had lifted a finger at the place since last spring. Starwood Capital Group, the owner of Mammoth Mountain and June, is obviously sticking to their plan to keep June closed this winter. Starwood’s tentative plans are to re-open the mountain next season. We weren’t sure if we were allowed to start hiking from within the resort boundaries but we saw no signs suggesting otherwise. There were also a few sled tracks on top of the first bench for those with braaa-p lapping on the mind.
    
    
    We toured way back beyond June Mountain’s boundaries and punched a staircase up a chute to the crest. Damn it felt good to get back in the bootpack.
    
    
    Yet again, Mammoth Mountain proves to be the snow magnet of the High Sierra. Mammoth’s upper mountain is caked with snow, seemingly more than any other peak in the region.
    
    
    Though it had rained to the top in Tahoe two days previous, the summits near Mammoth were spared the deluge. At 10,000 feet we found drifted panels of boot-top winter pow and a fair bit of wind buff snow. Jeff Dostie lapped it up in between long looks at Mono and June Lakes.
    
    
    Rippable passageways through the craggy Sierra granite are starting to fill in. Brennan Lagasse carved up this surf gully.
    
    
    We chased the sun as we best could but it’s warmth was fleeting. Coverage was way better on northern aspects which kept us hiking and riding cold north faces. Allison Lightcap broke out into the sun topping out for another lap.
    
    
    If you want to shred in the High Sierra you gotta love wind buff. This mission was no exception. Brennan Lagasse ripped into this tasty textured panel of the chalky stuff.
    
    
    I wish I could say the Sierra snowpack down by Mammoth was super fat. Sad but true, it was not. There are some sweet alpine lines that were ready to ride but a vast majority of the peaks needed more snow to be fully in-season. Toby Schwindt carved into a rock field soon after this shot.
    
    
    But where the snow was deep enough...Jeff Dostie found some High Sierra bliss opening it up down this alpine face.
    
    
    Slashing deep pow in the High Sierra is always extremely satisfying. Between the effort it takes to get there and the unfortunate reality that wind or warm temps often strip away the snow with a quickness, you gotta cherish every blower turn you can get in the Sierra. Brennan Lagasse made this turn count.
    
    
    It’s a distant second to shredding pow yourself but watching your buddy whoop it up takes home the silver everytime. Dostie and Lagasse approve a Toby turn with a hearty pole whack.

  • Blog post
  • 5 months ago
  • Views: 186
  • Not yet rated

• Shredding New Zealand’s South Shredding New Zealand’s South Island Part 3

  • From: brennanlagasse
  • Description:

    Lake Wanaka on New Zealand's south island is an essential stop on any shred mission to the region.
    
    Words and photos by Brennan Lagasse
    
    With some of New Zealand’s best mountain biking, what’s regarded as the country’s premier ski resort, and a solid mix of locals and visitors set among a backdrop of an idyllic resort town, Wanaka is a destination in and of itself. Situated around beautiful Lake Wanaka, the town boasts as many outdoor activities as you could possibly want to get into.
    
    One of the top draws for adventure-seeking enthusiasts travelling New Zealand’s south island, even in the country’s winter season, is Wanaka’s local mountain biking. From a mellow cruise along the water’s edge of Lake Wanaka, to a moderate tour of the local wine vineyards, there’s no shortage of worthy bike rides to get into. If you’re into mountain biking, whether you’re a beginner or a full-on pro, a ride in the Sticky Forest will be a mission you’ll be raving about to all your gear junky friends back home for years to come.

    
    Riding into the Sticky Forest.
    
    Most adventurers aren’t going to travel to New Zealand with their mountain bikes, which makes a lot of sense, especially in that renting a good bike in town and gaining all the beta you need to get after it is pretty easy. Once you’re locked and loaded, all it takes is a five minute ride from town before you can get your stoke on in the Sticky Forest.
    
    This mountain bike park is littered with exceptional rides for all abilities — from rolling cruisers, to trails with huge man-made features, and all the singletrack you could ask for. The views gained from the tops of many of the uphills encompass breathtaking views, and while you can go as short or long as you want, you’ll never get tired of exploring the numerous trails strewn about the park. The best thing is when you’re gassed, it’s just a quick ride down to the lake and back to town for an awesome meal. If you’re in the zone and want to head out with a local guide to show you the way I’ve been told these guys are a good outfit to check out: www.freeridenz.com
    
    Although Wanaka has an incredible diversity of activities and adventure sports options, it’s probably best known for being the home of the Treble Cone ski resort. Other local ski options include nearby Cardrona — a more family friendly beginner style resort, and Skipark — an area that’s literally all park for the jibbers out there-but it’s Treble Cone that’s commonly regarded as the best lift-accessed terrain in the country. There’s even a contingent of locals that honorably refer to themselves as “Coneheads”.
    
    Powder skiing at Treble Cone.
    
    Storms originating from the northwest hammer New Zealand’s south island, and Treble Cone is in a perfect location to receive the brunt of these storms. They commonly report much better snowfall totals than other ski areas when these storms hit the region, and it’s a large part of why so many Kiwi skiers and riders love riding Treble Cone so much.
    
    Slay everything.
    
    When I showed up with my lady, Jillian, it had just snowed and we were treated to a full-on New Zealand pow day right from lap one. It’s always a cool experience to score a memorable pow day when you’re traveling since we all know, it’s much easier to get skunked. If you’re used to riding the bigger North American ski resort terrain found in places like Jackson Hole, Squaw Valley or Snowbird, the inbounds terrain might not impress you all that much. In fact, the whole setup at Treble Cone, while totally worthy, isn’t what you’d expect coming from other developed ski centers around the globe.
    
    Keep it in first.
    
    The access road, just like the club fields, is ridiculous. Definitely one of the most puckering rides our “Backpacker” made during our whole trip — we stayed in first gear the whole ride up and almost didn’t make it to the base area! In addition, there are only two lifts. Yup, the most sought after inbounds terrain in the country has just two chairlifts. However, like a lot of rad ski resorts the magic comes with the sidecountry and backcountry access that these lifts provide — especially the quad that accesses Saddle Basin. This is where you’ll find yourself lapping super fun terrain with hordes of powderhounds from all over the world tearing it up, traversing out gates, and bootpacking up to steep fields of endless powder. It may not be what you’re used to, but in New Zealand it’s a necessary stop on your travels if you’re hoping to experience an authentic taste of Kiwi powder culture.
    
    Classic crack.
    
    On the way back to Wanaka from Treble Cone you might want to pull off at the series of crags you passed on your way to the resort. Most of the rock climbing done in the Wanaka region happens in the Matukituki Valley, which is about 15 km from downtown.  Past Glendu Bay is Hospital Flat where there’s heaps of climbing opportunities. This is the first spot you’ll hit when you leave the town limits of Wanaka. Most of the climbing in this zone is on schist rock and there’s a good mix of bouldering, sport, trad, multi-pitch and aid routes depending on what you want to get into. There are beautiful camp spots to post up at if you’re not looking to be in the downtown Wanaka scene, and a little rock session thrown in after a powder day at Treble Cone is a great way to wind down after another exceptional day traveling through New Zealand.
    
    By now you’ve covered a good chuck of the major highlights while traveling on the south island. While there are still innumerable opportunities for adventure, after a trip to Wanaka, it’s time to check out New Zealand’s “adventure capital” in Queenstown, and hit up the one place that many international travelers come to New Zealand to experience — World Heritage site Milford Sound. 

    On the road again.
    
    Stay Tuned For The Fourth And Final Part Next Week.
    
    Click Here To Read Part 2
    Click Here To Read Part 1

  • Blog post
  • 11 months ago
  • Views: 269
  • Not yet rated

• Skiing And Surfing New Zealand Skiing And Surfing New Zealand’s South Island Part 1

  • From: brennanlagasse
  • Description:

    Go to New Zealand. You can surf, ski, mountain bike and climb in the same trip.
    
    Words and photos by Brennan Lagasse.
    
    The plan was simple. Why not rent a camper van, roll with the weather, loaded with gear to get into whatever, whenever, and see what happens? New Zealand’s South Island is home to world-class rock climbing, surfing, and mountain biking. It’s also home to some of the best skiing in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a trip best done as a couple, or with a couple of friends, but it’s way more accessible than you might think. It’s really a must-do trip for any adventure traveler out there, especially if you’re down to tap into a slice of winter during the always too long North American summer.
    
    Start by searching around for plane tickets and find the best fare you can that’ll get you into the largest city on the South Island — Christchurch. You can make rental car reservations in advance, or you can just wing it, show up, and make a call when you arrive. One thing to take note of — the New Zealand Agricultural Inspectors don’t take too kindly to certain foreign foods and other items brought into their country. What about the Wild Salmon Jerky you brought? Yeah, better let’em know about it, or you could start your trip with a completely unnecessary fine like I once did.
    
    New Zealand caters to tourists, but adventure tourists are its specialty. While there are several options for wheels if you chose to rent a ride for your journey, I recommend a camper van like the “Backpacker”, which is essentially like a VW Westfalia that’s brand new and on steroids. They’re easy to drive, easy to live out of, and will house most any toys you choose to bring along for your travels.
    
    Van life.
    
    Christchurch is a cool city. Rich in history and Kiwi culture, “the garden city” is also home to fabulous gardens strewn about the city limits that make for great leisurely down days of sight seeing. However, if the multi-sport opportunities are what’s calling, check in with the local snow conditions up in the Arthur’s Pass area, a relatively short drive from Christchurch, and hope that conditions are favorable enough that you can click right in and experience the distinctly Kiwi ski scene known as the “club fields.”
    
    From mountains to the ocean, New Zealand's south island has it in spades.
    
    That was my and my lady’s plan when we arrived, only the report we received was not that sweet. Rain at the high elevations and no end in sight for a couple of days meant Arthur’s Pass would have to wait a few days. If we were just here to ski this may have presented a bigger problem, but with that report also came that a clean swell was lighting up the east coast and apparently one of the better breaks in the country, Kaikoura, should be delivering as a result.
    
    The no-vibe vibe is a good vibe.
    
    Stoked to get our surf on and armed with local advice, we pointed ourselves north. After a gorgeous rural drive along the rugged coast, passing winery after winery, and sheep after sheep, we arrived to a spot straight out of the Lord of the Rings. Huge white-capped mountains hung high overhead, and out in the water was a point-break peeling so perfectly I mistook it for a total clone of California’s Malibu. The difference? Absolutely no one was out. It was actually a tad eerie. We wondered why no one would be here when the waves looked so good, so much so that I actually started to question if we were at the wrong spot. We weren’t. After some time in the water we were finally joined by a few others. The group collectively reveled in our good fortune, and all agreed that this is what travel is all about. Adapting to the weather, situations beyond your control, and surrendering to the flow. Surfing a break like Kaikoura, albeit with a wetsuit, is what adapting to adventure in New Zealand can bring the open traveler. Perfect waves, no crowd, and no vibe.
    
    Perfect waves peeling in.
    
    But just like the skiers we are — sticking around became limiting. There’s so much to see and do on New Zealand’s South Island that after a couple of days camping for free, right on the ocean, we still had to venture out and get to some snow. So we took off with our map and looped back toward Arthur’s Pass in hopes to score.

    Of course there's tons of sheep.
    
    Arthur’s Pass is gem. The mountain scenery is matched with pristine forests and innumerable kilometers of hiking trails, known as “tramping” to the Kiwi’s. Our plan was to visit the Broken River Ski Club and possibly Craigieburn, but there was a spot along the way that had to be checked first. Castle Hill is a rock climber’s paradise. Limestone boulders and crags dot a surreal landscape as the snowy Southern Alps fill the skyline. Although there’s many roped climbing opportunities in the area it’s the bouldering that’s world-class. Grassy landings and hundreds if not thousands of problems await the eager climber. The thing is, unless you’re a total badass don’t get bummed when you can’t pull down on a grade you’re used to killing back home in the states. This place is an ego killer, but at the same time provides another incredible spot worth checking out whether it’s to go for a tramp, do some yoga, or find a nemesis problem that’ll haunt you for years and years until you finally come back and send it. 
    
    Are you beginning to understand how sick it is in New Zealand?
    
    The funny thing about the way our trip lined in the beginning was of course we were in New Zealand to experience all it had to offer, but we were also fired up to ski. A few days into our multi-week trip we hadn’t even touched snow yet, but were so overwhelmed by the gracious people, intense mountain and ocean scenery, and the sublime climbing at Castle Hill that we didn’t feel like we were missing out on anything. That is, until we finally made it to Broken River and experienced the distinctly cultural skiing experience only found in the Kiwi club fields.
    
    New Zealand's southern alps.
    
    Stay tuned for part 2 next week.

  • Blog post
  • 11 months ago
  • Views: 331
  • Not yet rated

• Bouldering in New Zealand Bouldering in New Zealand

  • From: brennanlagasse
  • Description:
    Bouldering in New Zealand
  • 11 months ago
  • Views: 153
  • Not yet rated

• Backlight - Epic Private Big A Backlight - Epic Private Big Air Session

  • From: atomicsnow
  • Description:

    A perfectly shaped Big Air in the center of Arosa's ski resort serves as the stage of Elias Ambühl TV's fourth episode. Elias Ambühl, his elder brother Andri and Aussie Red Bull rider Russ Henshaw are the artists. Production took place during the Golden Hours, filming in backlight -- which explains the episode's name.
    
    Despite the fast changing April weather the crew managed to squeeze in a breath-taking sunset session on the first day. On the second day the storm and snowfall were too severe so the crew decided to go to Chur for some bouldering instead. Apart from the obvious skiing, climbing is Elias' favorite sport and a perfect compensation in terms of physiology.
    On the third day the crew staged an action-packed sunrise session, with the brothers Elias and Andri pushing each other to maximum performances and innovative tricks. But have a look yourself!
    
    Click Here To Watch More Atomic TV 

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 541
  • Not yet rated

• rockytrail

  • Member
  • Points:275
  • Views: 74
  • Since: 2 years ago
  • Not yet rated

• DEEPER GOES STEEP IN EUROPE DEEPER GOES STEEP IN EUROPE

  • From: terorepo
  • Description:

    Text&photos: Tero Repo

    Last spring was an excellent time to hit steep faces in Europe. Pretty much all the steeps were in great condition around the Alps. Extreme routes in chamonix were getting bounded like never seen before. You snooze you lose! As soon as Jeremy heard about the great conditions of the steeps, he travelled to europe accompanied by filmer Chris Edmands. The goal was ride steeps and classics in Mont blanc area for two weeks and capture some breath taking footage for a film project, Deeper.

    Our first day was kind of slow: Chris and Jeremy were little bit jet lagged and Xavier just got back from France. Easy bouldering session seemed to be the best option for day one. As we were bouldering in La Fouly (sui) we couldn't stop staring the summit of Aiguille de l'amone, which is gnarly face in Switzerland. It was late afternoon when Xavier and Jeremy made the call to reach the summit of the de l'amone over the night and ride down as soon as sun will rise. Ten o'clock the boys and Chris started to hike up. Meanwhile the other camera man Guido Perrini and I were privileged to sleep 'till 2am. I took Xav and Jeremy 10 hours to reach the summit. What a mission! Finally around 8am they were ready to drop in this 45-50 degree face with 300 meter cliff drop on the riders' right side. A moment later we were watching two beautiful lines on Aiguille de l'amone. First day was better than excepted and everyone was smiling. Time to have a nap.

    

    **Chris Edmands preparing to interview Jeremy and Xavier after a bouldering session.**

    

    **Guido Perrini ready to film Aiguille de l'amone in the middle.**

    After the first successful day, it was hard to think of something even better to ride. Only thing that was decided was that the destination would be Mont Blanc area in France. Xaviers good friend and a mountain guide Fan Fan from Chamonix told us that Aiguille de Blanche Peuterey was in good condition. I googled the face I thought holy shit, Thats huge. Only one person before has ridden that face. It was about to get serious.

    

    **Aiguille de blanche Peuterey. The line is in the middle, ending to the narrow couloir.**

    Our next stop was courmayeur, where we met Fan Fan. After quick cup of coffee, we were crossing the glacier to reach small refuge called Fouche. It was boiling hot and the snow was getting heavy. Just before the last climb to the refuge Chris disappeared with a small avalanche that slid just beneath him. There was a couple meters deep bergschrund just under him and luckily he was ok. We continued to climb last 200 meters to reach the refuge. While roping down to the hut from the ridge, we saw serac falling down from Mont Blanc causing a big avalanche. It was definitely getting serious. 

    

    **Jeremy helping Chris up from the bergschrund.**

    

    **avalanche moving fast.**

    Next morning we woke up early to have proper look on the face. It looked really steep, but the snow seemed to be ok. Unfortunately there wasn't any good angle to shoot the line, so Chris, Matt an I decided to head back to Hellbrunner (top of Courmayeur) where the face looked really good for filming.

    

    **Jeremy and Xavier thinks that Aiguille de Blanche Peuterey (in the back ground) is steep.**

    Despite of perfect weather forecast the clouds were rolling at 3am when we woke up. Chris and I started to hike up to our position when we heard Jeremy on the radio. It was too sketchy weather to continue, so, they decided to turn back. No fighting against mother nature. A few hours later we were back in Courmayeur having delicious Italian food. One thing was sure: we weren't done with the Peuterey yet!

    

    **Jeremy, Chris and Matt having an appetizer in Courmayeur.**

    It took almost a week to return to Aiguille de Blanche Peuterey. Before that Jeremy and Xavier hit the Tour Ronde North Face. Unfortunately I couldn't be there capturing the photos as i had to leave the crew for five days. The focus was now on Peuterey, which was going to be the grande finale of Jeremy's trip to Europe. Everything was ready; three filmers, photographer and very hungry riders. It was going to happen.

    

    **The view from Hellbrunner night before grand finale.**

    The morning was a beautiful blue bird. As we started to get closer to our filming/shooting positions the wind increased quite a bit. We spotted Jeremy, Xavier and Fan Fan on the face climbing up. Everything looked good. A couple hours from the summit, the boys stopped. Soon after they radioed that the wind was too strong and therefore the face was still as hard as rock. It took them a while to make the decision to turn back. It wasn't an easy one to make, but most likely the best one. It wasn't over yet, they had to cross a messy glacier. 

    

    **Very messy glacier. Jeremy, Xavier and Fan Fan on top right.**

    Around lunch time we were back in Courmayeur. Aiguille de Blanche Peuterey was still to be conquered, but not to worry, because the mountain won't go anywhere. Riding and shooting steeps is a waiting game. We will wait, but not too long.

    

    **We will return to the Alps next year**

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 4 years ago
  • Views: 630
  • Not yet rated

• Deeper- The Alps Project Deeper- The Alps Project

  • From: JeremyJones
  • Description:

    Europe has been a annual stop for me since fist coming here over fifteen years ago.  From the first time I laid eyes on these mountains, until now, I have been blown away at the size.  Stack Jackson Hole on top of Whistler or multiply Snowbird by three or four and you get the idea.

    Contests, team photo shoots or sales meetings have been the focus of my pasts trips to Europe, and although I have had some amazing days riding in Europe, I have yet to really feel what it is like to ride the big lines here.  The place has always freaked me out and all of my riding has been within ear shot of the lift.

    A big reason that I have not gotten on the huge faces is that I am always here in winter.  The time to get after the high north faces is May and June when the snow levels rise and the snow starts to stick to the usually icy north faces.  In the past, I would be shelled from Alaska at this time of year and thawing out on a warm beach working on my bottom turn.  The  last few years I have realized that the late spring is the time to hit the big steep lines, so I have been starting my season later and taking it into June.

    Another thing I learned early on coming to Europe is to hook up with the locals.  At first I would come over with a big group of Americans and we would stumble around Europe stuck on the tourist track and missing the true feeling of the place.  I am very lucky to have many close friends over here.  One of them is Xavier De La Rue.  He is the hardest charging big mountain rider I have seen in many years and we have a like minded approach to the mountains.

    One thing I do not have figured out is jet-lag.  It hurts and there is no real trick to dealing with it.  We just arrived and are getting are feet on the ground before getting after it.

    

    **The bare essentials of the Europe Kit. It seems excessive, but you actually use it all on most runs. At almost 30 pounds it makes the AK kit feel light.**

    

    **Driving into Chamonix. It is hard to tell, but I am looking straight up at the Aiguille De Midi. The mountains rise up so high and fast that you can hurt your neck looking up at them.**

    

    **Euro flower**

    **Jeremy Jones reflections through a sign.**

    **The road to Xavier's. After a few years in Chamonix, he moved to a small village on the outside of town. It felt like the set of "The Sound of Music."**

    

    **Europeans get hundreds of years out of their houses and wheel barrels.**

    

    **Europeans do not think split boards work. I brought Chris Edmands to show them they do.It is his first time to the old country.**

    

    **Edmands getting gnarly on Xavier's backyard boulder, while Xavier and Tero scope some lines.**

    

    **We are hoping to hit this line tomorrow or the next day. It is 6600 vert and a 10 hour hike.**

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 4 years ago
  • Views: 394
  • Not yet rated

• Chris Edmunds bouldering at Xa Chris Edmunds bouldering at Xavier de le Rue's house

  • From: JeremyJones
  • Description:

    This photo was taken during the filming of Teton Gravity Research's snowboard film Deeper in Chamonix France

  • 4 years ago
  • Views: 285
  • Not yet rated

• campo

  • Member
  • Points:585
  • Views: 17
  • Since: 5 years ago
  • Not yet rated