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  • Insta-Awesome: Dropping into T Insta-Awesome: Dropping into TGR’s Fantasy Camp with Tim Durtschi

    • From: TetonGravityResearch
    • Description:

      This spring, TGR set up its Fantasy Camp deep within the Neacola Mountain Range in northern Alaska. The camp served as the crew’s home base while filming for "Way of Life." The trip produced some of the most progressive skiing and filming to date, which will be released in the movie in September. 

       

      We know you don't want to wait that long for the goods, so we're giving you a glimpse into the madness with our new series "Inside TGR's Fantasy Camp." We reached out to TGR team riders and filmers for their insights into life in Alaska. To provide the ultimate glimpse into their filming experience, the series will feature their insights and Instagrams, documenting their time at Fantasy Camp. Tim Durtschi guinea pigs this series, so read on for the inside info from his Alaskan adventure.  

       

      Tim Durtschi 1

      Photo: @timdurtschi #fantasycamp arrival! First impression: that's a big fire pit @tetongravity #birdseyeview

       

      How long were you at Fantasy Camp and what was your overall impression of it?

      I was at Fantasy Camp for ten days. Our trip got cut a little short because we had such good weather that we ran out of heli time before schedule. I had a lot of fun; it was cool because I really love camping, and to be camping with such a fun day activity (flying in a helicopter and not just cooking s'mores) was awesome.

       

      What are your favorite memories from Fantasy Camp?

      The firework show was a standout along with the bonfire. It was awesome to fly in at night and have dinner already on the table. Everyone was always in good spirits at camp, every night we would huddle in the media tent and watch shots from the day. The only thing I had to worry about was keeping my ski gear away from the heater—I think Sammy's boots got a little melted one time, haha. Also, my brother Travis who lives in Anchorage flew his airplane out to hang out with us for a day. My brother has owned a bush plane for 4 years now and knows the area we were in really well. He actually followed our heli up into the mountains one day to watch some of the action. He was running low on fuel though and had to return before we got on top of our lines.

       

      Tim Durtschi 2

      Photo: @timdurtschi Guys, that thing is filming us #fantasycamp #gss @tetongravity #helicopter

       

      How would you describe Fantasy Camp to people who don't know much about it?

      I would say its first class camping with an amazing staff who made sure we were well fed and warm at night. I still just feel so lucky that I got an invitation! I think everyone involved with the five week project had an experience that they won't forget, and I just have to thank TGR so much for coming up with such a crazy idea and making it work!

       

      What were some of the favorite lines you skied? 

      Every line was fun, even the free runs we took. Our crew for the last two weeks was Sammy, Dana, Sage and myself. We had a good dynamic going and it made for productive sessions. Sage had been at Fantasy camp for two weeks prior so he had the most knowledge on the zones. It was cool flying out everyday and seeing new stuff. It was a lot to take in that's for sure. I think I took over a 1,000 photos on the trip, mostly just of mountains and zones.

       

      Tim Durtschi 3

      Photo: @timdurtschi Couple of gents out here. @danaflahr @sageca @tgrtoddjones #fantasycamp #leatherjacket @atomicski #automaticbrothers

       

      What were some of the challenges you faced in AK? 

      There wasn't much that was tough to be honest. I kind of just went with the flow. I have been on heli trips before but never a big TGR heli trip. Everyone was super great to work with and I got into the groove instantly. It definitely feels good to have an awesome crew with you when your out skiing the big stuff. It also helped that I had skied with the guides, Kent and Beansie, in the past at AK Heli. It was good because it made decision making easier out in the mountains and it made me feel more comfortable stepping up to bigger lines.

       

      What was camp life in AK like? What did you do on down days?

      Our camp was set up in the foothills a few miles from the range so there were tons of options for some short day hikes. I took advantage of the mellow terrain to do some snowboarding. I have always had so much fun snowboarding so it was cool to switch over when I had the free time to do so. I honestly never heard someone say they were bored once the entire trip. There was always something fun going down. A lot of us would stay up late to catch the Northern Lights. We got really lucky and there were some good ones forecasted while I was there.

       

      Tim Durtschi 4

      Photo: @timdurtschi @sageca is lone man on mountain, with the volcano mt spur behind him... Hope it doesn’t go boom'! #fantasycamp

       

      How was Fantasy Camp different from other shoots and adventures you’ve been on?

      Fantasy camp was so unique, I was pretty much shocked when I got the invite. It was probably the coolest trip I've done just because you're out there all day, everyday, away from civilization. I enjoy the time away from cities and traffic and all of the man-made stuff, so the remote trip factor is definitely appealing to me.

       

      Although the film has yet to be completed, are there any segments in "Way of Life" that you are especially stoked about?

      I have no idea, I think that there is going to be a lot of stuff that I was there for and didn't get to watch that will be cool. I can't wait to see all the action from Fantasy Camp, because I know that a lot went down before I showed up for week four. I got to fly past some of the stuff that Sage, Angel, Ian and Todd skied earlier in the trip. I can't wait to see what went down on those lines. I can't say for certain, but I have a feeling that Fantasy Camp is going to be the best. 

       

      T D 5 

      Photo: @timdurtschi These mountains are too much fun #fantasycamp @tetongravity @atomicski

       

      What are the biggest misconceptions about filming—and especially with TGR? 

      I guess sometimes people don't realize that you can't just go out and get the shots you want. There are so many variables that sometimes the shots I have in my head might take more than one season to accomplish. Those are the ideas that I just keep in my head and save for when the time is right and when everything lines up. I have the best time with TGR. This is my second season with them and I am looking forward to skiing with TGR in the future. I hope the audience realizes that TGR has a great group of athletes and filmers working together, and that our focus is always on getting shots and being safe in the process.

       

      Tim D 

      Photo: @timdurtschi We left #fantasycamp with a bang @tetongravity @atomicski

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    • 1 week ago
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  • Valery Rozov BASE Jumps From M Valery Rozov BASE Jumps From Mt Everest

    • From: TetonGravityResearch
    • Description:

      The Russian extreme sports star makes the highest ever BASE jump after leaping from 7,220m.

      It is exactly 60 years since Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay made the first ascent of Mt Everest. Since then, the world's highest mountain has attracted some of the world's most extreme athletes who have skied, snow-boarded and paraglided off the mountain. But no one has ever BASE-jumped — until now.

      In early May the Russian extreme sports star Valery Rozov, 48, leapt from an altitude of 7,220m off the north side of the mountain to make the world's highest BASE jump.

       

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    • 3 weeks ago
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  • Beartooth Basin Back Open for Beartooth Basin Back Open for Business

    • From: TetonGravityResearch
    • Description:

      Drew Stoecklein Photography-2.jpg

      RED LODGE, MT Beartooth Basin Ski Area, formerly known as Red Lodge International Ski and Snowboard Camp, started spinning its lifts this Memorial Day Weekend. Located near 11,000’ in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains, Beartooth Basin offers big mountain, racing and freestyle terrain for camps and individuals until early July, conditions permitting. The scenic Beartooth Pass Highway, accessing the ski area from Red Lodge, Montana, is scheduled to open Friday. 

      “The crew has been hard at work digging out the lifts and getting everything ready for the season,” says Beartooth vice president and co-owner Justin Modroo. “As always, we’ve got a great variety of terrain. We have freestyle bump lines, race lanes, a terrain park and also the big mountain aspect, so there’s really something for everyone–from the professional that wants an edge on their competition next winter to someone that just wants some June corn skiing.”

      Established in 1962, Beartooth Basin has long been a destination for international skiers to hone their skills during the late spring months. While originally organized as a summer racing camp by a group of Austrians, the area has evolved to host a variety of camps, events, and competitions, as well as daily skiing and snowboarding for the general public. From its humble beginnings in racing, Beartooth now offers a unique summer skiing setting, surrounded by wilderness and national forest. 

      “Beartooth Basin offers a great, wilderness experience mixed in with lift access skiing for big mountain skiers, racers or whoever wants to improve their skiing skills in the off season,” says Beartooth president and operations manager Austin Hart. “These lifts were put in by a group of Austrians that were Olympic athletes and racers that trained across the world, so there’s a great historic value along with having good fun and keeping summer skiing alive.”

      Prices for 2013 are as follows: $45-full day; $35-hald day; and $20-power hour, in which skiers can take as many laps as they can in an hour. For more information consult http://www.beartoothbasin.com or call (307) 250-3767.

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    • 3 weeks ago
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  • Park Check Video 9 Park Check Video 9

  • Plenty Of Snow Left At Mt Bach Plenty Of Snow Left At Mt Bachelor

    • From: mtbachelor114725
    • Description:

      We just have an all-around great time at Mt. Bachelor and there is plenty of it left for you to enjoy! Video by Pete Alport.

      Watch Videos By Mt Bachelor

       

    • 1 month ago
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  • Easter Sunrise Parks Easter Sunrise Parks

  • Big Wave Challenge at Mt. Bach Big Wave Challenge at Mt. Bachelor

    • From: TetonGravityResearch
    • Description:

      The Big Wave Challenge went off at Mt. Bachelor with seven unique features crafted for the surf-inspired shred contest. The riders that rode the course with the most style and finesse were awarded handsomely for their efforts. Check the awesomeness. Cowabunga dude. 

    • 1 month ago
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  • Through the Lens: Jason Thomps Through the Lens: Jason Thompson

    • From: TetonGravityResearch
    • Description:
      Words by Kim Havell and Jason Thompson
      Images by Jason Thompson

      Upon graduating from Montana State University in 2004, photographer Jason Thompson joined Big Sky’s Ski Patrol and also worked as a mountain guide in Washington and Alaska, steadily building a career in adventure photography. His focus is on creating skiing and climbing imagery that captures the essence of action adventure.

      With a style that Thompson describes as “raw and unposed”, he strives for simplicity. His images are the product of his lifestyle, telling stories inspired by nature, adventure, and the human experience. At twelve years of age, Thompson decided to pursue photography with an old-school Olympus camera. He took photography classes in high school while shooting action photos of skiing, backpacking, and soccer.

      Jason Thompson Photography

      Thompson is currently on an expedition to University Peak in Alaska with friend and ski partner, Forrest Coots. When asked about Thompson, Coots shares, “JT has a strong skill set built from years of guiding. He is comfortable climbing and skiing big lines, while also shooting, which allows him to capture that raw-feeling. His images reflect his travels through the mountains via ice climbing and ski mountaineering in iconic locations around the world.” 

      Jason Thompson Photography
      The Start—Insights from Jason
      As a kid, I was drawn to the mountains and loved the winter months. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest I was exposed to some of the finest mountain terrain in the lower 48. The Olympic Mountains served as my launching point for adventuring as well as capturing the escapades with my camera. The Washington experience extended from childhood through high school. 

      A high school friend gave me a flyer for Montana State University. That was the first time I realized the power of marketing; there was a skier on the front page of the flyer. I was sold. I had also seen many of Kris Erickson's pictures and read many of Hans Saari's words. It was an easy move to a place where two creative adventurers that I had looked up to had made their home base. In the fall of 1999, I moved to Bozeman, without ever having been there, two days before classes started. Five years later I graduated with a degree in photography. The community in Bozeman welcomed me and it’s been home ever since. 

      Jason Thompson Photography
      Breaking Through
      For me, the photography process has more been a series of ups and downs with a continual ebb and flow. There have also been great moments that have provided me with bigger surges. 

      In 2008, Tyler Jones, Seth Waterfall, and I received a Hans Saari Ski Exploration grant for a trip to Mount Shkhara in the Republic of Georgia, located in the Svaneti Region. I had to plan a major trip from a climbing/skiing perspective as well as from a photography perspective. It was a great learning exercise. The expedition was powerful for the three of us, visiting a place that we knew little about. It left a mark on me in my young photography career.

      In issue #36 of Alpinist Magazine I had a double page spread. The article, written by Joe Josephson, was about ice climbing in Hyalite Canyon here in Bozeman, Montana. I was humbled and thrilled at this incredible opportunity to be involved.

      Jason Thompson Photography

      Inspiration
      During my junior year of university, Kris Erickson came in and gave a talk to my photography business class. It was groundbreaking for me. I remember being blown away by the images he was showing, the adventures he had been on, and the people and places he had seen. It was an inspiring forty minutes for me. I remember thinking that, yep, I could do that for work. 

      Since then I have had a chance to get to know Kris better. The insight he provided that day and since then has motivated me to follow suit in many ways and has helped me to carefully evaluate how I mold and shape my photography and my brand.  I have heard Kris mention so many nuggets of wisdom over the years. When I used to shoot slides, I built myself a light table, made of out of cheap plywood and plexiglass. I would write quotes or ideas that I had heard which inspired me or had caused me to take pause. Some of my favorite nuggets written on that light table were from Kris. I wish I had kept that light table—somewhere during the many moves I lost it.

      Jason Thompson Photography
      Safety
      I have always wanted to be a photographer and that has always been my number one goal. But, I tactically decided early on to pursue ski patrolling and guiding in order to give me a solid foundation of management, in particular from a safety standpoint. I heard Will Gadd explain his philosophy and outlook on life as a “positive, negative outlook.” Meaning, the universe is out to kill us. As Will put it, if you get hit with that piece of ice that is your fault. No one else can be blamed for that. He preached personal responsibility. I agree.

      Jason Thompson Photography

      As a ski patroller at Big Sky Ski Resort, I learned a lot over the years about avalanches and helping others with medical incidents and avalanche mitigation. I also started mountain guiding, spending time in the Alaska Range and on Mt Rainier.

      Jason Thompson Photography
      I have a very open dialogue with athletes with whom I am shooting. Safety is number one. Just because there is a camera does not mean that you have to accept a risk that you wouldn't normally take. The industry trend is to make everything look very sexy. Often times the careful calculations are not shown or exposed. That is one of the things I want to bring to the table as a photographer. Showing the process of how the hazard is being evaluated and what steps are being taken in order to minimize “our” exposure to that risk or hazard. 

      Jason Thompson Photography

      The Creative Process
      The creative visual process has only begun to take shape in the vertical terrain. I think that we have just seen the beginning. As a visual adventure artist I try and pre-visualize how an athlete will ski a certain line or climb a certain line. I use the athlete as my brush stroke on a blank canvas to generate the exclamation point to the already stunning landscape. 

      Hans Saari stated this idea beautifully: “ The vibrancy of the line means everything. Like a cello, there is no sound until the string is taut. The more you struggle, the tighter the string, the greater the music.” 

      Jason Thompson Photography
      The Business
      With the current status of the industry, it takes creativity to approach the visual side of things and to see things from new angles. If I use a business model that my mentors used previously, chances are that I probably will not last too long in this industry. 

      The digital age has shifted many things. But, I believe that relationships propel us forward. It’s the human connection. As a viewer of images, you are drawn to the content that captures that soul. One of the quotes that I had written on my plywood light table twelve years ago was from Kris Erickson—“It’s about the relationships.“ 

      Jason Thompson Photography

      Just like any business that is starting out, a plan of action has to be put into place. Still, taking that first step into the unknown is still probably one of the biggest adventures upon which I have embarked. But just like climbing or skiing a big objective, after the first few pitches your nerves calm down. I have been able to realize that “yeah, I can do this.” It’s something that you have to commit to. It’s a lifestyle. Creative artists pour their lives into doing what makes them passionate. 

      Jason Thompson Photography
      Partnerships
      Time spent with friends exploring and adventuring inspires me the most. I've found a greater personal joy in the expedition style shooting versus the one-day shoots. It is a chance to get to know my subjects in greater detail and see more of their personalities shine.

      Jason Thompson Photography

      There are several folks with whom I really love working:

      - Ice climber Andres Marin has been a great friend of mine for a very long time. His energy is contagious. Andres has a drive for perfection and professionalism that is very admirable.

      - Forrest Coots and I met for the first time while in Chile during the fall of 2011 on a ski trip. We meshed right away. I enjoy Forrest's desire to take trips to places that require some thoughtful planning. Forrest and I have sat in our tents during storms and shoot texts back and forth dreaming about trips and different ideas that spark our passions for skiing in the mountains.

      - Tyler Jones and I met in 2005 while we were guiding for the same company. Tyler has since gone on to finish his AMGA guiding certifications as the youngest American to complete the process. His meticulous attention to detail is somewhat astonishing. Tyler is one of my best friends. From the Republic of Georgia, Montana, Alaska and La Grave, our mountain time has played a huge role in our friendship. I've learned a ton from Tyler in regards to hazard mitigation.

      - I was recently on a shoot with Conrad Anker. His vision, dedication and outlook on life is inspiring. He would prefer to talk about his new route the “Nutcracker” than talk about his last summit on Everest without oxygen. His psych for climbing is contagious, his energy transcends generations, his talents are inspiring to watch, and his mentorship helps many. Conrad never stops learning and he is a proponent for adaptation. That’s just rad. 

      Jason Thompson Photography
      The Future of the Industry
      I believe the future involves a lot of creative collaboration. Sharing ideas and collaborating can be very rewarding. It will most likely evolve and morph on a much larger scale. I know of some climbing projects that are in the works based on wide scale submissions from climbers willing to submit content from a whole season’s worth of footage from one location. So instead of one or even five filmers being involved, there will be fifty contributing work. 

      Jason Thompson Photography
      Career Highlights
      - Every year I make a little more money than the previous year as a photographer.

      - Having my first image published in a Patagonia catalog and then having them re-license it for a store display in the Seattle store—that was a goal of mine that year and it felt really good to nail it. 

      - Being awarded the Hans Saari Ski Exploration Grant for a Ski trip to Mt Shkhara in the Republic of Georgia. 

      - Double page spread in Alpinist Magazine #36

      - The moment I realized that I actually had an audience that was listening to me and actively following my work. It was a moment that shifted my mindset and challenged me to work even harder. It wasn't just my mom who was looking at my pictures anymore. 

      - Being asked to give a talk at Montana State University in the same business photography class in which I had heard Kris Erickson give his talk. 

      - The friends I have made and the many interesting people that I have been fortunate to meet over the years because of photography. 

      - Being invited on the Cerro Castillo ski trip in Patagonia with Drew Stoecklein, Chuck “The Pit Viper King” Mumford and Forrest Coots to work on and create the short film “Take The Ride.”

      To view more of Jason's work, drop into http://www.jthompsonphotography.com

      Jason Thompson Photography
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    • 2 months ago
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  • Nemo 2013 Nemo 2013

    • From: seely4
    • Description:
      Rider: Christopher Seely Filmed By: Christopher Seely Great powder day at Cannon Mt
    • 3 months ago
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  • Park Check Video 7 Park Check Video 7

  • Spring Break At Mt Bachelor Spring Break At Mt Bachelor

  • Bachelor Parks Tour 1 - Pacifi Bachelor Parks Tour 1 - Pacific City

  • Legendary Mt Baker Banked Slal Legendary Mt Baker Banked Slalom 2013

    • From: idarado
    • Description:

      The Smith team piles into the van and travels to Mt Baker to play their hand at the 2013 LBS.

      Banked Slalom winners:

       

      Pro Men                       Seth Wescott          

      Pro Women                  Maelle Ricker

      Pro Masters                  Marcel Dolak

      Pro Women Masters      Marni Yamada

      Next Generation           Isabella Gomez

      Juniors                        Hank Kennedy

      Younger Amateurs        Keith Dixon

      Older Amateurs            Robin Foster          

      Women Amateurs         Jennica Lowell

      Women Masters            Tanya Simonson

      Masters                        Jake Price

      Mid Masters                  Anthony Martinez

      Grand Masters              Luke Edgar



      Watch More Smith Optics Videos

       

    • 4 months ago
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  • News: Vote For Further And The News: Vote For Further And The Dream Factory For People's Choice Coldsmoke Award

    • From: TetonGravityResearch
    • Description:

      Coldsmoke Awards
      Vote online for the Coldsmoke People’s Choice Video Award and be automatically entered to win a cat-skiing trip to Powder Mountain, near Whistler, B.C.

      The People’s Choice Award is given to the film with the largest audience support and is determined by the film receiving the most online votes. The winning film is announced live at The Coldsmoke Awards on March 16th in Bozeman, MT and the filmmakers are awarded a $500 cash prize.

      The Coldsmoke Awards celebrates winter culture by creating a space for innovative artists, dedicated athletes, and those inspired by life in the mountains. The festival is committed to fostering up and coming talent, as well as showcasing some of winter’s biggest names.

      Most importantly, the Coldsmoke Awards could not exist without the support of the winter community and their willingness to celebrate the unique culture associated with playing in the cold. THANK YOU from the bottom of the trenches and the tops of the mountains.

      Vote Now For TGR's Further And The Dream Factory

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    • 4 months ago
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  • Etna - S6 E09 - Salomon Freesk Etna - S6 E09 - Salomon Freeski TV

    • From: salomonfreeski
    • Description:

      Nestled in the southern Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is not your typical ski destination. Kim Havell and Elyse Saugstad spend a week there trying to decide which is more alluring and dangerous: the romantically-charged Sicilian males or the lave-spewing volcanic crater of Mt Etna?

      Watch More Salomon Freeski TV Videos

       

    • 5 months ago
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  • Through The Lens Of Jim Harris Through The Lens Of Jim Harris

    • From: kimhavell
    • Description:

      Chris Davenport skis a chute in Antarctica photo by Jim HarrisChris Davenport skis a chute in Antarctica. Photo by Jim Harris.

      “Through The Lens” is a regular column on TetonGravity.com that highlights the work of a photographer in the ski and snowboard industries. The series exists to celebrate the photographers who bring us extraordinary imagery, to get to know who they are, and to understand their process.

      Jim Harris is a TGR success story. An athlete with an artistic eye and a photographer of great strength and perseverance, Jim hit the big time from an unlikely start. Through honest and thoughtful posts on the TGR web forums, Jim unwittingly developed a huge following and grabbed the attention of industry players. Proving himself time and time again in the field and at the computer, Jim has photographs, stories, and drawings featured across varied media spots, print and online, in the world of adventure sport. He is humble, adventurous, and bright, and gets things done.

      Jim has been behind the lens for Sweetgrass Productions, Powderwhore Productions, Camp4Collective, First Ascent, Powder Magazine and more. From scaling 20,000-foot peaks in Bolivia to descending steep couloirs in Antarctica to negotiating a pack raft down Alaskan rivers, this motivated talent keeps at it as he proves that with heart and hard work, success will be a reality.

      Jim’s sincere and straight-up approach resonates with his audiences. Follow his creative journeys as “GnarWhale” on TGR and as Perpetual Weekend online at his Blog, Facebook page, Instagram, and Twitter sites. www.perpetualweekend.com

      Forrest McCarthy melts water at a ridge line campsite as a storm rolls in. Photo by Jim HarrisForrest McCarthy melts water at a ridge line campsite as a storm rolls in. Photo by Jim Harris.

      The Start.

      I was first interested in photography when I was a kid playing with this all-metal Nikormat that my dad had brought back from Japan a decade or two before I was born. I didn’t develop a twitchy shutter button finger until I was around 16 and started documenting the graffiti scene where I grew up. Looking back at those boxes of prints, I was pretty much just mechanically recording ephemeral art. A few years later I extracted myself from that scene by moving to Montana where I enrolled in Wildlife Biology and Fine Art courses. The blend of planning, creativity, daring, and community that made the street art scene compelling also runs through mountain culture. It didn’t take but a few weeks in Montana before I began pointing my camera at people on mountains.

      Studying Wildlife Biology seemed like a good route to finding a job that combined adventure with critical thinking, plus I was good at plant and animal identification. An empirical science education has proved to be a good framework for learning about the world, even though I never took up wearing one of those flat-brim Smokey hats. The fine art courses were just for kicks, but I regret missing the memo that my university had a Photo Journalism school.

      Andrew McLean skis in the Chugach Mountains, AK. Photo by Jim HarrisAndrew McLean skis the Chugach Mountains in Alaska. Photo by Jim Harris.

      TGR.

      While I’d been registered on TetonGravity.com’s message board for years, I rarely visited until I moved to the Wasatch Mountains in 2007 and discovered it offered a way to meet backcountry touring partners. Then I began posting photos of ski tours and that led to invites on more missions. One of those photo essays prompted Gordy Peifer to offer me a spot on one of his Straightline Advenutures Ski Camps, and another trip report garnered an invite to shoot with Powderewhore Productions in Alaska. That AK trip, in turn, resulted in my first print-published words and photos (Powder Magazine 40.1 “Beast out of the Earth”). Then I won a TGR and Smith Optics photo contest where the prize was an Ice Axe Expeditions ski cruise to Antarctica.

      I was sharing just for the sake of sharing and that idealism struck a chord with people. If I suddenly couldn’t sell photos and stories about the sort of trips I like to take, I’d be okay going right back to doing them just for the intrinsic rewards.

      Hi-fives with Andrew McLean after discovering and skiing a rad chute in the Wrangell Mountains, AK photo by Jim HarrisHi-fives with Andrew McLean after discovering and skiing a rad chute in the Wrangell Mountains of Alaska. Photo by Jim Harris.

      Inspiration.

      Media-makers who also are high-performance athletes hold a role I admire. Photographers who can climb and ski alongside top athletes are the ones who, most often I think, bring back something insightful to share.

      Galen Rowell about tops my list of “photographers I wish had reincarnated as me.”

      Christian Pondella has crafted a career shooting photos with skis on his pack, an ice axe in one hand and that shines through in his photos.

      The Camp 4 Collective team brings boots-on-the-ledge perspective to their productions and it’s apparent in the art and illustrations of Renan Ozturk, Jeremy Collins and Adam Haynes.

      Leslie Anthony writes with legitimacy in his words and Fitz Cahall’s Dirtbag Diaries carry that too.

      What all of them have in common is this gonzo journalism approach where, because they can hang athletically, they’re able to convey a first-person narrative that offers candid, humanizing insights into the lives of super-human athletes.

      On the business side, I admire the people who help others to create content in our ski media ecosystem. When done well, enabling other peoples’ creativity is good for one’s own income. The TGR Forums empowered me and I hope the web ad revenue more than pays for the server space.

      Photographers Adam Barker and Chase Jarvis both open source some of their knowledge via web interviews and tutorials. They’re investing their knowledge in aspirant photographers while legitimizing their expertise at the same time. It’s both altruistic and shrewd.

      Sunrise on Illimani, Bolivia while the city of La Paz still sleeps. Photo by Jim HarrisSunrise on Illimani, Bolivia, while the city of La Paz still sleeps. Photo by Jim Harris.

      The Challenge.

      I want to be a really good storyteller. Sometimes when I speak, my thoughts branch into a tangent, then a tangent of that, until I’m caught in a spiraling fractal of storylines and everyone has stopped listening. So it takes some intention for me to spin a story well. Photo essays keep me on point and the narrative jogging along.

      At some heady level, wilderness adventure stories like the ones I want to tell are another variant of Joe Campbell’s monomyth: the hero marches off into the wild, conquers something untamable, perhaps then realizes that the real conquest happened inside his or her head, and then returns home to share the new wisdom.

      My challenge is that I don’t want to just tell those stories but want to actually watch them unfold too. Going up and down difficult mountains with interesting people carves as close to living that myth as I know how to get.

      Alan Schwer hops down a steep ski line at 19,000 ft, Volcan Pomarape, Bolivia. Photo By Jim HarrisAlan Schwer hops down a steep ski line at 19,000 feet on Volcan Pomarape, Bolivia. Photo by Jim Harris.

      The Business.

      The business-side of working as a self-employed creative is a murky learning curve. There’s no roadmap to “making it” and even things as dry as sending photos for an editor to review turn out to involve diplomatic maneuvering. Many working photographers will tell you that your photos are only valuable if you keep ‘em squirreled away, unseen by anyone but the editor, right until they appear in print. While I see the wisdom in that approach, the only reason I’m paid to take photos now is because I’ve enjoyed sharing pictures in the past. So, I’ve continued to post photos on TGR, though I’ve become more strategic about sharing.

      The ski photo world is a tough one to find recognition in, in part because much of it has fallen prey to this syndrome of collaborative competition where somebody says “Oh! Look at what they’re doing.  We should be doing that too.” Photo buyers, photo makers, and athletes all push one another to converge. One outcome is that photographers face an uphill battle when it comes to creating marketable work that also conveys individual style.

      On the other hand, who wants to feel like they’re leaving money on the table because they’re too elitist to take routine photos? Faced with that question, I’m no strict idealist. I’m not exactly shooting decorative cupcakes, but I’ve dug into commercial projects, studio opportunities, and jobs outside the ski industry. Sometimes they feel like art school assignments where students replicate some Old Master’s painting. Even if it’s not an approach that I’m particularly interested in, it’s impossible not to glean something useful. Those Elinchrom-lit sets are great for learning technique but they’re not where my aspirations lie.

      Tyler Jones leads a climb in the Waddington Range while Seth and Solveig Waterfall follow. Photo by Jim HarrisTyler Jones leads a climb in the Waddington Range while Seth and Solveig Waterfall follow. Photo by Jim Harris.

      Being Diverse.

      When I was about ten I was way into these Redwall books about mice doing medieval things. My parents took me to a reading by the author, Brian Jacques, at the neighborhood bookstore and he described to us kids around him that he’d worked as a sailor, and a truck driver, and a milkman, and some jobs that I’ve forgotten before he eventually became a writer too. The notion that one could do a lot of things in a lifetime, rather than be stuck with just one profession, took root in my ten-year-old cortex that day.

      Photography has been my main focus for the last year or two, but it’s not my only outlet. I still dabble in woodcut printmaking, painting, shooting video, writing, and teaching. If this photo gig stops working out, I’ll always have the latitude to sidestep into one of these other roles.

      Solveig Waterfall skiing from the summit of Mt Waddington, BC over a cavernous crevasse. Photo by Jim HarrisSolveig Waterfall skiing from the summit of Mt Waddington, BC over a cavernous crevasse. Photo by Jim Harris.

      Expedition Style.

      One thing that distinguishes me from the pack is that I like unstaged, one-take, expedition shooting. Long and difficult trips are full of little victories and disappointments and they make for great photographic moments. As a member of an expedition team, I share credit and blame for the ups and downs I’m chronicling. Every bit of the process from planning, traveling, climbing, skiing, cooking, laughing and just surviving together is rewarding.

      There are a couple big hurdles to being an expedition shooter. One is keeping one’s gear alive in the cold, wet, sandy, camera-killing places. That takes diligence but isn’t rocket surgery. Another is that one has to learn to suffer with grace. That takes practice and some balanced brain chemistry.

      The biggest hurdle, however, is managing the dual loyalties of being both a weight-pulling team member while also caring enough about one’s audience to stop helping your buddies and grab the camera. Jabbing a camera in someone’s face in a cruxy moment can be a bridge-burning move. It takes a pretty keen awareness of the group dynamic plus articulate communication to balance photographic and team needs.

      Before leaving for our first trip together, ski mountaineer Andrew McLean told me he was willing to ski for the camera but that he didn’t intend to re-hike anything for a missed shot. If you’ve skied with Andrew, you know that he zips uphill then right back down. Either I had to bully him into slowing down or learn to be quick on the draw, get the shot the first time, and not sulk when I misfired. I went with the second approach and haven’t regretted it.

      One-take shooting is an ethos I’ve embraced. Shooting actual skiing down actual lines, as opposed to the ubiquitous one-turn-wonder approach, feels truthy. As a bonus, there’s a lot more skiing involved in a “work” day.

      Chris Davenport skiing in Antarctica photo by Jim HarrisChris Davenport skiing in Antarctica. Photo by Jim Harris.

      Turning Point.

      Three years ago, three friends and I spent a month backpacking and then rafting across Wrangell St Elias National Park. That trip changed my view of what’s achievable by a small, unsponsored team. I felt empowered by our success and humbled by the times I faltered.

      Back at home, I tried to summarize the story via a long column of captioned photos. The resulting trip report garnered a lot of attention that I never expected. Something about our mix of ambition, unique route, and amateur status really resonated with people, and not just the outdoorsy ones. Traffic poured in from Digg, Reddit and other link-sharing sites.

      Years later, I’m still feeling the reverberations of that trip. I’ve been back to the Wrangells once and have plans for another trip this year. I’m also packing today for a crazy Mexico adventure that I’ve been invited on because a couple of Alaska’s most-audacious wilderness travelers saw my photo essay and thought I’d be a good fit for their team. Looking back, it is comical how many doors have opened for me based on something that I never guessed would have much impact.

      Forrest McCarthy midway through a 120 mile traverse of the Absaroka Beartooth Mountains. Photo by Jim HarrisForrest McCarthy midway through a 120 mile traverse of the Abaroka Beartooth Mountains. Photo by Jim Harris.

      Future Direction.

      There’s been this recent uptick in the ski industry’s acknowledgment that what we do is risky. At a fundamental level, action sports culture pushes the idea that “advancing the sport” or “pushing the envelope” is the loftiest goal an athlete can strive for. I think that presumption deserves some scrutiny because it is steering our risk-taking. We’re not going to revert to blue-square level skiing in movies but it’s worth acknowledging that there are perhaps less death-defying ways to “advance the sport.”

      For me, that means looking for trips that are challenging because they’re remote, or because they require an endurance component, or because they offer a quirky perspective on the norm. Both writers and photographers search for unique angles. As someone with a growing grasp of both pursuits, I’m positioned to connect interesting story ideas with smart photos.

      Jim Harris Powder Magazine Cover PhotoJim Harris' Powder Magazine cover photo. Skier unknown.

      Game Changers.

      A few years ago, I watched an acquaintance trigger and then swept by an avalanche. It was formative.  It changed how I communicate with partners, how I plan for a tour, and is a continual reminder to make conservative choices.

      Soon after that incident, I began teaching avalanche classes. Now that I’ve shifted to proselytizing wilderness skiing for a living, teaching the prophylactic aspect of it feels essential. Not only does it feel like righteous work but teaching avy classes also helps keep my skills honed.

      At the other end of the spectrum, one of my photos is running on the cover of the new Powder Magazine Photo Annual. For someone who’s only been making a living as a photographer for just over a year, it’s like putting boots on at 9:30 and somehow still catching first chair. That cover isn’t recognition I’d expected to have so soon in my photo career, but I’m grateful for it.

      Want to shoot like Jim, start with some high end DSLR camera gear available at Amazon.com

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  • Solveig Waterfall skiing from Solveig Waterfall skiing from the summit of Mt Waddington, BC over a cavernous crevasse. Photo by Jim Harris

    • From: kimhavell
    • Description:
      Solveig Waterfall skiing from the summit of Mt Waddington, BC over a cavernous crevasse. Photo by Jim Harris
    • 5 months ago
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  • Ross TR Pic #1 Ross TR Pic #1

    • From: angrybeard
    • Description:
      We followed Loop Brook until it cut right below the Bonney Trees and followed a tributary which gave us great views of the South East side of Ross and Mt. Green. We could see a hanging bowl which looked easy enough to reach and a couple options to reach the summit ridge between Ross and Mt Green.
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  • Side Slide Session By Nimbus I Side Slide Session By Nimbus Independent

  • News: 2013 Ouray Ice Festival News: 2013 Ouray Ice Festival This Weekend in Colorado

    • From: mikehardaker
    • Description:

      Ouray Ice Festival
      LOWA Boots is planning a very visible and strong presence at the 2013 Ouray Ice Festival that will take place January 10-13 in Ouray, Colorado.  Earlier this fall, LOWA announced their sponsorship of the Hari Berger Speed Climbing Competition to honor the legendary climber who won three Ice Climbing World Championships while wearing LOWA boots.  In addition, four-time World Ice Climbing Champion and LOWA athlete, Ines Papert, will conduct a clinic on moderate-mixed climbing and host a multi-media show entitled “Rock and Ice.”  Amid the festival-like atmosphere will be the LOWA boot tent, stocked with demo product for ice climbers to test drive.

      Friday afternoon Ines will host her clinic in the LOWA tent followed by a session on ice.  She will have posters in hand to autograph. Later that evening, Ouray attendees can enjoy       her presentation of “Rock and Ice,” a thrilling journey into her world.  Afterwards will be an autograph session of her book by the same name.  The event will be held in the Main Street Theater (630 Main Street) from 8:30 to 10:00PM.  Admission fee: $15

      On Sunday she will award the women’s prizes for the Hari Berger Competition. Ines has worked closely with the LOWA design and product testing teams over the years and was instrumental in the design of the Ice Comp IP. A champion of many climbing competitions, including those at the Ouray festival, she will be competing there again this year.

      Hari Berger was an all around champion competition ice climber before he lost his life in 2006 in an accident while climbing in Austria…but his legacy lives on.  LOWA’s sponsorship of the event doubles the Festival’s cash prize opportunities. The Competition will be held on Sunday, January 13. There will be individual men’s and women’s classes, each with $2000 in first place prizes, second place of $1000 and $500 for the third place finishers.

      Colorado climber and LOWA ambassador, Jim Davidson, will be on hand periodically throughout the festival. Jim’s book, The Ledge: An Adventure Story of Friendship and Survival on Mount Rainier, was a 2011 best seller for adventurists across the country.

      In addition, LOWA invites both male and female festival participants to demo their world-class German climbing and mountaineering boots including the Weisshorn GTX, Mountain Expert GTX and Ice Comp IP GTX models. The boot tent team will be led by Chad Gallwitz, LOWA’s experienced sales representative in the Rocky Mountains. Representing the LOWA factory, Rolf Eberhard, a veteran of numerous summits including one on Mt Everest, will be in the tent and on hand to award the men’s Hari Berger Competition prizes. Assisting Chad and Rolf will be Christian McConnell from LOWA’s U.S. office.

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