On the Cover: A lot happened in the 1950s. Queen Elizabeth II was coronated, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest, the double helix structure of DNA was discovered, and Alaska and Hawaii became states. It was also the second of three decades during which the U.S. government and conservationists labored over how best to protect Washington State’s North Cascades. While discussions ensued in D.C. and beyond, Ira Spring and a group of friends ventured into the range, en route to Glacier Peak, and witnessed just what was at stake: a rugged cacophony of peaks, where the wild things are.  Courtesy Spring Trust for Trails

THE WILD ISSUE

QUE BUENA ONDA p. 60
Andean mountain huts, spiny spires and endless couloirs called Clayton Herrmann and a small cadre of friends to South America. But, as he discovered amidst avalanche-closed roads, beta deserts, street riots and chaotic airports, the essence of travel, whatever the impetus, is in the unknown and unplanned experiences. It just so happens that backcountry skiing itself, especially in remote regions, is not too different.

CONTOURS: THE NORTH CASCADES p. 70
While the southern Cascade Volcanoes boast moderate approaches and direct routes to the summit, the North Cascades are known for long traverses that link a dozen peaks over several days of walking. But, for those who push deep into the mountains, the reward is worth the walk. “Wild, remote and sharply defined, the craggy summits appear festooned like skeletal spines of bygone mythical gods,” says photographer Jason Hummel of the Picket Traverse. “Taken together, they contain what many consider the quintessential North Cascades peaks.”

OF MIND AND MOUNTAINS p. 90
When Sam Smoothy summited Aoraki’s east ridge and skied the second descent of the Caroline in his homeland of New Zealand, his cognitive patterns shifted. As a longtime professional skier, he was known for his fast-paced Teton Gravity Research segments. But, as he renovated his house by the ocean, he reconsidered his career, the lines he skied and the way he shared his stories. Thus, the XXIV Project was born, Smoothy’s quest to ski the 24 highest peaks in New Zealand.

DEPARTMENTS

Perspective
Poised above the clouds in B.C.’s Spearhead Range, a trio of skiers catch a dreamscape in waking hours.

Editor’s Note
Greta Close reflects on Type Two fun.

Letters

Off Grid
The Backcountry community shares their untracked experience.

Spectacle

Straight Lines
Megan Michelson sees the northern lights, and Vanessa Chavarriaga Posada reexamines the meaning of first descents.

Blown In: Coexisting With Caribou
For thousands of years, mountain caribou have wandered the Pacific Northwest. Today, their populations are dwindling. Ryan Stuart investigates how backcountry skiers can help.

Wisdom: David Owen
David Owen, the owner of guide service PowderQuest, shares the philosophy that shapes his travel experiences.

Mountain Skills: High Avy Days
When the forecast goes red, all avalanche terrain is strictly off limits. But, as Kevin Hjertaas shares, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself outside on skis.

On Location: Chugach Front Range
By way of the big screen, Alaska’s Chugach Range is widely known for heli drops and endless spines. But, as Carolyn Highland finds out, calling those mountains home looks a bit different.

Faces: Mark Morris
Born into a musical family and raised in the heart of Colorado’s Front Range, it’s no surprise that Mark Morris loves bluegrass and backcountry skiing. Somehow, he’s made a career out of both.

Gearbox: Packs, Helmets and Goggles

Biff America
Jefferey Bergeron contemplates the annual return of winter and if it’s worth skipping the doctor’s visit.

Tailgate: The Stagecoach

For three decades, Backcountry Magazine has been dedicated to the pursuit of fresh lines and the people who live for them.