FEATURES

MORE THAN A MOHAWK
THE SECRET LIFE OF GLEN PLAKE
For more than 25 years, Glen Plake has been at the forefront of the extreme movement, skiing steeps, bashing bumps and starring in high-profile films—all with his signature Mohawk held high. He may be skiing's most recognizable star. But when rookie BCM editor Tyler Cohen traveled to the Sierra Nevada last spring, Plake let his Mohawk down and showed the hidden side of his skiing life—the backcountry side.

BLOOD LINES
POWDER IS THE ULTIMATE FAMILY VALUE
Relationships with backcountry partners take work, and require trust, communication and strength—almost like family. So what happens when your bc partner is family? Spouses and splitboard builders Klemens and Lisa Branner, brothers in pow Ian and Neil Provo and photographer father and son Lee and Sam Cohen tell why they choose to keep it in the family.

SPECTACLE

SLIDE AND SEEK
2012 AVALANCHE RESCUE GEAR
A lot has changed in safety gear over the last year. Beacons perform better and prices are lower, there are new players in the avalanche airbag game, and shovels are stronger and more packable than ever—all to keep you safe. Find
the industry's most comprehensive beacon reviews, and check out this year's new crop of airbag packs and shovels.

DEPARTMENTS

THE RUN DOWN

The Moment
Making the leap

DEPOSITION

Letters

Figures 11

Safety Meeting
Are you considering purchasing an airbag pack?

McLeanings:
Uphill both ways.

Essay
Propagation

Dispatch:
Critical Thursday

BLOWN IN

Airbag Packs Explode
More options, more safety.

Backcountry Manslaughter
Austrian convicted in wife's avalanche death.

Fast as a Speeding Bulletin
Canadian Avalanche Center's sleek new avalanche bulletin.

Cut to the Chase
Powderchaser Steve on meteorology and the pursuit of the untracked.

ELEMENTAL

Meeting of the Minds
Combining rational and emotional decision making.

Tech Tip: Go Dig a Hole
Searching is half the battle. Improve your digging technique.

Mountain Accounts: Tempting Fate
Sled laps and slides in the Wasatch.

ROUTE FINDING

Deep Freeze
Skiing among New England's hidden icefalls.

BLOWN OUT

Biff America: Leaving a Mark
Biff gives thanks.