On the Cover: We’ve all seen epic spine riding in ski films: skiers and snowboarders carving their way down the sharp, miniature ridgelines formed from the perfect blend of wind and snow density. While the pros make it look easy, navigating a blind rollover into these features in such flawless form is a technical art. For Elena Hight, it’s just another skill in her quiver. “Witnessing Elena ride Alaskan lines is a delight,” says Silvano Zeiter. “Her determination when it comes to reading the terrain and choice of lines as well as the confidence, power and focus she radiates when riding those lines with complete absence of any doubt or hesitation is absolutely admirable.” Silvano Zeiter

THE PERSEVERANCE ISSUE

RHYTHM IN PLACE p. 52
In a remote corner of Greenland’s decidedly not-green landscape, true success requires learning from those who call it home. For ski mountaineer and photographer Chris Christie, his third trip to the Arctic Circle taught him that slowing down is the most essential skill of all.

FALSE SUMMITS p. 62
Elena Hight cut her teeth on the halfpipe, racking up accolades and standing on some of the world’s highest podiums. But for one of the best riders of her generation, medals may have been a false summit along the path to higher peaks. In the quiet aftermath of her lowest lows, Hight has found a new calling in the skintrack.

COLLECTIVE EFFERVESCENCE p. 72
In 2025, when warm conditions turned the course into an unsafe mess, the Grand Traverse didn’t start. After months of training, Tom Hallberg pivoted to research, digging into what keeps people coming back, even when the snow doesn’t.

CONTOURS: THE JAPANESE ALPS p. 80
The mountain ranges along the western coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu, are collectively known as the Japanese Alps. While the resorts dotting the region might not be as flashy as Niseko to the north, their craggy peaks have inspired monks to build temples on their summits, trained generations of internationally acclaimed mountaineers and witnessed one of the greatest Olympic comebacks of all time.

DEPARTMENTS

Perspective
Emil Granbom takes flight.

Editor’s Note
Betsy Manero gets lost.

Letters

Off Grid
The Backcountry community shares their untracked experience.

Spectacle

Straight Lines
Carolyn Highland starts a long-distance ski relationship, and Megan Michelson isn’t afraid of the dark.

Blown In: The Mountain Bellwether
After losing her 2024 U.S. Senate election, Caroline Gleich is getting back to what she loves, skiing every day in her local Wasatch Range while continuing to push for the ideals that inspired her to run for office.

Blown In: Panning for Gold
While the precious metals might have run dry, Colorado’s North London Mill now offers another hot commodity: easy access to high-alpine ski touring with a community-focused twist.

Wisdom: Hilary Eisen
Wild Montana Policy Director Hilary Eisen has devoted her career to protecting public lands.

Mountain Skills: Weather Forecasting
In the mountains, a sunny day can turn into a whiteout in a matter of hours. Experts weigh in on how to read weather patterns for a safer backcountry tour.

Faces: Marcello Cominetti
Marcello Cominetti has checked just about every box, from first descents in the Dolomites to guiding Sylvester Stallone. But good luck getting him to talk about it.

Gearbox
Packs for every touring need, goggles for clear vision and helmets to keep your noggin safe.

Biff America
Biff brings bathroom hygiene to the backcountry.

Tailgate: Onsens

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