FEATURES

LAND OF BEYOND
In the outdoor world, few individuals are lionized more than the explorer. And exploration, and the excitement, mystery, uncertainty and danger it entails, is fundamental to everything we do as backcountry skiers. Yet skiers have visited every snowy range across the world and technology and crowding are shrinking the mountains. What does this mean for the concept of exploration? And what does it mean for us, the explorers? Deputy Editor Drew Pogge investigates.

2020 VISION
What will the backcountry look like over the next decade and beyond? Before pondering that question, consider the past. Ten years ago, free-pivot telemark bindings were just emerging. A decade earlier, skiing out of resort boundaries was highly contentious. A lot can change in 20 years, never mind a few short seasons. We polled our editors and contributors on their long-term outlook for the backcountry, from gear to access, climate and more. Find their predictions on p. 73.

DEPOSITION

CONTRIBUTORS
Wintertime wordsmiths

EDITOR'S NOTE: REWIND

LETTERS
Measuring millions, telemark talkback and colonoscopy concerns

BACKSTORY: THE LAST GENERATION OF SKIERS
What waning winters mean for our kids

STRAIGHT LINES: POWDER & PERSPECTIVE
Are We Safer?

BLOWN IN

ALLIED FORCES
From Vermont to Washington and regionally in between, backcountry skiers and riders are banding together to promote the sport, to advocate for access and to stoke the stoke.

LOGISTICS ON LOCKDOWN
One company knows the secrets for keeping skiers and filmers safe in Alaska's rowdiest terrain.

SKIERS VERSUS SHEEP
In the Teton and Bridger Mountains, bighorns and backcountry travelers are butting heads over terrain. What does it mean for Wyoming's dwindling herd of ungulates?

THAT GUY: CHRIS "CJ"JOHNSON
On tour with the streaker who has earned 'em and turned 'em every month for 20 years straight.

BASECAMP

MOUNTAIN SKILLS: PERSISTENT PROBLEMS
Understanding, identifying and managing persistent weak layers with Utah Avalanche Center forecaster Eric Trenbeath.

MOUNTAIN ACCOUNT: YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE
Slabs and uncertainty in Colorado's Rocky Mountains.

ON LOCATION

HERE'S TO THE BIN
The Téléphérique that climbs 7,000 feet from the commune of La Grave, France to the shoulder of La Meije has offered access to some of the world's greatest ski-mountaineering terrain for nearly 40 years. But the lease held on the town-owned cable car expires in 2017. Will the town renew with its current operator, look for outside investment or shut down?

BLOWN OUT

BIFF AMERICA
A frozen phallic protest

LAST COL
Celebrating Doug Coombs, 10 years later.