Wagner Custom Skis

Beating the Storm

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

One day I’m riding powder on Teton Pass; the next I’m picking my way through rocks on skis. The conversation went something like this: Me: “I know there’s a 100% chance of snow in the forecast, but it’s not suppose to roll in until afternoon.  We’ll be fine!  Let’s get up there early and get [...]

Teton Ski Mountaineering in November?

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

November is typically a bit earlier than I start pursuing big lines in the alpine; regardless, Z and I started off the day with all kinds of grand visions for today’s trip.  Neither of us quite anticipated the actual result. Skinning away from the truck at 04:45, stars shining brilliantly overhead, we broke trail up [...]

Apocalypse and Son

Sunday, March 27th, 2011

I got slid in the Apocalypse Couloir in 2009 after mis-judging stability, and have wanted to go back ever since to ride it successfully.  Last weekend was a perfect opportunity for a re-match; we’ve received over 500” of snow in the Tetons so far this season, and the stability is beautiful.  The only [...]

N. Ridge of the Middle Teton, Take 2

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

If you’re getting your ass whooped, you might as well appreciate it. So, with memories of last weekend skimming through my mind I say that it’s good to get whipped every now and then. It helps keep a body humble, helps me remember to set my eyes on realistic objectives and pursue them in appropriate conditions. It makes me thankful for friends who appreciate a healthy bit of suffering. And it’s a good reminder that coming home safe to ride another day will always be better than the alternative.

Avalanche Canyon Tour

Monday, December 27th, 2010

My wife and I don’t celebrate Christmas, so with high pressure sitting over the Tetons it seemed like the perfect day to explore the alpine with my buddy John Fitzgerald.  The thermometer in his car registered -5 fahrenheit when we got out to start skinning at 5:30am, with starry skies and a just-past-full moon overhead. [...]