My goal is to temper present current forecast interpretations and offer local PNW backcountry skiers and splitboarders on Washington Ski Guide’s perspective on El Niño.
You've probably have already checked out the seasonal snowfall projections from the NOAA Weather Prediction Center for this winter. A quick glance might deliver some less-than-ideal news for those of us craving powder. Words like "warmer than average" or "drier than normal" can easily trigger a premature bout of pre-season blues. But hold off on those travel plans to Colorado for now – I have a different perspective that might reignite your excitement for your local backcountry terrain in Washington Cascades.
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Traditional advice for new backcountry skiers and splitboarders says that you need to take an AIARE 1 course before you start traveling in the backcountry. While this isn’t bad advice, an AIARE 1 course probably isn’t the best place to start if you are totally new to the sport. The Mountain Bureau has a NEW backcountry progression for those stepping into wild snow for the first time.
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If you are interested in helping members of your community climb out of addiction and to the top of Washington’s highest peaks go to the donate button in the middle of this page. Help us reach our goal to facilitate the 2023 program. Becky and the New Life Climbing team program participants keep showing up. We need you to do the same.
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Traditional advice for new backcountry skiers and splitboarders says that you need to take an AIARE 1 course before you start traveling in the backcountry. While this isn’t bad advice, an AIARE 1 course probably isn’t the best place to start if you are totally new to the sport. The Mountain Bureau has a NEW backcountry progression for those stepping into wild snow for the first time.
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A big factor in deciding what day to focus a summit attempt and what time we need to be back to camp by is the freezing level . The freezing level indicates at what elevation the mountain surface froze or firmed up and may make for better, safer travel. When there’s a good freeze, the snow surface becomes more supportive, allowing for the highest potential for strong snow bridges and less labor intensive movement.
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What do you eat when you go into the wilderness? This blog discusses lunch options for trips into the alpine. On our programs we provide breakfast and dinner, so, that leaves lunch up to you. Learn what we recommend and how to pack your lunch for your upcoming trip
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An AMGA Rock Guide, Derek Debruin makes his home in the Wasatch, as an instructor, Guide, and SAR Assistant Team Leader. His work at Weber State University allows Derek to indulge in climbing technical systems research and dabble with the effects of the human factor in outdoor pursuits.
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Ski traversing the Pickets isn't an obvious or convenient choice for anyone, much less a Tahoe skier and his Tetons guide. In this case, the "inconvenience" is exactly the appeal. In the Covid age, with international travel so darn complicated, getting to the North Cascades was about as wild and far as we could reach.
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Bryan Burdo has been climbing new routes in the Cascades for longer than most of us have been on the planet. He’s in his 60’s now, working on climbing 5.14 (has already climbed 13.d) and will give anyone a third his age a run for their money. Bryan’s resume spans multiple decades and far reaches of the vertical landscape that is the North Cascades. His passion for climbing is beyond obvious and his contributions to the North West climbing are vast.
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The ATES tool was developed to better translate avalanche hazard to the public and to allow backcountry travelers to select appropriate terrain for the day based on their group experience and risk profile. In this edition of The Bureau Blog, learn more about the ATES tool, how to use it, and take a close look at SIMPLE terrain.
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Erin has been a passionate mountain human for the majority of her life. Growing up in the our backyard, and America’s Alps, the North Cascades.
In the show we go over a handful of Erin’s first descents in the Cascades…
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Some don’t carry one, others feel that “it won’t happen to you”. Sound familiar? Follow this light hearted conversation and see if what you’re carrying what you need to fix a problem when things go sideways on an ice climb.
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A point of contention in the backcountry skiing and riding communities is that Split-boarders are slow on change overs or transitions. We’ll cover strategies to have more efficient transitions for split-boarders on backcountry tours
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If you are a split-boarder or ride with one here are a few tips in the right direction that will help speed you up and riding more!
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The Mountain Bureau LLC is a Fair-Trade, Mountain-Guiding outfitter. We strive to create long standing working relationships by providing living-wages, supporting educational and practical standards in the guiding industry, advocating for the environment, and choosing equitable and sustainable business practices. What once was a feeling, steering our company’s principles, has now evolved into a firmly branded standard.
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We just expanded our lineup of great events! Join the Mountain Bureau for an epic road trip, celebrating RockTober. We will be traveling throughout the West, starting at Smith Rock State Park, the birthplace of American Sport Climbing and continuing down to Moab and Indian Creek, the land of canyons and splitter cracks. At each RockTober stop, we will be offering specialized clinics, taught by experienced instructors and special guests. All of this in addition to daily guided trips into these spectacular locations.
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Join the Mountain Bureau for an epic road trip, celebrating RockTober. We will be traveling throughout the West, starting at Smith Rock State Park, the birthplace of American Sport Climbing and continuing down to Moab and Indian Creek, the land of canyons and splitter cracks. At each RockTober stop, we will be offering specialized clinics, taught by experienced instructors and special guests. All of this in addition to daily guided trips into these spectacular locations.
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Special offer for last minute changes to upcoming dates, click to see details and stipulations.
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Footwear is the most important piece of equipment in any form of climbing. It’s your attachment to the surface and it one of the biggest tools that can actually enhance your performance. As we select our footwear for longer routes, there’s always a compromise between comfort and performance.
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