Ice Axes serve two main functions: to keep you from falling, using "self belay" techniques, and to stop your fall from shooting you down the slope by using "self arrest" techniques. In this clip, we talk about the foundation of uphill travel on snow: walking "in balance." In the full video, we cover the basics of self belay for winter travel, talking about the different ways to use an ice axe in combination with our feet, depending upon our footwear and snow conditions.

The kids have climbed inside and outside, and done routes and problems. But they've never really had to "project" anything (work a route over multiple days). This was their first real climbing "project," an indoor bouldering problem, and it created some frustration... but also the comradery and joy that can only come through struggling with something. It was a joy to see!

I took one of my twin boys on a snow-filled, winter day hike. I helped him take the next step in his progression by showing him how to use some new winter hiking gear. We went over the basics of using an ice axe, which he has been itching to do!

The kids and I headed into the high country to practice winter climbing and self arrest techniques with an ice axe. It ended up being a lesson in layering your clothing and mountaineering perseverance... and they did great at both!

I took one of my twin boys on a snow-filled, winter day hike. I helped him take the next step in his progression by showing him how to use some new winter hiking gear. We went over the basics of using an ice axe, which he has been itching to do!

A Colorado right of passage when it comes to hiking and fitness is the Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs Colorado. It is 2768 steps and 2000 vertical feet of gain at an average angle of 25 degrees and with a steepest angle of 35 degrees.

You can get GPS devices on your watches, on your phone, and as devices that integrate with one or both of those. But I carry a standalone device: the Garmin InReach Explorer Plus. In this full video, I review the features and functionality of the Explorer+ and talk about why I take it with me every time I travel into the wild.

The Great Tent Saga of SnowPocalypse 2021 continues. Another short for your enjoyment: building the snow walls. And, yes, this is very tongue-in-cheek.

A short video of today's adventure: We had a big snowstorm that has been talked about for a week leading up to it. We decided to set up some tents and use them as "forts" for the little guys. They do require a bit of maintenance, though.