Ten Things Every Backcountry Skier Should Know

WildSnow.com has just finished up a great series of articles titled “Ten Things Every Backcountry Skier Should Know.”

The articles are great and very useful, and there probably isn’t a better time of year to post this material–as we are all beginning to get itchy to hit the slopes–

WildSnow has some interesting views by some people who should know what to do–including Chris Davenport, Aaron Ralston (Yes, that Aaron Ralston), and Andrew McLean.

Here are a couple of items from the list I thought interesting:#7  Fix a broken Ski Pole with Duct Tape and pocket knife.  (I know, Duct tape still amazes me, too.)  and #5 –Start a fire in the snow–while you are shivering.  Perfect time to learn how to do this properly before you actually end up in a situation where your life depends on it.

Nice post.  Go check it out for the rest of list.  Just click the titles and it will bring up the in-depth articles. 

An Adventurist Editorial: The Stephen Fossett Debates

We should have all seen this one coming from a mile away–

Going into days 5 and 6 for the ongoing search of legendary adventurer Steven Fossett, people are starting to take their focus off of the search and more onto the debates surrounding these types of events when they occur–

First it began with how great of an adventurer Steven Fossett is.  Over the past few days this focus has slowly moved to the motives of a “Risk-Taker” and if Stephen Fossett’s family should be charged for the search currently taking place.

Both of these items are highly debatable and both of them generally always surround a high profile search, especially if the person involved was also a part of anything that has a certain risk-factor to it or has been the focus of media attention in the past.

Personally, I began taking notice of these debates around December of last year when three climbers became lost on Mt. Hood.  The ensuing search, that garnered massive media coverage, soon became a debate for a cause. 

It may be the cause of the general media’s focus to always provide something new to a highly viewed (and rated) story.  Running out of new leads, they hop back on the bus and get everyone involved in raging debates that once again spark interest to previous stories of the same general nature.

Two questions always emerge:  Should the families of the person being searched for have to pay for this service?  And secondly–the risk involved.  How could they do this to their families and loved ones?  What is it about risk that triggers these people to always endanger their lives? Read more

The Adventurist Launches a New Column on Topix

I have been very, very busy for the last couple of weeks.  Some of you may have noticed a slight drop-off in the articles put up on here, but I have actually been pretty good about at least getting something up everyday.  I have a few projects going that I would like to take a few minutes to tell you about.

Adventure-X

First off, I announced a week or so ago that I have become an editor over at Topix.  I am in charge of updating the Mountain Climbing, Extreme Sports, and Outdoors Recreation areas over at Topix.  As an Editor over there, I thought it would be nice to add a little personal touch, so I have began a weekly column called Adventure-X in the Outdoor Recreation Area of Topix. 

This column will be a weekly feature over at Topix.  I have a lot of very neat ideas that I am going to try to do with this as we explore the outdoor world and some of the issues of today.  The first column, Adventure-X:  Defining Ourselves Through What We Do, has already been posted.  I will be adding a link at the Top of The Adventurist called “Adventure-X” that will explain a bit more about this project, as well as take you to the weekly column.  At this time, this is a Topix exclusive, with possible syndication in the future to other media outlets.  It will not be a feature on The Adventurist, but I will definately put up the links to the pieces as I put them up.

An Article on Topia Road

Besides the Adventure-X column, I also have an article getting ready to be featured over at Topia Road.  Topia Road is a new online magazine specializing in snowboarding and skiing.  Pat Moore, the Editor, is a two-time National Champion in NASTAR Snowboard Racing and has been ranked Number 1 in the country for his age group.

My article, Skiing the World’s Highest Peak, should be up on their site anytime now.  This article takes a look at the history of skiing and snowboarding on Mt. Everest.

It is a pleasure to be working with these guys and I am wishing them continued success on this project.  Stop on over and check them out.

Adventure Sports Weekly

As if this weren’t enough, I will also have an article in this week’s Adventure Sports Weekly.  The new issue should be out tomorrow.

My article, So You Want to be an Adventure Racer, takes a look at what is expected and what could be done to get yourself involved in these amazing Adventure Races.

If you haven’t checked out Adventure Sports Weekly yet, I highly reccomend this Online Sports Magazine.  Editor Wina Sturgeon is an internationally known sports writer.  She has covered the Olympics for Sports Illustrated as well as worked with many other publications.  It is a pleasure to be working with her on this project and I wish her continued success.

The Adventurist All Over the Place

So now you know what has been going on–I have been busy, but it has been alot of fun.  I have been working with some very talented people and definately moving forward.  Hope you check out my items around the Net, and thanks for your continued support.

Jason A. Hendricks, Editor