By Erik Leidecker Alaska backcountry pilot, Drake Olson, waits for a lull in the wind and then guns the throttle. His plane, a highly modified Cessna 180 equipped with skis for snow landings, lifts off. circles around and heads back towards the tiny airport in Haines, Alaska.

The Crist brothers, along with Lynsey Dyer, hit up Steamboat earlier this month to test the new First Ascent ski gear in powder, bumps and corduroy.

By Reggie Crist I recently took a trip to Southern Utah to ski terrain that hasn’t seen this much snow in upwards of 30 years. A giant amphitheater of towering red rocks above 10,000 ft., the conditions provided a great adventure through untouched lands.

First Ascent ski guides, Reggie and Zach Crist, design and test gear from head to foot working with both Eddie Bauer and Northwest ski company K2. This past week, they spent a few days skiing powder in Monarch, Colorado to capture photography in support of the 2011 K2 ski line.

By Reggie Crist Heavy snow continues to fall in the Lake Tahoe region. As predicted, there has been over 4 feet in the past 4 days and more snow is forecasted. First Ascent guide and local Tahoe patroller Lel Tone has been busy at work,

By Melissa Arnot Arusha, Day 8 4,600 feet Inspiring. Surprising. Encouraging. That is how this trip has made me feel: encouraged.