Author Archives: langleybackcountry

About langleybackcountry

I am a member of Cascade Backcountry Ski Patrol (CBSP), a volunteer National Ski Patrol organization loosely based in Seattle. Our group operates as volunteers with USFS Ranger Districts outside of developed ski areas in the Cascade Mountains near Snoqualmie, Blewett, Stevens, and Washington passes.

I’ll Take a Pass

Posted on May 22, 2017 by langleybackcountry

As I have made clear before, I am not an extreme athlete. Skiing to me is not about big, steep lines. It is about exploring beautiful places in the snow. My friend Jonathan and I like to try to get … Continue reading →

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Science Fair 2.0: Waterproof Breathables

Posted on May 11, 2017 by langleybackcountry

My son and I went back to the outdoor well for the science fair again this year, this time taking a look at waterproof breathable (WPB) fabrics. Gore-Tex is the king of these, but there are many other makers as … Continue reading →

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Backcountry Science Fair: White Gas vs Isobutane

Posted on May 9, 2016 by langleybackcountry

I recently read someone’s “Best of 2016” list of backpacking stoves. In the comments on the Facebook page, some people were asking about canister vs liquid fuel (white gas) stoves. Since the site that came up with the list is … Continue reading →

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My Relationship With Risk

Posted on December 1, 2014 by langleybackcountry

Nearly 25 years ago in Colorado, my climbing partners and I nearly made a tragic error. We glissaded down a sun-blasted gully on an Indian Peaks summit in the early afternoon. My friend Mike was nearly buried in a wet snow slide. … Continue reading →

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Maps & Navigation: What is a Datum and Why is it Important?

Posted on October 6, 2014 by langleybackcountry

Few things are more frustrating as an educator than reading a trade magazine from a major organization in a particular field and finding a glaring factual error in a how-to article. About a year ago I was reading an article … Continue reading →

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Preparation + Navigational Skills + Sound Decisions = Survival

Posted on September 8, 2014 by langleybackcountry

This is a great example of the best outcome for a solo lost hiker in the true wilderness of the Olympic Mountains. Note there was no mention of GPS. Maps, compass, and the knowledge to use them! http://blogs.seattletimes.com/today/2014/09/few-clues-turned-up-in-search-for-olympics-hiker/#comments-page-subtitle

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Delayed Gratification

Posted on May 18, 2014 by langleybackcountry

Sometimes a delay is worth it. I had planned a trip with some other members of my ski patrol, but due to the hideous weather a week ago, I rescheduled it. Since no one was available this week, I ended … Continue reading →

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Maps & Magnets in the GPS World

Posted on April 28, 2014 by langleybackcountry

A quick post about backcountry navigation. Most of us now have GPS, maps, and electronic compasses accessible in our phones. With solar charging options we can even overcome the battery issue for backcountry electronics. So what purpose does the traditional … Continue reading →

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The Art of Running Away from Avalanches

Posted on March 26, 2014 by langleybackcountry

Originally posted on Mediocre Mountaineer:
My friends and I took up backcountry skiing at the same time. A few years ago, as broke students we all simultaneously realized that we couldn’t afford resorts anymore. The burden of rent, tuition and…

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Reawakening my inner Nordic

Posted on February 27, 2012 by langleybackcountry

I have recently been rediscovering my inner Nordic skier, which has been slumbering for many years. Ski tours this winter in Leavenworth, Blewett Pass, and Snoqualmie Pass – including one beautiful day introducing  my 8 year-old son to what we … Continue reading →

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