Just last week, we announced that Patagonia had made some tweaks to its legendary Nano Puff Jacket, and that means there are great deals to be found on the older model.

Right now, you can pick up the perennially popular Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket for just $142.99 at Patagonia. That's a great savings of 40% off the regular asking price for this lightweight puffy jacket, which Patagonia customers give 4.6 stars.

"The perfect cool weather shell or cold weather mid layer. Very comfortable, tailored fit, great colour. Simple to maintain with a cold water wash and hang to dry. Highly recommend," writes one customer.

The secret to the Nano Puff's success? It's super warm, thanks to PrimaLoft Gold Insulation, but also amazingly light at just 12 ounces. That means that while it can add that life-saving insulation you need when you wear it as a mid layer for skiing or winter hiking, it can also be packed away neatly in your carry-on for adventure travel and makes the perfect outer layer for alpine starts and cool summer evenings.

Synthetic insulation continues to keep you warm when it gets wet, so this jacket is a fair choice for damp days too and is treated with DWR to fend off a light drizzle.

This deal applies to men's sizing in the Utility Blue colorway, while you can still make healthy savings on other colors. and you can take 30% off women's sizing in Lagom Blue.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Patagonia Nano Puff jackets where you are.

Needless to say, eco creds abound with this jacket, which boasts a bluesign-approved recycled polyester ripstop shell as well as recycled insulation.

There are two zippered handwarmer pockets for stashing gear, plus a zippered and internal chest pocket that doubles as a stuff sack with a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on the Patagonia Nano Puff jackets near you:

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Last week, we revealed that Patagonia’s perennially popular Nano Puff jacket has just got a rugged new cousin, and now we’ve learned that the Nano Puff itself has received a glow up for fall.

The first Nano Puff dropped all the way back in 2009, which doesn’t sound that long ago, but that makes it older than iPads, Hoka running shoes and Instagram to put it in historical perspective.

Anyway, it was designed as a go-to jacket for any outdoor activity and it’s seen a few changes and upgrades over the years, including switching to PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco in 2016, (made with 55% recycled content) which was created after Patagonia asked the insulation tech wizards to help them cut down on their impact on the planet without reducing the performance of the jacket.

In the eyes of many hikers, climbers and skiers, the Nano Puff is practically perfect and comes with us all year round, but the brand never seems to stop finding small ways to make it better.

For fall 2025, the new Patagonia Nano Puff jacket allows for better mobility with more room in the shoulders. That’s bound to make it better for climbing and for layering as the weather gets colder.

The jacket has only just hit the shelves, but it’s already garnered one glowing review from a fan who says the updated fit is an improvement, writing: “This jacket gives you a bit of wiggle room without issue, which is heavily appreciated.”

That same customer reports that the new jacket is warmer than last year’s model, and if that’s true, it may be down to the standardized quilt pattern that features bigger bricks.

Now, obviously you can wear the Nano Puff to the grocery store or to drink a beer on your front porch, but it’s built for action so it needs to stand up to the demands of backpack straps and harnesses. That’s why Patagonia has also tweaked the thread tension and stitching to improve the jacket’s abrasion resistance, which should keep it in play for longer.

The new roomier, tougher (and warmer?) Patagonia Nano Puff is available now as a jacket, hoody or vest in both men’s and women’s sizing in a ton of classy colorways for $229, which is slightly cheaper than it was four years ago. Of course, this news means you might find older models at a nice price too.

• The best synthetic puffer jackets: feather-free padding to keep out the winter chill
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I know you’re probably not thinking about winter yet, but if you’re going to be skiing or snowboarding in seriously frigid conditions in just a few months' time, you’re going to need the best kit.

Right now, you can pick up the Helly Hansen Swift HT Gloves for just $51.79 at REI. That’s 26% off the regular list price for these high-performing winter gloves that have kept my fingers warm in some brutal conditions in the Alps, including one -2F (-19C) day in Verbier.

The Swift HT Ski Gloves manage to accomplish all the weather protection you need against dangerous wind chill and heavy snow while skipping the bulk and giving you decent dexterity for maneuvering around your gear.

These ski gloves deliver good warmth in very nippy conditions, and are waterproof and windproof. The fleece lining isn’t the softest I’ve ever felt, but it’s super comfortable even when worn all day and is breathable if you’re working up a sweat in the backcountry. Synthetic leather palms add reinforcement and a little grip for pulling the bar down on the chair, and Velcro straps seal them snugly around your wrist so they fit under your ski jacket sleeves and keep a cold draft out.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Helly Hansen Swift HT Ski Gloves where you are.

The touch screen compatibility doesn’t work very well, but so long as you want to be off your phone and having fun in the snow, these great gloves provide all the important weather protection you need to stay warm, dry and safe on the hill.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on the Helly Hansen Swift HT Ski Gloves where you are:

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A celebrated Norwegian freestyle skier has died after being struck by lightning, the Norwegian ski federation has announced.

Audun Grønvold, 49, was reportedly on vacation with his family when the incident took place on Saturday, July 12.

"Norwegian skiing has lost a prominent figure, who has meant so much to both the alpine and freestyle communities," says ski president Tove Moe Dyrhaug.

The statement reveals that Grønvold was quickly taken to hospital and treated for injuries, but died on Tuesday night. Grønvold leaves behind three children and his wife, Kristin Tandberg Haugsjå, who wrote on Facebook that the family was vacationing at their cabin when the accident occurred, though it's not clear where that is.

"Missing you is enormous," she wrote.

Grønvold won a bronze medal in Ski Cross at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and was a national alpine skier for 10 seasons beginning in 1993/94. He took bronze at the World Championships in 2007 and after his skiing career had become the national Ski Cross coach.

Only one month ago, three experienced mountaineers were killed after being struck by lightning while hiking in the Austrian Alps.

• The best ski jackets for men: protection on the slopes
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With the warmer weather and favorable conditions of summer finally here, climbers from across the nation are preparing to strap on their crampons and head up America's tallest mountain.

Dozens of climbers have already scaled Alaska’s Denali mountain, otherwise known as Mount McKinley, and more than 1,000 have registered to make the ascent in the coming months.

The best time to tackle the 20,310ft (6,190m) mountain is generally considered to be between mid-May and early July, when warmer temperatures and reduced wind provide the best conditions for climbing.

Even in the peak season, climbers face a harrowing journey to the summit and have to overcome steep ice climbing sections and highly crevassed glacier travel. There are also multiple geo-hazardous risks, including the potential for violent landslides, rockfalls, and earthquakes. Avalanches alone have killed more than 40 people on the mountain in the past 50 years.

Among those on Denali so far this season was American skier Anna Demonte, who became the fastest woman to ski the 15,766ft (4,806m) Mont Blanc mountain this time last year.

Demonte was attempting to break the women's fastest known time (FKT) skiing record of 7 hours and 29 minutes, but was forced to abandon her attempt after suffering a knee injury just above base camp. She fell at about 16,404ft (5,000m) and tore her MCL (medial collateral ligament), making it impossible to continue the attempt.

America's tallest mountain was the subject of controversy earlier this year, when newly elected President Trump reversed an order that recognized its indigenous name, Denali, in favor of its previous official moniker, Mount McKinley.

The peak was named in 1896 after then-President-elect William McKinley, who never visited his namesake or even the state of Alaska, nor did he have any cultural connection to the area.

President Barack Obama changed the name from Mount McKinley to Denali in 2015 after more than 40 years of campaigning by Native Alaskans, who say the name Denali has been in use for more than 10,000 years.

Recognizing the previous name was one of President Trump's first actions in office, and spurred widespread criticism from the Alaskan community.

The mountain is now officially known as McKinley in the US, but other countries aren't obliged to recognize the new name.

“I strongly disagree with the President’s decision on Denali,” said Alaskan Senator Lisa Murkowski at the time in a post on X.

“Our nation’s tallest mountain, which has been called Denali for thousands of years, must continue to be known by the rightful name bestowed by Alaska’s Koyukon Athabascans, who have stewarded the land since time immemorial.”

• The best climbing shoes: get a grip both indoors and out
• The best ice axes: for tackling frozen terrain

The bodies of five skiers have been found on a glacier in the Swiss Alps.

Climbers alerted local authorities after finding abandoned skis near the summit of Rimpfischhorn on Saturday. A helicopter was sent to survey the area, which is near the Zermatt resort, The Guardian reported, and five bodies were quickly found on the Adler Glacier.

A spokesperson from Air Zermatt, which flew a rescue mission to the site, said the abandoned skis were at an altitude of around 13,100ft (4,000m) on the route up the Rimpfischhorn from the Britannia Hut.

Three of the bodies were found on the debris of an avalanche a few hundred feet below where the skis were spotted, they said. Two other bodies were located further up the mountain.

The identities of the five have not been confirmed yet, it is thought a sixth skier was in the group. An investigation is underway.

The Rimpfischhorn is a mountain in the Pennine Alps of Switzerland, in the south west, near the border with northern Italy. The mountain chain links the Mellich and Allalin glaciers and is popular with backcountry skiers.

Zermatt is one of Switzerland's premier ski destinations with views of the Matterhorn. Last month heavy snowfall in the area triggered avalanches and authorities closed roads.

Avalanches can occur on any slope that is 30-degrees or more and is covered in snow and ice. They can be triggered by a snow storm, a change in temperature, or by human behavior.

If you're planning a snow trip, read our feature on an introduction to the risks and warning signs of snow slides. Our expert guide on how to read an avalanche forecast gives vital advice to help keep you safe.

• The best approach shoes: for alpine adventures, via ferrata, scrambling, and more
• The best balaclavas for skiing, snow shoeing, or ice climbing

Skiers taking part in the prestigious Mezzalama Trophy ski-mountaineering race received the fright of their lives when a small passenger plane dived towards them and narrowly avoided a collision.

A video captured by alpinist Luca Calzone shows the small aircraft landing on the Sesia Pass section of the 15,203ft (4,634m) Monte Rosa Massif before taking an unexpected turn and bombing through a line of skiers just before it took off again.

No one was injured in the incident.

The pilot, who could potentially be held criminally responsible and lose his license, is now under investigation by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA).

A FOCA spokesperson told the Keystone-ATS news agency that it had opened proceedings to "clarify the facts and take appropriate measures."

The pilot has since apologized to skiers and fellow pilots for what he describes as a "serious error of judgement."

In a letter published by Italian and Swiss media, the unnamed pilot said: “I am deeply sorry for the community that I love more than anything else. I hope this never happens to any of you."

The Geneva Aéroclub, which owns the aircraft, has confirmed that the pilot reported the incident to authorities on the same day.

The Mezzalama Trophy is the third-highest ski-mountaineering race in the world. It pits 1,000 of the world's best racers against each other over 28 miles (45km) of unforgiving mountain terrain.

Skiers gain more than 10,738ft (3,272m) of total elevation and tackle precarious ridges, ice climbs, and descents as they cross the Monte Rosa massif. The event is part of the annual ISMF Long Distance World Cup, which decides the world's best ski-mountaineers.

• The best ice axes: for tackling frozen terrain
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Outdoor brand Kathmandu says it wants to push sustainability boundaries and create kits that "act like an extension of the athletes themselves," as it supplies New Zealand's Olympic gear for the next two games.

Kiwi athletes will be suiting up in Kathmandu kit in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. They'll also supply the kit for the team's 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Olympic Youth Games in Dakar - also in 2026.

"Our innovative and responsibly-made gear and apparel will empower our country’s elite athletes to excel, perform at their best, and proudly fly the New Zealand flag on the global stage," said CEO Megan Welch.

Kathmandu prides itself on the use of sustainable, environmentally responsible materials, a tradition it's keen to keep up with the latest Kiwi kits.

“Our product team has a long history of pushing industry boundaries – particularly when it comes to sustainability and innovation," continued Welch.

"In the 1990s, they were one of the first to develop a fleece made from plastic bottles. Now we’re creating world-leading, high-performance garments using fabrics made with recycled car tyres and captured carbon emissions."

Kathmandu has made significant strides towards sustainable production in the past decade.

The brand, which hails from New Zealand itself, uses recycled down and polyester materials in multiple garments and has even opened an entirely solar-powered store in Victoria, Australia.

New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Nicki Nicol said: "New Zealanders care deeply about where their products come from and how they’re made – we now have a leader in sustainable product innovation backing our team."

Kathmandu is best known for creating sturdy hiking and trail running gear.

Here at Advnture, we've been consistently impressed with its snug line of windbreakers and down jackets - like the Heli R Down jacket, which reviewer Pat Kinsella described as a "responsibly made, reasonably priced duck-down jacket," in his four-and-a-half-star review.

• The best hiking shorts: tested and rated for summer adventures
• The best running tops: for training and races on all terrains

A snowboarder who died at a ski resort in Maine was searching for a ski glove he'd dropped from the chairlift, according to police.

The victim, who has been identified as Kendall Willard, 63, of Kingfield, ME, was found unresponsive in a group of trees at Sugarloaf Mountain by ski patrol at 9am, just after the lifts started spinning, on April 5.

A statement from Carrabassett Valley Police Department says that Willard had dropped his glove from the lift and entered closed terrain to retrieve it. He reportedly removed his snowboard and slipped as he walked down the trail, sliding for several hundred feet.

NBC Boston reports that Willard was taken to the first aid room where life-saving measures were attempted, but was pronounced dead at around 9:45am.

This tragic story highlights the importance of respecting trail closures. Ski resorts may close terrain due to a lack of snow, avalanche risk, icy conditions, grooming staff shortages or other hazards that aren't worth risking your life for.

Closures typically increase as the end of ski season looms and daily temperatures rise, but it's important to stick to open terrain and, at this time of year, the safety of groomed runs is likely best. You can learn more in our article on skiing safety.

• Best ski gloves: keep your hands comfortable and warm
• Best ski socks: tested for warmth and comfort

Despite Trump’s surprise 90-day pause on a great deal of his April 2-announced tariffs, it seems inevitable that we’re going to be shelling out more at the checkouts for our favorite outdoor items.

The threat of trade war alone has created huge uncertainty for businesses around the world, destabilizing prices, and the 10% universal duty remains in place, which they are already having to absorb.

Much of the manufacturing of clothes and equipment from our favourite brands takes place in Asia in countries such as China, which is facing a 125% tariff, and in Cambodia and Vietnam, both originally threatened with 49% tariffs.

The US Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) has said that these tariffs will hurt American businesses, workers and consumers. The number of Americans taking part in outdoor activity is at an all-time high, it revealed, with 175.8 million participating last year.

“These tariffs will raise costs for American manufacturers, retailers and families,” says Kent Ebersole, president of OIA.

“That’s going to slow growth, put pressure on small and mid-sized outdoor companies and could force some to close their doors. These tariffs also make it more difficult for global outdoor brands to operate in the US and maintain their American workforce.”

For brands such as Black Diamond and Columbia Sportswear, whose share prices have dropped as a result of these tariff increases, the situation is challenging. The higher tariffs raise their cost base, which makes it harder to maintain profit margins.

Logistics expert Will Kogan explains: “As publicly traded companies, any price hikes or shrinking profit margins directly affect their stock market performance. This has led to investor concerns, reflected in the decline in share prices. The challenge for these companies now is finding a balance between raising prices and maintaining their customer base.

"For US consumers, the effects of these price hikes are becoming increasingly apparent. For high-end brands like Yeti, this could impact demand, as consumers might start to opt for more affordable alternatives, especially in a time of economic uncertainty."

When will the price of gear rise?

Savvy brands have been trying to stay one step ahead of the looming tariffs, importing as much product as they could before April. Imports have been high since summer 2024, the US National Retail Federation has revealed.

“Retailers have been bringing merchandise into the country for months in attempts to mitigate against rising tariffs, but that opportunity has come to an end with the imposition of the ‘reciprocal’ tariffs,” US National Retail Federation spokesperson Jonathan Gold said.

Damon Street from Twist Distribution, EU distributor of Exell Outdoors, which owns brands such as Sierra Designs and Kelty, agrees that businesses have been preparing for these tariffs long before April 2.

"They have probably already been through two waves of pricing," he says.

However, he describes Trump’s latest 90-day pause as a “lifeline”. It will give companies a chance to manufacture and deliver on orders already placed and time to plan for the future.

How will brands absorb these costs?

Street explains that at this time of year, as brands get ready to present next year's spring/summer product at trade shows, they usually have pricing cemented. However, with the economic uncertainty, they are still working it out.

He predicts that they are likely to protect key products while pushing costs onto "accessories".

“Brands are having to look at what are the key products they need, the things that define their brands, and maintain performance there.

For Exell it's their sleeping bags, backpacks and tents. For Kelty, our best-seller is the Tru.Comfort Doublewide two-person sleeping bag. We will make sure this is hitting the right price point going forwards. Perhaps we will have to remove focus from other accessories, the things that are 'nice' to have," he explains.

Businesses are also considering manufacturing long-term. At Excell they have built a factory in Alabama where they can manufacture sleeping bags. However, it's not going to be a quick solution.

"We can switch on manufacturing there," Street says. "But where the products are currently being made, the quality is A1. To replicate the volumes and the quality is going to be a big ask."

Will gear cost less in Europe than the US?

One interesting development is that we may see global pricing disparity, Street predicts.

“At Exell, we have always maintained a global pricing policy. A £100 product in the UK might sell at €115 in the EU and $125 in the US. The brand price is roughly aligned, similar to Nike or Adidas products. The brand price is roughly the same whether you buy it in London, Munich or New York. This may be affected as realistically each territory will have to look at what they need for their own markets and find the right price point."

The end of store discounts?

Further down the supply chain, Street believes retailers will have to reconsider pricing too, which the consumer will probably notice over the coming months.

"As new deliveries arrive with higher-priced product, retailers can blend the price, and get a blended margin that won’t be too bad. However, as they run out of older stock that was bought in at the right price, the margin will be hard to hold without significant price increases.

He believes initially retailers will have to stop discounting products to keep their profit margins and sell at the RRP.

Ultimately, he says the consumer will have to make a choice to spend more or buy from cheaper brands.

Extend the life of your gear

With prices set to hike, it’s more beneficial than ever to takes steps to make your gear last longer.

• Invest in quality – paying more for well-made and durable gear is more financially sound that investing in budget-friendly options, which can be false economy. If you don’t have funds to lay out for brand new gear, consider buying used gear. There’s advice in our article How to shop for second hand outdoor gear.
• Look after your clothes – keep them clean and wash with Nikwax, or unscented detergent, after every few uses. Always store gear clean and dry. Repair tears, and if you can't yourself, employ someone who can.
• Reproof outer layers – when water starts to breach jackets and trousers, use a DWR product to make them waterproof again. There’s helpful advice in How to waterproof a jacket.
• Repair gear – there are amazing gear-repair companies out there who will bring your tired clothes and equipment back to life, especially if the item has a lifetime warranty. Whether it’s replacing a broken backpack zip or washing a filthy sleeping bag, there may be someone out there who can do it at a fair price.

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Melting glaciers in the Norwegian mountains have led to a startling discovery of a prehistoric pair of skis estimated to be some 1,300-year-old.

Researchers from the Secrets of the Ice archaeology program found the ancient pair of skis intact and in decent condition, buried under the melting ice of Norway's Digervarden mountain.

The wooden skis were found just a few yards from the spot where another pair was discovered seven years ago. The find offers scientists a remarkable insight into the lives of pre-historic mountainous people.

"This discovery is ground-breaking for two reasons," archaeologist and co-director Lars Holger Pilø told GlacierHub.

"First, it demonstrates that humans used the high mountains for hunting and transport during winter, despite the considerable risks involved.

"Second, the skis' remarkable preservation, including their bindings, allows us to create precise replicas and experiment with how Iron Age humans might have skied."

One ski is made from pine wood, and the other from birch, but their proximity and near-identical carbon dating suggest they were used as a pair.

According to a 2023 scientific analysis published in the journal Nature, Central Europe alone lost 39% of its glacial coverage between 2000 and 2023. This rapid melting has led to multiple similar archaeological finds in recent years. In January, scientists in the Rocky Mountains uncovered the remains of a 6,000-year-old Whitebark Pine forest, untouched for thousands of years beneath the frozen Beartooth plateau.

The next month, Swiss archaeologists stumbled upon a strange cart-like contraption in a similarly retreating glacier.

"The rapid melting of glacial ice due to anthropogenic climate change is revealing archaeological objects that have been frozen for centuries or even millennia," explained Pilø.

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A woman who died in an accident at Palisades Tahoe ski resort has been identified as a former ski racing champion.

According to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Ellery "Ellie" Curtis, 26, died as the result of a head injury at the California resort on Saturday. The incident reportedly occurred at around 3:45pm on terrain accessed from the famous KT-22 chairlift.

Curtis, from Waitsfield, VT, raced for the University of Dartmouth, where she studied government from 2019 until 2022. She made the USCSCA National Collegiate All-Academic Ski Team for three years in a row. In her senior year, she earned a spot on the All-America Second Team by placing eighth in the giant slalom at the NCAA Championships and on the All-East Second Team as the seventh-ranked women’s alpine skier in the East.

In her bio, the ski team says Curtis "pushed the limits every time on the slopes that led to great results or DNF results."

At the time of her death, Curtis was a resident of San Francisco where she had taken to mountain bike racing with Mike's Bikes Enduro Team. Writing on Instagram, the team called Curtis "family."

"Her radiant energy and positive attitude brought the whole team together. We will remember Ellie as a bad ass on and off the bike. There was never a rest day for her. Often times Ellie opted out of a shuttle or chairlift because “it’s like cheating if I don’t earn it” then proceed to smoke us down the mountain in true Ellie fashion."

Curtis's death is the second to occur at the resort this season – a 62-year-old skier died after hitting a tree in February – and the fifth to take place at Tahoe area resorts.

Skier safety

Incidents like these serve as a grave reminder that even the best skiers are at risk in the sport. With spring conditions, the dangers of skiing may be even higher and if you're planning to get a few more days on the hill in, it's always worth revisiting the skier safety code and remember the following tips:

• Know your skiing ability level and stay within it.
• Always stay in control when you’re skiing. Slow down in congested areas and be able to stop when needed and avoid other people or objects.
• Leave your headphones at home – keep your ears open so you can stay aware of your surroundings.
• People ahead of you have the right of way. You can see them, but chances are, they can’t see you.
• Don’t stop any place (like below rollers) where you aren’t visible from above or where you’re obstructing a trail.
• When starting from a stationary position, or merging onto a trail, always look uphill and yield to other skiers and snowboarders.
• Don’t ski close to other skiers and snowboarders, even if you believe you are an expert skier – give them a wide berth.
• Observe all signs and stay off closed runs.
• If you get into a collision with another person, don’t leave the area until you have given your contact details to a member of the ski patrol or another employee of the ski area.

• Best women's ski jackets: for keeping warm on the slopes
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The end of ski season doesn't have to be all bad news. REI just launched a massive sale on snow gear, and you can save hundreds of dollars on the best ski jackets and pants, goggles and bindings from brands like Patagonia, Helly Hansen and Smith.

Is there a big ticket item like the Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0 ski jacket that you've been holding out on? If so, now's the time to pounce, as you can save a gigantic 50% on it. Even if you're in the market for something small, like new ski goggles, you can grab a top-rated pair from Smith for less than $50 right now, which is a huge steal.

We've scoured the deals for you and rounded up the seven best ones below, all of which are highly rated by skiers and deeply discounted between 30% and 50% off. If you want to browse further, here are some quick links to the best discounts:

• Up to 50% off snow clothing from Patagonia, Burton, Flylow & more 
• Up to 30% off selected Atomic, Rossignol, and Salomon Skis/Boots 
• Up to 40% off All Burton Snowboards/boots/bindings 
• Up to 40% off selected Smith Snow Helmets/Goggles 
• Up to 30% off ALL Giro Snow Helmets/Goggles 

The 7 best deals in REI's snow sports sale

All discounts are based on original prices, while supplies last, and we've noticed some items are already in short supply so we recommend you act fast if you see a deal you like.

Want deals like this year-round? Consider becoming an REI Co-Op member and you'll get an annual 10% back on all eligible purchases plus more membership benefits for life, such as exclusive sales. Just head over to REI's membership page and join today for a one-off payment of $30.

• The best ski jackets for men: protection on the slopes
• The best women’s ski jackets: style, protection and warmth
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Experts are warning hikers and skiers in Japan against overestimating their ability after a record number of rescues in a popular area in 2024.

According to local police, a record 321 visitors required help in the stunning but dangerous mountains of Japan's Nagano Prefecture last year, way up from the previous record of 302.

Sadly, of those 13 were reported missing or died.

Affectionately known as the Japanese Alps, this region is home to multiple towering mountains, many above 10,000ft (3,048m). Each year, tourists and locals flock to test their mettle hiking there, and many more come to ski in the winter months.

Experts blame overconfident hikers and extreme weather for the rise in rescues.

"Weather conditions across all of Japan were pretty wild at times last year, and that may well have been a factor in many of these incidents," Paul Christie, founder of travel firm Walk Japan, told the South China Morning Post.

"The summer was the hottest ever recorded here, and people can very easily underestimate their ability to deal with fatigue."

Almost 30% of incidents involved visitors' slipping down the mountainside, another 22% of call outs were to help people who had been injured by falling and a further 16% were to people suffering from exhaustion. Police said 46% of all incidents involved people over the age of 60.

Skiing incidents were particularly prevalent due to the risks presented by avalanches and falling accidents.

It wasn't confirmed by the data, but Christie believes an increase in foreign visitors has bolstered the rise in rescues.

"There are more foreign tourists in Japan now, and many of them have skiing on their bucket list,” he continued.

“They need to be aware that these environments can be very unforgiving, and they need to be prepared.”

For more information on how to stay safe while hiking, check out our expert guide.

• The best trekking poles: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails
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Carv 2 Ski Coach: first impressions

Imagine a world where your ski instructor could quite literally put themselves in your shoes. No more assumptions or vague interpretations that get lost in translation; instead, every assessment is precise, pointing out exactly where you're going wrong and how to fix it. That's what Carv 2 can offer.

This digital ski coaching technology is revolutionizing the slopes. With two small sensors that weigh about as much as three AAA batteries, you can unlock a whole world of motion data from your smartphone. Clip them to your ski boots and they'll analyze a host of skiing skills, from turn shape and edging to balance and speed.

The technology uses algorithms to evaluate your technique, turning what could otherwise be considered nitpicky nuts and bolts of skiing into a fun, competitive element, known as a Ski:IQ score, based on your skill. There's also the option to customize your focus metric (turn shape, edging, parallel skis, etc) and receive real-time feedback through headphones.

This second iteration of Carv was released at the end of 2024. The earlier model relied on footbeds you inserted into your ski boots, which required a fair amount of calibrating to customize the pressure sensors. All of that is no more. The developers have crammed all the tech to fit inside two tiny sensors that clip to your boot straps, so there's no fiddly set-up necessary. All you need is a Bluetooth connection to your phone (you won't even need mobile data for the app to work, so no need to worry about roaming charges abroad).

Carv 2 Ski Coach: On the slopes

I would call myself a pretty average skier, which actually makes me the perfect Carv customer. I'm comfortable on steeper blue runs, and I can make my way down a black, although I lack control a bit on the latter. (In terms of types of skiing, Carv is for downhill only.) I started my week in British Columbia, Canada (in a small resort called Silver Star) with no preconceived ambitions, so I left the decision-making to Carv.

One of the features Carv 2 boasts is automatic terrain detection and snow conditions (smooth groomers, powder skiing, moguls, etc). During our visit, we had bluebird days with warmer conditions and slushier snow, as well as white-out days with much choppier powder, so I was keen to see how the tech held up.

I also had a private lesson with an instructor. There's much talk about whether a device that sells itself as a "ski instructor in your pocket" is kicking the real deal out of jobs, but that's far from the case. The whole premise of Carv is that it works with, rather than against, instructors (developers made a huge effort to consult ski professionals during testing and manufacturing). My instructor was even a Carv user himself. I used the two in tandem, using Carv's data to dictate the areas to focus on during my lesson. Here’s how it went.

Hardware and ease of use

The huge advantage of Carv 2 is the simplicity of the hardware. Clipping these sensors to your boots takes just seconds, and you can easily fit them in your ski jacket pocket if you decide to take them off. You can even interchange them among your friends (as long as you're happy for their Ski:IQ score to read as your own!)

What surprised me most was the battery life. I skied with Carv for five full days and I didn't need to recharge them at all. The sensors have an auto-wake/sleep function, so there's no power switch – they just goes into hibernation mode when not in use. They also use low-energy Bluetooth to save your phone’s battery so you can run them all day.

I was most skeptical about the sensor's ability to measure balance. With Carv 1, each footbed had 36 pressure sensors to precisely measure how your weight was distributed. Of course, the new model can't do that. What it can do, however, is measure changes in acceleration as a skier moves backwards and forwards over their bindings, as well as vertical acceleration as you move up and down during the turn. I played around with some exaggerated movements on the slopes and the various different balance metrics did indeed pick them up (in fact, my "transition weight release" improved as a result).

Feedback and coaching

Carv offers feedback via three coaching modes: Active Coach (real-time feedback), Ski:IQ and Tips (a summary of your progress plus ski tips on the chair lift), and Ski:IQ Only. Each mode can be accessed via audio feedback through headphones if you truly want to focus on technique, but there's an option to switch it off if you just want to enjoy skiing or you're with company.

I used Active Coach mode with the audio on most days (I opted for bone conduction headphones so I could still hear and follow ski safety rules). It gives you reassuring little "dings" on every successful turn that rise in pitch as you build a streak. The feedback on the chairlift was succinct but useful, offering a tip for the next run down the mountain and a few words of encouragement ("go get 'em, tiger!" was a personal favorite). The only snag is the robotic nature of the voice. I hoped for something akin to Alexa but got something more like an early text-to-speech TomTom. There are plenty of voices to choose from, but I found they all had the same problem.

That superficial issue aside, the data Carv captures is extremely detailed, so much so that there's a risk it could bog you down. There were times I felt like I had a great run, only to realize I'd scored a mediocre IQ. I then began to overanalyze every turn for the rest of the day, which does take the fun out the skiing somewhat. In terms of accuracy, though, it's spot on. Tech nerds will have a field day.

By day three, I'd wrapped my head around the metrics and turned off audio coaching so I could enjoy skiing a bit more. I decided to make improving my turn shape the focus of the week. Every skier has a weaker leg, but I wasn't as aware of how acutely worse my left-hand turns were. Rather than swooping C-shapes, my rotary diagram showed a rushed zig-zag. I read the improvement tips in the Carv app (and showed my instructor during my lesson), working on drills like "patience turns", "stork turns", and toppling into the fall line. The difference between day one and day three was immense.

The Ski:IQ score will adapt to your terrain, pitch, and slope grading, and I found it rewards more challenging runs (which are all shown on a GPS map of your resort, by the way – great for navigating on the go). For reference, my personal best of 126 was on a black run – reassuring as this is where I thought things could go downhill (pardon the pun).

One of the pitfalls, however, is the inaccuracy in detecting terrain/snow conditions. While Carv did pick up on uneven conditions (ungroomed runs, for example), it failed to pick up the times I was skiing bumps or powder. You can override these within the app afterward, but I saw no score adjustments.

Lastly, there's quite a bit of ski jargon to wrap your head around (both in the in-app tips and audio coaching), which can be hard to decipher if you're a relatively new skier. I also found some of the conceptual coaching tips a bit vague. That said, when you dig deeper into the app, there are "real-life" tips from instructors for each skill, as well as "feels like" insights for movement recognition (one read "feels like you're getting out of a rocking chair at the end of each turn"). Both of these were far easier to interpret.

App features and interface

All your data is shown in Carv app (which you can only access with a subscription to Carv, purchased alongside the up-front cost of the hardware). The interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate, and there's lots to explore. For each performance metric you'll get detailed personal insights. The data visualization and graphics make it easy to see where you're going wrong and spot improvements over time.

Besides the performance analysis, there are also video drills you can watch from within the app. Lots of these address the upper body to help you improve you're separation. Of course, this is the area that the hardware itself can't offer feedback on, but the library of video drills is a great way to augment your learning in this department and help you to progress.

There's also a nifty feature called video coaching mode. You can record a Carv user from within the app, and it will then visually analyze your skiing and offer a Ski:IQ. In terms of accuracy, it's hard to say how it shapes up compared to insights from the sensors (and you can't dive into the metrics as you normally would), but it's a useful tool for visualizing your ski technique, allowing you to pause or view in slow-mo to dissect your turns.

Carv 2 Ski Coach: the bottom line

The conclusion I've made is that the way Carv wants you to ski is quite particular. It can't account for individual ski style (we all have one), and there are understandable limitations (which it's very honest about, outlining each metric's limitation within the app). In short, you shouldn't take what it says as absolute gospel.

The trick is to avoid getting bogged down by the sheer amount of data and allow it to overwhelm or dishearten you. Rather than look at every single segment in detail, I decided to see Carv as a game for self-improvement. I honed in on one metric (turn shape), and made that my sole focus for the week.

Finally, and most notably, Carv isn't a substitute for a ski lesson (and it doesn't claim to be). Instead, it's a supplement. It's a great tool to help you target specific changes you need to make to improve your skiing technique (in my case, changes I wasn't even aware of), but it can't cover the full gamut. The aim is to help you become a smooth carving skier, so it's unsuitable for first-timers. If, however, you're a semi-frequent intermediate or advanced skier and you want to add a tool to your belt that will help you hone certain skills, it's a magical piece of kit that's surprisingly fun to use.

• How Advnture tests products

Three heli-skiers who were killed by a giant avalanche in BC were ski industry leaders, according to reports.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) says the slide occurred on the east side of Kootenay Lake just before 1pm on Monday.

"Two groups of skiers had just finished skiing the bowl and were waiting in a staging area below the tree line of Clute Creek water shed. A transport helicopter was nearing the group when the pilot observed an avalanche and sounded the siren. One group of skiers was able to run out of harms way, while the other group of four was swept away into the tree line."

Avalanche Canada reports that the size 3 avalanche killed three men in the group, while a fourth was critically injured.

Local company Stellar Heliskiing has released a statement acknowledging that the group consisted of its guests and a guide, who has since been identified by the Vancouver Sun as its owner Jason Remple, 53, one of those who perished.

"The entire team at Stellar Heli Skiing extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts remain with them during this incredibly difficult time."

Also killed were Whistler-based pro snowboarder Jeff Keenan, 44, who founded the snowboard company Dinosaurs Will Die, and Alex Pashley, 45, from Idaho, who was Global Sports Marketing Manager (Snow) at The North Face.

"We’re heartbroken to share the loss of our friend and colleague. Alex Pashley’s curiosity and kindness left a mark on everyone who had the privilege of working, riding, and running alongside him," writes TNF on Instagram.

Mark Jennings-Bates, manager of Kaslo Search and Rescue, tells the Vancouver Sun that all three men were “very, very proficient" in the backcountry.

This incident takes place just three weeks after three heli-skiers were buried by a 100-foot deep avalanche in Alaska, in the deadliest avalanche in the US since 2023. There have been no reports that their bodies have been recovered.

Avalanche safety

Backcountry skiing and snowboarding carry a higher risk of avalanches than resort skiing, and incidents like these show that even experience and the best equipment may not be enough to save you, particularly during spring conditoins. To minimize your risk, before embarking on any backcountry skiing, it's recommended you take an avalanche safety course where you'll learn how to read an avalanche forecast.

required kit for avalanche terrain includes an avalanche beacon, probe and shovel, and it's important to carry a Personal Locator Beacon or satellite communicator such as a Garmin InReach if you're not traveling with a guide who will furnish you with one.

If you're updating your ski kit, consider also gear that is equipped with a RECCO reflector, such as the Helly Hansen Lifa Elevation Infinity 2.0 Shell Jacket and a ski backpack with airbags.

• The best avalanche beacons: emergency transceivers that save lives
• The best ski backpacks: for adventures on and off-piste

Lindsay Vonn ended her first season back as a professional skier by scooping up a silver medal at the super-G at the World Cup Finals over the weekend.

The 40-year-old star zoomed past Italy's Federica Brignone on the Challenger slope at Sun Valley on Sunday to finish in 1 minute, 13.64 seconds for second place behind Swiss skier Lara Gut-Behrami. The medal is Vonn's sixth super-G globe and makes her the oldest female Alpine skier to ever stand on a World Cup podium.

"I DID IT!!!!" writes Vonn on her Instagram page.

"After everything I’ve been through, I fought my way back on to the podium!! I can’t even start to describe what this means to me… I have been overwhelmed with emotion and support."

This is Vonn's 138th career podium and her first in seven years, earning her 13th in the super-G standings.

It's been a slower restart for the three-time Olympian, who announced her surprise return to the Stifel U.S. Ski Team in November, five years after she retired from the sport. Vonn has suffered multiple serious injuries throughout her storied career including a partial knee surgery last April. She didn't have the requisite points to compete at Beaver Creek in December, but she's been slowly picking up speed in St. Moritz and St. Anton.

And right now, she has no plans to slow down and savor the win. Up next, Vonn says she's eyeing the Olympic Games in Cortina 2026.

“It’s surreal to really think about where I was before my surgery and where I am now. I was living a completely different life, and I was just trying to get rid of my pain. And now I’m back trying to make it to the Olympics next year,” she tells the Associated Press.

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Spring skiing is here and there are some great deals to be found on cold-weather gear that you can still get some action out of before the season ends. Right now, you can pick up the excellent Patagonia Storm Shift Pants for just $278.99 at Patagonia. That's a giant 30% off the regular asking price for these ski pants, which we found to be "surprisingly rugged" when we tested them in Iceland.

"The Patagonia Women’s Storm Shift Pants have seen me experiencing more powder days in Iceland than I ever thought possible. Having kit that could perform in a wider variety of weather conditions – keeping the heat in when chilly and dumping it when things got warmer – was of utmost importance," says Advnture contributor Jessie Leong, who was a big fan of the design and overall cut of these trousers.

Built with two layers of Gore-Tex protection to keep the elements out, these pants have a unique liner for a dose of wicking warmth and snag-free layering.

This deal applies to women's sizing in the Smolder Blue colorway, but you can also save 30% on the Insulated Storm Shift Pants in both men's and women's sizing if you're looking for something a little warmer.

If you're looking for a deal on these pants but aren't in the US, scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Patagonia Storm Shift Pants where you are.

They also have an in-built RECCO reflector for backcountry touring and outer thigh vents for skinning and spring days.

Not in the US? Here are today's best offers on the Patagonia Storm Shift Pants near you:

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A massive storm prompted multiple avalanches in a single day at a California ski resort, where three guests and a ski patroller were caught in slides.

The slides took place on March 13 at Palisades Tahoe Resort, where a skier was killed in January 2024 in an inbounds avalanche. According to a statement from the resort, the first incident occurred before the mountain opened during morning sweeps, when a ski patroller was injured

“At approximately 8 a.m. this morning, a member of our ski patrol team sustained a leg injury while en route to perform avalanche mitigation work along the KT-22 Terrain. Our team responded immediately, and the patroller was transported for further medical care.”

Following that slide, the resort posted on X to say that all lift openings would be delayed while mitigation work took place, and ultimately announced it would be keeping Upper Mountain closed.

Despite those efforts, the San Francisco Chronicle reports that two skiers were caught in a slide shortly after noon in the East Gully area. They were not buried or injured. Less than two hours later, another guest was partially buried by a second avalanche below the Fingers, near the KT-22 Lift. Other skiers were able to quickly dig the skier out and ski patrol conducted search efforts using avalanche beacons and avalanche dogs. No injuries were sustained in that incident.

The events took place following a storm system that dumped over two feet of snow in the area over 24 hours, the biggest storm there in more than two years. The Sierra Avalanche Center had marked the avalanche danger as "considerable" on that day.

Palisades Tahoe encompasses Alpine Meadows resort, the site of the famed 1982 avalanche that killed seven and is set to be the focus of a new feature film directed by Martin Scorsese and slated for release next year.

As a result of that deadly incident, avalanche forecasting and mitigation has become commonplace at North American resorts and inbounds avalanches are rare, but as this story demonstrates, they're always a possibility. Always observe closures at ski resorts, and consider sticking to groomed runs during whiteout conditions.

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A snowboarder has died two days after falling from a chairlift at a Montana resort in high winds. The accident occurred on the same day a gondola cabin detached and fell to the ground at a different North American resort.

On the morning of Monday, March 10, Jeffrey Zinne, 37, of Billings was riding the Triple Chair – which does not have a safety bar – at Red Mountain Lodge Ski Resort when he fell. Zinne was pronounced dead on Wednesday, with the cause of death listed by the Yellowstone County Coroner's Office as blunt force trauma. A GoFundMe account established for Zinne describes him as "a man who always put others first," and says he leaves behind a wife and two-year-old son.

The area was experiencing extremely high winds on Monday and other lifts at the resort had been closed for safety reasons. Red Lodge Mountain spokesperson Troy Hawks tells ABC News the case is under investigation, and that the mile-long lift was operating within safety parameters on the day. It remains closed.

On the same morning, a gondola cabin carrying eight people fell to the ground at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden in British Columbia.

"Based on preliminary findings, a lift hanger broke while this carrier was leaving the bottom station, causing it to fall approximately one meter to the ground. Our patrol team and first responders were rapidly dispatched on scene," says the resort in a statement.

No one was seriously injured, but all remaining passengers had to be evacuated for safety reasons. The resort closed for the remainder of the day and the gondola remains closed while the incident is under investigation.

Last month, a skier was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after the chairlift he was riding at Attitash Mountain Resort in New Hampshire detached and fell 20 feet to the ground. Parent company Vail Resorts hasn't released any further details on that incident.

Despite the recent spate of accidents, lift and gondola malfunctions remain relatively rare. According to the National Ski Areas Association, between 1956 and 2024, there were 35 fatalities related to lifts and gondolas – six from falls and 16 involved technical malfunction. To protect yourself from user error-related injuries, read our articles on skiing safety and riding a chairlift.

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A skier has died following a collision at Colorado's Keystone resort, according to authorities.

The Summit County Sheriff’s Office says it is investigating the death of a male skier from the Front Range on March 11, reporting that its preliminary investigation found he was "descending the Haywood trail at a high speed when he lost control, veered off the trail, and collided with a padded light pole."

Haywood is a more technical blue run near the Mountain House base area with a steeper pitch and rolls that can hinder visibility at times.

The report states the skier, who has not been named, was wearing a helmet and there is no evidence of intoxication. No other skiers are thought to have been involved in the incident.

Keystone Ski Patrol responded to the scene immediately and provided advanced life-saving measures. The skier was then transported to Keystone Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by this tragic loss," says Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons.

This news follows the death of a snowboarder in February at Vail Mountain. In that case, Connor Gill, 26, disappeared during a snow storm after boarding the Avanti lift on the morning of February 14. His body was discovered two weeks later and no further details have been released on his cause of death.

Ski resort safety

Resort skiing may be safer than backcountry skiing, but the potential for high speeds and crowds means it's not without risk. It's vital to know and follow the skiing safety code, ski within your ability level and stay in control at all times.

Even though an avalanche transceiver is not usually advised for in-bounds skiing, wearing clothing or gear equipped with a RECCO reflector can help ski patrol locate you if you get hurt. The Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity 2.0 Ski Shell Jacket has a RECCO reflector and a Life Pocket on the chest that helps protect your phone from the cold and keeps it within reach.

Read our tips on how to keep your phone from dying in the cold.

• Best avalanche beacons: emergency transcievers that save lives

Martin Scorsese has signed on to produce a new film that will depict one of the deadliest avalanches in US history. The Oscar-winning filmmaker will co-produce the drama along with action flick producer Randall Emmett and Jared Drake and Steven Sig, who were behind the 2021 Netflix documentary Buried, which examines the fateful events of the Alpine Meadows avalanche.

On March 31, 1982, a 3,200-foot avalanche ripped through Alpine Meadows in Tahoe after a massive snowstorm that had caused the ski resort to close. It buried eight people and killed seven, flipping snow cats and destroying buildings in its wake.

In the 2010 book about the disaster, A Wall of White, Jennifer Woodlief writes about ski patroller Larry Heywood and his team who rescued 22-year-old Anna Conrad Allen after she had been trapped for five days underneath the snow.

According to reporting by Deadline, the film titled Wall of White will tell the story through the eyes of Allen, who lost part of her right leg and left foot in the accident, and is set to begin production later this year.

The tragedy reshaped avalanche forecasting and mitigation methods at ski resorts across the world, and led to the formation of the Sierra Avalanche Center. Today, inbounds avalanches aren't unheard of – just last year, an inbounds avalanche struck Palisades Tahoe, formerly Alpine Meadows, killing one – but they're extremely rare.

Though it's not typically recommend to ski inbounds with avalanche gear, if you plan to use the resort infrastructure to head into sidecountry or backcountry terrain, you should prepare with avalance safety training and learn how to read an avalanche forecast. Carry (and know how to use) and avalanche beacon, probe and shovel, and consider investing in a ski backpack with airbags such as the POC Dimension Avalanche Backpack.

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Three heli-skiers are missing and presumed dead after being swept up in a massive avalanche in Alaska.

According to the Alaska Department of Public Safety, the men were caught in an avalanche measuring half a mile wide at around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the Chugach Mountains near the West Fork of 20 Mile River near Girdwood.

Guides from the commercial heli-skiing operation that the group was traveling with immediately attempted to locate the three skiers using avalanche beacons, but the massive amount of snow made rescue impossible.

"The guides identified a probable area where skiers were buried between 40 feet and nearly 100 feet deep. The guides were unable to recover the three skiers due to the depth," states the report.

The Alaska Daily News reports that the men were visiting from out of state and skiing with Chugach Powder Guides. Tracey Knutson, a spokesperson for the guiding outfit, says a fourth person from the group, which was visiting from out of state, was not caught in the slide and that witnesses saw the men deploy their air bags as the avalanche began.

The incident came during considerable avalanche risk in the area, according to the Chugach Avalanche Information Center, which advised skiers to avoid wind-loaded terrain that day. The risk made recovery operations impossible on Tuesday, and poor weather conditions on Wednesday further hampered rescue efforts, preventing helicopter flights, avalanche experts, and recovery teams from assessing the slide area.

If the fatalities are confirmed, they will be the first in Alaska this year and it will be the deadliest slide in the US since an avalanche in Washington’s Cascade Mountains killed three climbers in 2023.

Heli-skiing is a guided skiing or snowboarding experience that uses a helicopter to access remote backcountry areas.

Avalanche safety

Backcountry skiing and snowboarding carry a higher risk of avalanches than resort skiing, and it's important to prepare with the right training and gear. Before embarking on any backcountry skiing, it's recommended you take an avalanche safety course where you'll learn how to read an avalanche forecast.

Required kit for avalanche terrain includes an avalanche beacon, probe and shovel, while it's worth having a Personal Locator Beacon or satellite communicator such as a Garmin InReach if you're not traveling with a guide.

If you're updating your ski kit, consider also gear that is equipped with a RECCO reflector, such as the Helly Hansen Lifa Elevation Infinity 2.0 Shell Jacket and a ski backpack with airbags.

• The best avalanche beacons: emergency transceivers that save lives
• The best ski backpacks: for adventures on and off-piste

Colorado's high country is already renowned for its world-class skiing, but one resort might be about to get a whole lot bigger. Copper Mountain has announced plans to expand by more than 500 acres and add several new lifts.

On February 27, White River National Forest approved a master plan that aims to increase the Summit County resort's capacity and help skiers move around the mountain more easily.

To achieve this, the resort hopes to increase its skiable terrain by 14%, bringing the total to 4,154 acres. It also intends to add six new chairlifts to its existing count of 24, including a 5,900-ft four-person chairlift to the top of the 13,211-ft Jacque Peak. If plans go ahead, that would be the highest ski lift in North America and access terrain within the Tucker Gulch drainage.

The proposal also suggests upgrades to eight existing lifts and aims to increase intermediate terrain at Copper, which it says is low relative to other comparable resorts.

The upgrades will mean Copper, which has been in operation since 1972, will be able to handle significantly more skiers than years past, while spreading skiers out better across the terrain. Currently its capacity is 11,870 skiers, but with the new lifts and terrain in place, it will be able to load 15,360 skiers per day, which could cut down on the number of front ranger skiers continuing over Vail Pass.

The resort has more potential growth on the horizon, too. Copper's Special Use Permit still leaves over 3,000 acres of undeveloped terrain after this expansion that the resort hopes to use in the coming decade.

"In the next ten years, CMR’s goal is to capitalize on the tremendous potential of the resort’s existing Special Use Permit Area (SUP) to meet the ever-growing demand for developed recreational skiing as a regional and destination resort," states the plan. Looks like it's time to clean up in REI's end-of-season ski gear sale.

Copper Mountain Resort is owned by Park City-based Powdr, which also owns Eldora, Snowbird, Mt Bachelor and Silver Star in BC. It recently announced it will close for the 2024/25 season on May 11, making this season the second longest on record for the mountain.

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Spring skiing means bright sunny days on the deck and some great markdowns on the best gear. Right now, you can pick up the awesome Oakley Flight Deck L Snow Goggles for just $161.93 at REI. That's a healthy 25% off the regular list price for these goggles, which skiers say have "superior ventilation" to avoid getting steamy.

The frameless design of these goggles is inspired by the helmet visors of fighter pilots, which lends excellent visibility and makes them suitable for large-size faces. The Styles with Prizm lens technology enhances color and contrast so you can see more detail on low light days, and the lenses are easy to switch out if you're dealing with variable conditions.

With the days getting longer, you might be skiing all day and the triple-layer face foam with moisture-wicking polar fleece lining makes sure you can do that in comfort.

This deal applies to the Black Stars frame color with Iridium lenses.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Oakley goggles where you are.

The lenses are coated with anti-fog so you don't have to keep wiping your goggles on the lift and if you're a glasses-wearer, discreet frame notches at the temples make them compatible with most prescription eyewear. These goggles come with a soft case for storage and a micro bag for cleaning and carting them around safely.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on today's best deals on Oakley goggles where you are:

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The body of a snowboarder missing since Valentine's Day has been found on Vail Mountain two weeks after he disappeared.

Connor Gill, 26, was last seen boarding the Avanti chairlift by himself on Friday, February 14 at around 8:50 a.m. and was reported missing that afternoon. Rescue crews launched an immediate search, but were challenged by heavy snowfall and high winds in the days following Gill's disappearance.

In the weeks since the Denver resident disappeared, teams from multiple agencies have assisted Vail Mountain Rescue and Vail Ski Patrol, probing the area and using cell phone data to try to locate Gill despite several feet of new snow.

Last week saw some blue skies and warmer temperatures and Gill's body was found on Friday, February 28, and confirmed by Eagle County Coroner Kara Bettis on Monday.

“On behalf of Vail Mountain and Vail Ski Patrol, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our guest,” says Vail COO Beth Howard in a statement.

“We appreciate all of the rescue agencies who conducted this search alongside Vail Ski Patrol.”

No other details have been made available, but Advnture will keep this story updated.

Staying safe on the slopes

Skiing and snowboarding are inherently risky, even at a resort, but there are actions you can take to help keep yourself safer. Always wear a helmet and when possible, ski with a friend.

Ski within your ability and stay on the ski runs rather than leaving for the trees, where you may encounter more obstacles, deeper snow and the possibility of tree wells.

Let someone know your plans and even though an avalanche transceiver is not usually advised for in-bounds skiing, wearing clothing or gear equipped with a RECCO reflector can help ski patrol locate you.

If you're not carrying a Personal Locator Beacon, keep your phone within easy reach and take steps to make sure it stays charged. The Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity 2.0 Ski Shell Jacket has a Life Pocket on the chest that helps protect your phone from the cold and keeps it within reach. Read our tips on skiing safety and how to keep your phone from dying in the cold.

• The best avalanche beacons: emergency transceivers that save lives

There a a number of different skiing disciplines, including downhill skiing, backcountry ski touring, Nordic cross-country skiing and Nordic back country skiing, They are all great winter sports and offer lots of benefits, but any form of skiing can be tricky to learn. We bring you a guide to getting started with the specific discipline of Nordic back country skiing.

What is Nordic back country skiing?

Nordic skiing as a general term covers a number of different disciplines, including Nordic cross country skiing, which is usually is done on maintained trails or groomed tracks, and Nordic back country skiing, which is a freestyle version.

Nordic Back country skiing takes place on snow-covered tracks and trails, much the same as the routes you might enjoy while hiking in winter.

The common denominator of Nordic skiing is that the boot heel is always free on the ski binding. The toe is clipped to the ski, but the heel is free to move.

This is different from downhill skiing where toe and heel are always clipped securely into the binding and, while back country ski touring bindings allow the heel to be free for “uphill skiing”, when you transition to downhill skiing, the heels are clipped in.

Nordic skis are generally narrow and lightweight. The underneath of the skis has a textured design that prevents some slippage backwards, while still allowing for a smooth movement forwards. This design might be what is called “fishscales” – a pattern akin to a fish’s scales on the base of the skis – or a strip of fabric “skin”. Sometimes skis have both fabric and scales.

Nordic back country skis usually have metal edges, too, to allow for some edging when skiing uphill or downhill. Nordic cross country skis do not usually have metal edging.

Nordic ski poles are longer than ski poles for other skiing disciplines, and are usually as tall as shoulder height.

Tips to get started with Nordic back country skiing

Here are some useful tips if you are new to Nordic back country skiing, or keen to improve.

1. Get the right kit

You need the right skis, boots and poles to enjoy Nordic ack country skiing. If you are new to the sport, try hiring the kit first to see if you enjoy it.

If you are keen to buy the set up – it is usually cheaper than a traditional set of downhill skis, boots and bindings – head to a local store where you can try on the boots and get advice about the right skis, boots and poles.

2. Choose the right location

Back country Nordic skiing is best enjoyed on snowy tracks. Think of snowy forest or countryside tracks, perhaps where you enjoy lower-level hiking.

There needs to be a good covering of snow, so you are not skiing on rocks and stones. When starting out, choose tracks that are flat or only slightly undulating.

3. Learn how to get moving

To move forwards in Nordic skiing, you need to “kick-and-glide”. The poles aid better propulsion.

To perform the kick and slide, you should think about accentuating your stride. Think about Nordic walking, for example. As you slide one foot forward on the ski, push down and through with the opposite pole and “kick” forward with your back foot to start gliding. Then do the same on the other side without stopping.

The more you can push and glide on the skis, the smoother your progress will be and the faster you go.

Note that it can be hard to balance at first on narrow skis when you pick up too much speed.

You need to practise the kick-and-glide to become proficient at it on smooth snow. Then you can start to ski on more uneven terrain.

Following someone else is easier than making you own tracks, too.

4. Learn how to plant your poles

When you are on the flat, you should aim to plant the poles in front of you with each stride. Your skis and body should then move past the pole before you plant the other pole. Keep pole planting and gliding for best efficiency with Nordic skiing.

The aim is to maintain a rhythm of pole planting and ski gliding.

5. Learn how to ski uphill

Nordic back country skis have some in-built traction. It might be a textured pattern on the base of the skis, or a section of “skin”. The skin is usually made of a fabric and prevents some of the backwards slipping that will normally happen when on skis and trying to go uphill.

Many modern back country Nordic skis have a section of “skin”, as well as a pattern such as fishscales.

This traction will stop you from slipping backwards on shallow uphills – anything up to about 15 degrees – but as soon as the incline steepens, you’ll start to slip backwards.

6. Get your weight in the right place

Ensure your weight is in the middle of the ski. When your weight is fully on the ski, there is a greater chance of the “skin” being engaged with the snow.

7. Try to walk like a duck

On even steeper inclines, there is another technique to learn. On short, steep uphill sections of snow, try to use a herringbone-shaped step. Point the tips of your skis outwards, like a duck walking. Make sure your weight is on the inside edges to form a backward, downward-facing wedge with your skis.

This should give you enough traction to get up many inclines.

8. A step to the side

If the hill becomes too steep to perform the duck walk, then you can side step. This means turning side on to the hill and keeping skis parallel. Then step uphill, ski by ski until you reach the top of the slope and you can then turn around to ski-glide again.

9. Think about the downhills

To start with, you should choose a gentle downhill. Make sure is fully snow-covered and there are no natural obstacles, such as rocks and vegetation, in the way.

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart on the skis and bend your knees to form an athletic position. Push your hands out in front of you. You should aim to keep your feet fairly flat on the skis and relaxed, but be ready to respond to different terrain levels and changes in snow feel.

Try to be as relaxed as you can and then let yourself slide down the hill. If there is deeper snow, you might need to lean back a bit to keep the ski tips above the snow surface.

Practising downhills is very important because this is the part of Nordic skiing that many people struggle with.

10. Planting poles downhill

On gentle downhills, use “double poling” for more efficient skiing. Crouch in an athletic stance with your skis parallel and plant both poles in front of you at once, pushing with both arms to propel yourself forward.

11. Traverse on steeper slopes

If the slope is too steep to safely descend, or you want to keep your speed down, you should aim to traverse the slope.

Keep you weight on the uphill edges and form a pizza shape – this is called a snowplow – so that you can keep your speed under control and slow down.

12. Try gentle turns

The technique in back country Nordic skiing is called step turns. Try completely picking up one ski and putting it down facing the direction that you want to go.

If you want to turn while going downhill, you should aim to do a snowplow and then put more weight on the outside ski. As you turn, move your skis back into parallel position to pick up speed.

This can be a tricky technique to master especially with your heels unattached.

13. Think nose, knees, toes

If you keep your nose, knees and toes in alignment, then your chest is more likely to stay proud with eyes forward and your body in an athletic position.

14. Strength and conditioning

To become good at Nordic back county skiing, it’s helpful to have strong core muscles, as well as other muscles, such as glutes, hamstrings and calves. A strong upper body will be helpful, toom for the pole planting and push.

Doing strength-based classes, as well as sessions such as body balance or yoga, will help to prepare you for the rigours of Nordic back country skiing.

15. Don’t forget the climber’s tape

Feet can become blistered because of the active movement of Nordic back country skiing. If the boots fit well, it shouldn't be a problem but in the early days, adding climber's tape to your heels and the side of your feet will provide a good layer of protection.

16. Get the right clothing

Conditions can be cold but the activity of Nordic back country skiing will make you warm up. To start with, you can simply wear the same kit as for winter trail running.

Layering is the best plan. A lightweight windproof and waterproof jacket will be useful and you might choose to wear winter warm running tights or stretchy hiking pants.

You'll also need gloves, ski socks or hiking socks and headwear. If it's sunny, you will also want to wear sunglasses.

It's important, for comfort and safety, to take a backpack with other clothing, such as waterproof over-pants, spare gloves and an insulated jacket.

17. Take a Nordic skiing lesson

A few practical tips learned from a qualified instructor will be invaluable if you want to progress with Nordic back country skiing.

18. Watch and learn

Watch on-line skiing videos for tips on how to improve, or go skiing with a friend who is already accomplished and learn from them.

19. Always think about your safety

This is not a final note, but rather an important tip. As with all types of outdoor activities it’s important to assess your ski location before heading out.

Check the weather forecasts. If you will be skiing on trails in areas where steeper slopes are prone to avalanches, you should check this forecast, too.

Also take enough food and water with you for your outing, as well as extra clothing, an emergency bivy sack and a cellphone in case of emergency.

Less than three months after a violent crash that resulted in a puncture wound to her abdomen, Mikaela Shiffrin has become the first skier in history to claim 100 World Cup wins.

The Colorado skier won the slalom on Sunday at Sestriere, Italy. It was only her second World Cup race back after a dramatic crash at the Stifel Killington Cup in Vermont in December where she suffered a seven-centimeter puncture wound to her oblique muscles.

“Not only does she reset record after record within her sport, but she does it with a sense of humility and grace," says Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard who calls the skier a "one of a kind."

Shiffrin, 29, claimed her first World Cup win in 2012 at just 16 years old. In March 2023, she became the winningest alpine skier in history with her 87th World Cup victory, which broke the record set by Sweden’s Ingemar Stenmark in 1986.

To celebrate her success, the skier says she has partnered with Share Winter Foundation to raise $100,000 to help increase access to snow sports among youth in historically underserved populations.

“I know that not everyone is blessed with the good fortune I have come across; in fact, very few are, and over the years, the lack of accessibility for a diverse group of people in winter sports has funneled us into a very not diverse community,” says Shiffrin.

“I see this 100 victory conversation as an opportunity to bring more eyes and, ideally, more passion to the sport. It’s incredible, of course, but I’d like to turn the spotlight to something bigger than me.”

Constance Beverley, CEO of Share Winter Foundation, says Shiffrin's fundraising goal is what makes her the greatest skier of all time.

“It’s not the win that makes her the best; it’s her understanding of what the win could mean – a chance to reset what’s possible for everyone in our sport.”

• The best women’s ski jackets: style, protection and warmth
• The best women’s ski pants, bibs and salopettes: tested by experts

There isn't only one way to plan a ski trip, but these days, most of them involve more planes and automobiles than trains – so a new ski film set out to challenge that narrative. A stirring new documentary by Canadian brand Arc'teryx finds out just how far four skiers can get using only public transport – and the answer, it turns out, is pretty far.

Going East, which you can watch below, chronicles skiers Joi Hoffmann, Max Kroneck, Loic Isliker and Siliva Moser as they embark on the unusual three-week ski trip. While traveling by train in European cities is largely easy, doing so in the mountains is a different story.

Each member of the group travels by train from their respective home countries of Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Italy to Tarvisio in northern Italy. From there, they travel east across Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey using dozens of trains and buses, several metros and even a couple of trams exploring lines in resorts and the backcountry.

There are plenty of ski movies dropping on YouTube in any given winter, all delivering majestic footage of untouched lines and most detailing adventurous expeditions. A few, like In a Lifetime, also focus on climate change and sustainable skiing. But there is something different about Going East.

For starters, you'll get to see terrain that's not usually the focal point of ski films. In place of the Alps, Alaska and Antarctica you'll discover the desolate wilderness of Slovakia's High Tatras, bizarre Bulgarian ski resorts and vertiginous peaks of eastern Turkey.

It's also not all face shots and endless powder. There are snorkel days to be had, but there's also plenty of disquieting chattering in icy gulleys and measured bailouts when the skiers are confronted with concrete slabs of snow.

But it's the journey itself that makes this film unique and captures both the perks and pitfalls of slow travel. The skiers have time to slowly arrive and immerse themselves in each location, while the viewer gets evocative glimpses into far flung mountains and huts.

It should also come as no surprise that logistical nightmares abound – sleepless nights, buses that don't line up and comrades who get left behind. In the end, though, the trip turns out to be epic in the truest sense of the word and you may be left with the sense that 33 minutes wasn't quite long enough.

"I think traveling by public transport has taught us that the journey to go skiing is actually just as important as the skiing itself," says Isliker.

"Even though this trip started because we wanted to go skiing, without all those little moments in between the skiing this would have been a completely different trip."

Going East by Arc'teryx is out now on YouTube.

• The best men's ski jackets: protection on the slopes
• The best ski jackets for women: style, protection and warmth

There are tons of great discounts to be found on hiking gear from The North Face lately, and we've been scouring the web to find you the best deals. Right now, you can pick up the lightweight ThermoBall Eco Insulated Jacket2.0 from The North Face for just $172.73 at REI. That's a generous savings of 24% off the list price for this puffer jacket, which we gave a perfect five stars in our field tests.

I've been wearing this jacket on the trail for the past four years and my boyfriend quickly got his own when he saw how well it performs. Thermoball is an insulation technology that uses small round Primaloft synthetic fiber clusters to mimic down clusters, trapping heat within small air pockets to retain warmth. The result makes for a toasty outer layer on chilly days, and a really effective mid layer for winter conditions thanks in part to the slim, athletic cut, so I end up wearing this jacket in all seasons.

This deals applies to both men's and women's sizing in Black, and we've found it to be both functional and flattering for every body.

Not in the US? scroll down to the bottom of this page for today's best deals on The North Face ThermoBall Eco jackets where you are.

Its water repellency does protect against a light drizzle, but more importantly, the synthetic insulation means it keeps me warm even when I get wet. Featuring a slim, athletic cut, this jacket has traded in the bulkiness of lots of pockets and straps and placed all its chips on a sleek, minimalist design with two deep, zipped hand pockets and one interior zipped chest pocket.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on The North Face ThermoBall Eco where you are:

• The best synthetic puffer jackets
• The best down jackets: tested by experts

Yosemite National Park’s only ski resort will not open this season due to a lack of heavy snowfall. Skiers who purchased a season pass will be fully refunded within the next week.

In a frustrating twist, snowfall is forecast throughout the next week, but resort chiefs say it's too little, too late.

"We also want to recognize that there is snow in the forecast this week," said the Aramark Sports and Entertainment Group, which operates the resort.

"However, this forecast is arriving too late in the season and the snow totals have been too unreliable to wait any longer to be able to open Badger for less than a month."

What to do in Yosemite this winter instead

If you're still planning a winter trip to Yosemite National Park, then there's plenty to get up to. The California park is home to almost 1,200 square miles / 3,100km² of scenic North American wilderness, which is just as beautiful in the winter months as in its peak summer season.

From ice skating to snowshoeing, look below for Yosemite's best winter activities.

• Take a winter walk: Summer might be the most popular time to take your hiking boots to Yosemite, but winter has its perks, with far fewer crowded trails and enchanting snowy vistas. With the right footwear and a few warm winter layers, you can take on idyllic winter walks of all difficulties. If you're after something simple and easy, check out the Tuolumne Grove trail, which guides trekkers through two-and-a-half miles of Giant Sequoia-laden forest. For something a little longer, try the Valley Loop trail, a six-mile route touring some of Yosemite's iconic landmarks.
• Get your skates on: Opened in 1928 and located in the heart of the Yosemite valley, the Curry Village Ice Skating Rink is a historic part of Yosemite National Park. Skaters of all abilities can lace up and skate with stunning views of the Half Dome mountain.
• Try snowshoeing: Snowshoeing is a bit like having an all-access pass to the backcountry in winter, and it doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment or expertise. Put simply, snowshoeing means hiking or walking in the snow with snowshoes, wide-framed snow-specific footwear that distributes your weight and allows for 'floatation' on the snow. With snowfall forecast in the coming weeks, now is the perfect time to get into snowshoeing and explore Yosemite on foot.
• Visit the wildlife: Many of Yosemite's hundreds of animal species can be spotted in the winter months. Mammals like the California mule deer can often be found munching on shrubs, while rare animals like the Sierra Nevada big horn sheep are a little harder to spot. The ancient park is also a great spot for birdwatching. This winter, you can spot all manner of feathered friends, like the screeching red-tailed hawk and majestic American bald eagle.

If you fancy snowshoeing in the Yosemite wilderness, check out today's best deals on some of our favorite snowshoes.

• The best hiking hats: cozy beanies for mountains and sun hats for warmer days
• The best hiking gloves: when the mercury dips, these picks deliver impressive warmth and weather protection

A major search is underway in heavy snow and high winds for a missing snowboarder who vanished on Vail mountain in Colorado.

Connor Gill, 26, of the Denver area scanned his lift pass at 8:50 a.m. Friday morning and hasn't been seen since. According to the Eagle County Sheriff's Office, he was reported overdue at approximately 4:30 p.m. that same day.

"The team from Vail Mountain Rescue and Vail Ski Patrol initiated their response based on the party's last known location and knowing the area commonly rode by the missing individual," says ECSO.

That area is believed to be around Avanti on the front side of the mountain where Gill is commonly known to ride.

The mountain has seen over three feet of snow in the last week, and 27 inches have fallen in the last 48 hours alone. Snow combined with high winds has made search conditions challenging for teams, who are using cellphone pings, search dogs, and drones when they can.

Gill is described as six feet tall and weighs 195 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. He is believed to have been wearing an orange ski suit with blue accents on the top part, a grey helmet, and was riding on a Salomon snowboard.

In 2019, Yulong Chen, a 55-year-old skier from China disappeared while skiing Vail's back bowls in a snowstorm. His remains were found six months later.

If you have any information on Gill, please call Vail Dispatch at 970-479-2201.

Safety on the slopes

Though skiing is an inherently risky activity, there are several things you can do to help keep yourself safer. Always wear a helmet and if possible, ski with a friend. Skiing within your ability and staying on the ski runs is usually safer than leaving for the trees, where you may encounter more obstacles, deeper snow and the possibility of tree wells.

Let someone know your plans and even though an avalanche transceiver is not usually advised for in-bounds skiing, wearing clothing or gear equipped with a RECCO reflector can help ski patrol locate you.

If you're not carrying a Personal Locator Beacon, keep your phone within easy reach and take steps to make sure it stays charged. The Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity 2.0 Ski Shell Jacket has a Life Pocket on the chest that helps protect your phone from the cold and keeps it within reach. Read our tips on skiing safety and how to keep your phone from dying in the cold.

• The best avalanche beacons: emergency transceivers that save lives
• The best ski backpacks: tested by exerts

Have you ever been to Courmayeur? The Italian town enjoys a spectacular setting, at the foot of arguably Mont Blanc’s most impressive side, with the intimidating black tower of Aiguille Noire clawing at the sky towards the white dome of Western Europe’s highest mountain. It was in Courmayeur, 1909, that English intellectual and mountaineer Oscar Eckenstein handed his drawing of the original crampon design to a local blacksmith. The blacksmith’s name was Henri Grivel.

Fast forward over a century and Grivel’s name is still the most famous name in crampon manufacture, especially in Europe. In the intervening years, Henri’s son Laurent went on to invent front points in 1929, an innovation without which there’d be no ice climbing. Then, in 2003, the brand solved the issue of snow build up between the spikes with its anti-balling plates. Grivel continues to be at the forefront of crampon design to this day.

Crampons tend to have either 10 or 12 points, with 10 points suited to winter walking and glacier travel and 12 points geared towards more technical mountaineering, alpinism and ice climbing. When it comes to 12-point crampons, Grivel’s G12 is the benchmark, with a formidable reputation and popularity across the world. This tried and tested classic tops our best crampons buying guide at the time of writing, while the brand champion it as the “king of crampons”.

However, it’s not the only 12-point device the brand offer. Enter the Air Tech, a lighter option for mountaineering adventures that’s available with multiple binding systems. I tested the New-Matic EVO version of this superb traction device.

First impressions

To the uninitiated, there wouldn’t appear to be a huge difference between the Air Tech and the G12. However, as soon as you start studying the spikes, the differences are obvious. The G12 features long, sharp daggers at the front and serrated blades at the back; whereas, aside from the similar front points, the Air Tech’s teeth are shorter and serrated.

While I’ve used the G12 before, my previous main pair of crampons were the Black Diamond Seracs, another popular choice among 12-point devices. With a similar price and weight to the Air Techs, they make for a good comparison. The front points on the Air Tech are noticeably more aggressive, as are the serrated spikes further back too. I was intruiged to see how performance would differ in the winter backcountry.

Fitting the Air Techs was a doddle, though the New-Matics use the same style of binding system as my previous Seracs, so I was already well-practised.

Meet the reviewer

Features

The Air Tech New-Matic is a C2 crampon, which means it fits B2 winter hiking boots, such as the Scarpa Manta Tech GTX and the La Sportiva Trango Tower GTX. The binding system comprises a plastic heel clip that snaps into place on the boot’s heel welt and a plastic toe basket that wraps around the front of the boot. This is then all brought together by threading the tether strap through the toe binding and back to the heel clip, before tightening it all up.

C2 crampons come in two halves that are connected by the flex bar (sometimes called the center bar) which is slightly curved towards the big toe. The flex bar has slots along its length, a bit like a belt, allowing you to adjust the overall length of the crampon to properly fit your boot of choice.

In terms of spike layout, the Air Tech is fairly standard for a 12-point device. There’s two sharp horizontal front point daggers for hold on the steeper snow and ice during more technical mountaineering missions. Between here and the midfoot are six triangular spikes, smooth on their front side and serrated with semi-circular indents on their back. The front four of these are sharpened to a point, whereas the back two are flattened.

Grivel use Nickel-Crome Molybdenum Steel for the spikes. The nickel chromium and molybdenum alloys are added in precise percentages to give the resulting steel alloy both its toughness and its ability to perform in low temperatures. This has two advantages over standard stainless steel. One, the spikes maintain their sharpness for much longer and, two, when stainless steel is processed, it can lead to tiny cracks forming. This can lead to durability issues further down the line, not what one needs when hundreds of meters up in a remote gully.

As mentioned, Grivel introduced the anti-ball (or antibott) plate to the world in 2003, solving the issue of dangerous snow built up between the spikes. These are the two rubbery, dome shaped bulges, bearing the brand’s name, on the underside of the device. They compress with each step and spring back out to shed snow from between the points – ingenious.

For those wanting even less weight on their feet, Grivel also sell the Air Tech Light, which weighs in at an impressive 556g (1.2 lbs) – a significant weight saving. The Light version makes use of aluminium rather than steel and are perfect for those who want move across glaciers and up snow slopes at speed, though rocky terrain is liable to wear them out faster than their steel counterparts.

I was testing the New-Matic EVO version of the Air Techs, which is a classic C2 crampon featuring a heel clip at the back and a basket at the front. Other options include the New-Classic EVO, which features a basket at the back and front, making it compatible with a wider range of winter boots. Then, there's the Cramp-O-Matic EVO and Dual-Matic EVO fittings, with heel clips and metal toe bails for a secure fit to a B3 boot.

On the hill

So far, I've tested the Air Techs in the wintry fells of England's Lake District and South Wales' Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), mixing easy winter walking with ascents of steeper slopes and gullies. As I expected, the Air Techs were well within their comfort zone and they were a pleasure to wear everytime I liberated them from their crampon bag.

If you've put crampons on before, fitting the Air Techs will be straightforward enough. If you need to tinker with the fit, there are plenty of customization options, including the option of moving the heel bar up and down on its clip by slotting it into the different grooves. This was admittedly a bit of a fiddly process but the option of tailoring the clip precisely to a boot's welt is a welcome one. The plastic in the heel binding is super durable – developed for use in ski bindings – which is a good thing as the process of clipping in places plenty of strain on these little components.

These are some of the lightest 12-point crampons around. At 832g (1.8lbs) per pair, they sneak under the weight of something like the Petzl Vasak and are noticeably lighter than the G12s. I've combined them with both the Aku Tengu and the Salewa Ortles Edge boots and they were secure throughout and allowed me to move comfortably with a little more speed than heavier crampons.

So, for winter walking, the Air Techs are ideal. This is especially true on the kind of ridge traverses where you find yourself on firm snow one minute and then rock the next. I found that the short spikes feel more stable on rock than crampons with longer points do.

While the spikes aren't as aggressive as some, they still provide all the traction one could wish for on low-grade mountaineering terrain and easy ice. The front spikes hold beautifully when front pointing and are nice and precise when perched on rock edges during mixed climbs. It's hard to say where the Air Techs would meet their limit when it comes to technicality, though general consensus is that you'd be safer in C3 crampons once you get into the realms of ice climbing and tougher mountaineering.

Grivel's tried-and-true antibott design works beautifully at stopping snow from building up between the spikes. The plates are durable too, though if they do begin to wear out, you can always get Grivel to fit a replacement.

When it comes to stashing the crampons away, they collapse down into a small and compact unit. I measured the bundle at 28 x 9 x 11 cms.

So far, I've been impressed with the lightweight versatility of the Air Techs and I look forward to many more snowy adventures in them in the future. Compared to my previous Seracs, performance levels are similar when subjected to the kind of low-grade mountaineering I tend to do, though the Air Techs are that little bit lighter.

• How Advnture tests products

A heap of great gear from brands we love has just dropped into REI's President's Day sale and there are some top savings to be made. Right now, you can pick up the lightweight Terra Peak Insulated Jacket from The North Face for just $154.93 at REI. That's a generous savings of 29% off the list price for this puffer jacket, which customers give a near-perfect 4.9-star rating.

This jacket might be impressively light and packable, but it's a high performer on a peak thanks to the recycled ThermoBall Eco insulation that we've loved in other TNF jackets like the ThermoBall Eco and ThermoBall 50/50.

This deal applies to both men's and women's sizing in multiple colorways, but we noticed some color/size combinations are almost completely sold out, so don't delay.

Not in the US? scroll down to the bottom of this page for today's best deals on The North Face puffer jackets where you are.

This synthetic insulation traps warmth in winter conditions and sports a wind-blocking Pertex Quantum woven ripstop fabric shell to help protect you. The shell is also abrasion-resistant, making it great for days at the crag where you're coming up against ropes and rough rock.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on The North Face puffer jackets where you are:

• The best synthetic puffer jackets
• The best down jackets: tested by experts

Some outdoor brands run through styles quicker than the rest of us change our wool hiking socks, but Patagonia knows when it's onto a good thing. The iconic California-based has recently updated one of its most popular fleece styles, the light and packable R1.

When we reviewed the Patagonia R1 CrossStrata Hoody last year, we gave it nearly perfect marks for warmth, breathability and protection against the wind – something that's often missing in fleece jackets. This wildly versatile mid layer will keep the chill off, but it's effective enough to dump heat out when moving uphill, and the only minor grip we had was the lack of thumb holes, which let's face it aren't for anyone.

But in its never-ending quest for perfection, Patagonia has given the classic fleece a modern update that it says has been "designed with input from thousands of climbing hours."

What's new?

The new-and-improved R1 is no longer made from the Jacquard material that gives it that distinctive zigzag texture; instead, the brand has harnessed the super powers of Polartec Power Grid fleece fabric (the same stuff used in the awesome North Face Bolt) which is hybridized with its proprietary Capilene Thermal Weight base layer material. That's a mouthful, but what does it mean?

Basically, the new R1 is outstandingly stretchy and durable, making this technical fleece an all-rounder for hiking, climbing and skiing. The Capilene fabric is used under the arms for extra venting when you get warm, and the material is treated with HeiQ Pure odor control which means you get more wear out of every wash and a longer-lasting fleece.

All that stretch also means that the fit is more flattering, but doesn't inhibit your ability to reach your arms overhead when you're scrambling or climbing.

The redesigned Patagonia R1 line is available now in both men's and women's sizing in a half zip pullover, vest and full zip jacket styles in multiple colorways starting at $119 at Patagonia.

• Best fleece jackets: mid layers to keep you cozy in the cold
• Best softshell jackets: protect against wind and cold

Don't follow other skiers' tracks – that's the warning from a mountain rescue team in Vermont after a skier got lost at a popular resort.

The incident took place on Tuesday, February 11 when a woman was skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort. Rescue missions involving lost skiers typically take place in the backcountry, but this woman was reportedly tempted by the path of another skier.

"The skier had no intention of leaving the resort - she followed some inviting tracks below the Toll Road and before she knew it, the resort was a thing of the past and she was on her own in unfamiliar terrain with no end in sight," writes Stowe Mountain Rescye on Facebook.

Fortunately, upon realizing her mistake, the quick-thinking woman decided to call for help and rescue crews quickly reached her by ATV.

Following another's tracks seems harmless, and even a good way to find some fresh powder, but the incident prompted teams to take to social media to warn others of the dangers of leaving the ski run.

"Be deliberate and know where you’re going," cautions SMR, who also praise the woman for staying in place and quickly calling for help, which allowed them to reach her in daylight.

"No stomping around the woods in the dark, no hypothermic subject, no sweat! A stitch in time saves nine," writes the team.

Ski resort safety

With groomed runs and ski patrol on duty, it can be easy to be lulled into a false sense of security when skiing at a resort. While the risk of avalanches and getting lost is usually higher in the backcountry, this incident is a good reminder that there's plenty that can go wrong inbounds.

If you're resort skiing, the safest practice is to ski with a friend and stay inbounds and on the piste. Grab a free map of the resort when you arrive if you're unfamiliar with the terrain.

Next up, always carry a means of communication that tou're certain will work where you're going. If there's reliable cell service, your phone will suffice, especially it it has the SOS function, but for more remote areas, a satellite communicator like a Garmin InReach may be a worthwhile investment.

If you're relying on your phone, it's important to remember that cold weather can cause your phone to die. For this reason, we like ski jackets from Helly Hansen such as the Elevation Infinity 2.0 Ski Shell which has a life pocket that keeps your phone close to hand and stops it from dying in the cold. It's also equipped with a RECCO reflector to help rescuers find you.

Read our tips on how to keep your phone from dying in cold weather and consider carrying a spare portable charger. And as SMR says, don't be embarrassed to call help if things go wrong – ski patrol is there to help you.

• Best ski jackets for men: protection on the slopes
• Best women's ski jackets: style, protection and warmth

Skiing is challenging enough without throwing extra obstacles into the mix. Turn a beautifully groomed run into choppy waves of hard-packed bumps, and you'll have to change your technique entirely. If you've mastered your turns on steep yet smooth runs, the next step is taking on this tougher terrain, but where do you start?

If you're not accustomed to them, trying to ski bumps – also known as moguls – is a humbling affair. You might be breezing down groomed blacks with ease, but try to take on an uneven surface and you'll likely find yourself tumbling at every other turn.

Navigating your way down moguls can be demoralizing for beginners or intermediate skiers, but the added challenge is hardly surprising. Your balance, coordination, and reaction times will all be put to the test as you flow through the peaks and troughs, continuously adjusting your body position to adapt to the terrain and maintain control. It's like riding a mountain bike down rocky outcrops after a lifetime of racing on paved roads.

If you want to learn how to make your way down a bumpy ski run, practice makes perfect. The best place to start is with a ski lesson from a qualified instructor, but it can also help to read up on the proper technique before you head out. Equipping yourself with these skiing tips will help you anticipate what's to come so you can start applying the best technique with more precision. Before you know it, you'll be ready to tackle moguls head-on.

What is the best way to ski bumps?

You've mastered groomed runs and powder skiing, the next level on your ski progression map is moguls. Like moving from your "pizza" to parallel "French fries" when learning to turn on skis, the best way to ski bumps will differ depending on your experience.

Before we dive into technical tips, Steffan Shaw, a Level 4 instructor at Banff Sunshine Village Ski Resort, talks us through three different methods for skiing bumps.

"Up and over"

This is the easiest way to control yourself while skiing bumps, making it the best choice for beginners. "You want to bend your knees and ski over the top of the bumps," Steffan explains. "When you find a bump you like you can turn on it, and begin to traverse the opposite way over the bumps."

"Around the bank"

Another type of fall line is known as "around the bank". This means skiing around the bumps, following the "grooves" or "valleys" around them. "When skiing around the bump you want to keep your weight centered," says Steffan. "This option can be paced nice and slow, planting your pole in the middle of the bump."

"Zipper line"

The most advanced option for skiing bumps is known as the zipper line. This is where a skier takes a direct line down the hill with minimal turns, "zipping" between the bumps with fast, agile movements. "For this technique, you need to center your weight and engage your core, keeping your stance narrow," says Steffan. "In the zipper line, you never fully turn around the bump. When planting your pole, do so on the top of the bump to help change the direction of your skis."

7 tips for skiing bumps

These three levels of skiing bumps are in chronological order. As a beginner, start with the "up and over" technique to get familiar with the feel of moguls and build your confidence. Eventually, you'll progress to the zipper line, but keep in mind this isn't the sort of advancement you can make in one ski season alone.

No matter what stage you're at when skiing bumps, there are some tips and tricks that can be applied across the board. From perfecting the pole plant to finding the form, here's what you need to know.

1. Choose the right gear

You don't necessarily need specific gear in order to ski bumps, but the right equipment will help. For example, you might be able to get away without choosing the right ski length on green runs, but ill-fitting skis will soon become clear when you take on moguls.

"When looking to go out and ski moguls, a thinner, shorter ski of around 88-90mm underfoot and a straighter side cut (not a lot of shape from tip to tail) will be easier to get on and off your edges and feel easier to control," explains Jonah Drescher, Manager at Christy Sports, Arvada. "Shorter poles will also help you reach the bumps and keep your core downhill, while a mid-flex or shorter boot will also help you stay up in a stacked position."

2. Plan your line of attack

Once you've gained experience on bumps you'll be able to ski freely down a run of moguls without much second thought. In the early days, however, it pays to pick a line of attack.

"First, take a couple of deep breaths and look at the run you are about to conquer. This helps us relax and get our mind and body ready," says Jonah. "Next, pick your line down the run. This is a big part of being confident in the moguls by knowing where we want to go. If we have a plan then our mind can let our body do the skiing." For beginners, Jonah suggests choosing a lower-pitch run with smaller or more spread-apart moguls. "This will take the pitch out of the equation and let you concentrate on your fall line and absorption," he says.

On the other hand, try not to overthink your fall line too much. If you don't feel in control, change course by traversing a bit further or using the top of a bump to slow you down.

3. Stay low

Skiing is a game of balance. Whatever terrain you're on, you're constantly having to adjust your weight to control your turns and make your way down the mountain. When it comes to form, a common mistake beginners make is taking a backseat by putting their weight too far back on their skis. Instead, the best way to guarantee control and prevent ski injuries is to stay low with your knees bent, ensuring your shins have contact with the front of your ski boots.

This is especially important when skiing bumps. The added undulation means your feet will typically be at different heights while the tips of your skis will rise over the moguls, meaning balancing becomes even more challenging. To help maintain control, you should stay low (probably even lower than feels necessary).

Jonah emphasizes the importance of this "stacked up" body position to move and absorb the terrain. "The body weight should be in the front of our boots, while the upper body is tall with the lower body bent at the knees," he says. "When done correctly, our shoulders, hips, and toes are all in line, with our core leading the way."

4. Remember to pole plant

You might not consciously use your poles on a smooth groomed run, but you certainly will when bumps are involved. Not only will it help with your balance (and help you to get up after falling on skis...) but pole planting forces you to make committed turns around (or on top of) the moguls.

To use your poles, focus on actively swinging them down the fall line to help release the edges of your skis between turns, making it easier to pivot around the bumps. Don't plant them too firmly though as some bumps and be soft on the top.

Learning how to pole plant doesn't only help with your balance and rhythm, but it's a great way to master good coordination, too. Jonah says a good mogul technique is all about following our hands and eyes. "Our bodies naturally follow our hands and eyes down the slope, so start in your stacked position and reach with your pole towards the top or backside of the mogul below," he says. "Keep your eyes a few turns ahead of you so that your brain knows where to go and your body can follow."

5. Start your turn early

When skiing bumps, you'll need to start your turns slightly earlier than you usually would. The trick is to anticipate the terrain, knowing that the carved-out shape of the valleys will propel you in a particular direction. This way, you utilize the natural rebound energy to propel you into the next turn, moving with more fluidity.

"Release the turn to start the next one under the ball of our foot (or front of our boot)," says Jonah. "As you approach the mogul, pull your feet up towards your chest to match the shape of the terrain (absorption). This is a way to be proactive and make skiing moguls smoother. Repeat until you get to where you planned on stopping."

6. Practice turns on groomed runs

It goes without saying, but the more control you have on groomed runs, the better your control will be on bumpy terrain. "If you're serious about taking on the bumps, you can practice all of the actions above on groomed runs," Jonah says. "Get into your stacked position, look down the hill, and practice reaching with your pole. Engage and release your turns as quickly as you can while keeping your core and shoulders down the fall line. Skiing in the bumps will be very much the same but with absorption added."

7. Have confidence!

Finally, be confident! Like most winter sports, skiing favors the brave. Bumps might be scary at first and a few falls are inevitable, but don't let that knock you back.

Remember that mastering moguls will also hugely improve your overall skiing ability. "When we start getting more comfortable skiing even small, low-pitch moguls, we become better skiers all over the mountain," says Jonah. "This is because when we become comfortable skiing through undulating or uneven snow, we allow our lower body to absorb unexpected terrain. This makes us stronger and more confident when things change under our feet on any type of run, from groomers to trees."

Like every other skill in skiing, practice makes perfect. "Start small, but get out there in the bumps," says Jonah. "Smile, breathe, and conquer!"

“Quelle motivación!” shouts a ski patroller as he pulls up next to me on his snowmobile – what motivation!

I’m just cruising along on my touring skis at a moderate pace, but he’s not totally wrong – it was raining down in Verbier Village when I woke up this morning, which always makes it difficult to want to get out there. Then again, he could also be referring to the fact that there are literally dozens of perfectly good chairlifts and gondolas here at the Swiss resort that could sweep me up the mountain in minutes, but I’m choosing to self-power uphill, which clearly requires a lot more time and effort.

He guesses correctly that I’m heading to Cabanne Mont Fort, a legendary mountain hut halfway up the mountain from Les Ruinettes. It's only 2.5 miles and gains just shy of a thousand feet, but I’ve taken two years off ski touring and am doubting my abilities.

“No problem, you’ll be there in 45 minutes,” he assures me, before casting a glance at my outfit – this adventure was unplanned so I’m overdressed in my Helly Hansen Kvitfjell Race Jacket instead of a softshell – and amends his prediction to closer to an hour before zooming off and leaving me to enjoy the trail in solitude once again.

Ski lifts have been turning at this iconic resort for nearly 80 years, transforming the idyllic pastoral valley into a glitzy world-class destination for alpine skiing. But I’m here on a retro-inspired ski trip to learn more about the history of the place and I figure, what’s more retro than powering yourself up the hill?

So this morning, I went into Ski Service and switched out my clunky alpine skis for a lightweight touring setup and loaded the Medran gondola in the drizzle. I had the cabin to myself, owing to the dodgy conditions, but by halfway through the six-minute ride the rain had given way to a light, steady snow and I was certain I’d made the right choice.

From the top, I set off on a trail marked only for cross-country skiing, touring and snowshoeing that gently traverses the mountain for about a mile for a welcoming warm-up. Once I reach Le Dahu restaurant, the climbing gets steeper and most of the elevation gain takes place in the second half. High above me, I can see the cabin perched on the mountain and soon, I’m breaking trail to reach it, huffing, puffing and feeling as alive as it’s possible to feel.

After a little over an hour (my ski patrol friend was right to be prudent ), I arrive at the hut which sits in splendid solitude at 8,000ft. It was constructed in 1925 by the Swiss Alpine Club as a stopover for mountaineers on their way up Mont Blanc and the Grand Combins from Les Chables before the lifts came along and trimmed miles off their route.

The skies are clearing and the surrounding views of those famous peaks come into view. Many legendary hiking trails pass right by here and even though Verbier doesn’t have the mountaineering history of other alpine resorts like Chamonix, it’s become a destination for hikers and trail runners in the summer who stop here at the hut for a quick coffee, a cheesy croute or even to spend the night and enjoy a hot shower.

I soak up the views, snap some photos and get my breath back. My Coros Pace 3 tells me I’ve burned over 1,300 calories – around four times my energy expenditure covering the same distance in downhill skiing the previous morning.

From here it would be easy to believe that I had the whole mountain to myself but for the occasional whoops of joy coming from a nearby ski run. When I've recovered, I rip the skins off my skis, take a few powder turns and before I know it I’m back on the busy piste and skiing down to Le Mouton Noir to meet the rest of my group and tuck into a mouth-watering Caesar salad.

Ski touring has, understandably, a reputation for being a backcountry activity, reserved only for those with grit, a dash of madness and hopefully an avalanche beacon. But at many resorts like Verbier, Mammoth, Sun Valley and almost everywhere in Colorado, you can ski uphill too, and there are some great reason to give it a go.

You might think taking over an hour to essentially hike up a mountain when lifts are available is nuts, but I’ve been touring at resorts for the last decade and it’s truly one of my favorite ways to enjoy winter – here are seven reasons why you should give it a try next time you’re at a resort like Verbier that allows uphill access.

1. No lift lines

You know those images you see circulating on social media showing what looks like thousands of skiers snaking downhill in an endless logjam waiting for a lift? There’s nothing sweeter than skinning right by the mayhem and continuing uphill at your own pace. With a touring setup, you can even get your ski day started before the lifts open (if the mountain allows it and grooming operations have finished) and enjoy a head start on the snow with a side of sunrise.

2. You save money

I’ve saved thousands of dollars over the years by skipping the season pass and touring instead. A day of skiing here in Verbier sets you back 87 Swiss Francs, which is just a fraction of what you’ll pay at some North American resorts. Once you’ve got past the initial investment of your touring setup – you’ll need special skis, bindings, boots, and skins – the mountain is yours for free, and just because you might be going uphill on a touring-only route, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy groomed pistes on the way down.

3. Get the place to yourself

A big part of the appeal of backcountry skiing is, undeniably, the solitude, but there’s plenty of peace and quiet to be found at most resorts when you’re not reliant on lifts. The day before my touring adventure, I rode the lifts and hit the pistes like everyone else and even though the Christmas crowds had cleared out, I still found myself on high alert dodging other skiers all day. On this day, besides my ski patroller friend and one snowshoer, I don’t see a single other human. Bliss.

4. Better conditions

There’s been a fair amount of new snow during my trip to Verbier, which is always welcome, but sharing it with thousands of other skiers has also meant lots of choppy snow and bumpy rides – not my favorite conditions. Using trails that are intended for uphillers means you’re sharing the snow with dozens of others at most, and you’ll often find better stashes that aren’t tracked out whether you’re seeking powder or corduroy.

5. Reduce your risk

Skiing in any shape or form is an inherently risky activity, and while some of my best experiences have taken place in the backcountry, I’m the first to admit that it can be really dangerous. Ski touring at a resort means your risk of avalanche is lower, if you pick your route wisely and if things do go wrong, even though it can feel like you’re a million miles from civilization, ski patrol is on hand to assist you.

Safety tips for ski touring at a resort

The first step is to check that the resort you’re visiting allows uphill access and find out any restrictions that apply. It’s vital that you adhere to any restrictions as being on the slopes during grooming operations is very dangerous.

Once you're on the hill, touring-only routes are best, but if you’re skinning up a piste, stay well to the side and make sure you’re visible to downhill skiers.

If you’re new to touring or unfamiliar with the mountain, consider hiring a guide. And if you’re going off-piste, make sure you have avalanche training, know how to read an avalanche forecast and carry the necessary equipment: a beacon, shovel and probe.

My favorite ski touring gear

As I proved in Verbier, you can go ski touring in gear you already own for the slopes, but it's a highly aerobic and sweaty pursuit, so if you want to do a lot of it, you'll want to pick your clothes carefully. For that reason, I tend to go with my best breathable and moisture-wicking gear. Here’s my best kit for touring in most conditions:

• Columbia Omni-Heat Midweight Baselayer Crew
• Columbia Omni-Heat Midweight Baselayer Tights
• Helly Hansen Alpine Socks Technical
• Helly Hansen Powderqueen Bib Pant
• Montane Fireball Lite Hooded Jacket
• Rab Khroma Tour Infinium gloves

• The best women's ski jackets: styles, protection and warmth
• The best ski jackets for men: protection on the slopes

Buff Original EcoStretch Neckwear: first impressions 

Buff founder Joan Rojas created the iconic tubular neckwear to keep himself warm on chilly motorcycle runs. It became a smash hit and now the Barcelona-based brand has built a reputation as a leader for neck and head gear, so we figured it was high time we test out one of its legendary neck gaiters.

The Buff EcoStretch Original Neckwear is deceptively simple. It looks just like a tube of fabric, but take it outdoors and you'll never run out of ways to use it. We took this it to the ski slopes of Chamonix this winter where it provided an excellent barrier against the cold in the gap between ski jacket and goggles, and also some much-needed sun protection.

Buttery soft, this neck feels great against the skin and even though it looks like it's a single layer of fabric, it's constructed with an inner band designed to wick moisture. That makes it much more technical than you might think and it's great for handling both sweat and moisture from your breath without feeling soggy at the end of the day.

For brighter days, it offers UPF 50 sun protection that meets the criteria set by the Skin Cancer Foundation so it's worth carrying on any hike or trail run in case you need an extra shield. Unrolled, it's nearly two feet long so you can wear it in any number of ways, from round your neck to a head wrap or a ski mask, but it's light enough that it's not annoying when you want to tuck it away.

Best of all, in our opinion anyway, this Buff is made using 95 percent recycled plastic bottles, so it's better for the planet as well as your adventures.

Buff Original EcoStretch Neckwear: in the field 

I live in a household full of permanent neck gaiter-wearers so there's always one kicking around if I need it, but I never really had my own until a couple of years ago when I got a Helly Hansen Unisex merino neck gaiter for a ski trip to Verbier.

Being made from merino, it's really warm and excellent for skiing and winter hiking, but it's too warm for summer adventures, so I was curious about trying a synthetic one and I know Buff has the best reputation in the business for these tubes of endless protection.

I got the Original EcoStretch just in time for a ski trip to Chamonix where I wore it in whiteout conditions, bluebird days and even during some trail running.

Here's how it performed:

Size, fit and comfort

This is a one-size-fits-all piece of gear and while I haven't exactly walked around pulling it over people's heads, I'm pretty sure it's stretchy enough to work for anyone and it stays up if I want it to cover my face without slipping down or feeling tight.

It's quite big so it offers fantastic coverage, which is great for keeping a chill out, but it's also reinforced with UPF 50 sun protection. It rolls up small enough to carry in the palm of your hand, so it's really a great shield against most conditions and there's no reason not to bring it as part of your regular kit for any adventure.

Compared to some other neck gaiters I've worn, it's easily the most comfortable, with really soft fabric that just feels lovely against my skin.

Moisture management, breathability and protection

I wasn't sure how much I could write about a neck gaiter; after all, it's just a tube of fabric. But when I got to testing it and thinking about it, I realized how easily the wrong gaiter can ruin your day, especially for skiing.

I personally like to protect myself from the cold, preferring to leave no skin exposed as the frost has bitten me in the past, so for skiing, I pull this all the way up to my goggles. As I've learned in the past, if it's not breathable that's a problem as condensation starts building up and I end up skiing with a damp, or frozen, rag over my face. Not fun.

The fabric used for this gaiter seems really breathable and never gets soggy, plus I've worn it over my head for a couple of trail runs and I love how it keeps the chill off while still letting sweat escape so I don't overheat the way I often do with a hat or wool headband.

Versatility, durability and value

I think all neck gaiters are pretty versatile (in fact, we have a whole article on different uses for a neck gaiter), but it strikes me that to be really multi-functional, they need to be both stretchy enough and long enough. This one is nearly two feet long and has enough elastane that it probably works for all variations, though I basically just stick with round my neck, covering my face or a head wrap.

I haven't been wearing this one very long to test its durability, and I'm aware that neck gaiters can need a lot of washing, so time will tell if it holds up. I imagine the main issue will be the loss of stretch at some point, but it doesn't have an excessive amount so I'm hoping that's years in the future (and fortunately, there are plenty of ways to upcycle neck gaiters into household rags and goggle wipes).

I expected this to be on the pricey end since Buff has such a great name, but when I compared it against other neck gaiters at REI I was pleased to discover it's actually on the affordable end. Of course, it doesn't have thermal properties like a wool one, but I found it gave me enough protection even in a blizzard and it's more versatile.

Buff Original EcoStretch Neckwear: the bottom line 

Depending on your use, neck gaiters don't have to require in-depth comparisons, but if you're looking for something that's technical (meaning, it actually manages moisture), really soft and planet-friendly, you'll love this one. My only complaint is that my boyfriend has stolen it.

• How Advnture tests products

Few European ski resorts are as legendary as Chamonix. Official estimates say the area hosts 60,000 visitors a day during the busy winter months, many of whom come here to experience its renowned opportunities for extreme freeride skiing. But despite those impressive visitorship numbers, for the past 15 minutes skiing top to bottom, I haven’t seen a single other person.

Though I've visited the Chamonix-Mont Blanc Valley several times in the summer for trail running, hiking and mountaineering, this is my first winter trip. I've never been able to quite get my head around its sprawling array of slopes and ski areas, so I'm here with the ski brand Helly Hansen to see just how much of it I can fit into three days.

According to my Coros Pace 3, and the burning in my thighs, the run from the top of the gondola at Les Houches, down to the bottom of the Bellevue cable car was nearly six kilometers. It’s a quiet day in general, despite the brilliant sunshine and a blizzard the day before that refreshed the slopes, and after I left the top, where families were exploring the beginner's area, it emptied out completely. It could be eerie but I have a penchant for solitude, so I’m giddy with the novelty of having what seems like the whole resort to myself.

Towards the bottom, the snow starts to get a little sketchy – the commune of Les Houches only sits at around 3,300ft – so I slow down and gently skid to a halt outside the Kitsch Inn, a cheerful retro-vibed bar advertising happy hour and burgers. It’s a little early for that, so I remove my skis and walk around to the gondola station to head back up, taking in the quaint village of pretty wooden houses, fromageries, and chapels sitting quietly in the shade of the mountain.

After climbing the stairs, I scan my lift pass at the turnstile and receive a message informing me the gondola is full. This seems unlikel,y but before I can trek back down the metal stairs in my ski boots to inquire at the ticket office, several local skiers troop in and arrange themselves in an orderly line. They look like they know what they’re doing, so I step in behind them and soon we’re joined by a rambunctious crew of adolescents dressed in Nordic gear for a day of training.

A few minutes pass before the door on the other side of the turnstile slides open and to my surprise I realize that it’s not a typical gondola I’ve been waiting on at all but a large single cablecar that holds 37 passengers at once. We all pile in followed by the driver who secures the door and sits down behind the wheel and we’re off, slowly trundling up the mountain.

The Bellevue cable car first opened in 1936, built by Charles Viard who brought the first cablecar to France. It climbs over 2,600 feet and was first imagined as a means to connect with the existing Mont Blanc Tramway and provide easier mountaineering access to those who wished to climb Mont Blanc.

It’s the backdrop of mountaineering that gives Chamonix its distinctive unshrinking character. People have been traveling here to explore the soaring peaks and glaciers of the Mont Blanc Massif since at least the 1700s, and by the end of the 19th century, many had realized the slopes were also ideal for the burgeoning sport of alpine skiing. The first cablecar here opened in 1924, the same year that Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympics, and the valley secured its reputation as the heartbeat of alpine skiing.

Today “Cham” as the locals know it is well-served by regular international flights to Geneva airport, just over an hour away by road. Chamonix is the name of the main town in the Chamonix-Mont Blanc Valley, home to five main ski areas which are served by one lift pass, and opportunities to ski into neighboring Switzerland and Italy.

It’s difficult to pick just one, but thanks to Helly Hansen I haven’t had to – the brand’s Ski Free Day means you can get a free lift ticket at several of these resorts with the purchase of an item from the new collection, so I’m suited up with a brand new Kvitfjell Race jacket and Legendary Ski Pants am here for a whistle-stop tour of the place.

Le Tour and Vallorcine

Our first stop was Le Tour and Vallorcine (known together as Domaine de Balme), where we met ski patrol at 6:30 a.m. to help them open the mountain in what turned out to be whiteout conditions.

While the valley slept, we snuck in a few thrilling turns in ever-deepening snow. By the time the lifts opened, visibility was close to zero so I couldn’t say for sure, but the brochure assures me the area is known for cruisy blues and easy reds, making it a great place for intermediate skiers.

Les Grand Montets

That afternoon, we made our way over to Les Grand Montets to meet the amazing avalanche dogs of Chamonix. The sun finally punched its way through the clouds revealing the splendor of what’s considered the freeride center of the valley.

Les Grands Montets is one of the largest pisted skiing zones in the area. Due to its shady northwesterly aspect, snow here tends to stick around longer than anywhere else in the valley so it's ideal if you’re going out later in the season. If the snow is too sticky Les Marmottons Bar and Restaurant is right at the bottom of the cable car with abundant outdoor seating, grub and cold beers for Après.

Brévent

The next day, we visited Brévent for a slalom-style competition with celebrity ski instructor Warren Smith, who had driven over the border from Verbier to help us hone our skills.

Along with adjacent Flégère, Brévent is the closest area to Chamonix town center at about a 15-minute walk (without ski boots) and boasts a mix of steep pistes and longer, flowing groomers.

This area sits on the sunny, south-facing side of the valley so the snow is already soft at 10:30 a.m. Being the recipient of several knee surgeries, I cut the competition short and sneak off for a few laps of the Cornu chairlift which delivers some stunning Black runs and access to off-piste magic.

However, it’s the second-to-none views of Mont Blanc that make Brévent truly special. Even if the line looks long, no visitor should miss the experience of riding the Brévent cable car up to a viewing deck which delivers the best view of the peak in the area, and it’s clear that many visitors are here for the views and the food, not the skiing. Fair enough.

Les Houches

On my last day, I break off from the group and head to Les Houches which turns out to be my favorite. The treelined, cruisy blues and greens match my mellowing approach to alpine skiing and remind me of Colorado pistes but with the quaint charm of an alpine resort that’s not been messed about with too much over the decades. It’s ideal for beginners, solo skiers and anyone who wants to go at their own pace.

When I reach the top of the Bellevue cable car here, I take a few minutes to drink in the imposing presence of Mont Blanc and watch some Nordic skiers set off on uphill adventures. It’s hard not to imagine Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard tackling it for the first ascent nearly 230 years ago without all the technical fabrics and RECCO reflectors keeping me safe and comfortable today, and easy to appreciate what modern innovation has done for mountaineering.

The days are still short in January, so soon I ski back across the plateau where the top of Les Houches isn’t bustling, but lightly simmering with happy families queuing for espressos and sodas. After a few more cruisy laps I sit out on the terrace at Hotel Le Prarion and catch the last of the sun with a cold drink to refresh me before another six-kilometer descent which delivers me right onto the local bus. Free with my ski pass, I’m back at the Big Sky hotel in 15 minutes and there’s plenty of time for a soak in the hot tub before dinner.

It’s taken me years to get my head around Chamonix, but on this trip, I’ve figured out that while it has many faces, its sprawling nature doesn’t have be overwhelming – it just means there are countless ways to do it.

Like me, you can take the buffet approach and tour different areas for a new flavor each day, but I’d recommend you find accommodation close to the bus line if you do. Taxis here are expensive and can be hard to come by, but the buses run regularly. An easier option is to pick the ski area you want to explore and find accommodation nearby, skipping any further travel once you arrive.

The easy connections make it possible to come here for a long weekend and be back at your desk on Monday morning – the question is, will you ever want to go home?

What to pack for skiing Chamonix

I visited in January and experienced whiteout conditions and mild sunny days, so as usual, my best advice is to layer up with the best ski gear and you won't feel anything but the burn in your thighs. Here's what I wore for skiing Chamonix:

• Helly Hansen Legendary ski pants
• Helly Hansen Kvitfjell Race jacket
• Helly Hansen LIFA Merino Midweight 2-in-1 Base Layer Pant
• Helly Hansen LIFA Merino Midweight Half-Zip Base Layer
• Helly Hansen Daybreaker Half Zip Fleece (as a mid layer when needed)
• Helly Hansen Verglas Down Jacket 2.0 (for wearing around town in the evening)
• Helly Hansen Alpine Sock Technical
• Helly Hansen Swift HT gloves
• Buff Original EcoStretch Neckwear
• SunGod Sniper ski goggles

• Adventure travel hacks – pack for an active vacation without checking a bag

Vail Resorts is making headlines again this week as a video circulated showing a skier on the ground after the chairlift he was riding fell off the rope haul.

The incident took place on Sunday at Attitash Mountain Resort in Bartlett, New Hampshire which is owned by Colorado-based Vail Resorts. At about 12:15pm, the man, who has not been identified, fell about 20 feet after his chair detached from the Flying Bear lift. According to the New Hampshire Division of Fire Safety, he was taken to a hospital with "non-life-threatening injuries" and has since been released.

Video of the aftermath quickly making rounds online, shared by accounts such as @failresorts, showing the skier on the ground next to the chair as the lift continues to run above him. According to witnesses, the man was conscious and walking after the fall. No one else was injured in the incident.

Incidents such as these are rare, and are usually due to high winds – which caused a chair in Michigan to blow off last year – or a mechanical failure, which the State Tramway Board says is the likely cause for this occurrence, though an investigation is ongoing.

"The safety of our guests is our top priority, and we are investigating the incident," says Brandon Swartz, General Manager of Attitash Mountain in response to our request for information.

He adds that the resort performs daily lift inspections ahead of operations. State law requires mechanical lifts to be registered and inspected yearly and the most recent inspection of the lift took place in November. The lift remains closed.

It's not the first time the ski industry giant has made the news in recent weeks – in December, a rollback on a chairlift resulted in five people being hospitalized at Heavenly Resort.

The company, which now owns and operates 39 ski areas around the world has had other growing pains beyond its chairlifts. On December 27, Park City ski patrollers embarked on a 13-day strike over pay conditions in December which resulted in three-hour-long lift lines over the busy holiday period. After an agreement was reached, a skier launched a class-action lawsuit against the resort on behalf of anyone who purchased a lift ticket during the strike and was unable to ski.

• Best ski jackets for men: protection on the slopes
• Best women's ski jackets: style, protection and warmth

REI's clearance sale on past-season Patagonia gear just gets better and better for anyone who likes setting foot outdoors. Right now, you can pick up the hugely popular Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Hoody for just $143.83 at REI. That's a gigantic 50% off the regular asking price for this lightweight puffy jacket, which Patagonia customers give a perfect five stars.

"Great jacket for all conditions for me. I wore it in the teens temps at Grand canyon 2 weeks ago with nothing but a long sleeve T-shirt underneath and was fine. Second to none," writes one customer.

The secret to the Nano Puff's success? It's super warm, thanks to PrimaLoft Gold Insulation, but also amazingly light at just 12 ounces. That means that while it can add that life-saving insulation you need when you wear it as a mid layer for skiing or winter hiking, it can also be packed away neatly in your carry-on for adventure travel and makes the perfect outer layer for alpine starts and cool summer evenings.

Synthetic insulation continues to keep you warm when it gets wet, so this jacket is a fair choice for damp days too and is treated with DWR to fend off a light drizzle.

This deal applies to men's sizing in the Endless Blue, Rapto Brown and Burnished colorways and you can also make some great savings on women's sizing in various colorways.

Needless to say, eco creds abound with this jacket, which boasts a bluesign-approved recycled polyester ripstop shell as well as recycled insulation.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Patagonia Nano Puff jackets where you are.

There are two zippered handwarmer pockets for stashing gear plus zippered and internal chest pocket that doubles as a stuff sack with a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on the Patagonia Nano Puff jackets near you:

• The best synthetic puffer jackets
• The best down jackets: tested by experts for warmth

Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Ski Pants: first impressions

Calling any piece of kit "legendary" is a bold move, but we have to admit we're pretty impressed with these ski pants from Helly Hansen. The bestselling Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated ski pants have enough Primaloft insulation to keep you warm in sub-zero temps (over thermals, that is) but they're not bulky at all.

They're made from a soft, comfortable shell material that's not too swishy when you're walking from the parking lot to the gondola and will keep the wind and wet snow at back.

With lots of stretch, articulated knees and opportunities to adjust the waistband, it's easy to find a really comfortable and flattering fit with these pants where you can walk, ski and adjust your bindings. They're not loose and baggy, but there's still plenty of room for layering and, remarkably, they're really easy to fit over ski boots even without ankle zips.

Worn without thermals, it's quickly clear that these pants could be more breathable, but that's not something you're likely to notice when you're skiing with base layers, and if you do, they have inner thigh zips for cooling off.

Even though they're soft and light to the touch, the ankle/calf area is reinforced so the area that comes most into contact with your ski boots and skis is protected, meaning they're more rugged than they appear.

Four zipped pockets are adequate for stashing gear, though for ski pants we tend to find a thigh pocket is handier for a phone, but let's be honest, most gear is going in your ski jacket pockets anyway. We're glad to see that these pants are Bluesign-approved and for such a versatile and high-performing piece of kit think they're quite reasonably priced, too.

Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Ski Pants: in the field

After a couple of seasons of skiing in the Helly Hansen Powderqueen Bibs, it was time for me to test something new so I brought these ski pants along for a five-day trip to Chamonix where I got to ski all five ski areas in whiteout conditions and bluebird days.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I’ve been testing a women’s small which is my normal size and while a lot of ski pants (and Helly Hansen pants) tend to run a bit big on me, I'm happy to report that these are perfect and fit true to size.

When I first pulled them on, I was a bit worried they were too big around the waist which meant the knees were in the wrong place, but I quickly discovered two hook-and-loop pull tabs that cinch the waist tighter (there are also belt loops if you need them) and that solved the issue.

They're not loose and baggy at all but are soft and tailored so that I can move freely in them and easily plop down in the snow to watch a ski racing competition thanks to the added stretch. They're really comfortable which isn't always the case with ski pants. I don't quite understand how they've done it, but even though there aren't any zips on the ankles they still fit really easily over my ski boots without appearing loose.

Weather protection and breathability 

These pants use Helly Hansen's proprietary Helly Tech Performance waterproof membrane instead of Gore-Tex and they're built to be waterproof, windproof and warm but also breathable. That's a tall order.

Luckily, I've been able to test them in pretty cold weather, one whiteout and in mild, sunny conditions to see how they hold up across the board. For skiing, I've always worn them with a pair of merino wool long underwear underneath them and they've always been warm enough. On the mildest day, I did unzip the thigh vents which let me stay comfortable, and they're treated with DWR which so far has been able to handle all moisture though I expect it will need to be reapplied at some point.

As for breathability, I've never had any issue on milder days thanks in part to the ventilation zips, but I must say that I threw them on without Long Johns to go down for breakfast at the hotel one morning and that did reveal to me that their breathability may be somewhat lacking.

Honestly, I'd never wear these for alpine skiing without an underlayer, but if you tend to ski without thermals it may be good for you to know. As I said, I was indoors in a heated space, and I don't think it would be an issue for alpine skiing, but it might present a slight problem for ski touring.

Weight, packability and storage

When compared to other ski pants we’ve tested, these are midweight at around 540 grams for women's and they definitely don't feel heavy on. For packing, I had a checked bag for the trip but I still wanted to travel light on transfers so I used my Fjallraven High Coast Duffel 36. I was able to roll these up to about the size of a Nalgene and they packed away neatly.

These pants have two zipped hip pockets plus one rear pocket, and while I just used my Helly Hansen Kvitfjell Race jacket for storage, I must admit I did miss having a thigh pocket for my phone, which I have on my Powderqueen bibs. Yes, I know it's better to keep my phone in the Life Pocket closer to hand, but the thigh pocket is really convenient.

Durability and value

As usual, there are a well-built pair of trousers from Helly but I did realize when I got home that I already have a small slash at the ankles, probably from a ski edge. This is a common occurrence and these pants have reinforced ankles to help with this so perhaps the reinforcements need to go up higher or perhaps I just need to be more careful. Other than that, they're looking great and I expect them to hold up for a while.

Often, a high-peforming and well-constructed pair or ski pants like this will set you back a pretty penny and Helly Hansen gear can be fairly pricey, but these ski pants are really reasonably priced and you get lots for your money.

Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Ski Pants: the bottom line

Overall, these aren't the toughest or most technical ski pants on the market, but for most of us, they provide just what we need at a very fair price. They excel in comfort, are well-fitting and warm enough for more resort days. The only reason I wouldn't choose them is because I prefer bibs, and for that reason my Powderqueen bibs will win out most days, but I think there's a good reason why the Legendary pants are a bestselling item from Helly Hansen's catalog.

• How Advnture tests products

Helly Hansen Kvitfjell Race Insulated Ski Jacket: first impressions 

If you love skiing and you really love doing it in style, you're going to be sorely tempted by the Kvitfjell Race jacket. This ski jacket from Helly Hansen has already won awards and it's no surprise, given that it was designed with input from the Norwegian national alpine ski team. The professional advice is obvious in its high performance for resort skiing in all conditions.

Fully waterproof and packed with Primaloft Black Ocean Recycled insulation, we've never felt cold in this jacket, even in sub-zero temps and there's no need for a mid layer on milder days. Insulated jackets can pose a problem in the spring, especially if you want to ski hard, but we've found it's very breathable plus it has underarm vents when you overdress.

Because it was designed with ski racers in mind, this jacket won't hinder your mobility in any way. From the articulated sleeves to four-way stretch, you'll easily be able to adjust your boots and take on bumps if that's your thing.

Helly Hansen's ski gear is getting increasingly tech-heavy and this jacket is no exception. There's a RECCO reflector built into the hood in case you decide to go off-piste and get in trouble as well as a Life Pocket to keep your phone close to hand and stop it from dying in the cold. There's also a super handy phone leash so you'll never drop your phone from the chairlift again and a goggle wipe for powder days.

Pockets abound here – we've found six so far including a well-positioned lift pass pocket on the left sleeve – and you can reasonably leave your backpack at home even during a full day on the slopes. The hood is helmet-compatible thanks to an initially hard-to-find inner zip and the women's version has other women's specific adjustable details so it can be tailored to your body.

And then there's the aesthetics. This retro-styled jacket has classic good looks that make it a head-turning piece of gear and one you'll likely want to wear for years and years. That's a good thing too, because it's easily one of the most expensive ski jackets we've tested.

Helly Hansen Kvitfjell Race Insulated Ski Jacket: in the field 

I've loved skiing in my Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity 2.0 Ski Shell Jacket for the last couple of years so I was actually a little conflicted when I was offered this to test. Could I possibly like a jacket as much as the Elevation Infinity? What if I liked it more? There was only one way to find out, so I've taken this to Verbier and Chamonix this year and tested it in whiteout conditions and bluebird ski days.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I tested a small in this jacket, which is my usual size, and I'm very happy with it. Ski clothes and Helly Hansen jackets are often a bit baggy on me, but this has enough room to wear over a wool base layer and my half-zip Daybreaker fleece without looking like I'm wearing my big brother's jacket.

It's got a real retro vibe so the fit is quite sleek and flattering rather than bulky and baggy, which is more functional for skiing and there's lots of stretch added for mobility.

I got to put this to the test on a busy press trip to Chamonix with the brand where we were moving around the mountain a lot with ski patrol. That involved a lot of taking my skis off and putting my boots in walk mode and I was able to move perfectly comfortably, even with lots of layers.

Weather protection and breathability 

As I mentioned, I've been used to skiing in a shell with lots of layers for a while, so I wasn't sure how I'd feel about going back to an insulated jacket. Would it be too warm?

Well, I can say that I've never been cold in this jacket, even without a few sub-zero days at the top of the chairlift, and in general, I do run a little cold, so that's a great start.

On my last two days in Chamonix, I went into autopilot and wore this over my fleece even though the temperatures were relatively mild. I'd overdressed and did find myself getting a little sweaty, especially because one day I was skiing Les Houches alone, it was quiet, and I was lapping runs at very high speed with very little waiting time between runs.

However, that gave me a good chance to test the breathability of the Primaloft insulation, and amazingly I didn't stay damp or get chilled when the temperatures started to drop at the end of the day. I was wearing merino wool against my skin, which certainly helped, and I was able to ski all day without having to tie my fleece around my waist and risk looking like a gaper.

In a more unusual test of this jacket's breathability, I got the unexpected opportunity to go ski touring when I was in Verbier but this was the only jacket I had brought with me on my trip. I'd usually go touring in a softshell, and it was snowing that day, so I threw this on over my Houdini Power Hoodie to get on the gondola thinking I would have to shed it and put it in my backpack once I got moving.

I skinned uphill for about 4.5k from the mid mountain gondola to a mountain hut. Amazingly, I never needed to take this jacket off off and just unzipped the vents. I'm not saying this is a touring jacket by any stretch, but it is breathable.

Weight and packability

This is an insulated ski jacket, so it's not going to be light compared to a shell or softshell and it's in line with other insulated Helly Hansen ski jackets like the Verbier Infinity in terms of weight.

That said, I've worn it for travel on a ski trip where I didn't want to check a bag and didn't find it particularly burdensome, and I recently rolled it up and managed to pack it in my Fjallraven High Coast Duffel 36 along with my other clothes for a flight. I do pack light and I don't want to give the impression that it's feather-light and super compressible, but for what it is I'd say it's an acceptable weight and size when packed.

Storage, hood and other features

For spending full days on the hill, I wanted to carry my neck gaiter, ski gloves, beanie, ski pass, phone, portable charger and cord and my wallet, and I really didn't want to wear a backpack. With all the pockets in this jacket, I managed that and still had room to spare.

I used the inner pocket for my charger and chest pockets for my phone and wallet. Then I still had the hand warming pockets free for my beanie and neck gaiter when I wasn't wearing them. Compared to my Elevation Infinity, the ski pass pocket has moved down to the forearm from the upper arm which is much more practical for boarding gondolas.

Some of the other pockets contain hand surprises too, from a goggle wipe in the left hand warming pocket which I used loads on powder days, to the phone leash in the life pocket which I thought was just genius for using my phone on the ski lift. That will save a lot of skiers a lot of money but make spring cleanup less lucrative!

The hood is obviously helmet-compatible because it's 2025 so I was surprised when mine kept coming down during a snowstorm. When I got back to the hotel I took a proper look and realized there's a zipper on the inside of the hood that you need to unzip to get the hood over your helmet properly in the first place, then you can tighten it. It works great, just not immediately obvious.

As for other features, there's a RECOO reflector built into the hood and I was pleased to see Chamonix ski patrol using the transceiver when I was there. This can really speed up the process of finding off-piste skiers if there's an avalanche and they don't have a beacon.

The only thing I can think of that's missing is a high vis detail which a lot of other Helly jackets have on the hood that makes you really easy to see in whiteout conditions, but I also get that it doesn't go with the awesome aesthetic of this smart-looking jacket.

Durability and value

Clearly I've only been testing this jacket this season so I can't hand-on-heart say it will last years, but based on its construction and my experience with Helly Hansen, I'm pretty confident in its ability to stand up to the test of time.

As for value, well the price is a little eye-watering and you can spend less on a perfectly good ski jacket and be happy. But, if you live to ski and want to look good and have access to all the latest tech? You'll love the retro vibe of this classic-looking jacket.

• How Advnture tests products

It’s early afternoon and I’m sitting on a ridge just below the top of the Plan Joran cablecar on Les Grand Montets ski area in Chamonix. Whiteout conditions that brought at least six inches of fresh powder to the resort this morning are finally starting to abate, and when ski patroller Bernard Luc lets his golden retriever off the leash, he bounds off giddily sending plumes of snow up into the air in his wake.

Whether they’re riding the chairlift or running between their master’s legs as they ski downhill, patrol dogs like Utah draw smiles and shrieks of glee from passing skiers, but they're here to perform an essential safety role.

Tail wagging furiously, Utah darts right and left, moving in a coordinated zig-zag while Bernard skis alongside him and calls out commands in French. It looks like the pair are playing a game of hide and seek, and after about a minute, Utah finds his target in a mound of snow and starts barking and digging. Bernard hastily pulls off his backpack, takes out a shovel, and begins digging. Two other patrollers join hi,m and after a couple of minutes, a skier named Tom is hauled out, brushing snow from his jacket.

Tom is a plant. He’s a fellow journalist who was deliberately buried by ski patrol for Utah to simulate the process of locating and rescuing a skier buried in an avalanche. If this were a real-life scenario, Utah could have just saved Tom's life.

“Where I go, he goes"

Utah has been an avalanche dog for nearly two years and is one of several here in Chamonix. Together with Bernard, a 30-year veteran of ski patrol, the pair travels around the Savoie region when an emergency call comes in about an avalanche and helps search for victims.

“Where I go, he goes,” says Bernard, pointing to his wedding ring to indicate the closeness of the relationship.

At ski resorts like this one, ski patrol and the grooming crew work through the night to make the mountain safe for skiers, grooming terrain and chucking bombs to trigger avalanches on unstable snowpacks. In-bounds avalanches are rare, but for thrillseekers, the chairlift can present an opportunity to more easily reach the much-coveted untouched powder of the backcountry, where avalanches are more common and where avalanche dogs do their best work.

Experienced backcountry skiers know to carry an avalanche beacon so they can signal for help if they get carried or buried by a slide. Some skiers wear backpacks with airbags that deploy in a slide to keep them buoyant. And increasingly, ski clothes like the Kvitfjell Race ski jacket I'm wearing right now from Helly Hansen are equipped with a RECCO detector, which emits a passive signal to help rescue teams find you.

“Most of the time you find nothing"

Even with all that tech, if you get buried in an avalanche, statistics show you only have 15 minutes to live and that’s why avalanche dogs are such crucial members of the team. Avalanche dogs are usually first on the scene and can cover an area in 20 minutes that humans would take two hours to manually probe looking for survivors and victims.

“Most of the time you find nothing, which is great,” says ski patroller and dog handler Sebastien “Seb” Delacquis.

But sometimes, avalanche dogs are the difference between life and death. Only 10 days before our trip, an avalanche in Val d’Isère on the other side of Mont Blanc swept away four Estonian skiers, killing two. None of the skiers were carrying beacons and all were found by avalanche dogs.

I meet Seb in the bustling ski patrol hut just across the valley at Balme Vallorcine. He tells me he started his dog handling career with a German shepherd named Ilky in 2012. The job requires taking on the dog full time – it sleeps at the end of your bed, waits under the table during meals, and whines at the door when you leave just like any other dog. On work days, it rides the gondola with you and stays by your side as you carry out your duties.

“In his mind, he’s looking for a toy"

Ilky retired from patrol a couple of years ago and Seb had to find himself a new canine companion, which went down the same way most new pups are acquired. He went to the breeders, was faced with a new litter of eight and “he chose me”.

I’ll admit, I was hoping for a St. Bernard with a barrel of brandy round its neck when I was invited here by Helly Hansen to learn more about the dogs, but it’s hard not to love Vegas at first sight. At 10 months old, he is still bouncy and rambunctious, jumping up to shower Seb with welcome back kisses after he leaves the room for mere seconds and begging two ski patrollers to share their reheated pasta lunch with him. Already, however, the young pup can ride the gondola by himself and by next winter, he’ll be joining Utah to help with search and rescue.

For now, Vegas and Seb are going through intensive training to make sure they're both ready, but as Seb tells me through a translator named Dmitri, that involves a lot of games.

“In his mind, he’s looking for a toy. If someone is under the avalanche, the dog is looking for a toy – and the toy will be you. And then he will catch your smell."

Thanks to their incredibly keen sense of smell, dogs can be lightning-fast at locating people even under feet of snow. When ski patrol receives a callout to an avalanche, patrollers like Seb and Bernard hop in a helicopter with their canines and are usually first on the scene. They’ll position the dog downwind and instruct it to follow its nose.

“This kind of dog, most of them love games to understand everything, so it’s a positive way of education," says Seb.

"You feel that you understand each other"

Avalanche dogs come in many shapes and sizes – golden retrievers, border collies and Belgian shepherds are popular – but Seb explains that German shepherds make excellent avalanche dogs because they’re easy to train and love to please their masters. The only real downside of the breed is a tendency to develop arthritis, so it’s a good thing Seb is a big guy who can pick his dogs up.

It was a couple of years ago when they were scouring the debris of an avalanche, looking for victim,s that Seb lifted Ilky up on the job for the last time.

“There was a spring avalanche, so there was big blocks of snow, very heavy. The dog looked at Seb like, ‘I might need some help because I’m too old to do it.’"

After so many years of spending every waking moment together, Seb understood exactly what Ilky needed and hoisted him up, setting him on a snow block so he could conduct his search. It’s this special bond and communication that Seb says is the most rewarding part of taking on an avalanche dog.

“It’s like a child. Sometimes you just look him in the eyes and you feel that you understand each other. This is the best part of this job.”

And when there aren’t any avalanches? It’s a dog’s life for Utah and Vegas, providing company to their masters, entertaining the ski patrol team and bringing joy to skiers on the slopes.

• The best avalanche beacons: emergency transceivers that save lives
• The best ski backpacks: for adventures on and off-piste

The lives of three backcountry skiers could have been lost when one of them fell 1,000ft in the backcountry of Washington state, breaking his leg. But the group's quick thinking saved them - when they sent an Apple SOS alert.

The trio hit danger while skiing near Stevens Pass in Washington’s Cascades Mountain range. Authorities said a second skier in the group fell more than 500ft, twisting a knee and wrist.

With night closing in on the dense backcountry area, the group sent out an Apple SOS signal. Although the area does not have a cell signal, the latest iPhones can connect directly to satellites to send SOS signals from all manner of remote locations.

After tracing the emergency signal, rescuers from the King County Sheriff’s air support unit were swiftly on the scene. Arriving via helicopter, they were able to winch down and hoist all three skiers to safety.

With all three recovering well, officials from King County Sheriff’s air support have released extended footage of the rescue below. The heart-pounding clip combines heat-sensor helicopter footage with film from the body cameras worn by rescuers.

Introduced in 2022, iPhone models following and including the iPhone 14 can send SOS signals via satellite. The life-saving feature is not reliant on cellular connection and has now been used in multiple backcountry emergencies.

Without it, rescuers believe last week’s accident could have ended in disaster.

"Without some sort of satellite communication device, this story could have a very different ending, a very tragic ending because of the temperatures that the skiers were skiing in and the distance they were away from any kind of civilization," Sargent Jason Stanley of the King County Sheriff's office told ABC News.

How to use Apple SOS

If you're in need of help in the backcountry, Apple provides the following instructions to help you get the most out of the emergency SOS function:

• Be outside with a clear view of the sky and the horizon.
• Be aware that trees with light foliage may slow down the connection. Dense foliage, hills or mountains, canyons and tall structures may block the connection.
• Hold your iPhone naturally in your hand. You don't need to raise your arm or hold your phone up, but don't put it in a pocket or backpack.
• If you need to turn left or right or move to avoid a blocked signal, your iPhone will provide onscreen instructions.
• The satellite connection can be maintained even if your phone screen is locked.
• Satellite connectivity may not work in places above 62° latitude, such as northern parts of Alaska.

Alternatively, satellite communicators like the Garmin InReach can be used to call for help during remote outdoor emergencies.

In the past decade, more than 10,000 people have used Garmin InReach devices to call for emergency help.

In September, a Canadian hiker who’d been mauled by a bear was rescued after sending an SOS signal with his Garmin InReach.

For more on backcountry emergencies, check out our expert survival guide.

• The best down jackets: stay warm when the temperature drops
• The best hiking gloves: when the mercury dips, these picks deliver impressive warmth and weather protection

Longer, brighter days might not quite be here yet, but they're on the horizon and to help get you ready for spring skiing and summer hiking, Smith Optics has gone deep into the archives.

The Rocky Mountain eyewear brand has revamped and relaunched its iconic Ultralite sunglasses for 2025. First dropped back in 1987, the wraparound shades were inspired by the ski goggles that first put Smith on the map.

Featuring a cylindrical shield lens, these oversized retro sunglasses are designed to give your eyes and face extra protection on bright days, while ventilation holes help keep things from getting too steamy when the temperatures start to rise.

The 1980s weren't exactly known for sustainability, but the new-and-improved Ultralites have been updated with a bio-based frame that's lighter and more durable than the original, though we still recommend you use the throwback fleece pouch provided when you're not wearing them to avoid scratching the lenses.

They're also equipped with the brand's proprietary ChromaPop lens technology which is said to improve contrast and boost color to make those mountain views even more dazzling.

Sweat and sunscreen can make for smudged lenses as you keep pushing your shades back up your nose, but the Ultralites have comfortable no-slip nose pads that react to moisture and stay put. All said and done, these shades are giving us major retro vibes and that's definitely the intention.

"The retro ski goggle inspired design pairs well with high-top sneakers, a fresh mullet, and a good Beastie Boys track playing on the Walkman," says the brand.

The Ultralites are available now in Matte Malachite, High Voltage, 80s Night, Matte Black and Matte Tortoise for $175.00 at SmithOptics.com

• The best sunglasses: tested for hiking
• The best ski goggles: unbeatable protection for your eyes

Whether you're heading out on a major expedition or a fun family ski trip, hauling outdoor gear requires a sturdy, roomy duffel. Right now, you can pick up the top-rated Patagonia Black Hole Duffel for as cheap as $110.93 at REI. That's a healthy saving of 30% off this duffel, which we gave nearly perfect marks after testing it for mountaineering trips.

This deal applies to the 40L, perfect for shoving in the overhead locker as well as the 55L for longer jaunts and the 70L for when you're traveling for a week or longer.

Advnture contributing writer Alex Foxfield calls this "no-nonsense duffel bag with a proven design." If you’re after a solid, durable gear hauler from a brand that does things properly, this is the duffel bag for you.

It sports thoughtful features, like the interior storage compartment that doubles up as a stuff sack, and is a very, very functional piece of kit.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel where you are.

As of 2023, 98% of the brand’s gear was made from recycled materials and it aims to eliminate its virgin polyester use entirely by 2025. The Black Hole's design is also in line with the brand’s focus on durability, which you’d expect for something designed to spend its life travelling, lugging heavy outdoor kit around and being thrown from pillar to post.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel where you are:

• The best hiking backpacks: tested by experts

A bit like riding a bike, skiing is the sort of activity that you can pick up again and again once you've mastered the basics, but that doesn't stop fear from setting in after a long hiatus from the sport. Unlike riding a bike, skiing is a high-risk sport. Injuries are common, and minor aches and pains are almost guaranteed, so the first day back on the slopes are often marred by anxiety or discomfort.

For anyone returning to the mountain for the ski season, the first day back can make or break your vacation. That very first run can be daunting, especially if it's been a long time since you found yourself in a pair of skis, and it's more than likely that your technique has slipped while you were away.

Don't let this dishearten you, though. With a few skiing tips and some gentle reminders, you can ensure your prodigal return to the slopes. Follow these tips to boost your confidence, prevent injury, and ensure your ski holiday gets off to a good start

1. Fuel up

A good day on the slopes starts with a hearty breakfast; ask any instructor and they'll agree. Not only will you be burning a lot of calories out there, but maintaining your blood sugars will help you keep warm while you're up the mountain, so you'll need plenty of fuel. "I’m a big fan of overnight oats, a green smoothie, and of course, coffee," says experienced skier Kendra Scurfield, VP of Brand and Communications at Banff Sunshine Village Ski Resort.

It's also a good idea to take some snacks with you for emergencies, or for when hunger strikes. The last thing you want to do is lose concentration on a black run because you're belly rumbled. “Stay hydrated and drink lots of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration, too, especially since you’re at a higher altitude,” adds Megan Sutherland, communications and PR specialist at SilverStar Mountain Resort in Canada.

2. Check your gear

If it's been a year or more since you skied, you'll need to inspect your gear to make sure it's all up to scratch so you stay safe on your first day back.

“Make sure you boots fit snuggly, and your skis or board are properly waxed, tuned and ready to go when you hit the slopes,” says Megan. “You can wax your gear at home or drop it into your local rental shop for a tune up. This is important, as a fresh wax will help you glide down the slopes and a tune will improving your carving when you turn.”

The same goes for your clothes, too. When it comes to dressing for skiing, sartorial choices are not a priority. Instead, it's all about keeping warm. “Dress for the cold with lots of warm layers. You can always take them off if you’re too hot,” Megan says. “Merino wool is a great way to layer up. A natural fiber and moisture and sweat wicking, it keeps you warm when you need to be warm and cool when you need to stay cool.” It's also a good idea to clean your ski goggles and treat them with a defog spray before you head out, too.

3. Warm up

Like any form of exercise skiing works lots of muscles in your body, and on the first day back of the ski season, you'll be using muscle groups that you likely haven't used in a long time.

“Pre ski, give your self some time to warm up, stretch, and loosen up,” says Kendra. “Your first run of the day should also be an easy run where you can comfortably return to snow.” Focus on the legs and knees especially, but don't forget your hips and upper body, too (practice some hip mobility and trunk rotations to work these muscles). Not only will this prevent aches and pains tomorrow, but it will also minimize the risk of injury or muscle strain.

4. Plan your day

There's no room for a lack of planning on the mountain. To keep you and your ski crew safe, it's vital you check weather conditions, avalanche reports, and know your routes before making your way down the hill. Fail to plan, and you plan to fail.

Even if you're visiting a familiar resort, you might not remember the trails or terrain as well as you did after your time away, and resorts often adjust their patrol areas, too. “Skiing with a buddy and or knowing the trails is always helpful so you don’t get lost or on terrain you’re not comfortable getting down,” says Megan. “If you’re new to a mountain, you could take a mountain tour to get to know the area.”

5. Take a lesson

If you're lacking confidence, why not book a ski lesson? A little refresher could be all you need to find your feet again and get back on the proverbial horse. A great deal of skiing comes down to your mindset, so a lesson on your first day back could give you the boost you need to enjoy some carefree carving.

“A lesson is always a great way to get some pro pointers and one-on-one advice to help improve your skiing abilities,” says Megan. “Plus, there’s always room for improvement!”

6. Don't forget your form

When you do start to hit the white stuff, give some thought to your form. You'll be out of practice, and in your excitement it's easy to fly down a run without giving a single thought to your technique. While it‘s important to enjoy the moment, the very first run is your chance to gain back that muscle memory, so it's important your form is on point.

“On my first day back each season I remind myself to engage my core, to bend my knees, and relax my shoulders,” says Kendra, adding that laughter and enjoyment is vital, too. Remember where the various points of contact should be in your boots to make sure you get beautifully arched turns, and make a point of staying low by bending your knees. If it feels like your exaggerating the physicality, that probably means you're doing it right.

Getting ready for the ski season can even start at home, too. “Pre ski, I do my best to get my legs and core into ski shape,” adds Kendra. “I’m a big fan of pilates, resistance training, and aerobic activities like running or cycling to help with ski mobility.”

7. Make time for an après stretch

Before you head to the ski bars, make time to do a bit of stretching after a long day skiing. You've just used muscles and ligaments that haven't been worked in a while, so this will help you avoid aches and pains during the rest of your vacation. “After a day on the slopes a good stretch followed by a soak in an outdoor hot tub is a must,” notes Kendra.

The secret is to a good ski holiday is to take precautions, practice your technique, and prime yourself mentally. Follow these tips and you'll ensure your first day back on the mountain is a successful one. Now you're ready to do it all again tomorrow.

Shopping for new ski gear this winter? If so, you might want to take advantage of the opportunity to get your hands on a free day of skiing while you're at it.

As winter sports go, there's nothing cheap about skiing and that's why Norwegian brand Helly Hansen is giving you a little extra help to get on the slopes. Ski Free with Helly Hansen gifts you a free day of skiing in one of over 50 premiere resorts in Europe and North America when you buy a ski jacket or pair of ski pants from the latest Helly Hansen ski collection.

You can choose from a ton of great resorts including Jay Peak, Mammoth, Sugarloaf, Lake Louise and Snow Valley in North America or Verbier and Chamonix if you want to hit the Alps.

There are loads of options from the iconic brand, from insulated alpine jackets to light backcountry shells depending on how you like to get your turns. Some of the kit we've been testing this season in Chamonix and Verbier is part of the program, including the classic Kvitfjell Race Insulated Ski Jacket (also available in women's sizing), which was developed with and for the Team Telenor Alpine Norway ski teams and the versatile Elevation Infinity 3.0 Jacket in men's and women's which is a technical shell loved by ski patrollers worldwide.

If you're looking for leg gear, we love the timeless Women's Powderqueen Bib Pant which keeps you warm and stops snow from getting where you don't want it on a powder day. If you're looking for a classic ski pant, we've worn the bestselling Legendary Insulated Ski Pants (here in women's) in whiteout conditions, deep powder and bluebird days and stayed comfortable.

You can check out the entire collection of eligible garments here then choose your preferred ski resort and use your receipt to secure your lift pass. Once you're kitted out, check out our guide to how to fly with ski gear to start planning your ski trip.

Looking to save on gear without the free pass? Check out today's best deals on Helly Hansen ski gear we love:

• Best ski jackets for men: protection on the slopes
• The best women's ski jackets: style, protection and warmth