Mountain Life

19/08/2024

Prolong the summer stoke and enlarge your definition of “home” with these photos from the latest issue of ML’s Rocky Mountains edition.

Prolong the summer stoke and enlarge your definition of "home" with these photos from the latest issue of ML's Rocky Mountains edition.

16/08/2024

It’s only mid-August, we know… but the ski edits are already dropping! In this one, Rab athlete Anna DeMonte sets new women’s ski FKT on the iconic, fearsome Mont Blanc.

It's only mid-August, we know... but the ski edits are already dropping! In this one, Anna DeMonte sets new women’s ski FKT on the iconic, fearsome Mont Blanc.

15/08/2024

While falling short of its main objective, a soggy bikepacking mission proves that the journey itself is worth the price of admission.

✍️ :: Heather Plewes-LaBerge + Paulo LaBerge
📷 :: Paulo LaBerge

While falling short of its main objective, a soggy bikepacking mission proves that the journey itself is worth the price of admission.

13/08/2024

"A ridgeline to the north, a bowl of slab descents to the south and a huge descent—more than 2,000 m—to the west. We’d found the playground I’d been hunting for, and I immediately began scheming how to share it with others."

✍️ :: Ian Middleton
📷 :: Jimmy Martinello

Learning to love riding slab.

12/08/2024

Ever thought of landing a plane on a remote sandy beach to go surfing? That’s exactly what pilot Rory Bushfield and photographer Mason Mashon did. Check out more amazing photos and read the full story of their epic adventure on B.C.’s West Coast.

✍️ + 📷 :: Mason Mashon

If you had asked me five years ago, the idea of landing a plane with wheels on a sandy beach to go surfing wouldn’t have crossed my mind. . .

09/08/2024

Jasper has always been good at welcoming its guests. As mountain people, many Jasperites love sharing their trails, views, and local favourites.

But right now, it’s Jasperites who need our help. With 4,700 displaced residents and hundreds of homes and businesses destroyed, the community faces immense challenges as they await the rebuilding process.

Bob Covey, publisher of Mountain Life Rocky Mountains and the editor of The Jasper Local has this dispatch, on how the mountain community is finding strength and connection amid the wildfire's aftermath. 🏔️🤝

𝗧𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗝𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 Jasper Community Team Society’𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱: https://www.jaspercommunityteamsociety.ca/

Right now, from all different parts of Alberta and B.C., 4,700 displaced Jasperites are watching firefighters battle the still out-of-control wildfire that

08/08/2024

As one of the main characters in Red Bull’s documentary 'The Engine Inside', Jay Bearhead has seen it all: residential schools, drug abuse, alcoholism and homelessness. But it’s his rise from those lows that is inspirational. In part it was the bicycle that saved his life. And now from his home base in Kamloops, B.C., he’s giving back—teaching Indigenous youth how to harness the power of two wheels (or two edges) to create a future that is entirely their own, while continuing to learn and teach the Indigenous traditions and culture he grew up without.

🎧 Listen to Colin Field's conversation with Jay wherever you get your podcasts, or tap below to read more.

As one of the main characters in Red Bull's documentary The Engine Inside, Jay Bearhead has seen it all: residential schools, drug abuse, alcoholism and

06/08/2024

A 14-day, 400-kilometre kayak odyssey along BC's wild northern coast from Prince Rupert south to Bella Bella.

✍️ + 📷 :: Frank Wolf

A 14-day, 400-kilometre kayak odyssey along BC's wild northern coast from Prince Rupert south to Bella Bella.

02/08/2024

Shoemaking is a complex undertaking, and making sustainable shoes is even more so. But Max Romey—who works with KEEN as an artist and Impact Maker—has a knack for making both easier to understand.

This Alaskan painter and filmmaker has turned his dyslexia into a superpower for storytelling, using watercolours instead of words. Encouraged by his artist grandmother, he turned to painting to share ideas without having to spell them out.

These days, Max expresses his love of nature as a filmmaker and climate activist. In his film 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘒𝘢𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘪, Max follows his grandmother's footsteps and travels to the remote beaches of Katmai, Alaska where alongside marine debris experts, he learns about all the people making footprints on Katmai without ever visiting.

Shoemaking is a complex undertaking. Making shoes with sustainability in mind is even more complex. But Max Romey—who works with KEEN as an artist and Impact

30/07/2024

The passionate eye of wildlife photographer Maxime Légaré-Vézina.

✍️ :: Feet Banks
📷 :: Maxime Legare-Vezina Photographe

The passionate eye of wildlife photographer Maxime Légaré-Vézina.

29/07/2024

Adventure photographer Mike McPhee has traded adrenaline seeking for the Zen of fly fishing. He explains why his new preoccupation with the mysterious trout is taking over his life.

Former adventure photographer Mike McPhee has traded adrenaline seeking for the Zen of fly fishing. He explains why his new preoccupation with the mysterious trout is taking over his life.

26/07/2024

Since 2004, the Whistler Valley—with its legendary singletrack, rock gardens, punishing ascents and vertiginous descent—has been home to Crankworx Whistler, where the globe's top mountain bike athletes come to showcase their skills.

Continuing through July 28th, Crankworx Whistler beckons pro riders of various disciplines, as well as high-spirited amateurs and young riders competing in Kidsworx. In short, is the ultimate celebration of all things MTB.

Check out the latest video highlights! 🎥👇

Since 2004, the Whistler Valley—with its legendary singletrack, rock gardens, punishing ascents and vertiginous descent—has been home to Crankworx Whistler, where the globe's top mountain bike athletes come to showcase their skills.

25/07/2024

Full disclosure: Rocky Talkie’s PR company sent me two free set-ups to review. I spent eight months testing them (which I bet is way longer than they were expecting). Hit the link below to see how it went! 👇

✍️ + 📷 :: Feet Banks

The Rocky Talkie delivered in every sport and setting from Coast Mountains backcountry to Squamish crags to ocean-boating to hayfields.

24/07/2024

This is how Mat and Ali (Trip Longer) scare the bears while bikepacking across North America! 🚵🐻

Their tips: Make noise, give bears space, and keep food away from campsites. And for extra peace of mind, keep bear spray within arm’s reach.

For less worrying and more riding, check out the Ghostrider Equipment Kermode Bike Bear Spray Holder! Designed by Pat Simpson, this innovative holder keeps your bear spray within easy reach and boosts your confidence on the trails. Learn more about Pat’s work in 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 👉 https://www.mountainlifemedia.ca/2024/07/redefining-bike-safety-the-kermode-bear-spray-holder/

🎥 :: Trip Longer is currently tackling the Great Northern Bikepacking Route, covering 14,000 km of diverse terrain, from gravel roads to singletracks and backcountry trails. They’ve teamed up with Pat to create a limited edition Trip Longer x Kermode 2.0 bicycle bear spray holster, with $7 of each sale going to World Bicycle Relief. Check out their profile to follow their journey and visit their bio to support their World Bicycle Relief fundraiser!

24/07/2024

Looking for an easily accessible and unspoiled lake to SUP this summer? How about two? Check out Penticton—this BC gem is one of only two cities in the world situated between two major lakes. With Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake to choose from, it’s the perfect spot for a SUP adventure. Rent a stand-up paddleboard from Sun n' Sup Paddleboard Shop, Pier Water Sports, or Hoodoo Adventure Company for a relaxing day on the water.🏄

For more info, follow Visit Penticton and explore their water activities at https://www.visitpenticton.com/listing-category/water-activities/

📸 :: Matt Clarke/Visit Penticton

23/07/2024

For the 50th episode of , host Feet Banks connects with Sandy Ward (Kelkeláokik)—snowboarder, mountain biker, filmmaker, guide to be, and a trailblazer at helping Indigenous youth reconnect to the land and their culture through sport.

With a big movie about to premiere at Crankworx Whistler’s Dirt Diaries contest, Sandy discusses the hectic pace of being a quadruple-threat talent, her award-winning film Slides on the Mountain, her work with the next generation, and how she’s still learning to sometimes reign things in after a two-decade career in the mountains.

Tune in to Episode 50 wherever you get your podcast, or listen on our website: https://www.mountainlifemedia.ca/podcasts/

🎙️:: Feet Banks
📷 :: Matthew Bruhns

For the 50th episode of Live it Up with Mountain Life, host Feet Banks connects with Sandy Ward (Kelkeláokik)—snowboarder, mountain biker, filmmaker, guide to be, and a trailblazer at helping Indigenous youth reconnect to the land and their culture through sport.

22/07/2024

Building the perfect dirt jump is thirsty work.

Recently we scouted a classic spot for an epic sunset shot over Georgian Bay, but the original trail was in the wrong place. So with only two hours before sunset, we got to work. Thanks to Rally Beer Company for helping us refresh post-sweat with their Trail Blazer beer.

Words & photos :: Colin Field
Article sponsored by Rally Beer Company

Building the perfect dirt jump is thirsty work.

19/07/2024

This hut-to-hut route high in the Austrian Alps takes seasoned trekkers about six days to complete. German trail runner Ida-Sophie Hegemann aims to run it in 11 hours to claim the FKT (Fastest Known Time).

🎥 :: The North Face

This hut-to-hut route high in the Austrian Alps takes seasoned trekkers about six days to complete. German trail runner Ida-Sophie Hegemann aims to run it in 11 hours to claim the FKT.

18/07/2024

ML staff and partners showcase the latest trail-ready apparel and gear.

ML staff and partners showcase the latest trail-ready apparel and gear.

16/07/2024

Timeless timbers blend seamlessly with modern energy efficiency in this old Ontario barn turned home.

✍️ + 📸 :: Kristin Schnelten.

Timeless timbers blend seamlessly with modern energy efficiency in this old Ontario barn turned home.

16/07/2024

RIP to the great Swiss steep-skiing pioneer, Sylvain Saudan. We'll be sure to ski “Saudan Couloir” many times for you this upcoming season.

Peter Chrzanowski recalls a sporadic, 30-year friendship with the godfather of extreme skiing.

15/07/2024

Notes from the simple life in Haida Gwaii.

"When people find out where I live, they often ask, 'Don’t you feel isolated, living out there, away from it all?' I even had a taxi driver in Toronto ask me if I came from an 'excluded' sort of place."

✍️ :: Susan Musgrave
📸 :: Yan Kaczynski

Notes from the simple life in Haida Gwaii.

12/07/2024

A new product collection from Cole Sparrow-Crawford and Arc'teryx puts Indigenous designs front and centre.

“The collection is inspired by the spring and summer traditions on the Coast Salish territory and deeply reflects the connection my people have with our land,” said Sparrow-Crawford. “As a Coast Salish, Musqueam person, these cultures are embedded in our lives and in the traditions passed on through generations. Walk Gently is an opportunity to connect inspiration from my culture with the world of technical design, and to honor all the individuals that have worked so tirelessly for us to be in this place today.”

A new product collection from Cole Sparrow-Crawford and Arc'teryx puts Indigenous designs front and centre.

11/07/2024

Easily one of the best pieces of gear that we’ve come across in the last few years, Noso Patches are one of those must-haves to slide in your pack for any multi-day outdoor adventure. We caught up with Founder and CEO Kelli Jones to give us the skinny on how these little patches are making a big impact.

✍️ :: Todd Lawson
📸 :: Stephen Shelesky/NoSo

We’re all about using gear that makes total sense, and doesn’t break the bank. This is where Kelli Jones and her company, NoSo Patches, truly shine.

11/07/2024

You should air it,” said a guy who repeatedly fought face to face with Grumpy Bob. “It’s history and it’s important.”

The briefest history of Great Lakes surfing according to Grumpy Bob. The Wyldewood Surf Club was formed in 1965 out of Port Colbourne, Ontario and from its very beginnings was an international club with both Canadian and American members. The Wyldewood Surf Club member Bob Sobering (AKA Grumpy Bob) began surfing in 1970, then picked it up again in the 90s. He’s a divisive figure in the Great Lakes surf scene. And in 2017, when ML editor-at-large Colin Field interviewed him for the Mountain life Annual story the Fifth Coast, he was as opinionated as ever. Those opinions have got him in a lot of hot water (pun intended) over the years, but even his main nemesis agrees this interview is worth listening to.

Tune in to Episode 49 wherever you get your podcast, or listen on our website: https://www.mountainlifemedia.ca/podcasts/

🎙️ :: Colin Field
📸 :: Supplied by Grumpy Bob
🔈 :: Episode sponsored by Jack Wolfskin

10/07/2024

GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🌟 Celebrate Osprey Packs’ 50th Anniversary with us and stand a chance to win a Talon/Tempest Velocity multi-sport pack!

Built for speed and efficiency, whether you’re setting personal records, bagging peaks, or taking quick laps on your splitboard or skis. Featuring a running vest-inspired harness and soft flask compatibility, it’s designed to keep you moving seamlessly across any terrain.

Enter here 👉 https://www.instagram.com/p/C9PsYsuJtmT/?img_index=1

08/07/2024

Invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels are causing an 'invasional meltdown' in the Great Lakes, triggering a cascade of ecological calamities.

The entire Great Lakes ecosystem is tipping into befuddlement. With quadrillions of mussels filtering the water, nutrients are diabolically concentrated in mussel beds, leaving little for the native food chains. Discover the frightening reality and ongoing efforts to mitigate this crisis.

✍️ :: Leslie Anthony
📸 :: Inspired Planet Productions

Invasive species trigger a cascade of calamities in the Great Lakes.

05/07/2024

Behind the scenes of a BC campaign to boost respect for the outdoors and recreate responsibly.

The Don't Love It To Death campaign is meant to educate British Columbians (and guests) on how to responsibly enjoy the outdoors. On-trail signage, blogs, videos and more promote being fire smart, safe, clean, respectful and sustainable when visiting BC’s outdoor spaces.

✍️ :: Celeste Pomerantz
📸 :: Amanda Palmer/Topo

Behind the scenes of a BC campaign to boost respect for the outdoors and recreate responsibly.

03/07/2024

Plateau Cattle Co.’s herd grazes in their summertime pasture near the Old Man River headwaters. Here, on the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, lies the eye of an impending storm. In the midst of a multi-year drought, the Alberta government is considering open-pit mining in the Old Man River watershed.

Laura Laing and her husband John Smith raise more than 500 head of cattle here at their ranch near Nanton, AB. Four years ago, Laing and Smith were two of thousands of Albertans who rallied to prevent open-pit coal mining on Grassy Mountain. Now they’re fighting another coal project on the same mountain.

✍️ :: Andrew Findlay
📸 :: Callum Gunn

An ominous threat returns to the fragile eastern slopes ecosystem of the eastern Rockies.