Essays By Our Guides

Food Planning for the Mountains by Michelle Smallman
As a veteran of over 20 month long mountaineering expeditions around the world, Michelle knows about food stress. Here are some practical tips to keep yourself well fed on your next backcountry adventure.

Training for Alpine Climbing by Scott Johnston
The more specifically you train for your course the more you will get out of it. We commonly hear guests state that they wish they could have started their trip in the shape they finished it in. The exact type of trip you are planning will help dictate your training, but in general, the more specifically you train for the activity, the more benefit you will feel when you are out there on the trip. This is an in-depth essay about training for climbing written by ex-World Cup Nordic skier and NCMG guide, Scott Johnston.

The Benefits of Low ratio guiding by Larry Goldie
This is what sets us apart at NCMG and why we feel like low client to guide ratios make all of the difference. Learn more about the limitations and benefits of the varying ratios used throughout the guiding industry. Mandatory reading if you are shopping around for a guide.

A Backcountry Ski Gear Primer by Scott Johnston
The current offerings of ski equipment can seem overwhelming, especially if you are new to the sport. Here we have tried to demystify the gear world a bit as well as sharing with you what all of the NCMG staff chooses to ski on.

The Evolution of Backcountry skis by Scott Johnston
Scott offers the unique perspective that comes from over 35 years of ski touring and the evolution of ski equipment during that time.

Guides Ski Touring Tips by Scott Johnston
Scott has compiled some of the best tricks and tips for staying comfortable and efficient while ski touring. We say some because to get them all you have to hire a guide....

 

 

 

Articles we've written and ones written about us

High Hazard decision making by Larry Goldie
Originally printed in the Dec 09' issue of Off Piste Magazine

Often the skiing is really good during high hazard, but can we manage the risk? This article looks at some ways of minimizing our risk without staying home .

Neve Neve Land by Cristopher Solomon
Originally printed in the Spring, 2009 issue of Outside Go Magazine

An excellently written article about NCMG's April 08' stormy trip to the Ortler region.

Methow Homecoming by Cristopher Solomon
Originally printed in the December 08, 2008 issue of High Country News

A wonderful essay about our incredible valley. Especially poignant for those with a connection to this place.

Group Decision Making in the Backcountry by Larry Goldie
Originally printed in the Jan 09' issue of Off Piste Magazine

With "Human Factors" being responsible for the large majority of avalanche accidents, this article adresses some ways to strengthen decision making within your group .

Mazama Mia: Finding the Void in the North Cascades by Kristopher Kaiyala
Originally printed in the Jan 07' issue of Powder Magazine

Published in the Three Strange Days column, Kris describes a weekend getaway that began with visions of bluebird heli touring and ended with a day of skiing deep powder in near zero visibility.

Big Mountains, Small packs and French Wine by Larry Goldie
Originally published in the Fall 07' edition of MVSTA trails magazine

This article provides a historical perspective on this most famous of ski tours as well as a modern day version of what makes it still so special .

On the Fly Stability Tests by Larry Goldie
Originally published in the March 05' edition of Off Piste magazine

In reality many of us enjoying skiing much more than digging snow profiles. Here Larry looks at some ways to gain stability information without disrupting your ski day.

Mountaineering 101: Top Ten by Nick O'Connell
Originally published in the June 03' edition of Outside magazine

From Half Dome to Mt McKinley, Nick lays out a 10 climb plan to turn the aspiring climber into a bona fide alpinist. The fourth peak he recommends climbing is Liberty Bell to buff out your multi pitch climbing skills. Who does he recommend learning these skills from? You guessed it - NCMG.

 

 

Off-Piste Articles

The Following articles are on the Off-Piste Website and the links will take you to a download of the issue that hosts the article.

Backcountry Skier Exam by Geof Childs
Originally published in the Oct 04' edition of Off Piste magazine pg 8

This is Geof's hilarious piece which originally debuted at the 2003 Methow Valley Freeheel Festival when he was acting as the MC. Good for a hearty belly laugh.

Avy Fundamentals by Larry Goldie
Originally published in the Oct 05' edition of Off Piste magazine pg 16

This article describes the 5 most common stability issues facing skiers in the backcountry. It discusses how to be aware of them and where to look for them.

The Art of the Uptrack by Larry Goldie
Originally published in the Dec 05' edition of Off Piste magazine pg 14

Many of our guides are routinely considered to be skin track snobs. We would rather break a new track, than take all of the joy out of ski touring by following a poorly set track. This article offers some tips to improve your skills at laying the perfect trail.

Darkside Calling by Paul Butler
Originally published in the Jan 06' edition of Off Piste magazine pg 10

This is Paul's perspective on the switch that has taken place in the ski industry over the last few years with many people leaving behind the beauty of the telemark turn for the efficiency of the alpine turn. Paul's sharp wit and hilarious insight make this one a great read!

The importance of Backcountry Protocols by Larry Goldie
Originally published in the Jan 07' edition of Off Piste magazine pg 20

This is a fairly somber story about taking part in an actual avalanche rescue that ultimately turned into a body recovery. There are important lessons to be learned from this.

Tour Planning by Larry Goldie
Originally published in the Dec 07' edition of Off Piste magazine pg 28

As guides we frequently tour in areas we haven't visited before and use tour planning to gain information and be prepared before entering these areas. Additionally, sometimes we want a sense of how long a certain trip ought to take our group. This article addresses the primary skills used to create a tour plan on your own.

Tour Planning with Digital Map Software by Larry Goldie
Originally published in the March 08' edition of Off Piste magazine pg 22

A follow up to the above mentioned article with an emphasis on using Digital mapping software, such as National geographic's TOPO program.