All Content By: Ryan Alford

"Out of sight, out of mind."

Have you ever heard somebody utter that phrase?  It's a phrase that seems to be relative to a person's current thought-process: If I don't have to see it, then it's nothing I really care about.

But that's the kind of ignorance that many settle with; they care only about what it is they can reach.  And they only care about what affects their current situation.  Knowing this, would you care if somebody said our mountain forests are dying?  Would you believe it even if you didn’t see it?  I hope so.

BREAKING NEWS: The World Snowshoe Invitational moves from Mount Seymour to Grouse Mountain. Race date remains Feb. 27. For more info: http://www.theyeti.ca

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The 25th running of the World Mountain Running Championships were held under clear and crisp blue skies with temperatures in the upper 50s for the start of the competition. The venue was in the winter ski village of Madesimo, Italy, located three hours by bus from Milan.  The course was lined with fans not only from the host country, but with worldwide fans.  The sound of ringing cowbells and pulsating air horns filled the air.  A total of thirty-five countries were represented in the four races.

Building upon its innovation in performance footwear traction and snow travel systems, Kahtoola expands its unique step-in FLIGHTdeck TS snowshoe line with the addition of a 29” deck for increased flotation. The FLIGHTdeck TS is now available in the TS 29, (8.5”x29”, $289), TS 24 (8.5”X24”, $274), and TS 23 (8”X23”, $269).

Nordic walking offers widespread benefits for people of all ages and abilities, but fitness buffs and serious athletes can use Nordic walk for complete full body training that can be done anywhere.

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One of Jackson Hole’s top resorts, Spring Creek Ranch, is giving skiers a chance to experience the downhill excitement of the famed Grand Teton range at an incredible value with its “Ski Free” Package.  Skiers have the option of hitting the slopes at either Grand Targhee Resort or Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, both prime locations for making the powder fly.

Skiing/riding encourages a lifestyle that’s physically challenging and cultivates a bond with nature. These snowsports open the door to winter fun – bringing people together for family adventures that satisfy the mildest of carvers to the heartiest of dare-devils. Go alone, or go with friends and family – your well spent time will yield priceless memories.

A huge coal strip-mining operation proposed on Alaska's Chuitna River by the owner of the Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort in Utah has drawn the ire of groups concerned about the mine's contribution to global warming.

Offering altitudes on par with the Alps and the American Rockies and a traditional November through April mountain season as well as year-round glacier skiing, Turkey offers winter sport experiences that are as varied and challenging as they are enjoyable. Whether for cross-country, downhill, heli-skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing, Turkey’s ski resorts offer modern facilities and equipment, skilled skiing instructors and a full range of contemporary accommodations. 

Ultra runners test their physical and mental endurance at the Lake Tahoe Marathon during the 9th Annual Tahoe Triple and the 4th Annual Super Triple, both of which kick off Friday, September 25 and conclude on the official marathon race day, Sunday, September 27.

As Senators Mark Udall and John McCain held a formal hearing in Estes Park today concerning global climate change and its impact on national parks, conservationists called on the senators to acknowledge the roll that gray wolves necessarily play in buffering against the effects of climate change.

Join CDTA as we promote the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail with free guided hikes and bike rides, outdoor booths, live music, volunteer trail-building opportunities and fun for all ages! Learn how volunteers are helping to build and protect this incredible trail from Mexico to Canada.

On Sunday, July 19, runners can accept the challenge offered by the La Sportiva HalfMarathon which is a bit longer than the traditional 13.1 mile distance. At 14.5 miles this is the longest race in the La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running series – in fact almost twice as long as the other events in the series.

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) hailed Friday’s introduction of the U.S. OUTDOOR Act, groundbreaking legislation that was introduced simultaneously in the United States House of Representatives (H.R. 3168) and United States Senate (S. 1439). Led by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Greg Walden (R-OR), Niki Tsongas (D-MA), Darrell Issa (R-CA), Jim Matheson (D-UT), Jared Polis (D-CO) and Todd Akin (R-MO) in the House and Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) in the Senate, the U.S. OUTDOOR Act is the realization of two years of development and consultation between OIA, outdoor industry apparel manufacturers, the U.S. textile industry and these leaders in Congress.

GoldToeMoretz has announced the debut of a new no-show performance sock  for men and women from PowerSox by Gold Toe.  The PowerSox CoolMax Tec Stripe retails for three pairs/$9.99 and is available at www.powersox.com.

For runners who love running for a cause but hate the crowds, here are suggestions of three organized runs off the beaten path that offer incredible scenery AND make a difference.  

For most people in the world, it was the start of a Saturday like any other: Some breakfast, maybe some coffee and a leisurely flip through the morning paper.  For Eileen Wysocki, resident of New Castle, Colo., it was a day she would never forget.  Her snowshoes, determination and focus on setting a world record were the only things furiously going through her mind on February 7.  It was time for the 24 Hours of Sunlight endurance race at the Sunlight Mountain Resort near Glenwood Springs, Colo.

"We cannot overlook the importance of wild country as a source of inspiration, to which we give expression in writing, in poetry, drawing and painting, in mountaineering, or in just being there."  – Olaus Murie

Traveling to Wyoming offers a unique opportunity to see countless landscapes – each representing a different brush stroke on a vast painting that seems to go on forever. At the focal point of this work of art is the northwestern corner of the state: Home to the majestic Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks…and the tranquil offerings of Turpin Meadow Ranch.

Jackets with fill down insulation offer a genuine shield from extremely cold weather and harsh winter conditions.  Lately, in Colorado, the conditions have been very extreme – with days recently hitting 19 below.  Of course, here in the Centennial State, life goes on when the weather is crazy.  During harsh walks to the bus and snowshoeing trips in the foothills, the Outdoor Research Virtuoso Jacket has been a lifesaver when the temperatures have reached dangerously cold levels. 

When I snowshoe, it never fails: My chin and nose get colder than any other part of my body.  This happens particularly because it’s the only exposed skin on my body when outside in the outdoor elements.  It’s a problem that isn’t easily remedied without the right gear, but most products on the market are either cheaply made or don’t properly do the job.  This season, it’s all about finding the right gear for the conditions…and I have solved yet another problem for my snowshoeing adventures.  Talus Outdoor Technologies created the ColdAvenger: A cold weather mask that allows you to breathe freely while keeping your face warm and dry.  I like that.

I once owned a pair of gloves – don’t recall the brand name – that advertised to be the thinnest, warmest available.  They were made with wet suit material, which made them relatively thin and mildly warm.  What I didn’t like about them was their inability to work with Velcro.  The wet suit material would stick to the Velcro and then slowly fray at the fingertips.  That sucks!  Although they were good gloves, I unknowingly gave them to a homeless man after misplacing them on the downtown bus.  Whoops.  I now have a new pair of gloves that are thin and warm AND work with Velcro: the Ibex Kilometer Gloves.  Sweet!

Weighing in at approximately 39 ounces, the Outdoor Research Metaphor is a 3-in-1 jacket that I have continuously worn throughout Denver’s latest bout with arctic weather.  I am living proof that this jacket does its job well at -18F.  Without it, I would be in a heap of trouble on these cold days in Colorado.  And it’s not too often that these tests become available right outside my door. 

I enjoy a good hydration drink.  Although, nowadays, there are several to choose from and most drink coolers are full of choices that are obscure.  Coolers are also full of mainstream brand hydration and energy drinks, like Gatorade and Red Bull.  But, the influence of hydration water drinks has caught on, especially with snowshoers.  Vital Action Performance Water is a drink that replenishes and provides that extra boost necessary before and after a day of snowshoeing.

Living in Colorado, I’ve had the opportunity to experience visiting several snowshoeing destinations that many people covet and dream about.  I take the mountains for granted and I’m not proud of it.  They are what I look at often as I go through life in Denver – although I rarely take advantage.  However, when I can absorb a majestic Rocky Mountain experience, one Colorado mountain town will forever have my heart: Glenwood Springs.  When I visit, I never take it for granted and nor do I want to leave.

Over the years, I regularly receive an e-mail or a phone call from an eager snowshoer wanting advice on what kind of backpack to purchase.  Of course, I’ve tried many and have my opinions.  Where I find my opinion becomes rather fierce is the availability of a backpack engineered for snowshoers.   This is a very difficult item to find in the world.  Until now, conveniently!  This is because you’re reading Snowshoe Magazine – the only publication focusing entirely on the sport of snowshoeing.  So, I introduce to you...GV Snowshoes’ Technical Backpack for snowshoers.

I’m always delighted to test gear that’s well made, bulletproof and waterproof. I’ve tested outdoor gear from Marmot (a favorite), The North Face, Columbia, to Arc’Teryx and a handful of other elite manufacturers. And so I finally got my hands on some GoLite gear. Although the Snowshoe Magazine gear-testing department is small, we have the honor of working with some of the best companies in the business. My initial thoughts and experiences with GoLite are phenomenal and I can only hope to get my hands on more.

I was first introduced to Nathan Sports’ Hydration Packs in Glenwood Springs, Colo. I was browsing a gear store in the downtown area and happened to see the X Trainer Mutation Pack hanging near some jackets. Like a stray dog, I had to bring it home with me. So, I took it off the rack (noticing it was the only one left) and tried it on. I was sold!

I've been a fan of hydration drinks for a long time.  However, I’m being too general. In the past, when I thought of a hydration drink, I thought of Gatorade. Nowadays, when I think of an hydration drink...I think of Nuun. But this isn’t your typical hydration drink - it’s the start of what I believe is preferred hydration while out on the trail.

It's springtime in the Rockies...and I'm testing a lineup of quality jackets. And, as one of my favorite brands of all-time, Marmot has provided yet another stellar product: the Heat Shield jacket. This Windstopper for some of the most unpredictable weather months of the year is a must-have for any snowshoe day-tripper.

A place of refuge, a scenic break from reality, a smart choice for any snowshoer...Johnson Mill Bed and Breakfast in Midway, Utah is a perfected place for a little well-deserved R&R&S (rest and relaxation and snowshoeing).