avery stonich

Now is the Time to Visit Nepal

/ Avery Stonich / Leave a comment

P1020205

I have tears streaming down my face as I read the comments on an essay I wrote for National Geographic Travel about my profound experience in Nepal last fall. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to travel to this magical country and help inspire others to visit and help Nepal recover from the devastating earthquakes that hit last year. Here are some of the comments that moved me most:

“Reading articles like this makes me even more proud to be a Nepali. This article indeed brought tears to my eyes.”

“It was amazingly written from the top to bottom, last paragraph brought my tears down. Thank you for sharing your experience, thanks for the love towards Nepal and Nepali. Yes we really are suffering from so many things but this will really help Nepal for sure. Million Thanks again.”

“Thanks for showing the world that how Nepalese people are living with positive attitude despite of devastating earthquake and the cruel Indian economic blockade. We have fighting spirits and will continue to live in a positive attitude. I am a tour guide since last 14 years. I’ve seen lots of ups and down but still I am positive that we will have more people as visitors as the world loves Nepal not only for its natural beauty but also for the simplicity of people, honest people and kind people.”

“Namaste! This is a beautifully pieced together experience that puts a sober picture in your head. Thank you Avery!”

See all the comments at the bottom of the article on National Geographic Travel: Why Now is the Time to Visit Nepal.

If you’ve ever considered a trip to Nepal—or even if you haven’t—plan one now. You will help the Nepali people and, without a doubt, enrich yourself.

Namaste.

—-

Here are some stories I wrote about Nepal:

Why Now is the Time to Visit Nepal (National Geographic Travel)

Nepal on the Rebound (Outdoor Industry Association)

Help Nepal Get Back on Its Feet (Outdoor Industry Association)

More coming this spring. Check back here or follow me on Twitter to see them when they publish.

 

Insider’s Guide to the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships

/ Avery Stonich / Leave a comment
Photo by Kevin Krill

Photo by Kevin Krill

The countdown is on: Thousands of ski racing fans are set to descend on Colorado for the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, which take place in Vail and Beaver Creek from February 2-15. For the unintiated, this is a pretty big deal in the ski community. The competition is second only to the Olympics in size, with more than 600 athletes from 72 countries making the pilgrimage to battle it out on our snowy slopes.

Learn more in my insider’s spectator guide to the 2015 Alpine World Ski Championships on RootsRated.

Learn to Ice Climb

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Photo courtesy Dan Chehayl

Photo courtesy Dan Chehayl

Chatter about the world’s top ice climbing spots will always circle back to Ouray, a sleepy town in southwestern Colorado where more than 20 years ago, a few visionary climbers started teasing streams of water down the walls of a steep, shadowy gorge.

Since then Ouray Ice Park has blossomed into an ice climber’s dream-come-true, where ice farmers carefully tend hoses and showerheads to cultivate a mile-long network of magical ice.

Ice climbing is a delicate art of ascending frozen flows using ice tools and crampons. It’s slow and methodical, requiring careful pick and foot placement on ice formations that range from dangling fangs to chandeliers of fused icicles and lumpy mushrooms.

Learn how to give it a try in my Adventure 101: Ice Climbing in Ouray article on National Geographic Travel.

In Search of the Steep and Deep

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Kachina Peak, Taos Ski Valley

Photo courtesy Taos Ski Valley

I’ve been an alpine skier since I was about eight years old. Until a few years ago, I hadn’t given backcountry skiing a fair shake—mostly because an avalanche safety class I took back in the mid-90s scared the shit out of me. I wasn’t sure I was up for the risk. Plus I sucked at telemarking. I bought really skinny touring skis and never could nail a good turn on them. So I retreated to the comfort of my alpine boards and spent the next 20 years happily ripping it up inbounds.

Fast forward to a couple of years ago when I had an amazing day in the Jackson Hole backcountry (on my alpine boards, bootpacking). My soul was so stirred up after that day, I thought I better give the backcountry another look. After all, backcountry gear has come a long way. So I got a sweet alpine touring setup from La Sportiva (yay, I can make alpine turns!) and retook the avy 1 class. Armed with this knowledge, great gear, and some friends who are willing to help show me the way,  I’m on my way to becoming a skilled backcountry skier. Some day. There’s a lot to learn, that’s for sure.

Yet there are still plenty of days when the lifts call. When you don’t want to deal with hiking. Or the avalanche danger is so high, you’d rather not take the risk. That’s when it’s nice to know you can hit some rad inbounds terrain without having to worry so much. (Caveat: inbounds avalanches do sometimes occur, so you should never fully let down your guard.)

The good news is that alpine resorts are seeking ways to feed that hunger for big-mountain terrain inbounds. Take Taos Ski Valley, for example, which this season is opening the Kachina Peak lift to haul skiers and riders up to terrain that was previously accessible only by a sweaty 45-minute slog. Some lament the easier access. Others celebrate it. Either way, it’s more terrain for everyone.

Other resorts are also finding ways to provide backcountry-like experiences within their boundaries. Read more in an article I wrote for Outside, my first for them: In Search of the Steep and Deep: A growing demand for big-mountain, backcountry-like terrain is prompting resorts to up the ante inbounds.

Get Your Ski Boots Dialed

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Larry's Bootfitting

Larry’s Bootfitting in Boulder is something of an institution. For decades, Boulderites have been paying homage to Larry Houchen and his bootfitting prowess. Back in the day (think 20+ years ago—yikes!), when I first had Larry fit me, I could swear that he was squeezing me into a boot that was two sizes too small. Turns out, he was actually finally fitting me right, so my boots wouldn’t start slopping around after five days.

Direct power transfer to the ski: that’s what you need. A boot that fits right is snug and comfortable, allowing you to control your skis with ease.

There’s no need to suffer with uncomfortable ski boots. Go see Larry, the bootfitting legend of Boulder. His place is more like a clubhouse than a ski shop—where you go to get your boots fitted and end up sticking around for a beer.

Read more in my article on RootsRated: Get Your Ski Boots Dialed at Larry’s Bootfitting.

Feed Your Ice Climbing Stoke at the Ouray Ice Park

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ice climbing

Earlier this week, I ventured to the Ouray Ice Park to try ice climbing for the first time. What a blast! Ascending the frozen walls, I was mesmerized by the beautiful, varied textures of the ice, and the chink chink sounds of my crampons and ice tools. The art of ice climbing is methodical and meditative, as you move one hand or foot at a time, tapping in holds. It’s challenging, fun, and so gratifying. I think I might be hooked! I have to give a big shout out to San Juan Mountain Guides for giving me a great introduction to the sport.

Next week is the Ouray Ice Festival, a great chance to try ice climbing, hone your skills, or watch the pros. Read all about it in an article I wrote for RootsRated:

The Largest Ice Climbing Festival in North America

Big. Fat. Blue. The stuff of frozen dreams. For months, ice farmers have been carefully coaxing magical slabs, pillars, and fangs to life in preparation for the 20th annual Ouray Ice Festival, which takes place January 8-11, 2015, at the Ouray Ice Park in southern Colorado. Park workers are now scurrying around like elves, putting the finishing touches on plans for four days of ice climbing clinics, demos, competitions, and parties that will fire up everyone from ice junkies to newbies.

Read more…

Train to Crush It in the Mountains

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Alpine Training Center

Photo courtesy Alpine Training Center

You know those people who get all evangelical about their workouts? (Think Crossfit.) Well, I hate to admit that I’ve become one of them, thanks to Alpine Training Center (it’s not Crossfit). It all started this fall when my former ski house roommate issued a challenge to a few of us that went something like this: “I’ve been doing this really great ski conditioning class and I think you should, too. In fact, if you want to be able to keep up with me on the mountain this season, you better sign up!”

Enough said. Challenge accepted. So I buckled down and endured two months of absolutely the hardest ski training workouts I have ever experienced. And it paid off. On my first ski days of the season, when my legs would typically be burning, I felt awesome. So, of course, I thought I should spread the word of the gospel to the masses with an article.

And by the way, once you’ve tasted the Kool-Aid, there’s no going back. I am an Alpine Training Center junkie for life now. Forgive me if I talk about it too much.

Read  the article I wrote for RootsRated: Train to Crush It in the Mountains.

Wish upon a Boulder Star—My First Piece for RootsRated

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Boulder Star

Boulder Star photo courtesy Boulder Chamber of Commerce

My hometown of Boulder, Colorado, is a very special place. I’ve lived here for 26 years, and have traveled all over the world, yet each time I come home, I’m happy to be here. Now I’m lucky enough to be able to combine my love for my town with one of my other passions: writing.

I’ve just started a regular gig, contributing to RootsRated, an awesome online site that focuses on the outdoor life. I’ll be writing an article a week, highlighting outdoor happenings and fun things to do in Boulder, Denver, and a bit beyond. Already my head is overflowing with ideas. I can’t wait to share them all with you.

For my first installment, I wrote a piece about hiking to the Boulder Star. This iconic symbol lights up the side of Flagstaff Mountain each holiday season, and is a beacon of good cheer for miles around. There’s no better way to celebrate the season than to hike up at dusk, watch the star ignite, sip a hot toddy, then descend with a headlamp to guide you.

I hope you’ll read my article and then take a hike!

Click to it here: Wish upon a Boulder Star

 

Give Back on #GivingTuesday, December 2

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mountain magazine

This time of year, it’s easy to get caught up in holiday consumerism. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday … the shopping world assaults us with opportunities to spend money on material things. From my perspective, a far greater opportunity exists during this season of giving: Giving back, either by lending a hand to someone in need, volunteering your time, or supporting your favorite cause. Enter #GivingTuesday on December 2, a global day to celebrate generosity and to give.

It just so happens that a key trail in one of my favorite towns in Colorado is at risk of being lost to development—unless the Crested Butte Land Trust can raise $250,000 more by January 15 to purchase the land. For #GivingTuesday, I plan to make a donation to support this cause and protect a gem in my backyard.

You can read more about the Crested Butte Land Trust’s heroic effort to save the Snodgrass Trail in an article I wrote for Mountain Magazine. It’s my first for them. Check it out: Give a Little—The Crested Butte Land Trust Rallies for Access and Recreation on Snodgrass Mountain

How are you going to give back on #GivingTuesday?

Getting Your Backcountry Ski Pack Dialed

/ Avery Stonich / Leave a comment

womens adventure winter 2014-15 cover

Ski season is upon us! It’s been dumping in the Colorado high country for a couple of weeks now, and everyone I know is itching to bust out their boards and start carving buttery turns.

One key to a killer day in the backcountry is knowing how to organize your pack. It can make the difference between being quick, comfortable, and efficient, or fumbling around and getting flustered. In the latest issue of Women’s Adventure, I’m happy to share tips and tricks for getting your pack dialed. Read my article—How to Load a Backcountry Ski Pack.

Like what you see? Subscribe to Women’s Adventure. Each issue is packed with great articles about getting outside, exploring, and having fun, including Tech Talk pieces like this one to help you learn how to go about doing it.