The Linkup November 29

The season is upon us. Ski season that is. Big Sky, now the largest resort in the United States post merger, is open for business. Bridger Bowl follows on Dec. 6th. And don't forget Bohart. It's been hit or miss so far up there, but this weeks weather system should have them up and running for another amazing nordic season. Our staff has been hitting it hard up in Hyalite and report ever improving conditions, just in time for Ice Fest.  This weeks Linkup brings you fire and ice, with a generous helping of snow (safety). 

The Beer Can Stove

Two things I am pretty much guaranteed to have close at hand.  A knife and an empty beer can.  Throw in a little fuel and you've got the easiest lightweight stove we've come across.  Because nothing finishes off an epic powder day like a cold beer and some warm chili.


How To Turn A Beer Can Into The Only Camping Stove You'll Ever Need from Tom Allen on Vimeo.

Ice Climbing in Hyalite Canyon 

With Ice Fest 2013 a mere two weeks away, here's Pete Tapley getting it done on The Scepter to get you stoked.  This year's Ice Fest gets underway on Dec. 11th and runs through the weekend, with activities both in town and down in Hyalite.  Get the details here.  While you're waiting check out the Friends of Hyalite website, and help out the folks that make this all possible. 

 

 

 

Be Prepared

You may have noticed a recurring theme in our social media posts lately.  A lot of them have to do with avalanche safety.  And no, it's not so we can sell you more gadgets.  It's because avalanches pose a serious risk to backcountry users, and we want to make sure every one who walks through our door lives to come back again.  Yes we sell avalanche safety equipment, and we take it seriously.  These are life saving devices, and we refuse to stock anything we're not completely confident in.  It's the one thing we sell that we hope you never use (except for practice, which you should do religiously).  Come in on Dec. 2nd and check out the avalanche awareness seminar put on by the Gallation NF Avalanche Center.  Learn from the best in the field why we keep bringing up.  It could be the best hour you spend this winter.  Details for the event are here, and find out about advanced avalanche safety classes from the GNFAC here. 

The Linkup: November 14

While this recent warm spell has put a damper on an early start to actual skiing, it's done nothing to hold back ski film season.  Seems everywhere you look around town, there's yet another ski film premier.  And while we can't get enough of them, have you ever stopped to think about how these films effect the broader world of skiing? Today we bring you both a killer trailer and a blog post about how the proliferation of these  films might affect the greater ski community.  And to close it out, a quick reminder that our favorite holiday is right around the corner.  That's right, Ice Fest is coming soon. 

Way of Life, a film by Teton Gravity Research

For some it's a hobby, something to do on the weekends.  For others (a good portion of our local population), it's something more.  Snow defines their being.  They will go anywhere and sacrifice anything in pursuit of the perfect line.  This is their film. 

Are ski movies killing skiing?

 Here's an interesting perspective on the proliferation of ski movies from the badass blog Bedrock and Paradox.  Occasionally controversial, never boring.  No watered down posts here, just the straight sh!# from a Montana outdoorsman. Written in the true spirit of Cactus Ed, this has been on my list of favorite blogs for some time.  Read more about "the continued immolation of the spectacular" here. 

 

Ice Fest is Back!!!

December 11-15, 2013

Back again for 2013, and this year is looking like the biggest ice fest yet.  This year's event is highlighted by the U.I.A.A. Open North American Ice Climbing Championships, hosted by Conrad Anker.  Saturday is the Lead Difficulty Competition, while Sunday brings the exciting Speed Climbing Championship.  A massive, three story climbing structure will be erected outside the Emerson for the events.  Serving as the event's "Urban Base Camp", this area will also feature food, family entertainment, and in-town clinics.  The highlight of the event is always the on-ice clinics for all levels in Hyalite.  There are still a few slots available, check them out and read more about the festival here.


Arc'teryx Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival - December 11-15, 2013 from Bozeman Ice Festival on Vimeo.

Northern Lights is once again a sponsor of the festival, and we have everything you need to get you on the ice.  Boots, clothing, gloves, and Southwestern Montana's best selection of ice climbing gear from the best in the business.