Sad way to start off 2009. Likely by now everyone has heard about the 2 unfortunate deaths from separate avalanches on Whistler Blackcomb a couple days ago. Both were in areas that are currently out of bounds because of snow and safety conditions, but are normally open this time of year. I suppose people are skiing more and more areas as snow cover improves, not anticipating avalanches of that caliber on such familiar terrain. 

This is a hard hitting true story of a back country ski trip with very experienced people gone horribly wrong. Worth watching.

As ski season approaches (although it seems slowly right now for Whistler) it's important to remember how dangerous avalanches can be. It doesn't matter how experienced you are when group factor kicks in. Blake in this case has a masters degree related to snow science, I know I've never been out with anyone with those kind of credentials. Keep it safe!

Wow, this is really sad news on K2. No fun. Sounds like the weather finally broke and there were plenty of keeners on K2 this weekend. An avalanche broke below the 'Bottleneck' as 25 people were descending from the summit. Some were swept away in the avalanche, others died of frostbite, stranded on the mountain. 11 people died, and one is still awaiting rescue.

The BBC described it as the 'deadliest day in K2's history'. 

Read the full BBC story & videos about the K2 avalanche. And here's an article about a Dutch survivor. 

Bit late I know, but i keep telling people about this photo of the fracture on Surfs Up on Blackcomb Mountain from about a week and half ago, so here's the photo to back it up. Pretty gnarly eh? 

The good news is, since then it's snowed a bunch, and the crown is now curled in and half the size, the perfect sized drop to get you cranking with speed down Surf's Up.

You're avalung ain't gonna do you any good in this monster. Holy crap stuff like this is scary to watch:S

It doesn't get any better or safer.  Avalanche safety is very important, so watch this video very closely!

The Trailer for Respect is quite possibly one of the best ski movie trailers I've seen, at least in recent years. It's all big mountain charging. Lots of deep snow and big airs. Some of the avy scenes are pretty scary, and leave me wondering whether they should even be shown. I can't wait to see this movie, it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up! Respect is from Winkinc, the same crew that put together The Waiting Game keep up the great work guys!