FEATURED POST

Ski cultures are territorial, especially the old ones. The local’s band up like gorillas claiming large swaths of alpine territory. Guarding the stash can become a way of life. This tribal phenomenon is rich in the Southwestern Colorado San Juan Mountains.

“In the winter of 2010, Mark Allen called me about a photo he had come across of a glacier in Alaska of which we had never heard. We determined that it was possibly accessible with skis from the epicenter of Kahiltna Basecamp and by all accounts unknown. With a bit of work, photos lined up to maps, together showing steep terrain and big relief, our excitement built. We planned for the Alaska range in the spring.” The Pirates of Rad returned to Alaska for adventures into the unknown. Here is their story…

“21,000ft and moving too fast. 3 years since I’d been exposed to this altitude and the feelings were all coming back. Going for the summit of Ama Dablam, we felt very alive.” IFMGA Guide Mark Allen leads an IMG team to one of the world’s highest peaks.

European alpine traditions are deeply ingrained in the climbing communities of the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps. American IFMGA aspirant Mark Allen headed to the legendary peaks of Chamonix this summer for mentorship, training, and to see what all the fuss over these mountains was all about.