Charlie Landefeld

Central Oregon’s Secret Peaks | Cat Skiing Mount Bailey

Central Oregon is the backwoods. In a good way. Smack in the middle of weathered mountains are a small chain of volcanic peaks rising 8000-9000 feet. Mount Bailey has several cirques facing various aspects carved out by glaciers. With around 3000 skiable vertical feet and 360 degree aspect options the mountain is a skier’s playground. Conditions in Central Oregon have been incredibly dry this year. While Bachelor is 100 miles away with a base of 133”, Bailey has a base of only 85”. Talking with one of our guides, Oz, he mentioned that in his 30+ years of working for the cat operation this is the driest winter he can recall. Similar stories were heard from the cat driver […]
Chaz Diamond |
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Washington Avalanche Trends – What’s The Deal?

Washington ski areas have been captivating national news with videos and pictures of huge slides, making things feel a bit strange in Washington. No doubt this season has been unusual for the West Coast of the U.S., but Washington avalanches taking out chairlifts? Are we in Las Lenas now?! But, we are looking forward to a brand new High Campbell lift at crystal, because it was planned to be replaced in the next 5 years anyways. Washington state currently holds the record for seasonal snowfall so it is no secret that there is plenty of snow. With a maritime snowpack […]
Post Tag for AvalancheAvalanche
Chaz Diamond |
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Hestra Seth Morrison Pro Glove Review

Hestra has been making leather gloves for a long, long time. In 1936 Martin Magnusson founded the company in Sweden, where the gloves are still made to this day. For perspective Vail Resort spun their first chairlifts in 1962. Along the way they have learned a few tricks to make durable and insanely dexterous gloves. Tricks like inverted and double stitched seams help make these gloves insanely durable. The Seth Morrison Pro model glove lives up to the Hestra name and is designed for warmth and durability. The Seth Morrison Pro Glove is made from Hestra’s most durable leather, army goatskin, intended for use and abuse in harsh conditions. […]
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Chaz Diamond |
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Patagonia Down Sweater Review

patagonia down sweater

An essential member of every backcountry rider or winter shredder’s coat collection is the puffy jacket. For this Patagonia down sweater review the jacket has seen it all. From blustery changeovers on exposed ridges to treks home from the bars on cloudless nights, warmth is key and down is king. Patagonia has become widely recognized as a crafter of outstanding quality and environmentally responsible gear, and now even beer. The Patagonia down sweater hoody is an iconic, stylish, and backcountry tested down jacket. With one-inch baffles the down sweater is toasty, without making you look like the Michelin Man. In a crowded […]
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Chaz Diamond |
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Patagonia R1 Hoody – Review

Many people have heard of or have seen the Patagonia R1 hoody; a technical multi-use fleece. Equally comfortable and functional when worn as a base or mid layer, this piece has earned its Patagonia name. The Patagonia R1 hoody is part of the Patagonia Regulator family, designed to regulate body temperature during aerobic activities, providing both insulation and thermoregulation as needed. DETAILS: The R1 hoody is optimized for colder weather. However I found it functional and comfortable in a range of temperatures; from skinning in the 50 degree sun near Mt Baker, paddling the Tanana […]
Post Tag for Gear ReviewGear Review
Chaz Diamond |
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