Evelyn Spence

When Marine Sergeant Kirstie Ennis lost her leg above the knee in Afghanistan, she found healing in the outdoors. Now, she has her sights set on the world’s highest mountains.

All hikes end. Sometimes that's a blessing.

Perfect this move for on-a-dime turns in steep, rugged terrain.

Stay safe with these six ski-down tips.

Use telescoping shafts for stability on any angle.

Change your technique and style to manage any snow conditions.

Conquer cold with proactive hydration and calorie-packed nutrition.

Recognize these avalanche-risk signs and learn how to choose routes that avoid them.

Hidden layers are the key to stable—or slide-ready—slopes.

All conditions affect avy potential. Check forecasts and assess risk.

You don’t need pro-level skills to ski off-piste, but honing your kick-turn technique and avoiding rookie mistakes will ease your transition to backcountry terrain. Here’s how to master the ups and downs when lifts and groomers are miles away. Plus: Prevent blisters, stay energized, and negotiate steeps.

Caused by variable weather, unstable snowpack, and steep terrain, backcountry avalanches claim an average of 25 lives a year in the United States. Your first safety step: Brush up on the basics below. Next, take a course accredited by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education

On any wilderness trip, smart preparation is key. But it’s even more important when you’re backcountry skiing, due to the technical gear, low temperatures, potential for severe weather, avalanche risk, and tricky routefinding. Here’s how to start smart—before you leave home.

Start earning your turns–safely–with this primer on equipment, route planning, reading conditions, and more.

Send him out on a work trip. Let wilderness do the rest.

We surveyed more than 40 scientists, conservationists, and professional adventurers, then ranked the 15 parks that are most in peril from climate change.

Want legs that can tackle any climb, any heavy pack, any mileage? Well, don't work harder–work smarter. We grilled fitness experts and scoured the medical literature to uncover the latest, greatest strategies for building strength, endurance, speed, and flexibility.