Articles
We're for the everyday adventurer who finds joy in being outside, especially with their solemates. With everything from resources on the Rockies to tales from the trail, consider us a source of inspiration and motivation for getting after it.
8 LARCH HIKES IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
Larch trees have risen to celebrity status here in the Canadian Rockies, and there’s little wonder why. These coniferous trees shed their needles, but before tucking in for the winter they turn so vibrantly yellow that they light up the landscape. If you’re keen to trek amongst the fall’s golden glow, branch out with this select list of larch hikes in the Canadian Rockies.
MOUNTAIN LODGE SPOTLIGHT: BUFFALO MOUNTAIN LODGE
In our latest Mountain Lodge Spotlight, our Editor-in-Chief spends a weekend with her family at Buffalo Mountain Lodge, and discovers that a great vacation can happen just five minutes from home. Whether you're a visitor or seasoned local, this mountain getaway offers the perfect mix of accessibility and tranquility, even if you’ve got a four-year-old in tow...
BEST SPOTS FOR PADDLING IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK
You can’t get a more Canadian destination than Banff, and you can’t get a more Canadian activity than canoeing. So, we figured there’s no better tribute than to pair these two together! Whether the canoe is your chosen mode of water transport, or you’re keen on using a SUP, kayak, rowboat or raft, here’s our guide to some of the best places to paddle.
SCRAMBLING SAFELY: Q&A WITH A PUBLIC SAFETY SPECIALIST
Not quite hiking, not quite climbing: scrambling, as we call it, is a phenomenal way to reach summits and gain those lofty views. But while scaling certain peaks may not require ropes and harnesses, scrambling takes you into inherently dangerous terrain where a mistake could have enormous consequences. Crowfoot Media’s Editor-in-Chief checks in with Paddy Jerome (Public Safety Specialist with Alberta Environment and Parks – Kananaskis Region) for his best scrambling safety advice.
THE AFTERMATH OF MOUNTAIN TRAGEDY
We all know things can go wrong in the mountains. We prepare ourselves by taking courses, gearing up, and carrying our emergency beacons. But are we prepared for what comes after a trauma?
ALL THAT GLITTERS: INTERVIEW WITH MARGO TALBOT
Margo Talbot's All That Glitters tells the story of her journey through addiction and depression and the healing she found in nature. In this interview, she tells us what that journey signifies for the greater mountain community and how we might empower ourselves in the context of COVID-19.
REINTRODUCING BISON TO BANFF: A TIMELINE
It has been 140 years since bison roamed free in Banff National Park. But, this month, all that has changed as a small herd of Plains bison was translocated from Elk Island National Park to Banff. With the help of Bison Belong, an organization dedicated to the animal’s reintroduction, we put together a timeline to put this recent success into context.
TRIP REPORT: EGYPT LAKE, BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Anyone willing to put in some mileage on their hiking boots should consider a multi-day trip into Egypt Lake in Banff National Park. Forested valleys, striking pinnacles, clusters of small lakes, and exciting alpine passes distinguish this area from its other backcountry counterparts. Hit it up in July to enjoy carpets of wildflowers, and warm weather that’ll make you eager to jump into one of the many lakes along the way.
UNLTD: 5 LIFE LESSONS FROM A SMALL TOWN STORE
Ask Dave Carlson where the name ‘Unlimited’ comes from and he’ll tell you it’s all about optimism, opportunism and having a “no boundaries” attitude. We caught up with the Banff/Canmore storeowner to get behind the scenes at one of the Bow Valley’s favourite independent retailers. We came away with a whole lot more.
WHY YOU SHOULD UPGRADE YOUR AVALANCHE SKILLS: Q+A WITH MARTY SCHAFFER
It’s hard to come by a better spokesperson for avalanche safety than Marty Schaffer. This ACMG Ski Guide has grown up in the ski industry his whole life, works closely with Avalanche Canada, and now runs his own ski guiding operation, CAPOW – Canadian Powder Guiding. He gives us the low-down on why backcountry ski and snowboard enthusiasts should upgrade their Avalanche Skills Training, what an AST 2 course has to offer, and what the biggest mistakes are that he’s seen in avalanche terrain assessment.
CHRISTINE FELEKI AND THE PATH TO SPLITBOARD MOUNTAIN GUIDING
Christine Feleki is a Canmore native who is about to push some serious boundaries. Contributor Abby Cooper caught up with Christine to hear about her current venture to become one of the first female splitboarding guides to take the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) test. Turns out, she is one of those incredibly humble and driven human beings that make you want to live a better life, love more, and be a better person. She must be from Canmore…
HUT ETIQUETTE: 10 THINGS THAT’LL GET YOU THE STINK EYE
Ten years ago I was a total mountain newbie. The ‘hut life’ was the ultimate dream, and one I probably trampled through without knowing it. Here’s why: the quintessential hut experience – the kind of backcountry trip we all idealize – depends on a mostly unspoken etiquette in order to retain its sacredness among outdoor enthusiasts. Call these my own hard-learned lessons or (now) pet-peeves, here are ten sure-fire ways to break the code and attract some serious stink eye.