In the life of an aspiring freeskier, there are as many stress-filled nights as there are powder-filled days. It’s an endless tug-of-war between following your passion and finding security; a game that’s rarely won. Filmmaker Daniel Thomson and skier Alex Armstrong chat with us about Daniel’s new film ARMY, what it takes to make skiing happen as a lifestyle, and why it’s worth it.

This isn’t just a backcountry ski lodge – it’s a glimpse of life lived off-the-grid with simple necessities, extraordinary hosts, and some sweet skiing. Abby Cooper dives into the daily life of the Yancey clan at Boulder Hut, where "school" means everything from homework to hospitality to life skills learned only in the alpine.

It’s an intensive course that doesn’t feel intense. Like the layers of an unpredictable snowpack, the lessons of an immersive AST 2 course in the backcountry settle gradually. Here at Purcell Mountain Lodge, you don't learn behind a desk. The lessons seep into the stories you swap around the dining table and in the pause for thought on the uptrack, where a few feet to the left makes all the difference...

The women's snowboarding scene is taking centre stage in the Bow Valley, and it’s all thanks to Abby Furrer. The manager and buyer at Banff's Rude Girls have built – and is still building – an all-female, intimidation-free snowboarding community that is starting to turn heads. Here's why...

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...

Mountains make the greatest teachers and provide us with countless opportunities to contemplate, question and learn. At 99, Richard Guy has had nearly a century of lessons during his life-long relationship with the mountains. In this installment of “Three Things I’ve Learned”, writer Lynn Martel taps into the wisdom of this mathematician and mountain adventurer, who truly embodies a life lived to the fullest.

At the heart of mountain culture in the Canadian Rockies is the tradition of mountain lodging that beckons travellers to disconnect, unwind and enjoy a warm drink by the fire. Our Mountain Lodge Spotlight series features just this – a long-standing history that continues to this day. Whether in the backcountry or at the roadside, these mountain lodges feature stunning locations and good old mountain hospitality.

Luxury in wilderness comes a bit off the beaten track for many getaway lodges in the Canadian Rockies. But, Emerald Lake Lodge maintains a semblance of isolation and the elegance of simplicity, despite being just a short drive away from the nearest village. The historic Swiss-inspired lodge is just as inviting as the peaks seen from its windows, beckoning visitors to explore and enjoy the splendour of Yoho National Park. Tera Swanson tells you the best ways to experience this mountain gem in winter.

From resorts to natural hot springs and hot pools that require a ski or hike in, soak up one of these experiences in the Canadian Rockies and neighbouring regions!

For avid campers and newbies alike, the costs of pitching a tent can add up. Thankfully, there are nearly 1,300 free recreation sites across B.C. and several in Alberta’s Rockies waiting for you to set up camp. Here are the best resources we could find – in print and on the web.

Getting into the wilderness is an unforgettable experience. What’s even more memorable is getting above it. If you’re ready to take your hiking boots higher, consider this list of next-level hikes for the aspiring peak-bagger.

We all know the catchphrase “No pain, no gain.” Trust this trail guide author when he says that while most of these hikes may be strenuous, spectacular views will be your reward. Enjoy this short excerpt from Vol. 2 of the Canadian Rockies Annual! Want the other 10 ideas for scenic hikes? Purchase a copy of the magazine from our shop.