Stories & Guides

Shames is a story of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. Facing closure in 2008, with no prospects of purchase on the horizon, the community banded together to create the first co-operative model in Canada. My Mountain Co-op, made up of local individuals, businesses, societies, and corporations worked together to purchase the mountain in 2011 and operate the hill as a community. Today, a decade later, Shames continues to remain open and serves as a model for local resorts across the globe.

The last push to the top of the ridge. A quick look over the edge. Then dropping down the sheer snow-covered face. Along with these high-octane, high-altitude moments, (in)complete gives unique insight into Jérémie's understanding of freeriding and his development towards true alpinism.

To escape from the hectic activity on the pistes, more and more winter sports enthusiasts are exploring terrain outside designated ski areas. Independent and guided ski tours are also becoming increasingly popular. As in so many situations where people venture into open terrain, certain risks arise and these must be given due consideration. We met Franz Widmer, head of the Mammut Alpine School, to discuss these risks and what steps we can take to prepare for them – to ensure that touring is as safe an experience as possible, allowing participants to fully enjoy the panoramic ascent and fast-paced powder descent.

Jérémie Heitz and Sam Anthamatten are known for pushing the envelope of what is possible. While their skiing is on another level, we wanted to learn about something we can all relate to: relationships, risk assessment and good times in the mountains.

When planning an international ski trip, do you prepare for what it'll feel like when you're not a local, when you don't know the snowpack, the terrain or even the local language? Katie Combaluzier tells us about how a quick getaway to the French Alps changed her life and led her on a path to the Paralympics.