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Every Story Since Time Immemorial 📚

Past mags take over computer space on Associate Editor Liam McGee’s desk. 📸 Liam McGee

It’s 107 outside. Again. Heat waves blast off the pavement. It’s actually inhuman to be outside. So I close the door and retreat to the AC. And a book. With no desire to exercise, I tear through stories. First books, then a new copy of The Surfer’s Journal, then the newest Mountain Flyer. Finally, I flip through old copies of Backcountry Magazine.

Our annual back issue sale went live last week. Every issue that’s ever been released since the beginning of time (aka 2010) is on sale now, which got me thinking about my favorite renditions of the mag. I’m planning a trip to Japan this winter, so I pull out two issues with 10,000-word features on the histories of mountain ranges, culture and skiing in Japan: Issue 162 and Issue 163. I plan to return to both stories again when winter approaches.

Then, I pull out a collection of what I find to be the most timeless issues: skills guides. Issues 126, 132 and 150. All contain a deep dive into specific skills for the backcountry.

The 2019 Skills Guide draws me in. The skills feature is broken into four sections for every skier, from beginner to expert. I place myself at level three and read through the tips on trip planning and post-tour debriefs. Both offer a helpful refresher of concepts I learned years ago in avalanche courses. If I had to recommend rereading any issues, it’s the skills guides. Because there’s always more to learn.

I’m also partial to Issue 141, The Avalanche Issue (more on that below).

And if there’s a specific story you’re looking for, hit me up. We’ll help you find it.

—Liam

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Mountain Skills

Uphill Travel Guide

Resort Skinning Policies

We’ve compiled a database of U.S. resorts with a little about each individual policy—where and when skinning is allowed, whether or not it’s free during operating hours and the link directly to the resort’s guidelines.

View our resort skinning policies guide »