Favorite new gear of 2010

With the ringing of the new year in a few days I thought I would share with you some of my favorite 'New" gear of 2010.


The Black Diamond Demon pack. 32L. After 3 seasons on constantly checking out my buddies pack, and thinking of times when the demon would be perfect, I got one! It's great, and handles everything from a full day of touring, to teaching avalanche courses, or ice or mixed climbing. I love the simplistic one-zip open, and the side straps to handle skis, a rope, or ice tools.

Black Diamond Fixed Length poles. With my full baptism over to alpine skiing, (ie. first ever Alpine skis, bindings, boots, spider pants and jacket), grin, I figured fixed length poles were part of the package as well! I had intended on using these at the resort but so far they have seemed to make it out on almost every tour! I took off the wrist straps and switched out the jingus baskets for some bigger powder baskets and BAM!

                                        

Even Roven can't take his eyes off the new BD fixed length poles!

Mammut Alpine underwear, 3/4 length. Mammut has combined Polyester Microfiber and Merino Wool to create, quite possibly, the greatest thing since dynafit bindings! (grin) I love these! The 3/4 length is perfect; they are the perfect addition to the Patagonia Alpine Guide pants!

Black Diamond Kilowatt Skis. BD says, "The Kilowatt is the Black Diamond, employee go-to ski, when conditions are uncertain". So far, no complaints from me! I have been using them all season: from Cat Skiing powder days, at Irwin, to long human powered tours. I went with the 185's and they're sweet!

Brooks range Scientist 35 Folding Snow Saw. I am a huge fan of the fact that it is super light weight, and folds down to half it's size. It’s perfect for those backcountry skiiers and snow scientist looking for the best snow saw on the market today!

Mammut Stratus Flash Jacket. This is this year's CBMG winter guide jacket and it's a great one! I'm really a big fan of the packablity, and that it is super light weight, while still providing warmth. Also, the inside pockets are high and great for drying out gloves, or holding a snack. Still getting used to the left-sided zipper...

Rope Partner in the news!

The rope access company I work for Rope Partner recently got some good press from The New York times. Check it out!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/25/business/25climb.html?_r=2&emc=eta1

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/12/24/business/energy-environment/1247466088083/tied-to-the-job.html

Sunrise on a Windfarm in PA

Special Holiday Offer from CBMG!

This just in!!

This year give a gift that keeps on giving....CBMG's NEW Punch Cards.... Buy 4 privately guided days and receive a 5th for FREE !!!

* Does not apply to overnight tours or specialized instructional courses *

15% OFF any 1-day of guided Winter 09/10 activities

Give the gift of a professionally guided backcountry adventure with CBMG. 15% OFF any 1-day winter activity with a guide...backcountry skiing or riding, ice climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or winter mountaineering.

*Offer not available in conjunction with any other CBMG offered discounts*

Online Promo Code:CBMGHoliday09

Offer Expires: April 30, 2010

Still plenty of time to get/give/use these as its not even Jan 1 yet! feel free to contact me to set this amazing deal up.

Happy Holidays!

Well Roven and I had a nice little ski out the back door this morning and now Kate, Roven and I are heading to Wheat ridge till Sunday. I am now entering my 3rd winter and season of guiding hear in Crested Butte and I can’t help but think of all the great times in the Mountains I have had with Guest and Friends alike. Thanks to everyone for all the memories and I hope for many many more in 2010! I especially would like to thank Kate, she puts up with me being gone week after week while I am off 'working' puts up with me playing with gear and packing all the time and does not seem to mind ice axes in the living room. Thanks Kate for being so understanding and supportive of my job,goals and passion. I love you.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Kyle

AIARE Level 1

Just wraped up another AIARE Level 1 this weekend with Crested Butte Mountain Guides. We had a great 3 days of learning and all under classic bluebird and sunny Colorado skies!

Hey no smiling while digging the pits!

WOW Check out the clean pit walls not bad for your first time!

Which way do we go?

A quick lunch stop at my favorite spot, complete with amazing views on Mt. CB

And of course some powder turns on the way down!

practice,practice,practice

Thanks Guys and Gals for all you hard work and attention this weekend hope to see you all out on the skin track soon.

Guy Lacelle

I think it was 2002 when I first attended the Ouray Ice festival I had just returned to Colorado from Alaska and was addicted to Ice climbing. Being younger and completely full of energy I signed up for as many clinics as I could for the then only 3 day festival. I met Guy Lacelle Early that Friday morning at a "intro to ice" clinic and so impressed. Over the years I took several clinics from him and had the privilege of later competing with him and attending several slide shows and athlete/instructor meetings with him. I did not know him all to well but as someone who is borderline obsessed with Ice Climbing I felt like I knew him well. Scott Semple put it best " If you climb long enough, the death of people you know is guaranteed." Unfortunately this is true and as I sit hear typing with a steady snow storm pounding outside my window I am torn. I am tired of losing friends and people I know. Guy thank you for all that you did for the sport of ice climbing but more importantly the life you lived. You will be missed.

Lake City Ice!!

I love climbing Ice. Mike, Johnny, and I were able to head down to Lake City right before Thanksgiving for a good day on the classic "sherman Climb"