Salomon TV — Packing the right gear for a day in the backcountry is essential for an amazing day. Josh Daiek and Cody Townsend illustrate the basics of what to carry in your pack, whether it's a side country lap or a day bagging big, remote peaks.
To better understand how to maintain happy hands in the mountains, FREESKIER spoke to tenured big-mountain guru Cody Townsend. The Tahoe-based skier is currently bagging fifty of the most badass ski descents in North America and his longstanding stint as a professional skier has provided him a sage-like ability to articulate the mark of well-made gear.
With precise and purposeful selection, Townsend has figured out a system that allows him to excel at high-altitude. Now, he wants to share his advice with you.
Gunnison Country Times — What do Meteorite Mountain, Pontoon Peak and Mount Superior all have in common? To start, these mountains are all chronicled in the book, “The Fifty Classic Ski Descents of North America” written by legendary ski mountaineers Penn Newhard, Chris Davenport and Art Burrows.
Oh and there’s another skier — Cody Townsend — who set his mind to climbing and skiing every peak within those pages.
Cody Townsend laying down a sunset turn to remember.
By Ming Poon — I moved to Lake Tahoe in 2002 at the age of 18, back when the ski bum life was thriving. I quickly immersed myself in the local scene and began chasing locals, many of whom you’ll see here in this gallery. I’ve been happy and honored to ride alongside them—often with a camera. These same friends have elevated my career in such profound ways.
On a rare clear day, the area surrounding the ski area has a timeless beauty to it. Photographer Ray Atkeson gave Grant Gunderson inspiration to capture many Mount Baker scenes in monochrome. Photo: Grant Gunderson Skier: Cody Townsend.
In good company. The 4-part Weekend Warrior Explorer Series series also includes talks by Carolyn Gliech, Kel Rossiter and Alex Honnold.