West Wind Collective

Risk and decision making are two very important factors in backcountry traveling. Feel like reading yet another opinion? Then continue on: While we aren't ones to dive head first into the hysteria, we do believe in taking proper measures to limit our exposure for the next little while. Exposure both in the mountains and to people around us. We have pulled the plug on Alaska this season to limit our exposure. By not possibly overwhelming an already stretched thin medical syst...em up North. Leaving the locals who have brought us into their community for decades alone and giving them their space while this all gets sorted out. For now, we're sticking to our local break, by doing so, we have consciously avoided busy trailheads, kept our group sizes small, minimized doubling on the sleds, using them mainly for touring access and exploring areas we seldomly visit to ensure we don't have to deal with other parties. Biggest take away though? Be calculated and don't take unnecessary risks. Forget popular areas and start looking out of the norm. Plenty of space to self isolated and keep it mellow. For now, you won't see us out, because we'll be looking where others aren't. . . See more

Corona virus got you down? Sub-par season at your home mountain? Don't you want to go to Alaska? If you answered yes to any of those questions, we have you covered! Now is the perfect time to book a trip to Alaska! Cheap flights, discounted heli packages, and a stacked mountain range are waiting for you in #Valdez. Visit : https://westwindcollective.com/heliskiing To find out more, or just drop us a like and comment! . .

Little known fact: The name West Wind Collective came about from Westerly winds bring the storms that hammer the west coast. . . Tahoe just got it's first measurable precip in 5 weeks, only to be stripped away by the East winds.. luckily for us, there's always areas that are protected and offer great riding. You just gotta know where to find it. @maf_max laying one out today. @tuckberryfin ... . . #randalssausageparty #westwindcollective #powder #alaska #alaskasnowboardguides #avalancheawareness #snowboarding #splitboarding #skinmountainsnottigers #beaconsnbacon #avalanche #stayclassy #knowbeforeyougo #facetnating #pieps #snowscience #snowschool #backcountry See more

Our yearly pilgrimage to Alaska is just around the corner! Have you ever pictured yourself here? We have updated packages and prices for public, private and production work. Drop us a line and we'll get you all the information! . . #randalssausageparty #westwindcollective #powder #alaska #alaskasnowboardguides... #avalancheawareness #snowboarding #splitboarding #skinmountainsnottigers #beaconsnbacon #avalanche #stayclassy #knowbeforeyougo #facetnating #pieps #snowscience #snowschool #backcountry See more

What do you call Juneuary in February? Yeah we don't know either. . . Mid winter high pressures are great for exploring unique terrain. It can be a great time to practice our time control plans. Timing is critical when dealing with freeze thaw conditions, and especially challenging during these months. With the days short and the sun still low in the sky slopes don't get the same solar influence they do in the spring. ProTip: Try using the "Sun Exposure" tool in CalTopo whe...n putting together a tour plan. @smappelbaum @maf_max See more

Can you recognize avalanche terrain? How about start zones, or trigger points? Can we avoid terrain traps and use terrain to manage or reduce our risk? . Join us at @donnerskiranch on Feb 9 where the terrain sensei @sierranevadasplitboarding will be teaching from his 2 decades of experience in the field. . @timhumphreys ... @maf_max . @patagonia_snow @edibleespresso See more

Hey! If you haven't heard yet we will be instructing at the @686 Snow Study Sessions at @donnerskiranch on February 9th. Grab your crew and come join us for a day of education and hands on learning. Our classroom lectures will get you familiar with the avalanche bulletin, different avalanche problems, red flags and terrain features. Our outdoor sessions will include areas around the mountain that you will ride too. Each area will have a different educational component. Topi...cs covered will be rescue, snowpack, terrain and human factors. After a full day of education and riding 686 will be playing their new movie and @fattire will be serving up brews. Space is limited for so sign up sooner than later! Bring riding gear, beacon, shovel and probe! Link in bio for signing up! See more

Being proficient at companion rescue is a key element of being a good back country traveler. We practice and learn from our mistakes in a controlled environment. By learning from these mistakes, we hopefully will develop good habits that will let us perform a rescue efficiently when it really counts. . . Missed our rescue class the other day? We have another up coming on Monday February 3rd. .... . #randalssausageparty #westwindcollective #powder #alaska #alaskasnowboardguides #avalancheawareness #snowboarding #splitboarding #skinmountainsnottigers #beaconsnbacon #avalanche #stayclassy #knowbeforeyougo #facetnating #pieps #snowscience #snowschool #backcountry See more

How much experience does your crew have in a low probability high consequence avalanche hazard? The mountains may not provide direct feedback from tests, observations or avalanches, but real dangers still linger. When these avalanches release, they go big, unusual and in a very destructive fashion. . . Things to look out for: Advisory warns of persistent weak layer.... Snowpack could have a strong slab, with a prominent weak layer deep down and unreactive to stability tests. Boot penetration is much deeper than ski penetration. Stick to "Simple" terrain. Avoid unsupported slopes, overlapping avalanche paths and steep terrain. . . #randalssausageparty #westwindcollective #powder #alaska #alaskasnowboardguides #avalancheawareness #snowboarding #splitboarding #skinmountainsnottigers #beaconsnbacon #avalanche #stayclassy #knowbeforeyougo #facetnating #pieps #snowscience #snowschool #backcountry

Come join us this Saturday and bring your crew! Learn new skills or refresh on old! All proceeds benefit the Rocker Memorial Skate park!

Uncle Zach wants you to go heli skiing! Link in bio for all the information! . Don't hesitate on taking the first step to make your dreams a reality. Don't know where to start? We are here to guide you through the whole process, it's easier than you think. Think it's out of your budget? We have options and plans for all budgets. .... . #randalssausageparty #westwindcollective #powder #alaska #alaskasnowboardguides #avalancheawareness #snowboarding #splitboarding #skinmountainsnottigers #beaconsnbacon #avalanche #stayclassy #knowbeforeyougo #facetnating #pieps #snowscience #snowschool #backcountry See more

Safe to say that winter is officially here! We've been busy getting people educated so they can make good decisions and stay safe. . . With early season snowpack, it's good to stick to low consequence terrain. Give the snowpack, and your mind, time to build strength. Slowly easing into bigger terrain as conditions permit helps us wrap our heads around returned hazards in the mountains that we may overlook after a long summer vacation. @maf_max ... @robert_vasilieff . . #randalssausageparty See more

We have our early season public avalanche course schedule up and running: AIARE 1 - Dec 17-19 5 spots left AIARE 2 - Dec 9-11 7 spots left Avy Rescue - Jan 2 10 spots left... Visit westwindcollective.com for booking, or drop us a line! Don't hesitate on your education! @befu_foto . . .

Cold mornings and fall colors are gearing us up for winter. This time of year all it takes is the ridge of high pressure to shift and allow those first winter storms to roll in. Are you taking the proper steps towards making sure you're prepared for the first day back in the mountains? It's a good idea to check gear, make sure everything is functioning properly, and refresh on basic skills. @maf_max . .... #westwindcollective #powder #alaska #alaskasnowboardguides #avalancheawareness #snowboarding #splitboarding #skinmountainsnottigers #beaconsnbacon #avalanche #stayclassy #knowbeforeyougo #facetnating #pieps #snowscience #snowschool #backcountry See more