Mt. Blackmore Backcountry Spring Skiing

Hi all,

In Montana seasons tend to blend together. Right now, we have a true Bozeman classic going on; Skiing and Kayaking at the same time. Does it get any better? This video is of Mt. Blackmore, a 10,154ft peak south of town. It was 75 degrees and we were skiing in our shorts and t-shirts most of the time. The warmth made it a beautiful day and difficult skiing. Of course, with the friends of Pfin things can get a little crazy, but they’re always fun.

Tagged: Powderfin, Outdoors, Outdoor Gear, Mt. Blackmore, Backcountry Skiing, Hyalite, Bozeman, Montana

Organic Brew and Bike Parts (as random as it sounds)

Beer: Perhaps it’s not as urgent as decreasing our gas consumption or finding cures for major diseases (although some would argue that beer and coffee make living on this planet much more enjoyable), but organic beer is growing in an important way. Thanks in part to the increasing awareness of organic and fair-trade coffee and other goods, brewers and enthusiasts are beginning to take note (our thanks again to Cafe Evoke).

I’ve only had the privilege of a single bottle of organic homebrew, but it was delicious. Tasting a finely crafted beer, and having made my own pathetic (read: tastes like vomit) attempt at home brewing, gave me an appreciation of the intricacies of a well done small-batch. If you get a chance to taste one, or you're thinking of going the home brew route yourself, I recommend going organic. It’s how beer was meant to be.
**Disclaimer: If you're under 21 don't drink, ok.
Interesting Links: BrewOrganic.com & The National Organic Program



Bikes: I love my mountain bike and use it every chance I get. Hey we’re in Rockies. I’ve also considered trying out road biking, although I may leave that until I’m too decrepit to get up a mountain on a dirt trail. With that said, my friends and I ride hard and we break bike parts with curious frequency. Usually this happens when we are at the farthest point from the car, and getting back involves some sort of improvised rigging with duct-tape and tree branches. Our local bike shops swap out the broken part(s) and we’re back out there in no time. But where does that broken part go? Here are a few ideas… http://www.resourcerevival.com/. I received a picture frame and the original model bottle opener for Christmas (Thanks Family!). Unique, functional, and the opener does a great job on your favorite post-ride beverage or organic homebrew. Recycled bike parts make cool gifts (no they didn't pay me to say that).

~Billy

Tagged: Powderfin, Outdoors, Outdoor Gear, Organic Beer, Fair Trade Coffee, Café Evoke, Bozeman, Montana

European Vacation Pfin Style

We love getting adventure pictures, especially when they involve us in someway. The shirts have been really popular (cool logo and all) and people are digging the Pfin vibe. Lets see who can send the craziest/most exotic/ intereting Powderfin related picture! Here are a few from the Sean, Katie, Jess on their European vacation. Also a good illustration of how the Powderfin Shirts look and fit.

Thanks Ya’ll!

~Sconnie


Also, Powderfin Stickers are in. If you'd like a few, drop us an email letting us know you'd like some stickers (while supplies last of course). Include your address. cs@powderfin.com.

Tagged: Powderfin, Outdoors River, Outdoor Gear, Picture Contest, Gallatin River, Bozeman, Montana

The Lochsa

Last weekend I managed to get to the Lochsa for the first time. What a river! Located on the Idaho side of Lolo Pass, only 2 hours away from Missoula by a ’78 Mercedes Diesel lays one of the neatest places in the western US. The forest is old, and the Lochsa runs down a canyon covered in mossy rock. The road runs by the entire length of the kayaking portion of the river, but doesn’t spoil it at all.

The water was crystal clear and freezing cold from the spring runoff. I was a little bit worried about being on a new river for the first run of the season, but the Lochsa allows a paddler to shake off the rust with a few easier class III before building up intensity to later class IV rapids. It was around 4,000 cfs the whole weekend, which is considered medium-low, and allowed some recuperation time between rapids. According to a few of the old-timers we paddled with, at flows over 10,000 cfs things really start to get interesting. The water gets fast, the rapids all run into each other, and the tales of carnage begin to fly.

The lower level made it a great “get to know the Lochsa” trip without causing any ulcers. I’ll be back when the water gets higher, hopefully with pictures next time!
~Sconnie

Tagged: Powderfin, Lochsa River, Kayaking, Fly Fishing, Gallatin River, Bozeman, Montana,Lochsa River

Spring Runoff Countdown...

Spring Runoff is a highly anticipated event in the Rockies. This marks the beginning off the rafting and kayaking season. The water levels rise in the rivers, making the water faster, bigger, and more fun. In Bozeman, we’re lucky enough to have access to incredible whitewater within a reasonable drive. The Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone Rivers offer great kayaking for nearly every level of paddler during this time.

For more info on Bozeman area rivers click here. For more on rivers in your area click here. The river links provide some description as well as pictures and movies. This is also handy information for fly-fishermen who buy from Powderfin!

As with the ski season, I prep myself by watching movies of guys doing lines I would never take, Hucking like I would never dream, and I look though last years pictures and think of my goals this year.

My 3rd year kayaking goals are…
1. Many trips down Bear Trap Canyon (Madison River)
2. Get on the Lochsa for my first time
3. First try at real creek boating (Hyalite?)
4. Alberton Gorge at high water.
5. Run the Swan?

I’ll keep you updated on my progress and beat-downs as they occur.

Happy Paddling,

~Sconnie
(the picture above is Mrs. Bubbles on the Yellowstone, when she’s perfect. After that… a Wavesport Z and a Piranha Sub 7 inside the Buick, and they said it coudn't be done… ha!)

Tagged: Powderfin, Lochsa River, Kayaking, Fly Fishing, Gallatin River, Bozeman, Montana,Madison River

Mountain-Link International Expeditions

Friends of Mountain-Link Special Gear Offer

Mountain-Link's sponsor, Ground, LLC has teamed up with Powderfin.com to offer a 40% discount on signature items. To view details about the promotion, click here. Please call 1-800-986-8656 with any questions, we'll be happy to help!

Select Ground products are endorsed by Mountain-Link, a premier international mountaineering guide service offering instructional seminars, guided climbs and expeditions.

For more information on Mountain-Link, please click on the logo.

For a limited time, we're giving away FREE Powderfin.com Logo tees with all orders over $100.00!

Just tell us what size you'd like at checkout, and we'll include the tee-shirt with your order.

Live To Ski Another Day

If you’re traveling west on I-90 toward Montana, you’ll see a lot of flat expanses, few trees, and sunflower and wheat fields… until you reach the Crazy Mountains. They’re your first encounter with the Rockies, and they jut out of the farm and ranch land like they’ve been misplaced by God. There is no build-up, they just appear. Also, they’re incredible.

We decided to ski there Saturday by climbing up the Big Timber Creek Drainage, and into the heart of the relatively small range. Big Timber Creek was a draw both for the skiing and to get an idea of the kayaking in the near future. It’s a sacred place that many class 5 kayakers (which I’m not… yet) look on with a mix of fondness and great respect, and like the mountains it’s impressive. There are some videos of kayakers running it on American Whitewater.

Our journey took us past the meat of the creek and up the eastern ridge. While making our way up, conditions quickly changes as the snow reacted to the increasing temperatures. The freeze/thaw cycle had consolidated the first 2.5 feet of the snow, but left a week layer about 6 inches deep right near the bottom to bear the load. Our tests gave some cause for concern, and similar slopes showed wet snow point-releases. We decided to retreat from the possibility of a wet slide after 4 hours of skiing and climbing. Live to ski another day.
~Sconnie

Tagged: Powderfin, Outdoor Gear, Backcountry Skiing, Big Timber, Crazy Mountains, bozeman, montana,Alpine Touring