The Travel Habits of One of the World’s Top Ski Mountaineer’s

Kris Erickson has visited Nepal and Morocco among many other exciting places.

With the cold weather arriving and many people heading off to ski destinations and planning other exciting winter vacations, I thought it would be fun to do a Q&A with a renowned ski mountaineer who has climbed and photographed some of the world’s most breathtaking peaks!

For 10 years, Kris Erickson has brought his camera to the highest points, coldest reaches, and most untouched folds of the planet’s geography. What’s more, he is not merely a shutterbug who stands idle to the side of any expedition. Instead, he tackles the same challenging mountaineering projects as the world’s other top-flight climbers, often combining his abilities to ascend difficult mountains with a love and passion for true mountain-sliding descents.

1. How often do you travel?

I’m on the road 6 to 8 months per year, much of this time is for expeditions with The North Face that last between 4 and 8 weeks. Along with my family, I spend about 4 to 6 months per year in Morocco where we are in the midst of a multi-year historic preservation and education project.

2. Do you have any favorite destinations?

We (my family) spend most of our time in the remote mountain regions of Nepal and Morocco. Despite their religious differences and geographical separation, we have found that the same things draw us to these countries; the honest and hospitable people, breathtaking landscapes with exceptional recreational opportunities, and a way of life that prioritizes family. We also enjoy exploring our home state of Montana and an occasional trip to Mexico for some beach time in Sayulita or Xcalak.

3. Do you prefer to stay at a specific hotel?

In Kathmandu I always stay at Hotel Tibet and in Marrakesh I often stay at Hotel Assia. Both are affordable and clean hotels with great service.

4. When given the option, would you rather stay at a hotel, motel, or bed & breakfast?

Most often, I stay in family-run guest houses or gites when in rural villages and this is generally the only option. When en route to or returning from a destination, I prefer a hotel for the privacy and ability to have a hot shower and recharge after a long flight or a long time in the mountains.

5. What’s your most memorable trip?

In 2006, my wife and I received a grant from The North Face to take a group of athletes to the Central High Atlas Mountains of Morocco for a climbing expedition and philanthropic project. The North Face team completed a new 700 meter rock route, restored dangerous sections of local trails, and put a new roof on the elementary school – all in three weeks. It was an amazingly successful trip that laid the foundation and local relationships needed for our current work in the country.

6. Any advice for people on the best ways to plan an outdoor-focused trip?

Spend plenty of time preparing before you leave. Think about potential health risks and necessary vaccinations. If traveling to remote regions with small children, be prepared with oral rehydration solution in case of diarrhea. We always travel with acidopholous to replenish healthy intestinal bacteria. Also think about purchasing a rescue insurance such as Global Rescue, which is recommended by the American Alpine Club and used by The North Face for their athletes.

How to Hike the Grand Canyon in Winter

How to Hike the Grand Canyon in Winter

Most vacationers visit the Grand Canyon in warm weather months, but here's a chance to see one of the most spectacular sites on Earth-and not be bothered by big crowds. Bear in mind the north rim is closed in the winter due to snow. If you'd like to hike it in the winter from the South Rim, read on!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

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Step 1

Get a reservation at Phantom Ranch, which is located all the way at the bottom of the canyon. The phone number of Xanterra Parks and Resorts, which handles these things, is 1-888-297-2757. Without a reservation at the bottom, you'd have to hike the entire canyon in one day-but why hike for 16 hours straight when you can have a bunk bed to stay in, a warm shower, a huge hot dinner, a hearty warm breakfast and a sack lunch to do this monumental goal?

Step 2

Reserve your meals at Phantom Ranch. One of the joys in staying there is you don't have to carry down all of your food-take advantage of this service (even if it is pricey).

Step 3

Once you're set at Phantom Ranch, get a reservation or two at the South Rim. The phone number is also 1-888-297-2757. The leisurely way to do this hike is get a room at the rim the night before you hike and the night after you come up. That way you're not tired from driving in or too tired to drive out when you're done hiking. There are a variety of places to stay at the South Rim, varying in price, from the economical Bright Angel Lodge to the upscale El Tovar.

Step 4

Spend the next several months training for the hike. You'll be at 7,000 feet when you hike out of the canyon-it's a lung-buster altitude. See my article on training for hiking Mt. Whitney.

Step 5

Confirm your reservations four to seven days before your trip. They will have mailed you the phone number for this.

Step 6

Once you're at the Grand Canyon, buy crampons at the gift store if it's snowing or there is snow in the forecast. They're cheap and will help your footing until you hike below the snow level.

Step 7

On the morning of your big hike down in, eat a good breakfast and set out by 7 a.m. on the Bright Angel Trail. This route is 13 miles to the bottom and yes, longer than the return trip, BUT the Bright Angel provides a wonderful place to take a brief side trip and lunch stop at Plateau Point.

Step 8

Keep your eye on the clock-you want to be to Phantom Ranch by 4 p.m. for two reasons: the first seating of dinner is at 5 p.m. (and they're not going to hold dinner for you) and by 4 p.m. the sun will be going down and the canyon will be very cold.

Step 9

Consider staying two nights at Phantom Ranch-otherwise, you'll be up before sunrise to head out the next morning. If you stay an extra night, the layover day can give you the opportunity to explore the canyon-Ribbon Falls is a 12-mile roundtrip hike, or you could make a short loop hike going across the two bridges over the Colorado River instead.

Step 10

Return by way of the Kaibab Trail, which will be 8 miles back up to the top. Start by 8 a.m. to be out of the canyon by 4 p.m. The trail is steeper than the Bright Angel but affords a tremendous view of the whole canyon because unlike the Bright Angel Trail, it's on a ridge. Walk very slowly, slow enough to carry on a conversation.

Step 11

At the top, take the shuttle bus back to your car. Better yet, park your car at the Kaibab trailhead BEFORE the hike and take the shuttle to your lodging for your first night in the park. If snow and ice have halted the shuttle by the time you've returned, at least your car will be where you're exiting the canyon.

Step 12

Treat yourself to dinner at the El Tovar-you deserve it! They take reservations, so make 'em ahead of time.

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Tips & Warnings

Reservations at Phantom Ranch can be had 13 months in advance. Make yours as soon as you can commit to your hiking date.

Occasionally cancellations pop up. People have walked up to the Phantom Ranch reservation Desk inside the Bright Angel Lodge and gotten lodging down below for the next night. Don't count on it, though.

Dress in layers. It could be cold and snowy at the top and shirt- sleeve weather half way down.

Use hiking poles, 13 miles is tough on anybody's knees and poles will save wear and tear for you. Plus they will help you balance if the trail is icy.

The Phantom Ranch dinner seatings offer different menus, and if you and your companions ordered different dinners, you may not be eating together. The offerings are lentil loaf, a steak dinner and beef stew.

At the Ranch, there are little rustic cabins for couples and larger dorms that accommodate 10 in bunk beds. Bring ear plugs if you're a light sleeper.

Phantom Ranch supplies towels and soap. The canteen down there has snacks, too.

Yes, you can camp in the winter at the bottom if you're up for it. In which case, you'll be bringing everything: sleeping bag, tent, food-and a backpacking permit that you can apply for four months in advance.

BRING CHAINS for your car. It frequently snows up at the rim, and you could easily be caught in two feet of snow during your visit.

Be aware of hypothermia, which is what happens if you get chilled to the bone and can't get warm. That's why a warm hat, waterproof clothing, and layers are so important.

There's no place to cook in your cabin or dorm at the Ranch.

Read more at Trails.com: How to Hike the Grand Canyon in Winter | Trails.com http://www.trails.com/how_1661_hike-grand-canyon-winter.html#ixzz18qN02TBT

9 Ways to Run Smarter

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By Jeff Galloway
Runner's World

You put on your shoes, you go for a run—it's that simple. Still, there are issues: Where should you run? How do you pass? Should you wave? Knowing what to do—and not do—means you won't annoy your fellow runners, or get hurt.

Try these other tips for the beginning runner.

Face the Traffic

When you're running on the road, run on the left side.

Hit the Sidewalk

Unless laws prohibit it, runners are considered pedestrians and may run on sidewalks as protection from traffic.

Use the Crosswalk

I've heard of several accidents in which runners were struck by vehicles—the majority of which occurred when the runner was not using the crosswalk.

Make a Pass

On running paths, stay to the right and pass on the left . If you're on a trail with no room to overtake another runner, wait 30 seconds then ask to slip by. If you're on a track, pass on the right. In a race, pass on either side of a runner ahead of you.

Go With the Flow

On a trail, follow the travel pattern, typically posted near the trailhead or parking area. If none exists and the trail is shared with cyclists, go with the traffic flow.

Even if you're too busy, help decrease your stress and tension by running.

Keep Your Dog Close

If you run with Rex, keep him close by, on a tight leash, and move to the side so runners can pass without interruption.

Circle the Track

The normal rotation on a track is counterclockwise, but look for regulations; some reverse directions every other day.

In order to prepare for a longer or more challenging race, try running a 5K with training advice from Runner's World.

Defer to Fast Folks

On a recreational path or trail, simply move to the side to let them through. If you're on a track, stick to the outside lanes.

Wave if You Want

Some runners prefer to zone out during a run and not focus on anyone, but others tell me they feel energized when they wave and like the sense of camaraderie a greeting provides.

Trends Autumn Winter 2010/11

Fashion Trends / Design Trends Autumn Winter 2010/2011 Sustainable Future

The crucial need of co-existing between nature and urban landscapes is reflected in the color pallets and the stories from where they come: urban concrete and formal darks meet nature’s mid-tones and bright shades. Eco-fashion, lo-fi, laboratory-grown fabrics, food fashion, fusing product and garment, beetroot-dying, victimless leather, boneivory, up-cycling and all the other experiments concentrating on environment issues, are so important; some ideas will eventually end up as valid solutions to problems we fight with, some are indispensable because of the discussion they rise. Solutions are imperative to solve the paradox of the fashion industry obsessed by the nonstop change and the vital demand of sustainability. The focus has moved from pure aspect to content, with everything this brings along in terms of questions. Finishing and added functions are areas still to be explored and bringing in new, complex and fascinating elements. Craft techniques are reinterpreted and completed by using the newest technology. Warmth, comfort, caring, reassuring, thoughtfulness are terminologies to have in mind when developing fabrics for the autumn and winter of 2010/2011.

Puritan

Highest quality bespokes sophisticate. Shapes are geometrical, folded, draped. Bodies are carved, curved, monumental. Surfaces are minimal, smooth, easy. Colors are gentle contrast, tint tones. Luxury and elegant esteem! Only the superb, regarding materials and finishing – for regular clothing purpose – is approved. Fabrics are coated, weightless, fluid - simply impeccable.Aspect is precise and perfect, feminine and sensual at the same time. Colors are subdued – the essence of the mood is material.

Reflection

Light-changed colors Painting with light Lustrous Cristalina Moonlight e-Mirror shine Other-wordly Colors reflecting Scientific Mineral Technofoil Iridescent Interactive Opalesence Sky-light Tinted by technology! Playing with effects, light and shine – special effects applied to fabrics in finishing, printing, laminating or whatever it takes to deceive the eye. Technology and artificial materials in all aspects, is brought into play to achieve the trickster-appearance. Exploiting interactive technology in clothing framework.

Rugged

Urban alongside Rural Organic alongside Artificial Warm tones alongside Cold tones Industrial alongside Craft Caring alongside Happiness Nature’s resources! Exploring the relationship between the urban and the natural landscape. Merging the industrial and the handcrafted techniques. Nature is dealt with under a man-made aspect, caring for the best components. Materials are natural or derivates from natural sources refined by using the best of industrial techniques in order to save the human dimension. Patterns – or the supreme of nature’s structures – are handcrafted repetitions, embracing the small imperfections, adding life to expressions.

Exotic

Illuminating Super-brights Unique Chameleon Eye catching Capricious Expressive Explosive Revealing Kaleidoscope Vivid Color abundance Fashion impact! It’s all about color, dye, tint, hue…Decorations are complex: caliper drawings neatly colored or animated colored paintings. The curios clash of tapestry and techno. The interference of a precise pattern and a texture. The oddity of a meticulous image …spray painted. It’s glamorously artistic.

Identikt

Emotional Overtones Rich lacquer shine Hollow shades Dense darks Appear / Disappear Film noir Connotation Collapse / Expand Towards the future! The hyper newest technology is implemented in the story created by these dark shades – and moods. Breaking down into single elements, looking through in order to discover what and preferably how. Materials are inspired from high technology building and military industry. Pattern language is graphic.