NEWS

Tags

Mt Baker Backcountry Conditions Update | May 7, 2025

2025-05-04 |  Mt. Baker and the North Cascades | Washington Powder snow on Mt Baker! - April 28, 2025    Photo: Blackbird Guide Nicholas Westfall Our guides have been out on Mt Baker a lot...

    Read

    Mt. Shasta Skiing and Climbing Conditions Update | April 27, 2025

    Mt. Shasta, bathed in morning light.  Photo taken on April 22, 2025 by Blackbird Guide Jan Czyzewski 2025-04-27 |  Mt Shasta | California The road to Bunny Flat is open, and climbing season is ON...

      Read

      What 3D Mapping App Can Replace FATMAP?

      The Eiger rendered with satellite imagery and a Swiss Topo overlay in CalTopo.  Caltopo is one of the mobile apps with 3D mapping features that rivaled FATMAP.   FATMAP, a go-to 3D mapping app for...

        Read

        Matterhorn Summit | Hornli Ridge

        Blackbird teams led by IFMGA Mountain Guide Zeb Blais reached the summit of the Matterhorn via the Hörnli Ridge this week. Conditions were near perfect given the stormy start to the season and the snow remaining on the route.
          Read

          Mont Blanc Summit | Trois Monts June 27 2024

          Topping out on the Maudit Shoulder on Mont Blanc.  Photo: Zeb Blais Mont Blanc Summit via Trois Monts Traverse 2024-06-27  |  Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit, Mont Blanc Blackbird teams reached the summit of Mont Blanc via the...

            Read

            Gran Paradiso Summit

            Climbers approaching the summit of Gran Paradiso in fat springtime conditions earlier this week. Photo: Zeb Blais ~ With an unsettled weather forecast, we wasted no time getting to Italy to have a crack at climbing Italy's highest...

              Read

              Mt Baker & North Cascades Access & Conditions

              Skiers skinning up Mt Baker in Coleman Glacier.  Photo: Brandon Seymore.   Mt Baker / North Cascades Access & Backcountry Skiing Conditions Update 2024-05-21  |  Mt Baker / Cascade River Road / HWY 20 The North Cascades and Mt...

                Read

                North Cascades Backcountry Ski Conditions Update

                Here's a report from IFMGA Guide Brandon Seymore on our latest ski mountaineering trip to Eldorado Peak

                  Read

                  Eastern Sierra Backcountry Ski Conditions

                  Backcountry Skiing in the Eastern Sierra, April 2024 Conditions update: Mt. Emerson, Mt. Dade, Mt. Gibbs.
                    Read

                    Summit Success on Mont Blanc

                    Blackbird teams led by IFMGA Mountain Guide Zeb Blais scored 100% success on Mont Blanc this month.  All members from each team made it to the top and back down safely.  Read on for routes and pictures!
                      Read

                      Solo Summit of the Matterhorn via Hornli Ridge

                      A jagged tusk of gneiss towering at an elevation of 14,692' (4,478m), the Matterhorn might be the most recognizable mountain in the world. From Zermatt, the small Swiss town below, it looks impossibly steep.  Surprising as it might seem, the Matterhorn is relatively easy in terms of technical difficulty.  But let's be real, it's no cakewalk. Read on for the lowdown!
                        Read

                        Mt Shasta Ski & Climbing Conditions 2023-06-19

                        Summit season is in full swing up on Mt. Shasta. Conditions around the mountain are highly variable by aspect & changing quickly.  It pays to know some of the link ups to connect the best snow to avoid volcanic scree scrambling. Record snowfall came with high winds on the upper mountain adding some challenges to skiing & climbing.
                          Read

                          Mt Shasta Ski & Climbing Conditions - 2023-05-25

                          Don't believe everything that you read! Some are saying ski conditions are less than optimal on Mt Shasta, but our teams found a different story this week. Read on for current ski and climbing conditions on Mt Shasta.
                            Read

                            Summit of Mt Shuksan via Fisher Chimneys / SE Ridge, Current Climbing Conditions

                            Blackbird teams reached the summit of Mt Shuksan after climbing the Fisher Chimneys and Southeast Ridge. Led by guides Zeb Blais and Brandon Seymore, the climb went smoothly with fit climbers, excellent weather and a perfect route. Read on for great pictures and a summary of current conditions!
                            Read

                            Mount Shasta: Current Climbing and Skiing Conditions 2022-05-06

                            NEW UPDATE May 13, 2022. The corn skiing is in prime condition on Mount Shasta right now, but it might not last long! Our blog details current conditions on Mount Shasta and shows how easy approaches can turn into nightmare descents in just one day!  Check out our most recent Mount Shasta conditions report!
                            Read

                            Mount Shasta: Current Climbing and skiing Conditions 2022-04-26

                            Huge snowfall, high winds and extreme cold have been the most defining characteristics recently on California’s Fifth tallest mountain. What has all this stormy weather meant for current skiing and climbing conditions on Mount Shasta? Find out in our Mount Shasta Current Conditions report!

                            Read

                            Gift Guide | Winter 2022

                            Need ideas for what to get the backcountry skier or splitboarder in your life this holiday season? Wondering how to fill your own winter with adventure? Or maybe you are planning ahead to climbing season? Our Backcountry Gift Guide for Winter 2022 delivers all of the courses, trips, and gear to keep you or your special someone adventuring safely and in style this coming year.
                              Read