The Blackbird Blog
WELCOME TO OUR NEWS AND RESOURCE CENTER
Get up-to-date news, industry updates, insider tips and techniques, and helpful information for all your mountain adventures.
News
Perfect Late Season Conditions on Mt Shuksan
A late season conditions report from Mt Shuksan's Fisher Chimneys as our team reached the summit of this classic climb of the North Cascades.
From Dubious Weather to an Epic Summit of the Matterhorn
A Blackbird team fought new snow and uncertain weather on the Matterhorn to reach the summit. Read on for details!
Blackbird Team Summits the Matterhorn via Hornli Ridge Route
Blackbird teams reached the top of the Matterhorn with perfect weather and Route conditions on Friday!
Mont Blanc Summit Climb via the Pope Route
The Gonella Hut, center of the photo, is the starting point for the Pope Route Climb. Photo: Zeb Blais Mont Blanc Summit by the Pope Route July 3, 2025 Mont Blanc 4,810m Our team reached the summit of Mont Blanc early in the morning of July 3, 2025 climbing...
Blackbird Teams Summit Gran Paradiso
The last push to the summit of Gran Paradiso in the Italian Alps. Photo: Zeb Blais Gran Paradiso Summit! July 1, 2025 Gran Paradiso 4,061m Blackbird Mountain Guides reached the true summit of 4,061 meter Gran Paradiso this week. This popular summit is often climbed to the more dramatic...
Summit of Mont Blanc via the Trois Monts Route
The sun rising behind the Swiss and French Alps. In the foreground, climbers ascend the north face of Mont Maudit (4,465m / 14,645') on their way to the summit of Mont Blanc via the Trois Monts Route. Photo: Zeb Blais Mont Blanc Summit! June 25, 2025 Mont Blanc 4,810m Blackbird...
Gran Paradiso Climb – Guided Summit with Blackbird Mountain Guides
Blackbird teams made the summit of Gran Paradiso again this week, summiting with clear skies and firm snow conditions!
What Congress' “Land‑Sale” Bill Means for Outdoor Lovers
What Congress' “Land‑Sale” Bill Means for Outdoor Lovers Public Lands eligible for sale from National Forest Service (Green) and Bureau of Land Management (Orange) Summary / TLDR What the Bill Does: The bill requires the sale of at least 2 million acres of public land over five years, with more...
Backcountry Ski & Splitboard
South America Backcountry Skiing Guide: Top Zones in Chile & Argentina
South America Backcountry Skiing Guide: Top Zones in Chile & Argentina Powder skiing in La Parva. Photo: Mountain Capital Partners/La Parva Where Winter Never Ends When summer ends in the north, winter begins in the south. From the glaciated peaks of Patagonia to the volcanic slopes of Chile, South America...
LQ Outpost Backcountry Ski Lodge in British Columbia
If you know, you know. And those who've been to LQ Outpost in British Columbia know that it is one of the most spectacular lodges in the province. While the name might imply a rough-around-the-edges, rustic and primitive hut, the LQ Outpost is nothing of the sort.
The Best 3D Mapping Apps for Backcountry Skiing
Monte Rosa, the highest peak in Switzerland, rendered with satellite imagery and a Swiss Topo overlay in CalTopo. What's the Best 3D Mapping App for Backcountry Skiing? Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding require keen navigation skills to find terrain and stay safe. One of the key tools we have to navigate the backcountry...
How to Layer for Backcountry Skiing
Ski touring on a cold day on Mt Shasta. Proper layering is critical in cold, stormy conditions! Photo: Zeb Blais. What is Layering? Layering is a critical skill that helps us stay comfortable and safe in the backcountry. The backcountry is a dynamic environment that can change from ideal to inclement...
Winter Calendar 2025
Guided Backcountry Ski & Splitboard Trips | Winter 2025 Blackbird COO Eric Lee O'Brien shredding Powder in Hokkaido Japan. Photo: Taiyo Nakanishi We've got a ton of great adventures happening with your favorite guides this winter! From a week-long powder Safari in Hokkaido Japan to heli-in/heli out ski touring lodge trips in...
Lodge Profile: Snowfall Lodge, BC
In the midst of the glaciers, winding rivers, and thick forests of the Battle Range, there's an unexpected refuge from the wilderness. A luxurious respite from the elements in the middle of this wild landscape, Snowfall Lodge is the perfect spot for backcountry skiers to stage for a long list of secluded backcountry ski...
Avalanche Education
Mammoth Avalanche Courses: AIARE Education in the Eastern Sierra
Mammoth Avalanche Courses: AIARE Education in the Eastern Sierra Known for its high elevation, reliable snowfall, and long spring touring season, Mammoth Lakes is one of California’s premier destinations for backcountry skiing, and a perfect location to take an avalanche course. Whether you're just starting your avalanche education or...
Tahoe Avalanche Courses: AIARE Education in Donner Summit, Mt. Rose & South Lake Tahoe
Tahoe Avalanche Courses: AIARE Education in Donner Summit, Mt. Rose & South Lake Tahoe With world-class terrain, deep Sierra storms, and easy access from California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is one of the best places in the country to take an avalanche course. Whether you're a first-time backcountry skier...
Oregon Avalanche Courses: AIARE 1, Rescue and AIARE 2 on Mt. Hood
Oregon Avalanche Courses: AIARE Education on Mt. Hood From the flanks of Mt. Hood to the quiet ridgelines of the Central Oregon Cascades, Oregon offers a unique environment to take an avalanche course. With a reliable snowpack, classic volcanic terrain, and a mix of beginner and advanced touring zones,...
Washington Avalanche Courses: AIARE 1, Avalanche Rescue, and AIARE 2 in the Cascades
Washington Avalanche Courses: AIARE 1, Avalanche Rescue & AIARE 2 in the Cascades With deep snowpacks, complex terrain, and easy access to big mountain environments, Washington State offers some of the best places in the country to take an AIARE avalanche course. Whether you're new to the backcountry or...
The Ultimate Guide to AIARE Avalanche Courses
The Ultimate Guide to AIARE Avalanche Courses If you want to travel safely in the winter backcountry, avalanche education is essential. AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) courses are the nationally recognized standard for learning how to assess risk, understand snowpack, and make informed decisions in avalanche...
What to Expect in an AIARE 2 Course: Take Your Avalanche Skills to the Next Level
What to Expect in an AIARE 2 Course: Take Your Avalanche Skills to the Next Level If you’ve already completed AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue and have a season or two of touring experience under your belt, AIARE 2 is the natural next step in your avalanche education. This...
SKI MOUNTAINEERING
Skiing the North Cascades: Top Descents and Classic Ski Mountaineering Lines
Skiing the North Cascades: Top Descents and Classic Ski Mountaineering Lines Photo: Skier heading into the backcountry on Mt Shuksan Steep, Glaciated, Wild: Welcome to the North Cascades With rugged ridgelines, massive relief, and glaciated peaks that rival the Alps, the North Cascades are the crown jewel of Pacific...
The Ultimate Guide to Skiing Mt. Baker: Routes, Timing, Gear & Tips
The Ultimate Guide to Skiing Mt. Baker: Routes, Timing, Gear & Tips Photo: Mt Baker as seen from the southeast at Boulder Creek Introduction: Why Mt. Baker Is a Must-Ski Objective At 10,781 feet, Mt. Baker (Kulshan) is one of the most iconic and sought-after ski mountaineering objectives in North...
The 4 Best Ski Descents on Mt Shasta
Where are the best places to ski on Mount Shasta? We dive into our favorite ski descents on the largest stratovolcano in the contiguous United States
The Fifty Classic Ski Descents of North America
The 50 classic ski descents of North America as listed by Chris Davenport, Penn Newhard and Art Burrows. It has been used as a tick list for ski mountaineers across the US and Canada, including Cody Townsend, creator of The Fifty Project.
ALPINE CLIMBING
The Matterhorn: Hörnli Ridge Route
IFMGA Mountain Guide Zeb Blais lays out a complete guide to climbing the Hörnli Ridge Route on the Matterhorn.
How to Climb Mt. Baker: Routes, Seasons, Gear, and Guide Tips for a Successful Summit
How to Climb Mt. Baker: Routes, Seasons, Gear, and Guide Tips for a Successful Summit Photo: View looking up the Coleman Glacier towards the summit of Mt Baker Why Mt. Baker Is One of the Best Beginner Glaciated Peaks in the U.S. At 10,781 feet, Mt. Baker (Kulshan) rises dramatically...
Mont Blanc: The Pope Route
Climbers on the Pope Route on Mont Blanc, aka the Italian Normal Route, taken from the Rifugio Gonella. Photo: Zeb Blais The Pope Route / Italian Normal Route Mont Blanc 4,810m The Pope Route on Mont Blanc, also known as the Italian Normal Route, is a wild and...
Mont Blanc: The Normal Route
The Normal Route on Mont Blanc, aka the Goûter Route, taken from the Col du Dome. Photo: Zeb Blais The Normal Route | Mont Blanc 4,810m Mont Blanc is not an easy mountain to summit. Glaciers, icefall, rockfall, high altitude, challenging climbing and unpredictable mountain weather make it...
Where is the best place to learn mountaineering?
So, you’re wondering: where is the best place to learn mountaineering? We’ve got some great ideas on what makes a mountain a good place to learn mountain climbing. We'll also dive into what it means to climb in good style and the skills mountaineers should look to build as they broaden their...
Mont Blanc Summit Climb via The Trois Monts Route
Mont Blanc: The Trois Monts Traverse offers a detailed overview of climbing 4,810m Mont Blanc via the classic Trois Monts route and down the Normal Route. As the highest peak in Western Europe, Mont Blanc offers a major challenge in altitude, but the challenges don't stop there - read on...
ROCK CLIMBING
5 Best Rock Climbs in Tahoe for 5.9 Climbers
We've compiled the 5 best rock climbs in Tahoe under 5.9 - From Lover's Leap to Donner Summit, we've build a list of the most fun routes for 5.9 climbers.
A Complete Guide to USA Rock Climbing Grades
A climber enjoying the beautiful granite of Donner Summit in Lake Tahoe California. Photo: Zeb Blais Understanding the Yosemite Decimal System: A Guide to Rock Climbing Grades in North America As a beginner rock climber or foreign climber trying to climb in North America, you'll want to become familiar with the...
New Rock Climbing Programs for 2024!
A rock climbing guide belaying a climber on the final pitch of Corrugation Corner at Lover's Leap in Lake Tahoe. Photo: Chris Cloyd New Rock Climbing Programs Blackbird Mountain Guides has new permits and guided rock climbing in Lover's Leap and Calaveras Dome in California and Mt Erie in Washington! This season,...
Blackbird Acquires NASTC Rock Climbing School & Rock Guide Service
This week, Blackbird Mountain Guides announced that it acquired the long-standing and highly regarded NASTC Rock Climbing School and Rock Guide Service in Lake Tahoe.
Fixed Anchor Policy Changes on National Parks & Forest Service - Take Action!
If you rock climb or alpine climb on National Park and National Forest Lands, this affects YOU! Proposed change of the fixed anchor policies in National Parks and on Forest Service Lands will make it hard to maintain safe anchors and will have a direct effect on your favorite climbing areas. ...
Best Spots for Beginner Rock Climbing in Tahoe
Whether you're new to outdoor rock climbing, sport climbing, trad climbing, or multi pitch climbing, check out our list of the best crags in the Tahoe area for beginner rock climbers! We've got the lowdown on all the best spots to learn rock climbing or build your rock-climbing skills in the Truckee...