Andrew McLean
Andrew McLean lives in Park City, Utah and is a gear designer, writer, photographer, ski mountaineer, climber, Mountain Unicycle rider and father of two very loud little girls.
Andrew McLean's Latest Posts
Steep Skiing 101 – Part III
Ninety-percent of steep skiing is in your head. I’ve witnessed some absolutely crappy skiers make it down steep slopes and conversely, seen experienced skiers (including myself) totally freeze up. It’s one of those things you just have to be psyched for and sometimes you are, and sometimes you aren’t. A bitter divorce or break-up seems to […]
Steep Skiing 101 – Part II
Regardless of technique, one of the hardest things about steep skiing is committing to the first turn. Unlike climbing where you start at the bottom and slowly gain more exposure as you go up, with steep skiing, you are looking at the taking the maximum whipper if you blow the first move. I personally love […]
Steep Skiing 101
Wasatch Weekend Update: Way better than expected! After two weeks of warm temps, howling wind and no snow, the backcountry still had some soft and fun skiing. I had a good time at The Big LePowSki event this weekend, where one of the clinics I taught was “How to Assess and Ski the Steeps.” As much as I love steep […]
Gear – A Question of Balance, Part II
In regards to balanced gear diets, here are my current favorites: Superlight (15% of the time) Skis – 160cm K2 Sahale (68mm waist) Bindings – Dynafit TLT’s without brakes Boots – Scarpa F1 Comments: In the right conditions, I love this set-up as it tours effortlessly. Because it is so light, you […]
Gear – A Question of Balance
Individually, skis, boots and bindings are important, but a far more significant concept is how they all work together. I was reminded of this the other day when a friend mentioned that he didn’t think his new boots were stiff enough, which may have been the case, but then again, the 125mm waisted skis he […]
The Unwritten Rules of Dawn Patrolling…
… must now be written. Waking up at 4:30am to go skiing on a work day never gets any easier, but is always rewarding. One of the first times I ever did it I remember being terrified that I’d get to work late and be fired on the spot, but 200+ Dawn Patrols (DP’s) later […]
Hans Saari Ski Exploration Grant – Deadline 03/01
Skiing expeditions have been described as many things, but “cheap” is not usually one of them. A three weeker to Alaska is about $2k per person. Baffin Island might come in at around $3,500. Patagonia might run about $3k, the Himalayas are 6-8k depending on the peak and the granddaddy or them all, Antarctica, could easily […]
Ouray Ice Park
Aside from being cold, dangerous, expensive and limited to a few select areas in the world, there is a lot to be said for ice climbing. Namely, it can be a ton of fun and there is nothing like sinking a pick & ‘poons into a vertical pillar of frozen water which may or may […]
Ouray – limited connection
I love Ouray, Colorado for its skiing, ice climbing and scenery, but the connection speed leaves something to be desired. This is a blessing and curse, but for now, it means more climbling and less Internet. So be it. Details to follow.
Interuption of Service
I’m never quite sure what to say when people ask me “What do you do for a living?” If I say I’m a Professional Ski Mountaineer, that leads to all sorts of embarrassing questions, like, “Can you make a living at that?” (no) or “How many of you are there out there like that?” (two) […]
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