Stories & Guides

Whether freeriding, ski tours or splitboarding: When you’re venturing off the beaten track and ditching the safe surroundings of the piste, your own – and your groups’ – safety becomes paramount. Avalanche protection starts way before you hit the slopes. On top of considering factors like risk of avalanches, weather conditions, territory and group dynamics when planning your route, the right equipment is key.

Getting married and having kids? Yeah… no. Lindsey Hamm never followed the Texan handbook for a “decent life.” Instead, she became an ice climber, mountain guide, and full-time mold-breaker. Her lifestyle is all about freedom, wilderness, and fun, but it’s also marked by loss, grief, and a fractured foot. And still, Lindsey pulls on her short leo tights, grabs her pack, and fires punchlines at life while roping up for her next ice climb. Her home isn’t pinned to a map – it lives in the people she’s lost, the ones she climbs for, and the joy of being unapologetically herself.

The ice has changed. It’s not like it used to be – less stable, less certain. The classic lines that professional ice climber Jonas Schild grew up on in the Bernese Oberland are harder to find now. But that hasn’t stopped him. He’s just learned to adapt. For Jonas, a good day isn’t just about ticking a route. He climbs for the feeling. The quiet. The cold. The way everything else disappears when he’s on the wall. The kind of day you’ll still be thinking about decades from now.

You’d think a frozen couloir would be the last place to feel calm. But for Franziska Schönbächler, it’s the only place that makes sense. No noise. No pressure. Just the sound of her ice tools, the cold in her lungs, and the quiet reminder that she’s doing this for no one but herself. She’s still in the competition world - where every move is judged, every result matters, and the pressure to deliver never really lets up. Even at her best, she wondered: Was I climbing for me, or for everyone else?

Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland, isn’t known for mixed climbing – but for Filippo Sala, it’s everything. It’s where he grew up, where he fell in love with the mountains, and where his career as a professional mountaineer began. Inspired by his grandfather, a lifelong alpinist, Filippo is now bringing a new style of climbing to his home terrain – not for glory, but to share the beauty of Ticino with others. After all, isn’t that why we do open new routes?

Whether you're climbing in the high mountains, ski touring in gusty winds, or dealing with drizzle on a hike – a waterproof hardshell jacket will reliably shields you from wind, moisture, and snow. To keep it performing at full capacity long-term, regular care is essential. Sweat, dirt, and wear can gradually compromise that water-repelling magic. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of properly cleaning, drying, and reproofing your GORE-TEX gear to help you stay dry and protected on your next adventure.

Whether you're hitting winter trails or braving the first cold snap in the city – down jackets are the ultimate lifesaver when the temperature drops. They keep you warm without the bulk, while allowing your body to breathe. That being said: Despite their many benefits, they'll only last if you properly care for them. So while washing and drying a down jacket isn’t rocket science per se, there are definitely some tricks to getting it right. Here's how to keep your down jacket in tip-top shape.

Your climbing rope isn't just another piece of gear – it's what keeps you alive on the wall. To ensure that your rope lasts a long time, runs smoothly and still feels good in your hands after countless pitches, you need to take care of it. This guide walks through how to properly clean, dry, and store your rope – step by step.

Whether you're hopping from hut to hut, pushing for summits, or just escaping into the wilderness – hiking boots will reliably carry you across every type of terrain. To keep them reliable and comfortable companions for the long haul, proper care is everything. In this guide, we’ll show you how to effectively clean, maintain, and store your hiking boots so they stay by your side for more than just one adventure.

A good sleeping bag is key. Whether you're touring, backpacking, or hitting huts for days – when darkness falls, that bag is your lifeline against the cold and whatever else nature throws at you. But what do you do when your go-to gear starts to smell funny or showing serious traces of dirt and grime? Whether down or synthetics: In this guide, we’ll tell you exactly how to wash, care for, and store your sleeping bag so it keeps delivering that cozy warmth trip after trip.

Ski touring delivers some of the best mountain experiences out there – challenging climbs, epic descents, and those perfect quiet moments in untouched powder. But before you hit the great outdoors, you need to make sure your gear is up to speed. Because on top of your avalanche safety equipment and plenty of layers, your ski touring backpack is an essential part of any ski touring equipment. After all, you’ll be wearing it for hours on end – so comfort, practicality and functionality are key. Whether you're completely new to the sport or you've been earning your turns for years: In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know – sizing, features, packing strategies, and more.

If you're regularly exposed to the elements – whether hiking, climbing, ski touring, or just living your life – the right gear is key. Especially in changing weather, it often comes down to one common question: What type of clothing will actually help you stay dry? In this guide, we’ll tell you what waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent really mean, what those hydrostatic head numbers really mean, and what to watch out for when upgrading your equipment.