
Expertise & Background
- Topics of Expertise: Avalanches & backcountry skiing, climbing (big wall, trad, sport, alpine), trail running
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Resource Sciences, UC Berkeley
- Years of Writing: 8+
- Years of Gear Testing: 4+
- Certifications: Avalanche PRO 2, EMT, WFR, Psychological First Aid (J. Hopkins), Technical Rope Rescue & Search and Rescue Squad Leader (TRT1 & SRT1 from NPS), AMGA Apprentice Ski & Rock Guide
- Club or Association Memberships: American Avalanche Association Pro Member, Access Fund, American Alpine Club
- Previous Publications: The Avalanche Review, Sawtooth Avalanche Center forecasts, Mt. Rainier Climbing Ranger Blog, multiple scientific publications
Why I Chose This Career
Through years of work in SAR and the avalanche industry, I have grown to love using my experiences in the mountains to provide folks with well-written information to make better choices. Getting to work at Switchback Travel allows me to continue down this path by helping folks choose the right gear for their unique adventures outside.
How I Began My Career
My first professional writing experiences were as an off-grid energy researcher and a contracted author for international energy conferences. After getting to write route descriptions, conditions blogs, observations, and avalanche forecasts during my time as a climbing ranger and avalanche forecaster, I am now convinced that writing about the mountains is what I look forward to doing in some capacity for the rest of my career.
Recent Articles
Best Women’s Ski Boots
Last Updated: September 19, 2024
We can’t overstate the importance of choosing the right boots for your feet, whether you're just starting out or have been skiing for years. And while there has been progress in the development of women's ski gear, it's important to note that some...
Best Ski Apparel Brands
Last Updated: October 30, 2024
It’s no secret that skiing is an expensive and gear-intensive sport. And whether you’re doing laps at your local resort or skinning deep into the backcountry, you’ll need a quality jacket and pant combo to keep you comfortable. From budget-oriented...
Scarpa F1 XT Ski Boot Review
Last Updated: June 17, 2025
The original Scarpa F1 amassed a loyal following of light-and-fast ski mountaineers almost overnight, as it was the race boot. The Alien RS was a lighter-weight version of the original F1, which then morphed into the F1 LT, and now weighing an...
Best Ski Helmets of 2025
Last Updated: October 18, 2024
No matter your ability level, picking up a helmet for skiing is a no-brainer. If you’ve been putting off replacing a helmet that’s years old or are new to the sport, recent advancements have made them lighter and even safer, so now is a great time to...