
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
Ski Trip Packing Checklist
Last Updated: August 5, 2024
There’s something truly satisfying about skiing in bounds, despite the potential for crowds. Maybe it’s the fact that you can accomplish thousands of feet in a day, or just the convenience of a warm lodge nearby to thaw cold hands and feet. But when...
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Crux 40 Ski Backpack Review
Last Updated: March 21, 2025
The boom in backcountry skiing in the past decade, particularly since COVID, has led to an insurgence of new backcountry skiers and riders. This led to an explosion of offerings for backcountry ski packs: from day touring packs to highly technical ski...
Best Ski Backpacks of 2025
Last Updated: April 25, 2025
Whether you’re headed to the resort or gearing up for a big backcountry outing, you’ll need a pack to carry the essentials: extra layers, water, snacks, and—if you’re going out of bounds—avalanche equipment...
Dynafit Ridge Pro W Ski Boot Review
Last Updated: March 20, 2025
Dynafit brought lightweight cult classics to the backcountry boot market with their TLT series before they introduced their wildly successful freeride-oriented Radical Pro. Now, they've taken their first foray into combining lightweight and freeride...