The purpose of Backcountry Beacon blog is to share about my (Christopher Lawrence’s) backcountry skiing adventures, and also rock climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, whitewater adventures, etc. and other related outdoor topics.

Why I love backcountry skiing

Backcountry skiing is such a great combination of exploration, endurance and of course, powder. To me, it is the purest form of skiing.

In the backcountry, you ski more powder and see less people (though I also love inbounds skiing). Nothing compares to that feeling of exploring remote mountain vistas where the snow is so fresh and deep that the white crystals cascade over your face like cold confetti as you ski down the hillside.

As far as adventure, backcountry skiing involves a lot of route finding and avalanches present an ever-present threat—which is why I always bring the proper safety gear, including a beacon. 

More about me

Besides being an avid backcountry skier, I’m also a professional outdoor guide, journalist and author. You can read more about me here. 

More about the name of this blog

A backcountry beacon is one of the most vital pieces of safety equipment for the backcountry traveler. A backcountry beacon is a radar device that helps a skiier locate others who are lost or potentially buried in an avalanche, and can also help them be found should they be the one who is lost.

Traditionally, a beacon is a light or a warning. We all need such light in our lives to help guide us in the right path, and to keep us from danger. I know my life has been shaped by a lot more than just outdoor adventure, but by an ultimate Light, that beacon which has guided me (John 8:12). Jesus, my Savior, is that Light.

I hope others find this Light, too.

From the field

Below are a few pictures from past ski mountaineering adventures, including Mount Sherman (below) and then also skiing the Grand Teton (the three following photos).