WildSnow.com Contributions

Since December 2007 creative director, David Downing, has contributed to WildSnow.com, a blog devoted to backcountry skiing and other mountain pursuits, produced by Lou Dawson. Below is a compilation of my reviews and stories, as well as a few pictures from WildSnow and other sites as my work expands to other venues. Enjoy.

Contributions.


Pivot Point? Barons, Dukes, Dynafits, and Life.

February 5, 2010
I compare the Marker Baron binding with the Dynafit FT12, and discover where I am in life along the way.


Best in Snow.

January 27, 2010
A few of my favorite things about the winter Outdoor Retailer show, and the subsequent road trip that took me there.


Altered Perspective.

January 22, 2010
A mid-season injury has me sleeping in, thinking long, and realizing just how great my life is. An upcoming road trip helps keep me positive as well.


Beefcakes Tongue-Constructed Boot Comparo 2010

January 20, 2010
An update to the 2009 ski boot overview.


Ode to Colorado

October 27, 2009
I don't know if this event happened sooner or later than I anticipated. I knew it was possible the day would come, but still couldn't imagine it happening: I no longer live in Colorado.


Shoot from the Hip (pocket) – Flip Mino HD Review

August 27, 2009
Testing the Flip Mino HD Camcorder. Watch the bike video I made with it.


My Sweet Pack of Doom!

July 1, 2009
An end of year review of the Sweet Pea Backpack by Mystery Ranch.


First Look – OR Revel Pants and Orage Abdi Jacket

April 30, 2009
Testing out rain gear for bike commuting, but throwing in a ski-twist for the average WildSnow reader.


My Season on Dynafit FT12s – A Binding Reflection

April 10, 2009
Reflections on the Dynafit FT12 Bindings I tested for the 2008-2009 ski season (and ended up buying).


AVi: The 1st Avy Beacon Application for iPhone

April 1, 2009
A little bit of fun on April Fools day. From concept to execution, this post was over 2 months in the making, and a ton of fun to create.


Truly Wild Snow in the Montana Slackcountry

February 24, 2009
Blog about my trip to Bozeman, MT for a bit of steep skiing. 3 resorts in 3 days, whew!


Testing my Luck -- TR from Marble Peak

February 23, 2009
A Weekend trip report and my first blog on MysteryRants.com. Published on my 30th birthday!


Playing Nice – Weekend TR and Broomstick Test

January 7, 2008
A Weekend trip report and brief product review to keep the readers and sponsors BOTH happy:)


Kästle FX84 Sighted in Colorado Mountains

January 2, 2008
A short review of the Kästle FX84 prototype.


Beef Cakes and Tongues - Backcountry Ski Boots

December 10, 2008
2008-09 Tongue-Construction AT Boot Guide takes a look at this years beefy Alpine Touring boots.


Gear Lust - My Kit for Winter 09

November 13, 2008
To get everyone psyched on gear and skiing, I shared my Winter 2009 backcountry setup.


Mystery Ranch Broomstick Backpack - Sneak Peak

November 6, 2008
An early look at a new pack I'll be testing this winter.


Push!

October 29, 2008
An essay on biking by yourself, and reaching your limit.


Caught! An Avalanche Story

October 9, 2008
I thought I’d tell my avalanche story, before Lou tells his.


What's the Beef? - Overlap Construction AT Boot Guide 08/09

September 9, 2008
2008-09 Overlap Construction AT Boot Guide takes a look at the new crop of Alpine Touring boots hitting the market this year.


Mystery Ranch HQ Tour

August 26, 2008
A peek into the Bozeman, MT based pack makers, Mystery Ranch. A great Made in the USA company.


Happy Feet

June 24, 2008
After an especially long winter, you start to look forward to a summer of sandal wearing. But each "last day" seems to tempt you to ski just one more.


Castle Peak East Face - Fourteener Mountaineering 101?

Thursday, May 29, 2008
My favorite blog to date. This trip was a big accomplishment for me. And I believe this is my first full-length, non-gear-review piece. I hope you enjoy it.


A Wee Bit O’ Pow (and gear) — Today, Colorado

Friday, May 9, 2008
I'm almost sick of saying it:) Me as ski model (and powder junkie).


3 Easy Steps to a Longer Season — Dave Does the Math — BD Method Boots & Kastle Skis

Friday, May 2, 2008
My guest blog / gear review of the Black Diamond Method Boot and the Kästle MX98 Ski. A very, very fun set.


Your Colorado Zone Too Crowded? Try Road 505

Thursday, May 1, 2008
Trip to Peak 505. Got up at 4:30am, these modeling jobs are getting demanding.


Marble Daly - Another Elk Range Classic

Monday, April 28, 2008
Skied Mt Daly, Jess's first Peak Ski. Both of us lookin' good for the camera.


Backcountry Skiing News Roundup

Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Serving as ski model once again. It's a tough job, but I'm up to the task. Once again in Marble, CO.


Throw the Gauntlet down — Guest Blog from Dave

Thursday, March 20, 2008
A fun poke at Lou in his ever looming convergence toward larger skis, bigger turns and *gasp* more weight going uphill.


Get Stoked for the Next Three Months of Backcountry Skiing - Matchstick Movie Review

Saturday, March 15, 2008
A short movie review tag team with Louie III.


Dave Heads for the Huts, Tests Gear and Quads

Thursday, February 28, 2008
Trip report from the Fowler/Hilliard Hut.


Airdrive Headphone Review

Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Review of Airdrive Headphones.


The Factor Review

Tuesday, January 28, 2008
Review of the Black Diamond Factor Boot.


The Factor Factor

Monday, January 21, 2008
Once again serving as a guest model. A nice teaser to my upcoming review.


Guest Review: Dakine Tactic Backpack

Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Pack Review with photos taken by my lovely wife.


Colorado Backcountry Powder at its Best

Monday, December 17, 2007
Trip to Marble, CO. Making the best of it as a working model.


Guest Blog — Dave Tests the Axon

Thursday, December 6, 2007
My first gear review. Checking out the Garmont Axon AT boots.

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