Skiing in Michigan isn't usually on the top of our lists, but after watching Mike King's two-year project about shredding in the midwest, we might have to go check it out. Born from the dark days of the Covid pandemic, Lake Effect explores some big-mountain riding without the big mountains. Who knew there pillow lines, closeout couloirs, and steep tree skiing in Michigan?

1/3/24 - This week’s stoke:

What we’re watching:

• Behind the Scenes of that crazy Sammy C FPV Clip - At this point, we've probably all watched this Sammy Carlson clip a million times, but here's a unique take from Luke Bredar, the guy who actually flew the drone to capture it. What makes this shot stand out is how simple and clean it feels without the dizzying effects of too much FPV action.

• Sam Favret and Nikolai Schirmer in the Draconians - Content mastermind Nikolai Schirmer drops ANOTHER banger - this time with Sam Favret, and again in the far northern reaches of Norway. Watching these guys ski couloirs at F1 speeds still leaves us mouths agape, so buckle up for another one.

The Beta:

• Snowfall finally returns to the Mountain West - Powderchaser Steve from Open Snow is bringing back the hope for the season. After what's seemed like one of the driest periods out West in the last millenium, there's a few storms tracking to hit Western mountains in the next few days. It will likely have started snowing in the Sierra by the time you read this, with storms following for the Tetons, Wasatch and Colorado by the weekend. Meanwhile, Europe, Japan, and Alaska continue to get clobbered by snowstorms.

• Cham Guide Dave Searle's Boot Quiver - Finding the right ski touring boot is no easy task, but there are definitely a few top contenders for each category. The important part is matching the boot to the ski (and the type of riding you will be doing). Chamonix-based IFMGA guide Dave Searle walks us through his quiver.

Elevating the Craft:

• IFMGA Guide Billy Haas talks about ski cutting - Ski cutting a slope is one of the most dangerous things you can do on skis - you are intentionally trying to start an avalanche to test the slope stability. However, if done properly, it can be a very valuable tool. IFMGA guide Billy Haas walks us through a few technique pointers on how to safely use this tool. If possible, use a rope. Only use it in surface-level, soft slab conditions. Never try to ski cut a hard slab or any sort of persistent avalanche problem. If in doubt, don't do it.

Sidetracked:

• Julian Carr Talks about cliff-hucking mindset - Watching Julian Carr huck himself off absolutely monstrous cliffs is actually pretty terrifying - how can the human body sustain an impact from 150+ feet? Julian just started writing for Powder Magazine, and his latest piece talks about what goes through his head as he's lining up these enormous drops.

Thanks for reading and see you next week,
Max Ritter and Andrey Shprengel