Dark Starts Backcountry Splitboard Podcast

EPISODE 101

Rain Felkl is an Alaska Native born and raised in Juneau. After making the move to the Wasatch Mountains, she was quickly captivated by the freedom and adventure of human-powered splitboarding. She has had the opportunity to explore many corners of her home range as well as longer adventures in mountain ranges in Alaska and the lower 48s. When she isn’t riding powder, Rain is a rock climber and cyclist, which has naturally led her eye towards more exploratory splitboard objectives.

EPISODE 99

Ruedi Beglinger, a man of the mountains. To be more specific, the Selkirks in British Columbia, Canada where, for the last few decades, he and his family have lived, in fact, his kids grew up on the Durrand Glacier. Ruedi’s story begins in the Swiss Alps where he was born and raised. He first traveled to North America in 1978 and eventually planted roots in the Revelstoke area and began leading hut trips in the Selkirks. 37 years later he is still leading those tours and he now has 3 huts on the Durrand. His first splitboard was one that he decided to fabricate in 1995.

EPISODE 98

Alex Andrews of WNDR Alpine is a rad dude with experiences ranging from skating bowls and jibbing the streets of Ogden, UT. He eventually started riding and working for Burton as a young ripper. Alex’s “powder panic” and love for the mountains have him aligned with Wonder Alpine as their snowboard marketing and product manager. His passion made this a great chat and we hope you love this one.

EPISODE 97

McKinley grew up on the icy hills of New York, learning to ride in the Catskill Mountains. He made his way west in 2013 and began exploring the snow-filled mountains around Utah, Montana, and Colorado. His love of backcountry riding brought him to the Snow Science program at Montana State University, where he studied the applications of geographic information systems in identifying avalanche exposure. Since leaving Montana, McKinley now works for the Utah Avalanche Center as the Know Before You Go Avalanche Awareness Coordinator in addition to being a ski/splitboard/snowmobile guide at Monument Snowcat Skiing in Eden, UT. When he’s not on his splitboard, you can find Mack on his mountain bike, casting his fly rod, or exploring new areas for when the snow finally falls.

EPISODE 96

2022 Freeride World Tour Junior World Champion, Lila Yeoman.

Some would view Lila as a teen prodigy, she’s accomplished a notable list by the young age of 17. With the guidance of her Dad Jeff, she’s been on a steady path of snowboard progression since the age of 3 years old. Utilizing the Wasatch mountains as her training ground, she seeks out steep couloirs and rides daily at Snowbird and the surrounding backcountry. The future is bright for Lila. We’re excited to see what’s next on her path.

Episode links:

Alex Gavic is a photographer, adventurer and splitboard mountaineer.

For the past 10 years, Alex has been venturing into the powder filled peaks of the Western United States and sharing videos of his wild adventures. And people loved it! He developed a huge social media following of over 300k followers, between Instagram and Tiktok. His own story has unfolded into a life of chasing summits, the beauty of nature, and life. His search for the soul has fed ours. We hope you enjoy.

Episode links

EPISODE 93

Pro rider Marissa leads by example, is passionate about getting the dawn light, and spends as much time in the mountains as possible.

Marissa wasn't sold on splitboarding right away. For someone who loves the outdoors as much as her, it was in fact inevitable to resist. Now she loves getting up and out to the mountain “dark start” style. In this episode, we learn more about how Marissa got started, what's in her pack, skintrack nutrition, and what the future holds for her on her path of progression. 

MARISSA’S COMMUNITY

Episode 91

Guide and Athlete Will Kovacic talks foot powered filming and backcountry safety with Chad & Darrin.

Episode 90

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Split Decisions, with Mike Lewis of Zeal Optics.

Episode 89 

Sponsored Athlete Shawna Paoli talks about health, life and lines with Chad & Darrin. 

Episode 88 

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Split Decisions, with John Keffler of Phantom Snow Industries. 

Episode 85

Surfer, splitboarder & board shaper Chris Christenson chats shapes with Chad & Darrin.

Episode 86

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Split Decisions, with Jack Beighle of Backcountry Access.

Episode 85

Splitboard Guide Isaac Laredo from Truckee California educates Chad & Darrin.

Episode 84

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents ski guide & POW Ambassador Blake Keogh.

Episode 83

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Split Decisions, with Corey Caffrey of Sans Meal Bar

Episode 82 - 

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents snowboard legend, Temple Cummins.

Episode 81

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Split Decisions, with Jon Takao of Thirty Two Boots

Episode 80 - 

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents legendary rider Joel Loverin of Whistler, BC.

Episode 79

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Split Decisions, with Jackson Keogh of Big Sky mountain products.

Episode 78

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Freeride World Tour athlete Manuela Mandl.

Episode 77

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Split Decisions, with Joey Vosburgh of Wolverine Snow Products.

Episode 76

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Todd Heath of Bomb Snow magazine.

Episode 75

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents a Split Decisions episode, with Jonathan Besquin of Somewear Labs HotSpot Device.

Episode 74

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Hampus Cederholm, owner and co-founder of Furberg snowboards.

Episode 73 

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Split Decisions, with Will Ritter of Spark R&D.

Episode 72

 Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents pro snowboarder, Ryan Hudson.

Episode 71 Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding Podcast Presents Freeride snowboarder, splitboarder & photographer Alenka Mali.

Episode 70 Swiss splitboarder and big aspect rider, Simone Le Grand. 

Episode 68 

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents splitboard athlete Zak Mills.

Episode 66

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Jordan Keeth from Mammoth California.

Episode 65 Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Mr. Relentless himself, Nick LaToof. 

Episode 64

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Scott Seward, Burton’s one and only board engineer for the family tree line.

Episode 63

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Megan Pischke of Boarding for Breast Cancer.

Episode 62

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Judson Wright, founder and owner of Kootenay Backcountry Guides.

Episode 61

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents a snowboarding Legend Mark Fawcett.

Episode 60

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Krister Kopala from Tromsø in Northern Norway.

Episode 59

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Nick Russell backcountry backcountry shredder and lover of the mountains out of Truckee California.

Episode 58

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Antti Autti, Professional Snowboarder from Finland and the creator of Artic Lines Video series.

Episode 57

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Jake Sullivan, owner of Hand Out Gloves.

Episode 56

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Briony May Johnson rider for the YES snowboards on the Tasman Team.

Episode 55

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Adam Zok ACMG splitboard guide out of Revelstoke BC.

Episode 54 

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Mikey Franco, shaper and owner of Franco Snowshapes. 

Episode 53

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Pro Snowboard mountaineer and filmmaker Rafael Pease.

Episode 52

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Kate Ediger, founder of Pit and Peak Avalanche Skills Training.

Episode 51 Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Ty Mills, founder and owner of All Aspects Alpine. 

Episode 50

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Britteny Dickson founder of Stay Wild Backcountry.

Episode 49

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Jon Miller of Backcountry United Foundation.

Episode 48

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents the owner of Stealth Backcountry Tours, Chandler Kane.

Episode 47

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents splitboarder Corey Stecker of Smartwool International, global sale manager.

Episode 46

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Jonathan Penfield, Freeride World Tour Competitor.

Episode 45

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Erika Vikander splitboarder and Freeride World Tour snowboarder.

Episode 44

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents avalanche safety instructor Kelian Duplain.

Episode 43

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Leo Tsuo, owner of Weston.

Episode 42

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Cardiff Athlete Meg Matheson.

Episode 41

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents the man with the ‘stache - Aaron Lebowitz, owner of Elevated SurfCraft.

What a rad human! We were 100% captivated by Aaron as he took us through the awe of seeing his first snow, to learning how to make boards, turning it into a business and evolving the business model to focus on what he loves most - creating rad boards and riding them! We learned so much about gear that had a hard time speed-googling stuff. You might want to be online and have a credit card ready before you start listening to this episode. Dude dog gives it four paws up.

Show links:

Episode 40

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Burton rider - Triple D Dave Downing.

We learned so much about Tahoe and Burton in this episode. Dave discovered splitboarding as a way to get powder and he pushed Burton to develop their own splitboarding models, and helped Craig discover splitboarding in the process. His experience in the backcountry and love of powder gave us a new perspective, and for that we are grateful, thanks Dave!

Show links:

https://www.instagram.com/davedowning/

Sponsored by:

https://www.burton.com/us/en/home

Special thanks to:

Tahoe Lab Boards

https://www.tahoelab.com/
Use promo code DS15 to get 15% off all boards

Fernie Brewery Co

https://www.ferniebrewing.com/

Smartwool

Episode 37

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Wyoming mountain guide Izzy Lazarus.

Izzy got her first taste of powder when a friend brought her to Cement Creek in Silverton CO. She quickly decided to make the switch from ice climbing to splitboarding, for both safety and pure pleasure. As a guide and instructor, she loves imparting knowledge on those who come to her, and we learned a thing or two. Just think of all the things we will know in 5 more years, thanks to amazing guests like her. All it took was a listen.

Show links:

Episode 36

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents owner of Golden Powder Guides Dave Turner-Crerar.

Dave got his start as a kayaker, but quickly realized that surfing mountains was his true passion. He started lining up his life to follow his passion. In this episode, we get some amazing tips on boards, boots, skins and wax. We also learn how Dave creates great guided tours, how a guide can help take your AST education to the next level, how Search and Rescue works in Canada, and about insurance? Huge knowledge drops in this episode.

Show links:

Episode 35

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents backcountry artist and tail guide Jessa Gilbert.

We had a blast chatting with Jessa! She dropped her wisdom and epic stories on us. A shredder at the core, her stoke for the backcountry, feeling the terrain and turning them into her art got us frothy for more. Listen as she shares what inspired her to slow down and find herself in the mountains.

Show links:

Episode 34

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents the first female to examine on a splitboard to a guide Christine Feleki.

Christine’s happy place is the backcountry. She answered the call of the mountains, and now spends her days touring and guiding, making memories for the guests that she brings into the backcountry. When you spend that much time in the backcountry, you develop deep knowledge of gear and hone your own art of skinning as a guide. This one’s gold, Jerry! Gold!

Show links:

Episode 33

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Powder Mountain Guide Don Schwartz.

We were blown away by Don! His stories of the early days of snowboarding, living the life as a pro, getting roped into guiding and honing his snow knowledge over 30 years makes this episode one that you don’t want to miss! We never found out what’s in his pack, but we now know what surface hoar tastes like. We hope you enjoy his great tips as much as we did!

Show links:

Episode 32

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Neil Provo.

Him and his brother have logged many, many days in the backcountry. Since his brother was skiing and he was splitboarding, it pushed him to find ways to speed up his transitions and make them as quick as possible. He shares great tips on what makes him such a speed demon that you can use for your own tours. Plus, there’s epic spines!

Show links:

Episode 31

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Will Ritter, founder of Spark R&D.

There’s no question, powder runs through Will’s veins. Few people are lucky enough to make a living from their passion, and fewer still create innovative products that make splitboarding even better and more fun. Will takes us to where it all began and tells us what he’s working on next. And since he’s a splitboarder first, he’s got great tips on gear, nutrition and how to introduce your kids to splitboarding. Or, was that Darrin?

Show links:

Episode 30

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Baldface Ops Manager and ex-pro boarder JP Martin.

JP fell in love with the land of the rising sun while riding on the pro tour and bouncing between Japan and Alaska chasing snow. If you’ve ever wanted to shred in Japan, this episode is a must listen before you go! Now he runs operations and programs at Baldface, shaping the powder playground for all of us to enjoy.

Show links:

Episode 29

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents splitboarder and photographer Ryan Irvin.

Coming from the Pacific Northwest, Ryan has a soft spot in his heart for alpine starts and long corn runs. He studied video production and outdoor education at Mount Hood Community College, where he got sucked into the obsession of splitboarding and mountaineering. He's currently living the seasonal lifestyle with time split between Oregon, Salt Lake City, Alaska, and Southwest Colorado. His passion will be your listening pleasure!

Show links:

Episode 28

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Abe Greenspan, co-founder of TahoeLab Snowboards.

When you love to do something, your passion becomes apparent. Starting from nothing, TahoeLab Snowboards has built literally everything from the ground up themselves. Abe and Lee pour their heart and soul into it each day so that you can get the payday after all that suffer. Introducing the Connoisseur of Suffer, Abe Greenspan.

Show links:

Episode 27

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Jeff Pensiero, owner and co-founder of Baldface Lodge.

Jeff is one of those solid humans we love to talk to. He rode the river of life and the flow took him to rekindle love in Nelson, B.C., make it his home, and create an amazing catskiing playground for the world to enjoy. It wasn’t easy or without risk, but soooo worth the 700 bucks and case of beer. Cheers to you, the next one’s on us.

Show links:

Episode 26

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Craig Gordon of the Utah Avalanche Center.

Craig enrolled in the college of snow 37 years ago and never looked back. He is often referred to as the know-before-you-go guy, and sometimes the original manbun guy, since creating the program to raise public awareness about avalanche risks. His experience is invaluable and his tips could one day save your life. You don’t want to miss this episode!

Show links:

Episode 25

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents pro rider, AMCG guide and owner of Spline Snowboards Justin Lamoureux:

Justin knew he loved snow at an early age. And he loved it hard. He even reworked his college schedule and put every penny he had into chasing it. It brought him fame, glory, and a great career. His engineering background led his curious mind to start building his own boards, and his ability to push the edge created the most unique boards we’ve ever seen. He’s also inspiring his young son to follow in his skin tracks. We’re inspired too!

Show links:

Episode 24

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents avalanche expert and mountain guide John Buffery.

His roots run as deep as his chakras. We loved talking to Buff about his amazing stories and over three decades of experience in backcountry and avalanche safety. An avalanche in a helicopter, playing chess with Craig Kelly, the origins of Baldface Lodge - this episode has got it all! We still don’t know if he really invented the first splitboard. Listen in and let us know what you think.

Show links:

Episode 23

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents the legend himself, DCP.

Summers surfing in Costa Rica, winters riding in Squamish, British Columbia - could life get any better? We dropped in with DCP and listened to his amazing stories of getting started in snowboarding, going pro, getting dropped, getting buried and starting his own ventures with the connections he made along the way. The man is a legend!

Show links:

Episode 22

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Mats Drougge, owner of Stranda Snowboards.

Mats is the MAN! When he couldn't find any boards around that were built for big carves and speed, he just made his own. His labour of love turned into Stranda Snowboards and he now makes amazing surf style boards that are both sustainable and built to last. We were not at all disappointed! We hope you will enjoy this episode as much as we did.

Show links:

Episode 21

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents adventurer and ACMG guide in training Seb Grondin.

Man, we love Quebecers - they’re the good kind of nuts. It takes a special kind of person to paddle down a river in the middle of January in search of fluffy pillows and undiscovered lines. That’s a film we’re all gonna want to see! Find out what made Seb fall in love with Revelstoke 13 years ago and check out his many adventures since then. Grab yourself a Labatt's 50, get comfy, and enjoy this awesome episode!

Show links:

Episode 20

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents John & Alex of Phantom Snow Industries.

When you are thinking about what gear to get next, you want to get gear that is engineered to perfection. John designs rockets for a living but his passion was always the outdoors. So he used his curious mind to solve age-old problems faced by splitboarders for years and created the perfect system, giving you power and control. Listen and hear how the Phantom system evolved to be one of the best in the industry.

Show links:

Episode 19

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Steph Nistch of Pallas Snowboards.

Steph is passionate about supporting women in sports. Her vision shifted from mountain biking to snowboarding when fate called and her path became clear. She co-founded Pallas snowboards - the first company making splitboards to support a new generation of women who are blazing their own lines. Listen in as she inspires us, and women everywhere, by starting her own skin tracks for them to follow and be more confident and courageous.

Show links:

Episode 18

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents 2x gold medalist Seth Wescott.

Seth is living life how it should be. After fighting his way to the pinnacle of snowboarding glory, he turned his focus to creating amazing snowboards. Golf inspired a new approach, allowing Winterstick to craft custom fitted snowboards for the best ride of your life. Listen and hear amazing stories of how snowboarding icon Seth Wescott followed his passion, got the gold, saved a piece of history and discovered the backcountry.

Show links:

Episode 17

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Splitboard Explorer Maxwell Morrill of Cardiff Snowcraft.

Max learned at an early age that he would rather carve epic lines then grab huge air. This propelled him into racing for the USSA team, where he discovered his love for the backcountry. As one of the pioneers of the sport, he shared his vast knowledge with many on the skin tracks and off. Listen and learn about gear, safety and the evolution of splitboarding. We’re stoked to have him on the show!

Show links:

Episode 16

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Cam Fields of Frontcountry Foundation.

When people do good for humanity, we gotta give ‘em props. Cam shares how his struggle with PTSD turned into the creation of the Frontcountry Foundation that provides other veterans with much needed healing in… you guessed it…. the backcountry. Cam is one of those amazing individuals that makes the world a better place. We raise our summit beers to you Cam. Cheers!

Show links:

Episode 15

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Captain CAPOW Marty Shaffer.

Marty loves guiding and taking people to get the best snow possible. I guess that’s what happens when you’re born into the Blanket Glacier Chalet family and grow up taking tele skiers on tours at 13 years old. In fact, he likes guiding even more than he does shredding - which is why he built his life around mentoring, training, and sharing knowledge within the splitboard community. Listen and get stoked by the stokemaster himself.

Show links:

@capowguiding

@blanketglacierchalet

@valleyretreatrevy

@getstokedaf

Episode 14

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents ACMG guide Joey Vosburgh.

Episode 13

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents powder pioneer Jeremy Jensen, creator of Grassroots Powsurfers.

Episode 12

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents splitboard gypsy, avalanche instructor, and guide in training Michael Wigley.

- If you want to become a ski mountaineer, this is what you gotta do

- Broken bones are just a minor setback, determination is the key to success

- Right place, right time, Mountain Mike knows how to trust his gut to find the

perfect pow and stay safe

- Plant based living, cooking and fantastic gear roundup

Michael Wigley is on track to becoming a splitboard guide pursuing his ACMG certification. He’s cut his teeth in this world by living like a gypsy in the mountains. Spanning over 20 years, over 5 continents, and up and down many, many mountain ranges. You’re going to learn a lot from his amazing stories, packing tips, gear and survival skills.

Show links:

Episode 11

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents snowboard legend Ken Achenbach.

- Known by many as the father of Canadian snowboarding

- Founded the first snowboard shop in the world from his mom’s basement when he was 16

- Key influencer at ISM magazine, the first snowboard magazine

- Founded the Camp of Champions and inspired kids for over 25 years to become the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs

- Co-owner of Powder Mountain Cat Skiing

- His amazing life experience in business, friendship and snowboarding developed valuable wisdom that he shares with us now

When Ken started the Camp of Champs, he only had 3 rules: don’t drink, don’t do drugs and be in by 10. Later he added the golden rule, don’t be a dick. Sit back, relax and enjoy hearing the story of how he brought snowboarding to Canada and how a little  freedom inspired an entire generation of creativity. You’re going to love this one!

Follow:

Episode 10

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents CAPOW tail guide & Firefighter Matt Haines.

- When he was 10, his dad gave him a Beach Boys album that sparked a love for

skateboarding and snowboarding

- He picked up a trade as a carpenter, then a full time job as a firefighter, all

leading up to finally becoming a chalet caretaker and tail guide for CAPOW

- His years of experience offers many great tips on gear, training and packing

- He was blindsided by an avalanche and lived to tell us the tale

Even in high school, Matt had visions of snowboarding every day, so he shaped his life around it. Learn how he made his vision come to life mean while picking up essential skills along the way that would ultimately help him survive an avalanche.

Show links:

Episode 9

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents pro boarder Mark Tremblay.

- Started snowboarding after watching the local boarders build redneck ramps

- Competed in local contests to land his first sponsorship

- Went pro after winning the 2013 showcase showdown in Whistler BC

- First hand witness account of avalanche burial during heli filming session

Mark got in early and got in deep. From his first sponsor to his stories of backcountry riding,

 safety and hunting, this episode is sure to entertain and inform. Listen and learn  why Wildcats never die.

Show links:

Episode 8

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Ross Bulawa of Karakoram splitboard bindings.

- Wears many hats at Karakoram, today he digs deep into their binding lineup

- Learn about the different models and sweet accessories

- Pack your Bivvy bag, if not for you, at least for your dog

- Even though you can do Mt. Adams in a day, things can still go insanely wrong

Ross switched paths in life in college to follow his passion. He started like many of us, hounding shop owners for tips and work, then evolved his career from Gravity to Burton and now Karakoram. This episode is packed with insider gear info, tips and tours stories.

Follow Ross:

Episode 7

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Sean Callan of Jackson Hole Wyoming.

- 3D animation instructor that works to fuel his passion to travel and snowboarding more than 150 days a year

- Discovered back/side country riding while living abroad in Switzerland then met his future housemates while Heli Skiing in Alaska

- Learn about avalanche training around the world, avi etiquette and timing snow conditions

- Great tips on getting gear cheap and networking in the community

If you’re anything like Sean, you find a way to work remotely to spend more time doing what you love. He lives in America’s outdoor playground, Jackson Hole Wyoming, allowing him to get out mountain biking or crushing pow as often as possible. Listen and learn how you can live your passion too!

Learn more about Sean:

Episode 5

Dark Starts backcountry snowboard & splitboard podcast presents Valerie Black.

Her spirit is free and untamed, just like the backcountry. Her soul is reflected in her art. Splitboarder and artist Valerie Black shares how she frees the trees when she surfs POW on uncharted mountains.

- Artist and lifetime backcountry snowboard junkie

- Her dad inspired her love of surfing mountains

- Give great tips on where to go, what to pack, how to stay safe and top gear

- Frees the trees suffocating from snow, cause she loves nature that much

Valerie’s love for snowboarding didn’t really ignite until she discovered the backcountry. Her love of skintracks became her livelihood as she turned her adventures into art. Get inspired and fuel your own stoke!

Follow Valerie:

Episode 2

Dark Starts backcountry splitboarding podcast presents Guillaume Otis owner and head guide at Coast Mountain Guides.

Guillaume moved out west as a teen searching for bigger mountains with deeper powder. The search brought himself and his father to Whistler, BC where they founded Coast Mountain Guides in 1998. Guillaume has 20 years of guiding experience that he uses to bring guests iconic backcountry experiences that show you Whistler before the condos, lifts and shops. You can hear his passion for exploring the outdoors as he talks about avalanche safety while explaining analogies that made us view the mountains in a new light.

Learn more about Coast Mountain Guides:

Episode 1

Darrin and Chad share why they love backcountry snowboarding and splitboarding, how they got started and why they created the Dark Starts podcast. Interview hosted by Scott Martin of Groundswell Marketing Podcast. Scott has been a marketer for 25 years across branding, strategy, advertising, and execution. After working with various high-profile national brands, he shifted his passion to working with businesses that are focused on purpose and making more impact on the planet. Scott also created Heliskiing Canada and Catskiing Canada to help market those industries and to experiment with producing content through blogging, social media and film.

Learn more about Scott:

Podcast :https://www.groundswell.FM

Website: https://www.groundswell.marketing/

https://www.scottmartin.org 

Linkedin: http://www.Groundswell.marketing 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Groundswell.M/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/groundswell_m 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ScottMartin_org/ 

https://www.instagram.com/Groundswell.marketing 

Special thanks to:

Visit our website for great deals from our sponsors:

The Trailer!

Special thanks to:

Visit our website for great deals from our sponsors: