In this conversation, Michael Miller shares his experiences and insights into the thrilling sport of ski-joring, where skiers are pulled by horses through a course. He discusses the preparation and training involved, the dynamics of teamwork between the horse, rider, and skier, and the community aspect of the sport. Michael also touches on the equipment used, the differences between horse-pulling and machine-pulling, and the growth of ski-joring as a competitive event. He emphasizes the importance of family and camaraderie in the sport, as well as the connection to the mountains that keeps him engaged in this unique winter activity.

In this episode of the Tactical Alpinism podcast, IFMGA mountain guide Silas Rossi and certified ski guide/host Mauri DiMeo share expert insights on selecting, fitting, and maintaining crampons for various mountain adventures. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned alpinist, understanding gear compatibility can significantly enhance safety and performance.

In this episode of the Tactical Alpinism podcast, hosts Mauri DiMeo and Zach delve into the intricacies of cold weather clothing systems, specifically focusing on the ECWCS and CTAP systems. They discuss the importance of proper layering, the functionality of each layer from base to outerwear, and the critical role of moisture management in preventing cold injuries. The conversation emphasizes the need for tactical awareness in clothing choices and the significance of anticipating environmental challenges to enhance performance in cold weather conditions.

In this conversation, Mauri DiMeo and AJ Rehn discuss the intricacies of selecting ski poles for backcountry skiing, focusing on the unique features of baton style poles produced by Folkrm. They explore the evolution of ski pole design, the importance of durability, and the advantages of different pole lengths. AJ shares insights on the benefits of foam grips, the significance of sizing, and the future developments in ski pole technology. The discussion emphasizes the value of spending time in the mountains with friends and the practical considerations for choosing the right ski poles.

In this conversation, Kuba and Maciej discuss their journey in creating split skis, focusing on their backgrounds in skiing and military training. They delve into the differences between teaching skiing to military personnel versus civilians, the innovative design of their skis, and the challenges faced during prototyping. The discussion also highlights the differences between military and commercial ski models, their future developments, and personal skiing experiences.

Today’s guests are both professional guides and teach professional level avalanche courses through Silverton Avalanche School aka SAS. Together they founded SASTAC to provide alpine and arctic training for tactical teams.

Josh Jesperson ([email protected]) is a Navy SEAL and holds the record for fastest time to ski all of the Colorado 14ers.

Michael Ackerman aka Ack ([email protected]), is a professional avalanche instructor for SAR, ski patrol, mountain tactical and many other professional organizations.

Scott Johnston and Maury Birdwell are both incredibly experienced mountain athletes and endurance Coaches. They train athletes for both military selections the most competitive big mountain ultra-endurance events. 

Maury currently holds the fastest known time on the Diamond of Long’s Peak, a 1000’ rock face that climbs at the grade of 5.10 and is usually a 12 hour or longer outing for most parties. He completed it in just under 3.5 hours car to car.

Scott is the author of both Training for the Uphill Athlete and Training for the New Alpinism. Those books led to many operators pursuing Tier 1 selection events to begin reaching out to him for training. The people he and his team of coaches have trained for these events have a very high rate of success. He was a nationally competitive swimmer and cross country skier in his collegiate days. In the 1970s and 80s he spent many seasons on Denali

In this episode, Mauri DiMeo hosts a conversation with Alyssa and Cody Clark, exploring the intersection of professional ultrarunning and military life. Alyssa, a professional ultrarunner, shares her experiences racing the UTMB and her journey in endurance sports, while Cody, a Navy Lieutenant Commander, discusses his role in supporting Alyssa's career. The discussion delves into the dynamics of their relationship, the challenges and rewards of living in a van, and the unique perspectives they bring as a military family. The episode also touches on the evolution of ultrarunning, the importance of building an aerobic base, and the role of coaching in achieving athletic success.

This conversation delves into the intricacies of mortar systems and their applications in military operations, particularly in mountainous terrains. The speakers share personal experiences from combat, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness, trust, and effective communication in leadership roles. They discuss the challenges of adapting to mountain warfare, the significance of training, and the necessity of building strong relationships within military units. The dialogue culminates in practical lessons learned from their experiences, highlighting the critical role of mortars in combat scenarios and the importance of continuous training and preparation.

In this episode of the Tactical Alpinism podcast, host Mauri DiMeo reflects on the past year, discussing the growth of the podcast, personal transitions, and future plans. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and mentorship opportunities for listeners, especially those transitioning from military to civilian life. The episode also touches on navigating the holiday season and the significance of being present with family and friends.