Roger Strong

Kulshan Randonnee Racer Spotlight // Roger Strong “Kulshan holds a special place in my heart — it was the first Washington volcano I skied, the same year I moved here from Colorado in 1991. That was also the year my newfound Cascades climbing community convinced me to "free my heels" and make the switch to telemark. I fell instantly in love with how dramatically different the terrain and views are from the Rockies I grew up in. Though climbing has always been my grounding obsession, I've continued to make multiple spring pilgrimages to Kulshan — skiing the majority of its beautiful classics, as well as climbing steep ephemeral ice and mixed lines on its craggy subpeaks in the fall and early winter. Sliding on snow is one of my earliest memories, a gift from my parents, and I want everyone to experience that same feeling — and to understand how vital the snowpack and glaciation of the world's volcanoes are to the broader ecosystem. The Kulshan Randonnée here is so much more than a race, it's a celebration of how the mountains offer space for reprieve, adventure, and exploration of the unknown, pushing us beyond our comfort zones and returning us as better humans.” Beautiful words @roger_strong ! We love our racers and Roger has raced with us every year since the inception of the race. We are welcoming Roger back in 2026 and many others who with their teammates make the pilgrimage to celebrate Kulshan and the community of mountain skiing every year with us. Mountain conditions for race day are looking good and registration is still open! #KulshanRandonnee #SkiMo #MountBaker #Kulshan #SkiMountaineering #NorthCascades #SkiMoIsBoth #SpringSkiing #SnowGoatSkimo #PNWSkiing #RaceWeek #Cascadia #BlackDiamond

What a great day climbing and skiing on Washington’s ‘biggest crag’ Tahoma with @_miketphoto_ and @sweenyj Plan A was a lap on the less traveled West side and ski the long and immaculate Success Couloir. Scoping the line the evening before with a big parking lot crew of friends that had plans on various fun objectives, the first two short entrance cruxes looked melted out and likely mandating a rappel or funky down climb. Climbing conditions for the most part was outstanding and able to ascend at a steady pace. Booting conditions the last 260 meters to the summit turned into difficult crampon balling and slowed down the pace that allowed us to consider a different entrance into the couloir. The gamble above consequential terrain was in our favor and we were able to bypass the melted out chokes from the summit. The reward was over 7000 feet of absolutely outstanding corn harvesting! even though we decided to ditch our soft shoes, we decided to take it all the way down to Comet Falls. Thankfully, we met a kind team from Salt Lake who had plans to ski it this week and they shuttled us back up to paradise. @blackdiamond

Spring Break was extra special this year. We got to travel to one of my most favorite zones on the planet and watch @maya_strong.1 and a few hundred other top junior ski athletes compete in the North American Jr Freeride Championships at @kickinghorsemtn Despite firm and occasional gnarly conditions, these talented and driven young rippers were amazing to watch and so supportive of each other. We met so many great parents, IFSA staff, Coaches and volunteers that made this season finale event so memorable. @blackdiamond @blackdiamond_snow @crystalmountain @matthew_guina

Howdy friends, I’ve been asked to speak at an event along with @twinstothetops @Bailey D’antonio hosted by @fitzcahall this coming Tuesday, March 31 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at Black Diamond’s retail shop in Seattle to share my perspective on a lifetime of adventure.  We often think of adventure as an escape. I think it’s the opposite. It’s how we learn to show up everyday. For our work, our families, our communities. I’m honored to share a few of the lessons I’ve learned over almost six decades in the mountains and excited to be a part of this tribute to the Seattle adventure community.  @blackdiamond #livelifeoutside @dirtbag_diaries

Despite “seasonal low tide“ in Alaska, it was such a deep joy reconnecting with old friends and big mountain ski partners @akskica and @stockalpinellc harvesting much better than expected conditions in between Maya‘s Freeride comps this week. @blackdiamond @blackdiamond_snow #skiuphill

Wow… What a fantastic week in AK for the Alyeska Junior Freeride Comps that @maya_strong.1 has been looking forward to for a few years now. Despite firm and icy conditions, Maya ended up third overall and couldn’t be more happy! It was so inspiring to see so much young talent, enthusiasm, positive energy and great parents. This would not have been possible without her amazing coaches @noahdakrogh @matthew_guina and @crystalmountain @crystalmountain.freeride @blackdiamond Also a huge thanks to @resortalyeska and @alyeskafreerideteam for all the hard work, putting on such a great event, despite challenging conditions.

Hey everyone! Monday evening, February 9th, dear friend and mountain mutant @realwillgadd will be presenting for the BeWild Speaker Series at The Mountaineers at 6:30 p.m. Most would agree that Will is easily our planets most accomplished Ice and Mixed climbing G.O.A.T. Despite being one of the worlds most accomplished and versatile outdoor athletes, equally amazing is his groundbreaking paragliding skills and mind blowing and creative adventurous firsts in the flying arena. Come join us to tap into his infectious energy, sharing a life of exploratory adventures while balancing risk, parenthood and relationships. @blackdiamond /locations-lodges/seattle-program-center/events/bewild-speaker-series-will-gadd

“Ya just don’t know unless you go” Despite a record warm December in Montana, the @bozemanicefest was a huge turnout and great conditions. Bonus was the unexpected outstanding backcountry ski conditions that the wind ‘magically’ improved over a couple of days with zero recorded precipitation. A phenomenal morning with ski mutant and dear amigo @znamskier @blackdiamond @blackdiamond_snow

Happiest Thanksgiving! Despite gnarly colds and low tide @maya_strong.1 motivated us for fun family laps skinning around the resort and watching her, @butla_1 and @denver_the_full_sender work tricks on their booter @blackdiamond #skiuphill #blackdiamondequipment #winterisbliss

Tahoma delivered outstanding steep merengue for a perfect family lap with a great crew! @blackdiamond #skiuphill

Discovering new traverse link-ups and climbing classic alpine rock with @maya_strong.1 @dantelope.gazaylward @ollycohen and @jmkettrick has been Dawn Patrol bliss lately. @blackdiamond #dawnpatrol #mountainrunning

Special weekend getting to ski from the summit of Mt. Pahto for @maya_strong.1 and @jimpytel ‘s first time down SW Chutes. Surprisingly good conditions for July! @blackdiamond #skiuphill @blackdiamond_snow