Forrest Smith

Into The Void.. err.. The Black Hole… or whatever it’s called. To my knowledge, yesterday was the third time this line has been skied, all times by solo individuals. Once by @twisted_equipoise_jewelry he invited me, and at the time, I was partying too much and didn’t want wake up on time. The other was @_zakmills who went alone cause well, he’s pretty good at that kinda thing. For me, it was nice to challenge myself, mentally, more than physically. . @dynafit @mammothgear @outdoorprolink #skiing #skimo #speedup #dynafit #easternsierra #steepskiing #tgrlivethedream #steep #mountaineering #skimountaineering #solo #ski #climbing #mammothgear #ridgemerino #julboeyewear

Ski Mountaineering. To me, it's the ultimate craft of my passions. The pursuit of steep snow in remote mountains often combines my love for running, climbing, and of course skiing. To ski these uncommon descents, one needs a plethora of different skills and knowledge, as well as a level head to stay calm under pressure. This is my place of zen, and for a few hours, the rest of the world turns off and my only focus is in the moment. I asked my self for the majority of the last year since these two descents (Clyde Coulior, Death Coulior), why? If it was all for ego, then it would all be a loss, however after keeping things safe this year, I was reminded that this sport, Ski Mountaineering, is the focal point of my life for now, and that I will be constantly drawn towards these places. It's not the mountains we conquer, its fear, doubt, and worry that we rise above on these high mountain peaks. @salomon #ultimatesalomonwishlist #skimountaineering #steepskiing #wintermountaineering #earnyourturns #theskijournal #mammothgear #salomon #salomonfreeski #dynafit #fischerski #skitouring #backcountryskiing #skiing #climbing #mammothstories @twisted_equipoise_jewelry @roger_romani @adam_kunis

I hope that there's some point to story so here we go... my last two weekends I've been skiing lines that would make many ask, why? Well im still trying to figure that out, but I will say, I dont regret either one. The first was the Death Coulior, visible on the face of Mt Morrison. I was recruited by the son of a legend, @twisted_equipoise_jewelry We had talked about this line for a while, and a day earlier @christianpondella had skied the same intimidating face, leading the ice climb, and to our thanks he not only left an anchor to rappel off, but he and his partner were successful in skiing the route. This was a catalyst in my mind that the other obvious line went, and luckily as Dylan and I were, we were also successful. I only had a few days to contemplate what led to this victory before @roger_romani texted me, he was in town and it was time to do the line we had been discussing, The Clyde Coulior on Starlight. While I was still deciding on how I felt about about the decisions I had been making, I decided that there was no better time. After all I could really use some days of solitude in the mountains. Shortly after, we were on the trail with heavy packs and after a long strenuous day we had set up basecamp near the glacier. We were beat mentally and physically but after long discussion over lunch, we decided that we were here to ski damnit and that the U Notch would make us feel easy in the face of the next days challenge, and that it did, however I did not sleep easy knowing that I would be leading the climb the next morning. As it turned out the unprotected two pitches of mixed climbing were enthralling despite Roger requesting I use more gear. At the anchor I realised we were late(8am), but the risk could be mitigated, so after some delay we summited the coulior and quickly began our descent through the wet slides and steep snow. Everything was going wrong on the way down and for some time im sure we both thought that our partner was done for but after a seemingly long time we were both to safety having skied the line, grateful @theskijournal #tribe_up #team_praxis #skimo #backcountryskiing #skiing #steepskiing #tgrlivethedream

What an April… Lines like this are the reason I love camping. I always find lines I’ve never heard of on mountains I didn’t think to look on. . #skiing #earnyourturns #freeride #bigmountain #backcountryskiing @ridge_merino @outdoorprolink @mammothgear

Always good to come back to a line and ski it in good snow with a great partner like @mrricecooka Thanks for the stoke P! . #skiing #earnyourturns #backcountryskiing #backcountry #easternsierra @outdoorprolink @ridge_merino

in January, I woke up one day to find my right leg was numb from the hip down. I’d injured my back again, without really knowing how. For the next months I traded satellite imagery for diagnostic imagery and my risk management got a lot less fun. Between the steroids and school, my winter was all but shot. Then April came. These few days of good conditions and good partners has really made me grateful for the place I call home, and for the fact that you never know how a season will go until it’s over. . #skiing #mammothstories #earnyourturns #backcountryskiing #easternsierra

There is a belief among many I find myself surrounded by, that it’s always out there somewhere. The best of these are those willing to look, and carry the flame when we lose the light. This season, though bleak, made me grateful for those people and their never ending passion to go looking in the shady nooks and crannies, and for those who were lost in the pursuit. . #skiing #backcountry #skimountaineering #earnyourturns #splitboarding

I can’t believe we went from this to rain 😥 hoping for a little more before it’s all over! . #skiing #backcountryskiing #earnyourturns #mammothstories #powderskiing

Breaking up your feed with a little pow pow ASMR from a few of our pros. 😌

Good to get a fairly long day out by myself this week. My back issues flared back up and it’s looking like another winter held back by one thing or another, but a solo day was a good reminder that my body is still strong. Wait until the end to see how I got the shot wit my new camera, thanks @korymarkel for the hookup! . #skiing #skimountaineering #freeskiing #backcountry #earnyourturns @mammothgear

Recent data shows that backcountry experts face higher risk of avalanche danger than beginners — and this isn't only due to more exposure over time. ⁠ ⁠ Forrest Smith, a mountain guide and seasoned winter pro, breaks down the research, shares personal stories about avalanche danger, and offers real advice for staying safe regardless of how experienced you are at the 🔗 in bio.

Just like that it’s on! I’m feeling extra grateful just to get to go walk through some snowy trees again with all the crazy weather and events as of late. It’s funny how grounding it is to go walk up hill and make some turns, doesn’t hurt when they’re this deep either! 📸: @jackieeflor @mammothgear @ridge_merino @outdoorprolink #skiing #skimo #earnyourturns #powderskiing #deepsnow #mammothstories #easternsierra #mammothmountain #backcountry #backcountryskiing #skitouring #ski