Backcountry Magazine 164 | The Perseverance Issue apparel As Raphael Slawinski approached Pakistan's

As Raphael Slawinski approached Pakistan's unclimbed K6 West (7040m)

The Fastest Race on Cross Country Skis

from navigation to safety to awe

And Brad Johnson remembers Ueli Steck

whose impressive feats as a high-altitude expedition staff member and later sirdar on expeditions to Kumbhakarna (Jannu) and Annapurna have long been overlooked

Backcountry Magazine 164 | The Perseverance Issue apparel As Raphael Slawinski approached Pakistan'sOn the Cover: Weve all seen epic spine riding in ski films: skiers and snowboarders carving their way down the sharp, miniature ridgelines formed from the perfect blend of wind and snow density. While the pros make it look easy, navigating a blind rollover into these features in such flawless form is a technical art. For Elena Hight, its just another skill in her quiver. Witnessing Elena ride Alaskan lines is a delight, says Silvano Zeiter. Her