the Sharp End Podcast

In this episode of the Sharp End Podcast, Zach Watson shares a gripping story of a mountain accident in the Bugaboos, highlighting the importance of preparation, communication, and mental resilience in mountain rescue scenarios. Learn key lessons on safety gear, decision-making, and the value of strong partnerships in outdoor adventures. Zach Watson is a technologist based in Squamish, British Col...

Ep 125 - The Way Out: A True Story of Survival in the Heart of the Rockies - Devon O'Neil In January 2017, three families set out on a backcountry ski trip to Uncle Bud's Cabin in the heart of the Rockies outside of Salida, Colorado. What was meant to be a fun getaway turned into a desperate search when two members of the party didn’t return from a quick ski run. In this episode, we'll dive into t...

Ep 124 - Climbing Liberty Ridge: Lessons Learned from a Challenging Ascent - Andy & Eric Discover the insights from climbing Liberty Ridge on Mount Rainier, including key lessons, mistakes to avoid, and the importance of weather awareness for climbers. In June of 2016, climbers Andy Schriner and Eric Miller embarked on a challenging ascent of Liberty Ridge on Mount Rainier. With a mix of excitemen...

Ep 123 - Maximizing Wilderness Preparedness - Insights from a Mountain Guide - Mark Smiley You already know that Ashley loves wilderness medicine so much, and she always wants her listeners to be as prepared as possible in the backcountry. That's what inspired this episode. Tune in to hear Ashley interview Mark Smiley, an IFMGA Mountain Guide, who shares his expertise on outdoor safety gear, rescu...

In this episode of The Sharp End Podcast, Garrett Vinoski shares his harrowing experience of a near miss during a backcountry skiing trip in Moonlight Basin on December 5th in 2023. He discusses the factors leading up to the incident, including decision-making processes, avalanche conditions, and the importance of communication and risk management in the backcountry. Garrett reflects on the emotio...

In this episode of The Sharp End Podcast, Ashley interviews the Executive director of Trek for Trevor, a charity formed in memory of his son Trevor, who tragically died while attempting to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Doug shares Trevor's story, the importance of outdoor safety, and the mission of Trek for Trevor to educate hikers about safety gear and decision-making in the wilderness. The conve...

In this episode of The Sharp End Podcast, host Ashley speaks with Rob and Mark about their harrowing experience during an avalanche incident while skiing in the Selkirks of Canada. They discuss the events leading up to the avalanche, the survival tactics employed, and the emotional and mental challenges faced during and after the incident. The conversation emphasizes the importance of safety, deci...

In this episode, Matthew and Jeremy share their harrowing experience hiking Mount Washington, detailing the challenges they faced with unpredictable weather, navigation issues, and the importance of preparation and communication in outdoor adventures. They reflect on the lessons learned from their journey, emphasizing the need for contingency plans and the bond formed through shared adversity. Yet...

In this conversation Ashley interviews Paxson, the founder of Ermine Skate. He shares his journey into the world of Nordic skating and the unique concept of wild ice skating. They discuss the advantages of Nordic skates over traditional hockey or figure skates, safety tips and gear recommendations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the ice. Don't forget to sign up for the Giveaway! Ermin...

In this episode of the Sharp End Podcast, Jeff shares his harrowing adventure in the Sawtooth Mountains, where a climbing accident left his friend Sydney with a severe knee injury. The conversation covers their initial plans for a climbing trip, the accident itself, the emergency response, and the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for rescue. Jeff reflects on the lessons learned about preparednes...

In this episode of The Sharp End podcast, Nathan shares his incredible journey as an experienced climber, detailing his long-awaited ascent of Bird Brain Boulevard, the challenges he faced during the climb, and the life-altering fall that led to a dramatic self-rescue. Nathan reflects on the importance of patience, the mental and emotional fallout of climbing accidents, and the invaluable lessons...

In this engaging conversation, Ashley interviews Sarah Histand, a passionate Alaskan who has dedicated her life to merging outdoor recreation with mental health support through her business, Mind and Mountain. They discuss the Ski Babes program, which focuses on cross-training for winter sports, and the importance of overcoming injuries and building confidence. Sarah shares her personal journey of...

On December 9th, 2023, Domimic triggered an avalanche in the great gulf on the North Eastern side of Mt Washington. The plan was to ski “Airplane Gully", which is one of the longer and more remote lines in the Presidentials. He ended up getting rescued and spent the next year and a half getting seven surgeries dealing with recovery after recovery. This is really the perfect episode to produce as w...

What is it like to see a pair of skis on a glacier with no one around? What is it like to hear someone’s hoarse and terrified voice deep inside a crevasse screaming up at you? Gregg Kavet knows first hand. Gregg has lots of learnings from this incident in this episode. The classic objective learnings, of course, as well as how this experience shaped his parenting style with his own boys. He reflec...

A Route to Resilience: Recognizing and Supporting Psychological Stress Injuries in Outdoor Culture A LIVE Sharp End Podcast with Responder Alliance Founder Laura McGladrey Part 2: The Route To Healing- Supporting Each Other & Ourselves In the second installment of this two-part series, Laura McGladrey shares a range of practical tools for recognizing and managing stress injuries. Drawing from her...

In this conversation, Danny Giovale shares his journey as an outdoor enthusiast and innovator, discussing his film 'Designed by Disaster' which recounts a life-altering climbing accident. He explains the development of his products, including the KTS crampon and microspikes, designed to enhance safety in non-technical terrains. The discussion emphasizes the importance of risk assessment in outdoor...

A Route to Resilience: Recognizing and Supporting Psychological Stress Injuries in Outdoor Culture A LIVE Sharp End Podcast with Responder Alliance Founder Laura McGladrey Part 1: Psychological Stress Injuries in Outdoor Culture As you all know, the guests on my show share outdoor incidents they were involved in. Many of those stories have a physical injury that takes the focus. Say, a broken ankl...

Peter Johnston is a long-time rock climber and currently resides in Portland, Oregon. After seeing years of truly poor decision making at his local crags, Peter gathered his observations and thoughts about these experiences and began writing it all down. About one year ago, the final result was "...But I Won't Fall There," released by Sharp End Publishing from Boulder, CO. Peter believes the conte...

Over the past few years, Megan and Michael had their eyes set on Temple Crag Peak; a 13,000 foot peak about six miles into the backcountry of the Eastern Sierras in California. The two of them attempted it in late July of 2021, and ended up being stuck on the side of the mountain during a thunderstorm for several hours during the retreat. That’s one story… but then they went back this past summer...

ROUTE TO RESILIENCE: Recognizing and Supporting Stress Injuries A LIVE Sharp End Podcast Event with Responder Alliance Founder Laura McGladrey Wed, May 28, doors at 6pm 7pm - 9:30pm MDT eTOWN in Boulder, Colorado $15 tickets Beer * Wine * Raffle Get tickets! https://events.humanitix.com/the-sharp-end-podcast?fbclid=IwY2xjawKElu9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQUUVadnh0emIyMnhTU3dVAR7sR3ueIkQTx_YXN2Bq-EYLt...

On June 13, 2019, Liz and her friend set out to hike the Oxford and Belford Peaks, which are 14ers in Colorado, including eleven long miles and lots of elevation gain. At one point on their hike, they got off route and lost the trail. In this episode, Liz has lots of lessons learned that she wants to share with you. Tune in to hear her whole story. This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe. This po...

In this episode, Manny and Tyler talk about an incident that happened in Fraser Valley, British Columbia while on a multi-sport adventure, which included a kayak / rafting / climbing trip in July of 2024. There were many reasons why this particular incident occurred. Manny was physically injured and Tyler ended up with a stress injury from it all. Tune in to hear them recount the scenario and what...

My guest in this month’s episode set out with a good friend to ski some specific objectives. They started from sea level and toured way up the mountain. This incident happened in Sogndal, Norway. The two of them had a steady ski tour and took the most direct route. Unfortunately, the weather changed and the higher they got, the worse the snow conditions became. This interview is one of only a hand...

In today’s episode, I talk with Avalanche Forecaster and Ski Guide Caleb Merrill. Caleb is also the producer and host of one of my favorite podcasts called The Avalanche Hour. In this episode, Caleb and I talk about common mistakes while recreating during the winter months, ways to stay safe this season in avalanche terrain and much more. Tune in to learn and also get hooked on another epic and ed...

Steve was in an accident back in 2019 in the Chamonix range in France. He was climbing with a friend, who also works on the Chamonix Rescue Helicopter Team. They got stuck in bad weather on the way down a route and ended up having to do an emergency bivi (without bivi gear) in a rapidly dug ice cave high up on the glacier. They learned a lot from this incident. Tune in this episode to hear more. T...