the Sharp End Podcast

Mark Smiley, IFMGA mountain guide and founder of Mountain Sense, shares hard-earned wilderness safety know-how. He showcases clever rescue gear like Tyvek tarps and Dyneema slings. Short stories and practical kit tweaks illustrate field repairs, bleeding control, and lightweight medical storage. Learn how to size gear to conditions and become the reliable partner everyone wants on the trail.

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 emotional aftermath of the avalanche, the lessons learned, and the changes he and his wife have made to their approach to backcountry skiing to enhance safety and awareness. This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe. This podcast is sponsored by Rocky Talkie and American Alpine Institute. → 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd → 30% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite, valid through December 31, 2026 using code SHARPEND → 10% off Wallpoppe orders with code SHARPEND → 15% off SWOOP. garments with code SHARPEND → 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine using code SHARPEND → Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO → Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html → 20% off First Aid contents at MyMedic.com with code SHARPEND20 → 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend20

Doug Laher, executive director of Trek for Trevor and CEO at the Arizona Medical Association, shares his son Trevor's story and the foundation's mission. He discusses weight-versus-safety tradeoffs, decision-making in rapidly changing mountain conditions, the Trevor Spikes traction program, and grief turned into advocacy for hiker education and gear access.

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, decision-making, and the lessons learned from their experience, highlighting how even experienced skiers can find themselves in dangerous situations. This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe. This podcast is sponsored by Wallpoppe. Sign-Up for the Wallpoppe giveaway at thesharpendpodcast.com between 1/15 and 1/31. The WINNER will receive a 20x30” dyed picture from their own camera roll + a frame + free shipping. One entry per person. → 10% off Wallpoppe orders with code SHARPEND → 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd → 30% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite, valid through December 31, 2026 using code SHARPEND → 15% off SWOOP. garments with code SHARPEND → 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine using code SHARPEND → Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO → Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html → 20% off First Aid contents at MyMedic.com with code SHARPEND20 → 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend20

Matthew Boylett, head athletic trainer and outdoor enthusiast, and Jeremy Smith, quality and food safety manager and pragmatic outdoorsman, recount a harrowing Mount Washington hike. They describe sudden whiteouts, swollen rivers, improvised shelters, rope crossings, navigation choices, teamwork under stress, gear lessons, and how the ordeal strengthened their friendship.

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! Ermine Skates is giving away a pair of gold 45cm A110 skates!! Sign up at www.thesharpendpodcast.com. One entry per person. Drawing will be on December 31st. This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe. This Bonus episode could be sponsored by YOU. Please contact me directly for more information. Check out the video we mentioned in the episode created by Cale Green here ---> https://vimeo.com/244394367 Learn how to grade ice ---> https://winterbear.com/learn/wild-ice-grading-system/ Sign up for a Wild Ice Safety Course with Luc Mehl ---> www.Triple PointTraining.com → 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd → 15% off SWOOP. garments with code SHARPEND → 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine using code SHARPEND → Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO → Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html → 10% off LIVSN clothes with code SharpEnd10 (limited to 30 uses) → 20% off First Aid contents at MyMedic.com with code SHARPEND20 → 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend20

Jeffrey Zeldin, an Arizona-based outdoor guide, recounts a dramatic climbing accident in the Sawtooth Mountains that left his friend Sydney severely injured. He shares the gripping details of their ascent, the unexpected fall, and the urgent response needed to stabilize her condition while waiting for rescue. Jeff emphasizes the importance of preparedness, the emotional toll of the situation, and critical lessons on outdoor safety. The conversation is a blend of adventure storytelling and invaluable insights for fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

Nathan Chaszeyka, a seasoned climber and nurse from Salt Lake City, recounts his harrowing tale of a fall while attempting Bird Brain Boulevard. He emphasizes the criticality of partner selection and self-rescue techniques, detailing his 'die fighting' mindset during the ordeal. Nathan explores the emotional aftermath of climbing accidents and the shifts in his career after his injuries. With lessons on patience, preparedness, and resilience, his story is a gripping reminder of the challenges faced in the mountains.

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 growth and the significance of community support in outdoor activities. The conversation highlights the accessibility of the program, its competitive pricing, and the mutual aid fund available for those in need. Learn more about the SKI BABES program at www.skibabes.com SKI BABES Giveaway runs from Oct 15 - Nov 15. Winner will be announced on Nov. 15th. Sign up at thesharpendpodcast.com

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 we all roll into fall and start to think about the winter season approaching. What type of ski bindings are you going to invest in and why? What type of equipment will be in your backcountry pack? What type of skills will your backcountry partners have? I hope you learn something from this episode and of course, I hope you enjoy. This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe. This podcast is sponsored by Rocky Talkie, the American Alpine Institute and Desert Mountain Medicine. → 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd → 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine using code SHARPEND → Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO → Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html → 10% off LIVSN clothes with code SharpEnd10 (limited to 30 uses) → 15% off Swoop garments with code SHARPEND → 20% off First Aid contents at MyMedic.com with code SHARPEND20 → 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend20 Instagram: the_sharp_end_podcast YouTube: @thesharpendpodcast Become a Patron: patreon.com/thesharpendpodcast Visit my website: www.thesharpendpodcast.com