MUST-HAVE BACKCOUNTRY SKI GEAR

Certified mountain guide, big mountain climber and skier, and owner of Alpenglow Expeditions, Adrian Ballinger shares his must have backcountry skiing essentials and all the extras!

Backcountry Ski Lessons 1.0, 2.0, 3.0

First and foremost, education and experience are the most important essential when it comes to backcountry skiing. So, before you go any further down the list, Ballinger says to look into a reputable AMGA/IFMGA certified program.

Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro Ski Boot

A great pair of ski touring boots is key for an awesome day out in the backcountry. The Tecnica Zero G Tour Pros are Ballinger’s go-to boot. They are the perfect mix of comfort and performance, and allow him to have big days searching for pow in the Tahoe Backcountry.

Black Diamond Guide Avy Safety Kit

Avalanche safety kits are vital for any backcountry trip, and Ballinger says he never goes into the backcountry without an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe. Together, these three pieces of equipment help in the recovery of a buried skier in the unfortunate event of an avalanche. However, the best way to mitigate the risk of avalanche is formal education. Folks looking to go into the backcountry should seek professional avalanche education before they start backcountry skiing. The backcountry is inherently dangerous, and learning how to use avalanche safety equipment and make good decisions while backcountry skiing is important to help keep the ski touring community safe.

Handpresso Manual Espresso Machine

Caffeine is one of Ballinger’s ski essentials. The portable espresso pump from Handpresso lets him have his espresso at the top of any peak. He loves that they offer a travel case for extra protection while in the mountains. A quick caffeine fix is a must for his long backcountry adventures, and the simple compact design makes this gadget easy to throw into his backpack. Eddie Bauer’s Men’s Mountain Ops FreeFuse Stretch Parka

Ballinger raves about this parka, which keeps him warm but not overloaded while on some of the highest peaks. It feels lightweight but also doesn’t fly up while going down steep ski runs. And it absorbs moisture, so powder just flies off. Revo X Bode Miller SuperNova Ski Goggles

These goggles are perfect for the slopes, says Ballinger. Revo’s lens technology offers light management which is helpful when looking out over miles of powder. This lens works to ensure the best possible views on the slopes from bright white powder to tree-covered conditions.

Revelshine Wine

Not only is this wine delicious but the bottles are beautiful—and unbreakable! Sustainability is important to Ballinger, and Revelshine practices organic farming at their vineyards. They also donate 1% of sales to sustainability initiatives. They’re a great alternative to glass, as their aluminum bottles are lightweight and recyclable. Blizzard Rustler 11 Skis

Playful yet confidence-inspiring, the Blizzard Rustler 11 Skis lets Ballinger explore through mountains and wilderness with ease. The 112-116 cm waist is great for any deep conditions he might encounter while skiing the backcountry. Black Diamond Ski Poles

Black Diamond ski poles are made to meet the specific needs of backcountry skiers. The Vapor Carbon 2 Poles are some of the lightest poles he’s used— yet they feel strong and durable. The grip is really comfortable and has minimal hooktop for quick adjustments.

Northern Michigan’s hidden gem

Experience Castle Farms, Northern Michigan’s hidden gem. Castle Farms is home to lush gardens, historical displays, unique architecture, and over a hundred years of history. Located in Charlevoix, Michigan, a quaint, lakeside small town known for its whimsical architecture and pristine beaches, Castle Farms brings an element of history and beauty to the town.

Originally built in 1918, Albert Loeb built the Castle, or Loeb Farms, as a model dairy farm, inspired by the French Rennaissance style castles in Normandy, France. Over the years, the Castle evolved from a dairy farm to an artist’s mecca, and even to a rock concert venue.

From there, the Castle hosted big names such as Bon Jovi, ACDC, Tina Turner, The Beach Boys, and more.

In 2001, the current owners bought and restored the Castle to its original glory, using the blueprints from 1918 that had stayed in the family for almost a century. Those original blueprints, along with the authentic records from Loeb Farm, and pictures from that time can still be found at the Castle. Today, Castle Farms hosts histori-

cal tours, events, weddings, and even its own wine tasting room and bistro.

While touring Castle Farms, wander through award-winning gardens and courtyards. Experience the train garden where guests of all ages will be captivated by Michigan’s largest outdoor model railroad. Explore the nearby enchanted forest, where guests may pass by a life-sized dragon, or the 16’ knight who guards the Castle.

As for the inside of the Castle, the walls are lined with countless historical displays. Guests are transported back in time while browsing antique cake toppers, replicas of castles around the world, and rock concert memorabilia. The Castle is even home to its very own WWI museum, where newspaper clippings, metalwork, artifacts, vintage games, and more are proudly preserved.

In 2018, Castle Farms opened its very own wine tasting room in honor of its 100-year anniversary. Now, offering 11 selections of wine and a variety of hard ciders, 1918 Cellars is the perfect place to sit and take in the scenery after an afternoon of touring Castle Farms. Since then, it has expanded into its very own bistro, offering handcrafted salads, sandwiches, and more.

Besides its showstopping structure and fascinating history, Castle Farms is also known as Northern Michigan’s Premier Wedding Venue. With two stunning outdoor ceremony locations,

each with a rain back-up plan, and four unique reception spaces, Castle Farms offers locations fit for any couples’ dream wedding vision.

The Castle’s two garden rooms, each lined with French doors that lead out to their adjoining courtyards, are the perfect canvases for any wedding style. Whether it be a bright, airy spring wedding or a crisp winter wedding, each garden room offers plenty of creative freedom when it comes to decor. In the summer, guests are welcome to play a few lawn games in the courtyard while they wait for their signature cocktail at the outdoor bar.

On the other hand, Castle Farms also has two stone rooms that really evoke the castle feel. Castle Farms’ original stone walls provide the opportunity for clients to take advantage of the deep warmth the stone provides, or take a more rustic approach for those trendierthemed weddings. The upstairs King’s Great Hall is lined with iron chandeliers, while the Knight’s Castle stands alone as its very own secluded space.

A castle, a dragon, unique water features, and magical gardens? Seems like something out of a fairy tale. However, Michigan’s very own fairy tale may be located closer than you think. See the Castle for yourself by booking a self-guided or historical guided tour, or even making it your next step in your wedding-planning journey.