Human-Powered Mountaineers go skiing.

For the past six months my primary modes of transportation have been skis and the ski lift.  While the latter isn’t human powered, I like to think of it as a form of underutilized public transportation. Between this and my occasional forays into the nearby backcountry I’ve been keeping a pretty low profile, skiing a lot but not really talking about it much here, there’s something about the familiarity of your backyard that keeps me from bringing along a camera or posting videos from each of the thousands of runs I’ve skied.  Alta’s a special place where there’s an endless amount of amazing skiing to be had and it can all be accessed by starting right out your front door.  My friend Chris Bangs of the Human-Powered Mountaineers is a little different though.  Coming from his home of Bozeman Montana he’s got a little bit of an approach to get the the mountain of his choice, an approach that sometimes covers well over 100 miles and he covers with the use of a bicycle and skis, keeping his trips 100% human powered.  Take a look at some of the short videos he’s put together about his project he’s calling the 7 summits of Bozeman.  An inspiring individual and a bit of an eye opener into what’s truly possible in winter human powered mountaineering.

Posted by Chris Bangs

Owner of Human-Powered Mountaineers Inc.

 

This winter/spring it has been my goal to climb and ski the highest peak in each of the seven mountain ranges that surround Bozeman, Montana; and to complete this project 100% human-powered, from my home, all the way to the summit, and back.

 

This project; “The 7 Summits of Bozeman,” will entail over 1,500 miles of cycling, 200 miles on foot/skis, and 45,000 feet of climbing(!). So far I’ve made 4 attempts, out of the 7, and I’ve been turned back twice. Once in a storm, (under the West Summit of Electric Peak) and once by a small avalanche (while boot-packing up the Coombs/Tanner route on Mount Cowan.) And so far I have froze my ass off three times while cycling, and have ridden through Gail force winds that wouldn’t allow me to keep the bike on the road.

 

The 7 Summits of Bozeman project is a climb-a-ton fundraiser to support two grassroots networks that my wife Justene and I have created; the BIKE TO FARM network, and the School Slide Show Series for ages K-12.

 

At Human-Powered Mountaineers Inc. we promote everything we believe in; bicycle advocacy, local & organic farming, environmental stewardship, sustainable living practices, and integrative health care. This is helping create a cleaner, healthier, happier world to live in (and most importantly) to PLAY IN!

 

Thank you, and have a great day!

 

Live Well,

Chris Bangs