Over 16 days, Weston guide Sam Thackeray and crew cover 130 miles and 67,000 vert, finding some amazing descents, maddening travel conditions, and a lot of time to reflect in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. 

The Animas River spills from the heart of the San Juan Mountains and drains the snowmelt of majestic peaks via a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon. Packrafting the Animas River Canyon with skis and snowboards in tow, Weston athlete Josh Jespersen and the Journey Lines crew seek greater understanding through their complete immersion into the third largest wilderness in the contiguous United States.⁠

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Here is your in-depth guide to ski specific backcountry gear recommendations straight from the pros.