“Aggressive hospitality, international conversation and sweet Russian vodka.”

This was articulated to me late one evening on the shores of Central Siberia’s Lake Baikal. I was asleep in my tent when three drunken kayakers approached. A bit hazy myself from the similarly sweet Georgian wine I had consumed, I was barely awake and able to respond. It was only the next morning when I discovered their butt prints not five inches from my head that I realized we had missed a terrific opportunity. So, with this I pledge not to turn down such aggressive hospitality on my upcoming trip back to Siberia. This time we head to the Kamchatka Peninsula for some backcountry skiing and touring and we leave in 10 days.

Kamchatka is a fascinating destination. Known as the land of fire and ice – it is a narrow peninsula separating the Pacific Ocean from the Sea of Okhotsk. Most interesting, it has only been open to foreigners in recent years. Geographically remote, the coastline has seen little development. Even in Russia’s Far East, backcountry skiing is gaining popularity. This is particularly cool since there is interest to use the sport to facilitate the development of a sustainable, eco-adventure-driven economy where the footprint left behind is minimal and a way better alternative than logging and mining. Plus, people attracted to backcountry skiing tend toward experiencing local culture at its most authentic level and would be more likely to support a regional economy by utilizing local lodging, transportation, and guide services.

Okay, jumping off the soap box for now.