In this episode, we chat with journalist and writer Michael Wejchert.

Wejchert is based in North Conway, New Hampshire, and has penned many stories over the years. He has written a book called Hidden Mountains, which, to quote his site, is about “a climbing adventure gone wrong in a remote Alaskan mountain range, the impossible rescue attempt that followed, and the fraught cost of survival.” It is an excellent and immersive read.

As we discuss with Wejchert, a through line in his work is exploring “lines of responsibility.” In Issue 4 of The High Route journal, Wejchert wrote a story titled “After the Runout,” in which he writes about the 2026 Perry’s Peak avalanche off Donner Pass. His angle isn’t so much dissecting the events that led up to the tragedy that killed three guides and six clients, but discussing how the guiding industry may be impacted moving forward.

As a tempered and methodical writer, Wejchert was the ideal person to write about such a difficult topic. We are honored to have worked with him.

If you are new to The High Route, we are a reader- and listener-supported enterprise focused on human-powered turn-making. Our mission is simple, but it takes real-deal calorie-burning to piece it all together.

We want to thank Patagonia, CalTopo, ATK, Folkrm Poles, and Cripple Creek Bike and Backcountry for supporting us.

We are also excited to announce that you can pre-order Issues 4 and 5 of our fine print journal (The High Route journal) on our site. Fancy paper. Good reads. High-octane photos. And some fine mountain ranges. And turns. You can learn more about our subscription options here.

The theme music for The High Route Podcast comes from Bozeman-based band Jampoke. We are psyched to feature young creative folks. Jam and twirl and tour on.

In this episode, we chat with mountain athlete—which, in this case, we’ll define as trail running and ski mo’er—Sarah Burke.

At 31, Burke is a lifelong athlete who was born and raised in New Hampshire. She began her early forays into the hills with her father and eventually developed into a collegiate runner. After college, during a long jaunt on the Appalachian Trail, she realized she had an innate knack for moving fast over long distances over rugged terrain. Something clicked, and she began to see the potential of her cardio engine.

She’s fast. She currently holds the FKT for the south climb (round trip) on Mount Adams, the FKT for the south climb’s ascent, and the FKT up Mount Shasta (a blazing 2 hours).

Along the way. Burke, who didn't grow up skiing, moved to Bend, Oregon, and started hauling herself and a hefty pair of Lange boots uphill. It wasn't long until she became proficient, realized fast and light required light, and was hooked. She is now part of the US National Skimo team—she’ll be spending part of this season in Europe contesting World Cups.

She is known for speeding up the local volcanoes, making mighty fine coffee, and having a soft spot for fine food. Play your cards right, and you might earn yourself a fresh espresso atop the South Sister, courtesy of Sarah.

If you are new to The High Route, we are a reader- and listener-supported enterprise focused on human-powered turn-making. Our mission is simple, but it takes real-deal calorie-burning to piece it all together.

We want to thank Patagonia, CalTopo, ATK, Folkrm Poles, and Cripple Creek Bike and Backcountry for supporting us.

We are also excited to announce that you can pre-order Issues 4 and 5 of our fine print journal (The High Route journal) on our site. Fancy paper. Good reads. High-octane photos. And some fine mountain ranges. And turns. You can learn more about our subscription options here.

The theme music for The High Route Podcast comes from Bozeman-based band Jampoke. We are psyched to feature young creative folks. Jam and twirl and tour on.

In this episode, we are excited to speak with Ryan Griffiths, an accomplished ski mountaineer and alpinist who, along with his partner Spencer Gray, was awarded a Piolet d’Or in 2025 for their climb of Kaqur Kangri’s Southwest Arête in Western Nepal.

Ryan is a 28-year-old IFMGA guide who lives in Bozeman, Montana. The backstory is that Ryan was born and raised in Bend, Oregon, and at 14 began cutting his teeth in the backcountry on Ball Butte—a local spot. After high school, Ryan left for the Northern Rockies, fell in love with ice and mixed climbing, and along with a tight crew, gained experience. He went on to climb and ski in the Alaska Range and beyond. And just this season, along with Sam Hennessey, skied Denali's Wickersham Wall, recovered only slightly, then made the second ascent of Mount Foraker’s (Sultana) Terravecchia/Larson Route (VI, WI5 M6)—they climbed in skimo boots with skis on their backs. After clicking into skis, they leapfrogged with another group (Morgan McGlashon, Gavin Hess, Brian Burger, and Aidan Whitelaw) to make the first ski descent of the mountain’s Northwest Ridge.

That’s a lot—and you’ll hear more about Ryan’s progression towards the elite level in this podcast. Ryan is a reminder that a good adventure can be out the back door (living in Montana helps) or many time zones and mountain ranges away.

• Read up on Griffiths’ and Gray’s Kaqur Kangri climb.

If you are new to The High Route, we are a reader- and listener-supported enterprise focused on human-powered turn-making. Our mission is simple, but it takes real-deal calorie-burning to piece it all together.

We’d like to thank Patagonia, CalTopo, ATK, Folkrm Poles, and Cripple Creek Bike and Backcountry for supporting us.

We are also excited to announce that you can pre-order Issues 4 and 5 of our fine print journal (The High Route journal) on our site. Fancy paper. Good reads. High-octane photos. And some fine mountain ranges. And turns. You can learn more about our subscription options here.

The theme music for The High Route Podcast comes from Bozeman-based band Jampoke. We are psyched to feature young creative folks. Jam and twirl and tour on.