Sierra Shafer is the Editorial Director of Lifestyle at Outside, overseeing SKI, Backpacker, Climbing, Yoga Journal, Triathlete and Run. She was (and sometimes still is) the Editor-in-Chief of SKI, exploring the dynamic intersection of skiing and lifestyle, reviewing the latest gear, and critically (and humorously) examining ski culture. She has also contributed to Outside Magazine and was formerly the Editor-in-Chief of POWDER Magazine.
She was raised in Colorado near Rocky Mountain National Park and began skiing at a young age. She has since traveled around North America, Europe, and South America to find and tell stories about skiers. Skiing in Japan is still on her list.
Her most memorable trips include being peer pressured into racing the longest amateur downhill in the world, a father-daughter trip to the Cariboo Mountains, completing Switzerland’s Titlis Rundtour, and skiing the Bus de Tofana couloir. When she’s not skiing, you’ll find her rollerblading, mountain biking, or hiking with her dogs near her home in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has a hard time keeping up with laundry during ski season there.
Published
Freed from years of pain by a knee replacement—she’s back racing at 41, chasing Olympic glory in Cortina. Here’s how one of the world’s most dominant skiers is reclaiming what her legacy means beyond the podium.
UTMB 2025 is underway in Chamonix. Learn what the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc is, why it matters, and how to watch the toughest trail race.
What started as a neglected patch of grass is now where I work, rest, host, and recharge—and you can create your own version, too
When the world feels overwhelming—or just too damn hot—there’s nothing like a freezing lake dunk to reset your nervous system and your attitude
Millions of campers and hikers around the U.S. are using recreation.gov to book their next vacation—and by the time they’re done dealing with its confusing navigation, broken interface, and inflated fees, most will need one.
Jason Remple, Alex Pashley, and Jeff Keenan are remembered for their deep contributions to the snow community
Find out how to identify affected devices and steps to get a free inspection, repair, or replacement. Safety remains Mammut’s top priority.
Utah Avalanche Center said the north-facing region of Lone Peak, where the avalanche occurred, is known for its steep and unforgiving terrain
Remembered for his passion for skiing and adventurous spirit, 21-year-old Winter Park, Colorado, coach Dallas LeBeau leaves a legacy of inspiration and admiration
Rigby, 54, redefined telemarking with her high-speed, hard-charging style
Caroline Gleich is a ski mountaineer, activist, and now a candidate for the United States Senate
Held annually in the Swiss village of Mürren, the Inferno combines hard partying with a very serious downhill challenge. And did we mention the abject terror?
In a demanding ski testing environment, these products shone, ensuring that our dedicated testers had the right gear to make their evaluations successful
Allies have the power and the opportunity to stand up for the equal and fair treatment of people different than themselves
A recent storm dumped feet of powder on Little Cottonwood Canyon, shuttering some of the state’s most iconic resorts
The American alpine skiing legend descended the notorious downhill course on Tuesday evening
“Midnights” is about self-loathing, revenge, falling in love, and falling apart—all elements of the outdoor lifestyle
Get your tickets for the worldwide film tour now or get prepped for the virtual screening on Outside Watch. Just don’t miss it.
This year’s most forgiving powder ski is also a ton of fun
The best powder ski of the year will make an all-time day even more all-time
A powder ski with a versatile waist width to tackle the snow you get instead of the snow you want
This ski offers an impressive balance between flotation and power
When the fluff turns to crud, this is the ski you want underfoot
The freestyle skier was named Breakthrough Athlete of 2022, and doofuses on social media couldn’t contain their anger
Montana-based Peak Ski Company introduces a new line of direct-to-consumer products featuring newly developed technology
Thanks to female characters Bryce Kellogg and Robin Hand, women in ski towns have a timeless manifesto to follow