❄️ Breaking Barriers on Denali

Good morning, Stoke Crew. If you’re into bikes, peaks, or anything that gets you outside — we’ve got the stories to keep you stoked.

In today's report:

• Adaptive Denali Adventure
• 850 acre expansion for Wyoming ski resort
• E-bikes getting more popular

Today’s Stoke Story

❄️ Breaking Barriers on Denali

The Report: Vasu Sojitra is redefining what’s possible in ski mountaineering. After losing his right leg at just 9 months old, he became the first person to complete a disabled ski descent of Denali, North America’s tallest peak. With crutches in hand and a 70-pound sled in tow, Vasu and fellow amputee Pete McAfee pushed through brutal conditions to reach the summit. After three grueling weeks on the mountain, he returned home with a broken stove, beat-up gear — and a place in history. Their team hauled extra weight for a film project, leaned on each other through every storm and setback, and proved that with support and grit, big things are possible. The mission was featured in a Warren Miller film, but for Vasu, the real goal is deeper: to make the outdoors more inclusive, where adaptive athletes are no longer the exception, but part of the fabric. “I hope I’m not the last person to do this,” he says.

Honestly, it’s hard to read this and not feel fired up. What Vasu and his crew pulled off is wildly inspiring, a reminder that the mountains are for everyone, and that the only real limits are the ones we place on others. Total respect!

The Details:

• Total journey was 3 weeks
• Total vert climbed - 14,000 feet
• Highest elevation point - 20,310 feet

Regional Stokelight

⛷️ Wyoming Ski News

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort just received the National Ski Areas Association’s award for Best Overall Safety Program among large resorts. Ahead of the 2024/25 season, JHMR launched a major safety initiative focused on reducing reckless skiing and riding through education, signage, staff engagement, and a new “Triangle of Safety” campaign. The resort saw an 83% jump in employee-guest interactions about unsafe behavior and a 34% increase in lift access revocations. Jackson Hole is setting the standard for mountain safety!

This matters because safety on the mountain directly impacts the experience for everyone. Locals, visitors, and workers alike. By cracking down on reckless skiing and riding, Jackson Hole is helping prevent injuries, reduce collisions, and keep the stoke high without compromising people’s well-being. For resorts with over 500,000 visitors a year, that kind of leadership sets the tone for the entire ski industry. It also shows that big mountains can still prioritize community, accountability, and smart riding.

Grand Targhee Resort is moving forward with plans for a major expansion, as the Caribou-Targhee National Forest released a draft Environmental Impact Statement outlining new lifts, expanded terrain, and upgraded infrastructure. The proposal includes three new lifts, upgraded chairs like Dreamcatcher, and new on-mountain dining spots, with the goal of adding 850 acres to the resort’s permit boundary. The expansion aims to meet growing visitor demand and keep the resort competitive, but it’s sparked mixed reactions — some are stoked on more terrain, while others worry about losing the resort’s low-key vibe. A public comment period is now open, and a final decision will follow later this year.

Mountain Briefing

From Pedal Assist to Peak Assist

Austrian mountaineer Lukas Furtenbach is leading a bold attempt to summit Everest in under seven days, a push that normally takes around 40 days from base camp. His team’s secret weapon? Xenon gas, a substance believed to boost red blood cell production and speed up acclimatization. Each climber is shelling out $153,000 for the fast-track ascent, combining xenon treatments with weeks of sleeping in low-oxygen tents to prep. The goal: minimize time on the mountain and reduce exposure to altitude sickness, weather, and avalanche risk. But not everyone’s sold, medical experts warn that research on xenon’s benefits is limited, and the risks of high-speed ascents remain very real.

Electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) are no longer a fringe trend, they’re quickly becoming the new normal on the trails. Santa Cruz expects to sell more eMTBs than traditional pedal bikes this year, and riders are feeling the shift: quiet climbs now buzz with motors, and “analog” bikes are becoming rarer in group rides. Industry leaders predict eMTBs could soon make up 75–80% of all mountain bike sales, thanks to easier access, faster laps, and a broader range of riders. While many welcome the inclusivity and energy boost, some longtime pedal purists feel torn — excited about the growth, but worried about losing the soul and slower rhythm of traditional riding. One thing’s for sure: the eMTB tipping point is here, and the sport is charging into a new era.

The Gear Shed

🏃‍♀️ Running Shoe Care

Most running shoes last between 300 to 500 miles, but lifespan depends heavily on factors like surface type, running style, and shoe construction. Visual wear like outsole degradation or wrinkled midsoles can be signs it’s time for a replacement, even if the shoes still look good on top, especially if you’re mostly running on gentle surfaces like treadmills or pavement. Tracking your shoe mileage helps prevent injuries and keeps performance on point. Rotating between different pairs, cleaning your shoes properly, and letting them dry out fully after runs can all extend their lifespan. Choosing durable materials like high-abrasion rubber or TPU midsoles also makes a difference, especially for trail runners. And when your shoes do finally wear out, recycling or donating them can give them a second life and help reduce environmental impact!

Trailhead Trivia

How much is the U.S outdoor recreation economy worth?

🔥 Share The Stoke

This newsletter is for mountain lovers, dirtbags, powder hounds, and people who base life decisions on trail conditions and snow reports. Basically, the kind of folks who think a summit beer counts as hydration.

If you know someone like that, forward this email or send them to thestokereport.com. Thanks for spreading the stoke — it seriously means a lot!

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