ϳԹ Magazine, Jan 2014
What makes us happy
Stories
POSTs
Who needs muesli and mulled wine? The U.S. hut scene is gaining ground. These DIY trips put you in the best of the backcountry.
Whether you’re running or skiing, learn the optimal combination of cold-weather gear with our guide to winter layering
In a typical January, the fabled Japanese resort Niseko gets more snow—nearly 15 feet—than any other ski area in the world. But is there such a thing as too much?
No jungle or river is too remote for self-described medicine hunter Chris Kilham, who travels the globe looking for plants to boost our vitality, ease our pain, and turn us on.
Recharge dead batteries off the grid with these portable power plants
Welcome to Telluride, the best little stoner town in America
Hal Koerner has a formula for fitness and life that keeps him winning and smiling. So follow his lead—just don’t try to keep up.
Exercising consistently is the best thing you can do for your brain
Proven strategies for getting laughs, plus some always winning punch lines
While the rest of the Middle East boils, Jordan’s epic canyonlands are quiet—and empty
How a cushy clown shoe is upending the minimalist-running revolution by Gordy Megroz
Crooks may be emptying your bank account while your ATM card is in your wallet. Here’s how to prevent it.
The drowning of Avishek Sengupta at an obstacle challenge last April was ruled an accident, but his family and friends believe that the sport’s most prominent company did a terrible job of monitoring safety at a water obstacle called Walk the Plank. Elliott D. Woods looks at the life of a remarkable amateur athlete and explains why his tragic end may lead to a multimillion-dollar legal fight.
Bode Miller (skier) and Morgan Beck (volleyballer) have had a few rough moments as a couple, including a bitter child-custody battle with an ex-girlfriend and the death of his younger brother, Chelone. But as Bode plunges into the most ambitious ski season of his career, he’s already met his match—a woman who, like him, seems to thrive on a little craziness.
The Pursuit of Happiness
Scientists are discovering what many of us have known for years: the keys to joy and wellness lie in healthy doses of sunlight, exercise, and outdoor play. Kick off your New Year with these life-changing strategies. Plus: The perma-grin secrets of ultrarunner Hal Koerner.
It’s Miller Time
Bode is back—and in love. The newlywed has weathered knee surgery, a bitter child-custody battle, and the death of his brother, Chelone. But now, with pro volleyballer Morgan Beck by his side, he’s hungry for more Olympic gold. By Rachel Sturtz
Fukai Yuki Saiko!
That’s Japanese for “great, deep powder.” And it’s what you’ll find every January in the fabled resort of Niseko, which typically sees nearly 15 feet during the first month of the year. Is there such a thing as too much snow? Eric Hansen investigates.
Dr. Feelgood
Who tracks down all the exotic plants that boost our vitality and turn us on? Chris Kilham, medicine hunter, that’s who—and he’s happy to tell you all about it. Steve Hendricks joins the horny explorer in the Amazon on a search for the next hot thing.
Man UNDER
At a Tough Mudder event last April, Avishek Sengupta stepped off an obstacle called Walk the Plank and disappeared into a murky pool. Eight minutes later, a rescue diver brought his limp body to the surface. His death has racers questioning the safety of one of the country’s fastest-growing sports. By Elliott D. Woods
DISPATCHES
First Look: Just when you thought minimalist running shoes had taken over, the ultra-cushy Hoka One One bigfoots the party.
Primer: The best little stoner town in Colorado.
Rising Star: For skier and model Sierra Quitiquit, the snow always comes first.
Epic: Lonnie Dupre’s quest to tackle Denali—alone, in the dead of winter.
Media: McKenzie Funk on the profiteers who stand to get (really, really) rich from global warming. Plus, Antarctica on your coffee table.
Covet: Sledding, all grown up.
DESTINATIONS
Training: Hit reset this New Year with a fitness-focused vacation, from cycling in the Canary Islands to spa time in sunny Mexico.
Base Camp: Off the grid in Jordan, the Middle East’s oasis of peace.
Weekend Plan: Round up friends. Book hut. Ski powder. Rebook next year.
Go List: ’Tis the season for good rum; how to avoid ATM fraud; and a 3G-enabled, waterproof, pocketable point-and-shoot.
ESSENTIALS
Tech: Nikon’s AW1, the first everything-proof interchangeable-lens camera.
Spectrum: From down super-puffies to breathable shells, jackets for every winter sport.
Stress Tested: Next-gen portable chargers keep your gadgets juiced on the go.
Base Layers: The art and science of layering, explained.
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EXPOSURE
BETWEEN THE LINES
PARTING SHOT