Bob Merrill’s relentless pursuit of untracked powder, unique avalanche control tactics and terminal addiction to all terrain outside the ropes has earned him the respect of Utah locals, and the moniker Backcountry Bob, but his business card really says it best, “Out-hiking chairlifts since ‘78”

Backcountry Bob is a skinning and skiing machine. He has spent the last 20 years climbing and skiing the most technical terrain Alaska, British Columbia, the Northwest, Utah and the Sierras have to offer.

He has led five expeditions to Alaska and British Columbia, including two in the Chugach Mountains and two on Denali. Last spring, he led a successful expedition to Mount Waddington. Additionally, he has tackled many of the major ski descents in the eastern Sierras and the Tetons. Last month, bad weather and iffy snow conditions turned Bob back 800’ shy of summiting the Grand Teton for a ski descent.

Backcountry Bob may be best known, however, for his relentless explorations deep into the Wasatch Mountains. He has skied Park City Ridge more than anyone in town and climbed and skied every major peak in the Wasatch. “Even my son's friends think that's pretty cool--my son won't admit it, though,” says Bob.

Bob was awarded his nickname by his skiing buddies in the early 90’s. “I never wanted to ski in-bounds at the resort. I always knew, no matter what the conditions were, I wanted to be hiking out on The Ridge instead of riding the chairs. We never used to let the snow settle out after storms--we'd go out there and jump right in these bowls on a rope, trying to get them to avalanche--we called it our own avi-control work; It was very effective…but I was young.”

Despite Bob’s inventive approach to avalanche control, his experience and dedication to the backcountry garnered him a paying gig as an observer for the Utah Avalanche Forecast Center for the last seven years. “I guess I’m respected as somewhat of an authority on snow-safety and backcountry travel,” says Bob. “I do get asked for backcountry beta from people I barely know.” Last winter Bob won a sweepstakes for a heli-ski trip…only to be asked to help guide his helicopters group during particularly high avalanche danger.

Everybody needs a cave, even Bob, so when it came time to get a house, he chose a summer access only piece of land overlooking his beloved Wasatch Mountains, and then handcrafted his 2,500 square foot dream home. When the storms are hammering, frequently the only way home for Bob is strapping on the skins and hoofing it.

Backcountry Bob supports his lifestyle by working customer service at BackcountryStore.com where he is the senior gear expert. He organizes clinics, trains employees on the gear, handles the buying for product lines like Scarpa and Black Diamond…and frequently he’s the guy on the other end of the phone when you really need to know what gear to buy.

Before joining BackcountryStore.com last year, Backcountry Bob’s previous retail experience consisted of selling custom t-shirts and various other sundries on Grateful Dead tours in the late 70's early 80's. He also worked in a ski shop in Park City tuning skis. “It was your basic ski-bum lifestyle,” says Bob. “Work hard all summer and fall - ski all winter and spring, 4-5 times a week, 125+ days a year.”

Backcountry Bob and his staff are available via the “Click for Live Help” button on the site, which prominently features a picture of Bob, or by the customer service number. (800) 409-4502.

But if you want to speak to the man himself, call soon. He leaves Sunday to climb and ski Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Hood and Mt Adams in Oregon.

About BackcountryStore.com
With headquarters in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains in Heber City, Utah, BackcountryStore.com sells high-end, specialty gear for backcountry adventures, including skiing, snowboarding, climbing, trail running, camping and hiking. The company was founded in 1997 by six-time U.S. National Nordic Ski Jumping Champion Jim Holland and former Powder Magazine editor John Bresse. BackcountryStore.com is staffed by backcountry veterans and gear fanatics who understand the importance of choosing the right gear. The site has had 16 consecutive prosperous quarters. BackcountryStore.com is a Gomez Certified Three Star Merchant and certified by BBB Online Reliability Program.