Acorn To Arabellavideo

Back to Arabella: Winter Ski Prep, DIY Gear, and the Day a Ski Sank the Boat

January 30, 2026 · 28 min · 26K views · Northwest coast of Newfoundland

What this video covers

Steve and his crew prepare for winter backcountry ice climbing expeditions in Newfoundland by fabricating custom gear and conducting trail reconnaissance. Using a Sailrite sewing machine, Steve constructs durable sled bags (pulks) designed to haul climbing equipment, incorporating webbing reinforcements, daisy chains, and zipper flaps to protect against UV exposure.4:55 The crew also tests Silveretta bindings, which allow mountaineering boots to clip directly into skis, eliminating the need to change footwear during approaches.2:32 During a winter storm, a gust of wind heels the boat, causing a new ski to slide overboard and sink 10 feet to the harbor floor.16:30 The crew recovers the ski using a small tender, Victoria, and immediately rinses the gear with fresh water to prevent corrosion on the steel edges and binding components.19:06 Steve and crew member Carter scout the initial miles of a trail along the Fox River leading toward the Lewis Hills, noting that while ice conditions remain too warm for climbing, the route provides a viable path for future treks.23:14

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More from Acorn To Arabella

We Stripped Our Wooden Sailboat Back to Bare Wood... AgainOct 2026Saying Goodbye to Newfoundland—and the Man Who Inspired ArabellaSep 2026Upgrading the Rudder and Another Trek To The CliffAug 2026We're Climbing a Wall No One Has Ever Climbed Before | Rock Climbing on Newfoundland's South CoastJul 2026

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