Joe Lax – One of the Best Big Mountain Snowboards You Haven’t Heard Of

Mike Hardaker

Mike Hardaker is the Founder and CEO of Mountain Weekly News. Based in Jackson Hole for 15 seasons, Mike has spent 26 years technically vetting gear in the world's most demanding environments. While he is a Level III Avalanche Professional—the highest certification in the U.S.—his expertise extends far beyond the snow. An alum of Teton Gravity Research and Snowboard Magazine, Mike applies a technical auditor’s eye to everything he tests, from high-stakes backcountry splitboarding and high-altitude hunting to heavy-duty e-bikes and cutting-edge AI home tech. He doesn't just "use" gear; he evaluates it for survival, efficiency, and real-world durability to ensure his readers make informed decisions in a market flooded with office-chair reviews.