Alli Hartz

Alli Hartz

Title: Freelance Writer & Gear Tester

Location: Bend, OR

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Running, skiing, travel
  • Education: Bachelor of Arts, International Studies and Spanish (2006), Juris Doctor (2009)
  • Years of Writing: 15
  • Certifications: AIARE Course Instructor, AIARE Pro 2 Certificate of Training
  • Club or Association Memberships: American Avalanche Association, American Mountain Guides Association, Central Oregon Avalanche Center
  • Previous Publications: 1859 Magazine, Bend Magazine, iRunFar, Men’s Journal, Source Weekly, The Avalanche Review, Travel Oregon


Why I Chose This Career

I love the outdoors, sharing experiences with others, and writing.


How I Began My Career

I began my career as a lawyer before making the shift to the outdoor industry, where I started as a copywriter. After 10+ years in marketing and content management, I began working as a freelance writer for my own personal enjoyment and creative fulfillment, in addition to ski guiding and teaching avalanche courses. In 2022, my side gigs became my full-time job—now, I split my time between guiding/avalanche education in the winter and freelance writing in the summer and fall.

Recent Articles

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Best Intermediate Skis of 2025

Last Updated: October 16, 2024

Intermediate-level skis hit a sweet spot in the market: strong enough for carving but reasonably light and easy to control. They’re a great match for a wide swath of skiers, from those with a few seasons’ experience who can confidently link turns on...

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Patagonia SnowDrifter Ski Jacket Review

Last Updated: February 11, 2025

Patagonia offers a jacket for just about every type of skier and terrain, from insulated, resort-ready designs to lightweight hardshells built for the backcountry. The SnowDrifter slots in as their most affordable touring option with in-house...

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Black Diamond Guide Ski Gloves Review

Last Updated: October 31, 2023

Black Diamond's Guide Gloves are a longtime favorite for those who put a premium on warmth and protection. We recently put a new pair to the test (after using and abusing a previous pair for seven...

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Best Backcountry (Touring) Ski Bindings of 2025

Last Updated: November 13, 2024

Whether you're new to backcountry skiing or have been earning your turns for decades, selecting an alpine touring binding can be a particularly intimidating task. For the 2024/25 season, the market is absolutely flooded with options, ranging from...