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 Women’s Ski Boots of 2025/26

Last Updated: November 21, 2025

We can’t overstate the importance of choosing the right boots for your feet, whether you're just starting out or have been skiing for years. And while there has been progress in the development of women's ski gear, it's important to note that some...

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Best Climbing Skins for Skiing of 2025

Last Updated: December 13, 2024

Skis, bindings, and boots get a lot of attention in the touring world, but don’t overlook your humble climbing skins. Most importantly, you want to match the design and materials to your local terrain and snow conditions to optimize performance. Some...

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Best Women’s All-Mountain Skis of 2025

Last Updated: January 7, 2025

Built to carve, float, and bring the fun, all-mountain skis are all about versatility. Unsurprisingly, it’s a vast market that can be broken down into several subcategories, from narrower designs that...

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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...