Mark Reif
Contributor
Mark Reif is a writer, snowboarder, and designer based in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. A
lifelong rider and AASI Level 2 instructor, he has spent winters in Stowe, Vermont, and
continues to seek out steep lines and expansive terrain whenever possible. In the off-season,
he trail runs and competes in ultramarathons.
With a background in industrial design and UX, Mark brings a product-focused lens to gear
testing, analyzing construction, materials, and performance to understand how products are
built and why they work. He is also the author of three nature-focused poetry collections:
Vermont Winter Reflections, Mansfield Soul, and Mountain Existence.
His writing has taken him from the peaks of Banff to the granite spines of Lake Tahoe, blending
firsthand experience with thoughtful gear analysis and storytelling.
Title: Contributor
Email: markcw28@gmail.com
Location: Winchester, Virginia
Expertise
● Topics of Expertise: Snowboarding, Trail Running, Outdoor Travel, Gear Testing
● Years in This Expertise: 20+
● Number of Products & Number of Hours Expert Has Tested: 50+ products, 1,000+
hours
Education & Certifications
● Education: Bachelor of Science, Industrial Design, Virginia Tech
Postgraduate Program in UX Design, University of Texas at Austin
● Years of Writing: 10+
● Certifications: AASI Level 2 (American Association of Snowboard Instructors)
● Club or Association Memberships: American Association of Snowboard Instructors
● Previous Publications: The Manual, Lighting Design + Architecture, MotorBiscuit
