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Posts Tagged ‘Telemark skiing’

One real day

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

This past Friday I had an unexpectedly amazing day.  The elements of high avy danger, little new snow and mid November depth don’t normally equal an all time day.

As per usual the road up LCC was closed, adding an extra 30 min onto the already long commute.  When we finally got to the Alta parking lot what greeted us, had us frothing:  Clearing sky’s and cold temps.

We got a bit of a head start to beat the crowds and after a few freezing lift ride’s we made it over to Dry Fork.  While the rest of the crew dug a quick pit to asses the snow conditions I stayed watch on top of the ridge should anything happen.

After we discussed how we felt about the snow and the aspect we were on we took a few turns.  WOW!  Cold smoke, blinding, over the head turns where what followed.

pit in the forefrontWe all let out cries of joy at the luck we were having. Even a few short turns and being out with the boys totally reaffirmed why we do what we do.  After about an hour we packed up shop and moved over to Rocky Point (where infamous A Frame cliff is located).  Once over there we noticed another group that was also out taking pictures, so we stayed far skiers right to avoid them.  We all were able to link up more than two turns at a time and couldn’t believe how good the snow was.

Oh, hello winter

Oh, hello winter

 

After two laps and the shadows quickly marching in we called it a day.  The crowds had caught up to us, the light was dying and the temperature was quickly rising.  Below is a picture from Adam Barker that really summed up the day for me:  cold light snow that blew up in some great sunshine.  While I didn’t ski my best it was great to get out there and enjoy the company and some great snow.

Wow, I need that

Wow, I needed that

 

Here is to hoping we get more days like this….many more…..and soon!

The Y Grind

Wednesday, January 5th, 2011

Every once in a while I get an itch to go out and do a slog/grind ski knowing full well what the outcome will be:  an exhausted self, mediocre skiing and a story.  This time I shared the misery with my ski partner Shaun Raskin. The other day skiing the Y couloir didn’t let down. The first 2500 ft were pretty non descript;  A bomber boot pack, variable snow and fast ascension.

Enter the last 1000ft:  trail breaking 40 degree slope with the entire 265in snow pack to be trudged through.  The boot packing was everything from wading through snow up to your chest to “front pointing” on a slide path or wind buff.  The closer we got to the top the worse off it was….and deeper.  Eventually I had to put my skins on, which wasn’t actually that much of a help.  The Y is tight and steep, not the ideal place for skinning.  With the “summit” in sight and a mere 200 ft between us and it, the worst was yet to come.  Rock scrambling, wading in snow above my head, exposure and a lot of swearing finally resulted in gaining the summit.  After 5 hrs of boot packing, breaking trail and scambling we finally were at the top.   Not that you could ski off the top because there wasn’t enough snow and huge rocks with gangley trees…….

The ski down was variable to say the least.  There were pockets of amazing snow intermixed with wind buff, slid paths, boot pack tracks and old ski tracks.  Oh and because I am a genius I neglected to bring water or food..whoops.  Here is the video of our adventure.

Hippies Punx & Misfits…..the official trailer

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

“The Freeheel Life 2: Hippies Punx & Misfits” Official Trailer from Telemark Skier Magazine on Vimeo.

Over the past season you have seen posts and pictures detailing our journey through out the making of the latest film. While pictures and words help outline the process nothing quite compares to watching the footage. Very pleased and stoked to have the official trailer being released, be sure to stay tuned for a tour date near you to watch the whole thing!!!!

San Fran to Tahoe

Saturday, May 8th, 2010

As we continued along the coast after a few amazingly relaxing days in Santa Cruz we got to San Francisco.  We stayed with our friend Liz Cunningham and saw the city as only a local can show you.  We biked to the Golden Gate bridge and I saw the historic icon for the first time, oh and we had an amazing sunset.

Mouth of the San Francisco Bay

Da Bridge

After some sightseeing we weaved and pedaled our way through the city to a house party and a few bars- a very cool way to see the city.

Next we were off to Tahoe for some spring skiing and to knock off a few interviews for the movie.  He we are on our way to a morning tour passing Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe.

Emerald Bay

We met up with the legend himself Mr. Craig Dostie and toured up Sugar Bowl on one of his favorite tours,  “Did the stealth version of The Lake run (1500 up, 2700 down). Surprisingly cold. ’twas counting on corn, but only found that on the second and last pitches. Spotted a brown bear too while traversing to Tressel Peak”.

Josh and Craig on top

After a day of skiing Tahoe we were off to Bend to meet up with our good friend Jarl Berg.  It was a loooong day and we didn’t get in until 2am but to see fresh beds and showers, it was worth it.