Sunday, April 05, 2009

Colorado Powder Day: Wolf Creek


Sledding near tucker pond, 2009. There is a 600lbs Yamaha Apex in there somewhere.

Just days after I got my mountain bike tuned and oiled for the spring season it started to snow again in the Colorado Rockies. Thankfully so, the high country seemed eerily dry the last few weeks and I noticed the snow pack withering.
The latest storm cycle dumped on Wolf Creek Colorado; we received some 30+ inches in less than two days making for hip deep delight on the sleds.


Nell on her Polaris RMQ (Rocky Mountain Queen) slays the powder like never before; her first super deep day on a sled she handles with flying colors. Her riding is really progressing, her flow and comfort level on the machine is to a point where she is confident riding backcountry terrain.
Deep powder is a whole different experience on skis, a snowboard and/or a sled. One almost has to relearn things. It can be scary at first; the rider must make certain adjustments that are difficult to do initially.
Most powder hounds describe the adjustment as obtaining the feeling or flow to maintaining a speed faster than usual. This is necessary to achieve a cascade of momentum making it possible to glide atop the snow, instead of sinking into it. I've heard it described, "You just got to go for it."
If you can’t get there, deep snow is frustrating and exhausting, it will quickly sap your strength.
Ask any powder enthusiast, once you "Adjust or tune in", you’re hooked and no other conditions really compare.
"It is why we are out here."




Little Ez was along for the trip. Although too young to shralp the powder he was amazed at seeing bubbles for the first time.

3 comments:

  1. My best day ever! The pow was sweet for certain!

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  2. Way to schralp! You guys look incredible. And I love how baby Ez is just as impressed with falling bubbles as we were with falling snow!

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  3. You are right, the powder will hook ya, looked like an epic day.

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