Clearing skies, no wind, temperatures warming, and new snow, Does it get any better?
Today was the one I have been waiting for all year, the first really nice day after a series of big snow storms. Of course not all the topology was ridable due to the considerable avalanche danger that existed today (our first priority), but the lower angle terrain was fair game.
It was the deepest day to date for me on a snowmobile with around 5 feet of snow. My riding really got tested today, any mistakes meant digging yourself and the sled out of a deep hole. This amount of snow is exhausting to move around in. I sometimes forget that fact when I am on the sled cruising around like an idiot. But immediately reminded when I find myself digging out of chest deep snow, squirming like a fish, and panting for air. Humans really are helpless back here. Many times in this much snow it would be near impossible for one person to get unstuck. Those sled can get really buried, especially my tank Yamaha (600 lbs). I call it the Submarine.
It is important that we always ride with buddies, check in, and keep an eye on each other. It can get ugly fast and we all keep that in the back of our minds. Having a tight crew makes days like today possible.
Powder Dragon 2008 -Rider: JP
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Crazy E's Wacky World of Flying Machines -Outtake.
Crash sequence 2008 -Rider: E
He was ok! ...and pumped his fist after digging out as we cheered.
Notice he is still wearing his full pack with snowboard. This was early in the day when we were still scoping out the terrain and snow coverage. I had just finished my usual morning snack (cliff bar and E-mergen C , strawberry) and snapped a few photos of the crew. I was thinking, "Man this looks pretty good."
Then I hear a Braaawop!!! as only a Polars two-stoke engine can howl. Then see an airborne RMK 800 slowly getting away from my buddy E. A die hard "snowmoshredder", he was also slaying it (at about 80%) on the snowboard today.
Snowmoshred
–verb
1. sled access backcountry snowboarding.
–noun (used with der’)
2. a person who uses a snowmobile to access the backcountry with the intent of snowboarding.
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Morning flight. 2008 -Rider: Keith
Keith likes to fly and it shows. As he puts it, "I don't want to be all cock and no balls."
HA! ...which killed me. He felt like it was his duty to get the day started and the gang amped up with a few BIG airs early in the day. It worked!
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I've been thinking a lot about you guys, especially with the 1-3' of snow falling up there right now. It seems like that sort of forecast is falling every weekend. Looks like you guys are making the most of it. I'm looking forward to a great wildflower season in the high country with all of this moisture. whoo...digging out the snowmobile and yourself sounds like a lot of work when that happens:)
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff, i always see JPs shots on weknowsnow... you guys ride in incredible places! The only stuff like that around here (central oregon) is protected wilderness area. Where is it that you guys ride?
ReplyDeleteOh, one other question, what are the best methods for getting up the hill in order to snowboard down?
ReplyDeleteI'm an accomplished boarder and sledder and i know that putting 2 guys on a sled is going to make it VERY hard to get UP anything that will be fun to board DOWN. Do you just use the sled to get close then snowshoe from there? That's what i've done so far.