2009-2010 Ski Reflections

Why do we ski? For many it is an obsession, where from November-April it takes the highest priority and everything else just seems to lack in relevance. In my own pursuit of powder snow I have bid farewell to my best friends and family, traveled hundreds of miles, and spent hours working a job I hated just for the opportunity to wake up and ski 7 days a week if I chose to do so. Dolores LaChappelle argued that it is "powder snow (that) teaches us how to live," I have indeed learned much in seeking it out.

1. It's Always worth it. Quit making excuses for why something isn't worth doing and get out there!

2. Powder is always better shared amongst good company, I love and miss you all friends!

3. The dorms were way cooler when I was 18.

4. Drinking the night before and Dawn Patrolling don't mix.

Enjoy the photos:

Aftermath of my first storm in the Wasatch!

Herd of pack animals headed up to the Ruby Jewel Yurt (Spencer, Jordy, Wes and Dan. March 2010)

17in Powderday at Wolf Creek with Jordy!

JB dropping into Homicide Chute, Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT

JB and Kate booting Suicide Chute, Little Cottonwood Canyon

Booting up Suicide Chute

Alta Slack Country - Photo: Gregg Trawinski

Alta Slack Country - Photo: Gregg Trawinski

The Morning after Kate and JB - Deep Creek Range eastern UT

Our line (in red) down Peak 10,696' Grand Teton National Park - April 2010 (Grand Teton at far left)

In bounds powder stash at Alta

Deep Wasatch blower - Hellgate Backbowl Little Cottonwood Canyon. My last day at Alta.

Dawn patrol with JB to the Pfeifferhorn, Little Cottonwood Canyon

4-9-10 Welcome to Jackson Hole

Despite last weeks heavy dose of winter pow (much enjoyed all week by backcountry riders, myself included), spring is here. Spring is a time of new life, where plants and animals alike move to retake what are now distant memories of the past summer. Last Sunday (April 4, 2010), I packed up my car and headed north to Jackson Hole, WY for a new beginning at the Teton Science School. I have not been the only migrant and many more are to come. In the last week, Mountain Bluebirds have arrived to their summer homes and dart about from fence posts, looking for their first meals. Below, Uinta Ground Squirrels, just awoken from their long winter naps, scurry about with their young. Driving down from a ski on Teton pass today (ever the one to deny spring and pray for powder) I found Osprey had returned to their nests along the Snake River, and watched trio of Sandhill cranes glide motionless across the dusk sky.

I have come to the Teton Science School to learn how to better understand and share the natural world with others.

With the closing of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort last weekend, many of Jackson’s snow riders practice their own migrations. Some head south for a mud season beach retreat, others across the country where they work tirelessly over the summer to stock up their monetary larders for the next ski season. To migrate here during this time seems to run contrary to ski town logic, but I could not be more excited. After all, it is spring and much more growth awaits.

The Tetons from Mormon Row

Skiing with Amy, friend of Karina, and her trusty hyper companion on Teton Pass.

Alpen Glow covers the Gros Venture range from Teton Pass

Cherene atop Glory bowl.

TSS interns Liz, Vanessa, and Finn on their day off.

TSS Jackson Campus

Name games with Pura Vida kids before heading into Grand Teton National Park

It's SPRING in the Tetons! Wait, just kidding back to winter!