Raiding the Local Powder Stash

Ridin' the Winds

Southern Wind River Range, Christina Lake Area, Shoshone NF
January 3rd, 2009

Video clip (click to play)

Thrilled to finally be out for full day's romp in the snow.

The usual crew (Chuck and Karla) and I headed out, up into the Winds yesterday to see if there was any snow left after the week of 70 mph winds they received. Avi conditions as of late have been through the roof- over seven feet of snow in the Tetons since Christmas. I skied the resort the day after an in-bounds avalanche claimed the live of a local Jackson skier below the Thunder lift. The day after that I was riding some great powder down a run at the resort when they shut the whole thing down because the Headwall avalanched- doing significant damage to a new restaurant below it. See some of my TRs and post from previous years to look at pictures of the Headwall. It's an area I like to ski a lot a resort (Teton Village).

The areas we frequent in the Winds seem less prone to avalanches- mostly due to lower angles, and a more wind hammered snow pack. It's generally a good place to go when all the avi conditions are high. It's also in our backyard. To be honest, I'd take a mediocre backcountry day in the Winds, or elsewhere, any day- over a premier powder day at the resort. I hate dealing with all the people, and waiting lines, and paying out the arse for it. Over the years, we have learned where the Southern Wind powder hides. It's there. Though the 15 mile snowmobile ride in was a little rough, we made it. The powder was there too, right where it always is. Typical early season conditions- similar to last year. Good stuff!

Jumped on some small cornices at the top of a run. Got some frightening woompfs and a little cracking (to the left of left ski), but nothing went. The slope treed and is pretty low angle. None the less, we exercised caution while skiing/ riding it- beacon check/ one at time, safe spot to safe spot.

Chuck and Karla head up for another run. We got five in before it was over.

Chuck rides spreads some creamy pow.

I tried for air.

Got a little and rode it out to the bottom of the run, which was actually on Christina Lake.

Surfing Christina Lake.

A board's eye view down on of the last runs of the day.

I didn't take alot of pictures today, mostly because it was cold all day (below zero degrees). Since we were on a north facing slope, and in the trees, the lighting is pretty limited as well. I'm hoping to do more with video this season too. We'll see. My main goal this year is to avoid avalanches and hitting trees with my skidoo. So far, I'm doing good with the first goal.