Monthly Archive for April, 2010

Page 2 of 2

A Conversion to Merino Wool

Published on April 23, 2010 by a ok.

Some people take a while to convert to Dynafit bindings for backcountry travel; I took about two years to convert to merino wool insulating layers from my polyester layers.  Somewhere along the way I heard about wool making a comeback, and remembered itching my way (warmly) through the skiing of my youth in wool.  ‘But this new generation of wool is not itchy,’ it was proclaimed about this new stuff.  I had to know more.

Heading down to Teton Mountaineering, an excellent gear shop in Jackson Hole, I found a merino wool shirt, felt its softness and complete lack of Continue reading ‘A Conversion to Merino Wool’

Located in 04 Gear I Use and 13 Gear Testing 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Perfect Pow in the Wasatch

Published on April 21, 2010 by a ok.

Once again fighting off the thick crowds in the Wasatch, this time from the popular and overcrowded White Pine trailhead parking area, I managed to squeeze my way through the throng to ski a line I’ve been eyeing up for about a year.

Parking lot still nearly empty on my late-morning return.

Seriously though, having transplanted to SLC from a town of about 10,000 folks, I’m continually amazed that excellent skiing can be had here with minimal crowding, despite the proximity to about 1 million people Continue reading ‘Perfect Pow in the Wasatch’

Located in 03 Adventures and Wasatch 0 Comments Tags: , .

True Powder Technicians – Norwegian Style

Published on April 19, 2010 by a ok.

During February’s portion of the inauspicious Utah winter avalanche cycle of 09/10, I got an e-mail from a friend letting me know that one of his Norwegian friends, plus his girlfriend, were stateside and heading from Jackson Hole down to Salt Lake as part of their vacation.  It was intimated that I could take them out for a tour in the Wasatch if I was agreeable.  Usually amenable to such endeavors – particularly when they involve foreign cultures, and curious if the legends I’d occasionally heard Continue reading ‘True Powder Technicians – Norwegian Style’

Located in 03 Adventures, 09 Quotes and Wasatch 0 Comments Tags: .

Skiing Tanner’s, with laughter

Published on April 8, 2010 by a ok.

Things in the Wasatch start heating up pretty fast each day by the time April rolls around, so timing the corn cycle is important on all aspects, particularly South facing lines.  This in mind, I met up with John Maxey at 5:45 to head to Tanners.  We headed up the LCC road, were skinning by 6 a.m., and as it turned out, it was a little frigid this particular morning.  I never took my coat off, which is an uncommon occurrence.

John in Tanner’s by pre-dawn light.

John working through the Tanners bowl as the sun rises to greet us.

We arrived at the top, hacking our way Continue reading ‘Skiing Tanner’s, with laughter’

Located in 03 Adventures, 06 Energy Sources and Wasatch 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .