Tag Archive for 'early season skiing'

My First Day on Reverse Camber Skis

Published on December 17, 2011 by a ok.

It seemed like everything fit in perfectly today – if one were anticipating a comedy of errors. Perhaps this was fitting for my first day on ‘reverse camber skis.’ Got out with Travis and Jack, but before we headed anywhere, I was late because I initially forgot my beacon. Who needs a beacon – we ski groomers here in Utah (this year!)?

On our way up Little Cottonwood Canyon, a digital sign warned us of an accident ahead. Miles later, we were in the traffic jam, noting that most people don’t turn their vehicles off in such time-fluid situations. After some time, we turned around and headed to Big Cottonwood Canyon instead.

Pondering the myriad possibilities – thin snow, thinner snow, dirt, rocks, or a bit more snow, we pushed up to this season’s familiar, well-worn terrain, intent on skiing down in some pow. Travis drew blood Continue reading ‘My First Day on Reverse Camber Skis’

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4 by Milly

Published on December 15, 2011 by a ok.

Ever curious as to my own present output capabilities, I’ve been pushing long days of vertical and tossing in shorter, interval themed ski days here and there. However, few outings have fallen squarely between the two of late. So I thought I’d mix it up and aim for the middle ground – medium distance at full speed.

That the goal, I came up with the 4 by Milly: 4,400 feet of vert covering 9.36 miles (up and down), according to my GPS. Started at the base of the Millicent chair and topped out about 25 feet shy of the top, since the groomers left piles of debris blocking the last few feet. Also according to the GPS, I topped out at 31 mph (during the downhill – just to clarify for you optimistic types) on several Continue reading ’4 by Milly’

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12, Make That 11 Hours of Brighton or:

Published on December 9, 2011 by a ok.

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Pulling the Plug

Dawn broke on lap one...

Some wise person first said that good artists borrow, and great artists steal. It was in that spirit that I stole the concept of the 12 Hours of Sunlight to create my own ‘event’ – 12 Hours of Brighton. Probably none too artistic, but the idea was there – push uphill and downhill for 12 hours without Continue reading ’12, Make That 11 Hours of Brighton or:’

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Pushing Vert

Published on November 30, 2011 by a ok.

Desperate snow conditions remain the theme lately. In the absence of new snow, I’ve been happy enough to ski anywhere where rocks won’t tear up my Hagan ski bases. Groomed runs have become a staple as I work on ski fitness. (Yikes!) Like many, I wish for a return of conditions like those found on my one ‘good’ day of the season (so far) which provided untracked, semi-steep powder without rocks. Still a fond memory.

Until then, it’s all been about getting into ski shape so I can take advantage when the goods are good. In that spirit, yesterday’s goal was 11,000 vertical. I fell short on the goal and only landed 9,000. Sometimes, time, like sand in an hourglass, runs out.

However, I noted three Continue reading ‘Pushing Vert’

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Deer Valley and Park City

Published on November 28, 2011 by a ok.

Things – or more precisely, the snow – sure can be desperate these days. Desperate enough that, when offered a chance to sling my skins across the ice in a new locale, I jumped at the chance.

If anything can confuse a couple of SLC fellas heading out for a bit of skiing, it must be trying to answer the question of ‘Where are we?’ when skiing on the unfamiliar east facing side of the Wasatch Back. With limited options for snow coverage, Jason, Mark, and I, dog in tow, looked through options that were more limited than usual. This was a perfect reason to get away from known quantities, and head towards the four inches of snow available at Deer Valley…

The very picture of desperate snow conditions.

After consulting some Continue reading ‘Deer Valley and Park City’

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Turkey Burner

Published on November 24, 2011 by a ok.

Skiing on Thanksgiving morning/day has been a tradition for me for some time, just as it is on July 4th. What better way to fire up an appetite on this day of gluttony and power lounging? Over the years, this holiday ski tradition has sometimes included (now ex-) girlfriends, friends, or even been a solo venture.

Hard-won wisdom of the ages has revealed that skiing with friends is the most fun option. So when I got an invite from Andy to join in on a crazy idea (just like his ski suit), a ‘Skin the Turkey’ informal rando race, it sounded like a fun option.

Never mind that in the last two days, I’d skinned 14,000 feet, or that I’d only managed 9 hours of sleep over the prior three nights. Details like these take a backseat when there’s skiing to be done. So what if I felt completely trashed at the outset? More exercise, more vertical, more laughter, more sweat, more thin early season snowpack, more howling wind, more tears. It’s living. It’s a holiday! Any excuse will do…

Toeing the line on Turkey Day.

Besides, I wanted to see what Continue reading ‘Turkey Burner’

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