Archive for the 'snowboard' Category

30 seconds in the Coast Range, BC.

Ah, a moment of silence. The roar of the Bell 212 had trailed off.  The only sounds were a few human voices that I was doing my best to ignore. Otherwise the solitude of the mountains on a blue bird day was providing silence. I only had a few seconds to take in the grand scale and complexity of the mountains close to the spine of British Columbia’s Coast Mountain range. I was standing on a mountain top located right on the border of TS’YL-OS Provincial Park near the Bridge Glacier. My few seconds alone came as Lee, my fellow guide, led the group away. I stood in silence. I got my moment that I was looking for.

I love the Coast Range. The Coast Range is such a vast place. It has it all: rain forests and fjords in the west, ice fields blanket its core, and deserts are the norm on its eastern flanks. For the most part, access is tough and expensive. Few people live there. Snowboard mountaineering trips are endless.

Places like this inspire me. Bridge Glacier, BC.

Zones like this are a dime a dozen in the southern Coast Range and are totally off the hook. If you plan it right, they are easily sled accessible. Then put the skins on.

Holiday in the Sun

Since November, my life has taken an alternative unplanned path. I’m working pretty hard not to go down a bad road and stay super positive and healthy. I’ve also managed to have a bit of fun along the way. For Christmas, I traveled to Hollywood to visit my sister and my parents came out from Detroit. Seeing them was awesome.

Little frontside air. I was there for two full days and I had the opportunity to skate the Venice Beach park one afternoon for a few hours. The bowl there is downright awesome and the locals are great people.

For a few weeks each year, I have the opportunity to work at TLH Heli. I traveled directly from LA to Tyax for staff training and set up. Such an awesome crew of people to work with. We didn’t get tons of shredding in, but was nice to cruise the east side of the Coast Range in a jet black A-Star. I love the Coast Range.
New Years, I uncorked a bit and a buddy and I ended up in Bralorne for a party. That place is cool and way remote.

Wrapping up a rescue scenario.

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RMR Opening Day

Opening day at Revelstoke Mountain Resort was pretty much epic.  The lift lines were a little long, but that was forgotten every run. With the slightest amount of creativity, long untouched lines through the trees, over rolls, and small cliffs were easy to find. Coverage on the upper mountain is good, especially for November. In fact, it felt like January.

Every year at this time, I get reminded why I moved to the BC Interior. This place is full of great people, endless pow – even in lean years, and big mountains.

Looking up at RMR from the lift. I didn't take photos while riding today. Just wanted to go and not stop a whole lot.

Looking up at RMR from the lift. I didn't take photos while riding today. Just wanted to go and not stop a whole lot.

Despite the wait, people were all psyched about kicking their season off. Positive energy flowing.

Despite the wait, people were all psyched about kicking their season off. Positive energy flowing.

2.5 to Freedom – Low on options in the white room of higher learning

Awesome recount in Kootenay Mountain Culture Mag of Mark Hartley’s ride on Mt. Fay last spring. Certainly, one of the wildest events I’ve ever witnessed in the mountains. Click on it for enlarged copy.

2.5 to Freedom