Outside of traveling around the Pacific Northwest for ski races, it was my first real ski trip. After devouring Kris Ostness’ Wind Up Films and another Powder Shooting Gallery full of Lee Cohen, Scott Markewitz and Brent Benson images, my buddies and I responded to the subliminal urges. For our respective Sweet 16s, we saved up our lawn-mowing and landscaping money and flew to Utah for a long-weekend resort odyssey.
The trip opened a new world for us. The unknown and mystique of it all made us feel like we were 10. In Solitude’s Honeycomb Canyon, we were introduced to real powder, the maxim “Greatest Snow On Earth” becoming a reality for the first time to this eager crew from the maritime Northwest. On Alta’s High Traverse, we learned patience as we by-passed run after run to reach the steep trees of Eagle’s Nest. Standing in line at Snowbird’s Little Cloud lift, we noticed peeling Helly Hansen and Smith stickers pasted on a pair of LINE Dragons. Sure enough, Kris Ostness turned around and took notice of our admiring and inquisitive looks. At the top of the lift, we followed him and a gap-toothed Chad Zurinskas into the recently opened Mineral Basin. We chased them through flaky pow, onto the lift, and up the boot pack for a few untracked turns in North Baldy en route to the car and the airport.
Although the nuclear dump of lore did not fall during our three-day Little and Big Cottonwood sojourn, it didn’t matter. Every lift ride opened a new frontier, each run a new experience. Every turn was fresh to us, even if the snow wasn’t always. The experience of traveling and skiing at a new place fulfilled our curiosity and solidified a passion to trek away from our home resort more often.
Your local hill may be rad, but the mystery and adventure that comes only from not knowing doesn’t exist at home. Whether you mow another lawn, pick up an extra shift, or sell something you haven’t used in a while, find someway to get away this winter. A trip to Aspen, The Canyons, Red Mountain or any of the 17 resorts featured in this Resort Guide will expand perceptions, and might even change how you ski back home. —John Stifter
The trip opened a new world for us. The unknown and mystique of it all made us feel like we were 10. In Solitude’s Honeycomb Canyon, we were introduced to real powder, the maxim “Greatest Snow On Earth” becoming a reality for the first time to this eager crew from the maritime Northwest. On Alta’s High Traverse, we learned patience as we by-passed run after run to reach the steep trees of Eagle’s Nest. Standing in line at Snowbird’s Little Cloud lift, we noticed peeling Helly Hansen and Smith stickers pasted on a pair of LINE Dragons. Sure enough, Kris Ostness turned around and took notice of our admiring and inquisitive looks. At the top of the lift, we followed him and a gap-toothed Chad Zurinskas into the recently opened Mineral Basin. We chased them through flaky pow, onto the lift, and up the boot pack for a few untracked turns in North Baldy en route to the car and the airport.
Although the nuclear dump of lore did not fall during our three-day Little and Big Cottonwood sojourn, it didn’t matter. Every lift ride opened a new frontier, each run a new experience. Every turn was fresh to us, even if the snow wasn’t always. The experience of traveling and skiing at a new place fulfilled our curiosity and solidified a passion to trek away from our home resort more often.
Your local hill may be rad, but the mystery and adventure that comes only from not knowing doesn’t exist at home. Whether you mow another lawn, pick up an extra shift, or sell something you haven’t used in a while, find someway to get away this winter. A trip to Aspen, The Canyons, Red Mountain or any of the 17 resorts featured in this Resort Guide will expand perceptions, and might even change how you ski back home. —John Stifter
Reader Comments
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| Posted Tue Apr27, 2010, 12:36 AM — By julia |
| Resort-Guide.co.uk aims to bring you the largest selection of places to stay and things to do across the south of England. Whether you're looking for hotels, bed and breakfast, holiday or camping parks or camp sites you'll find all you need. get complete information mcts braindumps We also feature a large selection of self catering holiday cottages and apartments in most of our destination guides. |
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| Posted Thu Jul 1, 2010, 5:35 PM — By cristobal guerrero |
| Hi there im Cristobal from chilextremo, i wrote to u to offer you our mountain refuge for this season and the ones coming ahead. Located 36 km from Santiago in the center of Farellones mountain village and few meters distance from the slopes, and nearby three ski locations: Valle Nevado, La Parva and El Colorado. The refuge hosts approximately 20 people, with private and shared rooms of up to 4 people per room. Bathrooms are either shared or private. There is also a private apartment for 6 people. With a cozy communal room with kitchen, a space to relax, read, watch films or enjoy the simply beautiful views of the surrounding mountain range of the Andes. We also include unlimited internet access and a nice breakfast. We have 4x4, vans and minibuses for 4, 7, 10 and 19 passengers if u need to move in the mountains and go to other spots. check photos and what were doing at http://www.chilextremo.com http://www.vimeo.com/chilextremo http://chilextremotrips.blogspot.com/ http://www.facebook.c |
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| Posted Fri Aug20, 2010, 5:21 PM — By Chris Bradford |
| Check out Winter Park Resort in Colorado for the biggest bumps, most powder in CO and where the town is all about skiing. Only 1.5 hour drive from Denver International Airport Winter Park/Mary Jane is the Colorado locals skiers choice. Looking for lodging in WP? Let the Winter Park Lodging Company get you the best digs and the best deals on everything from lift tickets to ski rentals to free beers at the local restaurants. |
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| Posted Fri Aug20, 2010, 5:49 PM — By Chris Bradford |
| Check out Winter Park Resort in Colorado for the biggest bumps, most powder in CO and where the town is all about skiing. Only 1.5 hour drive from Denver International Airport Winter Park/Mary Jane is the Colorado locals skiers choice. Looking for lodging in WP? Let the Winter Park Lodging Company get you the best digs and the best deals on everything from lift tickets to ski rentals to free beers at the local restaurants. http://www.wplbo.com/ |
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| Posted Tue Aug31, 2010, 1:08 PM — By Kris |
| The best powder is found where nature brings it daily and in abundance. It is also found where you aren't battling crowds or lineups and eating overpriced french fries for lunch. It is found in the beautiful rugged mountains of Terrace BC, with the aid of Northern Escape Heli Skiing. http://www.neheliski.com/ |
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