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67 Search Results for "steeps"

  • Third Annual Beartooth Summer Third Annual Beartooth Summer Session Presented by ON3P Ski Company

    • From: TetonGravityResearch
    • Description:

      Beartooth

       

      The Third Annual Beartooth Summer Session is set to occur from Wednesday through Sunday, June 5th-June 9th at Beartooth Basin Ski Area, formerly Red Lodge International Summer Ski Camp, and in the surrounding backcountry. 

       

      The little ski area, near the top of Beartooth Pass on the Montana/Wyoming border, features two high-speed poma lifts, steeps,  chutes, cornices, and a terrain  park at the bottom.  The ski area was first opened in the 1960s as a venue for summer  ski race training.  During the late 1990s and early 2000s the ski area saw an influx of newschool skiing. Mickey Price, Tony Gilpin, Glen Plake, and Donovan Power trained and coached alongside Tanner Hall, Wiley Miller, Paul Cotter, and many others.  Prominent film companies such as Teton Gravity Research, Team 13, and Toy Soldier Productions have featured  footage from the Beartooth Basin Ski Area in their films.

       

      The Second Annual Beartooth Summer Session  brought approximately 100 skier visits and 40 competitors from all around North America. Writers from Teton Gravity Research, Sking Magazine, Bomb Snow Magazine, and Explore Big Sky covered the event.

       

      ON3P Ski Company and other sponsors will be working with the ski area to host the session and build a quality terrain park and competition course. The event, terrain park, and ski area will be open to the public as well as to invited riders and photographers. In addition to world-class, lift-accessible summer skiing, the surrounding area has excellent backcountry access, including day-long tours, boot packs, and car shuttle laps.

       

      On Saturday, June 8th, a big-mountain/slopestyle competition will take place at Beartooth Basin. Competitors will take top-to-bottom runs and be judged on style, technique,  amplitude, and consistency.

       

      ON3P will have its fleet of demo skis available free to the public. Tickets to the ski area will be discounted for session attendees to $40 per day. Half day tickets for $35 will also be available.

       

      More details including group lodging options, competition  registration, and a roster of invited riders will be published at www.beartoothsummersession.com . View the rest of the media gallery here. We hope to see you next month in the Beartooths.

       

      Get ready for the summer season with awesome gear deals here.

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    • 1 day ago
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  • Daron Rahlves: Sugar Bowl Amba Daron Rahlves: Sugar Bowl Ambassador

    • From: TetonGravityResearch
    • Description:

      "Sugar Bowl Resort is my favorite ski area because of the terrain, snow and overall experience. The Bowl gets dumped on and is an epic playground stacked with terrain. I love the smooth flowing groomed runs any day, but get drawn to the open trees, bowls, tight lines and gullies. Now as a professional free skier the challenging steeps in Palisades is my training ground for big lines in AK. Fun runs and fresh snow, days after a storm are there so find me and lets go. If not, explore or find a local and you'll be fired up. For determined and dedicated youth in the ski world, the Sugar Bowl Academy (SBA) is dedicated to offering an environment to excel in academics and racing / free skiing. It's an amazing life path where I'm more than willing to pass on my knowledge of the sport since I grew up in a similar system. To top it off the resort staff are super friendly giving it that traditional ski experience charm, an important reason for my loyalty to Sugar Bowl. Come check it out and take a run down Rahlves' Run." Banzai!!! Sugar Bowl Ambassador - Daron Rahlves

       

      15 years on the US Ski Team, 4x Olympian and the most decorated male American Downhill and Super G skier in history. Daron won 12 World Cup races, had 28 World Cup podiums, 7 US National Titles, is the 2001 World Champion in Super G, Silver medal at the 2005 Worlds in DH and Bronze medal in GS. He was the winner of the legendary Hahnenkamm Downhill in 2003 and SG in 2004 along with 7 podium finishes in Kitzbuhel over 5 years. Ski cross became his competition of choice in 2007 and in 2008 Daron took Gold in Skier-X at ESPN's Winter X Games 12 and finished 3rd overall on the Jeep Skiing/48 Straight Tour. Currently he's on the Teton Gravity Research (TGR) team skiing big mountain lines and works closely with his sponsors to develop the best quality equipment and experience for those unforgettable days on snow.

       

      Video by Weston Walker
      http://www.westonwalker.com

       

      Stills Courtesy of Sugar Bowl

      http://www.sugarbowl.com; http://www.facebook.com/sugarbowlresort

       

      Race photo courtesy of Deven Hickingbotham

    • 2 weeks ago
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  • Stevens Pass: More Snow Than H Stevens Pass: More Snow Than Hype

    • From: TetonGravityResearch
    • Description:

      Words and Images by Joey Mara

      The Cascades are loaded with underrated gems—and Stevens Pass is definitely one of them. Not only is the resort peppered with steep terrain, it also enjoys massive storms that make the mountain a freerider’s dream. Only eighty miles from downtown Seattle, Stevens Pass has been slinging lift tickets for seventy-five years. In that time, it’s been responsible for more than a few people calling in sick to sample the latest storm. With ten lifts serving 1,125 acres spread between the mountain’s front and backside, the resort accommodates skiers and riders of all ability levels. Nonetheless, the mountain is best known for its expert terrain.

      Cowboy Ridge

      No one disputes that the snow in the Pacific Northwest is deep, yet its quality is often up for debate. A few locals will come clean, however, and reveal that labels like “cascade concrete” are misnomers designed to keep tourists away. The snow at Stevens is premium—and thanks to receiving over 450 inches of snow annually, there’s plenty of pow to go around. In fact, it’s not uncommon for the mountain to see upwards of 650 inches in a season.  

      Stevens Pass Night Skiing

      After a storm, however, the snow at Stevens is typically measured in feet thanks to a unique weather phenomenon known as the Puget Sound Convergence Zone. West of Seattle, the Olympic Mountains split incoming storm tracks, forcing their wind and moisture to divide to the north and south and collide again when they converge at the Cascades. This concentrates precipitation in the vicinity of Stevens Pass. Consequently, storms may hammer the mountain while other resorts in the state receive only a fraction of this snowfall. Needless to say, the storms at Stevens make dreams come true—just come prepared with a snorkel. In December of 2012, for example, a storm dropped 39 inches at the base of Stevens and sixty inches at its summit in just a twenty-four hour period.

      Matt Wainhouse

      Stevens Pass lacks the glamour (and excessive amenities) of a mega resort—and that’s fine with those who call the mountain home. For the courageous, Stevens has plenty of steep lines—perfect for those who like to push limits and occasionally piss their pants. Pillows, chutes, steeps, cliffs, and spines all litter the mountain, while the tree skiing is also world class. It might be worth befriending a local when you come to Stevens, as much of this terrain can be elusive to the uninitiated. To further maximize your time at Stevens, be ready for some serious storm riding. Locals revel in the free refills provided by Steven’s heavy snowfall. The mountain’s night skiing can also add a new dimension to chasing powder. And if you’re fortunate enough to catch a bluebird day, Cowboy and Rooster Ridges provide an ample canvas for laying down creative lines. It should come as no surprise that skiers and riders can explore Stevens season after season and continue to find new zones.

      Stevens Past to Present Celebrating 75 Years! from Joey mara on Vimeo.

      For those prepared to venture outside the access gates, the backcountry at Stevens Pass is the real deal. Due to the high amount of snow and steep terrain, avalanches occur frequently. Adding to the danger, visibility can change rapidly. That being said, a wealth of ridges, back bowls, and peaks can be accessed via the lifts or by touring from the highway or nordic trails. Much of Steven’s backcountry dumps skiers at the highway, enabling them to easily hitch a ride back to the resort.

      The Rooster Comb

      In addition to its natural terrain, Stevens Pass boasts a solid park. The Top Phlight park crew spends its days prepping dozens of rails and kickers of all sizes. Stevens also has one of the few halfpipes in the state of Washington. Thanks to the diversity of its terrain, the mountain is a breeding ground for well-rounded rippers.

      Stevens Pass Park

      Stevens has remained under the radar thanks, in part, to a lack of accommodations at its base. For those wishing to stay close to the slopes, a variety of rental cabins are available on both sides of the pass. Most visitors, however, stay in or around the town of Leavenworth on the east side of the pass. Located forty-five minutes from Stevens, Leavenworth sports a Bavarian theme and offers plenty of entertainment for those looking to kick back and slip off their boots. During the winter months, the town is lit up with Christmas lights and the streets are packed with Seattleites hoping to escape the city, shop, and enjoy some food and drinks at German pubs. For those looking for no-frills lodging, the small towns of Skykomish and Gold Bar on the Seattle side of the pass offer affordable options.

      Stevens Pass Through the Clouds

      Stevens will never be a Whistler or an Aspen—and it does not want to be such a resort. And while the scene is mellow, the mountain is not. Needless to say, Stevens has no shortage of challenging terrain—and good company with whom to explore it. The people are friendly and the snow is deep. If you measure your seasons in faceshots and high fives, Stevens might be your soulmate.

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    • 1 month ago
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  • Resort Review: Vail Colorado C Resort Review: Vail Colorado Celebrates 50 Years of Skiing

    • From: drewrouse
    • Description:

      Drew Rouse Vail Colorado

      Vail has quite the reputation with out me writing one word about it as a subject you probably already have an opinion on the place. However after living here for 15 years and growing up skiing this place with my family before that I know some of its secrets so perhaps I can add some perspective both as a former gaper and a long time local.

      Essentially a 5 mile by 5 mile expanse of ridges and huge open bowls that happen to sit at the south end of the Gore Range which creates a jagged cloud trap to catch any precipitation and funnel it towards Vail. It is the reason that there can be 5 inches on the report at mid vail but the back bowls and Blue Sky basin will receive feet as happened just this last storm cycle. On a good year well over 400 inches of super light Colorado fluff fall back there a few miles from the village.

      The terrain here is mostly mellow but trust me there are some steeps and cliffs if that your thing. I spoke with young big mtn up and comer Christian Nichols formerly of Ski Club Vail’s Big Mtn Team and he told me that its legit terrain for him and the rest of the team to have to train on to prepare for contests at mountains that are much more highly regarded as steep and technical.  The terrain parks at Vail are looking better than ever with a brand new 22 foot super pipe this season and always innovative rails and eagle counties little secret, lots of log slides in the trees if jibbing lumber is your thing.

      Lines can be long on weekends or big powder days but there are ways to get away from the crowds. Show up early with a plan and get ahead of everyone and you will be lapping untracked powder for hours or show up late when its dumping and go seek out some stashes. Ptarmigan cornice and the ends of the ridges in the bowls are some of my favorite places to look for super deep wind-loaded leftovers.  As a kid I can remember loving to go out to inner and outer Mongolia bowls just because there was no one ever out there and there was a lot of terrain to explore. Its not that steep but it is always worth a look if you want to find some solitutde.

      The resort has a bunch of easily accessible side-country, which means you can usually find fresh snow even weeks after a storm if you know where to look. East Vail, The Minturn Mile, West vail trees…. It would take you years and years to ride all of the lines located a short walk from Vail’s ropes. Just remember here in Eagle County more often than not we have a sketchy snow pack with lots of depth hoar and a recipe for slabs that step down into bigger slides so use good sense and remember your Avalanche gear if you are wanting to venture out.  Seems almost every year someone is lost in an avalanche around here and its definitely something that’s always in the back of my mind.

      The snow is not the only attraction here, Vail does a pretty good job of putting on events and concerts all year long almost. With the Burton U.S open making its Vail debut,  this coming weekend it looks like they are just stepping it up.  Things have never been better as far as nightlife goes and bridge street, will keep even the most seasoned partiers happy.  Check out the George if you want to chill or Samana Lounge to get your groove on.

      Some of the things I have heard is that Vail is flat and its crowded, full of gapers, extremely corporate,  expensive, my aspen friends call it a truck stop and yada yada yada.  So what, a lot of negative things are true about this place and people always hate on the biggest for whatever reason but subtract that and what do you have.  A huge expansive mountain with a pretty fun town, pretty easy access from Denver, via a very well maintained highway that doesn’t close often enough for my liking. Check Vail out, you may have the time of your life here whether it’s a deep pow day or a night out on the town, I know I have.

      Skier Drew Rouse
      Photo Ben Koelker

      Vail Lodging Sale, book online through Mountain Reservations.

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    • 3 months ago
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  • Masters of Snowboarding On The Masters of Snowboarding On The Steeps Of Tahoe - The North Face

    • From: thenorthface
    • Description:

      The North Face Masters of Snowboarding chose Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows in Lake Tahoe, California as its home for the 2013 season. Athletes discuss the importance of this event and its role in the new Freeride World Qualifier system.

      Athletes Featured: Sammy Luebke, Christopher Galvin, Roman Kristl, Rosemarie Daiek, Ryan Hudson, Andrew Irwin, Ralph Backstrom, Colin Boyd

      Music Credit: Nature of the Beast by Fate Flight Destiny (via Audio Socket)

      Watch More Videos By The North Face

       

    • 3 months ago
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  • Not So Slackcountry Not So Slackcountry

    • From: johnwellsma
    • Description:

      Six minutes from some good days in January 2013.

      There is nothing slack about some of the side country at Mt. Baker, Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. With lots of good options to be had, there is always a line that will push your comfort zones, make you better, or “simply learn you some things” throughout the year.

      Slackcountry sounds lame.  This is nothing short of the stuff dreams are made of.  With world renowned stable powder and steep lines, Mt. Baker is a mecca for hard-charging riders and dedicated mountain rippers.  The terrain is big and full of convexity and traps that make mothers and girlfriends quiver.  But the rewards for success are great and bolstered by lots of experience, trusting friends and partners, along with amazing conditions and the perfect blend of backcountry and safety all rolled into one.  There was a lot of wind with a certain January storm which made skiing all the more decisive and fast.  Wind slabs were popping off on all the steeps and fountains of slough piled into the lows and gullies and as long as you were above and safe, life was good, pow turns for days! 

    • 3 months ago
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  • Powder, Parks, Steeps And Deep Powder, Parks, Steeps And Deep Snow

  • Welcome To Revelstoke - Freeri Welcome To Revelstoke - Freeride World Tour 2013

    • From: freeridewo116361
    • Description:

      The 2013 Freeride World tour kicks off on the prolific steeps of Revelstoke Mountain Resort. The sleepy mountain village located in interior BC now plays host the world's top big mountain ski and snowboard athletes.

    • 4 months ago
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  • Sierra Steeps In June — Keepin Sierra Steeps In June — Keepin’ Winter Alive Part 2

    • From: sethlightcap
    • Description:

      Summer backcountry shred missions in the Sierra are all about finding unique adventures that make up for the lack of snow. It’s also a time when ephemeral access windows open up that allow unusual means of getting to your destination. The quest to catch good snow conditions on classic lines using summer time only transportation becomes the game. When you pull it off and score an amazing outside-of-the-box summer shred day it’s a potent memory that motivates you to make it happen every season. Next thing you know, your winter always lasts until at least July, which is bitchin`.

      This June I rolled the dice on a couple go-to backcountry tours that both involve such summer oddities. I dare say we won big both days as the tours were thrilling start to finish and the steeps we got to slash were in surprisingly good condition despite the meager Sierra winter. Check out a few pics of the two adventures below and you’ll see why I don’t put my boards away in May.

      Words and Photos by Seth Lightcap


      Mountain Biking to skiingBrennan Lagasse and I hopped on the mountain bikes for this early June mission into the Tahoe backcountry. We pedalled up a still gated but mostly melted out road. Spinning up the mountain weaving in and out of snow patches under a cool canopy of trees made for a very pleasant approach.

      Classic Tahoe ChuteA twenty five minute hike from the end of the road brought us to the top of this old school Tahoe chuting gallery. Nothing too crazy, but steep enough to slash some fun turns and feel the pull of the fall line.

      Rippable corn in TahoeThe chutes were fairly smooth, very few suncups anyway, and the snow was super rippable, deep corn.

      Dropping in to a chute in the sierrasLooking ahead to a long summer I’ll take as much of this view as I can get.

      Sierra boat taxiBrennan, my wife Allison and I hopped on a boat taxi with a bunch of fishermen to start our latest snow adventure in the Sierra. We got a few odd looks from the Cabela’s crowd but we were united under a shared vision - no one wanted to walk the horrendously long two miles to the end of the lake.

      Hiking in flipflopsExiting the pontoon boat we hiked up slabs past slowly reawakening high elevation lakes. Allison had forgotten her shoes so she flip-flopped most of the approach. When she finally took off the flops, she put on her crampons. Quite the summer changeover.

      Sierra couloirsHere’s a shot from May 2012 of the couloirs we were going to ride. Couple hours from the boat we were looking down them.

      Brennan Lagasse in a Sierra couloirBrennan dropped in the skier’s right couloir and deftly negotiated a little choke to get through the business section. The snow could have been softer, but it was edgeable enough for a clean descent.

      Brennan Lagasse skis a Sierra couloirNot too much snow left in the Sierra but it’s holding in a few places where it counts.

      Allison Lightcap shreds a Sierra couloirAllison and I rode the skier’s left couloir which thankfully held softer snow. This left line is a little wider but it’s just as steep and has a spicy double fall line to keep things interesting.

      Downclimbing in the SierrasThe snow turned to rock a couple hundred feet below the apron of the couloirs. Busting a few downclimbing moves on the gorgeous granite as the spray of a waterfall tickled our faces felt rather super however. It was yet another summer shred moment that made such a mission all worth it.

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    • 11 months ago
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  • Interview: Ingrid Backstrom's Interview: Ingrid Backstrom's Season Is A World Tour

    • From: jeremybenson
    • Description:

      Ingrid Backstrom Photo By Adam ClarkIngrid Backstrom hikes to her line in Chamonix, France.  Photo by Adam Clark.

      If you’re a skier then you’ve probably heard of Ingrid Backstrom. The big-mountain skiing phenomenon cut her teeth on the slopes of Crystal Mountain, Wash., and honed her skills on the steeps at Squaw Valley, Calif. For the past eight years Ingrid has filmed with Matchstick Productions, 5 of those years she’s taken home the Powder Video Award for Best Female Performance.

      As one of the premier big-mountain skiers in the world, she is often on the road for photo shoots, expeditions, and movie premieres. TetonGravity.com caught up with Ingrid while she was skiing at Points North Heli in Cordova, Alaska.

      Teton Gravity Research: How was your winter?
       
      Ingrid Backstrom: My winter was really fun. Of course there is always stuff I wish I could have done or could have been more productive or gotten more sunny days and all that, but overall I had a great time, got to ski a lot of days, and went to some amazing places. So I am really stoked on my winter. And finishing up healthy is always the goal. So it’s OK to have left some stuff on the table. That’s more important to me these days.

      TGR: Where are you now?
       
      Backstrom: I’m in Cordova, Alaska! I got to come here for a Volkl Fantasy Camp, where Dash Longe and I are skiing with the contest winners. Although, I’m pretty sure both Dash and I feel like we won at this point. It’s certainly been a fantasy week. 

      TGR: Where’d you spend your time this season? 

      Backstrom: I got to hang out in Squaw Valley at home for a few weeks, which is always great. Also in Chamonix, Crystal Mountain, Whistler, and Alyeska in Girdwood, Alaska. 

      TGR: In January you took your first trip to Chamonix, did it live up to your expectations? 

      Backstrom: I can safely say it blew my expectations out of the water. I was expecting it to be cool, but for some reason I just only had pictured all of the scary gnar and was prepared to be on guard the whole time. Instead, we skied pow runs to the valley in really safe conditions, with chamois and ibex sightings. I only wore a harness one time!  

      Ingrid Backstrom Photo By Adam ClarkIngrid rips it up in Chamonix. Photo by Adam Clark.

      TGR: After months on the road, do you look forward to some down time, not traveling for a bit? 

      Backstrom: Yes, for sure! I absolutely love being in Squaw Valley, seeing my friends and enjoying Tahoe. Being at home takes on a whole new meaning when you live out of a bag so much — that’s great, too, but I start really missing my friends and my bed.

      TGR: Last year you were featured in MSP’s the Sherpa’s movie, who’d you film with this year?

      Backstrom: I filmed with Matchstick on two trips. I don’t know where the winter went, it seemed like it started late and ended early this year! But I’m honored that they wanted to still film with me, I love skiing with all those guys.

      TGR: Any plans for the summer, skiing, etc? 

      Backstrom: I am really excited to be going to Chile for a few things at the end of July. I get to be a judge at the Eye of the Condor event in La Parva, which was so fun last year--plus I will be coaching a women’s camp in La Parva in August followed by [Chris] Davenport’s freeskiing camp in Portillo. 

      TGR: Could you tell us about the women’s camp in La Parva? 

      Backstrom: I’m really excited to be partnering with Powder Quest to do a women’s ski camp in La Parva. It will be a small group and it’s the perfect place to ski, relax, and enjoy the culture. We still have spots open also if you know any women who love to ski!

      TGR: Your brother Ralph crushed it on the Freeride World Tour this year and has been filming with TGR, is it genetics or something in the water that made you and your brothers such incredible athletes?

      Backstrom: Ralph is amazing — of course I have always known that he is the best snowboarder out there but it’s so great to see all of his hard work pay off with such a great year. I’m simultaneously proud of him and in awe of him. I have to give most of the credit to my parents. They are so amazing.

      TGR: In addition to being an athlete, what other types of things do you do for your sponsors?

      Backstrom:  I try to get involved with product feedback and R&D whenever possible — The North Face is really amazing about involving the athletes at every step of the process and it’s so fun to learn more about what goes into making good products. I’ve had some awesome opportunities — really fun product testing trips, speaking engagements, and other stuff that I never thought I would be doing when I wanted to be a skier.

      TGR: Where do you see yourself and what do you plan to be doing five to 10 years down the road?

      Backstrom: That’s a hard one — hopefully still skiing, involved in the ski and outdoor industry in some way, perhaps in a different capacity, and maybe traveling a bit less.

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    • 1 year ago
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  • Unguided Skiing At Silverton M Unguided Skiing At Silverton Mountain Starts Early

    • From: media-75233
    • Description:

      Silverton Mountain Powder

      On April 1, 2012, Silverton Mountain will open with $49 lift tickets.
       
      All you rippers out there wanting to get on the slopes for some fun spring skiing?  Craving steeps, corn, amazing weather and a true big mountain experience?

      The moment you are waiting is coming early. Join us this Sunday, April 1, as we re-open the mountain to unguided skiers (this is no April fool’s joke this is the real deal).

      Unlike many ski areas this season, Silverton has had a great winter with frequent storms so the base is in and we are 100 percent open.  Unguided skiing resumes this Sunday for just $49 per unguided lift ticket.

      The unguided season will continue April 5th-8th and April 12th-15th.  April 15 will be our closing day of the season.

      Grab your friends and boogie on down to the San Juan's this Sunday for a Silverton Mountain adventure.

    • Blog post
    • 1 year ago
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  • SKI HERE NOW — Webisode #3 SKI HERE NOW — Webisode #3

    • From: blackdiamond
    • Description:

      Here is Webisode #3 of Black Diamond Equipment's Ski Here Now, a three-part web series that takes a Zen look at skiing in the big mountains of Europe, featuring Black Diamond skiers in France and Switzerland. The Ski Here Now webisodes will be released in November, December and January exclusively in the Black Diamond Journal.

      The series kicked off with Webisode #1 in La Grave (vimeo.com/​16322600), where the Telepherique and Black Diamond are official partners. Martin Webrant, Ptor Spricenieks, and David Pitschmann were the featured BD riders in Episode #1 and arrived at the perfect time for sweet conditions. Webisode #2 (vimeo.com/​17343813) featured a ski adventure in Zermatt with alpinist, shredder of steeps and Zermatt-local, Samuel Anthamatten.

      Webisode #3 features BD riders Tor Eggeboe and Nicolas Aubert as they go exploring the remote valleys and dramatic lines of the little known Parc National des Ecrins just behind La Grave.

      Click Here To Watch More Black Diamond Videos

    • 1 year ago
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  • SKI HERE NOW — Webisode #2 SKI HERE NOW — Webisode #2

    • From: TetonGravityResearch
    • Description:

      Here is Webisode #2 of Black Diamond Equipment's Ski Here Now, a three-part web series that takes a Zen look at skiing in the big mountains of Europe, featuring Black Diamond skiers in France and Switzerland. The Ski Here Now webisodes will be released in November, December and January exclusively in the Black Diamond Journal.

      The series kicked off with Episode #1 in La Grave (blackdiamondequipment.com/​en-us/​journal/​ski/​video/​ski-here-now--webisode-1), where the Telepherique and Black Diamond are official partners. Martin Webrant, Ptor Spricenieks, and David Pitschmann were the featured BD riders in Episode #1 and arrived at the perfect time for sweet conditions.

      Here is Episode #2, a ski adventure in Zermatt with alpinist, shredder of steeps and Zermatt-local, Samuel Anthamatten.

      Click Here To Watch More Black Diamond Videos

    • 1 year ago
    • Views: 14
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  • Great Gondolas Of The Alps Par Great Gondolas Of The Alps Part 2: Chamonix

    • From: sethlightcap
    • Description:

      Chamonix Tram

      Oh, the places you’ll go...in a gondola! Cable cars the world over deliver incredible ski descents but not all trams are created equal. Between the improbable alpine perches they occupy and the insane terrain they access, gondolas in the European Alps are widely regarded as the most spectacular cable cars known to man.

      On a recent trip to the Alps I fell in love with several of these legendary téléphériques. I was in awe of both the triumphant locations that the bubble lifts attained and the reality that once you stepped out of the gondola doors you were free to ski or climb anywhere you pleased. In celebration of these amazing ski lifts I’ve put together a three-part photo essay documenting some of the classic gondola accessed terrain in Verbier, Chamonix and St. Anton. Read on for part two of the series detailing the radical cable cars that ascend the flanks of the Mont Blanc Massif in-and-around Chamonix, France. Check out part one of the series about gondolas in Verbier here.

      Chamonix France

      Chamonix is home to arguably the most famous gondola of them all - the Téléphérique de l'Aiguille du Midi. This two-stage tram holds the record for the highest vertical ascent cable car in the world as it climbs 9200 vertical feet above the streets of Chamonix before dropping off passengers at the top station at 12,400 feet. The second stage of the gondola arrives at the station on the right side while the rock outcrop on the left contains an elevator to the summit and a tunnel entrance to the chopped ice paths down the arete that access the Vallée Blanche ski route. The switchbacked path on the right is a new addition having been chopped out this winter.

      Chamonix France

      The terrain accessible from the top station of the Aiguille du Midi is as wild as it gets. It’s a candy store of close-out faces, steep couloirs and more moderate glacial tours. Not every line is ridiculously steep but every line cris-crosses crevasse strewn glaciers making even the low angle routes exhilarating. Variable snow conditions kept us off the steeps so we rode an alternative entrance to the Vallée Blanche that slid us past massive seracs as it dropped 13 kilometers down to town.

      Chamonix France

      Here you see the Geant Glacier from the summit of the l’Aiguille du Midi. The Vallée Blanche route starts at the bottom left of the image and descends to the right across the glacier into the valley that drops out of view. If you look closely you can also see a gondola car hanging just left of the rock outcrop in the foreground. This gondola links over to the Funivie Monte Bianco cable car that ascends the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif. The top station of the Funivie Monte Bianco is called Pointe Helbronner and is located on the second bump on the horizon from the right, just below a pyramid shaped peak in the far background. This interconnecting téléphérique is only open in the summer.

      Luca Pandolfi

      Boss snowboard mountaineer and Chamonix local Luca Pandolfi has been shredding lines off the Aiguille du Midi for nearly a decade. We were honored to spend a day on the glacier with him and slay two fantasy descents touring from both the top station and the middle station. If you like to read trip reports about lines in the Alps you probably don’t have the balls to ride, check out www.lucapandolfi.com

      Chamonix France

      This massive face is a small section of the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif as seen from the Courmayeur ski resort. The Funivie Monte Bianco ascends the face through the open snowfields going from right to left and tops out at Pointe Helbronner, two bumps on the horizon to the left of the corniced flat section in the center of the image. The glacier on the lookers left side of the gondola line is the traditional Helbronner ski descent. This zone is Luca’s home turf but he told me to tell you that the terrain is terrible and the coffee sucks in Italy so don’t bother travelling through the Mont Blanc tunnel to ski the Helbronner.

      Chamonix France

      We didn’t have a chance to ride the Funivie Monte Bianco to the top of the Helbronner but we did get a taste of the Italian gondolas at Courmayeur ski resort. The two old school bubbles at the top of the resort were pretty rad as they accessed neighboring valleys dropping both north and south off the back of the resort. This bubble was called the Youla.

      Chamonix France

      The fortress in the background of this shot is the top station of the Arp cable car and the highest lift accessed point of Courmayeur.  We joined Chamonix snowboard guide Neil McNab’s Backcountry Splitboarding course for a day of touring around Courmayeur. Our crew dropped down a north facing valley behind our backs in this shot. If you’re a snowboarder and are interested in exploring Chamonix for a week with a legendary guide, check out www.mcnabsnowboarding.com. Neil runs backcountry snowboarding courses for various ability levels all winter long.

      Chamonix France

      And once again, what it’s all about. Gondolas in the Alps get you to the pow! Allison Lightcap slashes through Italian alpine fluff on her way to a cappuccino and a couple gulps of grappa at a cafe around the backside of Courmayeur.

      Look out for the final chapter - Great Gondolas Of The Alps - Part Three: St. Anton dropping next week!

      Check out Great Gondolas Of The Alps Part 1: Verbier here.

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  • More BIG Dumps Hit Silverton M More BIG Dumps Hit Silverton Mountain

    • From: media-75233
    • Description:

      Silverton Mountain Colorado

      Silverton Mountain continues to luck out this winter pulling over a foot of snow almost every week. This past week brought 40 inches of new snow on top of the previous 65 inches from late January. The skiing is currently fantastic.

      Speaking of deep snow, check out the New Alaska Heli-Skiing/Boarding site. Our zone in Alaska has been experiencing a record-setting winter with more snow than ever.

      The ski area caters to advanced and expert snow riders and has been ranked No. 1 in Steeps and No. 1 in Powder Snow in the USA by Skiing Magazine and the No. 4 Ski Area in North America by Outside Magazine.

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  • Tahoe's First Serious Storm Of Tahoe's First Serious Storm Of 2012 Delivers 60 Inches

    • From: ryandunfee
    • Description:

      Andrew Albertson, finding more than enough fresh to smile.
      Andrew Albertson finds more than enough fresh to smile.       Photo by Ryan Dunfee.

      While the forecast changed constantly and at times drove an already frustrated local population insane with pelting rains last Friday, the snow gods ultimately delivered enough deep white goodness to the Lake Tahoe area to release some collective steam. With anywhere from 40- to 70-inches blanketing the previously bare slopes of the dozen resorts around the lake, Lake Tahoe finally entered the 2012 winter season.  After two months carving around meager groomers and jokingly limited terrain, Monday and Tuesday saw the first chance for Tahoe locals and visitors alike to get their long-awaited fix of the steep, deep, and untracked straight to the vein.

      Monday saw Squaw’s first mobs show up to ski out the end of the storm, putting the first tracks in the trees under the Red Dog and Squaw Creek chairs.  The shared desperation for powder was evident as tracks were laid down anything that had an inkling of coverage, with ski bases showing up at the base freshly scarred. 

      Squaw finally dons her silky white dress, January 24, 2012.
      Squaw finally dons her silky white dress, January 24, 2012.       Photo by Ryan Dunfee.

      Tuesday saw the opening of the initial section of the upper mountain, including the Siberia Express, which provided the first steep turns of the season down Siberia Bowl all the way looker’s left to the terrain under the Headwall Express.  Needless to say, being the first day with any exciting terrain, Squaw’s legendary gnarbarians were out in force.  New lifties learned their actions have serious social implications.  After one two many triples were allowed on the Siberia quad, a frustrated skier reportedly removed a liftline stake and snaked his way to the front of the line to fill out a chair, prompting another skier farther back in the line to call him out with an obscenity-riddled line that would nearly bring the pair to fisticuffs.  With KT-22 still not flush enough with snow to open and Tahoe’s full-face helmet population chomping at the bit to shred the limited amount of steeps, it should have been no surprise. 

      Pete Dunigan indulging in the rarest treat of the 2012 season (so far)
      Pete Dunigan indulges in the rarest treat of the 2012 season (so far). Photo by Ryan Dunfee.

      However, the few who chose to spend the morning on the overlooked Exhibition quad were rewarded with lap after lap through the untracked meadow below the Fingers and the steep trees on the other side of the ridge.  High-fives, deep howls, and self-congratulations were passed around like good liquor as small drops, straightlines, and that athletic feat so rarely witnessed this season, the pow slash, were heartily indulged in.  If you weren’t smiling at the bottom, you must have been an asshole.

      The famed KT-22, still yet to open, in the fading afternoon light.
      The famed KT-22, still yet to open, in the fading afternoon light. Since the writing of this story, KT-22 has opened, prompting a raucous applause from the Chamois. Photo by Ryan Dunfee.

      With temps expected to rise into the 40’s and 50’s in the immediate future, it seems that Lake Tahoe’s first powder frenzy of 2012 may be a short one.  However, with 60 generous inches now blanketing the upper mountain and turning what was once a sad, brown pile of rocks into the handsome world-famous resort everyone’s been dreaming about, conditions should be good enough to keep the local population from going insane until February, when a more favorable blocking pattern is thought to re-appear and bless the region with another series of dark, snowy nights.  Here’s to being able to release the steam again soon…

      Anna Patterson, two turns away from the first high-five of the 2012 season
      Anna Patterson, two turns away from her first high-five of the 2012 season. Photo by Ryan Dunfee.

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  • News: Moonlight Basin To Host News: Moonlight Basin To Host Subaru Freeskiing World Tour Qualifier Jan. 26-29

    • From: media-75233
    • Description:

      Freeskiing World Tour Logo

      Salt Lake City, Utah – Moonlight Basin is finalized as host of the sole qualifier stop on the 2011-2012 Subaru Freeskiing World Tour. This event is an important component to the tour because it gives unknown athletes a chance to pre-qualify for the rest of the 2012 stops. A small group of athletes will be pre-qualified into the event based on last year’s tour standings, and the rest of the spots will remain open to the public. Registration for the event is now open.

      “We are very excited to host a Subaru Freeskiing World Tour event, to be able to showcase the incredibly challenging inbounds terrain that we have here at Moonlight Basin,” said Greg Pack, General Manager of Moonlight Basin.

      Located in southwestern Montana, this Rocky Mountain resort has the steep terrain and consistent snowfall to make for excellent venue for upcoming skiers to earn their spot on the tour. Moonlight Basin averages over 400 inches of snowfall a year, boasts 2,720 feet of lift serviced vertical terrain and steep chutes and gullies on the north face of Lone Mountain known as “The Headwaters.”

      “After scouring the western United States resorts, we found many good options to host a qualifier, but we choose Moonlight Basin over the rest based on their unique terrain and resort culture that embraces freeskiing. It's going to be great to move the qualifier to Montana, and can’t wait to see some of the local talent that has been hiding up there,” said Event Director Bryan Barlow.

      The caliber of skiing at qualifying events is always extremely high as athletes vie for these coveted spots on the Freeskiing World Tour. After Moonlight Basin, and the first North American stop at Revelstoke, the tour heads to the steeps of Crested Butte, Kirkwood and Snowbird. An overall Subaru Freeskiing World Tour Champion will be crowned at the Subaru Freeskiing World Tour Championships at Snowbird.

      US Extreme Freeskiing Championships, Crested Butte, CO, February 8-12, 2012

      North American Freeskiing Championships, Kirkwood, CA, February 22-27, 2012

      Subaru Freeskiing World Championships, Snowbird, UT, March 14-19, 2012

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  • Grand Targhee Resort Offers Fr Grand Targhee Resort Offers Free Skiing To All North America's Season Passholders

    • From: media-75233
    • Description:

      Grand Targhee
      Alta, Wyoming — Grand Targhee Resort, located in Teton Valley, Wyoming, on the back-side of Jackson Hole, has been blessed with more than eleven and a half feet of snowfall to date. These 142 inches of early-season snowfall has given the resort a 47 inch powder and packed powder base with more snow in the forecast.  Given that La Niña and this winter have not been as generous with some other regions, Targhee is offering a “ski free” program to skiers who have bought season passes to any U.S. or Canadian Ski resort for this 2012 season.   The offer is good for any skier who books three nights or more lodging through Grand Targhee’s website or central reservations.

      “We respect how precious skiing and riding is to the die-hard winter enthusiasts who commit to season pass purchases,” said Ken Rider, director of marketing & sales for Grand Targhee Resort.  “Weather is fickle and we realize that every resort is but one big dump away from the record conditions we all enjoyed last season.  For now, we have gotten loads of snow and we want to reach out and use this early season to introduce skiers who love powder to the 2,602 acres available at the ‘Ghee.  All three mountains, Fred’s, Peaked and Mary’s are open with 100 percent of our terrain.  We think it’s a good time to plan a ‘break away’ to Grand Targhee for a long weekend or full week of skiing.”

      The offer is good for any season passholder from any U.S. or Canadian resort that holds a valid 2012 season pass.  The offer is good for free skiing for one day for each night the skier books in Grand Targhee’s properties.  Some 150 properties are available for booking and guests utilizing this offer must stay a minimum of three nights.  Offer is good while lodging availability lasts.  Lodging rates range from $98 per night to $599 per night.  Currently, adult daily lift tickets are $69.
       
      “We are all skiers and riders,” Rider said.  “Obviously we want every resort in the world to be blessed with ample snow.  As long as Targhee is blessed this year, we want to share it with everyone who can make it up here.  The conditions are incredible and offer a variety for all levels of skiers and riders—from powder, steeps and cliffs to nice long groomers.”
       
      Grand Targhee is accessible by numerous direct flights into both Idaho Falls, ID (one hour drive), and Jackson Hole, WY (one hour drive.)  From Salt Lake City, the drive is less than five hours and from Denver, less than nine hours.
       
      To book your reservation or for more information simply call toll-free 1-800-TARGHEE (827-4433) or visit us online at www.GrandTarghee.com
       
      Please mention that you are a current and valid season passholder at any US or Canadian Ski Resort at the time of booking. Upon arrival at Grand Targhee, each season passholder included in reservation will be required to show their valid 2011/12 season pass at check-in to receive complimentary ski tickets (one lift ticket, per passholder for each night of lodging). The offer is not valid with any other offers or promotions, and is based on availability and may be discontinued at any time. Valid for new reservations only.
       
      Please check out Grand Targhee’s programs and snow conditions at www.GrandTarghee.com

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  • News: Spark R&D Revamps BLAZE News: Spark R&D Revamps BLAZE Splitboard Binding

    • From: media-75233
    • Description:

      The splitboard binding company Spark R&D has partnered with Burton Snowboards for the manufacturing of its straps, thermo plastics and buckles. With this partnership, the Bozeman, Mont.-based company re-introduces its BLAZE binding for the 2011-12 snowboarding season. View the binding and read the press release to find out about sizes, prices and weights. For more, visit the Spark R&D website. 

      Spark R&D is stepping it up again this season; seeking perfection based on customer needs and keeping pace with the rapidly expanding splitboarding community. The BLAZE returns again this season with upgraded components and splitboard-specific features for even better performance in the backcountry.

      “We’ve always been able to respond quickly to customer feedback in our product designs year after year,” says Will Ritter, Spark R&D owner and chief engineer, “and this year is no different. The biggest challenge for us has always been outfitting our baseplates with excellent straps, highbacks, and components worthy of backcountry missions. We’ve tried a couple of different things the last few years that worked well ... but for the next level of quality and performance we just had to wait for all of the planets to align.”

      The planets have aligned. Spark R&D is proud to announce that they are working with Burton Snowboards for the manufacturing of their straps, thermo plastics, and buckles.

      Again, here’s Will: “We get to design our parts exactly how we want them [specific for backcountry touring and riding] while having access to Burton’s time-tested fabrics, materials and techniques for production. We’re psyched because their reputation for quality binding components is unsurpassed in the industry. That’s what we’ve been aiming for – and we’re stoked.”

      Here is what you can expect to see from the Blaze this season:

      Ankle Straps: Minimalist straps for lightweight skinning, webbing edging for durability, tunnel to keep ankle telescope out of the way while touring, and a size-specific 3D skeleton to conform to your boot. Stitched through middle window allows for easy ankle flex for maximum maneuverability.

      Toe Straps: Also size-specific and lightweight with matching webbing edging. Convertible toe cap strap for comfortably keeping your toe on lock down.

      Buckles: This ratchet system is the perfect balance of minimalism and durability. Crank ‘em down – this buckle gets you super tight and releases easily. Low profile design is perfect for touring.

      Thermo Plastics: Spark R&D designed their own molds this season for toe and ankle ladders and telescopes to maintain compatibility with their baseplates while working seamlessly with the new straps and buckles. Plastics are molded to be pre-curved to hug the strap and remain snag-free while touring or riding. This in combination with Burton’s secret recipe for extremely durable components will keep you confident out in the backcountry.

      Baseplate Design: Fine-tuned for all around ease of use as well as long-term durability. A few highlights: the pivot area for touring has been beefed up, medium and large sizing is more specific, puck interface is designed to slide better onto both factory and DIY pucks and require less adjustment, and improved toe strap attachment area.

      Highbacks: Same great custom highback design as last season, innovating the widest range of lean on the market (25° forward lean, to -5° for touring – an industry first). Increased glass fiber content strikes the perfect balance between response and maneuverability. Vertical built-in slots fit perfectly with the Spark R&D Strappy Strap, for steeps and off-camber climbing, and an extra large grab hole for billy goating security.

      Bushings: Spark introduces custom made bronze bushings for exceptional durability with an inside flange that eliminates wear from the touring bracket.

      Blaze Binding Specifications:

      Sizes: S, M, L Colors: Black, Teal, Gunmetal Standard Price: $299 – comes with the standard stainless steel pin for Voile touring brackets LT Price: $350 –comes with the LT Pin System’s aluminum pin and bracket. Standard Weight: 3.61 lbs/pr [1640 g] (medium) LT Weight: 3.47 lbs/pr [1576 g] (medium)

      Available worldwide at Spark R&D retailers beginning in mid-September.

      For additional information, please visit us online at www.sparkrandd.com. The website will be updated for 2011/2012 products in late August.

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  • News: Squaw Valley Announces D News: Squaw Valley Announces Details Of $50 Million Capital Improvements

    • From: media-75233
    • Description:

      California's Squaw Valley is investing $50 million into the resort over the next five years and the details of the investment are starting to emerge. Some of the initial improvements include upgrading their lift infrastructure and naming their trails for the first time ever. Check out some of the details below and click through to the press release for everything they're doing. In the comments below, tell us what you think would make good trail names. 

      From Squaw's Press Release:

      While known for our legendary terrain, Squaw Valley is embarking on a renaissance. We've listened to you, our guests, to figure out what we can do to make Squaw Valley USA the place you want to be. We've discovered some interesting things and we are excited to share with you the changes we are making based on what you've told us.

      Last December we announced that we would spend $50 million on capital improvements and we know many of you are curious about how we are going to spend that money. We are excited to share with you these preliminary details for the first year of our capital campaign, which we are calling Squaw's Renaissance...

      ...As part of the five year capital improvement plan, Squaw Valley will be installing two new high-speed detachable lifts—one lift replacing Granite Chief servicing intermediate and advanced terrain, and the other lift replacing the High Camp chairlift. The existing High Camp chairlift will be refurbished and reinstalled in a new location with improved alignment. These new lifts, slated to open for the 2012-13 winter season, will have an uphill capacity of 7,200 skiers per hour, allowing skiers and riders to spend less time on the lifts and more time on the mountain...

      ...The lift upgrades and expanded intermediate groomed runs are designed to maximize the resort’s terrain by ability level. The newly aligned Links and High Camp express chairlifts have been engineered to accommodate the natural fall lines of the High Camp area slopes, allowing beginner and intermediate skiers to easily enjoy all of the terrain that the area has to offer. The improvements will make the area ideal for teaching beginner lessons, allowing new skiers and riders to easily make their first turns of many overlooking beautiful views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada. 

      The resort’s new express Granite Chief chairlift will similarly enable intermediate-advanced and advanced skiers and riders to spend less time on the lift and more time floating through the trees, steeps and natural terrain features that make this area some of the most beloved on the mountain....

      Click Here To Read The Full Press Release

      A glimpse at one of the many insane days at Squaw last season:

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    • 2 years ago
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