January 4, 2011

will work for turns...



There's something about working for my turns that makes skiing down more enjoyable.
It's not about just skiing down though. I'm sure anyone that has done it will attest it's darn hard work to hike, on skis, up to the top of a mountain in deep snow. Once my friend and I hiked 8 hours to the top of the Oquirrh range west of SLC. We stood on top for a few minutes then skied about 20 minutes down. That wasn't one of the more enjoyable days I've ever spent in the mountains, but I'm glad I did it, and it was better than standing in lift lines.
I started telemark skiing several years ago because the crowds and competition for the fresh lines started to drive me crazy. Skiing telemark was more of a challenge, and it was also a more soulful way to be in tune with nature. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that at least a little bit of the reason was because telemark is definitely cool. It's also a bitch to learn, and a serious commitment must be made to get through the "school of hard knocks". It's funny to hear people say they'll "give it a try". It's something you either commit to, or not.
Here are a few pictures of some of my trips to the winter backcountry. 

Ogden Wasatch:













Salt Lake Wasatch:







Dutch Hollow:






Oquirrh Range:




  
North Ogden Divide:





Lefty's:






Cutler Ridge:



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