The first installment of my personal webisode series, The White Room. It was a fun, but less than optimal winter in Tahoe this season. Episode 1 is a testament to the perseverance and positive attitude that can turn a bad winter into a good one. A big thanks to everyone that helped make this happen, especially my sponsors (Praxis Skis, Shred Ready Helmets, Janky Films). Enjoy!

This video was shot at Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Alta, Jackson Hole, Teton Pass, Donner Pass, and the North Tahoe backcountry.

When most people think of big ski competitions, they think of the X Games or perhaps the FreeRide World Tour.  But there is one that you probably have not seen or heard of which has an untouchable jump line. It involves lots of people, onesies, and tons of Franks.  When speaking of closing day at Alta, everyone knows about the notorious High Boy celebration which consists of a gapper-type day of skiing and a huge celebration on one of the peaks at the end of the day.

High Boy

Besides shredding the deep pow, this is usually one of the most fun days of the year! The locals have their own competition throughout the day, this year being The 4th 2nd Annual Frank Ski Competition.  Doesn’t sound like it makes sense, but that’s what makes it great.  Being sheltered almost to the top of Wildcat lift, many people may not even know this is going on. But with one ride up is impossible to miss the hundreds of people dressed up in onesies and every ski costume you could imagine.   This competition was the ultimate definition of people being stoked on another year of skiing and the perfect pregame to High Boy.  I don’t believe this will be taking place again until next year, but if you have never been to High Boy and you have one more chance it should not be missed.  Alta will be running it’s lifts one more time this weekend! So strap up those skis, get your costume, and get up there Sunday!

4th 2nd Annual Franks spectator crowd

I found this fellow stokebird the other day at Snowbird. After seeing several old time stokers like this guy over the years (let’s call him Bert), I finally realized how spoiled we are this day in age. Powder skis, phenomenal outerwear, goggles of optical delight, 21st century steez factor, high performance boots, just to name a few. Spoiled? Bert would probably laugh in my face. Has the snow changed in quality since he started skiing? Probably not.  Has the gear changed? Compare your skis to his and the easy answer is yes.

This guy may have seen or heard of Gore-tex, powder skis, 4 buckle boots, beanies, helmets (!), goggles, etc., but that hasn’t changed his mindset on style when hitting the slopes. Rear entry boots buckled up, neon yellow straight boards (I’d say at least 195cm+), old school onesie, sunglasses, and no beanie, this guy gets ready to load the tram with no fear nor shame. I wouldn’t put it past him, there’s probably a flask of peppermint Schnapps tucked into that onesie too.

How much money did you spend on your setup this year?  I can guarantee Bert’s was capped off around $300 way back when he purchased it from a local shop.  Mine retail value? Meh, roughly $1500 for boots, bindings, and skis (No, I did not pay full price ).

Nowadays we have options galore– techy or stylish, powder boards or all-mountain carvers, avalanche airbags… You get the point. Do you think we will ever convert Bert’s generation of stokebirds over to the new trends and gear? Could we convince him wearing goggles and a helmet is actually cool? Who knows? Only time will tell.

Merry Fackin Christmas ya’ll!! Stay safe and pray for MORE snow!

About the video:

Follow skiers Mitch Cahoon, Sam Cohen, Leo Ahrens, Hayden Price, Colter Hinchliffe, Thayne Rich, John Collinson and Taylor Lyman as they show you around their home mountain; Alta Ski Area. Watch and see why Little Cottonwood Canyon gets the reputation for having “the greatest snow on earth”.

Filmed & Edited by: Nate Cahoon
Additional Footage: Leo Ahrens, Zach Halverson

facebook.com/dubsatch
instagram: @dubsatch