Super fun day with my son up at Snowbird. Season is finally off to a proper start!

First day at Snowbird 2014, with lots of pictures of Little Cottonwood Canyon snow

Alta is open at last!  (Except for today since they were keeping us safe, thank you Ski Patrol!)

Wendy and I have started an annual jendyski breakfast in the lift line on opening day.  This year is the second annual pancake breakfast, complete with celebratory champagne.

The spread!

PANCAKES!!

The awesome ladies I skied with on opening day (plus one photobomber).

Here’s to a great season!

Mt.Superior

Some photos and video of my 1st trip to the “beast” with friends Alex Gavic, Phil Parrish and Abe Dintaman

This was my “recon” photo. I like to get an idea of the line I want to ride, then take a photo of it to use as a reference when I get near the top. In this case I was looking at multiple lines down the middle of the mountain near the top then making my way lookers right for an exit.

 Making our way up to the main ridge line while looking at Flagstaff Ridge.

Another “recon” shot. After making it to the ridge and traversing past Flagstaff, Mt. Superior came into view. I snapped this as I noticed a pocket of powder about 3/4 of the way up the west ridge. The conditions on this day are known as ‘sh!t-f&ck conditions’. AKA sun-baked and icey-chunder. It was the first time in a long time that the avy conditions were low danger. The thought of having an actual powder turn 2 weeks after the last storm was driving me wild.  As you can see we still had a long ways to go!

Abe chillin’ on the ridge. We’re gaining in elevation. Such a beautiful feeling!

Photo Credit: Phil Parrish

As the elevation got higher the risk became a bit greater. This is one of the toughest sections of the climb. A true no fall zone….

Nearing the top, Cardiac Bowl comes into view. This is definitely  a “recon” photo. I will be back for this!

Looking east from the top!

Standing at the top looking west at Monte Cristo and the SLC valley way back there in the sad smog.

Check out this quick video of what it’s like to hike a ridge 3,000FT off the base of the canyon.

The rest of the line wasn’t worth including in the video. ICE, chunder and more ICE. Great for experience. Not so great for video!

After 5 hours , 9 miles and 3,000 FT elevation change it feels great to be down.  I had an excellent time. I highly recommend the journey to anyone with the skills. Time to celebrate!!!

]]> http://spreadstoke.com/snow/mt-superior-utah-lcc-feb-2014/feed/ 1 http://spreadstoke.com/snow/grizzly-gulch-utah-slc-backyard/ http://spreadstoke.com/snow/grizzly-gulch-utah-slc-backyard/#comments Thu, 12 Dec 2013 17:14:17 +0000 http://spreadstoke.com/?p=949 Grizzly Gulch photos Every Season in Utah, I spend some time in SLC’s backyard known as Grizzly Gulch. It’s one of Utah’s easiest accessible back country zones. With famous views of Mt. Superior and spots like Chad’s Gap, it’s a must hit zone for anyone that enjoys the back country. Grizzly is best with friends! On our hike up into the gulch we practiced avalanche awareness. Grizzly has about every slope degree and aspect you can think of. It’s perfect to spend a day just studying conditions and brushing up on beacon techniques. The main gully is a dangerous place all season. Traveling in safe zones on your way up is key. This slide was manageable for experts, but deadly for anyone stuck in the bottom. It’s a big place! This is the west facing back wall. We planned on riding down the middle and the backside.  Using photos as reference when I get to the top helps. Some of the zone has been shaped by mining in the past, which creates a unique profile for powder-heads that like to catch some air! Grizzly Gulch is an adventure for all levels of riders. Be careful out there and always stress avalanche awareness. Bring the right equipment and a level head. Always travel in safe zones and be smart about your lines.  Having a good and responsible crew will get you home safe and sound with stories of adventure. Knowledge is power in the back country.]]>

Grizzly Gulch photos

Every Season in Utah, I spend some time in SLC’s backyard known as Grizzly Gulch. It’s one of Utah’s easiest accessible back country zones. With famous views of Mt. Superior and spots like Chad’s Gap, it’s a must hit zone for anyone that enjoys the back country.

Grizzly is best with friends!

On our hike up into the gulch we practiced avalanche awareness. Grizzly has about every slope degree and aspect you can think of. It’s perfect to spend a day just studying conditions and brushing up on beacon techniques.

The main gully is a dangerous place all season. Traveling in safe zones on your way up is key. This slide was manageable for experts, but deadly for anyone stuck in the bottom.

It’s a big place! This is the west facing back wall. We planned on riding down the middle and the backside.  Using photos as reference when I get to the top helps. Some of the zone has been shaped by mining in the past, which creates a unique profile for powder-heads that like to catch some air!

The Back side of Grizzly dropping into Solitude.

Dropping into Solitude/Brighton periphery.

Joshua Parker Ending the day with a slash.

Grizzly Gulch is an adventure for all levels of riders. Be careful out there and always stress avalanche awareness. Bring the right equipment and a level head. Always travel in safe zones and be smart about your lines.  Having a good and responsible crew will get you home safe and sound with stories of adventure. Knowledge is power in the back country.