This winter season has been GOING OFF in Utah! Salt Lake City, Park City, and the Wasatch range have been getting slammed with storm after storm after storm. We’ve been spending a TON of time up in Big Cottonwood Canyon enjoying the greatest snow on Earth. And I’m not gonna lie, it’s been a panty droppin’ good time! With nipple deep snow more days that I can count, the last 20 days have been some of the best of my life.

Casey Sowul at Solitude Mountain Resort | PC: Tori Sowul

Tori Sowul at Solitude Mountain Resort | PC: Casey Sowul

Kevin Smith at Solitude Mountain Resort | PC: Casey Sowul

Casey Sowul at Solitude Mountain Resort | PC: Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith at Solitude Mountain Resort | PC: Casey Sowul

Solitude Mountain Resort | PC: Casey Sowul

Tori Sowul at Solitude Mountain Resort | PC: Casey Sowul

Tori Sowul at Solitude Mountain Resort | PC: Casey Sowul

Steph Osborn, Tori Sowul, Casey Sowul at Solitude Mountain Resort | PC: John Alberts

Solitude Mountain Resort | PC: Kevin Smith

The last 5 years have been a waiting game full of yearning for fresh snow. We’ve been dealing with the deep pangs in our gut twitching each time we look outside and see another damn blue bird day, another high pressure ridge, wondering yet again… “WHERE THE HELL IS WINTER?!”. But that’s all in the past now. This year the vibes are high, baby, the VIBES ARE HIGH!

Dave riding on the Lightning Ridge cat at Powder Mountain on his way up for another lap.

Despite losing his way during his 20s, Dave Rosen never lost his love for skiing. Sober and motivated, Dave is determined to make up for lost time.

Dave reached out to me a couple years ago, and we agreed to meet at Powder Mountain, Utah one day to see if we had the chemistry to make a good working team.  I was blown away by Dave’s abilities as a skier, especially his eagerness to hit big jumps off piste, but even more so I was impressed by his professionalism and desire for perfection. That first day of skiing together went so well that we’re been working together regularly to create photo and video media.

Over time Dave told me how his addiction to alcohol had taken over his life, but how he’d been sober for several years after finding his way through Alcoholics Anonymous.  I thought he had a story worth sharing, but I didn’t want to simply shoot a “talking head” documentary.  I approached him with the idea of this video with a voiceover, no obvious interview, and the video stylistically being divided into two parts.

Dave Rosen at Powder Mountain

Dave embraced the concept and over several days we were able to get a lot of great shots in the park and off piste at Powder Mountain.  I don’t normally shoot in the park, so it was a fun challenge doing multiple laps shooting various angles in slow motion and with the camera stabilizer in an effort to best show Dave doing his thing.

We’re looking forward to this season, and we already have plans to shoot throughout Northern Utah.

Chris enjoying Park City Main Street during the summer.

Chris Morgan is a videographer based out of Ogden, Utah.  You can view more of his work at www.twosherpas.com and on his Instagram feed @chris_twosherpas

It was a late spring day, not a single Jerry in the way.
We went to Stevens Pass, with Kevin Curran who’s full of sass.
Scott Skis on the feet, looking mighty neat.

For perspective we are only at about 95% of average for snowfall so far this season.  These powder shots are just “average” or even slightly “below average” for Utah.   I’n the past month I’ve  done lots of resort riding, splitboarding and even some pow surfing.  I have been so lucky to ride so much with my family and friends.  It’s nice for a  41 year old weekend warrior like me to have the storms line up with my holiday vacations.  Let’s just say I took advantage of my time off!

RESORT RIDING

They call this zone “Hokkaido” at Brighton. Obviously named after pow zones of Japan.

My teenage son throwing up pow plumes at Snowbird.

Snowbird can be frustrating with closures, crowds, angry tourists and locals, but sometimes you will have the run of your life that keeps you going back!

My wife rips Snowbird! Give it up to the mom shredders out there!

Avalanche danger had many frustrating closures at Snowbird and I wasn’t about to venture out in the backcountry either.

The catwalks made for some fun jumps at Snowbird!

Snowbird

Brighton

Brighton

POW SURFING, NO BINDINGS

About to drop without bindings.  Yes my heart is pounding.  You really have to think about your line.  It is not like you can come to an instant stop like you can on your snowboard.  You really have to surf the mountain, think ahead even more than usual.  It is super addicting.

You can see my line in the center.  Not to brag but I think it is so much more fluid than the ski and snowboard tracks to my skiers left and right.

Deep powder turns on a board without bindings might be the ultimate high in powder snowboarding and skiing.

Self portrait

SPLITBOARDING

Always grateful to get a shot of me.  I invested in an airbag this season.  Float 22 BCA.  Good day pack, but pack light.  the Float 32 might be better for those that like to pack a bit more than the essentials.

Despite low snow conditions around the Western US, I had a great season traveling to 2- and 4-star Freeride World Qualifier events, freeskiing at my home resorts of Alta and Crested Butte and touring in the Wasatch, Uintas and Crested Butte backcountry!

Flylow Gear, Ramp, Flyin Ryan, Soul Poles, Pit Viper

Last winter, I had the opportunity to visit Japan for my first time. I spent a few days in Tokyo on a modeling job and exploring the streets on inline skates before cruising to the “Japanese Alps” of Hakuba to experience the famous JaPow.

This edit shows some of the deepest and best powder skiing of my life. I hope you enjoy.

I’ll be honest, this is far from the best winter I have had in the Wasatch.  Saying that, I still rather have a bad year in Utah than an epic winter in most places.  So what have I been doing with myself this winter? Lots of resort riding, lots of splitboarding and even some more surfing.  I am feeling lucky to still score pow and waves this winter.  Stay stoked!

The views from Snowbird Tram.

Dave Suhre enjoying the pow! Even in a bad winter we still get waist deep days!

Dave Suhre sends a cliff on Baldy at Snowbird.

Dave Suhre enjoys the fresh at Snowbird. 

Devon King sends a method at Snowbird. 

Jesse Coss playing in the powder at Snowbird.

Jon Schofield rips some pow on his splitboard in Silver Fork.

Jon Schofield slashing in the sun on his splitboard in Silver Fork.

Jon Schofield rips some pow in LCC on his splitboard.

This is me ripping powder at Snowbird!

Me again, not too bad for a 40 year old! Snowboarding keeps you young!

My wife Melanie enjoys the fresh snow at Snowbird. I love that smile. Go team mom!

Full moon splitboard tour up at Brighton.

Tony Madrid keeps an eye on the moose on a recent splitboard tour out of the Canyons.

Pete Wurster, owner of Unity Snowboards, enjoys a splitboard tour out of the Canyons.

My son finally is big enough to have a splitboard. Here he is on his way to the top of Patsy Marley via Grizzly Gulch.

My son Sam stands on top of Patsy Marley.

Just because it was his first tour on a splitboard, doesn’t mean he is a stranger to powder!

Sam quickly learns the benefits of splitboarding!

Jon and Quin head up for another lap in Silver Fork.

Yeah when it snows in Utah, it usually dumps!

February wasn’t all powder for me. I actually surfed as many days in California as I got on my board in Utah for the month!

Warm temps and offshore winds, what more could you ask for!

Take me back!!!!

After a spring-like February, we finally got that big storm we’ve all been craving! Here’s a few photos of me, and a quick edit filmed on the GoPro of me and my buddies getting some well deserved pow!!!

I’m in a dream, one that I don’t want to wake up out of. The ‘flow’ of life has taken us to yet another mystical and snowy village, Kiroro.

Headed out of Kutchan, on our way to Kiroro. Photo: Kade Krichko

Day in the life. Photo: Kade Krichko

We have been fortunate enough to connect with Liam, Kiroro’s athlete manager who has guided us around the mountain, pointing out  local stashes.  Our accommodation is at the Grand Piano Hotel where there is a buffet and a karaoke bar, in which we have all taken turns busting out our best and worse hits.

Kiroro is deep. I have been battling with smiling and not choking on infinite amounts of snow here. The pitches are steep enough to soar through the bottomless and are sprinkled with exotic Japanese trees. The trees are painted white and glow miraculously, even through white outs. After skiing our first day at Kiroro Resort, we indulged in a nice meal, several bottles of wine and met up with K2 female athletes and friends to have a wild karaoke bar night.

Eric Sales getting pitted. Photo: Kade Krichko

Harrison-san getting inverted off a nice pillow. Photo: Eric Dyer

Have you ever experienced an emotion that doesn’t quite fit into any vocabulary description or that you never knew existed? A feeling that transcends through your body, mind, and surroundings, connecting all three at once. A feeling that lifts your energy to a higher vibration, releases the ego and leaves only one thought to harbor… thank you. For many, this feeling has come with accomplishing a grueling hike, looking into a lover’s eyes, or catching endless waves surfing. For me, this feeling recently came into fruition with a hundred thousand snowflakes falling on my face as I looked at my ‘line’ illuminated by a pink sky.

As we side stepped up a ridge at Kiroro, my heart beat increased and body shook with excitement. This feeling was ignited by the stunning views which were enhanced by every turn down a perfect face of untouched snow. Each turn was a mixture of laughs, gasps, and screams of ‘REALLY?!’. When I got to the bottom of the mountain and the daylight was fading, I had become addicted to this feeling. I was fully immersed in it’s peacefulness and I had to keep going. I knew when I looked at the rest of my crew, they were experiencing the same feeling. We returned to our rooms to get ready for a night tour on a slope located behind our hotel.  This zone was perfectly lit by the village’s light pollution.  We skinned up, with our headlamps turned off, no music, just listening to the quietness. It took us 90 minutes to get to the top, where the crew and I looked out over the untracked and just sat, stared, and exchanged looks that summed up our journey.

Skiing down in the dark, barreling through trenches in lit up snow, with not a sound other then the swishing of your skis, was the peak of that feeling. When we got to the bottom, we clicked out of skis and boards, and hugged one another before belting out our cries of joy! The experience was so surreal that we woke up at 4:30 am to do it again.  This time with the morning light shimmering onto the white pallet.  After 14 hours of skiing in the same day, it was ready to pack up our gear and head to Sapporo for our return flight. On our way back we stopped in Otaru for a great meal and a stroll along the coast. I have never been in a coastal town with 6 foot snowbanks along the roads, it was a trip!

Night tour behind the hotel overlooking Kiroro Resort’s lights. Photo: Kade Krichko

The Kiri Krew

Kade and Der kicking around on the beach. Photo: Eric Sales

When we arrived to Sapporo, our tired bodies were able to make one last push to local bars and last trips to 7/11s. In the morning, we were ready to travel back in time to the Wasatch where our friends and family would NOT want to hear about all the pow ;). Goodbye Japan, you have truly changed my mind, heart and way of life.

The last of our memories – literally – in underground train station in Sapporo. Photo: Disposable Camera

READ MORE:

• THE JAPANUARY CHRONICLES – PART 1: 5 BROS AND A TOE
• JAPANUARY CHRONICLES – PART 2: GETTING PITTED IN NISEKO
• JAPANUARY CHRONICLES – PART 3: IS THIS REAL LIFE?

About 8 years ago a friend of mine lent me a ski DVD he had just bought in the summer. I had just moved from Hong Kong to England and even though I had been skiing for 14 years I didn’t know that ski DVD’s existed! The name of the movie was “The Tangerine Dream” and was the catalyst for my ski movie addiction and travelling the world in search of an adventure.

Among the many mind boggling segments, the one that stood out to me the most was when Micah Black, Dash Longe and co visited Gulmarg, India. The place looked wild, the people looked friendly and on top of all that, the snow looked out of this world! And this February, 8 years later, my brother, a group of friends and myself were on a plane and heading to this dream destination.

This video is a close a reflection to my trip as I could make. Gulmarg wasn’t having the best snow year, in fact the 10 days I was there were the first skiable days of the season so we got super lucky. Despite this, the trip was all time and you can read the full write-up of the trip here: robin-lee.squarespace.com/blog/gulmarg/17/2/2015

Hope you all enjoy!

Website: robinleevisuals.com
Facebook: facebook.com/robinleevisuals
Instagram: instagram.com/robintlee

Sometime in January: It continues to snow, and I continue to change. Being fully immersed in blower pow is where I want to be all day every day, and Japan is turning it into a reality. There is an absence of thought and a taste of bliss when one is gliding through bottomless pow, it truly nourishes the soul. The Kiri Krew has gotten a taste of several of the local resorts including Grand Hirafu, Annapori and Rusustu, all being awesome in their unique way.

The best turns of this trip, however, has been at a smaller and more low key resort called Moiwa. The pow fields at Moiwa were closed for four days due to chairlift maintenance, and we made sure we were at the opening gate when it was ready to open. At first I was nervous, because the lift line was starting to resemble the tram line at the Bird, we were surrounded with pow-hungry locals and stoked-overloaded tourists from all around the world. But worry not, we  somehow skied untracked for the first ten runs and then still found stashes until last bell.

Pitted! PC: My GoPro

When you are skiing in Japan, there is no time for lunch, bathroom breaks or any kind of stopping for that matter. You have legs cramps? Ski through it. Your stomach is eating itself? Ski through it. Goggles fog? Welp, your skiing blind anyway, so who needs good vis. It isn’t until you are in the parking lot loading your gear into the van when you realize your limbs have become ramen.  But it’s OK for your joints to want to burst, that is what the Onsens are for.

After skiing, we have been revitalizing in the Onsens at Goshiki, a very small village (more of a zone) with an abundance of terrain to tour. Onsens are hot pools that are naturally heated from the volcanic surroundings. Men and women are segregated and can only enter naked. The Japanese believe entering naked is a way to break societal barriers, however you have to enter clean as a fermented bean and wash yourself in the bathing areas provided. I have been fortunate enough to have these gems to myself, it’s where I reflect and pay homage to Japan’s mountains. I’m truly thankful to be here.

Sun peaking through the clouds at Annupuri. Photo: Kade Krichko

The Kiri Krew in Japan posing with some primo custom Dirtybird boards.

The Kiri Krew has a new addition to the team, a free-spirit from Nova Scotia that is residing at the Hirafu Train Station. Matt, also known as Lordly, met us while making breakfast in the common kitchen while laughing over GoPro footage from the night before. After accessing to see we weren’t totally out of our minds, he decided to tag-a-long on some of our adventures to find the deep! Lordly brought a lot of stoke to the trip with his photos from Nelson, BC and a serious passion for snowboarding. His warm presence reminds me why I love to travel so much, the people you meet are always as good as the places you go.

These resort’s in-bound terrain have exceeded our expectations of japow. However, we have also be fortunate enough to tour Goshiki, an area outside of Niseko, sprinkled with trees and untouched powder snow. Just lapping under the tree line, we ascended and descended until the sky grew dark and our legs were ready for the Onsen. It is usually this time of evening where I  spend a good portion of the night dedicated to getting the massive dreads that have formed in my hair.

Touring behind Goshiki Onsen. Photo: Matt Lordly

Snoozin after a long day shredding and marinating in the Onsen. Photo: Matt Lordly -

When people have asked me “Who are you traveling with?” and I respond with “5 guys”, the consistent raise of eyebrows and unfiltered expressions have been quite funny.  If you know me, I’m quite use to being the ‘only’ girl.  Don’t get me wrong, I have an incredibly close knit group of girls I hang with that all shred as hard as they dance, but for some reason, I have always found myself able to really connect and bro-down with the dudes.  That said, I was still slightly nervous to go on the trip knowing I would be immersed in smelly farts, mildewy socks and non-stop ‘your mom’ jokes.  I have to say, I have loved every bit of it and I wouldn’t change the dynamic of it if I could.  These guys are the brothers I never had. They push me to hit cliffs, keep charging, and take that next whisky shot.  My abs hurt from laughing so hard at their ridiculous banter and my heart melts when they offer to carry my heavy luggage.  The Kiri Krew is not gender specific, all it requires is being stoked (albeit not ODing on stoke), and loving every minute of the pow-filled life we are experiencing.

Eric Dyer and Harrison spreading toke in Sapporo. Photo: Kade Krichko

Eric Sales in front of the camera instead of behind it for once. Photo: Kade Krichko

Found an awesome ‘quilt’ map of Niseko while enjoying drinks trying to figure out where the hell we are! Photo: Kade Krichko

Gearing up to go tour Goshiki. Photo: Kade Krichko

Triple espresso, choco-taco, and some anime porn – why not? Photo: Kade Krichko

The ‘Japanangeletti’ getting after it, pillows for days! Photo: Eric Sales

READ MORE:

• THE JAPANUARY CHRONICLES – PART 1: 5 BROS AND A TOE
• JAPANUARY CHRONICLES – PART 2: GETTING PITTED IN NISEKO

Jan. 3rd: I left a few days ago to embark on a spontaneous journey to Japan to experience the deepest powder on Earth, at least that’s what I have been hearing about my whole life. I am here now. It has been an incredible week so far, and the landscape and energy of this place have already moved my spirit.

Like all my travels, the trip started out with no place to stay, sleep, or eat and the rental car shop was closed upon our arrival to Sapporo Airport. Searching through my backpack to see what would work for a pillow and a nice spot on the airport floor, we just so happened to stumble upon a 24 hour Onsen – a spa type atmosphere with hot pools for ultimate relaxation, which in this case, also happened to accommodate travelers IN the airport. Was this real life? Our tired, sore bodies were presented with robes at the door, slippers, ramen and a room full of recline-able chairs to sleep. We awoke rejuvenated and strolled around the Sapporo airport which resembled a course from Mario Cart, lots of flashing lights and animated features. After exploring, we hopped into the rented van, crammed six ski bags, 6 duffle bags, camera equipment and our bodies into limited space and headed off to Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan.

Sapporo Airport, Photo: Kade Krichko

Driving to Niseko, I felt as if I was a five year old driving to Disney Land for my first time. My heart was pounding heavily and my eyes were bulging out of their sockets. There were massive snowbanks, fluffy pillows on every house and building, glowing arrows to keep the driver aware of where he was going, and a plethora of ski-able terrain with every turn of the head. We all took turns pointing, drooling and yelling, “that line looks DOOOOOPE!”.

Hirafu Train Station, Photo: Kade Krichko

When we finally arrived in the village of Niseko, we hastily put on our ski gear and hit the slopes for some evening riding. No time for warm up runs! We hit the trees where we remained until it was too dark out. It was the first time I had my Mini-Gun skis from DirtyBird Skis in the deep and oh man did they charge. With a 109mm footprint and set for touring  – they were my only pair of skis I had brought on the trip which were more than perfect for all conditions.

With a taste of Japan’s finest snow, our giddy selves enjoyed a nice ramen dinner and started to experiment with the different libations that Japan had to offer… we are after all thirsty pow stuffed ski bums.

Our tiny abode next to our van in lots, and lots of snow! Photo: Kade Krichko

Some few days later: We are staying in a cabin next to the Hirafu train station, a quaint spot outside of the Niseko village. The Kiri Krew (Kiri is Japanese for MYST, the name associated with our crew) and I have been extremely grateful for this small, yet cozy spot. It is outside of Niseko’s proper village, which is refreshing because it allows us to escape the alarming amount of tourists and party animals. The curator of the property is a man named Yoshi, who has spent 10 plus years managing the small cabins surrounding the train station, which he operates as a hostel and notably built himself. The 6 members of the Kiri Krew make our own parties. Just give us a couple bottles of sake and the upstairs of our small abode turns to the Sake Lounge.

Waking up in Japan is better than waking up on Christmas morning, better than waking up to breakfast in bed, and damn if I say it, even better than waking up next to Brad Pitt. When your eyes open and you look out the window, you see nothing but a white mist, snowflakes elegantly falling and stacking on top of one another, forming huge mushroom-tops on every single object . Your hangover, from too much Sake and Sochu, instantly vanishes, because you know you are about to have the best day of skiing of your life. Again. and again. And again.

Japanese bakery – something to hold us over until after pow sesh. Photo: Kade Krichko

Outside of Niseko is a resort called Rusutsu. While here at first, you may experience feelings of nostalgia, because of the giant roller coasters next to the chairlifts. Other times, you feel like you have entered the twilight zone. Rolling into the lodge, your typical hot coco machines and chili galore are completely MIA. Instead, there is a giant talking tree, carousel, and Japanese arcade games with beer vending machines and churros for sale.

Rusustu Lodge, another day in the life. Photo: Kade Krichko

Deep As F**k. Photo: Eric Sales

Eric Dyer sending it into the fluffy goodness. Photo: Eric Sales

Once on the mountain, you let go of this bizarre reality and enter Japan’s infamous white room. During my first turn, I sunk 6 feet into Japan’s heavenly depths and immediately popped up to only be finding myself diving into another six feet of fresh pow. At one point, I had to ask myself, do I know how to ski snow THIIIIS DEEP… and instantly found out that 1.) YES I DO, and 2.) it’s the shit. Rusutsu may not offer the steepest of terrain, but the thought doesn’t even cross your mind when you are skiing untracked all day. There are plenty of pillows to smash, trees to jump through, and rocks to huck your meat off of. The trees are perfectly spaced and capture the vibrant and mystical energy Japan is known for. Our time at Rusutsu has been astounding, yet comical. Leaving Rusutsu, one has to stop at many of the 7-Eleven. Yes, 7-Eleven, the convenience store. Not your typical après scene, but when ‘sevs’ are serving Strong Zeros, seaweed triangles, mini pancakes and hot meat buns, it’s undeniably satisfying.

Packing up after an awesome day at Rusutsu. Photo: Kade Krichko

7/11 never disappoints. Photo: Kade Krichko

See ya! Photo: Kade Krichko

READ MORE:

• THE JAPANUARY CHRONICLES – PART 1: 5 BROS AND A TOE
• JAPANUARY CHRONICLES – PART 3: IS THIS REAL LIFE?

With most of the western mountains measuring in with below average snow totals, here’s a video from February 2013/14 showcasing what Park City’s complimentary bus is capable of accessing. Hopefully March will pull through for bottomless powder turns. Keep those snow dances up.

After two weeks of dry weather and fast groomers, the snow has returned to the Wasatch, Monday, as I was working up at the Bird, I watched the snow accumulate up to 4 inches per hour at times!! It’s the fastest Ive ever seen it!! And then for Tuesday, the video will explain that. Enjoy!

A trip to Northern Wyoming taught me to me fly. Check out the edit here!

Thanks to
North Kiteboarding
3B Extreme
Discrete
Gnarly Nutrition
Dakine
Smith
Spreadstoke
Sandmarc
Exult kitewaer
Goal Zero

Three major storms in 2 weeks brought about “Powder Panic” in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains.  The first storm was so serious that half of Snowbird Resort remained closed for 3 days!

The next storm would roll in a couple days later.

After the storm cleared it was time to enjoy the fresh snow and sun on the splitboards.

Another storm was right on the heels!  The resorts in both of Utah’s Cottonwood Canyons were firing for days!

With Snowbird getting tracked out, it was time to go back out on the splitboards.  All of the terrain shown in this post of us splitboarding is threatened by One Wasatch and the Alta expansion.  Not only will this terrain be lost to backcountry use, but snowboarding will be banned with Alta’s expansion.  Sad day when more of the Wasatch will be shut down to snowboarding!

A last minute email from fellow big mountain telemarker Bevan Waite boded well for great holiday week ski sessions… and that was before the Wasatch was pounded by storm after storm! Check out some highlights in this quick edit put together by Bevan.

Nothing like waking up to find out it’s snowing outside when the forecast you read the night before says “20% chance of little or no snow accumulation”. Then heading up the canyon to find out it’s nuking super dry Utah blower and then getting these photos… Enjoy

Had an epic Christmas slaying pow at Canyons in Park City, Utah!! Check it out …

A few friends and I headed up to Beaver Mountain in northern Utah, not quite sure what to expect. We ended up having an amazing day shredding pow with great friends. Please watch and share!!!