Freeskier Magazine - November 2012

GO. SKI. NOW. THE 2013 RESORT GUIDE

WHERE TO GO AND HOW TO HAVE THE BEST TRIP EVER.

the EDUCATION of We catch up on the COMEBACK.

DADALI, AUCLAIR & YATER-WALLACE SKI TURKEY

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NOVEMBER 2012

SKIER: PARKER WHITE PHOTO: BRYN HUGHES_LEVEL 1 LOCATION: COAST MOUNTAINS, BC

BOBBY BROWN MAX HILL JIBARDY

NERVES ARE STRONGER THAN BONES SOMEWHERE BETWEEN EARTH AND SKY, THE MIND GOES BLANK AND TRUE INSTINCT TAKES OVER. AND IN OAKLEY SMART CLIMATE CONTROL,™ THERE ARE A FEARLESS FEW WHO WOULD JUST AS SOON FLY FOREVER.

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BEYOND REASON

CON TENTS SPIN 032

P.

ABOUT THE COVER P. 034 PROFILE ELIEL HINDERT P. 038 PROFILE ALEX BELLEMARE P. 040

HOW TO BUY BINDINGS P. 042 COMPETITION MOUNTAINEERING P. 044 HISTORY K2 P. 046

RESORT DIRECTORY P. 080

TALK 048

P.

P.

JIBARDY 102 WIRE 104

P.

FINAL THOUGHT 106

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EPICS P. 014 Jumps and turns.

Gaps and jibs.

Canada to Europe. Alaska to Colorado.

See the light.

TANNER HALL P. 050 Is freeskiing’s most controversial icon poised for his greatest comeback yet?

TURKEY P. 060 The only thing stranger than skiing in Turkey are the pros we sent there.

RESORT GUIDE P. 070 Everything you need to know to get to, get up and get down North America’s best.

SKIER: CLAYTON VILA PHOTO: ERIK SEO_PBP LOCATION: SPOKANE, WA

PG. 006

[ CONTENTS |

| FREESKIER ]

We are about to change the way you see in color.

anonoptics.com

DANE TUDOR PHOTO: DARCY BACHA_PBP LOCATION: RED MOUNTAIN, BC

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SAKEUS BANKSON PHOTO: GARRETT GROVE LOCATION: SORCERER LODGE, BC

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HENRIK HARLAUT PHOTO: FABRICE WITTNER LOCATION: LES ARCS, FRANCE

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SEAN JORDAN PHOTO: NATE ABBOTT_PBP LOCATION: DENVER, CO

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TOM WALLISCH PHOTO: ERIK SEO_LEVEL 1 LOCATION: ANCHORAGE, AK

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James Heim/ The things that make possible, possible

1/ 3/

2/

4/

1 / Pray for snow. James Heim’s good luck charm.

5/

2 / “I put cilantro on everything but breakfast cereal.”

3 / Finding the right line takes good binocs and a patient heli pilot.

4 / AM/PM energy drinks.

5 / I know when it snows: PowDay & MultiCam BC Highway.

6 / Big mountain gear for those who strive for bigger things.

6/

7 / James airborne near Haines, AK. Shooter: Adam Clark.

Whole Lotta Jacket/

8 / Heavy lifting: landscaping in the off-season.

Breathable Dry.Q™ protection. Big mountain design.

© 2012 by Mountain Hardwear

7/

8/

mountainhardwear.com

FABIO STUDER PHOTO: NATE ABBOTT_LEGS OF STEEL LOCATION: GROSSGLOCKNER PASS, AUSTRIA

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SAGE CATTABRIGA-ALOSA PHOTO: MARK FISHER_TGR LOCATION: KNIK GLACIER, AK

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NIKE.COM/SKI

NIKE.COM/SKI

EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR SENIOR EDITOR

Matt Harvey Shay Williams Nate Abbott

ART DIRECTOR

Chris Hotz

ONLINE EDITOR

Henrik Lampert

ASSOCIATE GEAR EDITOR EDITOR-AT-LARGE SENIOR WRITER COPY EDITOR SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Damian Quigley Christopher Jerard Tess Weaver Alison Larson Bryn Hughes, Chris O’Connell Darcy Bacha, Dan Brown, Adam

Clark, Mark Fisher, Tristan Greszko, Garrett Grove, Dave Heath, Miles Holden, Reuben Krabbe, Rocky Maloney, Tyler Roemer, Erik Seo, Drew Smalley, Jeremy Swanson, Jess Tidswell, Fabrice Wittner FOUNDER & CEO ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER SR. ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE FINANCE DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATION & AR SPECIALIST PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Bradford Fayfield Greg Wright Jason Smith, Nicole Birkhold Zach Berman Andrew Fuhrer Erin Gunther Mattie Girard

THIS ISSUE WAS MADE POSSIBLE WITH THE HELP OF Andreas Gursky. Lean Cuisine.

Janoskis. @BorowitzReport. Postcards. Beasts of the Southern Wild. Instagram. Rodriguez. NFL.com fantasy football. Namotu.

Alexander Wang. Movie Premieres. GOLD+ARROW. Matthew Dear. @KimJongNumberUn. Prismacolor pens. Nike+. OAK at fourteenth. Club Wrenn. Edward Sharpe. Nimbus clouds.

Colterra. Laser cat. Mom cars. New Zealand. Death Grips.

Walter White. Niwot police. Tess & Greg forever.

Jazzy & Rage. Ms. Wollmuth’s 4th grade class.

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Attitude. Through it, things that are quite similar in reality change in our minds, built up beyond worth by sentiment or corroded by foul aftertaste. Is that fair to us or to the things we judge? Probably not. Is biased judgment a fundamental part of life? Certainly.

Ski resorts are a category where history, emotion and allegiances play hugely into our preferences. Most places we ski in any one geographic region are comparable. Yet memories of a first powder day, a friend met on a creaky double chair or small, crispy burgers and soggy fries scarfed down make a resort our all-time favorite. While one bad day—icy, crowded or shared with that girl who broke our heart when she left us for that jock on the race team— dooms another to a dark corner of our scowling heart. And still, given a fresh chance, any resort may become our new favorite. For that reason, our Resort Guide this year emphasizes two things: how to get to a new resort and have a great trip (How to Do a Ski Trip Right, pg. 76) and tips from skiers who have direct ties to specific resorts (in our resort directory beginning on pg. 80).

PG. 032

[ SPIN |

| FREESKIER ]

After the contradictions of attitude and skill it is hard to not approach Tanner with preconception. But during the writing of his profile (pg. 50), Tanner and his family were unapologetically open with our editorat-large, Christopher Jerard.

He was not protective of his dark moments. He did not try to rewrite his history. He generously shared his idea of a new future. And likewise, I hope you can approach his story without protecting your previous opinion of him.

It is hard to free ourselves from our attitudes, to approach the things we know so well with an open mind. So I give my thanks to Tanner for opening up for you. And here’s to you for opening up your life to new stories, to new adventures, and to finding a new resort to call the best you’ve ever known.

Nate Abbott Senior Editor

SKIER: TANNER RAINVILLE PHOTO: CHRIS O’CONNELL LOCATION: CHATTER CREEK, BC

In much the same way, most Freeskier readers have already developed their own opinion of Tanner Hall, love or hate. Examine your feelings for a second, if you will. Is he a heroic figure?

The X Games victories, the boundless energy, the ski flick domination, the stubborn spirit that led him back from multiple career-threatening injuries. Or is he a punk? The young-star attitude, the rants and confrontations, the posse following his every cue, “reaaaaal skiing.”

I hold my own prejudice of him, good and bad, thanks to history. The enthusiasm and gratefulness he showed as a smiling teenager. US Freeskiing Open slopestyle victories.

Enthralling and mutually respectful big air battles he had with Mickael Deschenaux, where Mick came out on top and Tanner seemed the happiest second place finisher of all time. Embarrassing moments in Vail that followed. The photoshoots in which his skiing passed beyond what my mind imagined possible. Watching him pull, without help, his unwilling body across the floor of his condo to the bathroom, following his first devastating injury. Contentious, line-inthe-snow battles for halfpipe supremacy at the X Games.

The brutal call out of longtime friends and my kind of skiing after the Red Bull Linecatcher in 2010.

PHOTOGRAPHER CHASE JARVIS TAKES YOU BEHIND THE SCENES OF THIS YEAR’S ‘BEFORE ASPEN/ SNOWMASS’ CAMPAIGN WATCH NOW

BEFORE ASPEN

A MOUNTAIN’S BEST FEATURE WAS ITS SUMMIT.

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ABOUT THE COVER

PARKER WHITE

LOCATION:

COAST MOUNTAINS, PEMBERTON, BC PHOTOS:

BRYN HUGHES_LEVEL 1

Parker had been looking for and wanting to hit natural features all week. Over the radio he said he had found something legit. I headed over on my 2011 Arctic Cat roosting all over cinematographer Kyle Decker and his lumpy Ski Doo that was stuck at the bottom of a small hill. While Kyle was trying to get to the zone we were in, Parker and I tandemed up to the top of his line. It was a bit of a sketchy entrance to the line, and super steep, so once he committed there was no turning back. The spot I shot from shows most of the take off and landing, which is important, but I wanted to make sure he was framed above the background peaks. Once I saw the sluff pouring off, I knew the shot was going to work. Parker has a super smooth style, combining that with a sick backdrop and feature made the shot. —BRYN HUGHES CONTRIBUTORS

ANDY GOGGINS

GARRETT GROVE

TESS WEAVER

FABRICE WITTNER

MT. BACHELOR MARKETING

PHOTOGRAPHER

SENIOR WRITER

PHOTOGRAPHER

“The vibe is incredible,” says Mt. Bachelor’s director of marketing and communications Andy Goggins of closing day. “Everyone from locals to visitors from across the US celebrating the winter season.” This past May, Goggins took care of some of the Freeskier staff who were on hand to enjoy the spring antics that the resort had to offer (read about closing day on page 74). Originally from Missoula, MT, Goggins took over at Bachelor in 2010 after working resort marketing jobs in the Tahoe area. “It’s truly a multi-sport mecca,” Goggins says. “I had several days last winter where I followed up a powder day at Mt. Bachelor with surfing on the coast, mountain biking, fly fishing and sampling fine-beers from one of 15 local breweries.

PG. 034

“I have no formal training other than some high school courses and working with some photographers,” says photographer Garrett Grove, whose photo of Sakeus Bankson graces this month’s Epics. Despite only shooting for three years, the Washingtonresident has wasted little time, shooting for clients that include Patagonia, Scarpa, backcountry.com, and of course, Freeskier.

For the shot (on page 16), Garrett was at Sorcerer Lodge, deep in British Columbia.

“All the skiing right around the lodge drops into the valley floors which are filled with some amazing trees, cliffs and pillows,” he explains. “The couple times I have been there it has been brutally cold—down to -20 F—but it made for the best pow skiing I have ever experienced.” Visit garrettgrove.com for more information.

[ ABOUT THE COVER/CONTRIBUTORS |

“I have always been obsessed with magazines—ever since Highlights,” says senior contributing writer Tess Weaver. With a lust for magazines, it was a no brainer to bring the University of Oregon Journalism grad into the Freeskier fold as one of our go-to writers. An avid backcountry skier, Tess relocated to Aspen, CO because of the “easily accessible and stunningly beautiful wilderness, high-def sunny days, fun-loving community and total lack of lift lines. As a writer in the outdoor space, I couldn’t ask for a more inspiring environment.” In addition to her writing in this year’s issues— including the K2 50th anniversary and Talk on pages 46 & 48—Tess heads up our annual Backcountry issue, dropping in November. | FREESKIER ]

“Henrik Harlaut was really enthusiastic to hit some backcountry jumps and he definitely gave his best,” says photographer Fabrice Wittner of his Epics shot on page 18. “It was super easy to shoot with him; every jump big and stylish. All sessions should end with pics like that.” The 31-yearold self-taught photographer began his love affair with the camera 10 years ago, photographing friends at night after his day job at a snowboard shop. Eventually quitting his job to move to the French Alps, he befriended the Gpsy Feelin’ ski crew, and his network rapidly grew from there, eventually he “sent submissions to several magazines and got good feedback. It might be a pretty classic way to start freeski photography.” Visit wittner-fabrice.com for more information.

Photography: Gabe Rogel

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Location: The Teton Backcountry, Wyoming

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Athlete: Eric Bryant

Flirting with danger requires a good opening line.

Marmot Ski Collection Just one way Marmot helps you bond with nature.

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THAT'S ENOUGH LIFT TICKETS FOR YOU TO SKI FOR FREE ALL OVER NORTH AMERICA THIS YEAR.

We’ve partnered with Liftopia to help you find the best lift ticket deals on the planet. Go to our new snow reporting and weather portal at freeskier.com/resorts to find lift tickets up to 90% off the walk-up rate. To

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kick off this partnership, we’re giving away $1,000 worth of lift tickets to one lucky winner. Go to freeskier.com/liftopia, enter your email address and you’re in. One winner will be chosen at random on 12/1/12.

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PHOTO: PETER MORNING

LOCATION: MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN MAIN PARK

FACILITIES UNDER PERMIT FROM INYO NATIONAL FOREST

PHOTOS: ADAM CLARK LOCATION: ALTA, UT

INTERVIEW: SHAY WILLIAMS

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HINDERT AGE: 23 HOMETOWN: BRIGHTON, UT SPONSORS: SURFACE, JOYSTICK,

PATAGONIA, SMITH, DALBELLO, WHISTLER BLACKCOMB, DRIFT CAMERAS ON FILM: PART TIME_PYP EN ROUTE CAMP BC_NIMBUS VALHALLA_SWEETGRASS [2013 RELEASE] Flying under the radar for the past few seasons, BC-transplant Eliel Hindert has recently been making a name for himself. His mountaineering background has him squarely in front of Sweetgrass lenses, and his cliff-dropping and backcountry trickery put him on the shortlist for new-age big-mountain contests. Polite and mild-mannered, Eliel prefers to ski rather than talk about it. And once you’ve seen him ski in his own way, how can you blame him?

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF TO

At the end of the day, as someone who really loves skiing, every day just going out to have as much fun as possible. That’s why I guess I’m less known because I’ve always been less oriented to filming or photos but rather to having as much fun as possible and seeing where that takes me. I want to be known as someone who goes out and has as much fun and spreads the joy that is skiing with as many people as possible.

PEOPLE WHO MIGHT NOT KNOW YOU?

YOU’RE FROM UTAH. WHAT MADE YOU GO

It was definitely all time growing up in Utah, but it ended up being—I had the opportunity to go to university and had to make the decision to go anywhere but Utah. So I ended up choosing the next best place in the world to go shred, which was Whistler. The closest university is UBC, and I’ve been here ever since.

UP TO BC? UTAH ISN’T BAD.

Five years now. And I’m going to work my butt off so it’s the rest of my life.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BC?

I HEARD YOUR DAD USED TO TAKE YOU ON THESE

MULTIDAY

MOUNTAINEERING

TRIPS

[laughs] My dad has had me in the mountains since I was a young, young kid. He had me doing multiday missions since I was like two years old. At six years old, I spent my entire summer in Europe hitchhiking. I’d be in these huts in the high Alps, this 12-year-old with all these stinky, old Frenchmen. Every spring and summer break, he’d find another way to get me up a peak or on some other adventure.

AS A KID?

THAT’S NOT A NORMAL CHILDHOOD. BUT

Oh, it definitely paid off. I was loving it. I got to meet amazing people and see a different side of things. It’s given me a different perspective on skiing from most. Even now in the summers, I try and spend them in the mountains, like working for Exum Mountain Guides in Jackson. And that’s where I find I’m the happiest, in the mountains.

IT IS PROBABLY PAYING OFF NOW.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH SWEET-

I knew those boys through Utah, in passing. My good buddy Carston Oliver put in a word for me. I managed to go down to South America with them for two weeks and got absolutely dumped on. From there I’ve kind of been in with the crew and been fortunate enough to get invites. This past year, it was a little closer to home than South America. I spent eight weeks with them in GRASS?

PG. 038

[ PROFILES |

Nelson. They are into exactly what I’m into: getting up way too early and staying out way too late and filming in these remote places.

background, but at the end of the day, it’s about the down.

DO YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING EVEN MORE

SKIERS CUP?

Pretty much everything I do, filming-wise, I see as more backcountry or mountaineering.

MOUNTAINEERING?

MOUNTAINEERING FOLKS SEEM TO HAVE A SPECIFIC SKIING STYLE, BUT YOU’RE HITTING THE BIG DROPS AND HAND DRAGGING OFF

OF EVERYTHING. A lot of mountaineering guys—it’s awesome to see the technical lines they do and the situations they get into—but I’m not looking for lines like that.

Personally, my taste is to look for what’s going to be the most fun down. And I let that dictate where I go on the way up. The going up is definitely fun. Don’t get me wrong.

And I’m very grateful for my mountaineering

| FREESKIER ]

DO YOU WANT TO GET MORE INTO EVENTS LIKE RED BULL COLD RUSH AND THE SWATCH

Absolutely. I got an invite to the Red Bull Linecatcher, but unfortunately that got canceled. The Swatch Skiers Cup and Cold Rush are on the top of my list as far as comps I want to do.

I think Red Bull, especially, has done a great job putting those events together and really allowed more of a surf-style feel. I see the industry going towards more of a photo/ video-style, too. Last year we had Eye of the Condor, and I’ve taken part in the Deep Winter photo challenge and the Salt Lake Shootout, all these comps where you can go away for a couple days and put together a photo portfolio or edit and be in your element, rather than the run, run, run format.

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PHOTOS: CHRIS O’CONNELL_LEVEL 1 LOCATION: SAPPORO, JAPAN

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INTERVIEW: HENRIK LAMPERT

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BELLEMARE AGE: 19 HOMETOWN: SAINT-BONIFACE, QC SPONSORS: ARMADA, AXIS, OAKLEY,

DALBELLO, GIRO ON FILM: INTERLUDE_ESK MEDIA AFTER DARK_LEVEL 1

Like many skiers who are born and raised in Quebec, Alex Bellemare has a knack for park shredding and jibbing. Separating Bellemare from the rest is an incredible talent in the air.

His performances during the past season at slopestyle events, like the US Grand Prix at Mammoth, CA and the Winter Dew Tour at Snowbasin, UT, caught the attention of the Canadian National Slopestyle Team, and it wasn’t long before Bellemare was able to call himself a proud member of Team Canada.

Today, Bellemare balances competition with shooting films and skiing in urban environments.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I grew up in SaintBoniface. I always come back here every now and then. It’s pretty nice. My father and his girlfriend and her daughter and my brother are here.

I was six the first time. My father was a skier and decided to give it a try with me and my brother, and we kind of liked it, so we never stopped.

When I was nine, I did my first contest. I won.

It was a BS little event, super small. I enjoyed it, for sure. At that time it was like, “Holy shit, wow, this is awesome.” I was like, “I want to be a pro skier.”

HOW’D YOU GET INTO SKIING?

YOU’RE ON TEAM CANADA. TELL ME ABOUT

It was a pretty last-second thing I guess.

They just saw me this past season at some of the contests I did, and they decided to get me on board. I like it. The team is really cool. It’s a bunch of cool dudes, and Coach [JF] Cusson is pretty sweet. But they definitely have a few things that I don’t like. Like having to do water ramps and all that serious stuff. But it’s whatever…you just do it.

THAT.

DID YOUR DAD PUSH YOU TO COMPETE?

No. I think my parents thought, “Oh shit, he probably won’t be a pro. He’s gonna be really not stoked one day and probably not go to school.” So, he wasn’t pushing me too hard, but he wasn’t holding me back at the same time. He was doing exactly what I wanted him to do, actually.

YOU MENTION SCHOOL. HAVE YOU BEEN

PRETTY FOCUSED ON THAT? No. When I was in high school, I was missing exams and stuff to go do contests, but I was still passing. I went to CEGEP, which is like grade 12 for people in the States, and I ended up failing everything. I was like, “I gotta find a way to do without that, ‘cause I can’t do that. It’s too hard.” So no, I’m not into school.

PG. 040

WITH JF AS YOUR COACH, YOU GUYS JUST DO BACKFLIP MUTES ALL DAY?

[laughs]

Oh yeah, no doubt.

IS SOCHI PRETTY HEAVY ON YOUR MIND? I try not

to think too much about it. It can be stressful if you overthink everything. But it’s definitely on my mind, and I’m stoked on it.

WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON HAVING FREESKIING

I think it’s a good thing for every athlete’s wallet, but I don’t know, it’s changing the sport in a way that’s not too cool, I find. The “free” part in freeskiing is kind of fading away, I think.

Everyone is training. Back in the day, we just

ADDED TO THE OLYMPICS?

[ PROFILES |

went skiing, now people go training. Airbags, water ramps, all that, I don’t know.

shots but not as many as last year.

DOES TEAM CANADA GET BUMMED WHEN YOU

MUCH EVERY YEAR. TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT THE

No, they’re stoked for me. They just don’t want me to get hurt sliding down some rail.

YOU’VE BEEN FILMING WITH ESK MEDIA PRETTY

Yeah, no doubt.

That’s all that counts in their eyes and the eyes of their bosses and so on. So they definitely want me to do as many contests as possible.

just a bunch of dudes from Quebec.

It all started when I got called by those guys, super random, one day, they asked me to go with them for a video contest on the next day.

I was filming with nobody at that time so I said, “Alright, yeah I’ll go.” We did the video contest, it went really well, and from that year on I’ve just been with them. They’re a good crew. Super mellow.

DOES BEING ON THE TEAM HELP YOU GET ALL

WHY IS EVERYONE IN QUEBEC SO GOOD AT

FILM URBAN?

BUT THEY ENCOURAGE YOU TO COMPETE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, RIGHT?

[laughs] Sure, definitely helps a bit! Being a potential Olympian and shit—it’s pretty cool, I guess.

THE LADIES?

YOU SHOT WITH LEVEL 1 FOR AFTER DARK. WERE YOU SHOOTING WITH THEM FOR SUNNY

TOO? Unfortunately, we didn’t get much time to film. Last year, I went to the park shoot in spring, and that made up a good part of my segment, but this year I broke some ribs right before so I couldn’t go. I only had a one-week trip in Japan for urban. I got some

| FREESKIER ]

CREW. It’s

URBAN? [laughs] I guess it’s just the super icy mountains we got over here and not much snow. We have super shitty mountains with those damn rules about sizes of jumps and all that, so without much opportunity to jump, we hit rails.

ANY SWEET PLANS LINED UP FOR THE WINTER?

No man, but I can’t wait to be back in Breckenridge skiing the best damn park every day. Best place on earth I’d say. In the winter, at least.

WORDS: SHAY WILLIAMS

THERE IS A LOT OF TECHNOLOGY THAT GOES INTO KEEPING YOUR BOOTS LOCKED INTO YOUR SKIS SAFELY. HERE’S A CRASH COURSE IN WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

THE SPRING All bindings have one piece in common: a metal spring inside the heelpiece that keeps the boot in the binding.

“When the skier needs to release, the spring compresses to the point that the boot can come out,” says Marker’s Geoff Curtis. The spring is set to a specific release setting—the numbers on the bindings, commonly referred to as DIN— that determines the amount of pre-load on the spring and what amount of torque will cause the binding to release.

The higher the release setting, the more torque required to actually come out of the binding.

But don’t buy a binding with a high DIN range just because Bobby Brown uses one. Varying factors like weight and individual ability contribute to finding the right release range and setting for you. Bindings with too high of a DIN range or that are cranked to the limit might not release when you need, putting your knees at risk. On the flip side, if you are a heavier skier or like to ski more aggressively, you might want a little more retention in your binding, lest they release when you don’t want.

And although we all refer to a binding’s retention level as DIN, “it is actually a term that is a holdover from Deutsche Industrie Norm,” says Curtis. “We do still use this as a standardizing term, but the numbers on the bindings are actually release value indicators.” Release values are linked to specific torque ranges that were created by the International Organization for Standardization, or ISO. Calling release values DIN is not technically correct but “it’s still ok to use,” says Curtis. Plus who wants to ask another skier what their ISO is set at?

ELASTIC TRAVEL “Elastic travel is like suspension for your skis; the more you got, the smoother the ride,” says Rossignol’s Matt Rihm. In other words, elastic travel is how much the bindings can move vertically or laterally before they release. More elastic travel means less pre-releases and blowouts. While many bindings offer similar amounts of vertical travel, some, like Rossignol’s FKS series have as much as 25 mms. “For instance, when landing switch, everyone has their heels pull up a little,”

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explains Rihm. “Stand up and make the knee flexing motion that you would landing switch. Watch your heels, they want to pull up. This is your body wanting to pull out of a binding. If a binding had only a few millimeters of elastic travel, you would pre-release.”

However, not everyone needs a ton of elastic travel, nor will everyone be landing switch. Skiers who gravitate towards bigger lines or less park skiing might want less elastic travel.

More movement isn’t necessarily right for you, so be sure to check the elastic travel stats on bindings you’re looking at.

Elasticity is another component to achieving optimal binding retention and should be considered as important as DIN range—whether you need a lot or a little—when making your purchase.

AFDs Anti Friction Devices (AFDs), the piece of the binding below the toe of the boot, serve two main purposes: As an interface between the boot and the binding, and assisting in proper lateral and elastic travel. Debris on the boot or binding (dirt or ice, for instance) or just worn down soles, can affect the binding retention setting or inhibit elastic travel, so enter AFDs. “There are predominantly two types: static and sliding,” explains Atomic’s Jake Strassburger. AFDs are typically a smooth piece of plastic or metal—often teflon coated, and the sliding varieties also move laterally. “If the friction between the boot and binding is high, it has less of an effect in a twisting release,” says Strassburger. That’s where sliding AFD’s help offset any undue friction by helping the boot move laterally to release.

However, sliding AFDs are more expensive to produce and some critics say they can affect the binding’s overall performance. So if you’re worried about performance, maybe try a binding with a static AFD, otherwise, know that most all bindings contain some AFD to help keep your bindings—and knees—happy.

METAL VS. PLASTIC Another (albeit less critical) factor to consider in bindings is whether to go all-metal or to have a binding that has certain plastic components. Plastic bindings are lighter and cheaper, but metal is considerably stronger. So you get what

[ HOW TO |

| FREESKIER ]

you pay for in this department. If you’re particularly hard in your equipment, you might want to go metal, though the difference isn’t going to make or break most people’s days.

SIDECOUNTRY With the sidecountry becoming more accessible, sidecountry specific bindings have begun to pop up. While high-quality touring bindings exist, and get better every season, the sidecountry skier is most likely interested in a binding that performs exceptionally well in the downhill realm. “Historically, most binding companies that made touring bindings were not ‘alpine’ ski companies,” says Strassburger. “The big benefit is that the companies that produce sidecountry bindings now are companies that have a ton of experience and history developing bindings that are designed less about mountaineering or touring and more about charging.” Sidecountry bindings, like the Atomic Tracker or the Marker Duke, are designed to get you uphill with relative ease without sacrificing much in the name of performance on your descent. They are heavier than traditional touring bindings, but if you can deal with the weight, “You have a no-compromise binding for sending those favorite lines without having to go big on something that might cause a little twinge of doubt,” says Strassburger.

Once you pick a binding that has the right amount of elasticity and proper DIN range, there’s one more thing to do: Have your bindings set up by a trained professional. “Any binding set up by someone who doesn’t really know what they’re doing is dangerous,” cautions Rihm. “Many people think that if they are popping out of bindings, the solution is to bury the DIN or crank the forward pressure. Sometimes this can actually make it even worse.” So even if your buddy has the latest jig for your binding, spend the couple extra bucks and get your skis mounted at a certified shop, and don’t forget your ski boots when you go.

Johnny Collinson, Tanigawadake, Japan.

GRANT GUNDERSON

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PHOTO: TRISTAN GRESZKO_JHMR LOCATION: JACKSON HOLE, WY

ENTER THE PAIN CAVE WORDS: MATT HARVEY

Exploring the untold world of ski mountaineering racing Eighty-five men and women in spandex and bike helmets swarm the base area of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Their faces show mixed signs of anxiety and excitement. Some already look to be in pain. Others talk with the competition, offering words of encouragement or starting the mind game inherent to any high-level athletic pursuit. In a moment’s time, they will unleash hell on the first climb of mountaineering racing’s national championships. And hell will unleash its fury in return.

The Gore-Tex US Ski Mountaineering National Championships presented by Outdoor Research (mountaineers aren’t into the whole brevity thing) has been running for 14 years at Jackson Hole and has seen a steady increase in sufferers year after year. The course, which competitors say was the hardest but most fun on the mountaineering circuit, spans almost every inch of Jackson and nets more than 8,400 feet of ascent and descent.

So who steps up to this kind of abuse?

Zahan “Z” Billimoria is an elite endurance athlete and mountain man we’ve featured several times in the past for his guiding abilities. Z retired from ski mountaineering racing after last year’s event, where he finished a respectable 20th place. He is a past winner of the Grand Teton Trail Marathon, so he knows what it means to be in the red for an extended period of time.

“It’s much harder than a marathon,” he says of the National Championships. “No mountain marathon or trail race I did compares to the brutality of this event. I really think it’s the hardest thing I ever did.”

With so much emphasis put on redlining your body, it’s a wonder anyone endures it. “Racing requires a certain level of obsession with training,” says Z. “In a lot of ways, mountaineering racing is countercultural because you spend so much on efficiency and uphill. It’s not about recreation but about performance, which is an anomaly.”

Why does he do it? Ski mountaineering racers certainly aren’t rollPG. 044

“

ing around in cash like today’s top pipe skiers or downhillers. “Reaching that point where every cell in your body is focused on one single task, and every effort that you make is moving you forward… that kind of focus and drive and resulting performance is really addictive,” he explains.

mountain marathons a month. Feeling lazy yet? We’re only halfway there.

Any mountaineer will tell you that the summit celebration doesn’t last long.

Reaching the top marks the halfway point and oftentimes the down is more dangerous than the up. At least at a ski mountaineering event you can just shred down to the next transition station, right? Wrong.

Advances in mountaineering equipment have made the up considerably less resource intensive by reducing weight.

The downside, so to speak, is you have to use the same carbonfiber toothpicks that made jogging up bearable to descend Jackson Hole’s unforgiving terrain. “I’ve seen people break down and cry halfway down a descent,” says Z. “It’s intense.”

It might come as a shock, then, that this sport’s popularity is growing quickly. With over half a million marathon finishers in the US alone last year, and participation in sidecountry touring on a rapid rise, perhaps ski mountaineering racing is positioned perfectly to be the winter sport of choice for recreational endurance athletes. There’s only one thing left to do.

I’ve seen people break down and cry halfway down a descent. It’s intense.

Meet Luke Nelson, a professional ultrarunner and ski mountaineering racer. Luke’s first race was the National Championships six years ago. “Early in the winter of 2005/06, I was touring with some friends and after I broke trail all day, they told me I should try going to the Jackson ‘rando’ race to see how I could do against the ‘mutants,’” he says of his start. “It sounded like a fun thing to do so I signed up. I think I placed 14th that year.”

Since then, he’s raced Jackson four more times, placing third two years ago and winning last year with a [ COMPETITION |

mind-boggling time of two hours and 39 minutes. To give some perspective, most people finish the race in more than three hours, with some taking as long as five hours to complete the excruciating ups and downs.

To maintain his level of fitness, he is an active member in what Z referred to as obsessive training. “I rarely have a full casual day of skiing,” Nelson admits, “But often will go train hard in the morning and then spend the afternoon skiing with my 5-year-old daughter, Brynlee.”

Nelson’s training regimen consists of 90-110 miles of running every week in the summer (with a focus on altitude gain and speed), which equates to upwards of sixteen | FREESKIER ]

”

“Sign up!” says Nelson. “There is this stigma that it is all pain and suffering. I’ve even heard skimo races referred to as pukeathons, which isn’t true, I’ve never puked during one. And, the races are a lot of fun.”

So if you’re a competent skinner and running 26.2 in the summer just ain’t cutting it anymore, head on over to ussma.org to get the info and sign up. We promise it will be the most rewarding finish line you will ever cross.

This year’s event goes down January 5, 2013.

AIDAN TRUSTS SNOWSHOT SNOWSHOT JACKET: TOTAL WATERPROOF/BREATHABLE PROTECTION WITH A PROGRESSIVE FREERIDE FIT “Trust comes from intuition. If you trust, you can forget the gap is even there. The same goes for gear—I can trust it, and forget it. The less I need to worry about, the more I can focus on being 40 feet off the ground.”

– Aidan Sheahan ADAM CLARK © 2012 Patagonia, Inc.

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[ HISTORY |

| FREESKIER ]

THE ONSET GOGGLE XAVIER BERTONI

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PHOTO: NATE ABBOTT LOCATION: MAMMOTH LAKES, CA

The Subaru rattled down the gravel road, headed east in the pale pink Sierra twilight. We turned left after the second cattle crossing, parked in the sagebrush and walked from pallet to pallet across the marsh, dodging cowpies and puddles. The empty hot springs steamed. Token naked dude had taken the night off. Submerged in mineral-rich water, I watched the sun dip behind Mammoth Mountain, enjoying a moment of absolute bliss. It was almost as good as the ski day. Especially with a beer.

I’ve returned to those hot springs again and again over the years, seeking rejuvenation and tranquility. Post soak, I always feel renewed. My body loosens and my mind calms, but above all, my mood is elevated. At some point, I learned my favorite hot springs are rich in lithium, which is used in drugs to treat manic depressive illness.

The ancient Greeks and Romans knew soaking in warm mineral springs soothed the body and mind and even alleviated the symptoms of many diseases. Sulfur, which scents many hot springs, has been used medicinally for thousands of years to help protect the body against environmental toxins. Modern research shows that soaking in hot tubs, spas and warm baths can lead to increased cardiovascular health, pain relief, lower blood pressure and better mental and emotional health.

Hot springs heal and relax populations from Russia to Turkey to Japan. Taoists recommend soaking in hot springs as a

was stealth and practical. We even acquired the robes of luxury chain hotels for the high-end poach. We passed along codes, found malfunctioning gate locks and always came up with a name and a room number when put on the spot.

But for lifers, it’s not a matter of “if” they’ll get caught, it’s “when.” And anyone who calls herself a skier should have a scar from a night of hot tub trespassing gone awry.

WORDS: TESS WEAVER

way to balance and harmonize your body and mind. In the United States, archaeological evidence dating back thousands of years shows that Native Americans revered hot springs as sacred, healing places. Even during tribal battles over territory, hot springs were considered a neutral sacred zone where all could freely be healed.

But really, who enjoys the benefits of hot water more than skiers? We are the people making turns, sunup to sundown, in subfreezing temperatures, gale force winds and sideways sleet. We are the ones whose feet spend eight hours a day crammed into cold, plastic boots. We are the ones with overused quads and shoulders tense from cold lift rides.

We are so passionate about hot water immersion that we invented the hot tub poach. Of course the practice began in ski towns, where the hot tubs of hotels and vacant second homes beckoned young people from Whistler to Vail. We got good. We learned which corner was out of view of the security camera. We discovered leaving clothes in the sauna

Skiers turned “hot tub” into a verb and a sport and a legitimate date. It makes sense. Hot-tubbing is free, it’s the cheapest way to get inebriated at an accelerated rate and it’s the most acceptable way to see your new date in as little clothing as possible.

And within the ski-town caste system, the hot tub is a great equalizer—tourists mingle with locals, the young gawk at the old and everyone shares beers. It’s a common area, hopefully free of phones, and filled with stories of powder turns and cliff hucks that defy reality.

Absurd film plot aside, the hot tub is a metaphorical time machine.

Somehow, a 30-minute soak in hot water transports you to a different mind space. It’s a gentle transition from the special place we inhabit as skiers back to the real world of an evening job, a significant other or a child who wants dinner. Hot water, whether bubbling from the earth or a well-chlorinated tub, doesn’t only expand our blood vessels and relax our muscles, it brings us to a happy place. In a sport steeped in ritual, the après-soak is one of skiing’s great rewards.

FREESKIER welcomes submissions of stories, opinion and art for Talk. E-mail to Talk@freeskier.com

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XAVIER BERTONI THE ONSET GOGGLE

You look where you want to go—peripheral vision is crucial to spotting landings. Xavier minds the gap in the new Onset™ goggle at Boreal, California. Find out more at giro.com.

TANNER HALL’S

REDEMPTION ROAD WORDS: CHRISTOPHER JERARD PORTRAITS: CHRIS O’CONNELL

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“You mind stopping for some cigarettes?” the skinny 17-year-old kid with a mop of blond hair asks me from the passenger seat. We’re headed to the Freeskier offices in Boulder for a photo shoot. I swing the truck into Conoco and buy a pack of cigarettes for my new young friend. We talk about skiing.

He’s just come off an awe-inspiring ski season of total domination in the fastforming world of freeskiing. His attitude and raw talent have made him impossible to ignore. It’s 2001, and everyone is enthralled with the crown prince of freeskiing—Tanner Hall.

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ER

HALL Over the course of the next decade, the rising star would become first a hero, then an icon. His achievements are unmatched. Then, at the absolute peak of his career, he fell into a numbing darkness at the bottom of pain, loss and addiction. Today, at 28, Tanner Hall has been hauling himself up and out of that hole, one agonizing step at a time. He is on a new road to redemption—beyond anything we’ve seen yet. No longer seeking only the goals of gold and silver, he is open about his path to personal awareness and a newfound humility that was wholly absent from the 17-year-old I picked up at DIA 11 years ago. It isn’t all about him anymore. “I want to change the world. I want to inspire people to achieve their dreams,” he says with clarity and purpose. And he’s starting with himself.

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To understand Tanner Hall in 2012, you have to understand where he’s been. His story, from the X Games medals to the movie segments to the personal challenges, is well documented.

(Watch the documentary Like A Lion made by Eric Iberg and read previous profiles available at freeskier.com for a detailed play by play.)

At 13 he convinced his parents, Gerry and Darla, to let him pack it up and leave Kalispell, Montana for the Winter Sports School, a private boarding school for Olympic hopefuls in Park City, Utah. He was a mogul skier with some promise. But he struggled in school, academically and socially. “School sucked. I remember days I would come home in tears,” he recalls.

He was small and skinny and didn’t fit in with his peers. And those formative years had an effect on the man he is today.

“He hated school so much because he was harassed,” says his long-time friend and creative collaborator at Inspired Media, Eric Iberg. “Maybe because of his size. At the camps, he always spends the most time with the small kids.” But it wasn’t just his size that singled him out. Although Tanner was not a leader, he sure as hell was no follower. He did his own thing from the start—call it individuality, call it style, call it attitude—that put him in a no man’s land with his peers and his teachers. But skiing was the something that always gave back. Whatever he was willing to put into it returned, in spades. It was his passion from the start.

He dreamed of winning a gold medal in the Olympics. “He first mentioned going to the Olympics when he was about five years old,” recalls Darla. But as his skiing earned him spots in magazines and films, he struggled more with school. So he got himself kicked out, basically on purpose. This would result in

a yearlong grounding for most kids, but Tanner was beginning a history of bending reality by pure force of will. After many lengthy discussions, Tanner convinced his parents to turn the expulsion from school into a one-year trial period of full-time freeskiing. “Please just give me a year,” Darla recalls Tanner’s bargaining. “If it doesn’t work out, I’ll redo all of high school.”

With something to prove and the ultimatum of all or nothing, Tanner tore through the competitive circuit in 2001. “He knew exactly what he was going to do. He had a plan, and he could back it up,” explains his older brother Tyson Hall. Still a teenager, he backed it up, right to the top of the freeskiing world. He hit some speed bumps along the way, including a career threatening injury in 2005, but for the most part Tanner, with his raw talent and passion for skiing, remained at the top of the game for almost a decade. He helped

push the sport and those around him to new heights: launching Armada skis, winning 11 medals at the X Games, appearing in 30 ski movies and being named Freeskier’s Skier of the Year in 2008 and 2009. And foreshadowing his music industry future he, along with his best friend CR Johnson, took control of the creativity behind movie making.

Then, as suddenly as it had arrived, the success all seemed to be over for Tanner Hall.

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If you’re going to leg press 540 pounds, hitting this gap-to-wall after the injuries Tanner has endured is a solid argument against being labeled a jock.

PHOTO: ROCKY MALONEY

In May of 2009, at the peak of his career, on a film session in the terrain park at Stevens Pass, Washington with TGR, Hall overshot a landing and dropped 40 feet out of the air to flat, demolishing his legs. “It was the equivalent of being smashed in the knees by a car going 45 mph,” says Dr. Vern Cooley, a 20-year veteran of high-profile surgeries (like Tiger Woods’), who performed multiple surgeries on Tanner after the crash.

“I thought I was done, not only done with skiing, done with life. I was at rock bottom,” Tanner recounts. “I felt explosions in my legs. I was thinking the worst. I couldn’t feel anything below my waist. I thought I was paralyzed. I just kept saying, ‘My career is over. My career is over. It’s done.’” After the initial evacuation, despite concerns of blood clots, he was insistent on going back to Park City to see Dr. Cooley, the doctor he trusted. Tanner could not fly, so his friend, TGR filmer Pete O’Brien, drove him, busted and broken, screaming in agonizing pain the 14 hours back to Park City. “It was like a bad dream. Tanner was on a morphine drip and thought he would never be able to ski again,” says O’Brien. The medical assessment was bilateral tibial plateau fractures, both ACLs torn and micro fractures on his right knee—traumatic and seemingly career ending.

Tanner pushed through surgery after surgery and excruciating physical therapy with the goal of getting back on the hill. After his first ACL repair, he had to take painkillers for months to sleep. The pain led to more drugs, and the drugs took over. “It was apparent that I had become a different person. Something was not right,” he says.

It took CR to call him out on his birthday. “You’re not healing. You’re not the same person. Let’s get you healthy buddy,” CR said to Tanner. Embarrassed and tired, Tanner denied having a problem.

“It was apparent that I had become a different person.

Something was not right.”

But in the face of his best friend’s heartfelt concern, he broke down and finally admitted to CR, “I have a problem… and it sucks.” Getting off the pain pills was like getting hurt all over again. The first day he was off the pills, he remembers, “It felt like I broke my back.” He was irritable and angry. His mother recalls emotionally, “It was really tough to watch my son be a completely different person.”

CR Johnson stood by his friend and helped bring him back to health by motivating him with the promise of skiing together once again. Tanner was in the darkest period of his life.

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Tanner blasting through a line at Retallack Lodge, BC in 2011.

PHOTO: DAVE HEATH

filled the void. “CR was my savior. He had come out of his coma wise. He came back from that different.

He didn’t like drinking and smoking. He treated his friends well. He treated life well. He was helping me with all of that. When he passed away, I just started drinking myself retarded.”

Skiing, the thing that mattered most to him, was slipping away. He was struggling with severe addiction and crippling pain. “CR really helped him come out of that,” remembers Darla. CR’s own experience with near career ending injuries in 2005 had produced in him a profound ability to share inspiration and wisdom beyond his 24 years.

After CR’s first accident, it was Tanner at CR’s bedside for weeks, waiting for him to emerge from a coma.

As CR recovered, he came out with a new, caring attitude. And CR’s outlook helped bring Tanner back to his goals. Johnson reached into the dark places of Tanner’s depression and pulled his friend out of that hole. Tanner got off the pills and began to believe he could come back to skiing. He and CR became even closer. Through traumatic injuries and a roller coaster of emotions, they had proven that they had each other’s back. Tanner was on the road to recovery. He attributes this turn almost completely to CR Johnson.

For more than six months, Tanner binged. Even through the making of his life story, Like a Lion. The loss of both skiing and CR pushed him to new lows. Once again, it was those around him who helped. Tanner recalls Eric Iberg drawing a line in the sand one day, “I’m pretty much over watching you kill yourself, man.”

Then, brutally and without warning, Tanner’s world crashed again. On February 24, 2010, while abroad on a trip to Jamaica to set up a new business, Tanner received word that his best friend had died while skiing. “I can’t tell you what that did. I just locked myself in the bathroom and cried.” CR had been Tanner’s lifeline when he needed it the most, the person who could reason with Tanner, the person who had saved him.

And now he was gone, and it crushed Tanner. Alcohol

The words had impact. He stopped drinking. He returned to the gym on his own. Each day he would fight through the pain knowing that one day it would hurt a little less. He was learning patience, mostly because he had no other choice. Dr. Cooley comments, “His ability to recover and stay motivated is remarkable.

I’ve never had a patient with this type of injury recover as quickly and as fully as Tanner did. He is in the top one percent of athletes I’ve seen.”

As severe as Tanner’s physical trauma was, CR’s death knocked him down even harder than the crash itself. But he felt it was CR’s presence that drove him to come back. He says, “My best friend is my guardian angel.” And in June 2011, Tanner believes that CR led him to Jess Tidswell at the Center of Excellence in Park City, a meeting that would not only change the course of his recovery but help him see beyond just coming back. Tidswell would help guide Tanner to define his next goal: Sochi 2014.

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Not a Future Spin, but rather a futurish mid-line 360 during filming for 2011’s Retallack: The Movie at, you guessed it, Retallack, BC. PHOTO: DAVE HEATH

In June of 2011 a reluctant Tanner Hall, used to working on his own program, walked through the door to the Center of Excellence to meet a trainer who had been working with the US team for the previous nine years. “The first day we…It was a mystical link up,” Tanner recounts of meeting Tidswell. “Something clicked. She understood my passion, and I understood her motivation for fixing people’s bodies. After one day, she was the first to say, ‘You can do whatever you want in life.’ She was the first one to put me on that path.”

Tidswell has provided more than physical guidance. She helped Tanner see his own power and purpose again by focusing him on what is possible in all aspects of his life. “He challenges me as much as I challenge him. His mental toughness goes so much deeper than the medals on his wall,” she says.

By working out more than five hours a day for a year, Tanner has put on 20 pounds of muscle.

He leg presses 540 pounds. People have noticed. The skinny kid is a muscle-bound man. It seems that Tanner Hall has a higher purpose. Yes, his goal, as it was when he was five years old, is to go to the Olympics and win a medal. His ability to win at the highest level is well documented. But his contribution to the sport of skiing is less celebrated. Like his hero Glen Plake, his genuine love for the sport runs deep, far beyond money or medals.

The motivation simmering beneath Tanner’s act is a second chance to show people that skiing is bigger than just a sport.

“He wants to inspire. He wants to make the sport as big as it can be,” says Gerry Hall. “He lost ground and if he can take it to the Olympics, it is that much easier to help everyone in the sport. He doesn’t see his skiing being over after the Olympics. Going beyond the Olympics, he wants to soar. He wants skiing to be bigger than life. I think he wants to see people on snow, happy and charging and getting everything they can. If he could progress the sport to a new level he would be satisfied.” Despite the difficulty expressing himself in the public eye, the frustrations, the rehabilitation—the rollercoaster of Tanner—the motivation simmering beneath Tanner’s act is a second chance to show people that skiing is bigger than just a sport. A forum for the public to see the art and expression available to anyone who puts skis on their feet.

Although the focus is still Sochi, Tanner has not stopped sharing his view of skiing in other ways.

By teaming up with Iberg to make The Education of Style, Tanner hoped to disrupt the ski-film formula and demonstrate his belief in the future of skiing through two of the most progressive skiers of the new generation, Henrik Harlaut and Phil Casabon.

They set out to create a movie that is more style than high-octane stoke. Both Casabon and Harlaut say they grew up emulating Tanner’s style and creativity, but Tanner shoots back about the duo, “They are my heroes! These kids are the way it should be. Having fun and defining style.” And Tanner’s comeback to filming includes all aspects of freeskiing—urban, pillow lines, and double-corks in the backcountry—in a way that few skiers could pull off. His segment holds its own next to young-guns Casabon and Harlaut.

The only aspect it doesn’t cover, Tanner is quick to note, is the one he is now focusing on again: halfpipe. Harlaut says, “I still believe he is the best pipe skier in the world.“

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When asked about the Olympics, Tanner replies with a familiar tone of confidence, “Hopefully, I make the team. And [then] I’m going to take back what’s mine. Dedication, patience and hard work. The patience I’m still learning. It’s a different time in my life.

I don’t have regrets, the stupid shit, without all that, I wouldn’t be who I am. I needed to make those mistakes and learn those lessons.

And if you don’t respect yourself, you’re not living. This is what I’ve learned.”

“I needed to make those mistakes and learn those lessons. And if you don’t respect yourself—you’re not living. This is what I’ve learned.”

It’s a new type of self-awareness. He hopes he can convey that to the world. “For everything I’ve done in skiing, you either hate me or love me. I don’t need everyone to love me, but I would like for people to take me for who I really am.”

For right now, not everyone agrees who Tanner really is. On the eve of Tanner’s first competitive outing since his injury, he parted ways with his long-time sponsor Red Bull. Numerous confrontations and perceived

slights left Tanner feeling disrespected by the drink company. As usual, he made his feelings well known to his sponsor, sometimes in public. Red Bull put him on probation. Something broke after a Red Bull training camp in New Zealand and both sides released statements that basically said it was over. “I guess I don’t fit the Red Bull image anymore,” Tanner shared with me directly. “Bigger, better, faster. It kinda hurt that they didn’t want to try another style. We could have dominated. But it’s a blessing in disguise. I want

to be surrounded by people who support me and understand me. I still have great friends there, and no doubt they have done amazing things for the sport, but I have seen a lot of changes over the years.” With a rising tone of frustration in his voice, he pauses. “Life is too short,” he says. “Don’t let yourself get worked up.”

Red Bull commented for this article as well: “Tanner is an amazing athlete and a true pioneer of the sport.

We spent 11 amazing years together and supported him through both the ups and the downs. As with many relationships however, sometimes they run their course.

In this case Red Bull and Tanner Hall no longer saw eye to eye and felt the best course of action moving forward was to go our own way. There is no ill will towards Tanner, and we wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.”

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Upside down south of the equator, Tanner trained in the halfpipe at Snow Park, NZ during what was his final activity as a Red Bull athlete in August of 2012.

PHOTO: MILES HOLDEN/RED BULL CONTENT POOL

Deep down, Red Bull’s decision likely motivates that part of Tanner that has always thrived in the face of adversity.

It’s fuel in the engine to prove himself over and over again. True to form, the day after being dropped, at his first halfpipe competition since X Games 2009, he returned to the sport with a win. “I felt better than ever, less stressed and more calm, surrounded by some familiar faces and some new faces too. It felt right. The level of riding was high, even though guys like [Kevin] Rolland and Simon [Dumont] were not there. It gives me more fire and confidence.” No doubles were thrown in the tough weather at the New Zealand Open, so there are still questions about how Tanner will stand up against the progression that has happened in his hiatus from competition. But after this first outing, as Gerry Hall stated, “I wouldn’t bet against him.”

No one, even Tanner himself, is suggesting that he is a sure thing for Sochi or that his troubles are all behind him.

It’s a long road and many people wonder what will happen to Tanner if he doesn’t make it to the Olympics. “That injury took me out of skiing for a long time. If you don’t think about anything else other than [skiing] for years and years, then you have that one thing taken away from you—the thing that defines who you are—you find out who you are. I had to learn that the hard way. CR was always thankful for his injury. I’m thankful for mine. I learned who I am without skiing. I know after skiing I’ll be good. I found the beauty of life. Friendships, family, nature, art, music—there’s so much out there.”

His family has noticed this change in Tanner. “He is committed to improving himself as a person,” Tyson explains.

“He’s rewriting his story again.” Darla, always her son’s biggest front row cheerleader, chokes back tears as she

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“For everything I’ve done in skiing, you either hate me or love me. I don’t need everyone to love me, but I would like for people to take me for who I really am.” tells me, “Tanner, he has always had the biggest heart. It’s so refreshing to have the Tanner I’ve always known back with us. When I see him now it’s not what can you do for me, it’s what can I do for you.”

The mop-haired kid I picked up in 2001, through raw talent, dedication, passion and unprecedented victory, became the greatest skier our sport has known. But it is through loss, pain and patience, along with some help from his guardian angel, that he is on a path to becoming a greater person. “I might not have finished high school. Never went to college. But I feel like I’m earning a degree in life. That is priceless.

That’s real.”

Tanner’s story is far from finished.

Many challenges lie in wait on his road to redemption. Can he really quit drinking for good, even after recent lapses? Stop smoking? The battle with substance abuse is a lifelong bout of shadow boxing. Tanner too, will continue to dance with those demons.

Skiing gives just as it takes away. The skill that carried Tanner to the top also brings injuries, losses and influences that amplify his struggles. One thing is clear, the person most responsible for his redemption is the same person who can stop it: Tanner. The education of that skier, that person, continues today.

.TV

ALEX SCHLOPY RIDES PARK CITY.

3 PARKS + NEFF LAND AND 22 FOOT SUPERPIPE.

LOG ON TO IRIDEPARKCITY.TV

TO SEE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS OF ASHLEY BATTERSBY, JOSS CHRISTENSEN, TANNER HALL, JEN HUDAK, ALEX SCHLOPY & TOM WALLISCH

PHOTO : ROB MATHIS

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WORDS & PHOTOS: CHRIS O’CONNELL_LEVEL 1

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JP Auclair’s career is really tailing off.

JP Auclair’s career is really tailing off.

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SKIER: JP AUCLAIR

situation. This high speed end-over-end, after landing slightly forward on a cork seven, sent him all the way to the bottom of the landing, completing at least three, maybe four, tomahawks in the process. Afterwards, a stoked Torin skied up to me smiling and exclaimed, “That was my first tommy.” I guess that’s the benefit of being 16 and having the pliable body parts of a child.

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Torin Yater-Wallace could be JP Auclair’s son. I don’t mean he may actually be JP’s son, but that the age math would work out if, hypothetically, JP had doinked someone at the start of his pro ski career, the year after finishing high school.

Luckily Torin wasn’t subjected to the Midnight Express treatment after disrespecting the antiquities of this Turkish National Park.

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SKIER: AHMET DADALI

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RESORT GUIDE

2012 2013 When you want to skate, you go out and skate. Want to road bike? Walk out your door and road bike. Surf? Get in the ocean and go. BMX? The world is your playground. There are some skiers lucky enough to live in safe and accessible areas where a set of skins or a sled can you get to the goods, but for most, if you want to have the best day possible on skis, you’re making your way to a ski resort.

The downside, of course, is that you have to pay to shred at a ski resort. The upside? Where do we start? Avalanche control, perfect jumps, tech rails, handcut glades, groomers, bowls, and—shame on us if we ever take them for granted—the obviously named chairs that lift us to the top. Ah yes, it is indeed a great time to be a skier. Put down some cash, sit your ass

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[ RESORT GUIDE |

| FREESKIER ]

down and enjoy the reward.

Hell, you’ve worked all week for this, shouldn’t you at least enjoy the benefits?

Where skiing does share similarities with all the other action sports is in the quest for adventure and the desire to dream of bigger and better places to visit. Skating has its Barcelona and surfing has its French Polynesia; skiing has its Whistler, Aspen, Jackson, Squaw, Chamonix, Japan and many more.

Traveling can be as rewarding as the destination itself and that’s what this issue really celebrates.

While we’ve outlined the best destinations and share advice from locals at each resort, it’s up to you to pack your car and hit the road this season. We promise you’ll be glad you did.

Sean Pettit | KICKER

Photo: Bryn Hughes

Photo: Mason Mashon

mic dset with in-ear hea r.com. ke ic .k Valid Talk p o now at sh Available

*OF NORTH AMERICA

TOP 10 OVERALL 1.

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB, BC

2.

ASPEN/SNOWMASS, CO

3.

SQUAW VALLEY/ ALPINE MEADOWS, CA

4.

JACKSON HOLE, WY

5.

BRECKENRIDGE, CO

6.

ALTA/SNOWBIRD, UT

7.

MAMMOTH, CA

8.

MT. BACHELOR, WA

9.

REVELSTOKE, BC

10.

PARK CITY, UT

TOP 5 POWDER HAVENS

TOP 5 OFF THE BEATEN PATH

ALYESKA, AK MT. BAKER, WA 3. ALTA/SNOWBIRD, UT 4. WHISTLER BLACKCOMB, BC 5. JACKSON HOLE, WY

MOUNT BOHEMIA, MI 2. SILVERTON, CO 3. MAD RIVER GLEN, VT 4. GRAND TARGHEE, WY 5. RED MOUNTAIN, BC

1.

1.

2.

TOP 5 SIDECOUNTRY ACCESS JACKSON HOLE, WY MT. BAKER, WA 3. SQUAW VALLEY/ ALPINE MEADOWS, CA 4. REVELSTOKE, BC 5. VAIL, CO 1.

2.

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[ TOP RESORTS |

| FREESKIER ]

SKIER: AUSTIN ROSS PHOTO: REUBEN KRABBE LOCATION: BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN, BC

TOP 5 SKI AIRPORTS ASPEN, CO JACKSON HOLE, WY 3. RENO, NV 4. SALT LAKE CITY, UT 5. DENVER, CO 1.

2.

TOP 5 IN THE EAST

TOP 5 PARKS IN THE EAST LOON, NH MOUNT SNOW, VT 3. MOUNTAIN CREEK, NJ 4. SEVEN SPRINGS, PA 5. WATERVILLE VALLEY, NH

KILLINGTON, VT JAY PEAK, VT 3. STOWE, VT 4. MOUNT SNOW, VT 5. SUNDAY RIVER, ME

1.

1.

2.

2.

TOP 5 PARTY TOWNS WHISTLER, BC ASPEN, CO 3. BRECKENRIDGE, CO 4. SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA 5. TREMBLANT, QC 1.

2.

TOP 5 TERRAIN PARKS

TOP 5 STEEP SKIING JACKSON HOLE, WY WHISTLER BLACKCOMB, BC 3. CRESTED BUTTE, CO 4. SILVERTON, CO 5. BIG SKY, MT

BRECKENRIDGE, CO PARK CITY, UT 3. KEYSTONE, CO 4. ASPEN/SNOWMASS, CO 5. MAMMOTH, CA

1.

1.

2.

2.

[ FREESKIER |

| TOP RESORTS ]

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Corn snow, t-shirts, sunglasses, bikinis, wacky costumes, blue skies, 60-degree temps—if your heart isn’t racing a bit as you read this, there might be something seriously wrong with you. This is the recipe for an unforgettable closing day. And a ski area’s closing day is always bittersweet.

Bitter, of course, because ski season is officially drawing to a close. Sweet because these ceremonies bring an abundance of skiers to the hill and inspire extravagant shenanigans and wild behavior. If the ski season must end, it must end with a bang— it’s the unwritten rule that most every skier

abides by. While practically every ski area in the States celebrates its closing day in some special manner or another, a handful of ski resorts have come to truly embrace its spirit. The final days at these resorts are worth buying a plane ticket or organizing a road trip.

We set out to discover some of the more noteworthy mountain celebrations, and while we know there are dozens of candidates out there, we’ll share stories from three of the best parties of the year at Aspen Highlands, Big Sky and Mt. Bachelor.

WORDS: HENRIK LAMPERT PHOTOS: TYLER ROEMER LOCATION: MT. BACHELOR, OR

Make your way to mid-mountain where you’ll find a pond skim event underway. There’ll be Captain Americas, Angry Birds, elephants, pirates and the like. Dress accordingly.

Imagine one week’s worth of spring break craziness mashed into one monstrosity of a day, and you’ve got yourself an Aspen Highlands closing.

To maximize your fun on closing day, we propose the following agenda.

Begin early in the morning by skiing hard with friends. Although it may be late in the season, the conditions can often still be prime. In the spring

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of 2011, for example, the morning of closing day dawned with nearly 10 inches of new snow. Set out to hike Highlands Bowl later in the morning.

Depending on your fitness level, it should take you 30 minutes to an hour to reach the summit. There’ll be dozens of adventurous souls up there to mingle with and the scenery is breathtaking. It’s truly a special place to hang.

[ CLOSING DAY |

After you’ve made your foray across the pond, shoot up the lift to Cloud Nine restaurant. This establishment, decidedly fancy any other day, is transformed into a ’70s-themed discoteca, straight out of the movies. Music blares, skiers dance on tables and cheese fondue sets (in ski boots), champagne rains, drinking glasses smash,

| FREESKIER ]

sweat pours. Not all can fit inside at once, so much of the party spills on to the patio outside. The fun continues for hours.

Once the plug is pulled, it’s on to the base of the mountain. Ski slowly and carefully, friends. At the bottom, the masses gather and the dance party continues. And you thought Cloud Nine couldn’t be topped? Fireworks, DJs, drinks, food, leotards and speedos… The ground rumbles under dancing boots, and only if you’re a true party star will you survive to take on the town of Aspen afterwards.

Talk of an outrageous pond skim drew us to Big Sky’s closing bash. In 2011, Big Sky constructed a double stager setup—two lengthy pools of water, back to back, separated by a brief stretch of snow. Regardless of your attack approach, your performance would elicit a massive roar from the crowd, thousands strong, gathered to watch. Or so we heard.

Upon our arrival in 2012, we discovered Big Sky had opted to switch things up.

Event organizers had crafted a new puddle, its shape almost too difficult to put into words. Your best bet is to see it for yourself at frsk.me/2qh. For the purposes of this story, just know that it was awesome.

Six thousand spectators lined the fences. Entry to the pond skim was limited to 100 participants (arrive early at the hill to register), although that certainly didn’t stop a horde of poachers from getting wet. Costumes are encouraged. For the duration of the pond skim the hillside transformed into a sea of waving neon, stirred by skiers and snowboarders cheering on their compatriots and strangers alike. Those few hours alone seemed worth the trip.

Once the pond skim drew to a close, the crowd shuffled a short way down the hill to the base plaza. Live music acts inspired dance and the party raged well into the darkness. Eventually, the party moved inside Whiskey Jack’s where another band kept the groove going strong. Some revelers made their way to the skier parking lots. We had no trouble making friends with the owners of one of the many RVs on hand, most of which had a keg out front for all to indulge. Condo parties and hotel hot tub parties erupted everywhere. We couldn’t go wrong.

From Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, it’s approximately a 45-minute drive to the ski area. You can stay in Bozeman, a wonderful city in its own right, or choose from a handful of lodging options at the base of Big Sky. The latter perhaps the wiser choice, as you’ll find lodging specials that go hand in hand with the closing weekend festivities. Plus, there’s no telling how you’ll get back to Bozeman once you’ve had one too many Bloody Marys.

One of the country’s latest closingday parties happens at Mt. Bachelor on Memorial Day weekend. While some resorts are struggling to hold on to a white ribbon of death at the end of the season, Mt. Bachelor may just have some fresh powder for your last few turns. In fact, it snowed a foot the night before our crew arrived for closing day last spring.

Start your day by shredding pow around the resort—assuming you get another pow day. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to wear a hot dog costume. Just sayin’. Once you come to terms with the fact that you have just taken your last turns of the year, point it for the pond skim at the base. Beware, spring powder quickly turns to sticky slush and that’s a recipe for a pond skimming fail. Instead of rocking a hot dog outfit, which as it turns out puts up some hefty wind resistance, you might try a speed suit or a bikini or something more aerodynamic. Costumes aplenty flourish at Bachelor, so you’ll fit in no matter what you go with.

[ FREESKIER |

| CLOSING DAY ]

Next, knock back a few IPAs at the Deschutes Brewery beer tent next to the pond. Reminisce with friends about a season gone by, and admire the pond skimmers as they achieve glory or utter failure.

When the ski day ends, the party most certainly does not. Get yourself back to one of the downtown hotels in Bend. (We stayed at the Phoenix Inn and loved it.) Hop on a cruiser bike and ride the bike paths to the Les Schwab Amphitheater for the evening concert series, where you can drink another couple of microbrews (there are more than 14 local breweries in town) and laugh at your friends crowd surfing while Tenacious D blares “Kielbasa Sausage” on stage.

When the sun sets and the music ends, the concertgoers spill into downtown.

A raging party scene is birthed. With a couple more microbrews and a couple more stories about your epic pondskimming fail, that’s one hell of an end to a ski season.

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WORDS: DAMIAN QUIGLEY

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[ HOW TO |

| FREESKIER ]

ABBOTT

TRAVEL If you’re going somewhere within a few hundred miles of home, a road trip is an obvious choice.

What could be better than five friends crammed into a car, eating Slim Jims and taquitos for hours on end? Nothing. And just think, you’ll get to do it all over again on the way home.

Alright, it might not be the most luxurious way to go, but four or five people in a car means less gas money out of your pocket, and hopefully 7-Eleven has some sort of two-for-one special on dried up hot dogs. This leaves more cash for important things like après nachos and margaritas at the Foggy Goggle.

(Inevitably, there’ll be one wherever you go.)

If you’ve got a little more cash to spend at the gas pump, getting your hands on an RV is an even better option. They’re perfect if you plan to hit up multiple locations in one trip or cruise the great highways of Alaska. Showers make great ski lockers, plus you’ll have plenty of legroom and no worries about trying to find a hotel that would eat the entire contents of your bank account. An RV won’t come with maid service though, which will ultimately result in a smell that resembles a family of dead raccoons covered in rancid meat. There’s no getting around it, but you can pretend Febreze will cover that up.

If you’re going international or just clear across the country, you might want to opt for transportation with wings. Assuming you don’t have a rich friend to fly

ACCOMMODATIONS your ass first class, you’ll need to start saving for this trip ahead of time. We don’t like planning this much either, but sometimes it’s necessary, so ramp up your schedule at the local taco joint and start stockpiling some cash. Scour the Internet for airfare deals, and be flexible with your dates. You have the week between Christmas and New Year’s off? Awesome, so does everybody else. Think about times when other people aren’t traveling, like the week after New Year’s. Not only are flights cheaper, hotel rates drop and lift lines are all but gone, leaving you to roam the mountain without the rest of mankind getting in your way.

One of the most powerful airfare search sites is google.com/flights. Search for specific dates or use the lowest fare chart to save some coin if your schedule is flexible. All the while helping Google in their never-ending quest to take over the world.

Keep in mind how accessible your final destination is to the nearest airport. While a ticket to one airport may be less than another, getting from the airport to the mountains could end up being an expensive hassle. Be comprehensive in your analysis of travel time and costs to figure out where the best deal really is.

Lastly, never, ever check your boots. You can always rent a pair of skis and borrow a jacket, but if you show up for a week in Alaska without your own ski boots, good luck.

[ FREESKIER |

| HOW TO ]

If you didn’t score an RV, finding somewhere to sleep (pass out) after a long day of skiing (partying) is the next hurdle. Naturally, you’ll want to make an attempt at finding a free place to crash, via friends, before you start doling out your hard-earned taco tips. If you don’t have friends to stay with, a) you need to make more friends, and b) you need to get to work finding a discount ski-and-stay package.

Resorts will often use these in an attempt to boost bookings during off-peak travel dates. Be sure to do research on sites like ski.com and a resort’s partner booking websites. Along with saving a few bucks, the deals can be a good indicator that the resort won’t be overly crowded on certain dates.

If you want to book a hotel straight up, travel sites will usually yield lower rates than calling a hotel directly, but it never hurts to try both. See if they offer a no cancellation option that can save you a couple bucks, and make sure to pay attention to online customer reviews so you don’t end up wearing rubber gloves and washing your own sheets.

Those of you with lighter wallets will appreciate that most ski towns have a hostel. It can be a roll of the dice, but some hostels are actually pretty nice. So save some money and turn down your own sheets.

Or just pass out on top and save everybody the trouble. It’s up to you.

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ABBOTT

ON THE HILL Our beloved sport is a lot of things, but cheap is not one of them. As lift ticket prices continue their slow and steady climb, we continually look for ways to get ourselves on the hill at a reasonable cost. In the old days, hooking up the liftie with a sixer of tall boys would do the trick, but in an age of scanners and RFIDs, this option is essentially impossible to pull off, not to mention illegal in all 50 states.

Technology has been partly in our favor here though.

Our good friend the Internet helps out with websites offering deals on advance lift ticket purchases.

Liftopia.com is one good resource for cheap, datespecific lift tickets, so be sure to do pre-trip research to get the best deal possible.

Locals can sometimes get their hands on ticket vouchers. It never hurts to ask around, and it’s good practice to help them stay hydrated.

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Once you get on the hill, you’ll need to figure out where to go. If you just got in the night before, you probably haven’t had much time to chat up the resident die-hards for any tips, so the first day is good for exploring the mountain to see what you can find. You can usually find mountain hosts stationed at the top of the lifts to give you some general direction, but you’ll be getting the same spiel as everybody else, so don’t expect any epic stashes.

On any given powder day, elated locals can be found laughing and chatting back and forth with friends in the lift line. If you start hearing names of places that don’t show up on the trail map, you’ve just found the people you need to talk to. And the best place to talk to them is in the bar, after a hard day of shredding.

[ HOW TO |

| FREESKIER ]

If you start hearing names of places that don’t show up on the trail map, you’ve just found the people you need to talk to.

APRÈS Coined by the French, perfected by the Austrians and loved by skiers worldwide, nothing caps off a great day of skiing like a solid après session. Whether it’s on a sunny deck or at a hole-in-the-wall basement bar, this is a great time to make some new friends.

If you’re looking for friends who can give you insight on where to ski tomorrow, keep an eye out for dangling season passes or better yet, a season pass with an employee designation of some sort. These are the people who know the resort like the back of their beer can. Remember that to most of the locals, you’re just a tourist who will come through their town to eat, drink, ski the same runs as all the other tourists and leave with a lot less money in your pocket, so you’ll need to convince them otherwise.

About four spicy margs, six pitchers and way too many nachos later, it’s time to hit the hot tub. At this point, you’ll need to either bring the party back to yours or find a party at somebody else’s because you were too poor to get a hotel with plumbing. Make sure your party includes at least a few members of the opposite sex because nobody likes a dude stew—unless that’s your thing, in which case, get your dude stew on.

After thoroughly dehydrating yourself via cocktails and tub lounging, it’s time to shower up and maybe throw in a quick nap. From here, the night is your oyster, but it should probably end in a raging hotel party. Hopefully it’s not your room getting trashed and hit with a plethora of noise complaints. If it is, call down to the front desk in the morning and tell them you want to cancel all the complaints, as they were simply a miscommunication between you and your temporary neighbors. Misunderstandings happen all the time, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

Sport hunting is a great activity for down days with December to mid-April being open season on cougars.

O’CONNELL

Most hotel hot tubs are relatively easy to poach.

Number one rule: walk in like you own the joint.

Hotel employees will only question you if you question yourself. While you’re at it, charge some drinks to room 310*. Of course, you’ll want to make sure there are at least three floors in the hotel and give the bartender a big tip when you sign the check to the room.

LAMPERT

Buying a pitcher or two will certainly help lube the conversation, but don’t get carried away because once they smell blood, you’re toast. With any luck, this process should yield a few tips on where to ski.

Remember their names and faces and hope they remember yours; it’ll be much less creepy when you stalk them all over the mountain the next day.

DOWN DAYS

If you’re lucky enough to get away on a trip for more than a few days, it’s sometimes necessary to take some time off from skiing in the middle of the week. This will give you the opportunity to catch up on the sleep you’ve been missing from catching first chair and last call every day.

Sport hunting is a great activity for down days with December to mid-April being open season on cougars. It might even be longer as their high concentration in ski-town environments has led the Department of Fish and Game to continually extend the season. They usually roam in small packs, and if you’re lucky enough to catch one, it will almost certainly lead to an upgrade in accommodations. Enlist hunting partners for safety and watch for alpha males in the nearby fields. Night hunts are also great if you don’t have time to take a day off from skiing. Cougars usually like to stay hydrated at night, so you’ll want to start at the local watering holes.

If you prefer to spend your days outside, renting snowmobiles is a great option. You’ll inevitably break something on the sled along the way, so be sure to get the extra insurance and laugh about it instead of crying yourself to sleep. Maybe even strap the skis down for a backcountry booter sesh while you’re out there. It’ll make a solid addition to your midseason edit.

*Freeskier in no way endorses or encourages actually doing this.

There’ll be a few details you’ll need to figure out along the way, but these guidelines should set you up for absolute success. Slipping out of the cougar den unnoticed or convincing the bartender that you really thought you were in room 310 can be sticky situations, but will result in thoroughly entertaining stories.

Stories that will keep you laughing all the way to your second annual ski trip. Bon Voyage. [ FREESKIER |

| HOW TO ]

PG. 079

RESORT DIRECTORY

PACIFIC NORTHWEST MT. BAKER MOUNT HOOD MEADOWS STEVENS PASS THE SUMMIT AT SNOQUALMIE MT. BACHELOR CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN

MT. BAKER, WA

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS

OFF-HILL TIPS

If it’s stormy and the Canyon is open, traverse to Elf Chutes for terrain from steep chutes to open pow to cliffs that dump you right back at the bottom of chairs 5 and 6 for easy lapping. If it’s bluebird and avy conditions are stable, a hike out Shuksan Arm is a must. mtbaker.us

mtbakerskiarea

ON-HILL TIPS

Time your attack. Tick off your favorite four or so runs on the lower chairs (Mt. Hood Express and Shooting Star) and get ready for patrol to control and open the top chair. When Cascade finally opens, head straight for Marmot Ridge. There are so many natural jumps on that run, it’s like a natural terrain park. skihood.com

For the best food and beer in the area, head back towards Bellingham about 30 miles to the North Fork Brewery. The pizza is awesome and the beer is some of the best on the West Coast.

It’s worth the trek.

@mtbakerski

MOUNT HOOD MEADOWS, OR

N/A

TIPS BY

ERIC POLLARD

OFF-HILL TIPS

Stay in Hood River. It’s awesome in the winter, close to the mountain with lots of places to stay and quite a few choice restaurants to sample.

mthoodmeadows

@mthoodmeadows

mthoodmeadows

STEVENS PASS, WA

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS

The trees left of Cloud Nine, off 7th Heaven, usually stay pretty fresh on good snow days.

stevenspass.com

stevenspass

ON-HILL TIPS

You’ll end up having some of your “best days ever” when the snow report is underwhelming but you still go. Head to Alpental to find the goods.

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DEREK SPONG

OFF-HILL TIPS

Best place to eat on the hill is the Foggy Goggle. Good beer selection and solid prices.

StevensPassVideoMan

@StevensPass

THE SUMMIT AT SNOQUALMIE, WA

summitatsnoqualmie.com

IAN COBLE

TIPS BY

BRYCE PHILLIPS

OFF-HILL TIPS

The best thing about “off the hill” at Snoqualmie Pass is that you’re 45 minutes from Seattle. Head to town and take advantage of the great city life.

summitatsnoqualmie

@summit_parks

[ RESORT DIRECTORY |

| FREESKIER ]

SummitAtSnoqualmie

MT. BACHELOR, OR

TIPS BY

SAMMY CARLSON

You’re surely familiar with the PNW’s reputation as a recipient of abundant snowfall. For those who crave a piece of the pow, Oregon’s Mt. Bachelor should fall near the top of the list for resorts to visit. From Redmond Airport it’s a quick jaunt to the beautiful city of Bend. Home to wonderful hotels, restaurants and a slew of breweries, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied while you’re not on the hill.

The mountain lies 22 miles up an access road from Bend. There’s not much surrounding the resort in the way of fancy homes or big hotels—it’s just simple wilderness. At 9,065 feet, Mt. Bachelor boasts the highest skiable terrain in all of Oregon and Washington. Bachelor is a dormant volcano, and it’s possible to ski 360 degrees off the summit. Many of the trails at Bachelor were naturally formed by lava flows; magma carved through bedrock creating ditches reminiscent of halfpipes. You’ll have a blast letting loose, making big sweeping turns the whole way down. Wind lips and terrain features are aplenty, so if you’re one who enjoys popping off every damn thing in sight, you’ll get your fix.

Don’t miss out on the popular “Cone,” where a quick hike will get you some great turns. The trees off of the Outback Express chair are ultra fun to rip through on pow days. Also, shred the Northwest Express lift, and hit the traverse at the top. Drop in wherever you see the goods, and shred through the open bowls and stashes until you hit the trees. Hit the summit for steeper terrain, and don’t miss out on the parks— they’re top-notch.

ON-HILL TIPS

Lapping Skyline park is always a good time. But on the pow days, stick to the trees.

OFF-HILL TIPS

After skiing you gotta swing by Skjersaa’s Shop to get your skis tuned up by the coolest dudes in town. Then keep heading right down the street to Parrilla and get yourself a mighty fine burrito.

mtbachelor.com

mtbachelorfanpage

@mtbachelor

[ FREESKIER |

| RESORT DIRECTORY ]

MTB97701

PG. 081

RESORT DIRECTORY

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, WA

TIPS BY

PHOTO: FRANK SHINE_BLIZZARD

Crystal Mountain gets pounded with 486 inches of PNW fluff on average annually and is the real deal in terms of terrain, but thanks to its 2,600 inbound acres—and its equally as expansive backcountry—it isn’t plagued with long lift lines. Located two hours by car from Seattle, Crystal’s proximity to the ocean keeps the bitter temperatures at bay and also often serves up ample snowfall, meaning more chances for powder days.

From a small base village, the resort shoots up 3,100 vertical in all directions. The lifts—including the Mt. Rainier Gondola that effortlessly whisks skiers up 2,400 feet of vertical—easily access the series of peaks and ridges that make up the resort.

From mini-golf lines to harrowing chutes to steep trees, Crystal has got the goods to keep you skiing all day long, and coming back for years to come.

ON-HILL TIPS

On the crowded storm days, hit far skier’s right trees in Bear Pit. It’s a little on the short side, but its easy to get to and the wind blows lots of snow in there.

OFF-HILL TIPS

The Snorting Elk homemade pizza and freshly baked cookies are the best. Wash it down with some local beer and endless ski movies playing.

crystalmountainresort.com

PG. 082

TYLER CECCANTI

CrystalMountainWashington

[ RESORT DIRECTORY |

@CrystalMt

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SkiCrystalMtn

BRITISH COLUMBIA

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB REVELSTOKE

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB, BC

TIPS BY

DANA FLAHR

With 5,354 feet of vertical, 8,171 acres of terrain, expansive backcountry, a luxurious, yet raucous world-class village and over 400 inches of average annual snowfall, Whistler Blackcomb is the gold standard of North American ski resorts.

There is not only something for everyone at WB, but no matter what you want to do on a given day, the resort will deliver.

Want to hit jumps? The mountains host parks galore, the Highest Level on Blackcomb is one of the best on the continent.

Want steep trees? Head to the CB Trees on Blackcomb. Want to drop a 40-plus-foot cliff in front of hundreds of people? Head for Peak Chair on Whistler. Want to go on an epic tour? Cat skiing? Heli skiing? Want to just drink all day? It’s all here, and it’s all top-level.

ON-HILL TIPS

If you want to max out your pow runs, travel light and keep your eyes on the lightboards. If Jersey is open, max its fall line while patrol bombs the goods up high.

OFF-HILL TIPS

Merlins or GLC for après food and chatter about the day. GLC has better food—and hotter waitresses—but Merlins has the hardcore feel of a classic après spot.

whistlerblackcomb.com

whistlerblackcomb

@whistlerblckcmb

REVELSTOKE, BC

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS

Head down Kill the Banker for a long, sustained tree run with pillows and cliffs everywhere to jump off of.

revelstokemountainresort.com

WhistlerBlackcombMtn

CHRIS RUBENS

OFF-HILL TIPS

Check out The Village Idiot for some great food and drinks. Then move on to Benoît’s Wine Bar for some scotch and wine with a lady friend.

RevelstokeMTN

@revelstokemtn

[ FREESKIER |

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revelstokemtn

PG. 083

RESORT DIRECTORY

THE SIERRA NEVADAS MAMMOTH HEAVENLY NORTHSTAR SQUAW VALLEY & ALPINE MEADOWS SIERRA-AT-TAHOE BOREAL SUGARBOWL KIRKWOOD

MAMMOTH, CA

TIPS BY

CHRIS BENCHETLER

HEAVENLY, CA

With direct flights making access easier, Mammoth Mountain is one of of the best all-around resorts in North America. The park scene has been popping since there were parks, or at least since skiers were allowed in them, and the mountain won’t change its classic steeps with rocks, cliffs and trees.

TIPS BY

GLEN PLAKE

Situated on the California/Nevada border, this massive resort sprawls over 4,800 acres and has the highest summit in the Lake Tahoe area at 10,067 feet.

The lake provides a stunning backdrop as you shred one of the four terrain parks scattered throughout the resort. Mott and Killebrew Canyons are also not to be missed.

ON-HILL TIPS

On a pow day, avoid crowds by dipping off the backside toward chair 14 and hike the Hemlocks—the sick terrain there is protected from the wind.

ON-HILL TIPS

Check out the backcountry gates, not necessarily advertised or talked about. They provide access to 4,000-foot vertical descents right down to the desert floor.

OFF-HILL TIPS

Mimi’s Cookie Bar is an organic bakery downtown with tons of fresh homemade and healthy treats.

OFF-HILL TIPS

The Red Hut waffle shop is definitely my favorite place to eat.

mammothmountain.com

@MammothMountain

skiheavenly.com

@SkiHeavenly

MammothMTN

MammothMTNOfficial

SkiHeavenly

HeavenlyMtnResort

NORTHSTAR, CA

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS

There is incredibly fun big-mountain riding off the Martis Camp Chair. It’s obscure and tricky to get to, but usually untracked and packed with natural jumps, cliffs, and features.

northstarattahoe.com

PG. 084

northstar

@SkiNorthstar

[ RESORT DIRECTORY |

| FREESKIER ]

OFF-HILL TIPS

DAVID WISE

When you get hungry, head over to Tacos Jalisco in Truckee for some righteous, authentic Mexican food. They’ll even serve you brains or tongue if you ask.

NorthStarAtTahoe

SQUAW VALLEY & ALPINE MEADOWS, CA

TIPS BY

INGRID BACKSTROM

Once “friendly” rivals on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows now share one lift ticket. Hardcore locals may still swear by their favorite, but that should not stop you from exploring both in the same day. Between the two you’ve got access to over 6,000 acres of Tahoe’s most famous steep lines, multiple SPT-built terrain parks and stellar sidecountry access.

If you’re an experienced backcountry skier with the necessary tools and knowledge you can hike between the resorts via backcountry gates. From Squaw, look for a gate approximately 100 yards west of the KT22 saddle. From Alpine, access the route from North Estelle Peak. Know where you’re going or go with someone who does because there’s nothing but wilderness to the west and private property to the east. If you’re in doubt, take the free shuttle that runs between the two base areas.

ON-HILL TIPS

If it’s a pow day and the line on KT is long, you can do figure eights using the Red Dog and Far East chairlifts to get sick tree skiing and avoid the mayhem.

OFF-HILL TIPS

PlumpJack has an awesome happy hour on weeknights until 6 p.m. with an amazing burger and a beer for $10.

squaw.com

squawvalley

@squawvalley

squawvalley1960

skialpine.com

AlpineMeadowsSkiResort

@skialpine

skialpine

[ FREESKIER |

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PG. 085

RESORT DIRECTORY

SIERRA-AT-TAHOE, CA

TIPS BY

COLBY ALBINO

Featuring a laid back vibe and a no-nonsense mountain experience, Sierra-at-Tahoe is the perfect ski area for those looking to avoid the big resorts around Lake Tahoe. Featuring 2,000 acres and over 2,200 feet of vertical, it’s guaranteed Sierra has enough of the goods to keep anyone sated. Park and pipe more your thing?

Take a gander at Sierra’s five terrain parks that vary in skill level to keep any park-goer happy.

If inbounds runs aren’t enough for you, five gates access over 320 acres of pristine backcountry in Huckleberry Canyon. And new this season, Sierra is offering cat tours to Huckleberry’s chutes, glades and pillows for those seeking a unique backcountry experience. While Sierra-at-Tahoe enjoys its low key atmosphere, the debauchery of South Lake Tahoe isn’t far, if you’re looking to get into some trouble.

ON-HILL TIPS

When it’s nuking, head to Nobb Hill for choking face shots in Avy Bowl, while avoiding the crowds.

OFF-HILL TIPS

To get away from the casinos, hit Divided Sky in Meyers for music, good sandwiches, and tasty ale.

sierraattahoe.com

SierraAtTahoe

BOREAL, CA

TIPS BY

@Sierra_at_Tahoe

THE STAFF

SUGAR BOWL, CA

Dial in your tricks on the bag jump. Hard day at work? Don’t fret, Boreal offers night shred until 9 p.m.

OFF-HILL TIPS

Be sure to hit up the super tramp in the Bunker. It’s the best trampoline you’ve ever jumped on. Post-bounce, head to Truckee for a bite to eat.

PG. 086

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS

First time visitors should lap Mt. Lincoln Express to get a lay of the land. If the Pallisades are open and looking good, get in there.

OFF-HILL TIPS

Fuel up pre-shred at Wild Cherries in Truckee. The homemade vegetarian chili is served with a cornbread muffin or tortilla chips.

Get “The Works” and they’ll add grated cheddar cheese, red onions, cilantro and sour cream.

rideboreal.com

@borealmtn

sugarbowl.com

@sugarbowl1939

borealmtn

rideborealdotcom

sugarbowlresort

sugarbowlskiresort

[ RESORT DIRECTORY |

THE STAFF

A true gem, Sugar Bowl will surprise you with its technical steep zones and top-notch parks. Thanks to the mega-resorts that surround it, you’re going to get plenty of fresh lines on powder days as you ask yourself, “Where is everybody?” From Mount Judah, you can ski to Donner Pass. From Donner Peak, you can bring it back to 1999 and hit the oftenphotographed, highly-intimidating Donner Train Gap.

Boreal is on the map more than ever with the addition of Woodward Tahoe. It’s easy to get to the resort from Reno International Airport—just hop on I-80, drive 45 minutes, and the Woodward Bunker and the ski hill are practically a stone’s throw from the highway. Rock in the Bunker, then get on snow and take advantage of the numerous terrain parks.

ON-HILL TIPS

sierraattahoeresort

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KIRKWOOD, CA

TIPS BY

JOSH DAIEK

Renowned for its lack of crowds, deep dumps and challenging terrain, Kirkwood is one of California’s best spots to shred. It’s slightly off the beaten path, 35 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe. That’s not to say getting there is a pain, however, as it’s only a 90-minute drive via US 395 and Route 88 West from Reno International Airport. Kirkwood has been known to receive three to four feet of snow in a 24 hour period. While in those extreme cases there’s almost too much snow to venture outside, those massive dumps are an indicator of what makes Kirkwood appealing.

The unique volcanic rock formations around Kirkwood yield an assortment of drops, natural takeoffs, cheese wedges and the like. For those who enjoy a healthy dose of airtime, there’s plenty to be had on the slopes of Kirkwood. Case in point, Kirkwood has been the home to a stop of the Freeride World Tour for a number of years. While the event is held on a permanently closed part of the mountain called The Cirque, the ridges leading up to this area offer the same steep pitches as the closed portion. The mountain is essentially one giant ridge line that patrollers work from lookers right to left on big snow days. This creates staggered openings of its infamous steep zones (Jim’s, The Fingers, The Wall, Eagle Bowl, Thunder Saddle), resulting in fresh lines all day long.

ON-HILL TIPS

On pow days, Olympic is a good fall line warm up off chair 6. Follow that with some hucks off Jim’s and Rodent (not on the trail map) and you’ll be fired up to send some lines through the Fingers.

OFF-HILL TIPS

After a long day of hard charging you will surely be thirsty, so peel off your ski shoes and head to Bub’s for some beers with your homies.

kirkwood.com

KirkwoodMtn

@KirkwoodMtn

[ FREESKIER |

| RESORT DIRECTORY ]

KirkwoodMountainTV

PG. 087

RESORT DIRECTORY

THE UPPER ROCKY MOUNTAINS JACKSON HOLE BIG SKY BRIDGER BOWL SUN VALLEY

JACKSON HOLE, WY

TIPS BY

GRIFFIN POST

With 4,139 vertical feet and 2,500 acres it’s hard to choose where to start, but whatever direction you go will not disappoint. Dip into the Burton Stash parks for an assortment of creative features and check out the new high-speed Casper quad for quick laps through the trees.

ON-HILL TIPS OFF-HILL TIPS

If it’s a powder day, plan on being in the tram line before 7:30 a.m. This will ensure you get first tracks in the bowl and a couple of untracked laps on Sublette before the crowds get there.

In town, hit up Thai Me Up Brewery for $6 happy hour curry bowls and hand-crafted beers.

BIG SKY, MT

ON-HILL TIPS

Big Couloir. Bring a partner and avalanche equipment, sign out with patrol, and learn firsthand why the Big is one of the most memorable inbounds lines in North America.

OFF-HILL TIPS

After a lap in the Big, blaze down to the base to celebrate with a gourmet weenie and a cold beer at the famous Yeti Dogs.

jacksonhole.com

@jhski

bigskyresort.com

@bigskyresort

jacksonhole

jacksonholemtnresort

bigskyresort

bigskyresort

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS

Hike north on the ridge and get there first, because some dirty hippy will probably kick your ass on the 400 vertical hike and fart in your face. Go ski Hidden Gully to the Apron. Lift accessed terrain off Schlasman’s chair is fantastic. Don’t forget your beacon. bridgerbowl.com

219783875638

@BridgerBowl

[ RESORT DIRECTORY |

THE STAFF

If you crave endless alpine steeps in an unforgettable location, then head straight to Montana’s Big Sky Resort. The iconic Lone Peak rises 4,350 feet with 3,832 skiable acres on numerous aspects from its imposing summit. Even better, Big Sky’s base plaza offers numerous opportunities for the kind of rowdy après you can only find in Montana.

BRIDGER BOWL, MT

PG. 088

TIPS BY

| FREESKIER ]

OFF-HILL TIPS

STEVEN POPOVICH

Pizza at Mackenzie River, sandwiches at Starky’s, sirloin’s at Ted’s, Zebra for DJs and dancing, Eagles for bluegrass. Stay at Best Western or the Western Heritage Inn in Bozeman.

N/A

SUN VALLEY, ID

TIPS BY

BANKS GILBERTI

Sun Valley has long been a destination of the rich and famous but the last few years have brought about a lot of change at the central Idaho resort. While still offering the world-class amenities that have attracted the Hollywood A-listers, a solid effort to up their terrain park game has been highly successful. The program continues to grow with the addition of their new 22-foot superpipe. Dollar Mountain is home to multiple terrain parks, packed with their stock of 78 features as well as jumps both big and small to cater to all abilities.

Outside the park you can head over to Bald Mountain and find plenty of terrain with just under 3,500 feet of vertical and a variety of trees, bowls and bumps.

If you’ve got your backcountry legs under you, head into the Sawtooth Mountains just Northwest of the resort for terrific options ranging from mellow trees to serious couloirs and a great system of huts for multiday trips.

Once you’ve thoroughly exhausted yourself, the authentic western mountain town of Ketchum offers plenty of places to eat, drink and be merry. Check out Whiskey Jacques or The Cellar for drinks and a casual atmosphere. Despite it being a little bit tucked away, Sun Valley is relatively easy to get to.

Friedman Memorial Airport is just 14 miles down the road and you can find nonstop flights from major hubs such as Seattle, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.

ON-HILL TIPS

Make sure to keep your eyes out for all the hidden gaps and tranny finders littered throughout the park on Dollar Mountain.

sunvalley.com

OFF-HILL TIPS

When night time hits, make sure you’re shootin’ stick over at the Casino in downtown Ketchum.

sunvalley

@sunvalleyresort

[ FREESKIER |

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sunvalleyresort

PG. 089

RESORT DIRECTORY

UTAH

ALTA PARK CITY SOLITUDE THE CANYONS SNOWBIRD SNOWBASIN BRIAN HEAD BRIGHTON POWDER MOUNTAIN

ALTA, UT

TIPS BY

SAGE CATTABRIGA-ALOSA

Located just under an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport, Alta boasts 2,200 acres of stellar terrain covered in an average of 550 inches of white goodness every year. You won’t find any park or pipe here but with so many natural features, you won’t be looking for them.

ON-HILL TIPS

If you’re looking for the slopestyle course, take the Wildcat chair and follow your instincts. Many natural features provide air opportunities and there is plenty of terrain to let your creativity flow.

OFF-HILL TIPS

Pizza is prime at the Goldminer’s bar for lunch or an après treat, and the Peruvian Lodge bar is one of the great local watering holes.

PARK CITY, UT

TIPS BY

Park City is the most diverse ski resort in the Salt Lake City area. With 3,100 feet of vertical, a spiderweb of 16 lifts accessing 3,300 acres, 360 inches of average annual snow, the world-renowned 22-foot Eagle superpipe, Three Kings terrain park, and one helluva town, Park City is a special place.

ON-HILL TIPS

If it’s crowded everywhere on a pow day, I like to head down to King Con chair to access tons of steep terrain that a lot of people pass up. You can find snow there all day.

OFF-HILL TIPS

If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, Davansa’s is the place to go; super good pizza, sandwiches and tacos. Located just off of Main Street, get the high school special: a slice of pizza, fries and a drink for $6.

alta.com

@myAltaUT

irideparkcity.tv

@iridepc

altaskiarea

myAltaUT

iridepc

pcski

SOLITUDE, UT

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS

Head straight for the Powderhorn ll lift and hit the gates right off the top to access Milk Run, the steepest, deepest and most sustained inbounds pow skiing in the state.

skisolitude.com

PG. 090

skisolitude

@skisolitude

[ RESORT DIRECTORY |

JOSS CHRISTENSEN

| FREESKIER ]

OFF-HILL TIPS

JULIAN CARR

For après, hit the Library bar in the lobby at the Inn at Solitude and order a bacon bloody mary or hot toddy and chill in their oversized chairs.

skisolitude

your facebook handle here your twitter handle here your youtube channel here

THE CANYONS, UT

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS

If you see a little boot pack up from the 9990 chair, it means there are secret stashes. Take advantage by taking a few extra steps to get even more solo terrain.

canyonsresort.com

CanyonsResort

OFF-HILL TIPS

If you’re looking for a great place to eat, The Farm is awesome.

Everything on the menu is local and the setting could not be more perfect (right next to the slopes).

@TheCanyons

SNOWBIRD, UT

thecanyons

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS

Take a ride up the Gad 2 lift and hit Tigertail for a few rounds of mini-golf.

snowbird.com

KARL FOSTVEDT

OFF-HILL TIPS

The Little Cottonwood Canyon road is prone to closures so keep an eye on conditions (at udottraffic.utah.gov) and get up there as early as you can.

SnowbirdUT

@SnowbirdSki

snowbirdskiresort

SNOWBASIN, UT

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS If it’s dumping, I would head over to Strawberry Gondola.

There you’ll find the Three Sisters, a nice open area that doesn’t get tracked out too fast. Happy hunting!

snowbasin.com

snowbasin

@snowbasinresort

snowbasin

TIPS BY

On powder days, get out early and skirt the crowds by heading up the Alpen Glow lift for several different fun pitches.

brianhead.com

THE STAFF

OFF-HILL TIPS

The Lift Lounge in the Double Tree Resort offers spectacular food, including things you don’t normally see on an après menu.

Try the gator bites, similar to chicken nuggets but made with alligator meat.

Brian.Head.Resort

@brianheadresort

BrianHeadUtahResort

BRIGHTON, UT

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS

To send some good mini-golf on a pow day start on the Milly Express and work your way skier’s right of the lift for freshies that last all morning.

brightonresort.com

116009240186

powdermountain.com

Don’t forget to grab some hops infused Milwaukee tap water from the 7-11 at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon if you’re looking to fit in with all the wannabe hesh snowboarders.

BrightonResortTV

TIPS BY

On busy days spend the extra $18 per ride and take the cat up to Lightning Ridge for the deepest snow you’ll find at PowMow. $18 too much? Dirtbags can boot up the cat road for free.

KARL FOSTVEDT

OFF-HILL TIPS

@Brighton_Resort

POWDER MOUNTAIN, UT ON-HILL TIPS

NICKY KEEFER

OFF-HILL TIPS I highly advise you head to one of the lodges, nicest that any resort has to offer. Nicest restrooms any resort has to offer, as well. I’m talkin’ a stall to yourself with gold handles.

Happy pooping!

BRIAN HEAD, UT ON-HILL TIPS

GRETE ELIASSEN

ERIK SEO

OFF-HILL TIPS

The Shooting Star in Huntsville has damn good burgers and the bar has more character than Colby West’s stockpile of pro skier impersonations.

46326540287

@PowMow

[ FREESKIER |

| RESORT DIRECTORY ]

gopowmow

PG. 091

RESORT DIRECTORY

COLORADO

COPPER MOUNTAIN ASPEN/SNOWMASS TELLURIDE KEYSTONE LOVELAND ARAPAHOE BASIN BRECKENRIDGE SILVERTON DURANGO VAIL WINTER PARK

COPPER MOUNTAIN, CO

TIPS BY

THE STAFF

ASPEN/SNOWMASS, CO

In Summit County, no single resort matches the variety of terrain and aspects that Copper offers, which means on any day you can find the right spot to get your blood pumping from parks to halfpipe to bowls to trees. And since the mountain offers a different pass from the rest of the county, crowds are pleasantly manageable, even on holidays.

ON-HILL TIPS

Fight the urge to go straight to the above-treeline terrain. Check out Alpine and Resolution lifts on the east side of the mountain where there’s protected, sustained, steep terrain that stays untracked til late in the afternoon.

OFF-HILL TIPS

There’s just enough food and entertainment to satisfy during evenings in the quiet Copper village, but pop into Woodward’s Barn to flip, skate or jump every last bit of energy, and fun, out of your body.

CHRIS DAVENPORT

Aspen/Snowmass boasts four mountains to shred (Aspen, Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk), a rowdy nightlife, luxury lodging, 300 inches of snow, and that little thing called the Winter X Games. The picturesque town doesn’t just cater to the rich and famous, it caters to everyone.

ON-HILL TIPS

Aspen’s gondola can stack up quick. Head over to Lift 1A: often times it will open before the gondola and you’ll be lapping the steeps while everyone else is still reading the morning paper on their way up.

OFF-HILL TIPS

The recently re-born Limelight Hotel is becoming the affordable spot to stay, eat, and après, featuring Aspen’s longest happy hour, a roaring fire, and live music. They churn out epic pies at a furious rate for hungry skiers. The hotel offers free lift tickets, as well, with stays over three nights.

coppercolorado.com

@CopperMtn

aspensnowmass.com

@AspenSnowmass

CopperMtn

CopperMountainResort

SkiAspenSnowmass

AspenSnowmass

TELLURIDE, CO

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS Start your day off on See Forever. It’s not a very challenging run but it’s the longest on the mountain and offers breathtaking panoramic views all the way out to Utah.

tellurideskiresort.com

PG. 092

TIPS BY

Telluride

@Telluride

[ RESORT DIRECTORY |

| FREESKIER ]

GUS KENWORTHY

OFF-HILL TIPS Catch a flick at the Nugget Theater on Main. The movie’s probably already on DVD and the projector is guaranteed to break down at least once, but it’s a true slice of Telluride living.

TellurideSki

KEYSTONE, CO

TIPS BY

MEGAN OLENICK

Nestled right in the middle of Summit County, CO, Keystone offers 3,128 feet of vertical spread across three mountains and 3,148 acres of varied terrain.

Across the top of the mountain trifecta you’ll find wide open bowls for shredding and Keystone Adventure Tours offers guided cat skiing through them. If you like the idea of cat skiing but not so much the guided part, you can hitch a one-ride cat trip from the top of The Outback for five bucks. Or better yet, hike the ridge between Erickson Bowl and Bergman Bowl from The Outpost lodge and take your pick from there.

Down below you’ll find the A51 terrain park with features galore. Use the Peru Express quad to access it from the Mountain House base and then the parkdedicated A51 double lift to keep the laps going.

Multiple lines within A51 offer every size and shape feature imaginable, attracting top pros from around the globe. Shred right alongside them in the early season as they train for the Dew Tour and X Games.

ON-HILL TIPS

Arriving to Keystone’s A51 in the morning is the best. The sun hits the jumps perfectly and there is no wind. Ideal jumping time.

OFF-HILL TIPS

After a long day of skiing, the best place to enjoy some après is Dos Locos mexican restaurant. Dollar tacos, cheap beer and best of all, Big Buck Hunter.

keystoneresort.com

Keystone

@keystonemtn

[ FREESKIER |

| RESORT DIRECTORY ]

KeystoneColorado

PG. 093

RESORT DIRECTORY

LOVELAND, CO

TIPS BY

THE STAFF

Loveland is one of the easiest resorts to access via the Interstate 70 ski corridor from Denver and gets the die-hards skiing early and late with a season that stretches from mid-October through early May. Flanking the highway are 1,800 acres of incredible terrain that get covered with 422 inches of snow.

Due to the number of resorts in close proximity, Loveland doesn’t get an overwhelming amount of traffic so powder mornings will often turn into powder days. The 414 acres of hike-to terrain offers wide open bowls and multiple access points that get you easily into the backcountry. Loveland’s Love Park has a variety of jibs, jumps, rails and boxes, and plays host to slopestyle events in the spring. As your day winds down, head to the Basin deck for beers, chili, live music and BBQs on the weekends.

ON-HILL TIPS

Check out the Ridge Cat off Chair 9 for free cat skiing with purchase of a lift ticket.

OFF-HILL TIPS

The Wedge Bar serves up huge sandwiches that are super cheap.

skiloveland.com

lovelandskiarea

@lovelandskiarea

ARAPAHOE BASIN, CO

lovelandskiarea1

TIPS BY

Tucked away high along the Continental Divide in Summit County, Arapahoe Basin is hidden in plain sight. With steep terrain, open bowls and rocky features, it’s as close to a big mountain proving ground as you’ll get with such easy access to Denver. When the weather is good, the traverseor hike-to terrain of the East Wall offers steep powder lines. And when it’s stormy, the tight and full-offeatures tree runs around Pallavicini lift will get your adrenaline pumping. Although there is no lodging right at the base area, options are diverse and range from high-end at Keystone to super affordable about 25 minutes down the road. Frequently battling Loveland for first Colorado resort to open, A-Basin also stays open late into the spring making for a wonderfully extended ski season. Seven months or more of this mountain every season? Yes, please.

ON-HILL TIPS

Explore the Alleys, skier’s left from the Pallavicini lift, for steep tree skiing that can hold the best snow on stormy days.

OFF-HILL TIPS

A-Basin’s “beach” is among the best spring skiing scenes in North America.

Get there early, bring your grillin’ gear and make sure you have a sober driver.

arapahoebasin.com

PG. 094

ArapahoeBasinSkiArea

[ RESORT DIRECTORY |

@Arapahoe_Basin

| FREESKIER ]

ArapahoeBasinSkiArea

THE STAFF

BRECKENRIDGE, CO

TIPS BY

KERI HERMAN

SILVERTON, CO

The undisputed king of park and pipe, Breckenridge offers large and varied terrain parks, a beautifully sculpted 22-foot pipe and hosts world-class events.

When the snow falls in the heart of Summit County, Breck’s Peak 7 and Imperial chair access steep terrain that will keep anyone happy.

TIPS BY

JEN BRILL

Because of its remote location and guide-controlled terrain, Silverton is the perfect spot for powder skiing days after a storm. With a limited number of customers on the hill and a limited number of days per week, forget everything about resort skiing and know you’re going to get deep and shred steep lines all day long.

ON-HILL TIPS

One of my favorite places to go is E-Chair. It’s the rickety old twoperson below Six-Chair and usually has absolutely no line. Also if you want a longer run you can hike above Mercury chair. It’s a mellow hike and the snow is usually worth it.

ON-HILL TIPS

If it hasn’t snowed for a few days, drop into Mandatory Air. The mid-mountain cliff band is easily navigated, but scares most people away, leaving the upper bowl full of fresh lines.

OFF-HILL TIPS

If you come up to Breck before Thanksgiving, pretty much every restaurant has a two-for-one deal going on. Also, beers are always $2 at Brooklyn’s and they occasionally offer free pool.

OFF-HILL TIPS

Swing into the Miners Tavern for the true Silverton local scene. You’ll find legit miners, so saddle up to the bar and buy ‘em a round of drinks.

breckenridge.com

@BreckenridgeMtn

silvertonmountain.com

@SilvertonMtn

Breckenridge

Breckenridge

SilvertonMountain

silvertonmt

DURANGO, CO

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS

Crowds are rare but stay ahead of the pack by skiing directly over the backside of the mountain to chair 5 or chair 8 and lap the steepest, untracked lines. The terrain parks on the frontside are prime for late afternoon sessions as the sun illuminates the Needles Mountain Range. durangomountainresort.com

THE STAFF

OFF-HILL TIPS

Carver’s is the place to start the day off with great coffee and healthy breakfast options. Later on, try out a brewery tour or a famous Durango tradition, the delicious Cajun Boil at Steamworks.

skipurg

@skipurg

SkiPurgatory

VAIL, CO

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS

If it’s dumping and you want to find the pow stash, head to chair 11. Drop into the back bowls from there, head towards chair 5.

Stay on the ridge, just to the left of the chair, until you see a sign for Chicken Yard. You’ve made it.

vail.com

VailMtn

ON-HILL TIPS

A good place to eat, and a little less known, is The Swiss Hot Dog in Avon. A good après spot on Bridge St. is Vendetta’s.

Grab a slice of pizza before you leave, and maybe a hot tourist, too. Looking to party? Stop in at Buzz’s Boards with a 24-rack of beer. Guaranteed to be a good time with those guys.

VailSkiResort

TIPS BY

For a quick blast of adrenaline, check out the four runs tucked just south of Derailer ridge: Jeff’s, Baldy, and Awe Chutes and Hole-in-the-Wall. They’re steep and rocky and hold good snow—a perfect spot to challenge yourself.

winterparkresort.com

OFF-HILL TIPS

@VailMtn

WINTER PARK, CO

JOHN SPRIGGS

THE STAFF

OFF-HILL TIPS

The Village pond is always a fun place for skating and meeting up to reenact The Cutting Edge. But even better, check out Tuesday nights when there’s a free broomball game on the pond so you can check your buddy into a snowbank.

WinterParkResortCO

@WinterPark

[ FREESKIER |

| RESORT DIRECTORY ]

WatchWinterPark

PG. 095

RESORT DIRECTORY

NEW ENGLAND SUNDAY RIVER STOWE LOON MOUNTAIN CREEK MOUNT SNOW

SUNDAY RIVER, ME

TIPS BY

THE STAFF

STOWE, VT

Sunday River is a three-mile wide, 2,340-vertical-foot monster. Boasting an impressive snowmaking system, the mountain encompasses multiple base lodges and peaks. Hit White Cap to ski the steeps like White Heat and Shockwave. Head over to Jordan to tree ski in solitude. South Ridge houses the terrain parks. In short, Sunday River has the goods.

ON-HILL TIPS

On weekends, the lift lines at Barker are super packed so avoid the crowds by taking the Locke Mountain chair. The slower chair will save you time in the long run.

OFF-HILL TIPS

Check out Hoot night on Thursday at Sud’s Pub in nearby Bethel to get a feel for the local entertainment.

TIPS BY

Stowe is situated on Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield. Celebrated for its famed front trails, Stowe also draws countless skiers to its vast sidecountry terrain. Not to be missed are the glades that filter out to Route 108. Stowe has received a share of fancy upgrades, and it remains a hotspot for East Coast skiers.

ON-HILL TIPS

On a big day, hit Starr or Lookout first thing. Then head to the Planets, The Chin, and Hell Brook.

OFF-HILL TIPS

For après head to The Matterhorn. The Horn features live music on weekends, plenty of Vermont microbrews, a classic ski bum atmosphere and great wings.

sundayriver.com

@sundayriver

stowe.com

@stowemtresort

sundayriver

sundayriver

stowemountainresort

StoweMountain

LOON, NH

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS

Loon has, without a doubt, one of the best parks on the East Coast. It’s probably my favorite place to ride come spring time.

It’s such a fun run top to bottom with all the hits inside and outside the park. loonmtn.com

PG. 096

ERME CATINO

loonmtn

@loonmtn

[ RESORT DIRECTORY |

| FREESKIER ]

OFF-HILL TIPS

CAM RILEY

Hit the Bunyan Room, that’s where it’s at for the après.

LoonMountain

MOUNTAIN CREEK, NJ

TIPS BY

KEN BUONGIORNO

If you live in the New York/New Jersey area then Mountain Creek is the place to shred. The resort spans four peaks and has 1,040 vertical feet with over 1,000 snow guns to give it 100-percent snowmaking capacity—a nice statistic when Mother Nature decides not to cooperate. Just over an hour from Manhattan and central New Jersey, this place truly is a jibber’s paradise with a superpipe and 67 acres of terrain park bliss spread across 18 trails full of features.

When you’re looking to add some new tricks to your arsenal, the BagJumps are a great place to get them dialed in. These two 50-foot kickers into giant airbags give you the opportunity to learn those new dubs without worrying about breaking yourself off. Look for them behind the Red Tail lodge at the bottom of the superpipe and at the terrain park at Mountain Creek South. If for some reason you feel like skiing something other than the terrain park, Vernon and Granite Peaks also offer everything from novice to double black diamond terrain and if your daylight hours are booked the entire resort is also open for night skiing. When you’re done skiing for the day, trade in your ski boots for skate shoes and check out the indoor skate bowl at the South Lodge or hit up America’s largest tubing park, The Drop Zone, with 30 lanes to choose from.

ON-HILL TIPS

Mountain Creek’s JibLab makes some of the best rail features I’ve ever skied.

High quality features. Check some of them out in The Arena.

OFF-HILL TIPS

For some food I would say Pizza Pros which is south on Rt. 94 from the mountain or if you want a beer and burger go hit the Vernon Inn which is north on Rt. 94 in Vernon.

mountaincreek.com

mountaincreeknj

@mountaincreek

[ FREESKIER |

| RESORT DIRECTORY ]

mountaincreeknj

PG. 097

RESORT DIRECTORY

MOUNT SNOW, VT

Located off Route 100 in Southern Vermont, Mount Snow is a favorite destination of skiers living in New England and beyond. Its central location, just two and a half hours from Boston and less than two from Albany, makes it an easy weekend trip for friends and families around the region to get their snowsliding fix. The 2011/2012 season saw many capital improvements around the resort, including the new Bluebird Express–a high-speed detachable six-person bubble lift that keeps you comfortable as it whisks you to the summit–and improvements continue this year.

On the hill, the resort has all types of terrain and is divided into four areas. The main face is made up of a combination of green and blue runs. Sunbrook, a southfacing basin will provide you with mostly intermediate entertainment and you can look to the North Face for advanced runs like Ripcord and Challenger. Every zone also includes hand cut glades but you’ll have to suss them out as they don’t appear on the trail map and are not patrolled.

The fourth and probably best-known area is Carinthia, a 100-acre terrain park filled with every feature you can imagine. Carinthia is comprised of a whole mountain face that used to be a neighboring resort until Mount Snow acquired it in in 1986 and its development shows Mount Snow’s commitment to freeriding. It has 2 pipes and 10 parks with hits that range from small to extra large. The high-caliber Superpipe and Inferno terrain park played host to the only East Coast Winter X games in 2000/2001 and have done nothing but improve since then.

In fact, the superpipe is actually cut by X Games medalist Jason Evans so you can be sure it’s done carefully and precisely. Access to most of the park from the Nitro Express high-speed quad and Heavy Metal double lift ensure that only your tired legs will hold you back from more laps. Look for new, one-ofa-kind features to be rolled out this year as Carinthia continues to stay among the best parks in the East.

Off the hill, Go Fish, a new sushi joint at the base, will be serving up fresh sushi rolls and other Japanese fare. If sushi isn’t your thing, you can dip into 1900’ Burger for hand-pattied Angus burgers with thick milkshakes or a classic American beer to wash them down. Domestic brews not your thing? Hit up the Station Tap Room for 20 rotating taps pouring small-batch brews from mostly New England-based microbreweries.

Included are two Mount Snow exclusives from Northshire Brewery and Harpoon. If local flavor is what you really want, head just down the road to the Dover Bar and Grill, affectionately known as the D-Bag, for some suds and surly locals.

After that tour you’ll surely need a place to stay, so check into the recently renovated Snow Lake Lodge for affordable rates and a short, hungover walk to the lifts.

ON-HILL TIPS

OFF-HILL TIPS

When you get powder, the best place to shred is the North Face. You have to get up there early though or else you’ll be looking for late day powder in tree runs.

mountsnow.com

PG. 098

MountSnowVermont

@MountSnow

[ RESORT DIRECTORY |

| FREESKIER ]

The best place for lunch at Mount Snow is Tony’s Pizza, but if you’re trying to find some après, Cuzzins is the spot. For dinner and a game of pool, the best place to go is Dover Forge.

mountsnow

TIPS BY

DEVIN LOGAN

CARINTHIA, A 100-ACRE TERRAIN PARK FILLED WITH EVERY FEATURE YOU CAN IMAGINE.

carinthiaparks.com

CarinthiaParks

@CarinthiaParks

[ FREESKIER |

| RESORT DIRECTORY ]

CarinthiaMountSnow

PG. 099

RESORT DIRECTORY

THE SOUTHWEST BEAR MOUNTAIN ARIZONA SNOWBOWL MOUNTAIN HIGH TAOS

BEAR MOUNTAIN, CA

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS

You can’t go wrong with 198 acres of park. Ride Bear Mtn. Express chair. You can hit an average of 30 features in one run. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Red Bull Plaza is your spot for street-style jibs.

bearmountain.com

BearMtn

ON-HILL TIPS

Your best bet is to find a local to guide or tour you around to the sweet spots in the backcountry. Ask about the Upper Gully. Look for Black Jack if you want steeps and bumps and Casino is good for pointing ‘er straight.

arizonasnowbowl.com

OFF-HILL TIPS

For a delicious treat (beer) hit up the Sun Deck. It overlooks the jib scene and the plethora of snow bunnies. Satisfy your hunger with the best burger ever at Get The Burger, just two miles away.

@bear_mountain

ARIZONA SNOWBOWL, AZ

BearMountainResort

TIPS BY

THE STAFF

OFF-HILL TIPS

Head to Agassiz Lodge for an après beer. Then cruise 14 miles to historic Flagstaff and take advantage of its many bars and restaurants.

AZSnowbowl

@AZSnowbowl

arizsnowbowl

MOUNTAIN HIGH, CA

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS

If rails and jibs get you excited faster than a dancing .gif of Kate Upton, this place is your Shangri-La. The entire West Resort is sprinkled with every combination of a rail, box, or jib imaginable. Combine that with 10 to 15 medium to large jumps and it’s on par with any park in North America. mthigh.com

mthigh

ON-HILL TIPS

skitaos.org

PG. 100

OFF-HILL TIPS

MtHighResort

TIPS BY

THE STAFF

OFF-HILL TIPS

One mile from the base is a little town called Amizette. The lodges there run great specials all season long because most people stay either in the town of Taos or at the Valley.

181855391854595

@TaosSkiValley

[ RESORT DIRECTORY |

| FREESKIER ]

JOSH BISHOP

If you leave Orange County before rush hour, you can be ripping hot laps in the park under the lights in an hour and 15 minutes. The view up top is incredible, so make sure to arrive before sunset with a flask and hot chick from the beach.

@mthigh

TAOS, NM After a big storm, everyone heads out to ski Kachina Peak, so the runs at the beginning of the hike, like Oster and Two Bucks, get overlooked.

CRAIG COKER

TaosSkiValleyNM

THE MIGHTY MID-WEST SEVEN SPRINGS MAD RIVER BOYNE MT.

SEVEN SPRINGS, PA

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS

You can’t talk about Seven Springs without mentioning “The Streets.” It is the coolest rail park in the world.

OFF-HILL TIPS

I’ve never been anywhere with a better après scene than the Foggy Goggle. It’s always a massive party.

7springs.com

SevenSpringsMountainResort

@7_Springs

MAD RIVER, OH ON-HILL TIPS

skimadriver.com

N/A

TIPS BY

Check out the new glades between Sugarbush and Capital Park for some tree skiing in between park laps.

THE STAFF

OFF-HILL TIPS

600 Downtown in the nearby town of Bellefontaine serves authentic New York style pizza and amazing garlic knots.

MadRiverMountain

@SkiMadRiver

SkiMRM

BOYNE MT., MI

TIPS BY

ON-HILL TIPS

When the snow hits, head for the Superbowl chair. It’s a quick, three or four minute ride and you’ll want to take a right at the top. They cleared out some new glades that are looking really nice and it’s the steepest place on the mountain.

boyne.com

KRISTI LESKINEN

BoyneMountain

@Boyne

[ FREESKIER |

| RESORT DIRECTORY ]

TY WELLMAN

OFF-HILL TIPS

After skiing you should head for the Trophy Room right at the base. It’s got a chill atmosphere with great pizza and really good wings, too.

BoyneMI

PG. 101

THE RULES:

This is a battle of two minds. No physical prowess necessary.

Cheating not allowed. No Google, no Wikipedia, no smart friends.

No set time limit, but don’t take forever, it’s not rocket science.

7VPU[Z HYL H^HYKLK H[ [OL KPZJYL[PVU VM -YLLZRPLY Z[HɈ In the event of a tie… well, it’s a tie.

Winner does not move on, this is a one issue deal.

JIBARDY

01.

02.

03.

04.

05.

06.

07.

08.

09.

10.

THE

CHALLENGE:

MAX

Who is the Norse God of Winter?

Sochi, Russia, host of the 2014 Winter Olympics, borders what sea?

Brazil, Germany and Spain. [3 pts.]

Breck.

[Max immediately sings ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ by Rick Astley.] [1 pt.]

The new Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face is a combination of what three events?

What two athletes competed in all three disciplines at last season’s Winter X Games?

EL

Jesus.

Candide.

What ski resort has the highest peak elevation in North America?

Name the two main characters in the movie Aspen Extreme. (bonus point: What city did they move from)

Ullr. [1 pt.]

Black Sea. [1 pt.]

Who did ESPN name the Skier of the Year in 2001?

If you were to get “Rick Rolled” which artist/song would you be listening to?

BOBBY

69 kmh (42.87 mph). [1 pt.]

What is a polar bear’s top running speed?

In 2013, the X Games will add three host cities in what countries?

HILL

No clue.

TJ and Dexter. I don’t know where they moved from though. [1 pt.]

Jossi Wells and Gus Kenworthy. [2 pts.]

10 pts.

WINNER:

BROWN

45 mph.

Caspian Sea. Tanner Hall.

Brazil, China and Argentina. [1 pt.]

Telluride.

Michael Jackson, Thriller.

I honestly don’t know.

I’ve never seen it… Jon and Paul from Minnesota?

Gus Kenworthy and Jossi Wells. [2 pts.]

3 pts.

ANSWERS: 01. Ullr. 02. Closest to 25 mph. 03. Black Sea. 04. Shane McConkey. 05. Foz Do Iguaco, Brazil; Barcelona, Spain; Munich, Germany. 06. Silverton Mountain, 13,487’. 07. Rick Astley, Never Gonna Give You Up. 08. Swatch Freeride World Tour, TNF Masters of Snowboarding and Freeskiing World Tour. 09. TJ Burke and Dexter Rutecki from Detroit. 10. Jossi Wells and Gus Kenworthy.

PG. 102

[ JIBARDY |

| FREESKIER ]

TESS WEAVER & GREG STROKES PHOTO: SHAY WILLIAMS

GUS KENWORTHY PHOTO: CAMILLA STODDART

First up, we want to give a big congratulations to Oakley International Ski Marketing Manager Greg Strokes and Freeskier senior contributing writer Tess Weaver who were married on September 8, 2012, in Bend, OR. We wish the two of them a lifetime of happiness together. They currently reside in Aspen, CO.

Reigning two-time AFP World Champ Gus Kenworthy has been busy lately, signing with Atomic and Nike outerwear. “Nike is the final say in all things sport and I honestly couldn’t be more excited to be adopting that famous swoosh,” Gus says. Washingtonbased helmet maker Bern has been busy as well, swooping up Dale Talkington, Tim McChesney and Tim Dutton.

If you own a Vail Resorts Epic Pass and are thinking about taking your talents to Switzerland, rejoice because you can now ski Verbier Ski Resort—including Les 4 Vallées.

Whether you’re a new pass holder or renewing, you’ll receive three free days at the famous Swiss resort. The Epic Pass costs $679 and allows unlimited access to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Kirkwood, Heavenly and Northstar. Visit epicpass.com for more info.

Oops, we messed up! On page 147 of our 2013 Buyer’s Guide we printed the wrong image of the Atomic Theory ski, an allmountain Editor’s Pick. Here is the correct image. Pick up a copy of the Buyer’s Guide or head over to freeskier.com/gear to read about the Theory.

Tanner Hall and Red Bull officially ended their 11-year relationship in August. Red Bull released a statement saying they “would like to thank Tanner for his achievements including multiple gold medals, a slew of amazing video parts and countless awards and accolades. We wish Tanner the best of luck in all his future endeavors.” Tanner recently won the halfpipe contest at The North Face Freeski Open of New Zealand.

For more information, check out Tanner’s profile on page 48.

CORRECTION Speaking of Aspen/Snowmass, the world-class resort has joined forces with Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows, Jackson Hole and Alta, to create the Mountain Collective pass. For $349, you’ll receive two days of skiing at each destination, with a 50-percent discount on tickets thereafter. With eight mountains and a combined 16,000 acres of terrain at your disposal, you’ll want to head over to themountaincollective.com for more information.

Freeskier (ISSN 1522-1527) is published six times a year: Buyer’s Guide, October, November, December, January and February by Storm Mountain Publishing Company, PO Box 789, Niwot, CO 80544-0789. Subscription rates in the U.S. are $9.95 for one year (6 issues). In Canada, $29.95 (includes 7% GST); other foreign $39.95 payable in U.S. funds. Periodicals postage paid at Niwot, CO and additional mailing offices (USPS# 024094). Standard postage paid at St. Cloud, MN (USPS #65). POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Freeskier, PO Box 469024, Escondido, CA 92046

SKIER: MICAH DAVIS PHOTO: JEREMY SWANSON LOCATION: ASPEN/SNOWMASS, CO

After the lifts stopped running on Aspen Mountain this season, the fine folks at Aspen/Snowmass, Protect Our Winters and 350.org organized an event called Connect The Dots on May 5th. The event coincided with Climate Impacts Day, a “global event designed to ‘connect the dots’ between climate impact, such as extreme weather events, and the broader climate crisis,” said the resort. The day featured live music, a civil on-hill protest, art projects and—seen here—a snowless ski race.

PG. 106

[ FINAL THOUGHT |

Employing the fanny pack and snowblade style, Aspen local Micah Davis rounds a gate. While sliding around in the dirt on snowblades looks like a grand ole time, the event demonstrated what skiing could become in the future if we don’t take action to abate global warming.

Please visit 350.org and protectourwinters.org for more information on climate change and for ideas on what you can do to make a difference. | FREESKIER ]

© 20 012 Colum Colum mbia Sp Sportswe Spor tswe swear ar Compa Compa om mpaany. ny. All Alll righ Al rights ttss reser erved. ved.

BREATHABLE FABRIC WITH LITTLE SILVER DOTS THAT REFLECT BODY HEAT. KEEP YOUR WARMTH, NOT YOUR SWEAT COLUMBIA.COM/SILVERDOTS

THE NORTH FACE ATHLETE ANGEL COLLINSON WEARING THE CYMBIANT JACKET + RIDERARCHY PANT ATHLETE TESTED FROM INCEPTION TO SHRED

In Northern Chugach, Alaska, The North Face athlete Angel Collinson arrives at a remote zone. Despite variable conditions, she charges a line through three inches of snow atop bulletproof windslab. Here, every piece of gear is critical. The North Face designs, tests and perfects products in collaboration with the world’s most progressive skiers. So when Angel takes flight, she knows we always have her back.

SEE THE KIT ANGEL HELPED BUILD @ THENORTHFACE.COM/ANGEL ADAM CLARK PHOTO / NORTHERN CHUGACH, AK