I spent the last few days up in the West Elk Range in Colorado for a Black Diamond photo shoot. Jacqui Edgerly, Mark Welgos, Nick DeVore, Penn Newhard, Sandra the BD photo editor, Photographer Andrew Burr, and myself all skinned into a hut for some good times and deep pow. It was the first time yet this season that I have skied off the resort. The avalanche danger has been pretty bad so far in CO but it has begun to settle out or at least bridge up over the buried weak layers. Because of this we stuck to shorter slopes and trees but were still able to find amazing turns everywhere we went.
It is always good to get out on a few low key outings in order to get everything from equipment to confidence dialed in. We were also able to test out next year’s BD gear including some of the new skis which absolutely killed it in the blower pow conditions. The hut we stayed at was awesome as well with a steep shot literally ten feet off the front porch that we lapped all day. After skiing we enjoyed some fresh elk and pheasant along with cold beers and Ullr peppermint cinnamon schnapps from the shotski before falling asleep and dreaming of the pow turns to come the following day. Despite the fact that it pretty much snowed the whole time we were there, Andrew and Penn were able to capture some awesome deep pow shots as well as some steezy airs off a small launch pad we stomped out. Overall it was a great time shared with good friends, good food, and deep pow! Here are some pics hope you enjoy.
Jacqui E seeing white
Nick D showing not telling
Mark Welgos cold smoke
Me in the white room
Scoping the next pow turns
Photos: Penn Newhard
Where’s the J—-pan pow shots dude?