February 1, 2014

New Snow, Superior and Toledo

Last week's blue bird days are gone, at least for now and for good reason. 20" or so, right side up snow fell this week in the high mountains.  This morning Lars and I headed for Superior with low visibility and blackness all around. We ran into a group friends led by Scott W as they were heading with great plans for Days Fork.

Our plan was to top out on Superior then travel further west on the ridge for other options, however strong winds, poor visibility and loading proved limiting factors so we halted on top of Superior. We were happy to run into fellow ski compatriots Chad T. and Arie, both having just arrived too and were freezing like us. That's what makes having skied all my life in the Wasatch so great, the regular smiling faces of acquaintances and friends.

We skied the south face in knee deep powder all the way to the car. I then went up Toledo and skied great snow in the main chute, while Lars met up with Tom G. for other longer plans.  For me, today was the best quality skiing of the year, and the company made it even better.
The Viking enjoying icy winds and a narrow sidewalk
Lars, top of Superior beginning the descent into the fog
Arie fore and Chad T aft, watching Lars like two bird dogs on a pheasant
Arie on the upper apron, suffering in the deep