Look Ma! I'm Skiing!

New Hobby

I've always wanted to learn how to downhill ski ever since I moved out West almost 6 years ago. I became a snowboarder my first winter here after learning how much a ski set up (skis, boots, bindings & poles) would cost. I had no idea each item was so expensive (minus the poles). I worked in a ski shop my first winter here and even with my employee discount it was going to come out around $700-1000. I didnt know many people at that time otherwise I would've borrowed or bought used gear. That's how and why I became a snowboarder. I bought my entire snowboard set up for just under $300! Now, don't get me wrong I LOVE snowboarding! I love surfing down the mountain in waist deep powder blowing snow into my face with each swift turn. Riding powder is the most exillerating feeling in the world! However, riding hardpacked groomers is not very enjoyable on a board. Some people love it but I don't. I've turned into a powder snob and won't go up to the ski hill if there isn't at LEAST 4+ inches of new snow. This is not a good way to be living in a ski down during the high pressure days, sometimes weeks, of sunshine and no new snow. I should be up there using my ski pass! So I'm finally learning how to ski. I bought an old used pair of skis WITH bindings for $25! The edges and bases of the skis are PERFECT! These skis probably never left the bunny hill! My ski boots were brand new and I bought them for half off. My entire set up cost $350 which is a near steal! I've been up at Targhee tearing up the bunny hill and having an absolute blast learning something new. Hopefully by the end of this ski season I'll be able to ski the entire mountain. I think it's a reasonable and realistic goal. Cheers to learning new things & having fun! 

Backcountry Snowboarding

Yesterday was my first time ever on a snowmobile and first time snowboarding in the backcountry. Needless to say my entire body took a beating from riding on the sled as well as snowboarding untouched deeeeeeep powder. (Poor Julie, right?) I was a nervous wreck for most of the morning. All I could think about were the risks of getting caught in an avalanche. Just last week a 44 year old man lost his life in an avalanche while skiing in the backcountry. A risk I don't want to take all for the thrill and enjoyment of riding perfect powder. I have't taken any avalanche classes and neither have most of the people we were with. I checked the avalanche forecast for the day before we left the house. The avy forecast for the day was a #2 "moderate,"(out of 5, 5 being the highest/dangerous) which was the same forecast when the avalanche killed that skier last week. He was also skiing in extreme terrain that is prone to slides. The terrain we rode is much more mellow and not extreme at all. So when I dropped into my first run my adrenaline was pumping through my veins. I had butterflies and anxiety but after a few smooth turns I was able to truly enjoy the ride. I'm looking forward to doing more of this and learning more about potential risks and educating myself to stay safe and be responsible in the backcountry.

Snowboarding Wyoming!

Snowboarding is my favorite thing to do before work! On this particular day I got to experience my first "inversion," (while snowboarding) where it's cloudy in the valley and the chairlift brought me through and on top of the clouds where it's blue sky and sunny. It makes the surrounding mountain peaks look like islands piercing through the clouds. It was marvelous and absolutely stunning to experience.

Hot Springs & Snowboarding!