Sierra Trip Reports

Skiers: Pat, Alexis, Alex, Andrew, Jakob & Nick

Photos: Alex & Nick (as noted)

Synopsis: While we have received very little snow since early January, I have actually be having a great time in Tahoe out in the mountains. The days are getting longer, with great weather, great views and good friends. Below is a collection of photos from a number of days out in the Tahoe Basin backcountry (as well as some Big Basin shots thrown in). Intermixed with all of this has been a number of days at the resorts just ripping groomers with Sarah, which has been a lot of fun.

Despite the lack of snow, cold temperatures have kept the snowpack up high in good shape. Photo: Nick

Long, sunny blue bird days offer for great skinning opportunities. Photo: Nick

Up high, the coverage is more than adequate. Click the photo for the full sized version. Photo: Nick

The turns are good too! Alexis skiing on some great powder. Photo: Nick

With views like this, how can you not have a good time? Here I am enjoying the snow. Photo: Nick

If you look in the correct places, there is good stuff to be had. Photo: Nick

A small storm in wind protected zones goes a long way if you ask me. Photo: Nick

In between trips to Tahoe, Sarah and I went exploring in Big Basin State Park among the coastal redwoods. Did I mention yet that California is amazing. Photos: Nick

Skinning up to another objective. Photo: Alex

Alex thinks Tahoe has been great. Photo: Nick

As do I. Photo: Andrew

I have been digging using my new Panorama program. Click the photo for the full sized version. Photo: Nick

Although Jakob is visiting us from the Alps, he couldn’t help enjoy himself in Tahoe. Photo: Nick

A beta shot for those that are interested in how this is looking: Photo: Nick

Andrew, Jakob and I off in the distance looking at one entrance to the couloir. It was pretty wind hammered, so we went with the alternate entrance. Photo: Alex

Andrew getting ready to drop in. Photo: Alex

Andrew making some steep turns. Photo: Nick

From Alex’s vantage point. Photo: Alex

Yeah buddy – good times for Andrew. Photos: Nick

Andrew at the bottom for the re-group spot before heading into the couloir proper. From this angle, it definitely looks much more reasonable than from my vantage above. The side-vantage from above foreshortens the face a good amount – while steep, it is not nearly as steep as it looks. Photo: Alex

Once Andrew was cleared, Jakob dropped in. Photo: Alex

Jakob putting it together Bavarian Alps style with the awesome Euro-inspired jump turns. Photo: Nick

As a great photographer, Alex just knows where to go for the good shot…. “To the Sun I says… To the Sun!” Photo: Nick

Alex doesn’t care one way or another on the split – he just goes. Photo: Nick

Andrew looking back up towards the main entrance to the couloir. A little too icy today. Photo: Alex

Alex got some shots of me dropping into the face from a vantage below. Note the bird floating above me – Alex said it was my “spirit totem” hovering above 🙂 Alex’s photo skills make my skiing skills look much better than they are, that is for sure! Photos: Alex

Further below we encounter a mix of awesome powder, breakable crust and hard snow… just depends on the intricacies of your particular line. Dropping into the couloir proper. Photos: Alex

Andrew following through, enjoying the snow. Photos: Alex

Andrew finds some good stuff down below as well. Photo: Nick

Couloirs are fun when the conditions are stable. From Alex’s vantage point, Jakob dropping in. Photo: Alex

Jakob working through the couloir. Photos: Nick

Alex finding good snow. Photo: Nick

And Jakob does too! Photos: Alex & Nick, respectively

The rock walls dwarfing Andrew. Photos: Alex

Like I said, a little snow goes a long ways!