Freedom Of The Hills
Skiing powder is fun, adventure is great and nature is beautiful. Those are all major reasons why I spend over 100 days a year backcounry skiing. However, the thing I enjoy most is the freedom. With the right gear and snow conditions you can go anywhere and ski anything you want. No tickets to buy, waivers to sign, ski patrol to evade, lift lines to cut or designated runs to follow. Just one huge white covered world to explore, limited only by your will and imagination. And despite all the guessing games beforehand you NEVER know what you will find until you actually go. And I’ve never regretted going (maybe the time I tore my ACL).
Where else is there anything like this, besides in dreams? The choices are yours to make and the consequences yours to keep. Awareness is heightened. Yes, you may get hurt, but you can do that anywhere, even in a world covered in caution signs and slow banners. With risk comes great reward and there are very few places like the backcountry where one can move so freely and reap the direct benefits of the effort expended.
And another great joy is being able to create and share beautiful images like these taken by Andy Jacobsen. But don’t worry, I’ll keep my day job skiing and try to limit the inspirational speaking to the occasional blog post. Enjoy!
Shot of the day with the Sundial for a back drop! The journey to get it was the real story.
We hiked up Little Pine chute to try and find settled pow on the upper northern slopes.
The chute was full of debris that wasn't as consolidated as we had hoped.
The rock made for 'easier' going in places.
Hydration is key, but the new pack is too small to carry a water bottle.
Cool rime ice formed from the wet storms we've been having.
Andy wins the uphill battle.
Andy topping out after a long 3,000ft climb.
Searching around a bit to find a good spot for dropping the North side.
This is the highest wisdom that I own; freedom and life are earned by those alone who conquer them each day anew. -Goethe-
Posted by Noah Howell
