The Drift

WINTER EDITION

FREE FOR YOU

The Anthropology of Skiing with CAROLINE GLEICH 03 / From Paradise to Zero Below: GERRY LOPEZ 04 / My Mountain Is Better Than Your Mountain: KYE PETERSEN vs. PEP FUJAS 06 / Dispatches from Chamonix: LIZ DALEY 07 / Before the Descent: GARRETT GROVE 08 / The Art of Snowboarding: JOSH DIRKSEN 10 / Sustainable Snowsports: FORREST SHEARER & PROTECT OUR WINTERS 11 / Après ski, Avalanches and Hot Tubbing with THE JADED LOCAL 12 / Of Gods and Mountains: TARO TAMAI 12 / Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out: NICK WAGGONER & ALEX YODER 14

2 GLOBAL SNOW DESTINATIONS

INDIA (HIMALAYAS)

CANADA

NORWAY

Lofoten Islands

Gulmarg Ski Resort

ELEVATION: 7,160 ft

ELEVATION: 3,760 ft

ELEVATION: 13,058 ft

DID YOU KNOW: Home to famous "Couloir Extreme", one of the world's top ten steep in-bounds runs.

DID YOU KNOW: Site of the largest Viking banquet hall ever found.

DID YOU KNOW: Close to the disputed Indian/ Pakistan border, building of main lift was put on hold due to violence. But, now complete, it's the world's highest ski lift.

Whistler/Blackcomb Resort [Shop 2.]

U.S.A

FRANCE

RUSSIA

JAPAN

ELEVATION: 4,206 ft

ELEVATION: 12,678 ft

ELEVATION: 7,612 ft

ELEVATION: 4,293 ft

DID YOU KNOW: In the winter, the area has the greatest concentration of bald eagles in the world.

DID YOU KNOW: Skiing was popularized by Dr. Michel Payot who initially found the only way to stop on the slopes was to fall backwards.

DID YOU KNOW: In 1835, disguised as a mountaineer, Russian spy Baron Fyodor Tornau visited the area and noted it as famous for its honey trade.

DID YOU KNOW: Onsens (hot baths) are abundant, but double check policies—several don't allow tattoos, which are still considered the badge of the Yakuza.

Chamonix [Shop 8.]

Chilkat Mountains, AK

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8

11 2 12

5

1

4

Rosa Khutor Alpine Resort

Niseko

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6 7

10

CHILE

Atlas Mts, MOROCCO Oukaimeden

Shemshak

Club Fields, Craigieburn Valley

ELEVATION: 8,200 ft

ELEVATION: 13,336 ft

ELEVATION: 10,000 ft

ELEVATION: 6,306 ft

DID YOU KNOW: Find Las Tres Marias, the longest run in South America, here.

DID YOU KNOW: You can take the single chairlift, or a donkey, up to the peak.

DID YOU KNOW: An hour from Tehran, the resort avoided the country’s religious decree calling for men and women to be segregated on gondolas.

DID YOU KNOW: Motto: "Craigieburn offers something for everyone—except beginners."

Termas De Chillán

PATAGONIA SNOW STORES WORLDWIDE 1

Patagonia VAIL 675 Lionshead Pl Vail, CO 81657

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Patagonia BOULDER 1212 Pearl St Boulder, CO 80302

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Patagonia WHISTLER 4545 Blackcomb Way Whistler, B.C. V0N 1B4

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Patagonia TELLURIDE 200 W Colorado Ave Telluride, CO 81435

10 Patagonia HAKUBA Opening in December, 2013

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Patagonia DENVER 1431 15th St Denver, CO 80202

11 Jackson Hole Mountain Sports Bridger Ctr Teton Village, WY 83025

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Patagonia BURLINGTON 157 Bank St Burlington, VT 05401

12 Parallel at Squaw 1960 Squaw Valley Rd Olympic Valley, CA 96146

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Patagonia BOSTON 346 Newbury St Boston, MA 02115 Patagonia SAN FRANCISCO 770 North Point St San Francisco, CA 94109 Patagonia CHAMONIX 249 rue Paccard, 74 400 Chamonix, France

COVER PHOTO: Beau Fredlund spent 10 days living in alpine huts and ski touring on the Fox River Glacier in the middle of a five week trip to New Zealand, 2012, Photo: Adam Clark.

IRAN

OUR FAVORITE U.S. MOUNTAINS

Vail, CO [Shop 1.]

ELEVATION: 8,150 ft DID YOU KNOW: In WWII the U.S. Army trained for alpine combat here to be able to fight in mountainous northern Italy.

Telluride, CO [Shop 4.]

ELEVATION: 13,150 ft

NEW ZEALAND

LEGEND FOOT ACCESSED MOUNTAIN RESORT RESORT + STORE STORE

Teton Village, WY [Shop 11.]

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

DID YOU KNOW: In 1889 famous robber Butch Cassidy's first crime was $24,580 stolen from Telluride’s San Miguel Valley Bank.

ELEVATION: 6,329 ft

Killington, VT

Squaw, CA [Shop 12.]

[84 mi from Shop 6. 160 mi from Shop 7.]

ELEVATION: 4,241 ft DID YOU KNOW: When the mountain opened in 1958, the ticket windows were housed in an old chicken coop.

DID YOU KNOW: Named the Tetons by a French fur trader, who believed the mountains looks like breasts (tétons).

ELEVATION: 9,050 ft DID YOU KNOW: When Squaw opened, its Squaw One lift was deemed the longest double chairlift in the world.

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WINTER 2013/14

HELLO ADVENTURE:

IT'S THE ANTICIPATION OF THE ASCENT, the thrill of the downhill, the love of adventure.

It's what inspired Gerry Lopez to leave paradise for Oregon's below zero temperatures; what motivated Liz Daley to work three jobs during peak season; and why Josh Dirksen is still inspired after 25 years in the industry. It's why photographers Garrett Grove and Taro Tamai turn their lenses toward snowcapped global destinations and what Sweetgrass Productions' Nick Waggoner makes breathtaking films about, collaborating with like minds such as Alex Yoder.

But whether they are skiing, snowboarding, splitboarding, or snowsurfing, these athletes and creatives aren't just passionate about a sport: it's a lifestyle, and they're taking steps to preserve what they love. Along with Protect Our Winters, Forrest Shearer lobbies Congress towards sustainable snow practices, Aidan Sheahan teaches how to be mindful on the mountain, and Daley and Caroline Gleich talk wilderness safety.

Following are their stories, which we hope will fuel your own stoke. If not, at least you'll have 16 pages of newsprint to dry off that soggy chairlift seat.

get a little burnt out on traveling nonstop and skiing all the time.

For me, I’m so eager, when I get to go on a ski trip, I have fresh eyes because I didn’t grow up with it.”

Though her priority on the summit is to have fun, she’s serious when she says her other objective is “to come home safe.” Gleich’s regard for the mountains was shaped at an early age by the tragic death of her 37-yearold half brother, from an avalanche.

“When he died I will never forget seeing his body in the casket at the funeral. It was purple, and crushed by snow. That image is in my head every time I go into the backcountry.”

As a result, Gleich stays humble: “I’m a student and I’m learning.” So even though she is exceptionally versed in the backcountry, Gleich takes (and teaches) classes in wilderness first aid, avalanche safety, and rock climbing rescue so that she can be a better mountaineer. Her hope is that people will start to think of safety as being “cool.” “Magazines publish shots of these guys doing 80-foot cliff jumps. There could be

THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF SKIING

“A LOT OF PEOPLE THINK IF YOU’RE SMILING WHEN YOU’RE SKIING IT DOESN’T LOOK GNARLY ENOUGH,” says Patagonia ski ambassador Caroline Gleich. “But I’m not a ‘bro bra,’ I’m such a girly girl, and it’s fun to bring a feminine flair into the backcountry. Yeah, I want to push the sport and push myself and I love hiking big mountains and skiing big lines. But at the end of the day I want to be up on the summit in my pink glitter helmet, bringing my girly style and fun vibe.”

The very sunny—and very

smiley—Gleich has always been drawn to an active lifestyle, backpacking and skiing on vacation with her family, or playing ice hockey in school.

She grew up in the Minnesota flatlands, with “pretty heinous winters,” far away from a local hill, so to pursue her dream of skiing professionally she relocated to Utah on a leap of faith. It paid off, and Gleich now rides for everyone from Clif Bar to Patagonia (“I called

better conversations in the industry of risk and risk assessment.”

Off the mountain, her studies led to a degree in anthropology, which she’s applied to her snow career. “I use my degree a lot for skiing. I try and break [the ski community] down into tribes. For instance, if you look at backcountry users, there are people that are all about the uphill. Then there are the free ride snowboarders that are just going out to build jumps and land in pow.”

What tribe does Gleich belong to?

“I would say I’m a big mountain, free ride skier. I’m inspired by the terrain, not the exercise.” Gleich also belongs to a powerful tribe of women athletes who encourage each other. “Skiing is really good because it teaches girls how to be aggressive and to feel empowered, but to also have the sense of entitlement that boys always have.

When it comes time to put your skis down the line, its time to be aggressive. You have to charge and you have to be strong,” stresses Gleich. Then, taking a step back, she smiles, “But I’m out there to have fun, bottom line.”

their team manager every six months for like eight years”).

But without formal training on the mountain, Gleich had to work extra hard to realize her goals: “I had to be pretty dedicated and take advantage of every opportunity to learn how to ski better.

In a way it’s good because a lot of the sport is about being really stoked and staying positive. I think the kids that grow up racing competitively

Photos from top to bottom: Caroline pays to play, Selkirk Mountains, B.C., Photo: Steve Ogle/Patagonia; It's days like these that make it easy to get up and ski all winter, Alta, UT, Photo: Lee Cohen/Patagonia; Caroline employs the old grip it and rip it technique for applying skins, Valhalla Mountains, B.C., Photo: Adam Clark/Patagonia.

6300 BC

Oldest skis (made of hardwood) found near Russia’s Lake Sindor (about 1,200 km northwest of Moscow)

1700 BC

542 AD

Ski boots lined with badger skin and a pair of ancient bindings found in Finland

Bronze age rock carvings of a skier found in Denmark

a very condensed history of skiing 1250 AD

Albertus Magnus offers what is believed to be the oldest detailed description of snow

1809

Olaf Rye: first known ski jumper

1812

1854

Alfred Wills makes early ascent of Wetterhorn, Switzerland, and begins golden age of European mountaineering

During retreat, Napoleon's forces were harassed by Russians on skis

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4 FEATURE INTERVIEW

IT'S NOT OFTEN THAT A SURF LEGEND ACCUSTOMED TO TROPICAL climates opts for life below freezing. But Gerry Lopez, a.k.a. Mr. Pipeline, did just that after catching the snowboarding bug and seeing the lifestyle that Bend, OR had to offer. Here, the author, actor, Patagonia ambassador, and yoga enthusiast talks about his transition from riding waves to mountains and why leaving paradise for peaks and valleys was a no-brainer.

What's a typical day like for you in Bend?

It depends what time of year it is. In the 20 years we've lived in Bend, [this was] the best beginning to the winter that I can remember, except for maybe the very first one when we came in '92, '93. That's the reason we ended up in Bend, because of that great winter. This winter it snowed every day. I'd already had like 20 days of really great powder, excellent snow riding, most of it with my son who was home at the time. And on the 21st I broke my leg. So all winter [it was] just trying to rehab the leg, I never got back on the snow.

But generally, I wake up early, I do 2 to 3 hours of yoga, and then if it's winter, I'm going up to the mountain.

Does yoga directly help with surfing and snowboarding?

Absolutely, yeah. I think it helps everyone, no matter what they do—even if you don't snowboard or surf. You know, the certain lifestyle now—staying in shape, staying healthy— developed out of the 1970s, from a yoga lifestyle. Surfers before us were of a whole different league—the real hardcore guys. They didn't have any money. They

never worked, because all they did was surf.

If they had a car, that's usually where they lived. And they got particular about what they ate, speaking generally, because they didn't have the means to really focus on specializing their feeding intake. So the healthy surfing lifestyle was really just something that mirrored the yoga lifestyle, the yoga diet—exercise and everything.

Is there much of a parallel between the yoga lifestyle and snowboarding? It seems like a different mentality.

Many people have figured out that living, eating, and being healthy certainly pays off in the long run. If you're into some kind of serious physical activity—surfing or snowboarding—you have to do a lot more than just doing your sport. You have to train for it and you have to live for it all the time with regards to diet and discipline and general conditioning. So there are parallels. Snowboarding is still, in some respects, kind of a new sport and it's finding its own way. There are certainly a lot of snowboard people that are into yoga, but probably the majority of them aren't. (laughs) They'll figure it out.

You’ve said the first time you went snowboarding was a disaster. What was it about the sport, even if it was difficult at first that made you want to pursue it?

My wife said, “You should try this,” but I was never interested in skiing or winter sports because winter is when the big surf comes.

That's what I was scheduling my whole life around: big waves. Her folks lived in Redding, CA and we were there for Christmas in 1989 when our son was just born. We had hoped to go to Shasta, but they didn't have snow that beginning of winter. So we ended up in Ashland, OR. We rented a bunch of gear, got to the lift, and the guy goes, “You've got to put those things on your feet before you get on the chair.” We didn't know what we're doing.

But [we] liked the feeling of gliding down the hill. Right away we both knew this was something we wanted to figure out how to do. From that first moment, it was hook, line, and sinker. From that point forward our lives changed pretty radically. In Bend the real estate is really cheap, compared to where I'm from in Hawaii, so we bought a place and that was it. We're still here.

What's it like for a surfer to be so far away from the water?

I never thought about it. I was just so jazzed on the mountain, that clean air, the wide open space, and that slippery snow that I never missed surfing.

Did you incorporate what you knew from surfing into how you learned to snowboard?

I think the most interesting thing about snowboarding and the parallels it has to surfing is that anyone who surfs brings the same form, the same body language, the same style that they have on the surfboard, in to how they ride that snowboard. I could look up into a bunch of people riding downhill and immediately pick out one of my friends because of the familiarity I already had with his surfing style. I could just see that as he rode down the hill on the snowboard, that he had exactly the same style. Of all the offshoot sports from surfing, skateboarding and windsurfing, stuff like that, I think that snowboarding and surfing actually have the closest link.

Is there anything in snowboarding that would compare to dropping in at Pipeline?

No. I mean, you can leap off a cliff or a cornice and that's pretty close to taking a drop at the Pipeline. In fact it can be even more hairy because when you're up above contemplating taking that jump or that drop, you have time to think about it and think about what disaster could befall you. Out at the Pipeline, on any wave, you don't really have time to think about anything bad happening.

The wave comes, you decide to catch it, you turn around, you paddle like hell, you stand up and you just go with it. Whereas on the snowboard, you can look at that drop or that jump you're going to do and have a long time to cogitate on how you're going to do it. You can think “Well, if I don't quite clear that rock there, this could really be bad.” (laughs) In

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WINTER 2013/14

surfing, you don't have that luxury. You're on the wave's schedule.

feeling to have now and then, especially in our busy lifestyles we have today.

What's it been like sharing the experience of learning snowboarding with your son?

That was one of the greatest joys in life that both my wife and I experienced was when he was young. Skiing and the mountain life, and being on a snowboard can be more of a family sport than surfing. At first, he’d rather play video games in the lodge than go out and get cold. But eventually we watched the passion for snowboarding grow in him. He never wanted to ski. Even from 5 years old, it was “I just want to snowboard.” At one point in his life, I think in high school, when he was already pretty good, it became his identity, the thing that set him apart from everybody else.

It was similar for me at his age with surfing.

It gave him the confidence that he needed to live his own life going forward.

Being out in nature so much you must think about the environment. Are there ways you see surfing and snowboarding helping to deal with some environmental challenges?

At first, surfing and snowboarding are pretty selfish endeavors. I mean you 're just trying to get your fill of something that makes you feel good. But if you stick with it and you put your time in, at some point you begin to understand that it's this thing you're doing, and life itself is a lot greater than just you. That's when it starts to make sense, that, “Wow, I'm just a small part of a big world, but my life can't just be taking. There has to be some giveback.”

The things that I like about what I do— whether it's surfing or snowboarding—requires a collective effort from a lot of people to preserve them and to hopefully make them available for the future generations. So we start to develop a sense of responsibility, but you have to go through the whole process. At first you just do [the sport] for yourself. And that's how the learning process works if you keep at it. I've always said, in surfing, the first 20 years were just a test to see if I was interested. After that the true and deep lessons of what surfing can teach started to make sense to me. In snowboarding, the mountain holds still for you. In surfing, everything's moving out there. That's why surfing is such a great metaphor for life, because life doesn't hold still for you. If you don't move with it, it just passes you right by. That applies to snowboarding as well: most snowboarders love powder, but powder doesn't last long if you're in a ski area. So its like surfing, but it's moving a little bit slower than waves do. That's the lesson that these things can teach us: you still have to move with it either back on the beach or off the mountain. And at some point you

You once said that surfing is like going to church for you. Do you feel like being in the snow evokes the same kind of “religious experience”?

Absolutely. There are those mornings, whether you're looking at perfect waves peeling through an empty lineup or looking at a freshly covered mountainside in the fall, and it's perfect—no tracks on it yet—the sun is shining on it. In either of those moments, I feel like I'm in the presence of something holy.

It's certainly a religious feeling and I get that a lot. I'll get it on the mountain even more than in surfing, because in surfing there's always, (laughs) generally speaking, a lot of other people around and they're kind of distracting. But up on the mountain you can get away, be alone, and just stop and take a deep breath because the view or the essence of that moment takes your breath away. You feel that you're really in the presence of something a lot bigger and greater than you are. It's a good

Photos from left to right: Portrait: C. Orwig/Patagonia; Gerry slashing pow, Mt. Bachelor, OR, 2009, Photo: Andy Tullis; Gerry at Pipeline, Photo: Jeff Divine; Gerry launching an air, Mt. Bachelor, OR, 2009, Photo: Andy Tullis; Aidan Sheahan, Photo: Jeremy Swanson.

have to try and help. With the younger people, I think that’s becoming more of an issue, something they think about. That’s a really good thing, because usually it's just a bunch of old hippies that are trying to save the trees and whales.

Is it this kind of thinking that led you to start working with Patagonia?

At first—not so much in the surf world but in the mountain world—Patagonia was kind of an underground thing. I didn't even realize that I was getting involved with Patagonia except that I started off being cold all the time with really crappy long underwear. My wife, who's a lot smarter and has much better judgment than me, says, “Oh, we gotta get this stuff called Patagonia.” So I started wearing their layering stuff. As I got more and more into snowboarding I figured out, “Wow, these are on the good guys,” whether they were sponsored by some other outerwear company or not, most of them wore Patagonia underneath. And at one point my wife said, “Hey, don't you know anybody that has a connection to Patagonia?” A good friend of mine knew Yvon, and I said, “I should just call him.” I was kind of reluctant, and I eventually wrote to my friend. One day I'm driving up to the mountain and my car phone rings, and it's Yvon. That was the beginning of the relationship I have now with the company. I became involved with Patagonia when they'd hoped to expand from just being a mountain company to an ocean company as well. It was inevitable because everybody there's a surfer anyway. Yvon's idea was that I could come in and we could—along with the Malloy brothers—help Patagonia develop this alter image.

Patagonia has now proceeded to being an ocean and mountain company.

If you had to pick one: a perfect day of surf, or a perfect day of powder, which would it be?

It depends which I was closer to and which was most convenient because (laughs) more than anything, surfing and snowboarding

are both sports of convenience. If you have to jump through too many hoops to get to them, you're probably going to lose interest a bit.

That's why we've lived in Bend for the last 20 years, because it's made going snowboarding pretty easy. It wasn’t that easy to go snowboarding when we lived in Maui. But it was really easy to shoot over to the North Shore and go surf the Pipeline.

▶ Read the full interview on patagonia.com/snowblog

MINDFULNESS 101

by Aidan Sheahan

Everything begins within. How we feel inside projects onto what we see in the world. I can stand at the top of a jump line, afraid, because part of me has fear of getting hurt. Or I can be excited and full of joy because I get to hit jumps.

This is where meditation has helped me: it has taught me to become an observer of my thoughts.

It's not wrong to have fear, but to be able to observe it so that I don't act off of it is an amazing gift. As humans we are always at the point of choice. We can follow the negative thoughts which have been embedded into us, or we can learn to observe these thoughts, and choose the thoughts we desire to create the reality we want to live in. I am constantly applying this to my life and my skiing in the best way that I can.

MINDFULNESS PRACTICE: Breathe deep into the tailbone for three breaths, observe your thoughts, think of something you are grateful for.

Now lets go shred, something, anything!

▶ Read the full interview on patagonia.com/snowblog

6 24 HOURS IN A SKI RESORT A lot can happen during one full day up and down the mountain, including all the unmentionables in between.

< KYE PETERSEN

Here's our roundup, in numbers, of 24 hours in a ski resort...

PEP FUJAS >

NOT ALL MOUNTAINS ARE CREATED EQUALLY. Each has its own qualities and hidden treasures that are revealed only after spending time exploring its peaks, valleys, back and side country. Patagonia ambassador Kye Petersen had sponsors knocking on his door at the young age of 11 because of his exceptional command of

6:17 a.m.: The time we got up for first lift

BIG MOUNTAIN VIBE Most popular resort in the world with two million visitors a year

1 item dropped from the chairlift (and 1 walk of shame to pick it up)

Exotic local cuisine:

BURGERS AND FRIES No attitude: Everyone's pretty humble, pretty Canadian With a lot of nooks and crannies, a snowboarders’ paradise

4 high fives after braving a very steep descent

54% FEMALE POPULATION

Named “Whistler” after the shrill whistle made by hoary marmots who live in the rocks

6 How many ropes we ducked under

History lesson: Built on a garbage dump, remains of a Volkswagen Van still buried under the mountain Average Annual Snowfall:

462 INCHES Lifts can serve 65,500 skiers per hour —the greatest capacity in North America

9 cheeky kisses in the gondola

Population: 9,965 Après ski: The Garibaldi Lift Company.

Literally “ski in” from the mountain

Whistler/Blackcomb as an all mountain skier. Meanwhile, Patagonia ski ambassador Braden "Pep" Fujas, who has traveled the world over, appearing in upwards of 20 films, considers the slopes of Alta, UT his home away from home. We spoke to each about what makes their local mountain so special, and rounded up the results below.

SMALL MOUNTAIN VIBE Mom and pop shop that hasn't lost its authenticity as a true to skiing environment

Exotic local cuisine:

POUTINE No attitude: People are pretty damn friendly and willing to strike up a conversation No snowboarders allowed

33% FEMALE POPULATION “Girls are easygoing but not as many around as one would hope” It's all in a name: Alta is Spanish for “high”

History lesson: One of the oldest ski resorts in the U.S., opened in 1939 Average Annual Snowfall:

560 INCHES Utah boasts the greatest population of Mormons in North America

Population: 383 Après ski: P-Dog and Sitz-Mark.

Find a local to guide your way

Old B.C. motto:

Alta's motto:

11 shots we did out of the shotski. Don't judge

3 taxidermy heads in our local bar

Portrait: Patagonia; Kye Petersen working his way back from another great powder run. B.C., Photo: Adam Clark/Patagonia.

53km skied over 24 hours 1859

First newspaper account of women skiing in Northern Sierra gold camps of California

1866

First known ski school in Trondheim, Norway

Portrait: Patagonia; Laundry day in Alaska. Pep Fujas airs it out, Photo: Jay Beyer/Patagonia.

▶ Read the full interview with Pep on patagonia.com/snowblog 1879

First recorded use of the word "slalom"

1897

1908

1924

First rope tow in the Black Forest, Germany

First true alpine ski traverse in Europe by Wilhelm Paulke, which innovated modern ski mountaineering

First Winter Olympics, Chamonix France; Nordic ski events only

1921

First ski movie made by Germany’s Dr. Arnold Fanck: “The Ski Chase”

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WINTER 2013/14

DISPATCHES FROM CHAMONIX

by Jeanine Pesce

PATAGONIA SNOWBOARD AMBASSADOR Liz Daley took a break from climbing the Midi in Chamonix to talk shop about the main differences between riding the backcountry in Europe and the U.S. With a pledge to “never walk down the mountain again,” Liz has successfully combined her technical knowledge of climbing with her passion for snowboarding, carving out an ideal four-season approach to life both in and out of bounds.

Lets start with the basics, where are you from and how did you get into snowboarding?

I grew up in Tacoma, WA. My family wasn't very “outdoorsy.”

My dad is a jeweler and artist and my mom is a ballet dancer. I always wanted to go to the mountains and ski, but they didn't have the money and the closest mountain was about an hour and half away. When I was about 11, my aunt bought me my first full snowboard kit and lessons, and I went up on the bus every weekend. From that point on, I went snowboarding every weekend up into high school. Eventually I went to Western Washington University because it was close to Baker.

You’re in Chamonix right now filming for your new series The Daley Splitter. How did that come about?

Epic TV has about 300 athletes doing these series, including base jumpers, wing-suiters, skiers, snowboarders and climbers. My series is called The Daley Splitter, “splitter” meaning like splitter cracks. We are starting off doing mostly alpine climbing videos. Picture beautiful granite and tons of traditional climbing crack. It can also mean anything really awesome when it comes to getting outside. You can have a "splitter day" snowboarding which would be a super sunny, powder day with great conditions. Or the weather, snow, stability, or crew, even, can be "splitter." The series will eventually segue into my splitboarding* and snowboarding. So I can focus on riding big, technical, steep lines in and around Chamonix and the Cascades.

So basically, the series has given you the opportunity to slay it during all four seasons?

Exactly. It is pretty cool because I can be really creative with it and scout out my objectives and get a team together for any mission. I am doing all the filming myself with one or two other people and half the editing. I basically get to do what I want, but I am working really hard.

Portrait: Liz in Chamonix, Photo: Garrett Grove; Liz makes first tracks on the Chamonix off-piste classic Pas de Chavre, France, Photo: Davide De Masi/Patagonia; Liz in La Parva, Argentina, Photo: Adam Clark/Patagonia.

1928

First aluminum ski likely developed this year

1924

International Ski Federation (FIS) forms

1929

First ski descent of Mont Blanc, France

What was the tipping point for you turning pro?

I was just in the right spot at the right time to be honest. I wasn't seeking out full sponsorship; I was just doing the skibum thing, working six months out of the year waiting tables.

I had two or three jobs at a time just trying to save up money to get back over to Cham. When I got back to Cham I would clean chalets or babysit or nanny, whatever it took to make money. Then people started taking pictures of me. I thought sending these photos out would be a good way to start getting gear from brands.

After my first season in Cham, I came home and I did the first women's descent on the North Face of the NW Ridge on Mt. Adams in Washington's Cascades, and then a first female snowboard descent on the Coleman Headwall on Mt. Baker, so that got me some attention. I also write trip reports, so I had a little following online. Then I moved to Utah and I sent out a “sponsor me” email to Jeremy Jones. He immediately wanted me on the team, and sent me a snowboard and it started there.

How did you get involved with Patagonia?

I have a degree in in Environmental Education and I knew Patagonia was a really ethical and environmentally conscious company. I have always placed them on this pedestal. But I never actually thought I could be part of such a professional team, with such high standards. When I lived in Utah, I went to Outdoor Retailer, where I met my team manager for Jones.

He walked me directly over to Patagonia to talk with them and try and get me on the team. That was two years ago and I have been working with them since.

You’re certified as an American Alpine Institute (AAI) guide and instructor. Does that make you extra precautious on the mountain?

When I was in Utah I got certified as an EMT and I was on ski patrol that winter. Then I got hired as a guide for the AAI. Once you are on the team at AAI they give you all this in-house training. I had an immersive guide training, which was super intense: you are in the mountains for three weeks straight learning all these rope skills and rescue systems.

Being a professional athlete and riding with a bunch of professionals, seeing the risks they take and being expected to take the same risks—especially when shooting or filming—is totally fine. But then when I am guiding, I have a group that I am responsible for.

You are putting them in a dangerous situation, and you are just trying to make sure nothing serious happens. So it is the total opposite: you are teaching them all these skills as well the safest way to do everything.

Since riding in the backcountry has become so accessible, is there a special responsibility brands need to take to educate consumers about avalanche safety?

I think companies do take on a lot of responsibility when selling backcountry products. There are warning labels on practically every product we buy, closures in ski areas, a liability waiver

SPLITBOARDING: A snowboard that splits into a pair of mountain skis, allowing the freedom to travel like a backcountry skier. Versatile bindings and mounting kit means you can switch from a forward facing ski operation to a sideways snowboard stance when desired.

1939

1936

The first issue of Ski Magazine is published in Seattle

1938

National Ski Patrol established in the U.S.

The Sno-Surf patented in the U.S. Made of solid white oak, it was a precursor to the snowboard

1939

Otto Lang presents “Ski Flight,” first ski film shown in the U.S. Played at Radio City Music Hall, on same bill as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"

we have to sign and money is put into marketing that shows athletes wearing beacons, airbags, digging pits, etc. Companies are probably more concerned about safety than individuals because we live in such a litigious society.

Backcountry riding is inherently dangerous and most people know this. People hear about avalanche and snow-related deaths all the time in the States, but they don't take it seriously because if they get hurt they can always blame someone else. We as individuals need to wise up. Get educated, take an avy course, go out with people more experienced than you, start small, gain some experience and go bigger once you gain more knowledge.

What are some of the differences between riding in the U.S. and France?

The mountains are just so much bigger. From the Midi in Chamonix it is about 9,000 feet of vertical to the valley and it is almost always open. It isn't like there is anyone telling you that you can’t ski out of bounds. When I go back to Washington and ski Crystal where I grew up riding, the mountains look so small, and it's funny because they are so much more protected compared to the Alps. I love riding in the States because I love the culture of ski resorts.

Riding in-bounds on a pow day, getting first tracks and being with all your friends and goofing off, you can't beat that.

1943

Volunteers from Canadian Army use skis to carry supplies to snowstranded WWII soldiers in Europe

1951

3 /4

First stretch ski pants designed by Bogner of Germany

8 PHOTO ESSAY

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1. “I shadowed these ski patrollers on a particularly crazy, very stormy day. The patrollers have to routinely work in these conditions, which leaves the radio and weather towers covered over in snow and ice.” Revelstoke, B.C., February 2012 2. “Holden Village was an abandoned mining town until it became a Lutheran commune. We were there for a week to ski the Central Cascades. To get there you take a boat up the 30+ mile Lake Chelan, then hop on a school bus for 13 miles before you come to the small, desolate village. When newcomers arrive, the locals come wave hello.” Holden Village, WA, March 2011

3. “Forrest Coots leaving Holden Village on the aforementioned boat after an epic trip skiing the Cascades.” Holden Village, WA, March 2011

6. “Aneka Singlaub climbs Mt. Mat In the background is Aussie Co well-loved area outside of Pemb

4. “Evan Stevens cleans the snowcat at Valhalla Mountain Touring, which he owns with his wife and Patagonia climbing ambassador Jasmin Caton. It snowed about four feet every day that week, giving us the best winter opener I’ve ever had.” Kootenays, B.C., December 2012

7. “During the worst weather of a 1 van. The high winds and new sn avalanche conditions. To make cock blocked when we returned break in, put the car in neutral a we could leave.” Niseko, Japan, J

5. “Patagonia ambassador Carston Oliver puts his skis on in the Whitewater Lodge basement.” Nelson, B.C., 2012

9

WINTER 2013/14

tier in shitty, icy conditions. ouloir on Mount Joffre—a berton, B.C.” December 2011

19-day trip, we lived in this now made for pretty horrific matters worse, the van was d. Our only option was to and push it out of the way so January 2013

There's so much more to a great day of powder than the downhill. Here, photographer Garrett Grove turns his lens on those often overlooked moments "before the descent" that make each run possible.

8. “Chris Erickson clears snow off his skis at sunset. We spent the day touring the backcountry soaking up good snow and cloudy conditions, so when the sun broke, it was quite the moment.” Whitewater, B.C., 2011 9. “Digging a pit on our first day in Haines, AK. The assessment revealed scary results. It enforced my thinking that human power is the best way to go so you know the snowback intimately. Getting dropped off on a slope via helicopter then hoping to ski down without going up it first, means a person has to base everything on this one pit.” Haines, AK, March 2013

10. “Tim McDaniel learned to ski five years ago. Ever since, he’s spent 100+ days a year, every year, getting to know the sport."

Whitewater, B.C., 2012

13. “Getting handed a beer after one of the best days skiing in Stevens Pass, WA with friends Patrick Haggerty (blue) and Drew Stoecklein (red).” March 2012

11. “Local snowsurfer Yama enjoys a cold beer and a hot onsen soak in Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan, after an extremely deep day in the backcountry.” February 2013

14. “Mary Woodward had a starring role in the film ‘All.I.Can’ (2011), because of her and her friends’ lifelong commitment to skiing in the area. Nearly any day you go up she’s there, making lap after lap in the Whitewater area.” Whitewater, B.C., January 2012

12. “It was the first trip I ever met Yama and instantly gravitated towards his electric colors and personality. He's always smiling, snowboarding, stretching, and wearing orange.... always!” Icefall Lodge, Golden, B.C., April 2012

All photos by Garrett Grove

10 THE ART OF SNOWBOARDING

ANYONE WHO APPRECIATES STYLE WILL RELISH WATCHING Patagonia snowboard ambassador Josh Dirksen carve down a hill. For over two decades Dirksen has been innovating snowboarding and splitboarding with enviable turns, playful experimentation and a mastery of terrain.

As Gerry Lopez put it, "It's like watching someone really, truly surf the mountain." Here, we spoke to Dirksen at home in Zurich, Switzerland, where he was settling into his new life as a dad, taking break from his normal nonstop schedule of traveling the world over in search of untracked powder.

You're in Switzerland right now?

Yes, my wife, Fabienne, is Swiss. We live in Zürich during the summers and fall, and then we go back to Bend, OR at the beginning of winter to ride my home mountain, Mt. Bachelor. One of the first things we do when we get back to Bachelor is plan the upcoming Dirksen Derby* snowboard rally race.

What do you love about Mt. Bachelor?

I love how unique it is. It is a volcano that gets blasted by a relentless wind that makes many interesting wind lip features. It's relatively flat, but makes up for it with transitions and features. For me, it is kind of like skating a skateboard park. There are a lot of special mountains in the world, but it's really nice coming from one that is so unique and knowing how good it can be.

We just got off the phone with Gerry Lopez, who also mentioned it. What have you learned from Gerry about snowboarding and life and everything else?

One good thing that I have learned from Gerry is: “be patient.” That idea has come in handy especially as I get older. He is a really patient person. I imagine he learned it as he grew up waiting for the good waves, before surf reports and all that. He's got the mindset of just waiting for things and not pushing it and not complaining along the way. I don't know if I got it just from him, but I definitely notice it in him, and that makes me try to be more patient in life.

What have you learned about the sport, being in it for so long?

I have learned that snowboarding is an amazing sport. I feel really lucky that I got involved in the sport when I did, back in 1988.

Snowboarding was young and fresh with a lot of potential. Since I starting snowboarding, there has never been a time when it was boring or stale. There is always a fresh supply of challenging terrain, interesting people, innovative products and unique styles. I feel really lucky.

How have you been able to maintain a strong career in snowboarding for so many years?

To start, I try not to think of it as a “career.”

Snowboarding is just the life that I choose to live and the “career” aspect of it just provides me with more opportunities (and more powder). I think another main reason for the length of my career is luck. Just being in the right place at the right time, realizing cool

opportunities, and taking full advantage of them. There are a lot of opportunities in life, but it is easy to watch them pass by without seeing them.

You've tried so many different things and navigated through so many different conditions, do you still get humbled by the sport?

For sure. That’s kind of what splitboarding has brought me recently. Splitboarding in the backcountry is humbling for sure, especially when it involves a trip with Jeremy Jones and the TGR crew. When I was young and dumb I'd push myself physically and I'd crash like 30 times a day in order to progress. Now it's more mental, just trying to find the best conditions and knowing how to take advantage of them.

Speaking of Jeremy Jones, what was it like riding and filming with him?

He's incredible. One of the greatest things about being a pro snowboarder is having the opportunities to ride with the best riders in the world. People like David Benedek, Travis Parker, Jussi Oksanen, DCP, and Jeremy Jones have inspired me to be better. All these riders have given snowboarding so much. Jeremy, for example, is incredibly determined and wise. The things he can accomplish, the kind of trips he can organize, and the people he brings along all make for a very special day of snowboarding.

dangerous it was, being a gap. I didn't want to come up short, and I landed. That makes for a good day: when you land on your feet.

Were you terrified when you tried it given the history of the jump?

No, I wasn't really paying attention, I guess (laughs). During that time, I was hitting a lot of jumps and was really comfortable with that kind of situation. I wouldn’t do it now. I guess that is why they say “young and dumb.”

How have you seen the sport evolve?

There are a million ways it has evolved over the years. Riders, contests, films, filmers, terrain, access, and the industry have all contributed to the current state of snowboarding.

Recently, there's been a lot of board and clothing technology that has advanced the sport.

Companies like Patagonia—people who really know how to do outdoor clothing, and make snowboard clothes that satisfy our style needs but function a thousand times better.

There’s been a lot of evolution in the sport and that's what makes me feel so lucky to be part of it. It’s a completely different, exciting sport, every year that passes.

What’s the weirdest location you’ve ever snowboarded?

Russia was odd. Even the politics of getting on the chairs and which run you could take.

We rode at Kransnaya Polyana, a simple ski resort near Sochi. At the time, there wasn’t much up there, just some incredibly long double chairs that drop you off at the top of some huge mountains. It was kind of a ghost town with tons of snow and good riding.

Talk about the first time you jumped over Chad's Gap in Utah.

When I look back on how long I’ve been snowboarding—25 years—that day when I hit Chad's Gap was one of the best days.

Some skiers had built this jump already and my buddy Andrew Crawford was so amped he asked them if he could go hit it. It was an incredibly well-built jump, for how big and Portrait: Patagonia; Josh rips a smooth pow turn while a local hawk soars with him, Lake Tahoe backcountry, CA, 2010 Photo: Abe Blair; Tyler at the Dirksen Derby, Photo: Abe Blair; Josh leading the way on his splitboard in the backcountry, Juneau, AK, 2012, Photo: Abe Blair.

Did you have any odd jobs when you were younger that allowed you to snowboard the rest of the year?

The last real job I ever had was at the IHOP, International House of Pancakes. I dishwashed and had a few random days of bussing tables.

We got free French dip, au ju, chicken wings, which was pretty nice back when I was 18.

*THE DIRKSEN DERBY Annual snowboarding race held every December on Mt. Bachelor, OR Hosted by Josh Dirksen Raises stoke and money for friend Tyler Eklund who broke his neck snowboarding. Tyler, paralyzed from the neck down, still goes up on a sled For men, women, groms and grandmas; pro to amateur Goal: TO HAVE FUN!

11

WINTER 2013/14

REDUCE. RECYCLE. REIMAGINE. REUSE. REPAIR.

"PROTECT WHAT YOU LOVE" IS A PHRASE OFTEN USED by those who thrive in the outdoors, acutely aware of how climate change impacts the activities we're passionate about. Its also an ethos that non-profit Protect Our Winters (protectourwinters.org) has built a mission around: to unite and mobilize the winter sports community towards environmental preservation. Founded by Jeremy Jones and directed by Chris Steinkamp, POW's efforts include programs like "Coal Kills Snow" which encourages renewable energy options to replace the damaging effects coal has on mountain areas.

POW talks to lawmakers, educates high school students, and works with athletes, brands, and resorts to affect positive change. So, what can we as individuals do to take action? Patagonia snowboard ambassador Forrest Shearer, fresh off a POW lobbying trip to Washington D.C., summarizes how we can all be part of the solution:

RIDE GREEN Go to resorts like Squaw Valley and Mammoth that support climate change advocacy and renewable energies like wind and solar. Look for resorts that focus on reducing emissions, protecting wildlife habitats, and that care about water quality. If they don't, write a letter and tell them they should. Find the best green resorts here: mountaincollective.com.

LIVE AN EXAMINED LIFE We have an obligation and stewardship to help sustain the places we enjoy.

Being in nature is the first step to better understanding what we need to protect.

The mountains and oceans provide us with everything. It's time to give back.

The winter season is a magical time, my favorite of the year. The peaks and hills get covered in a fresh coat of white providing a palate for all of us artists to use our mind and imagination to draw or own lines on the mountains. But it won’t be here forever if we don't all take some time to protect it. - Forrest Shearer

GET POLITICAL Support issues that are important to you nationally and locally. There are a lot of issues out there in relation to our mountains that will affect the ways we'll be able to enjoy winter in the future. Vote for the candidates who protect the environment. Find out more at the League of Conservation Voters: lcv.org.

SPEAK UP

SPEAK UP

BUY LOCAL

Get vocal about what you believe in and engage your friends, family, coworkers, etc.

Support your local snowboard, outdoor, and ski shops. Eat at local restaurants or get food from farmers markets.

Save on gas money, meet new friends, and reduce your carbon emissions.

SUPPORT COOL COMPANIES

REUSE

HIKE

Water is free—bring a water container with you so you don't have to buy one.

Use a thermos for hot tea or soup and a packable or collapsible mug for coffee or hot cocoa. Also: buy used skis or a snowboard. There's a lot of good gear out there that needs a home.

Hiking is a great way to earn your turns.

Splitboards and alpine touring skis are awesome so hike up the mountain in order to reduce your carbon footprint. It may be hard work, but once you ride down, it will all be worth it. Be sure to get educated in the process by taking an avalanche class.

There are many environmentally friendly brands in the snow industry. Look into how and where your products are made and support companies that care about the environment.

Forrest Portrait: Patagonia.

CARPOOL TO THE MOUNTAIN

12 OF GODS AND MOUNTAINS

ON DESIGNING GENTEMSTICK: My shapes aren't just mimicking surfboards, but like surfboards they have different shapes for riding different waves. I shape boards depending on snow, terrain, and riding styles. The design should perform on any snow condition, whether it’s powder, groomers, or spring corn snow. I don't focus on skateboard-like snowboards, which emphasize ollies, big-air landings and the spinning factor, but a design that focuses on the relationship between the rider and slopes.

ON SNOWSURFING: What if someone sees the mountain differently than others?

What if the same terrain appears different to each person who sees it? Obviously the design for riding that place will differ from one another. The reason I quit skiing— which I loved so much—for snowboarding is because the potential lines that I could see when on a snow-surfboard were drastically different from when I was on skis. The ultimate goal of surfing is to be one with the wave. The ultimate goal in snowsurfing is to be one with the mountains.

ADVICE COLUMN

NOT EVERY WITTY SKI BUM can craft a career waxing poetic about goal-lessness, drinking with ski patrol, and the difference between descriptors “so sick” and “kinda variable.” But writer Hans Ludwig, a.k.a “The Jaded Local” has. For better or for worse he's become our authority on everything important on the mountain, like hot tubbing, shotskis and avalanches.

What's the best way to develop "style"? Ski on weird shit. Like different skis on each foot, or super long poles, so you have to learn really bizarre biomechanics just to make it down the groomer. Do this for several seasons and then revert to standard equipment and you will have a very distinct personal style. Or you could pretend to be an animal, like a dolphin or a wildebeest.

But then I've heard that the epitome of style is effortlessness, so theoretically the best way to be stylish would be to do as little as possible. Just go straight and hold perfectly still. Voila: style.

Are shotskis something to be avoided? If you like drinking in the corner and having sex by yourself when you go on a ski vacation, then yes.

Do you have any pick up lines for us to try out on the slopes? If you're a heterosexual woman, just breathing

will do, otherwise… look, this question is retarded. Would you just walk up and sexually proposition someone on a golf course? And if you did would you use some kind of golf-y innuendo? Something about gripping the shaft or getting deep in the rough on the back nine? No. Do what every self-respecting outdoor athlete does and let alcohol work its magic on your personality after skiing.

Any rules of what not to do when on a backcountry mission? Not calling it a mission would be a good start. For one, it sounds pretentious, but it's also been proven that excessively goaloriented behavior attracts avalanches.

So go on a jaunt, or a meander, or a quick lap, but don't go on a mission.

When is it appropriate to say “gnar”? Anytime, as long as you don't put air-quotes around it too.

Is it okay to hot tub with your boss?

As a veteran ski journalist I can tell you that not only is that billable hours, but

any drinks you order can be expensed and it's a great time to ask for a raise.

How much is too much “après ski”?

Roughly speaking, the post-ski milieu is characterized by five distinct phases.

1. Après ski, defined as any drinking you do while still in ski boots. 2. Hot tub. Exhaustion of canned beer supply indicates it's time for dinner. 3. Dinner. 4. Disco. 5. Systemic shutdown.

While phases three through five are well understood, the transition between phase one ("true" après ski) and phase two (hot tub) remains elusive and has become the Higgs Boson or cold fusion of the Après ski Studies field. We know that groups of skiers go from an upright and clothed drinking state to a less upright and clothed drinking state in another location, but the actual physics involved is unknown. Swiss researchers have proposed an invisible energy field transmitting what they call the Jacuzzi Force that then propels après skiers to hot water just as an electron will

spontaneously jump from one orbit to another. Meanwhile a Norwegian team of snow scientists has proposed a link between deep, stable snow and hot tub activity on a purely subatomic level.

What's the best thing to do in an avalanche? Enjoy the ride! With today's technology avalanches are one more way to "get rad" with Mother Nature.

Just put your Avalung in your mouth, pre-deploy your airbag backpack, turn on the tunes and helmet cam and you're ready to hang ten on a raging white wave of death right into a creek bed.

For extra security set your Avalanche Beacon to "search" so a search party will be alerted. I also set my Twitter and Facebook to "public" mode.

I'm a snowboarder and my skier boyfriend races off without waiting for me every time we get off a chairlift. What's up with that?

Nothing that can't be fixed by hot-tubbing with your boss.

13

WINTER 2013/14

FUKUSHIMA AND ITS IMPACT ON SKI SEASON: I never thought a once-in-a-millennium earthquake and tsunami would occur in my lifetime. On the day of the disaster, I was in Tohoku area, relatively near the epicenter, and only missed the tsunami by a few hours. I experienced a shake that wouldn't let me stay standing up. I also experienced the aftermath, where everything we take for granted in this modern world stopped functioning. I returned to Niseko a few days after and learned that most foreign visitors and some residents had escaped Japan.

The resort and the village was pretty much empty until the end of the season. Niseko tourism, or all Japanese tourism was in a critical situation during that time.

The snow conditions, however, were epic the last two seasons.

Rumors of record snowfall spread and the numbers of hotel bookings seems to have come back to the pre-Fukushima state.

MOUNTAINS IN JAPANESE SYMBOLISM: Traditionally, Japanese people felt the presence of gods in all natural elements: water, forests, fire or mountains. Mountains were one of the most important deific symbols and climbing was a religious ritual. Japanese mentality sees gods in every single pebble lying on the river shores.

Photos from left to right: ON HOMEBASE NISEKO, JAPAN: Abundant snow is what describes Niseko. It's not like it dumps an incredible amount overnight, but more like the right amount falling consistently, providing great conditions for skiers and snowboarders most days.

Opposite to inland mountains, Niseko is located close to the shore and in low altitude, which plays an important role in the snow stability. The base of the resort is at 200 meters altitude and if we wanted to, we could ride down all the way to the shore.

Although there are a few hardcore big mountain riders, most are riding with gratitude to Japan's natural gifts and under the gaze of gods of trees and rocks, the thick blanket of snow lying deep in the forests or short and steep terrains in their backyard.

1.

Taro Tamai

2.

Gentemstick Japan Factory

3.

Ice close up

4.

Taro Tamai, Niseko Annupuri, West Peak, 1991

5.

Mads Johnson Flyfisk 163 Diamond Tail shaped by Taro Tamai

6.

Mt. Fuji from above, Early Winter, 2009

7.

Makato Yamada riding a Gentemstick Rocketfish 146

8.

Beech Forest at Hakkoda Aomori Prefecture Osamu

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Okada's tracks, Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Area, 2009

PATAGONIA STORE EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT JEFF HUNT

RICK SAYRE

BETSY PANTAZELOS

Store Manager Patagonia Whistler, B.C.

Floor Lead and Environmental Grants Coordinator Patagonia Denver, CO

Store Manager Patagonia Boston, MA

Where did you learn to ski? Grouse Mountain, North Shore Mountains, Vancouver.

Where did you learn to ski? Colorado: Geneva Basin, Ski Idlewild, Winter Park and Loveland

Where did you learn to ski? Loon Mountain, NH

Best local spot to ski? Spanky's Ladder on Blackcomb Mountain.

Best local spot to ski? Resort: Loveland Ski Area; Backcountry: Berthod Pass

One thing that sets your mountain apart? The vast amount of terrain for all levels, easy access to backcountry, topped off with a coastal mountain snowpack—mega!

One thing that sets your mountain apart? It’s less than an hour's drive from Denver. Both Loveland and Berthod are at high elevations, which provide good snow quality and aren’t crowded on weekdays.

One nonessential you bring on every trip? Pep ‘n Ched

One nonessential you bring on every trip? A thermos of hot tea.

One thing that sets your mountain apart? The terrain at Wildcat offers something for everyone: steeps, bumps, groomers, and trees. There's also something distinctly New England about the trail system. Trails trend toward windy and narrow, and I have a sense of getting lost in the woods whenever I am there. On a clear day, Mt. Washington monopolizes the view in all her snowy glory—a great reminder of the wealth of backcountry available literally across the street. All told, though, I love that the mountain is unapologetically laid-back.

Local environmental cause you’re passionate about?

Fighting against Enbridge’s plan to build the Northern Gateway Pipeline through the Great Bear Rainforest, one of the last pristine and unique ecosystems in the world. Our surf ambassador Chris Malloy directed the movie "Groundswell," which highlights the area and what’s at stake. Enough is enough!

Local heroes? Brian Litz, Lou Dawson, and Chris Davenport have all been influential to me and Colorado skiing.

Local environmental cause you’re passionate about? Backcountry Snowsports Initiative for their efforts to preserve human-powered, quiet use of the backcountry.

Best local spot to ski? Wildcat Mountain, NH

Local heroes? Ted Sutton got me started with ski racing when I was five, and as I've grown up he's supported me implicitly and really reinforced a

love for the mountains and skiing. Then there's New England ski heroes Dan and John Egan, Chris Davenport (he calls Aspen home now, but he's got New England roots!), Bode Miller, and Leanne Smith.

One nonessential you bring on every trip? For the hill: Patagonia Merino Boot Top bottoms.

Off the hill: An empty growler to pick up beer at Moat Mountain Brewery.

Local environmental cause you’re passionate about? In Boston, the Charles River Clean Up Boat started with one man, a boat, and his frustration with how dirty the Charles River was. He took out his boat and started cleaning. He now has volunteer work parties every day going out to clear debris from the river.

14 FIVE BEST: Our Favorite Snow Films

FILM SCHOOL

ALL.I.CAN 2011 // By: Sherpas Cinema A beautiful look at the challenges and excitement of big mountain skiing vs. how global warming affects favorite spots like Morocco, Greenland, and Chile.

by Malcolm Johnson

DEEPER 2010 // By: TGR/Jeremy Jones Jeremy Jones was already a veteran in the industry when he and others snowboarded through steep, untouched backcountry, and captured it all on film.

AFTERLAME 2004 // By: Robot Food The third in Robot Food's epic releases pioneered a new kind of snowboard film that showcased the fun and creative side of the sport. Also of note: its amazing soundtrack.

SINCE THE DAYS OF WOOLEN PANTS AND WOODEN PLANKS, skiers have had an insatiable appetite for film. Whatever the era, the medium of moving pictures has fed the stoke whenever the snow isn't falling—and it's been a gateway drug tempting many of us to shun the 9-to-5 for a simpler life in the mountains. While the best skiers and snowboarders push the ever-expanding boundaries of what's possible in front of the lens, for the rest of us film simply connects us to what we love and gives us another source of motivation to go shred. Less obviously, ski and snowboard movies are also a statement of who we are and what we value as a community—who among us doesn't have some beautifully blurry memories of beer-fueled premieres in packed resort town bars?

Ski movies have come a long way, and though the sensory overload of a deep powder day can't really be replicated, today's best releases are coming pretty darn close. The five-person team known as Sweetgrass Productions—Nick Waggoner, Zac Ramas, Michael Brown, Max Santeusanio and Ben Sturgulewski—has made some of the most ambitious films of recent years, and their latest work, “Valhalla,” progresses even farther. There's lots of A-grade action, but it's the film's script that really sets it apart. It’s a story about joy and wonder, dreams and idealism, and learning to live in a more honest and actualized way. But most of all, it’s a film about finding freedom in the snow. As “Valhalla” toured North America this fall, we tracked down Waggoner and Patagonia snowboard ambassador Alex Yoder—who is featured in the movie—for a few thoughts from behind the scenes.

On Structure vs. Freedom: "You're making a film about freedom, yet you're so committed to an idea and its execution that you're far from free. Most nights you sit awake thinking about how to perfect a line in the script or any of the thousand details you need to craft and caress. And you wake up with the same noise, sitting at a computer all day or on the phone. But we're only worth the value of our ideas, and they're never born in the stress and anxiety of the desk life. You have to allow time to be outside, to go fully analog and step away from the digital noise in order to feel the simple joys." —N.W. "It's hard not to get frustrated sometimes with all of the traveling and filming. Sometimes I feel like I'm sacrificing my desire to just ride, but I remind myself that filming is an opportunity to inspire others to get outside and have fun. The life I get to enjoy is literally a dream come true, and no matter what's demanded from me to make it a viable career, it's more than worth it just to experience and spread the joy of snowboarding." —A.Y.

THE BLIZZARD OF AAHHH'S 1988 // By: Greg Stump This "rockumentary" of extreme skiing has been called "the best ski movie ever made."

On Disappearing: "Shooting for ‘Valhalla’ was amazing. Staying at a backcountry cabin in B.C., getting fed like a king and snowboarding out the front door. If in a few years I disappear forever, that's where I went." —A.Y.

On Inspiration:

DEEP AND LIGHT 1949 // By: Warren Miller

"With ‘Valhalla,’ the Woodstock documentary was a definite thematic influence. I also watched a heap of Dick Barrymore and classic '60s and '70s ski films, but wanted to be careful about straight-up copying that style. We dug through the crates for old Mexican garage rock videos and purchased copies of a '60s-era counterculture magazine called Avant Garde. We read old articles from Harper's and listened to Zeppelin, The Doors, CSNY and a long list of old vinyl on repeat. We really tried to immerse ourselves in the culture of that era in order to inspire a new vision of freedom. I think Nelson, B.C., Whitewater Ski Resort, and the local community did the rest. We couldn't have picked a better place." —N.W.

On Freeriding vs. Filming: "Sometimes when you're filming just one cliff, a slash or a jump, it can feel forced. When I'm just freeriding or riding a bigger line, it's completely different—much more spontaneous and natural. Growing up in Jackson Hole, the runs were so long and there was so much terrain that it's more natural for me to just ride and act upon what's available. In a sense, film can capture the spirit of freeriding, but I think you have to have felt it to be able to actually understand it. You have to have felt the butterflies you feel when you're alone looking down at a blind rollover to understand it when you see it in a film. The POV cameras are a great perspective for what the rider saw, but it's impossible to relay that feeling—the visuals are such a small aspect of what's going on when you're riding down a mountain. But Sweetgrass has an entirely unique perspective—to me, the way they choose to document the action is a more artistic interpretation of Man vs. Nature.

It's not necessarily about what the man is doing, but how he's interacting with what's beneath his feet." —A.Y.

Photos from top to bottom: “Valhalla” film stills; Alex Yoder sets his edge, Alaska Coast Range, Photo: Abe Blair/Patagonia.

The first movie by legendary director Warren Miller, filmed on a camera he bought off credit.

1952

First major commercial snow-making machinery installed at Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel

1957

First plastic ski boots introduced. Appreciatively called plastiques fantastiques by French ski racers

1992

1964

Mogul skiing and Freestyle skiing added to the Winter Olympics

U.S. Congress passes Wilderness Act, preserving backcountry ski terrain, but in turn making access difficult

1988

Ski film “The Blizzard of Aahhh’s” released by Greg Stump

1996

2009

Campaign for women’s ski jumping leads to its inclusion in the 2014 Winter Olympics (yay progress!)

First ski descent of Mt. Everest from summit (with downclimbing for small part) by Hans Kammerlander

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WINTER 2013/14

CONTRIBUTORS

FIELD-TESTING THE WAVES IN VENTURA, CA WERE “GLASSY, HEAD-HIGH and firing,” so Glen Morden had to push our call back 30 minutes —a perfectly valid excuse. As Patagonia’s Sr. Product Designer of Wetsuits and Technical Snow Outerwear, Morden is responsible for product from conception to completion.

He also field-tests almost all the gear that goes out the door so he can give “a 110% guarantee that it's going to be the most uncompromised product out there”—hence the impromptu surf session.

Field-testing also means riding waves and fresh powder with Patagonia’s ambassadors. “I’m kind of translator of the athletes’ needs. I’m here to help add their voice to the product design,” he explains, a sentiment snowboard ambassador Liz Daley can confirm: “I went to PowSlayer setups last year, full prototypes, one totally didn't fit and I sent it back and wrote up this huge review about what worked and what didn't work. When I was at the headquarters a couple of months ago, the final product was there with all the updates I asked for,” she says.

Since Morden is actually living the lifestyle that the products are built for, he also has intimate knowledge of what works and what doesn’t: “All the designers here are dirt bags true at heart, we’d probably rather crash on a hotel floor than not, hop a train in Europe to get pow, or take an overnight trip to Yosemite to climb. That’s what drives our design ethos. What also drives our philosophy is we’re building a piece of equipment, not a garment. We build toolbox features and the design just kind of falls into place,” he elaborates.

For snow, Morden shares some insight behind creating two stellar pieces of “equipment”: the PowSlayer Jacket and Bib, which will also be available for women next year. “We always say the clothing wears you. So we started to tackle the

ultimate powder riding kit with the perspective that you’re going to access that powder with your own two feet. We knew we wanted to create this product for slaying powder (for lack of a better word), and with these you can hike all day and get the biggest ride out there-you could ride the deepest pillows in Japan, or cruise in British Columbia all the way to the big spy lines in Alaska. For us the PowSlayer Jacket is a true backcountry piece, designed to always be worn with a pack. And what is the ultimate pant for powder riding? That’s a no brainer—it’s a bib.

There’s just no possible way for snow to get in.”

The end results are most durable, lightweight, waterproof and breathable tools for enjoying the outdoors, something Morden can attest to, given that he’s using them himself.

U.K. native Emily Anderson is a creative director who splits her time between working in New York City and surfing in Montauk. She used to be a ski guide in Tignes, France. littleenglishgenius.com Instagram: @theusualmontauk

Yasha Wallin is a New York Citybased writer and editor, and GOOD Magazine's creativity curator. She’s written about art, fashion, travel, bagels and young Hollywood for numerous international publications.

Twitter @ywallin

Writer Malcolm Johnson spends most of his time chasing waves near his home in British Columbia but is just as happy on a snowboard. A recent convert to the backcountry, he still likes the blue square runs too. Twitter / Instagram: @malcolmrjohnson

POWSLAYER JACKET + BIB Extremely light yet highly durable, 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro fabric*

Watertight, coated Slim Zips reduce weight and bulk

Waterproof/breathable, with windproof protection

A durable water repellent finish sheds excess water

Zippered pockets

Embedded with a RECCO® avalanche rescue reflector

Jeanine Pesce is a writer, stylist and founder of Range, an editorial platform and creative agency. Pesce has been featured in Transworld Business, SNews, Surfer Magazine and contributes to Stylesight.com, and Outside Television. thisisrange.com

*New generation GORE-TEX® PRO offers even better range of breathability

POWSLAYER BIB Gaiters seal out snow

Updated full-coverage design: taller back and lowered front

Articulated knees give full mobility

Belt loops enable you to drop shoulder straps when hiking

Tough scuff guards protect inside leg, bottom hem

Drop-seat adjustability with a center-front zip for easy relief

Thigh vents aid with climate control

Loop on rear yolk attach bibs to powder skirt on any Patagonia® Snow jacket

Adam Clark is an adventure photographer firmly hooked on outdoor, culture and adventure photography.

Based in Salt Lake City, he spends most of his time living out of bags chasing winter around the world. adamclarkphoto.com Instagram: @acpictures

POWSLAYER JACKET Helmet-compatible, 2-wayadjustable hood with laminated visor

New Vislon center-front zip is burly, easy to use

A Touch Point System™ embeds cord locks in hood and hem

91% eco polyester, 9% spandex

Pit zips quickly release heat

Sleek powder skirt stays in place, rotates as rider moves for comfort and protection

Garrett Grove is an outdoor adventure photographer based in Seattle, WA. He has captured the spirit of ski culture and natural landscapes for Patagonia, ESPN, Powder, National Geographic Adventure, and many others. garrettgrove.com

CREDITS

▶ For more information or to buy visit patagonia.com/snow Publisher: Patagonia Editor: Yasha Wallin Creative Director: Emily Anderson

Contributors / Photographers: Stefan Knecht, Garrett Grove, Abe Blair, Adam Clark, Malcolm Johnson, Jeanine Pesce, and Andy Tullis - Many thanks guys!

Special Thanks: Vickie Achee, Tyler LaMotte, Josh Nielsen, Abe Wallin, Jim Mangan, Joy Lewis, Chris Steinkamp, and Domi Churiki Copy Editor: Carolina Gonzalez

For year round entertainment: patagonia.com/snowblog | #pursuitofpowder and theusualmontauk.com | @theusualmontauk

© Winter 2013/14 The Drift.

The entire contents of The Drift are © copyrighted and may not be reproduced, either in whole or in part, without written permission from The Usual.

Hans Ludwig (The Jaded Local) is a Senior Correspondent for Powder Magazine who lives in the Eastern Sierra. He enjoys windbuff and drinking with ski patrollers.

BACKSCRATCHER

DAFFY

MULE KICK

Once airborne, bend your knees so the tails of your skis touch your back. Move shoulders and hips back to keep from falling forward. Stomp into the landing, bending knees to absorb impact.

High-five yourself.

After you've got some air, put one leg in front of you with the ski pointing upwards, your other leg pointing backwards, the ski facing down. Nice. Now put legs back in parallel position before landing.

High-five yourself.

Like you're doing a backscratcher, but twist your body 45-degrees, holding skis to the side of your body. Drop ski tips down and kick your heels out to one side, keeping mohawk upright.

High-five yourself.