The Snow Returns

Kyle Miller crowed to Sainthood with a halo of powder.

Barely a word was spoken as we made our way up to the mountain. Anger was not the culprit for this lack of enjoying conversation. Powder was. Both Brad and myself wore goofy expressions on our faces, entranced by visions of ourselves flying through “hero” snow. We stopped, picked up Kyle, and then there were three of us in the car making the same damn goofy look.

“Powder day,” said one.

“Powder day,” replied all.

Avalanche danger was high, so for the first day we’d play it safe. Nice gladed tree runs, which we were familiar with, offered epic ski conditions. Although we were riding secret stashes we could easily access in the side country, there is something to be said for nailing the old stomping grounds with good friends, in sun and powder. We didn’t cross a track all day, and the snow, as seen above, was nothing to complain about.

Brad leaps for a damsel in distress. - Norse Peak Wilderness Area, WA

Staying at Kyle’s place just down the mountain allowed us to get some sleep before a good day of touring. Even more, it allowed us to catch up with a good friend and also one of the most accomplished split-boarders in the Pacific Northwest. Filling ourselves with breakfast sandwiches and Kyle’s latest tales of the gnar, it wasn’t long before we were flipping on beacons and methodically climbing to the rhythm of our breathing. Reaching the top of our first line for the day and finding conditions to be favorable, we began chattering like a clique of crushing school girls. Dropping in one by one we relished each turn, trying to milk the beautiful powder that had been eluding us this season. El Niño could reign with an iron fist, but his grip was loosening.

Wearing smiles and snow, we made our way up and down the familiar wilderness area, reaping the best lines and savoring the perfect conditions. Our final descent back to the car was on a slope that should have had sun-affected crust, however, to our delight, we encountered nothing but more sweet nectar of the heavens. Ullr was appeased by us, as were we by him. Powder makes everyone smile.