Dawn over the lake.
Squaw Valley USA
After a seasons beginning with mixed precipitation and warm tropical storms, Squaw finally got blanketed with several feet of fresh huck snow, sticking to all the key spots and filling in the landing zones. Looking around from the base of KT and watching all the players arrive, the energy was high as the line formed; glad I got here early to lay my stick down. Its hard to know how the mountain is going to play you during those few early hours as you hear the bombs going off through the valley, the chairs spin empty, and the lifties still haven't put up the lift lines. I have a big smile, yes! another powder day. The storm pushed through overnight and left little to be desired on the lower mountain after it recieved a shralping from yesterday.
The weather is being wierd, the day started Bluebird, then clouds pushed in, but it looks like the upper mountain is going to open.... and we're off! Where to go? What to do! Whats going to open when?! These powder mornings are stressfull people! Emigrant chair is spinning and I thanked patrol (always appreciated) as I dropped onto the backside down to Granite Chief. After some laps with friends, the urge is getting filled and the stoke is high. I keep bumping into likeminded people, faces i've seen before and i'm sure I will see again. On the first chair up I count 12 bomb holes under Glory Rock, sweet jesus. I see Miles from the Chair and begin heckling.
The Peak opens first time this season! I can see the ants marching up to the top as I kick steps. I spot a few lift tickets as I burn past the public and remember that the holidays have just ended, they are almost out of here. The crew assembles atop the perches as Duane goes around for the shot. Miles and Adam huck Goodwills, Erik the Swede takes a wierd line off the top, I lip it off Deslauries', and Super Dave takes it back with some classic turns through Patrol Chute.
After three laps and several hucks off the Peak and we are trashed. I need some medicine, someone just ragdolled through rocks and its about time to groom it to Daves. Stoked and abused, new friends were met, favorite lines ridden and new hucks plopped, when I woke up the next day it hurt so bad I had to pee sitting down.
