Skier's New Year:
Opening Day
A time of
new beginnings, fresh hopes, and yes, days of auld lang syne
by Mitch Weber
November, 2011-- Just as New Year's is more than an excuse
to party, opening days run a little deeper than just that first
dose of long-awaited turns. It's time to get out on the hill,
toast the start of another season, as well as a chance to get
back together with old friends. Whether it's an epic powder day
all over the mountain, or just running that man-made 'white strip
of death' off Chair 1 back to the main lodge, it's always one
of the most memorable days of the year. It's also a time to take
a look around, note who's there and who's not, while basking
in the memories of the great times we've shared together, and
all the good times still to come.
Should old acquaintances be forgot?
No way! For We two have
run about the slopes...and We’ll take a right good-will
draught, for auld
lang syne.
Rusty Gregory, head honcho
at our hill, toasts the start of another season in the company
of revelers on the main lodge deck.
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After a day of sunny
turns and burning quads, the new season began just like the last
one ended, with grilled sausages and a picnic spread in the parking
lot. The wind began to pick up and the clouds moved in, portending...
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...the next day's storm.
Here's Big Tim on day two as the snow began to fly.
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And then, the first fresh-snow
turns of the year for Tim and for Scottman.
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Reminding ourselves it
was early season, we tried not to lose our heads!
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But this was just a taste
of what was to come. Joining a long list of 'opening weekend
miracles,' Saturday dawned clear, with just enough cold, light
snow for some very legit powder turns.
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Before things got too
crazy, and while patrol seemed to be looking the other way, Scottman
and I found some just deep-enough, low angle powder to quench
our summer starved thirst.
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Exceeding all expectations...
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Sparkling snow, clean lines, and with
some careful planning, aided by a little local knowledge, no rocks.
Amazing!
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Sweet pokes abounded...
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...and new ones opened
up each time through.
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Alas, all great things
come to an end.
Speeding back to the
lift for more, our hearts were full with the promise of more, more, more
to come, better, steeper and deeper powder days ahead, yet thankful
for an unexpected morning, full of this most special aspect of
what we do.
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Opening days, opening weekends:
Indeed, a time for looking ahead, with fresh hopes and to new
beginnings. Goals are set, resolutions made, and friendships
rekindled. Toasting the future while savoring the past. The skier's
New Year in every sense.
The best season ever!
This is our hope for us and for
all of you in the world of telemark and backcountry skiing. Be
safe, be well, and get out there and have a good time. We who
do this are the lucky ones.
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