From an FB post today. Sugarloaf:
It was a spectacular day on the hill today. The snow gods graced us with 24” of light Utah-like powder overnight and a bluebird day to enjoy it. We skied from first chair till 3:15 with only a 15 minute pit stop for some pocket chocolates. Perfection.
The mountain did lash out briefly this morning however, and it bears sharing to remind us all just how dangerous it can be to play in the mountains.
On our second run this morning I dropped into a little chute off Skyline drive that leads into a special little pocket of snow in the trees. It’s a spot I’ve cherished for decades and have found special stashes days after a storm sometimes.
Looking down the narrow chute it seemed more wind scoured than I expected but it looked like there was good snow once in. I had a moments pause and almost went around to another line, but decided to send it.
As expected as I came out of the narrow chute leading into the open pocket in the trees there was tons of snow. Snow that started moving as I made my first turn. Deep snow which once moving pitched me forward and carried me about 20 feet with large a slabs breaking over me as we went. I was lucky to get an arm up and was able to swipe snow clear from my face as I can to a stop. I was however well and solidly buried. I was also alone as Heather had swung around and was waiting a couple hundred feet below.
It took me about 5 minutes to dig my arms and chest out enough to try and pop my skis off, but I was unable to do so, so I eventually texted for help. Fortunately moments later someone else dropped in behind me and was able to traverse around and dig me out.
A few lessons learned. The biggest is never to think an avalanche can’t get you. In bounds. At an east coast resort. in a spot within the trees where you’ve skied countless times before.
Don’t ski lines where you might not be found by yourself. I’d never head off into Bracket alone, but I’ve dropped this line by myself dozens of times—it’s right next to a trail and only a few hundred feet long. But long enough. And remote enough, in retrospect.
A whistle would have been really helpful.
Keep your phone somewhere you are going to be able to reasonably be able to get it if you get in trouble—injured or somehow trapped. Don’t put it deep inside with your base layers. Don’t put it in your pants pocket.
The most surprising thing—well, other than finding myself in a slide in the first place—was how calm I stayed about the whole thing. I definitely had the thought “oh shit this is NOT good!” But as I started sliding face first down hill I also immediately realized I should try to get face up and get an arm up and I’m very thankful for that.
Respect the mountains friends. They are a wonderland but they won’t hesitate to bite. Hard.
Looking forward to another day out there tomorrow. And thankful for it.
EDIT: added some photos taken by Nik Krueger who dug me me out.
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