It looks like our courtship with continual low pressure systems has ended, at least for a short time. With that end came another….the end of the HYT video edit drought. The crew has been out collecting photos and videos since the tail end of the last storm came through this past week. With consistent snow in most locations and a near 30 degree temperature inversion in the high country, there was no reason NOT to be in the mountains. There’s nothing like waking up to a landscape draped in morning darkness and 20 below temps. In fact…it’s horribly lame. I could wax poetic about the crisp clear air or the sight of a far off inversion rippling it’s light refracting properties across the distant landscape, but no, this isn’t Fairbanks. . It’s a time when one can barely get theit car started or even take a breath without the pangs of pain from cold, dry air in your throat. It’s cold, it sucks, and 20 below is not my cup’o tea. But, if you look to the mountains, they will treat you good. They can be your respite in this time of desperate need. Sun for you vitamin D deprived body and a slight uptick in temperature range for those with a little less muktuk in our blood. 
This weekend saw some amazing skiing. For me it was all about eating a hue grease breakfast, and then soaking up as much sun and snow as I could. The pass was about the busiest it’s been all season. Sleds, boarders, skiers, snowshoers…you name it, they were out there. Lots of big lines were skied in many locations, including some I haven’t seen ridden in a few years thanks to our meter and a half snowpack.
I’ll keep the poetic prose on this update to a minimum. Without further adieu, I present the first HYT edit of the new year. Here’s to 2012 skiers and riders! We’re glad to share the mountain life with you!
And they think tele skiers are vegetarians
I want to thank my buddy Adam for coming out and riding the Talkeetnas on MLK Day. Adam charged our line today and I was honestly reminded that I don’t get to ski with him enough. I’ve posted some of his video work on HYT in the past, but it case you missed it…here’s the link. We’re all trying to figure out how to keep this life going….Support local folks trying to make fun art.
In social event news, don’t forget about the 80′s ski movie/gathering at Backcountry Bike and Ski on the 28th of January. I’ve posted the flyer below…but in case you missed it, You HAVE TO DRESS IN 80′s ski gear. $2 bucks at the door to cover having the event. Things could get heavy, so bring your North Face One Piece and be ready to break it down.
As always…check HPAC for snow and condition updates. This high pressure looks to hold on for a while. The wind is already howling at my place, and moving tons of snow around. When that next storm comes, make sure you know what kind of snow you’re working with.
