Jumping into Fresh Landings

The wind moved snow all around La Laguna last night. Everything was once again fresh, and gave us the perfect opportunity to get some soft and deep landings on jumps. Everyone had fun today, but are starting to get tired after so many full days on the mountain.

Sun and Snow

I had the opportunity to roll with the skiers today. They crushed it. We had an awesome day, starting off in the woods, sending some cliffs, and then finishing by skiing deep pow. Following this we went to a rail jam that was being held at the base. It was a very full day, but all in all a lot of fun.

Fresh Snow

Powder day today! Someone hit the reset button on the mountain and all the woods were filled with fresh snow. Everyone took runs through the woods all day. Smiles and pow slashes filled the entire day.

High Winds

The winds were extremely high at the mountain today. Rumor had it that there were gusts over 100 km/h at the top. Everyone took the day easy and had mellow runs. Personally I ditched my camera bag and cruised all day without all the weight on my back. The wind was really moving the snow around so we were able to get a few fun pow turns.

Taking it to the Woods

New snow fell last night. Visibility was low when we got to the mountain so we headed to the trees where we could still see. With the new snow the stall was built in no time, and everyone was getting nasty a few minutes after it was done. While we sessioned the skies cleared and we were able to head up higher and get some deep turns. The day ended with everyone grinning ear to ear, happy to have shredded powder all day.

Storm Rolling In

Today was another day where it had been sunny in the morning and got cloudy as the day progressed. As we left the mountain today snow was starting to fall, and a storm felt like it was rolling in. However before it got to hard to see we sessioned a jump we built a few days ago. Chris Tierney sends it and gets the shot of the day.

Working Hard off the Snow

Today was a day off from riding. Everybody has been riding hard, and are starting to get worn down. Everyone was grateful for the opportunity to rest and relax. Some people headed into town, but a few of us stayed around in the office to continue working. The office is usually a hectic place, but sometimes mellows out. Today was one of those days with only a couple people coming in and out during the day.

Inversion

When we made it up to the mountain everything was cloudy, but as we headed up the lift we broke through the clouds into the sun. We went back to the hip we built a week ago. Everything had filled in and the landing was fresh. We were able to hit if for most of the day, until the clouds moved in and the visibility went way down. After we started a new jump up the ridge. Everyone is pumped to get back and hit it in the next few days.

Tweaked Out

With a storm moving in the mountain has gotten very cloudy. We couldn't go up high today because of low visibility. We stayed low on the mountain and played around on the large amount of boulders spread throughout the mountain. Scott Kuchinski tweaking a proper method.

Jumps and Lines

We immediately headed up to La Laguna today once getting to the mountain. We had a few crews going up there, and everyone was doing something different. In the morning I shot lines and pow slashes while another crew built a jump. When the jump was finished I headed over to them and shot with for them rest of the day.

Camper James Haffner showing us how it is done.

Building the Park

Campers arrived and today was their first day on snow. All the campers were getting oriented with the mountain, so I decided to hang out with Josh Lempert for the day. Josh has been pushing snow in the park for the past ten days. The park is looking sick and should be open within the next few days.

Waiting for Snow

The Andes

We woke up today and for the first time since getting here the sky was overcast. The mountain was covered in clouds and snow was starting to fall. I made the decision to ride without a camera and instead just ride. Although visibility was low, I knew the incredible view was still off the top of the mountain. A shot from yesterday got me stoked on how beautiful the Andes are.

In the Air

We headed directly to the jump this morning. Everything was calm when we finished the build, but as soon as we started to hit it the wind picked up. Speed was an issue, but we were still able to have some fun. Brendan Drury, first back country jump of the season.

First Build

We started building the first jump of the season today. The plan is to let it set over night, then head up first thing in the morning and hit it.

To the Mountain

Today was the staffs' first day on the mountain. It was a beautiful sunny day and the snow was plentiful for this early in the season. It took everyone a few runs to get their legs back under them. However at the end of the day, we were able to take a hike up to La Laguna and get a feel for what has been happening up there. The day was full of snowboarding, high fives, and smiles; it feels great to be back on the snow.

Early Morning

The sun rises late in Argentina, making it easy to get out and see the sunrise. A short walk through the brisk air put me on the edge of the lake with an amazing view of the alpen glow throughout a few peaks.

Argentina

After 48 hours I finally made it to the final destination in Argentina. I met up with SASS crew, and everyone was excited to see everyone. This is about to be the start to another epic summer down south.