A Day In Chamonix!

Chamonix, France.

Chamonix is a place I have never skied in all my years as a skier so this was a real treat.  Kye Petersen and I came here with an Oakley film crew to document our steps as we scouted our lines for an upcoming late spring trip. Gaining experience through different types of training for these huge lift accessed mountains.  Chamonix is not a place to be taken lightly, danger lurks at every moment of the day and you’re not ever really safe until you at the valley floor drinking a beer with your bro’s reflecting on the days adventure.  Its unlike anything I have ever done.  One day at a time and working our way into it was the routine.

For the most part the snow was hard pack, this made the steeps that much steeper and the degrees of the runs are the real deal, not what others would say elsewhere, most of these areas have been climbed and thats where the steepness ratings come from.   Seeing as I was skiing on powder skis the entire time, it was an added challenge to keep one focused on the hardpack conditions.  No fall skiing was the course.  Focus was the main concern as we practiced some ice climbing, familiarizing ourselves with crampons, ice tools, rappelling and other needed bits of exposure to the world of Chamonix.  Skiing with a much heavier pack than usual filled with gear you normally wouldn’t carry at your local ski area keep you mindful of each turn.  For the most part we were skiing on or around glaciers the entire time.  Each day was filled with some sort of hike/skin or rappel to get to the line.  9000 vert runs loom off the Aiguille Du Midi and even 11,000 vert off the Mont Blanc. This place is big and real.  Fear of rock fall, falling into a crevice, avalanche, serac fall, or falling sit in the back of your mind every run.

The bottom line is the lifts take you to places that would take many hours to climb from the bottom and even then you wouldn’t think of going to them without the lifts taking you there.  There are regular ski runs in the valley, but thats not why went there.  It was for the mind and life changing experience of being in these mountains.  Skiing around with some seasoned seasonal American Mountain Freaks, gave us a look into their world which only compares to Chamonix itself.  You see the reason why people go there year after year and wonder when you will get to be there again yourself.  In this place it doesn’t matter how good you are or how rad you think you are. Looking around you see people doing things much crazier than you and what your doing doesn’t really matter other than getting down in one piece.  Thats why a celebration is in order at the end of everyday.  Not your typical ski vacation.

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Getting the Ball Rolling at Jackson Hole!

Thus far it has been a slow start to the season as far as snow fall is concerned. As the years have gone it seems like starting to film doesn’t happen till the end of January into February. At this point I was thinking we were starting in the North Cascades, but then I saw the “Snow Lab” on the TGR site and saw 18 inches had fallen. Called the boys, booked a ticket and 12 hours later was on my way to the airport headed to Jackson, as well as starting a month long trip for filming.

Jackson Hole is by far the most intense resort to ski in and out of. Not skiing there for over 6 years or so was a much needed kick start for me. In the past we would pass through there on the way up to Canada to warm up. It was what was expected, deep powder snow. Right out of the gates it was filming with an early up Tram ride, which would be the only ride of the day. Heading out and hiking for the lines or hiking pillow drops in the trees was the routine. Good times with a full crew of cameras and athletes.

I was stoked to get back at it in Jackson, going to places I had never skied, but only seen in the films. Watched fellow skiers Cody Townsend, Todd Ligare, Erik Roner, Sage Cattabriga-Alosa, and Rachel Burkes sending it for the week I was there. Here are a few pics, check out the gallery as well as TGR’s “Live from the field” for some action.

“Cutting Room Floor” part 1

This was from Haines, AK while filming “Re: Session”. 5 years ago I was caught in an avalanche on this same line, second turn in and rode the avalanche all the way to the bottom out into the flats, glad to get in under my belt this way!

“On The Couch” with TGR part 2

“On The Couch” with TGR part 1

Skiing Loveland In October 2009.

This has been a long time coming. Loveland opened October 7th, earliest in 40 years. Of Course its man made with a few light storms to add to the cause.

Winter seems to be trying its hand much earlier this year. Thus far we are a over a week ahead of schedule with more storms in the forecast. Hard to tell what’s going on with the weather. Its been a day to day look at weather to know what to wear for layers. One day its Indian Summer the next its back to Winter.

Currently 1 chair services 2 manmade runs, snow making is a daily occurrence working on the next zone.  Looking like monday or at least the upcoming week for another chair’s opening.  Crowds have been limited and of course the weekdays are ski on the lift type of skiing.  See you out there!

09/10 Product

Here are some pics of product I use.  Most of which is Pro Model and designed by me and the companies designers.  Click on image to find out more!

New Design for 09/10 Oakley Seth Morrison Signature Series Crowbar

Oakley Alps Jacket from the “Pro Rider’s Series”

Oakley Alps Pant from the “Pro Rider’s Series”

K2 ObSethed 189cm

K2 Hellbents 189cm

New Design Full Tilt Seth Morrison Pro Model

New Design for 09/10 Seth Morrison Pro Model Glove

New Design for 09/10 Hestra Seth Morrison Pro Model 3 Finger Glove

Black Diamond Bandit w/ Avalung Pack in Seth Plaid

K2 V12 Ski Poles

Salomon STH 16 Binding

PURL Wax

Freeskier Magazine “Buyer’s Guide” Cover Shot!

Last week in CO didn’t Suck!

The past week around the Vail area was pretty fun.  Went to the X-Games for some  Oakley Promo and Powder Awards for a few days leaving with skied up and firm conditions, came back to powder conditions that built into waist deep.  Pretty amazing, we are very spoiled.  What else can be said but out doing some powder skiing with good friends.  Check out the photos and this link for a more in depth interview from ESPN  http://espn.go.com/action/freeskiing/blog?post=3877148.  It will tell some more of the story from a different view.  Some of it is accurate and some embellished.

Seeing many people out in the sidecountry without proper avalanche equipment or knowledge of where they are going.  Please get on it, have your gear and know where your going.  We do exploring but know what we are getting into in our areas.  Check out your local avalanche conditions from state provided websites everyday, its a very important tool, besides having knowledge of reading snowpack.