This has been the 3rd year we have been to NCH, weather is always an issue in the Pacific North West. Thats why we like it up there, it’s all about the Pow! New this year was as A-Star B3. This helicopter is by far the most powerful machine you can fly in, one landed on Mt. Everest. So having that and Seamus as our pilot, we were getting to the tops of the peaks like riding a high speed chair lift.

We got out everyday on our 10 day trip. NCH is located west of Spokane, WA in Mazama a sleepy little town in the winter servicing many cross country skiers on the weekends. You pretty much have the whole place to yourself. We had a variety of skiing from Alpine to pillowy trees. This year Erik Roner came to try some of the big cliff faces in the area. Sage and myself stayed entertained with some newer lines for ourselves on the shooter chutes, a classic we have skied each trip.

Big thanks to everyone at NCH. Its always fun to go off the radar(no cell phones) and shred the area and kick off the heli season there. The mountains are great (the most southern part of the Coast Mountains that stretch up into Alaska). Check them out, the best heli skiing in the United States. These guys have a laid back attitude. Look for more on tetongravity.com, enjoy the pics sorry not so many ski pics, busy trying to get into some places myself.

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.

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!

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

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