Monday 8 February 2016


Jan 30, 2016
Lance checked and double checked our options for today’s backcountry ski tip and decided on skiing in the Bridgers – below the longest line – where he felt the conditions and slope angle were safest.
We had about an hours’ drive ahead of us, so we hit the road by 8:30 – a little later than Lance’s estimated departure time – we tried to arrange all our gear the night before, but there is always that last minute scramble in the morning and one of Christine’s friends Terre decided to join us at the last minute.

So away we went after enjoying one of the best coffees I have ever experienced as Lance roasts his own beans and has perfected his brewing technique.

As we all piled into the car Lance rhymed thru our gear check – skis, poles, boots – beacons, skins, shovels and probes.   We are good to go!

We hit a bit of resort traffic on the drive and as we started our way down the road to the trail head we ran into some deep snow drifts that we were unable to drive through – Lance quickly got out of the car to access the situation and decided we were going to have to leave from this point. 
Lance explained it was going to make for a long approach in windy conditions and we have teased him all week as he grumbled that he was never – ever going back to the Bridgers again because of how many times the wind has ruined a perfectly good dayJ

Lance quickly found the best route up and began setting a great track.  The climb was a little bit tough on me with the altitude and still being congested from my cold, but I had lots of encouragement from Anna and Maria – “Good Job Deb!” “you can do it!”  What a couple of amazing teenagers.  They are forever boosting my confidence.  

We ended up covering 2400 feet of vertical in about 5 hours.  We had some wind issues skinning up and on the ski out, but it was worth all the effort for the fresh snow.  Lance was extremely kind and let me have first tracks.

There was a lot of hooting & hollering – giggling and high fives.   The conditions were really good and skiing the powder put a big smile on my face!  We did 2 laps – even though a little part of me was dreading the climb back up – what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger right?

What a great backcountry day with the Riek family!
 Are you sure Lance about never – ever going back?

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