The trek was more pulling versus skiing. As we rounded the bend, we were reminded of the importance of being quiet and to tread lightly on our skis. Avalanche danger was real and we were on top of the massive snow pack that overlooked our destination, like a large white orb that blocks and skews the horizon line.
The disappointment did not set in until we traversed down to the top of the "Chutes". Even though it was beyond the ropes it had a name, however ominous it was. Our intended path was looking straight down a massive 300 foot dropping slope that appeared like a large ice slick made for a sled. Straight down hill and no powder to speak of. We trudged through mounds of snow getting to the outcropping that would act as our starting gate. The whipping wind slowed. There was simply less snow on that side of the mountain, contrary to all the tall tales around the fire at the lodge. "Best powder ever. It's always deep and light."
Not today. Fast and furious with nothing to pad the skis in to. The goal today was to keep upright for 300 feet. The trees at the bottom would slow things down. Or at least the powdered tree wells would provide a backstop, but only if there was others to pull you out of the hole that was more like freezing quicksand.
Powdered tree well danger. That is another story.
"Skiing from the back tees," was a phrase coined by a friend of my father's. In our circles growing up it seems everyone skied and golfed, all at a better-than-average ability. Competition was just as great on the slopes as it was on the golf course. What began as a description of always demanding the toughest black diamond slopes, soon became double diamond. Usually steeper with unending moguls. But as I have aged and changed so to have the back tees. Slopes are steeper. Cool is being dropped off by helicopter. Golf courses are longer. Technology has advanced. Physical fitness is more priority. At the top levels, airtime is the preferred extreme.
I grew out of the "X" generation, always thinking that we were so extreme. Then came the "Y" generation that simply asked, why not fly further? Why not question everything and force the extremes of previous generations. In the two recreational activities that I grew up immersed in, the levels at the top have continued to expand, as has most everything else.
The PGA suggests a "Tee It Forward" program to help promote and increase the pace of play. Not to mention, that if most check their bravado at the door, they will have more fun. But I can not help but think of how many times my father and I played a new course and demanded the back tees. We wanted all it could dish out. Occasionally we were throttled by the demands of an unfamiliar mountain course. Just as the outer bounds of a ski mountain had the upper hand on most days. Thankfully, both experiences were always worth the pain. both mentally and physically.
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| All photos in this article were pulled from http://www.onthesnow.com/colorado/steamboat/ski-resort.html |
The disappointment did not set in until we traversed down to the top of the "Chutes". Even though it was beyond the ropes it had a name, however ominous it was. Our intended path was looking straight down a massive 300 foot dropping slope that appeared like a large ice slick made for a sled. Straight down hill and no powder to speak of. We trudged through mounds of snow getting to the outcropping that would act as our starting gate. The whipping wind slowed. There was simply less snow on that side of the mountain, contrary to all the tall tales around the fire at the lodge. "Best powder ever. It's always deep and light."
 |
| Since my early experiences skiing at Steamboat, the Chutes are no longer out of bounds. |
Not today. Fast and furious with nothing to pad the skis in to. The goal today was to keep upright for 300 feet. The trees at the bottom would slow things down. Or at least the powdered tree wells would provide a backstop, but only if there was others to pull you out of the hole that was more like freezing quicksand.
Powdered tree well danger. That is another story.
"Skiing from the back tees," was a phrase coined by a friend of my father's. In our circles growing up it seems everyone skied and golfed, all at a better-than-average ability. Competition was just as great on the slopes as it was on the golf course. What began as a description of always demanding the toughest black diamond slopes, soon became double diamond. Usually steeper with unending moguls. But as I have aged and changed so to have the back tees. Slopes are steeper. Cool is being dropped off by helicopter. Golf courses are longer. Technology has advanced. Physical fitness is more priority. At the top levels, airtime is the preferred extreme.
I grew out of the "X" generation, always thinking that we were so extreme. Then came the "Y" generation that simply asked, why not fly further? Why not question everything and force the extremes of previous generations. In the two recreational activities that I grew up immersed in, the levels at the top have continued to expand, as has most everything else.
The PGA suggests a "Tee It Forward" program to help promote and increase the pace of play. Not to mention, that if most check their bravado at the door, they will have more fun. But I can not help but think of how many times my father and I played a new course and demanded the back tees. We wanted all it could dish out. Occasionally we were throttled by the demands of an unfamiliar mountain course. Just as the outer bounds of a ski mountain had the upper hand on most days. Thankfully, both experiences were always worth the pain. both mentally and physically.
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