Ski Season
Topping out Mt. Saint Helens in late 2020
Summer has always been my favorite season. I love backpacking, running, and skinny dipping. Long days, warm temps, easy livin.
Something like 10 years ago I picked up backcountry skiing. In the last handful of years my skills have improved enough to unlock a whole new world of mountain exploration.
I love exploring the mountains in summer, but I’ve grown to love exploring on skis just as much.
When wet flakes start landing on the Doug Firs in Western Oregon, I’m ready for the change.
One of our first tours of the season was a climb up Mt. Saint Helens. Clear skies and unseasonably warm temps gave way to a blustery summit. After a quick peek into the crater we ripped skins, clicked in, and shoved off. Time to get sendy.
The season started off slow. After our spring-like trip up Helens, our luck turned. The clouds moved in and we were back to our old tricks crossing creeks and wallowing in the bush.
High ground secured, Phil readies an arsenal
That’s more like it
Looking for ways to outfox the Pacific Northwest rain we fired up headlamps and started exploring the greater Mt. Hood environs at night. Here Phil and Ryan take a lap up Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain.
GPS coming in handy
Using topo maps, slope angle overlays, and satellite imagery, combined with some good old fashioned rubbernecking, we left the crowds on the Palmer snowfield behind and explored some new areas.
Changing focus with the season is a natural way to keep things fresh. I’ve noticed that if I stick with a particular hobby for too long it starts losing its appeal. I love ending the season still hungry for more.
Skiing in Oregon has taught me to embrace opportunities. When warm fronts roll in I hit the lower elevations for a run in the rain. When the forecast looks cold and the snow starts to fly, I cancel my plans, grab a few pals, and head for the hills.
