Utah - Saxophones and Skiing

2/17/2017

The Best Small Town You Might Ever Find in the Mountains.

In the week that follows I would listen to Joe McQueen (aka Joe Lee McQueen play the saxophone, ski Snowbasin, Alta and the Wasatch Backcountry. This experience had more lessons in store, more stories to be written and powder turns that I had dreamed of as a kid.

A Chairlift Reflection

I was sitting alone on the chairlift yesterday reflecting on my past week. Thinking about how present I have been, how I have managed to reach a state of peace and happiness and how I could truly not ask for more out of life right now. I literally have everything I need, yet what I have is so minimal to the point of which I almost feel naked. As I contemplated what I would do with my next day my mind started drifting into the Wasatch Backcountry. It was as though the force of Mother Nature was pulling me into the wild unknown.

The next day, I spent my morning commute to Snowbird from Sandy, Utah contemplating just what I would do with my day. Would I ski the resort, go on a mellow tour, or both? As my car crept closer and closer to the the Bird I could feel the mountains pulling me into the backcountry, a place I rarely journey solo. Today, would become one of those rare occasions.

I parked my car at Alta Lodge, booted up, checked my gear and made one HUGE mistake. I took my stove out of my pack. A decision that I would later regret and will never do again.

As the morning set in, I slipped into a calm state of meditation. I slowly scaled what appeared to be the safest route for the morning. When I reached the top I was overwhelmed with the number of directions I could go. It was now very clear to me why so many people call the Wasatch home. It was steep, beautiful and full of endless possibilities.

My first inclination was to take a run right back to my car, but the mountains were filled with what every skier dreams of. Powder and sunny skies. The perfect recipe for disaster or some of the most amazing experiences one might have in life.

I ended up spending the entire day alone in the backcountry. Ascending over 6000 vertical and skiing some of the most mind opening lines of my life. I was surrounded by other backcountry goers; some in groups and some alone. I was wild and free. I was connected to the mountains.

Lessons from Skiing in Utah:

CouchSurfing Rocks When You Need Place to Sleep: I was nervous about losing my CouchSurfing virginity, but really wanted a bed to lay my head. If you are ever on the road and need a place to stay at no cost then I’d highly suggest using the CouchSurfing app. You will meet someone new, sleep in a strangers house and maybe make a new friend.
Always Bring a Stove: Water is life. In the backcountry the only source of more water is a stove. When your water supply is empty and there are no streams, lakes or rivers to dip in your next step is often dehydration. Bring a stove, it might just save your life.
The Peruvian Bar in Alta is the Place to Party: Live music, people of all ages, dancing into the late hours of the night with the Snowbird ski slopes towering out the window. What more do you need for an epic party.

The Adventure Continues - Mammoth Mountain, California - Alone is Not Always Lonely --->