So it was off to Alta with Todd to enjoy some early season goodness. Ah, winter!
We hiked up to Germania pass under a bluebird sky. Some beautiful tracks had already been laid, but there was plenty of untouched feathery snow still waiting for us in the trees.
At the top, we snapped a few shots and then prepared to plunder some fine Wasatch powder. Here I am, ready to go. Yes, those are ladies sunglasses. No, I don't have a good reason for wearing ladies sunglasses. What are you going to do about it, wiseguy?
Enough with the fashion critique, this is it! The very first run of the season! A moment that is anxiously awaited all year by every self-respecting ski addict! Three feet of new snow, 2,000 vertical feet of frozen delight, and it's mine, all mine! Here we go, the inaugural turn of the season... feel that, the snow's so soft and wonderful... almost through the very first turn of the season...
Hey! What the...?!?! Nooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!
And so, not even through one full turn, this happens:
Yep, broken binding. And correspondingly, broken heart. So sad.
I tried skiing on just one leg, and while it was suprisingly doable for a while (10 feet), it became apparent that something else would have to be done. Fortunately, Todd was a Boy Scout, and so he knows to always be prepared. In this case, he had some handy cord, which I used to tie my boot to my ski.
Yeah, I know what you're thinking: "That doesn't look very sturdy." And you're right - it wasn't. If I put any sort of torque on the ski at all, it came right off. But, if I kept a bunch of weight on my right foot, and leaned way back to keep my toe in the bail, I could link turns.
Back in business! Time to go ski some trees!
Total binding failure! Head plant!
So, I would turn a little, fall a lot, and slowly made my way down. Todd ripped it up next to me.
When we finally got down to the bottom, this is what my binding looked like. What a cluster.
Still, it was great. The first day of the season is always magical, and this one had sunny skies and soft snow, even if it also had mechanical failures. Here's to a long, snowy winter!
7 comments:
Yes! Mike posts are awesome.
I am so jealous! That looks like it was a blast! oooo I can't wait until I get a chance...
We need to award Todd with an Eagle Scout! Todd is the man!
I am impressed, I can barely ski when my bindings are fine!
Hey, looks like some awsome runs. I REALLY miss Utah. Indiana may be cool, but not that cool. Congrats on the little one on the way. Go take a nap while you still can.
Aaron here.
Nice. Good thing those skinny sticks and cabley things aren't your regulars.
I also trekked up last week, Wednesday night at Brighton. Skiing par excellence for sure: 3 ft and 5%.
Let me know next time you're up (or down, as it were) and I'll be ready to tag along.
Mike, I am really wishing now that you would have called and invited Jeff so I could have gone in his place. I can't wait to get on the slopes and kick some Blommer booty! No really the Durt-Yurt is going to be great.
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