When winter rolls around, there’s one place you’re likely to find me: on the ski hill, yelling “BRING ON THE SNOWS!” But for awhile this season, the snows just weren’t happening. Fortunately, the weather gods finally got it together and spent the past few weeks dropping inches upon feet of the fluffy stuff. Naturally, the entire state of Colorado came out to play, and I was no different. I rounded up some friends {along with my sister, who was in town from Hawaii!} and headed to one my fave ski hills: Copper Mountain.
All photos by Will Rochfort of Caveman Collective
Add it up with me here: Powder day. Copper’s back bowls. Little sis in town. And did I mention some sweet new gear from Cotswold Outdoor? Do you see where this is headed?!
Best day ever!
Featuring: The Salomon Contest Jacket
We headed to Center Village early and immediately caught the Storm King t-bar lift into the back bowls {witnessing one of the funniest t-bar scenes I’ve ever seen in my life! Our friend fell in the first 15 feet only to hang on for the entire four-minute ride. She was dragged up the entire mountain!} Storm King is part of Copper’s 12’s, a high alpine riding project where all of the skiing is above 12,000 feet. Of course, we weren’t quite high enough yet–it was time to hike!
We kicked out of our skis and began hiking the Boardwalk, a 10-minute hike that landed us on top of Copper Peak, 12,441 feet. Trust me; it was worth the sweat equity. Not only were the views epic but the skiing was insane!
Featuring: Helly Hansen Switch Cargo Pant
The wind at that altitude is pretty gnarly, and I was thankful for my new gear {in particular, the Randonee Mittens! I have minimal circulation in my hands and those suckers are warm!} The upside was that no one else was willing to make the trek, so we had our side of the bowl to ourselves.
We eventually ventured over to the other side and explored the bowl and tree area known as Upper Enchanted Forest. The snow on skier’s right of the mountain was thick and untouched, so we were laughing through face shots all morning.
Featuring: Mountain Equipment Randonee Mittens
Of course, one of us had to try and get fancy {ahem, Stew! I’m looking at you!} and show off his moves, but the deep powder wasn’t having any of it. Hands down, it was the best yard sale I’ve seen in awhile and my sister and I laughed until our stomachs hurt.
Want to see it for yourself? Check out the video that the Caveman Collective guys put together for me. I dare you not to laugh!
Can’t see the video? Click here.
In the end, it was one of the best ski days I’ve experienced in awhile. I had new gear and Copper’s snow was off the hook, but more important was the time I got to spend with my friends. Like I said in the video, the cliche expression is that there are no friends on a powder day. But to me, a powder day is the best time to have friends. That way, you get to laugh, explore and share in the fun together. Pretty sure that is what a ski day is all about!
I’ve partnered up with Cotswold Outdoor for a three-part series, beginning with this post. Perhaps you’ve noticed the highlighter-colored gear I’m wearing?! That’s thanks to Cotswold! They are providing me with gear to go have some outdoor fun, as well as compensation for writing about my adventures. Cotswold is the largest outdoor retailer in the UK, but they’ve just touched ground here in the United States. They carry exclusive gear that other US outdoor retailers don’t typically carry, so there is a good chance you’ll find something awesome and unique. Next month we’ll be featuring some trail running with Tally!
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