This is a good start to our base. So, not only will the snow that is up there now last for a while but every storm from here on out will just make it that much better. Each new snowfall will be an amazing powder day. That is really what it is all about – right? The infamous powder day! I know that groomers are fun and the terrain parks are becoming hugely popular but the pow pow is truly where it’s at. The feeling of floating on a cloud whether you are on skis or a board is hard to beat. When you fall, it doesn’t hurt -- just sometimes hard to get back up. There’s a reason that so many of the ski and snowboard movies are set on big mountains and deep snow. 

Here is the skiing and snowboarding tip of the month: Because we are off to a good start, we can get deep snow conditions and, once the bulk of the runs get skied out, we tend to head for the trees. it is important to bring up NARSID (I believe that I have talked about this before, but it is important, so you get it again). NARSID stands for Non- Avalanche Related Snow Immersion Death. It occurs most often when a skier or snowboarder are riding in the trees and fall into a tree well. A tree well is a hole that forms around the trunk of a tree. Due to overhanging branches of the coniferous trees -- Christmas trees to the lay person -- the part of the trunk to the first branch is not being filled with snow and a well is created. A well which can become rather deep, even up to a meter or two. In short, a tree well is a combination of branches, loose snow and air and it is often invisible for us freeriders. The problem comes when you get too close and fall into the well headfirst. The average time you have under the snow is between 15 and 18 minutes. After that a layer of ice forms around your mouth; you are unable to get oxygen from the snow and consequently, you suffocate. Experts state that only one person in 10 can free themselves. So, moral of the story: Be extremely cautious when skiing or snowboarding in the trees and never go in alone. Stay in close enough proximity where you can see one another and maybe even call out every so often if you get separated. Especially -- don’t be fooled into thinking that this can’t happen in Arizona. It can. Just like we can have avalanches too. The goal is always to have fun but also to come home at the end of the day.

We have great snow in the early season with hopes that it continues until we reach spring. Come up to Sunrise Park Resort and take advantage of the great conditions, awesome people and amazing terrain. Remember there are better ski areas than Sunrise but there is no better place to ski than Sunrise. Let that marinate for a while. See you on the slopes.