Last friday, after what amounted to the 6th largest 4 day storm in Tahoe history, we made our merry way out to Squaw Valley and the ensuing video was the outcome. Brian had his trusty go pro strapped to his melon and face shots and pow plundering were applied.
Had a date with destiny last weekend at Squallywood with the team. Spirits were imbibed, egos were lifted, bodies were bruised. What were blue ice sheets of corduroy death at 10AM was a slushee go nowhere by 2PM. It was broughted and we even met randoms in the parking lot smoking Virginia Slims. You can’t fuck with Squaw.
All my troubles seemed so faraway.
Out mucking around with my new flip mino hd. These things are dope. Music by The Deftones.
We got the band back together and headed to Squaw Valley.
Headed straight up Granite Peak for some goodies.
Jesse from Idaho. Tucked knee tail grab. Day one for him. Conditions haven’t been too kosher up in Idaho. Seems this weird little phenomenon called “El Nino” has been making haste toward California and leaving other places low tide. Get some brother, get some.
Jesse is stoked. You would have been too if you’d have seen these conditions.
Looking down from Granite Peak.
JLS scraping before he gets hucky.
The Z-Train was throwing power maneuvers.
Oates slashes for days.
We ran into these dudes in the parking lot. Glad to see friends from junior high and high hchool still laying down the gnar. Big ups, Keyon & Arvi.
The Z-Train in full R.E.M. Mode. Sleeping is fun.
The worst ski rack ever. Seriously, that shit is about to fall off.
All and all, another sunday funday.
Don’t let winter pass you by.
Buh-Bye.
Words: Oates
Photos: JLS
First days are the culmination of plenty of hyping and brake-pumping, watching weather systems pass by or disintegrate before they ever reach the mountains. The cams show the little systems leaving bits and pieces, but it’s still craggy. Patches build and the resorts make the most of them with early season deals.
Eventually that high pressure system floats along its jet stream the remnants of an Alaskan storm and delivers it right on top of the Tahoe Basin. Tahoe experiences early low climates right as a slightly warmer and wetter system comes in. It’s actually a welcome reprieve. Suddenly the time is right and December 12, 2009 marks the beginning of the 2010 season.
Base levels weren’t bad either. Conditions felt mid-season and they looked like it. If anything it’s a promising start. As the day progressed and more snow gradually fell, it looked like the best day was yet to come. Sunday we’d get an early start.
The snow kept falling most of the day leaving new little spots prime for exploring. There’s going to be a lot of that this season.
I’m not going to predict an entire season from the two good days we’ve had so far, but it’s really not going to be about that. It’s going to be about maximizing the time and finding the best days no matter what. Here’s to a good season and many good turns.
Drive 35 minutes from the casinos of Reno, Nevada. Just pull the damn car over, hike out and start shredding. You’re at about 9,500 feet so the snow stays good even into late spring potentially. Watch out for slednecks and wild bear, and drunks in their h3 hummers. Guided by organic coffee, gluten free pizza, photography and a love for the almighty shred, Carnel laid it down. He was on some next level shit and coming off a gallery showing high. It was good to hang with him, hike and shred. About 10 years ago there was talk of building a resort here, Galena Mountain, it was to be called or something, but that plan was axed. Good thing. There are some great chutes, bowls and rock drops here, but it’s to be had by foot, so get on it shred fiends. Head to Mt Rose Ski Area (actually Slide Mountain) or drive your Mercedes S-Class over to Incline Village for some ski apres and a facial. Let the sunshine in. Repeat and be merry. Over and out.
“I guess I simply will not be able to make it to Aspen this summer; I could take one week off, but it will take me a day and a half to drive there, a day and a half to drive back, leaving only four days for all the shit we got to discuss, for all the booze and dope we got to consume, that would require twenty-four hours a day, thus resulting in my returning to L.A. ten times more exhausted than when I left, so I think I better put it off till the fall sometime.” - Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in America
1. Davis, CA. 2008.
2. Cypress, British Columbia. 2007.
3. Zito. Sierratahoe. 2009.
4. Horndo. Fair Oaks, CA. 2000.
5. Jonesboro, Arkansas. 2007.
6. Farellones, Chile. 2006.
7. El Colorado, Chile. 2006.
8. Two Plankers.
9. Tiki Grill, Sierratahoe. 2008.
10. Donner Pass, CA. 2007.
1. oates. sierratahoe. ph: jarrod corby
2.zito. squaw valley. ph: jarrod corby
3. bak. squaw valley. ph: jarrod corby
4. zito. sierratahoe. ph: brad oates
5. fun with snow. sierratahoe. ph: brad oates
Patrick Cerne, Santa Cruz Snowboard’s Colorado uber-rep is flying higher than an eagle. He recently made an appearance in High Times April ’09. Fly brother, fly. When not slaying Breckenridge, or making appearances in High Times he can be found at Nike Town. Snurfer recently caught up with Patrick to get the skinny on his High Times appearance.
Was it your lifelong goal to be featured in high times?
Yes, yes it was. Ever since a young age I thought high times would be a good platform to exhibit my skills in.
How much weed did you consume in the process?
My memory is kinda foggy. a decent amount for sure. the photographer had a full backpack of props if you get my drift.
How did your folks take it?
My mom is very proud. Not sure if i mad the refrigerator, but I did send her some new reading material.
Do you feel like you are living up to a major stereotype in the snowboard community?
We’ve got to set high standards I guess.
Future plans?
To not burn out real quick. Keep things rolling. I am going to continue to be a patron of the shacks.
Words of wisdom for the kids?
Drag some knuckles.
