Stop! Hey What’s That Sound, Everybody Look What Went Down, Jackon ’09

In Salt Lake City it's hot right now, somewhere in the 90's.  Yet as trailers are dropping and new ski mags are only a week out, I can't help but think about snow.  Before the movie premier and editorial action explodes, i'm taking a second to look back at some memories from the piece of my season that I had the privilege of spending in Jackson.  I had some good days, definitely learned a lot, and ticked off at least a few lines I can be proud of.

During my stay in Jhole at the cozy Raintree Resort (aka Dustin, Keith, and Howie's) I had the opportunity to ski with a lot of solid riders.  Absorbing knowledge from some of skiing's current greats is the perfect tool to help me carve out my own path in the ski life.  The non-filming days with Townsend, Sammy, Dylan, Schroder and more proved to be just as enlightening as the days we got our A+ film shots.

As I reviewed my own shots for this blog, I came upon the realization that I did a less than average job documenting what went down (I'm really glad there were some professional documenters around).  The truth is I guess I used my camera more as a pair of binoculars with a memory card and less a window to the action.  About 90% of my shots were of lines I did, thought about doing, or will do in the future.  That being said, here are a handful of action, line, and lifestyle shots documenting what went down during my time in Jackson '09.

**It didn't take Dylan too long to step out this natural hit and it turned out to be a nice launch pad.  After Dylan got a few shots on it, I took a lap and the hangtime it provided put a huge smile on my face.  Thanks Dylan.**

**I had the opportunity to ski Cody Peak with Cody a few times last season.  It's unbelievably appropriate that his parents actually named him after this peak. They must be a bit psychic, even before he was born they knew the life he was destined to live****From what I've witnessed I don't think Dustin gets enough sleep.  Regardless, I am constantly impressed by the energy level he can bring first thing in the morning.  I am grateful to have him around shortly after dragging myself out of bed.**

**This is the first season I had the chance to ride with Sammy Carlson.  He is unmatched in both his style and level of enthusiasm.  This is his style.**

**Schroder and I had the opportunity to drive the Dream from Victor up towards Targhee.  The fact that it started at all was a miracle, shortly after, we discovered that on top of the nearly flat tires and missing windows the Dream no longer shifts out of first gear.  This proved to be quite an adventure on the highway, even redlining we came up way short of the designated speed limit.  Some motorists cheered us on others honked and gave us dirty looks.  I think I know which group of people I'd rather hang out with.**

**I've heard this cliff referred to as Tron, but when brought up in conversation with knowledgable locals I've recieved blank stares, which probably means: a. it never gets hit or b. it's actually called something else.  When Cody first told me he was going to hit this I thought he was nuts, from my angle it looked like 100 ft. (it's big not nearly that big).  I ended taking a crack at this one later in the season and I can tell you from experience that it's a very worthy ride but it also packs an awfully rough landing.****Jackson locals are familiar with the Gelande Quaffing Championship that takes place annually at the base of the mountain and right in front of the TGR offices.  Here is the team ( L- R, Tate McDowell, Dave Hudascko, Josh Nielsen, Aaron Hamby, Tigger Knecht (smith quaffer))  shortly after their early round loss.  What can be obviously observed from the photo is regardless of the loss, this team is still clearly the champions.**

**Rachael is Rad, and so are her spicy margs.  Here she is launching in the Breakneck Zone.**

**Dustin has the pleasure of Snowmobiling, Hiking, Skiing, and Dragging the heavy 16mm camera and gear everywhere.  Although mostly gracious about it, he often makes me pick it up, just to remind me how incredibly heavy this set up is. Here he is about to catch a little air massive pack and all.**

**Look closely and you'll see Josh Nielsen perched in a tree that isn't really designed for human perching.  I've seen Josh indulge in a few precarious angles, like on the edge of a cliff with his only security being a hand on his belt loop.  That's how he gets it done, combine that with athletes like Sammy and you get an A+ shot.**

**This line is called Rubberneck.  Here is a glimpse of it the day before I had the opportunity to put my mark on it.  After dropping in I discovered the snow conditions to be quite sub-par.  However, this was the second season I had my eye on it and it was satisfying nonetheless.  Perhaps I'll get to Re:Session it in the future.**

**Cody likes to do front flips, here he is mid flight.  This particular jump didn't meet his grandiose intentions (that bombhole is from a different kicker) but he still gracefully put this to his feet.**

**This is the best haircut that I have ever given.  Congrats me, thanks Keith for rockin the mostly uneven racing stripes.**