Powder Days

Dawn came quickly; any reminisce of sleep is gone as the crisp mountain air enters your sinuses, crystallizing moisture present. Your eyes, just becoming acclimated to the bright morning sun and bluebird sky, suddenly are stung by snow as whirling helicopter rotors create a localized whiteout. You load your skis into the storage basket and step into the fuselage. The helicopter ascends towards the summit; the report of avalanche control mortars evokes visions of Apocalypse Now reminding you that you are entering the wilderness, an uncontrolled environment. Passing over the powder covered slope you will soon descend you take note of an especially narrow line down the ridge of a couloir that looks particularly challenging. The pilot warns of the nearing drop point, you secure you gear and zip up your jacket to protect yourself from the crisp, cold air and snow. Again the door opens, exposing passengers to the alpine environment; you exit and retrieve your equipment from the storage basket. Your hart rate rises slightly as your only lifeline lifts off and departs for the pick up point. Clearing any snow from your boots and bindings you click in, and slide towards the edge of the slope. After considering any avalanche dangers, rocks, cliffs, and crevices you take a few breaths and push off commencing what could be the best, worst, or even last run of your life. Adrenaline courses through your body as you complete your first few turns.