08) Teton Cool Whip

Posted on April 13, 2008 by jakecast

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Let me start off by saying this is probably a two-part trip report. There will be at least a couple videos of the Targhee action coming in the next week, but I figured a photo report was well overdue.

Also, a huge thanks to Chad, Mike, and Jared for an awesome time in Wyoming. It was good fun.

Thirdly, an extra special thanks to Chad for taking all these awesome photos. Check out his site here for some top quality stoke.

Finally, unfortunately this trip report is only semi-high def (the picture are not clickable) due to the fact Chad is going to submit some of them off to magazines and what not.

On to the stoke!
Day 1:
Jared starts things off by nailing this air on his second lap of the trip.

After shredding hard all day inbounds we did the only thing four responsible freeskiers would and jumped in some random dude’s pickup truck and got a ride up the road where we session’d some pillows.

I decided to get some air in the tight trees.

Mike got it done in an awesome pillow line.

I borrowed Mike’s Bed Bath & Beyond membership and got some pillows of my own.

Jared got more pillows than a sorority house shredding this line.

Day 2:
The persistent grey-bird conditions didn’t stop Jared from racking up some frequent flyer miles.

I tried to show off the bases on K2′s new obSETHed ski, but the snow was just too deep.

Jared discovered why Pep likes the Hellbents soo much.

I’m 80% sure there is someone in this photo.

Mike goes slashing through the snow on 105mm sleighs.

Day 3:
With random breaks in the light it was time to do some backcountry work. We all headed off the backside for what would undoubtably be some amazing photos and crappy bootpacking.

Jared and I check the snow depths and discover primo landing conditions.

Jared decides a five-story drop will be a good proving ground for the snow depth.

With that under his belt he decides to go for the glory shot off a 85′er.

I grab some nice pow between traverse lines.

After we got the backside shots we wanted, it was an all-out pow fest.

I knew it was good when I had snow in my pockets after skiing this line…when my pockets were closed.

I decided to style some random air…

…Mike got 75% of a 360 on it…

…While Jared confused everybody!

To Be Continued…

Rest in Peace, John Nicoletta

Posted on April 12, 2008 by jakecast

From USFreeskiing.com

Alyeska, Alaska, April 11, 2008—At approximately 3:45pm this afternoon, 27-year-old John Nicoletta of Aspen, Colorado, died due to injuries sustained during a fall while competing on the first day of the Freeskiing World Championships at Alyeska Resort, Alaska. Nicoletta was the 47th competitor of the day down the Headwall below Alyeska Peak.

Alyeska Professional Ski Patrol reached Nicoletta within seconds of the accident and evaluated his injuries. After stabilization, he was transported via toboggan and helicopter to the Alyeska Aid Room where he was unable to be revived despite efforts by local physicians, paramedics, Girdwood EMS and the Alyeska Professional Ski Patrol. Time of death was reported at 4:45pm.

Contrary to initial press stories, Nicoletta had a loss of control after a 20-foot cliff drop and was propelled into an exposed rocky area.

A veteran freeskiing competitor, Nicoletta was an accomplished, well-known, and extremely respected athlete. An experienced skier, he has appeared in ski movies, been a featured athlete in television interviews and recently finished second at the Telluride Freeskiing Open in February 2008. Mountain Sports International extends our deepest sympathies to John Nicoletta’s family, girlfriend, and friends. This is a deep blow to the freeskiing community.

After discussion with the competitors this evening, the decision was made to continue with the event tomorrow. Athletes will make the hike to the top of the peak together in a celebration of John’s incredible life and love of big mountain freeskiing.

High-Res Photo

Ullr how you tease me…

Posted on April 8, 2008 by jakecast

I’m officially suffocating under the amount of work I have to complete before the end of the semester (April 23rd) and snow just keeps falling in the Wasatch (20″+ in the last 48 hours). I plan to get after it either tomorrow or thursday depending on which day has more snow, but until then I’m stuck toiling away.

I’m hoping to have a big blowout Targhee trip report with pictures and video and balloons by the end of the week, but until then here’s a little preview.

Jared going HUDGE!

I suck.

^Don’t try clicking them for the high-res, that’s as big as they get for now.

These photos and the photos to come in the next week are courtesy of Chad Spector’s awesome photography.

And if your still jonesing for some stoke as the season winds down (I don’t want to admit it either) check out how this season started here.

On another note I will be holding Skiaholics Anonymous meetings on the Tram Deck for all students who think powder should postpone finals…

Jake

07/08 Ski Update XLIX

Posted on April 6, 2008 by jakecast

Ski Days this season: 82

Brighton Backcountry, Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT: 1
Alta Backcountry, Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT: 9
Grand Targhee, Alta, WY: 3
Brighton, Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT: 2
Alta, Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT: 8
Snowbird, Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT: 55
Research Park, Salt Lake City, UT: 1
Flagstaff Mountain, Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT: 1
The Canyons, Park City, UT: 1
Grand Targhee Backcountry, Alta, WY: 1

Trip to Wyoming was a big success. Jared sent it huge and every day was a powder day. We avoided Jackson Hole hoping for a break in the grey weather and on the last day (Tuesday) we got it. Some primo photos will be posted later this week when I get them from Chad (major props for being the key photog on the trip) and I’ll even put up a couple videos if I can get them from Jared and Mike.

Until then, enjoy this clip from TGR’s 2006 release Anomaly featuring Doug Coombs. He died 2 years ago this week, it is important to remember the legend.

Ullr, I know it’s late in the season, but I went to Snowbird on Friday and it was so hard-packed I had to bring out my ANTs…how about some powder for all us students cramming before the end of the semester?
Jake

Greeting from the Grand

Posted on March 29, 2008 by jakecast

Pics and posts have been lacking since the freeskiing comp due to a push to get ahead on homework so I could travel to Wyoming and reap the benefits of the awesome snowfall they’ve been getting.

Well, I’m posting now from Grand Targhee where I’ll be spending the next few days with Jared (meatdrink9), Mike (meats of evil), and Chad (truth).

Looks to be epic…

I snapped this shot on the ride up…stoked on how it came out.

High-Res Photo

Look for new pics in a couple days,
Jake

07/08 Ski Update XLVIII

Posted on March 22, 2008 by jakecast

Ski Days this season: 78

Brighton Backcountry, Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT: 1
Alta Backcountry, Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT: 9
Grand Targhee, Alta, WY: 1
Brighton, Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT: 2
Alta, Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT: 8
Snowbird, Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT: 54
Research Park, Salt Lake City, UT: 1
Flagstaff Mountain, Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT: 1
The Canyons, Park City, UT: 1

Well, it was over in the blink of an eye, the US Freeskiing Nationals wrapped up today with an amazing performance by Dylan Crossman to take home the title. The hard charging tele-master from Alta threw down an amazing line on North Baldy with his signature spraffy air.

Unfortunately, I did not get to compete in the finals. I fell short in qualifiers by 0.8 pts (28.00 to qualify, my score: 27.16), but I have been enjoying the festivities from the bleachers. Major props to Brady Newton who managed to rock his way into finals with excellent runs down West Baldy and Silver Fox. See everybody next year, hopefully I’ll be watching from the start gate and not the finish line!

Couple photos for fun!

High-Res Shots

Here is some extremely rough quality footage of the lower 70% of my run courtesy of Adrian (shot with his point-and-shoot digital camera).

Lets bring some new snow for the AK competition Ullr!
Jake

(Snowbird 03/16/08) Return of the Rooster

Posted on March 22, 2008 by jakecast

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So last Sunday I spent the day busting my ass on West Baldy in preparation for the US Freeskiing Nationals. Toward the end of the day I decided to take a break and ski with Dan and his skilled photographer friend, Nick Thomas. This is what went down.

NOTICE: Captions are available in high-res trip report

Me.
High-Res Trip Report