Bird Doggin'

A group of Deer Valley instructors had the day off, so we decided to head up to "The Bird". The weather forecast read "possible AM snow flurries", but in Little Cottonwood Canyon that can equate to a powder day...

Billy gets a face shot

We boarded the tram for the first ride up (my first time at Snowbird, and my first time on the tram), and I here this familiar voice: "RYAN!" I look around, and see a pair of eyes looking at me over the sea of hats and helmets... it's "Dude" (Kevin Koonce, Kitty Hawk Kites instructor turned Point Rat).

"Dude" floatin' the gnar

When we got to the top I introduced the group to Dude, who proceeded to take us around to all his favorite powder stashes. Needless to say, we were much appreciative!!! Later in the day Dude had to split and go to work, so then Erin became our tour guide.

Erinski ripping. 'Nuff said.

Later in the afternoon, the snow stopped, the clouds broke, and it turned into a bluebird day. A stellar afternoon was capped with Melanie accidentally shooting off a cliff, cheating death, but losing a ski in the snow... After an exhausting search, it was not recovered... Snowbird Patrol said they will continue to look, but it might not turn up until spring!

Good snow. Good friends. Good day! What more could one ask for?!