Disproving an old skiing adage at the Basin

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BY ADAM BOFFEY
Summit Daily News
February 8, 2008

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I woke up Friday morning in Frisco with an important decision weighing heavily on my mind.

I knew I would be eating powder for breakfast, but at which local establishment?

I decided to think it over while donning my ski attire, a process which seems to go more quickly every day this legendary winter unfolds.

All my gear was within arm's reach and after 90 seconds of snapping, zipping and tucking in, I was dressed and ready to open the computer to check out local snow reports.

The results were: A-Basin - 12 inches, Breckenridge - 11, Copper - 10 and Keystone - 5.

The enticing ski patrol reports hardly made the last-minute choice any easier, and neither did the fact that I had bona fide ski buddies in-waiting at both Breckenridge and Copper (guys who know every square inch of their respective home mountains).

I also considered just exploring on my own - taking random lines and trails with no need for consultation with a fellow skier.

An old adage suddenly crossed my mind: There are no friends on a powder day.

I wasn't exactly sure where I first heard the phrase or if I agreed with it, but I was inspired to try a solo outing, so it was off to the Basin.

I rolled in at 9 a.m. sharp, quickly buckled my boots and made my way down to the Pallavicini chair to take my place in line.

The scene was typical. Lots of lucky skiers and boarders practically licking their lips as they waited for the first chair to be loaded. The sounds of avalanche bombs, as well as people hooting and hollering, were prevalent. Everybody was smiling.

Anticipation of sweet turns grew within me as I began to look for a single passenger. I knew well that empty chairlift spots are frowned upon when fresh fluff is waiting up above, plus it's nice to have company.

It turned out I shared the same first name and several common interests with my first lift-riding partner. We decided to shred together, but got separated in the 3rd Alley trees.

On my next ride up, I was joined once again by a cool person who had some interesting things to say.

Similar encounters kept occurring throughout the day. Some rides were more talkative than others, but with each stranger, I knew I shared something in common - a love for skiing fresh, deep snow.

It's hard to put this marvelous winter's magnitude in perspective because it's still underway. It's already clear, however, that stellar conditions are bringing people together. People from Summit, the Front Range and beyond. People who tend (more often than not) to be friendly and fun-loving.

All the positive energy I found Friday at the Basin taught me something I will remember: There are always friends on a powder day.



Adam Boffey can be contacted at (970) 668-4634, or at aboffey@summitdaily.com.