The Wasatch

The mountains are ablaze with the colors of fall. Their vibrancy hits me like a blaring siren. Screaming that winter is just around the bend. As the fall’s flashing colors send my head spinning I think back on my summer months….

First there was the “Big Thaw”.  A month long Road trip down HWY 1 in which surf, Redwoods, and the simplicity of beach life helped lay the foundation for a full recovery after a long winter.

Nelson Enjoying the Sunset

Tonka Hits the Beach

Sunset over the Oregon Coast

Truck Life

Then bikes…. The first activity that I was able to get back to. And was I ready to get back!!!

Early Season Ride

Testing out the new Knee

Then there were the Hikes… Such a simple form of getting out in the mountains and so rewarding.

Mom and I atop 10420

Bald Peak

Timp Showing it's colorful side

Summit of King's Peak

And then more bikes… Why? well they are just too damn fun!!!

Jekyll Love

Love those fall rides

While the summer has been a time of rejuvenation for mind, body, and soul.

Sand Waves

The season of anticipation is upon us.

It is a time when we dream big, but often have sleepless nights due to the endless flow of eager energy circulating through our beings.

Enchanted aspens

Will this be another La Nina season of record breaking proportion? Are you gonna be ready when mother nature calls?

Reeping Mother Natures Bounty

Yes the colors blare

and dare us to dream big,

train hard,

and get ready

for that blanket of white freedom!!!!

As many of you know I have been working my way back from having torn my ACL in January. Over the past 6 months I have been doing a lot of thinking about what skiing means to me? what it represents? and how I have come from being a little girl with a crazy dream to a grown woman now in the midst of that dream.

I decided, since I did not have much footage from this past season, to go back to my 2009-10 season where I played all over the mountains of North America with some of my best friends in the world and had a blast with each turn!

The edit is a celebration of the beauty, freedom, and exuberance that skiing offers!

Whenever I head back to NY (about twice a year) it is always a whirl wind experience. Family, friends, and city life all call to me with a hunger I never quite realize until that first breath of city air.
This trip, I had 10 days, carefully planned over two weekends. The first weekend I would head up north to visit my “best friend in the whole wide world” Tory. We would spend time at her parents house in the country, just east of Albany, cooking good meals, going for hikes,catching up, and of course, doing a bit of partying:)

Tory and I hiking around Bash Bish Falls

East Coast Fall is Spectacular!!

Yummy

The second weekend I would spend in the city, mobbing around with more of my closest friends, seeing one of my favorite musicians, going out to bars, eating good food, and soaking in all of the styles, people, smells, and sounds that I truly love.

The Brooklyn Mob

A fire glows in Brooklyn

And in between I would hang with my grandparents, mom, and Step dad, go to a Broadway musical , museums, and again…eat more good food.

Pops

Grams and Cousin Ali

While it is tempting to rattle through the entire trip I will spare you (and my typing fingers) and just share with you a couple places and experiences that I found so note worthy that you must check out the next time you have an opportunity.

So after going to Tory’s house I went down to New Paltz, Ny with my great friend and fellow freeheeler, Weston Deutchlander, who happened to be spending his summer climbing trees and making some serious dough before heading back west for the ski season. We stayed at his father’s home, which had a hiking trail right out of his front door that linked up with the Mohonk Preserve trail system. If you have never been to the Mohonk Mountain House, I strongly urge you to check it out! The hotel its self is gorgeous, but the trail system is even more exquisite, with every thing from mild gravel paths to bouldery climbs to little ladders to aid in some of the tightest crevasse style sections. No matter which route you choose there are spectacular views of the “Gunks” cliff formation and beautifully constructed gazebos and bridges. This is an East coast must weather you go there to climb, hike or just picnic.

Mountain House and surounding Preserve

From the country and after a short stay with my mom I headed into the city to see Michael Franti at Terminal 5. Now, the venue might not have been the best, but nothing could take away from Franti’s 6’6″,  larger than life presence. He is a beacon of positive energy, with meaningful, soulful, and playful music that makes you want to become your best and most funky self. For those of you that have been living under a rock (and those that kow how much he rocks), click on the link bellow to check out his music and see how your soul begins to sing!

Hey, Hey, Hey- Michael Franti

Michael Franti

Liz and Nicole Rockin Out!

Nicole loving the vibes!!

After rocking out to some great tunes I found myself marching around the city the next day solo with my head phones on. Before I had tread over 80 blocks of NYC pavement and I was ready for some good grubbing (not to mention some new kicks). Taking my friends request I stopped in to The Pump on 51st between Lexington and 3rd for a quick, cheap, and healthy bite. I must say this place was delicious! Weather you are a carnivore or a veg head, they have a multitude of tasty combinations that will surely satisfy your taste buds and leave enough cash in your pocket to head down the street to hit up one of the many shops, bars, or anything else you can think of that the city has to offer.

So, with a full belly, replenished cultural palate, and my necessity for physical beauty and adventure fulfilled, I headed home.

Might have done a little shopping...

I am now settling into the preseason, training and waiting regiment. However, the abundance that this trip has left me with will surely fuel my drive and and continue to ignite my passion and excitement, for the life I have and the one I get to travel back to.

Western Lights... LA style

The onset of fall is a time when I become antsy. It’s a time when my summer obsession with biking begins to battle my mind and heart’s attention and tries to hold on while my winter passion for skiing rapidly takes over. The only cure I have found for this seasonal and obsessive shift… hit the road!

There is something about being on the road that some how makes these two opposing sports at peace. Maybe it is because they both feel attended to while I ‘m behind the wheel. That, at any turn, I may hit a snowy peak or a slick rock trail and pull my bike or my skis out of my truck and begin to play. On the road anything can happen, all adventures are fair game, and my skis and my bike live harmoniously.

The past few weeks I have traveled to Moab, back to Park City, then to Golden and Boulder, CO., Then back through Park City, and then to LA.

You might have picked up on the fact that this wasn’t the most direct or logical itinerary, but then again, when you are hitting the road for the sake of adventure there is no need for rationality.

Overlooking Moab's slick rock fins to the La Sals

At any rate, My first adventure was impromptu. I was looking for something to do, I was in PC, essentially unemployed, and bored. When I expressed my antsy feelings to my good friend and rad photographer Re Wikstrom she invited me to tag along with her to Moab for her friend, Liz’s birthday weekend. Thrilled to have an excuse and a crew to travel, I jumped on the opportunity.

Bikes, Bikes, Bikes

We hit the road in Liz’s Element, which was loaded beyond with all of our bikes and camping gear and headed off to meet up with the rest of the crew who had already set up camp. We got there and instantly threw tents into place, switched out clothes, and hit the practice loop for a couple quick laps before we lost the sun to the horizon.

Shuttle

The view from Porcupine

The next morning we grabbed the 8:30am shuttle up to Hazard County and began our 20 something mile decent hitting all the infamous Moab trails. UPS, LPS, and Porcupine to name a few. It was my virgin Porcupine experience, and lucky for me Connie Misket, a long time DH pro, ever so kindly slowed her roll so that I could follow her line. Thank you Connie for spoon feeding me the best 4hrs. of my life!

The gang before the final decent

The following day we packed up camp headed over to Amasaback and started the hot (probably too late 10:45am) climb. It was a particularly painful experience for me, as I decided the night before, that when sitting around a campfire it is essential to pass around a bottle of Whiskey, unfortunately for me I was one of the two that had partaken in my declared ritual. Thus, the hour climb up the exposed slick rock left me feeling quite beaten, however no longer hungover.

The view from the top

The decent was fun; However, I got served a serious piece of humble pie while trying to hit this double drop. Note to self: when you tell your friend that you are suffering from line choice A.D.D. and you keep finding yourself in “no mans land” that is not the time to try an exceptionally technical line.

Live and learn.

Fortunately, we made it back in one piece (maybe a bit more colorful with bruises and blood, but in one piece none the less.)

I was back in PC for a few days, doing laundry, packing up my truck, and getting some life organized before I was off to Golden, CO for the premier of the Freeheel Life 2: Hippies Punx & Misfits.

The Freeheel Life 2: Hippies Punx & Misfits\” Official Trailer

The trip started early, as I was intent on getting a quick bike ride in before hitting up the premier and the Bent Gate’s Winter Welcome party at 6pm. I pulled into Golden around 3pm and thumbed threw my Mountain Biking Colorado Guide and found a great ride in the White Ranch Open Space.

I only scratched the surface of the what the trail system had to offer, but after sitting in my truck for 8hrs and downing copious amounts of Red Bull and caffeine, my cardiovascular conditioning was less than ideal. None the less the ride was great and allowed me to get a good stretch and sweat in before the nights festivities began.

I rolled into the Winter Welcome party around 5:30pm. Immediately, I transitioned into my skier self. There was Andy from BCA , Chris from Scarpa, Jax from Hestra, and Josh Madsen from Telemark Skier Magazine among many other reps from all the major players in the backcountry ski world.

The energy was a buzz and so were most of the people in attendance. Within the first hour the ski expo and the film were sold out, leaving a few late comers vying for entry. Alas, the place was packed, reps. were swarmed and the anticipation for the film was growing. After an hour of drooling of the newest gear and an epic raffle of skis, packs, and bindings it was time for the film.

Packed house!

Gimme tha Schwag!!

The film was well received and left us feeling the need to continue the party. After a late night and a delicious breakfast it was off to Boulder.

Josh, Charlotte, and I went off to one of my favorite places, Chautauqua open space. We hiked to the top of the third Flatiron where the beautiful scenery and fall colors put on an incredible display.

After the beautiful hike, Josh and Charlotte went on there way and I headed over to one of my best friend’s house for the rest of the weekend.

As to be expected, when reuniting with a long time friend, we partied hard and celebrated our reunion in style.

By the time Monday morning rolled around the lack of clean clothes, the endless social endeavors, and the general feeling of exhaustion made Park City my next destination.

Home felt good, but not good enough to keep my anxious soul from hitting the road once more. With my dog and a swim suit in tow, I headed out once more to the Pacific coast. It took 12 hours, but I made it to LA to meet up with my family. This was the therapeutic terminus of a few weeks of partying hard and playing even harder.

Merl loving the Pacific

Three days of California bliss rejuvenated my soul. The weather was perfect, my dog had his first ocean experience, and I experienced my first acupuncture needle and Qi Gong class. That coupled with the warmth that only a family can bring sent me back home soaring.

Now, back in Park City, I am at peace. My biker self has found resolve in the fact that the snow is coming and it is time to let the skier emerge.

Snow capped peaks!!

Let them get you stoked on riding the endless white wave that winter brings!!

Behind The Scenes Of HP&M: Shaun Raskin from Telemark Skier Magazine on Vimeo.

Make sure to get your stoke on by hitting one of these tour dates from Telemark skier Mag.

• WORLD PREMIERE  9/30/Thurs – Golden, CO @ American Mountaineering Center – Showtime TBD – ALL AGES
• 10/5/Tue – Ft. Collins, CO @ Lyrics Cinema Cafe – Showtime 7pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/6/Wed – Ft. Collins, CO @ Lyrics Cinema Cafe – Showtime 7pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/7/Thurs – Boulder, CO @ The Dark Horse – Showtime 8pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/9/Sat – Edwards, CO @ Kirby Cosmos – Showtime TBD – $8 @ Door
• 10/13/Wed – Logan, UT @ USU Outdoor Recreation Center – Showtime 7pm – $8/$4 Students @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/14/Thurs – Salt Lake City, UT @ Brewvies – Showtime 8pm – $8 @ Door – 21+
• 10/15/Fri – Park City, UT @ Star Bar – Showtime TBD – $8 @ Door – 21+
• 10/16/Sat – Brian Head, UT @ The Lift Bar – Showtime 8pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/19/Tues – Boise, ID @ Idaho Mtn Touring – Doors @ TBA – Showtime @ TBA – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/20/Wed – Sun Valley, ID @ Whiskey Jacques – Showtime 8:00pm – $10 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/21/Thurs – Jackson Hole, WY @ The Mangy Moose – Showtime 8:30pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/22/Fri –Bozeman, MT @ The Eagles – Showtime 7:30 – $8 @ Door
• 10/23/Sat – Helena, MT @ The Base Camp – Doors @ 6:30pm – Showtime @ 7pm - $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/26/Tue – Whitefish, MT @ The Great Northern – Showtime TBD – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/27/Wed – Missoula, MT @ The Roxy Theatre – Showtime TBD – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/28/Thur – Sandpoint, ID @ The Panida Theater(small)- Showtime 7:30pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 11/3/Wed – Seattle, WA @ EVOs – Showtime 9:00pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 11/4/Thurs – Portland, OR @ Mountain Shop – Doors @ 7:30 Showtime @ 8pm – $8 @ Door – All Ages
• 11/5/Fri – Hood River, OR @ Dog River Coffee – Showtime 8:00pm – $6 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 11/6/Sat – Bend, OR @ Pine Mtn Sports – Showtime 8:00pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 11/9/Tue – Eugene, OR @ Oakshire Brewery – Showtime TBD – $8 @ Door
• 11/11/Thurs – San Francisco @ Sports Basement – Free Beer From 6-7 – Showtime @ 7pm – $5 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 11/12/Fri – South Lake Tahoe @ Mo’s Place – Doors @ 7pm – Showtime @ 8pm – $8 @ Door
• 11/13/Sat – Tahoe City, CA @ Sawtooth Ridge Cafe – Showtime TBD – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 11/30/Tue – Breckenridge, CO @ 320 South Main – Doors @ TBD – Showtime @ TBD – $8 @ Door – 21+
• 12/1/Wed – Steamboat Springs, CO @ Howelsen Hill – Showtime TBD – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 12/3/Fri – Crested Butte, CO @ The Majestic Theater – Showtime 8pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 12/4/Sat Denver, CO @ Wilderness Exchange Unlimited – Showtime TBD – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 12/9/Thurs Ellicottville, NY @ The Ellicottville Depot - Doors @ TBD – Showtime @ TBD – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 12/18/Sat Waitsfield, VT @ The Big Picture – Showtime 8pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 2/23/Wed Girdwood, AK @ Sitzmark Bar & Grill/Alyeska Resort - Doors @ 6pm – Showtime @ 7pm – $5 @ Door

Behind The Scenes Of HP&M: Shaun Raskin

Yet another system lines up to hit the Wasatch with even more late Spring snow

So like I do every year, I booked my flight and made my annual migration to NY to spend some time with my family. However, this season as I hit the skies heading east I could not see that close behind me an endless storm cycle of snow was going to blanket over 50inches of the fresh white stuff over Utah. The weather in Utah has definitely caught most off guard, with many of my friends itching to ride bikes, but still feeling the need to buckle up their boots and get after the fresh because…well… “this might be the last storm of the season”.

Riverside Bike path overlooking the Hudson River

While it is quite tempting to jump in a plane and head back west to join my friends in the April and May powder crazed emotion, I realize that as a professional skier in the winters and a full time guide in the summer times, these short couple months between seasons are some of the only time I get to see family and childhood friends.

Reuniting with some High School friends

So I stick to the plan, spending a week at my childhood home northwest of Manhattan, watching my mom walk down the isle with the man of her dreams, spending time with my grand parents who taught me how to ski way before I can remember, and kicking back with my cousins aunts and uncles.

Rita and Phil, The Matriarch and the Patriarch of the Family and the ones who introduced me to skiing

Rolling on the Subway with one of my bestfriends Rachel

After soaking up the family love I head into my sanctuary outside of the rugged world of jagged peaks and swooping valleys, New York City has been a place of inspiration and comfort for me since the time I can remember. Whether it’s the rhythm of the subway cars vibrating beneath the busy city streets, or the collective energy of 1.5 million people living within 22miles of one another, the city has always spoken volumes to me. So I use it to revive my cultural and spiritual being, as well as to catch up with some great friends from my past, before heading south to Miami to catch up with my father.

Luch time in Manhattan's Financial District

Welcome to Miami

Miami is a strange place to find yourself when you still have a goggle tan, a stark white body, and an alternative sense life. None the less, the bleach blond hair, fake boobs, and overly tanned bodies can be something to appreciate and like any community, there are misfits, hippies, and punks in Miami, you just might need to look a bit harder to find them. One of those who has always beaten to his own drum of life is my father, and while his New Yorker heart still flutters irregularly with out the city’s bustle keeping him on beat, he is still staying true to himself in the city of plastic. Getting to spend time with him is always special.

Sunset with Downtown Miami in the background

Papa Bear!!

So with my soul, now filled by family and friends, I am in the airport heading back to Salt Lake City, where yet another storm cycle is expected to hit and I will return to the mountains to join my friends and industries in excitement over this fluke endless winter!

All and all the trip was rad. We had a great crew of ripping female tele skiers and the sickest photographer, Re Wikstrom documenting our every turn. We got pounded with snow which made for some great pillow lines and even inspired me to drop a 60 footer before the Heli picked us up on saturday.

If you look real close you can see my 60ft. bomb hole just bellow the cliffs

The skies broke our for our last morning

Endless Pillow Lines!!

The view from the heli ride out

The sun cutting through the pines in Golden

Our time in Fernie was equally exciting with a short stay at Martha Burley’s house and an evening tour out of the Resort for some sweet pow turns and beautiful light, as the sun descended in the BC sky.

Martha Burley- The biggest Celeb in Fernie

Re Wikstom getting a nice taste of the Fernie Spray

Sunset over Fernie

The trip home was quick and relatively uneventful as we all tried to get our heads looking towards the week ahead of Outdoor Retailer, Sundance film festival and fresh Utah powder!

Page and Candy Road tripping

The Cockpit

First Blue sky we have seen in a long time

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But Now… My mind moves on to the powder to come!!!

Tomorrow at 5am I head out with Re Wilkistrom, Candy Foere and Paige Brady on an epic road trip upt to Golden BC. We will spend one night in golden then meet up wit Martha Burley and the Helicopter and get flown into the Ice Fall Lodge!!!!!

I am so STOKED!!

I am going to try and do updates daily. So Stay Posted……..