I finally got around to updating my trip photos page - The photos are as usual also on flickr so if you've seen those, there is nothing new here. I've had a couple really great backcountry trips this winter even with the warm weather (el nino? mango express? whatever, I just know it's warm!), checking out Rogers Pass, Garibaldi, and Mt. Myra (up in Strathcona park on the island).
For those who haven't experienced backcountry, I can't recommend it enough. It's a fantastic combination of freedom, exploration, and exercise. There is nothing quite like it, resort riding is completely different. Getting up the mountain and being out there is an experience all on it's own, taking in the beautiful mountains... and as a bonus you get to enjoy the most amazing riding you can imagine.
I've been very happy with my choice of splitboarding too. I wasn't sure if being on a splitboard would end up taking extra time converting to and from ski mode, but it turns out it doesn't actually take me any longer to convert to skis and put skins on than it takes most people to put skins on their skiis. It really is that quick once you have practiced the conversion a few times, and it's a very simple process too... I'm getting better at split-skiing too, for those parts that just don't justify converting to ride mode, or for times when I want to ski :)
After skiing so so many years, I really appreciate the difference snowboarding brings. Unlike the image the park monkeys give the sport, I find snowboarding to give me more of a feeling of calm, fluidity, and freedom. It feels like an extension of my body instead of an external tool i'm using to descend the mountain. I love it, and seem to catch myself smiling out loud with glee on a regular basis.
Here's hoping for the rest of my trips this winter to be as good, I still have Mt. Cain, Baker, and a few TBD's before spring hits!
