Since I lived above 6,000 feet in Colorado for about four years, I figured the altitude would have no effect on me. Boy was I wrong. The base sits at 8,100 feet, but being the die-hard that I am I ignored the signs of altitude sickness I was feeling and took the tram up to the summit at 11,000 feet for my first run.
I made friends with a couple locals on the 8-minute ride to the top. Luckily one Salt Lake shredders I was riding with offered to show me around for my first run. We headed over to the cirque. There were a few rocks exposed up top, but it was pure bliss after the few first kick turns. With my legs screaming, my lungs burning, and my head pounding, I was in heaven. But the altitude did get the best of me so when I got back to the base I crushed a Gatorade and bottle of water so I could head back up.
After the next tram ride I ripped through Mineral Basin. This bowl reminded me of Copper Bowl in Copper, CO. It was wide open and had tons of snow. I also found the Alta/Snowbird connection and hoped to be able to ski between the two the next few days (I ended up not being able to later due to avalanche danger). The rest of the day I cruised around Gad Valley and Peruvian Gulch.
This place was incredible. Beautiful views, tons of snow, great people, and an awesome tram. I am already jonesing for my next trip to The Bird.
-Steve
"Born On Ice, Perfected In Powder"
At the top of the tram.
First run of the day, pure bliss.
Rippers riding the tram. It's a special moment when you reach the top, everyone starts hootin' and hollerin'.
How can you not smile on one of the country's most legendary lifts.
Me up at the top with the car headed back down behind me. I don't want to ride down though, I think I'll rip down.
View from the top.
A little weather rolling into the canyon. That's the Salt Lake Valley down below.
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