Pow Day in Krasnaya Poliana

I really enjoy skiing powder.

 
It was hard to believe that skiing would be anything to write home about after it rained at the top of the mountain, but sometime last night mother nature decided to drop three feet of light fluffy powder on the peaks of Krasnaya Poliana.

Riding the Chairlift in Krasnaya Poliana

 
I was starting to get nervous about the upcoming competition, but the new snow washed away my nerves and we had a great day of skiing.  There are three great guys, originally from Vermont, who have moved permanently to Russia.  If this seems odd, come skiing in KP and you will understand.  They were kind enough to show us some of their secret stashes on the mountain and we loved every second of it.  Here’s a few photos so you can see what I’m talking about.  This place is amazing!

Tim loving the White Room

Aaron

Aaron

Jesse

Jess McMillan

Aaron wishing he didn't have to fly back to Moscow for work.

Just skiing a little pow in Russia

Jesse Dropping into the White Room

Aaron Joining Jesse in the White Room

It's Dumping in Sochi

It is Dumping in Russia!

My alarm went off at 7:00 and all I could hear was the rain poring down on the roof.  ”Should we go?  It’s raining.” “Well we don’t have anything better to do.”  It took us 45 minutes in the rain to reach the top of mountain.  We were soaked to the bone by the time we reached the top.  Our first run was a lot like skiing mashed potatoes.  After a few runs, the rain turned to snow and our tracks started to refill.

Eric Seymour

The snow continued to fall.  The skiing was great in the afternoon, but I have to admit it was the wettest day I have ever skied.  Tomorrow should be off the hook!

Day 1 – Krasnaya Poliana

After three days of traveling and a few expensive cab rides, I am finally in Krasnaya Poliana, Russia.  Leaving the airport in Jackson, my stomach was in knots.  I was nervous for the first competition of the Freeride World Tour 2009.  I was also nervous with anticipation of what would happen in Russia.  I love Krasnaya Poliana.  The mountains and snow pack are a skiers dream come true.  Although, like any good place, it is always an adventure to get there.  

It was dumping at the Moscow Airport

It took three days to arrive in beautiful Sochi.  It is always a little weird to fly into an airport surrounded by palms trees with skiing on your mind.  My new friend, Jesse (whom I met on the TGR Forum) helped me out immensely.  He was kind enough to arrange a great bed and breakfeast and a shuttle from the airport.  Huge thanks to Jesse!

Sochi Airport

Veronika is our host at the Rai SKI Domik.  She is wonderful and the place is great!

Rai SKI Domik

Tomorrow will be my first day skiing.  I can’t wait.  The first possible competition day is scheduled for wednesday, January 21st, but could be as early as tuesday.  For more information, please visit www.freerideworldtour.com.

3 Days to Russia

It is hard to believe that I leave on Wednesday for my first competition.  The first stop of the Freeride World Tour will be in Krasnaya Poliana, Russia.  The first possible competition day is January 20th.  I arrive in Sochi on the 16th.  I am psyched to have four days prior to the competition to adjust to the time zone and get some skiing in.  The competition will be broadcast live.  Go to www.freerideworldtour.com for all of the information.

A Foot of Fresh in Jackson

Steak Sauce in Jackson

Jackson received another foot of snow.  This week has been amazing.  I have seven days before I leave for Russia and have been training hard.  I have spent the last couple of days trying to catch as much air as possible.  I am now recovering from a little “huck neck” and spent the day ripping the Hobacks.

Jump Training

It was a great day for top to bottoms.  The storm came in upside down, dry on the bottom and wet on top.  It took the mountain a while to open, but it was worth the wait.  The mountain was buffed out and with fat skis, the kuro, you could rip the lower faces and catch the same tram.  

More Jump Training