Apr
27
2011
Springtime in the Rockies
When I was up in Alaska, everyone kept telling me that I would now be ruined for skiing anywhere else. But for me the exact opposite seems to be true because as with any true addiction, a good dose just makes me want more. Fortunately for me, this April in Colorado has been stellar and provided me with numerous opportunities to get fresh fixes. Yesterday it was Loveland’s turn to deliver the goods -- when the morning report said 8″ overnight and snowing hard (16″ by lunchtime) I called everyone on my list but no takers so was forced to shoot the following video of myself just to prove how good it actually was.



![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2011/04/haines-the-video/">Haines – the video</a> - [/caption]
One thing there was no shortage of on my Haines heli trip was helmet cams. Every one seemed to be sporting one in every shape, size and manufacturer. Because of safety issues, there was no setting up for shots so unless you had a super ... Haines – the video](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/UK-Ripper-4-1024x576.png)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2011/04/alaska-the-last-frontier/">Alaska – the last frontier</a> - [/caption]
For years I've been hearing epic tales of heliskiing in Alaska and seen numerous film segments of mind boggling terrain. I always assumed that terrain would be off limits to me as while I've spent a lot of time on a snowboard I'm cert... Alaska – the last frontier](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P1040119-1024x768.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2011/03/helmet-cam-fun-berthoud-pass-32311/">Helmet Cam Fun – Berthoud Pass 3/23/11</a> - [/caption]
Got to admit I've been slacking lately on updating this blog. It's been a combination of less than epic conditions and spending time breaking in new gear. I finally broke down and bought a split board (Voile Mojo RX 66) after one too ma... Helmet Cam Fun – Berthoud Pass 3/23/11](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/vlcsnap-2011-03-25-17h38m39s98-1024x576.png)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2011/02/hail-to-the-wolf-presidents-day-2011/">Hail to the Wolf – President’s Day 2011</a> - [/caption]
It's been a tough season for Wolf Creek. Their ski patrol director died in an avalanche back in November and seemingly in remorse the snow gods have been withholding their usual bounty from the area. Although I did not know him personal... Hail to the Wolf – President’s Day 2011](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/P1010982-1024x768.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2011/01/an-east-vail-powder-tale/">An East Vail powder tale – 1/20/11</a> - [/caption]
After the first big snow of the season I saw a blog post about skiing at Berthoud by Joel Bettner that both warmed my heart and made me jealous. Since then I had seen several of his videos that were posted on everyone's favorite forecas... An East Vail powder tale – 1/20/11](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/joel-powder-1024x576.png)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/12/long-live-the-king-monarch-mountain-12212010/">Long live the King – Monarch Mountain 12/21/10</a> - [/caption]
Your mom probably told you this but it's worth repeating - don't believe everything you hear. Take for instance, this last storm that's been making headlines for ski resorts around Colorado. While it's true that several feet of snow has... Long live the King – Monarch Mountain 12/21/10](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/vlcsnap-2010-12-22-21h22m07s225-1024x576.png)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/12/striking-gold-at-copper-mountain-1272010/">Striking gold at Copper Mountain 12/7/10</a> - [/caption]
I knew the day had potential when I heard the sound of someone texting me at 5:40 in the morning. After looking at numerous snow reports calling for 3-6 the night before I had gone to bed thinking Tuesday would be a work day but kept th... Striking gold at Copper Mountain 12/7/10](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/IMG_0822-1024x764.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/11/a-snovember-to-remember/">A Snovember to Remember</a> - [/caption]
Alright - I'll admit it - I've really been slacking on the blogging thing. After three years where the I didn't get out in November due to poor snow conditions, this year has been a very refreshing change of pace. Steamboat set a snowfa... A Snovember to Remember](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/P1010755-1024x768.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/11/hells-half-acre-heavens-more-like-it/">Back in the saddle again – Berthoud Pass 11/12/10</a> - [/caption]
As much as I enjoy summer and mountain biking in the beautiful Colorado Rockies, I'd be hard pressed to not trade it all for one good powder day - that's why they call it an addiction. So when I saw shots of knee deep snow from a late O... Back in the saddle again – Berthoud Pass 11/12/10](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/P1030149-1024x768.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/03/wolf-creek-and-the-soul-of-skiing/">Wolf Creek and the soul of skiing</a> - [/caption]
In my endless pursuit of powder I've traveled all over North America and sampled many a ski area but the one place that has rewarded me the most and feels like home is definitely Wolf Creek, located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. ... Wolf Creek and the soul of skiing](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/P1020145-1024x768.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/03/the-third-times-the-charm-berthoud-pass-strikes-again/">The third time’s the charm – Berthoud Pass strikes again</a> - [/caption]
There were a lot of surprised front range skiers and snowboarders yesterday because despite all the weather reports calling for a few inches tops, Monday mornings ski totals included 11 The third time’s the charm – Berthoud Pass strikes again](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/P1010890-1024x768.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/02/gluten-free-skiing-and-snowboarding/">Gluten Free skiing and snowboarding</a> - [/caption]
When I first started this blog I choose the name Gluten Free Snowboarder more as a joke than anything else. But because the internet has become everyone's first choice for research, I have been getting a lot of searches for information ... Gluten Free skiing and snowboarding](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/P1010577-1024x768.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/02/aspen-the-powder-of-four/">Aspen – The Powder of Four</a> - [/caption]
When the general public thinks of Aspen, they often associate it with the lifestyles of the rich and famous. But for skiers and riders in the know, Aspen holds another treasure trove - that of its' fabulous ski hills. Four resorts, 5000... Aspen – The Powder of Four](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/P1010323-1024x749.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/02/one-good-turn-deserves-another-berthoud-pass-snowboarding-part-ii/">One good turn deserves another – Berthoud Pass Snowboarding part II</a> - [/caption]
I pride myself on catching any resort powder within two hours of Boulder so was mighty conflicted when I saw Vail called 9” in 24, 14” in 48 on Sunday morning as I also pride myself on not getting trapped in weekend traffic on I-70.... One good turn deserves another – Berthoud Pass Snowboarding part II](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/P1000993-768x1024.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/02/knowledge-is-powder/">Knowledge is powder – 10 great ski and snowboard websites</a> - [/caption]
In the old days (say 10 years ago) if you wanted to know, for example, if it was snowing in Vail, you had to either be in Vail or be talking on the phone to someone who was. Nowdays, thanks mostly to the internet, it's almost impossible... Knowledge is powder – 10 great ski and snowboard websites](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/DSC05813-1024x778.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/01/berthoud-pass-good-clean-fun/">Berthoud Pass = Backcountry Fun</a> - [/caption]
Berthoud Pass has long been a favorite of front range backcountry skiers and for good reason. Steep, deep, easily accessible terrain with the added bonus of extra vertical if you don't mind hitchhiking back up the pass. Site of the fir... Berthoud Pass = Backcountry Fun](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/288px-DSCN2519_berthoudpass_e_600.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/01/back-in-the-ussa/">Back in the USSA</a> - [/caption]
In case you somehow managed to miss the news, there were some big snow totals in the US last week. For me the rumors started when I was up in Canada when Erik Roner, one of the Rossignol athletes also at Snowwater, said something about ... Back in the USSA](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/P1000613-1024x768.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/01/o-canada/">O Canada</a> - [/caption]
We had one final day after our love fest in the Valhalla mountains but sadly the snow and fog returned so while there was deep powder everywhere, we could only access the runs close to the lodge that we had been doing for days. Now don'... O Canada](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/P1000466-768x1024.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/01/all-hail-valhalla/">All hail Valhalla!</a> - [/caption]
We finally won the weather battle yesterday. No fog, snow or wind – instead we got blue skies and cold temps – just what the doctor ordered. This meant we could go exploring – and like the Norse gods of old we headed to Valhalla.
... All hail Valhalla!](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/P1000556-1024x768.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/01/now-thats-more-like-it/">Now that’s more like it!</a> - [/caption]
We've been battling the weather all week but it's finally starting to turn in our favor. Still fighting the fog but on the first run today we discovered that foot of fresh snow had fallen overnight and while not champagne powder it was ... Now that’s more like it!](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/P1000156-1-1024x768.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/01/getting-better-all-the-time/">Getting better all the time</a> - [/caption]
Day 3 of our Snowwater adventure. Finally got away from the lodge and started to explore the Bonningtons, one of the three mountain ranges Snowwater's tenure covers. Didn't take us long to discover that while there was good snow up hi... Getting better all the time](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/P1000090-1-1024x768.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2010/01/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go/">Should I stay or should I go…</a> - [/caption]
Here's how my planning goes during the six months of ski/snowboard season. Scour the various weather and snow reports to determine when and where I'm most likely to find powder. Cancel all appointments for that day (or days) and make su... Should I stay or should I go…](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/DSC00109-1024x576.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2009/12/better-late-than-never/">Better late than never…</a> - [/caption]
Between my shoulder surgery and the lack of snow my riding season had gotten off to a very slow start. Here it was the last day of December and I had only one trip to Wolf Creek and a day at Eldora to show for my powder obsession. Prett... Better late than never…](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/P10000472-225x300.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2009/12/you-can-get-it-at-costco/">You can get it at Costco???</a> - [/caption]
Sorry for the lack of posts recently - I've been having some computer problems but am now back up and running. In the truth is stranger than fiction department I received an email this morning with the following subject line: You can get it at Costco???](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/080111-001-768x1024.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2009/12/the-fast-is-over/">The fast is over!</a> - [/caption]
Well I finally got on my board for the first time this 2009-10 season this past weekend at my favorite Colorado resort - Wolf Creek. They got 6 feet of snow last week and I was lucky enough to catch the last 2+ of that (never believe wh... The fast is over!](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/IMG_0540-1024x768.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2009/11/el-nino/">El Nino?</a> - [/caption]
So the NOAA through the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center says that this will be a El Nino winter for the Northern Hemisphere. This typically means drier conditions for the Pacific Northwest and wetter conditions for ... El Nino?](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/DSC00360-1024x576.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2009/11/so-thats-their-secret/">So that’s their secret</a> - [/caption]
In the course of checking out other blog sites while gathering material for this site I've come across some interesting articles. For instance, for years my friends and I have always wondered what deal Vail cut with the devil in order t... So that’s their secret](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/090405-Wolf-Creek-201-1024x685.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2009/11/like-i-needed-more-encouragement/">Like I needed more encouragement…</a> - [/caption]
Just got back from seeing the latest Warren Miller movie - Like I needed more encouragement…](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/DSC00292-1024x576.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2009/11/120/">Not quite yet…</a> - [/caption]
Last week I got myself all worked up about missing a big opening day at Wolf Creek. I was thinking they'd get 3 or 4 feet and open the whole mountain on opening day and I'd be home in Boulder nursing my repaired shoulder and feeling s... Not quite yet…](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/090405-Wolf-Creek-145-1024x685.jpg)
![<a href="http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/2009/11/its-miller-time/">It’s Miller Time</a> - [/caption]
Warren Miller is doing their annual movie tour and while they're certainly not the most radical movies out there, it is fun to see the powder porn with a crowd and more importantly get a free lift ticket for your efforts. The ticket is ... It’s Miller Time](http://www.glutenfreesnowboarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/DSC00085-1024x576.jpg)