Getting back on board; long overdue
Arapahoe Basin, tucked into the White River National Forest of Colorado has had the reputation of being the first lifts to round for the season. This year opening day was October 21, 2016. VNTRbirds did decide to skip on the first day activities to avoid the crazy crowds, but we couldn’t stay away for long. Opening weekend was beautiful and boy was it fun to be back on boards!
Tightening up the boots to lay some heavy carves
Still a whole lot of dirt up there
With only one white ribbon of death trail open, it was fun to remember how to snowboard again after four months with no snows. Cruising in between the gapers and kooks, dragging knuckles and having good, ol’ fashioned shredding fun.
Blue bird skies welcomed us into the basin
The park was a great set up for early season as well! Three rail features that kept everyone lapping. A down-flat-down, a-frame and a down rail all formed out of fat tubes. With mellow ollies or ‘ride-on’ options it was a great way to get back into it without going too big.
plenty of riders hiking the park
There was plenty of fun to be had outside of the park as well. Riding with Hayley Lotan, she showed some creative, diverse ways to jib and slay the ‘non-traditional’ features.
Hayley Lotan having some fun with the slow signs P: Allysen Goff
A little tail action off a side hit P: Allysen Goff
All in all, it was an amazing weekend to get out and get on snow. The extremely ‘pack-powder’ conditions kept you on your toes, but also kept you wanting to get back up for more and more. If you’re in the Summit County area or just in Colorado, get over to the Basin for some runs.
mini airs from Hayley
P: Allysen Goff
It’s always more fun with friends.
Kelley Wren and Hayley Loten