nice turns, good to be back on the snow.

I’m stoked you like the blog and I’ve been able to inspire you. I still love riding more than ever and am looking forward to another good winter. We got the first snowfall of the season… it won’t be long until the shredding begins.

Have a great winter! guch

Thanks,
Nathan Upchurch

Thanks for reaching out to me as a snowboarder and father. The vice “powder and rails” series rules for sure and I’m stoked you enjoy watching the show. I’m sorry about your friends who have passed in Avalanches, it’s really tough to accept that something you love can kill you. I’ve lost far too many friends over the years and it’s changed my outlook on riding a lot. Ten years ago I lost 2 friends in Avalanches and it inspired me to do my best to learn as much as possible about the “enemy”(Avalanches). I realized “knowledge is freedom” in the mountains, we all have learn about avoiding avalanche terrain when the conditions are bad. You should check out avalanche.org or avalanche.ca for a ton of education resources as well as current conditions. There’s more classes and resources out there than ever so it’s a good time to get into snow science and on the path to good riding.
The last question is a tough one, I don’t really have an answer for that…I choose to live in Jackson Wyoming surrounded by good riding. I think most mountain towns have a strong sense of community and can be a great place to raise a family… but it can be challenging to make a decent living. As far as the “over-ambitious youths” go… I just think you have to encourage confidence based on skill and ability developed over time.

All the best, Bryan

I spent the last 3 nights watching the Vice series on YouTube. I loved the Brushie series. I loved the Ranquet series. I flipped out watching “Roadkill” for the first time in 15 years (yeah, I kept watching it 3 years after it’s release).

Classmates of mine have died in avalanches on Galena Summit near SV. My park days are over and powder/backcountry are going to continue to be my future (besides trying to get my kids into snow sports).

You mentioned a college in Canada that provided courses in snow education.

Do you have one suggestion that might, just might, lead to a lifestyle where I can feed my family and keep over-ambitious youth from having their parents bury their children? What is THE college that impresses resorts/ private companies?

Thank you,

Terrence Murphy
tmurphy@golyon.com