At last something a little steep

19 Feb 08

Our entry tracks form today's line down Kotomi Yama (2007m).  Look below the cornice on the skiers right of the summit.  It was very, very good.  All a good warm up for the bigger steeper lines in Hakuba.

The top third of the line is visible running from just a little (viewers) right of the summit.

We also rode the north face chutes and trees on Tengu Yama.

Comments

Submitted by surfinsmiley on 19 February 2008 - 5:25pm.

This is where the lemmings jump from right?

What sized/sidecuts boards are you riding?

Submitted by Damian on 19 February 2008 - 7:00pm.

Hi Smiley

(I'll get back to your email shortly)

Unfortunately there were some lemmings today, a camera crew from Snowboarder Magazine (Japan) and a set of 'pro riders' who halfway up the ridge changed their minds and decided that rather than hit their intended line for the cameras, they wanted our line... before we rode it, having already told us they were filming a descent of another line about 300m away.  It was a difficult situation trying to keep everyone happy without conflict. I failed.  We went first. They didn't follow.

Not sure about my brothers board, but I was riding a 164 Never Summer Titan splitboard with a 8.9 / 9.7 / 7.6 sidecut tri-radius.  Its a board designed for fast and hard riding and offers a level of performance beyond which I can push it.  It goes very fast and is very smooth and damp on steep terrain.  I would usually use my powder specific Never Summer Summit splitboard (167cm, 9.1 / 7.4 progressive sidecut... what ever that means) but the face had been in the sun the previous day and settled quit a lot becoming more dense, no longer deeper than boot to knee.

Of course, nearly all the time I'd rather be riding my Dupraz, but it isn't a split and I don't like carrying my board on my back anymore.

Afterthought: A more amusing and equally factual reply to the good lemmings question is served via this photo.  Three weeks ago on an a tour past that piece of terrain we were eyeing off the exact entry that we took today when the cornice was considerably smaller.  Check out the rabbit footprints traversing the slope under the entry cornice.  that's one brave rabbit (lemming)

Here's the cornice yesterday (the clouds were a problem so we took the easy way down instead and went back today in better weather)

 

Submitted by Newf on 21 February 2008 - 6:49am.

Hey Damian,

I can't get any work done man... All I can do is look at your pictures... How long does it take to get too these lines from the lift? I think I remember you say you took a lift up? Is this true? I found it funny you poached some pro-snowboarders lines... Too bad so sad... First come first served so they say. Hopefully it didn't get too ugly.

All I ask man is be patience with my cardio... I will get there but not as quick as you or Llyod might.

Ok man it feels like Xmas morning is around and I am a 4 year old child waiting to open up that present.

Submitted by surfinsmiley on 21 February 2008 - 3:48pm.

I`m kinda suprised to hear that there are other people out there trying to poach your lines.  I think they might be better labeled sheep.

I like the line the rabbit took! ...No Fear huh?

Submitted by Damian on 21 February 2008 - 11:19pm.

Newfy, its within 40 minutes of the top lift and 60 minutes from my kitchen table.  And an easy hike.  We did better the next day, I'll post something soon.

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