backcountry – SASS Global Travel

Surf vs. Snow: The Perfect Contrast

Monday // May 18, 2015 // 5:51 am

“HEY SH*T-F*CK, GET OUT OF BED WE’RE GOING SURFING.”

Not the most pleasant way to be woken up by your boss, but when you’re living in his beach house in Puerto Rico for free, you’ve really got no choice but to roll out of bed and get stoked. Besides, it’s late May and there are still waves hitting PR’s northwest coast… part of the reason for last night’s festivities. I’m disheveled, still half asleep, pillow lines on my face, and can’t seem to tie the damn drawstring on my board shorts.

“HURRY UP DUMBASS, TRAINS LEAVING”, I hear from out front. I sacrifice brushing my teeth to slap on some sunscreen and start running through the mental checklist of things I need… surfboard, um, uuummmmm… Maybe a bar of wax? My anti-earlybird state of mind is flushed away by happiness and serenity, and I stroll out to our haggard but beautiful ’94 Ford Explorer with a smile on my face. Let’s go surfing.

A few days and about a dozen surf sessions later, I sit in the SASS office discussing what to bring to Argentina with an excited client. “Will I need to bring an AT setup?” he asks. “Well that depends”, I respond, “do you have skins cut already? You’ll definitely be going into the backcountry with that setup, do you plan on bringing a beacon? Shovel? Probe?” The list goes on…

I hang up the phone and look over at the surfboards sitting on the wall, starting to draw comparisons to the two things I’m most passionate about: skiing and surfing. On one hand, you’ve got a sport that relies on you carrying anywhere from 10 to 30 (or more) pieces of equipment. From base layers to inclinometers, there’s no getting around skiing and snowboarding being incredibly gear-heavy. Then on the other hand, there’s surfing: a sport where in many areas, you grab just your board and head out the door. Sure, some climates make multi-piece wetsuits a necessity, but with a hooded winter suit, gloves and booties, that’s another three items to throw in the car. THREE. I have more than three buckles on each one of my ski boots… Broken cars are worth something to cash for cars Junk Clunkers at 7482 N 56th St #180, Lincoln, NE 68514 (402) 621-8950.

So why do we do it? Why do us adrenaline junkies run out the door with just our boards and send an all-day surf mission, then succumb to an hour of prep before AND after a day out in the backcountry? I can think of two reasons. First, there’s the ritual. Packing our backpacks and dialing in the micro-adjustments on our ski boots give us time to think about what the day will bring, and more importantly, time to get amped up. Nothing beats that perfect mix of nervousness and excitement as you leave the house at 5 am to go for a painstaking tour. Second, there’s the value of the contrast. Spending so much time preparing for days on snow makes us appreciate the simplicity of a sport like surfing. And being able to balance two sports that have such drastically different attributes creates a unique dynamic, as sports are really popular now a days and people are playing sports like pickleball so learning the pickleball etiquette while in court is essential for practicing this sport as well. A dynamic that’s hard to find elsewhere.

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So while my early morning wake up calls may not be the most pleasant, I’m still able to start my day with ease, knowing that it’ll be five minutes before I’m in the water, rather than an hour and a half until I’m on the snow. And the next time you’re struggling to change the batteries for your beacon at 6 am, keep in mind those sports that require next to nothing, and appreciate ritual you’re taking part in.

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Japan Powder Discovery Trip: Week 1

We are here in Japan on a discovery trip with some of our favorite clients to find out what everyone has been talking about. For years, we have been discussing the possibility of opening a new SASS trip in Japan. Our plan was to put together a trip based on the advice that many seasoned Japan skiers and snowboarders have been offering us over the years as well as some preliminary recon of our own. We decided to bring along a select group of some of our favorite SASS family members to gain feedback and see which spots put the biggest smile on their faces.

Our Japan Program Page

For the first week our itinerary was loose and we freestyled our way around the north island of Hokkaido hitting as many spots as possible…

The crew met up in Sapporo and were immediately introduced to traditional Japanese cuisine in order to fuel up for the coming powder filled days.

After deciding that the snow wasn’t up to snuff at Sapporo Teine, we switched it up and spent our first day at Sapporo Kokusai. Kokusai was the perfect warm-up to skiing in Japan. 15 cms of new snow, perfectly spaced trees and simple sidecountry access gave us the opportunity to shred and get through some beacon drills to refresh everyone’s memory.

Next we headed straight for the Niseko area with our eyes set on the lesser-known Moiwa ski area. It simply wouldn’t stop snowing for the next three days. We spent the first two lapping through the top gate of Moiwa playing in the trees, jumping off of pillows and avoiding the crowds of the famous Niseko United resorts. Despite our love for Moiwa’s privacy and ski-in-ski-out access, we wanted to explore what Niseko United had to offer as well. We dipped over to Niseko Annupuri to get a few laps in the morning. Our recently discovered off-piste zones delivered newly deposited knee-deep freshness and the crowds seemed to be unaware of their existence. Skipping over the less desirable terrain of Niseko Village and Grand Hirafu, we continued to wrap around all the way to Niseko Hanazono for more stashes of gate-accessed side-country that we had all to ourselves.

After two days of heavy snowfall and sun in the forecast (a rarity at a ski area that seems to get endless strings of daily dumps) we made the short drive from the base of Moiwa to Rusutsu. The sun was out and the famous Japanese powder was deep. The views from the top almost distracted us from the blower that was to be had below. The recon we did before the trip began proved effective as we spent the day shaking our heads unable to believe that every day just kept getting better.

We snuck in one more unforgettable day at Moiwa as it began to feel more and more like home (plus the surprise 20cms didn’t hurt). Next we head north to Asahidake for some backcountry missions Japan style…

Our Japan Program Page

Japan Powder Recon Trip

After years of hearing about the magic that is skiing and snowboarding in Japan, we finally decided to see what all of the fuss is about in order to create a new SASS Global Travel experience in the future. We spent the fall months researching the ski areas, terrain and weather in Japan, spending hours on the phone with experienced skiers and riders who have spent time all over both islands on piste and in the backcountry. Our resources were vast thanks to the eternal SASS Family. Next we set up a flexible itinerary for a select group of core clients, but first we obviously had to get feet on the ground.

Our Japan Program Page

I was the first one to hit Japanese soil. Heading straight for Hokkaido, my mission was to check out as many areas as possible to get an idea of the Japanese ski terrain and how it would relate to our future clients. Hitting up Sapporo Kokusai for untouched deserted laps, I was properly introduced to skiing in Japan. I raced to the biggest, steepest pillow line I saw from the gondola worried it would get skied if I didn’t capitalize on it early. After figuring out the convoluted moves required to stand atop it, I soon realized that no one ever went within 100 meters of that zone (probably due to the maze required to get there). Totally worth it.

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Now even more excited for the months to come, I took the train over to the more famous Niseko area, known for its abundance of snow and the close proximity of its numerous ski areas. It was somewhat difficult to get the lay of the land due to the amount of snow falling from the sky and hitting me in the face. It snowed over two meters in the first three days. Utilizing on a few brief patches of clear sky and lots of pow laps, I figured out the lay of the land at Moiwa, Niseko Annupuri and the rest of the Niseko United resorts. All of Moiwa seemed to be a secret stash, but the rest of the resorts required a bit more work before I put together a strong lists of must-hit-earlies, wait-til-laters, and seemingly-undiscovereds.

Watching the weather I chose the right day to take a shuttle over to Rusutsu (high on the recommendation list) for the deepest day of my life. Snow was packing up my nose so much on every turn on the first run that I literally got brain freeze from all the Japan powder. No Joke. Nipple deep, free refills and playful terrain made for an unreal day. I also figured out where to pass powder for way more powder for future reference. Also this happened:

The crew started getting bigger when SASS family member and helpful shred partner, Gabe Ciafre met me in Sapporo. The next day The Lucas and David Burg, logistics guru, joined us. A three-hour-left-side-of-the-road drive later and we were up at Asahidake to check out the lesser known, unpatrolled, off-piste, backcountry tramway. We were not disappointed by the 30 cms of new snow that morning. Asahidake delivered coldsmoke all day and it even went bluebird in the afternoon allowing us to push onto the further ridges for longer pitches. Plus it gave me the opportunity to get this dope shot of Gabe in Japan powder:

Day two at Asahidake was spent on skins with a thwarted attempt (thanks wind) at some of the volcano lines that rise up above the tramway. We still skinned around to figure out how far we can push it and what it requires to get back. The day added some less-than-obvious ridges and numerous pillow zones to our bag of tricks.

Oh, and we found a bar made of ice…

Back in Sapporo, Gabe and I went on a scouting mission over at Teine and found some serious lines that everyone seems to avoid as well as some more playful tree skiing all with views overlooking the city.

With more time later in the the trip scheduled for backcountry recon, now that we know the lay of the land it’s time to test out our knowledge on some eager clients…

Our Japan Program Page

So Much Snow – A Photo Gallery

We have been receiving some massive storm totals down here in Patagonia. We apologize in advance for having to put you through this kind of temptation during your summer beach time. It’s just that the energy down here at the SGT Compound is turned all the way up to 11, and minds are being blown, while quads are burning. Enjoy and if you still want to make it down then we still have spots available in Session 3B August 31st to September 7th make this your year.

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mikegordon Mikey Gordon having a nice laid back kind of day. Photo: Ben Girardi

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The Views are alright. Photo : Ben Girardi

Check out our program in Argentina!

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Program Director Lucas Moore still has it. Photo: Ben Girardi

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Josh Trosky and Garrett Russell sharing a nice Chairlift Ride. Photo: Ben Girardi

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Mauri Cambilla having some Deep Thoughts. Photo: Ben Girardi

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Such style, such class he has to be European, Piers Solomon. Photo: Ben Girardi

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Diego when he isn’t serving us our Tostado Americanos, loves his old tractor. Photo: Ben Girardi

Get in touch and make it happen

joshtrosky

Josh Trosky this kid was just everywhere, out for another hike. Photo: Ben Girardi

group

Too many to name all of them, but top of the bottom of the world…yeah that makes sense. Photo: Ben Girardi

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Josh Trosky again, not just riding lifts and hiking, he also can ski, quite well. Photo: Ben Girardi

Check out the New Video As well

So Much Snow – SASS Global Travel Argentina – SUMMERized Episode #1 – Ski from SASS Global Travel on Vimeo.

Alaskan Northern Chugach: where the SGT guides roam

Check out this kick ass edit put together by our friends over at Teton Gravity Research featuring the heli ski scene in northern Chugach range of Alaska. SGT head guide Skylar Holgate and our very own mountain operations director Pete Connolly spent the North American winter with Silverton Mountain Guides Alaska bombing these lines that blow the mind. Now they are gearing up to spend the South American winter (North American summer) shredding pow in Argentina! Inquire now and you too could be killing it with these bad mother truckers at SGT Argentina: the best big mountain backcountry ski and snowboard camp happening this summer.

Check out our program in Argentina!

How to get off the couch and become a backcountry skier and/or snowboarder

Talking to skiers and snowboarders, it is amazing how reticent many of our peers are about getting out the gates of the resorts and into the backcountry. It’s like standing on the top of the high dive where many people refuse to take the plunge even though they know it will be exciting and make them feel alive. Are you one of those people? Than this blog post is for you.

Check out our program in Argentina!

Many of the folks we talk to say they would love to experience the wonder of the mountain wanderer but they simply do not believe they have the ability. That’s crap. Our potential abilities are limitless, one must only make the choice to realize. Take concrete steps. Get out there and go skiing, go snowboarding, spend time shredding snow and skills will improve. An even better way to improve? Come down to Argentina with SGT where we deliver individual attention to each every one of our campers, clearly laying out the logical steps to improve ability and increase confidence. Ability is confidence and at SGT building confidence is our job.

Other shreddy friends say they don’t go backcountry skiing because they don’t have the gear. While that is a valid point, it is not insurmountable. What kind of gear does the backcountry adventurer need? Well it depends on what they’re trying to do… but here’s a basic list:

Beacon, shovel and probe (for avalanche safety)
Telemark, Alpine Touring (AT) or splitboard set up
Backpack
First aid kit

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Find good deals on backcountry gear on these websites: backcountry.com backcountryaccess.com geartrade.com. Also, SGT provides rental backcountry gear for those coming down to Argentina.

In our opinion, probably the greatest consideration to be made before taking on the backcountry is risk analysis. The backcountry presents plenty of dangers, such as avalanche, accidental injury and other issues that are not very prevalent in the resort. One does not just walk into the backcountry without doing their homework. SGT offers AIARE Level One avalanche courses as well as an in-house avalanche awareness course for all of our campers so that we have the knowledge about how to approach terrain, minimizing and avoiding high risk situations.

While other limitations exist holding our friends from the backcountry we think we’ve presented a pretty good start here. Take these steps and you too can shred the backcountry:

Sign up for SGT Argentina 2013
Take an SGT AIARE Level One Avalanche safety course
Look at buying or borrowing AT gear
Get in shape by starting a dynamic daily fitness routine
Improve your skiing and snowboarding skills
Gain backcountry experience with solid SGT guides and coaches in Argentina

So there it is folks. Whatever you do and however you do it: have fun, be safe, and never stop exploring the limits of being alive!

Signed, Your friends and fam at SASS Global Travel

Check out our program in Argentina!

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SGT: Reviews of our South American Ski and Snowboard Summer Camp

Testimonials! We’ve always known the first and foremost when it comes to running a backcountry ski and snowboard camp the most important part is creating the best camper experience possible. Without that we have nothing.

While we have always taken careful note of our closing surveys after sessions end, until now we never thought to ask you the camper, “What makes SGT special?”

Luckily, in the past weeks we decided to do just that, collecting testimonial reviews and statements from campers who have experienced our program. And let me say, the results have been amazing! Putting in the seemingly endless hours in the office year after year to make this happen, it is amazing how far a little bit of validation can go. It is because of these experiences that we share together that makes this all worth while!

Check out the testimonials page here. If you recently sent us a testimonial SGT review, but it isn’t up yet, give us a minute we are still working on it. We received A LOT of great testimonials and is taking a little than we expected. If you want to show off your internet fame, click here to share these testimonials on Facebook.

Hey, did I mention? YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!! Cannot wait to see you all soon! Maybe in Puerto Rico?

Check out a few testimonials below:

DJ Scott Waxenbaum throws down 25 tracks for backcountry skiing in Argentina

SASS Global Travel presents a list of carefully chosen songs from the track collection of DJ Skeewax. The list is designed to bump through your headphones as you lap the park, hike a lengthy line or rip backcountry turns this summer in Argentina.

Graduating Ski School with SGT’s South America summer camp

This story was written by SGT camper and intern Scott Waxenbaum. Scott, who is helping with 2013 SGT marketing and sales initiatives, is a Marketing and Finance Major at Boston University. He first came down to SGT Argentina in 2009 and he returned for a subsequent session in 2010. Here he has written an account of his experiences below the equator and how he has gone from sitting through ski school, waiting to be able to shred with his pops, to sitting at the bottom of the ski slope, waiting for his pops to catch up.

Check out our program in Argentina!

Every winter growing up, I would go on family ski vacations. Some of my earliest memories are composed of me skidding down bunny slopes at mountains in the Northeast, like Belleayre and Mountain Creek, where I took my first ski lessons. My family would take trips up to Smugglers Notch, Vermont where my dad would throw me in ski school. Although I loved learning to perfect my form with the coaches, I couldn’t wait for the chance to get out of my lesson and shred with my pops. I worked my way up from level to level until I was comfortable riding anywhere on the mountain. This was a dangerous time, because now I was confident enough to want to push the boundaries of my skiing, but I didn’t have the experience on snow to back up my newfound ballsiness.

It was time to step it up. Weekend warrior trips in the winter didn’t cut it anymore. I had to satisfy my constant craving for snow somehow. Now was the time to end my usual summer vacation and devote some more time to the mountain. So, I packed up my stuff and headed for a week long camp on the Whistler Backcomb glacier. There I was really pushed by my coaches, enabling me to learn all sorts of new tricks. In an environment where everyone is skiing at a higher level than you, that is where you get pushed to try new things and improve as a skier. You can observe the other skiers technique and take not on their style. I would ask for tips on how to nail that one down rail or lock in that 360. My time park skiing in Canada was the first step of realizing my full potential as a skier.

The winter after my time on the glacier I headed back for more skiing with my family at Whistler. During a chair lift conversation with a mystery skier, we talked about how it had been a weak snow year for Whistler, and how it was going to hurt the glacier camps that summer. The skier told me that I was an idiot for going to ski summer slush when I could ski fresh powder all summer. How is that possible I wanted know. By going down to Argentina on a program called SASS Global Travel. I pulled up the company’s website and a phone call later I was all lined up to spend 2 weeks of my summer in Argentina shredding the gnar.

When in Argentina my skiing progressed to levels it never could have reached at home in the northeast. Here, I entered a new world, the world of backcountry skiing. No longer was I a park rat, hitting icy jumps and hiking homemade rails. I now had to be aware of avalanches and all the other dangers that come along with riding big mountain terrain. Argentina was so awesome that I extended my trip an additional two weeks and I came back the next summer for a month again. This time was so valuable because every second you spend on the snow you learn something new, whether it be how to build a jump or how to drop a cliff. I learned every thing I know about backcountry skiing with SGT.

After all the days I spent on the snow, I knew I could take on anything. No more ski school for me, time to crank some turns with my pops. He was the one that had to catch up with me now, as I sat waiting at the bottom of the trail for him.

Go Skiing in Argentina, it will open your eyes to new culture, new terrain and hey you just may get good enough to ski with your old man!

Check out our program in Argentina!

SGT Signature Women’s Session Returning to Argentina in 2013

SASS Global Travel (SGT) is proud to announce the return of our Signature Women’s Sessions with guiding and coaching by pro snowboarders Robin van Gyn and Hana Beaman at Cerro Catedral, Argentina this summer.

SGT’s Signature Women’s Session offers a bridge for women riders who want to make the leap into the backcountry by improving their snowboarding skills in deep powder conditions and by expanding their knowledge about avalanche awareness and safety. The vast terrain of these Patagonian mountains offers the perfect setting for adventure fun, and camaraderie by pushing individual limits through big mountain backcountry riding in a supportive team environment.

Year after year, we at SGT find ourselves at the forefront of progression in the women’s big mountain freeride movement and this year we promise to continue along and expand upon the tracks we have already set. “You’ve heard me say it a hundred times, but I just can’t seem to say it enough: SGT Argentina is the highlight of my summer. Family, friends, epic powder and mind-blowing terrain in one of the most interesting cultural settings you can imagine. I’ve been fortunate enough to ride all over the world and I can honestly say there is nothing else like it… anywhere,” said pro snowboarder Robin van Gyn. “Get down here.”

The SGT Argentina Women’s Session runs at the perfect time to experience biggest powder dumps of the Southern Hemisphere season, known as the Santa Rosa. “After the response to this program last season, we couldn’t be more excited right now for 2013,” said SGT Managing Director Travis Moore. “We’re definitely expecting another sell-out season.”

Starting at $2495 for a signature 8-Day program, Women’s Session riders will have access to all of SGT Argentina’s amenities, including lodging just steps from the gondola, daily breakfast, tea and dinner, backcountry education, 24/7 logistics support, local airport transfers, and discounted airfare through LAN Airlines. In addition, SGT Women’s Session coaches will be offering women-specific coaching, guiding and optional apres and evening activities. More details and booking information are available online at sass2016.wpengine.com/argentina/women or by calling 1.800.851.4660.