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Steamboat

Epic! That word is spoken enthusiastically on powder days in Steamboat. My backcountry companions say it often; we can be a bit smug about our tele excursions into unofficial terrain like Way Right, Drunken Indian, Storm King and North Woods. But the truth is, Back in the Day, Loris and Buddy Werner and their friends had truly epic ski adventures. In the 1950s, they’d drive up Rabbit Ears to the top of Hogan Park Trail… before it was a marked Forest Service route. They’d put skins over their alpine skis and break trail all the way to what is now Morningside. That’s seven miles. Once there, they’d build a snow cave, light a fire and settle in for the night.

Epic! That word is spoken enthusiastically on powder days in Steamboat. My backcountry companions say it often; we can be a bit smug about our tele excursions into unofficial terrain like Way Right, Drunken Indian, Storm King and North Woods. But the truth is, Back in the Day, Loris and Buddy Werner and their friends had truly epic ski adventures. In the 1950s, they’d drive up Rabbit Ears to the top of Hogan Park Trail… before it was a marked Forest Service route. They’d put skins over their alpine skis and break trail all the way to what is now Morningside. That’s seven miles. Once there, they’d build a snow cave, light a fire and settle in for the night.

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© Ron Dahlquist<br />

Jupiiter Jones, the founder of Powdercats<br />

the relationships that come about from the<br />

camaraderie of the backcountry that really keep<br />

us rolling.”<br />

With all its success, it hasn’t always been<br />

the easiest of businesses. The drought of 2012<br />

was a challenge. “We’re trying to forget that<br />

one,” Deering says, “and of course, snowcats<br />

are machines that do break down, often in<br />

interesting locations and times.” Heavy snows<br />

bog down travel, groups sometimes get<br />

separated and occasionally — and unfortunately<br />

— guests and guides do get hurt.<br />

The inherent risks of skiing in the<br />

backcountry necessitate steamboat powdercats<br />

take its risk management and safety operations<br />

to another level. “our entire staff participates in<br />

an annual 10-day, preseason training program<br />

that covers everything from emergency medical<br />

response to avalanches, lost ski/rider protocols,<br />

cat operations and general backcountry safety<br />

concerns,” Deering says.<br />

as powdercats enters its 30th season, the<br />

business has become a leader in the industry.<br />

With new terrain opening up, along with<br />

some new hires, new snowboards, skis, a<br />

commemorative logo and a big, kick-off party<br />

on Wednesday, Dec. 19, Deering and the gang at<br />

steamboat powdercats are proud to be leaders of<br />

the powder Nation.<br />

Join ThE convErSATion...<br />

Share Your Classic Shots<br />

online at<br />

A gentle mountain that rises above the Yampa Valley<br />

it will always be my favorite area, over France, Utah and Cali.<br />

Groves of spaced aspens and powerful pines<br />

the tree skiing is the best in the world and seemingly all mine.<br />

I know the stashes that this powder-hungry mountain holds,<br />

locals protect their pow making outsiders lucky if they are told.<br />

Surprisingly steep as you enter Fish Creek<br />

this is the dankest turnin’ out of any peak.<br />

Powder days bless Mt. Werner nearly every night<br />

leaving powder junkies in a<br />

state of complete delight.<br />

Ghost trees hide as you<br />

round the top,<br />

their clean white appearance<br />

will make you stop.<br />

For those who love the fluff,<br />

head for The Boat expecting to get enough.<br />

Phat airs are littered throughout the terrain<br />

making a pitch with pow completely insane!<br />

I can’t get enough of carvin’ at this place,<br />

I’d take a day here over a walk in space.<br />

— by Justin DeSorrento<br />

February 5, 1977 - July 17, 1997<br />

Please Visit The DeSo Foundation Web Site:<br />

www.DeSoFoundation.org<br />

STEAMBoAT MAGAZinE | SKI SEASON 2012/13 | 59

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