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Pow Season Begins for PNW Backcountry Skiing

by Louie Dawson October 23, 2012
written by Louie Dawson October 23, 2012

This past Sunday, yours truly backcountry skiing in North Cascades. Click images to enlarge to their full envy-inducing glory.

“It’s so cold! The snow’s so light! Winter’s already here? How do I drive in this stuff?” The first day of the season is always one of my favorites. Everyone is invariably excited no matter what the snow’s like. That being said, the snow usually isn’t bad.

Sunday eight of us excited backcountry skiers headed up to Heliotrope Ridge in the North Cascades. We arrived to a foot of snow in the parking lot and the day just got better from there. Zach took great photos so I’ll let them tell the story.

Hiking up through fresh snow toward Heliotrope Ridge, Mt. Baker.

Hiking through fresh snow. It's everywhere!

Mt. Baker was enveloped in clouds much of the day, but came out for few minutes.

Seth enjoying October snow.

Rachael ripping it up. Backcountry skiing at its best.

Back to the car, now to homework!

Louie Dawson

Louie Dawson earned his Bachelor Degree in Industrial Design from Western Washington University in 2014. When he’s not skiing Mount Baker or somewhere equally as snowy, he’s thinking about new products to make ski mountaineering more fun and safe.

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