Pro’s Perspective (Part 1)
Tavo Sadeg standing strong, Alpine Meadows Resort, CA, December 2022. pc @tavo.sadeg
As a recreational athlete, I can appreciate the many differences between myself and expert riders and skiers. Simply put, they’re just better more capable athletes on the mountain. But a question I always wondered was how they “see the mountain?” What’s going on in their minds when they huck cliffs, send big jumps, or choose lines that in all honesty make my stomach turn?
Fortunately, I had the rare opportunity to ask this question to reigning junior freeride world champion snowboarder Tavo Sadeg and Team Palisades snowboarding coach Liam Skunkape. I got an inside look at what I call, “A Pro’s Perspective.”
Pro riders Liam Skunkape (left) and Tavo Sadeg (right) Alpine Meadows Resort, CA December 2022. pc @tavo.sadeg
Quick Disclaimer
For what it’s worth and only to give you a reference point, my (humble) skiing ability is closer to an advanced level than anything else. I’m happy to leave the uber steeps, chutes, cliffs, and crazy stuff for the experts. My passion is chasing powder. So with this incredible opportunity, I punched my ticket and jumped aboard the Tavo train!
Alpine Meadows - Where It’s At!
Before I share the details from the day I wanted to provide some context. We decided on riding Alpine Meadows Resort with its two signature peaks, Scott Peak topping out at 8,246 feet, and the taller Ward Peak at 8,637 feet. Characterized by a long ridgeline inviting enthusiastic traverses and fresh tracks, Alpine is renowned for its many cliffs and gullies which set up perfectly on a good pow day.
This particular afternoon was marked by gray overcast skies as a new storm front started to move in. Winds kicked up and moved around the several inches of fresh snow that had fallen overnight. The southwesterly winds embellished the night’s accumulation creating some playful pockets on mostly leeward slopes. With help from some local guidance, we were set for a super fun-filled afternoon of pow-hunting.
Alpine Meadows Resort on a bluebird day. pc escape2ski
Some Trepidation, High Expectation
I set out to meet Tavo and Liam not sure what to expect. I was open to the small possibility that it’s all fair game and I better have my ‘&%*#’ together just in case we got in deep.
After exchanging introductions and smiles the moment of truth came. As we walked out of the lodge towards the lift I summoned up my courage and asked, “What’s the plan?” Tavo turned back and smiled only to reply, “Just find some good snow and ride.”
And that’s exactly what we did.
Starting on the Summit Chair, we cranked our way up off the valley floor towards Ward Peak. Before reaching the summit, we ascended into thick cloud cover and were met with gusting winds and low visibility. I could see maybe ten yards ahead of me with little to no detail in the snow.
Dismounting from the chair and quickly strapping in, we set out on a high traverse before I knew what happened. Sandwiched in between Tavo and Liam we trekked our way just under the ridge line and (somewhat) out of the blowing winds. We stopped periodically in the trees to collect together, check possible lines, and inspect the snow. The anticipation was building.
Alpine Meadows trail map. pc firsttracksonline
Weaving in and out of the trees on a single path traverse that at times had thinly covered rocks on both sides we eventually stopped just above an outcropping of trees. Looking downhill I could now see a narrow opening between their massive trunks with an opening into a wider gully below.
We decided to drop. It was go time. Things were about to get real. Stay tuned tomorrow as we share what happened on the descent and also show you some exciting videos from the afternoon. You won’t want to miss it!
Team Palisades snowboard coach Liam Skunkape sends a cliff at Alpine Meadows Resort, December 2022.
We’d like to extend a special thanks to Tavo’s sponsors for their amazing support on this journey!