My first impression is that Hidden Peak (11’000) of Snow Bird is not for the faint of heart. After the Aerial Tram drops you on an exposed metal platform, there are few places to hide. The first tram of the day may be your last, due to conditions. Buffeted by near blizzard winds with stinging snow it was fun trying to strap in and not get blown away. A short slide later you will be faced with decision-time in front of a triple-set of double black diamonds. “Oh, that’s what they meant by experts only” is what was going through my mind as I dropped into a steep powdery bowl, using duck and cover to keep momentum into the howling wind…

Recommended listening: Mastadon Radio

Ridge and Midas of the Snowbird Rescue Team stand ready to sniff out the meek.