Soul Gypsy

Jerry guided our way as we drove south east from Durango, sun blinding our eyes, the destination,  Taos Ski Valley.

Taos hosted the first stop of the Big Mountain Battle, in this event skiers, riders, or telewackers battle it out on a course hidden throughout the mountain.  Competitors must hit checkpoints, ski certain runs, and ride certain lifts.  First one to complete the course and finish at the base of the mountain wins.  In this even locals have the clear advantage, but Nick and I were determined to win.  We drove in on friday and instantly went skiing, we skied the day and finally at the end were able to find the course.  With good knowledge coming into the race we were ready.  It started with a running dash, 94 people charging to get into their skis and onto the course.  We battled through tired legs and ended it with brutal mogul run into the finish third.  So it still goes that local people have the advantage in this event but first place team received a free trip to Aspen for the final Battle in the Bowls at Aspen Highlands. a home town event to this soul gypsy.

Team BlueDream, comprised of Nick Malik and Kevin Frazier, finished in third with a time of one hour and thirty minuets and won a smith helmet.

The next day we decided to test out the helmets at Purgatory, Durango Mountain Resort.  But we instantly got bored and headed off into the side country (yes surprisingly there is side country off purgatory) ,we went to a sweet chute that drains into the highway.  With a few fresh inches of snow we skied the chute and called it a day, Below are pictures from the ski.

catching some air

photos by Nick Malik

The conclusion is that Purgatory sucks. End of story, my soul cannot be satisfied by what the resort has to offer.  My soul will be satisfied when fresh powder is found every day, and there are not gapers around every corner.

-Kevin Frazier