Beautiful sunny day and no work. Couldn’t ask for any better to go out snowboarding in the backcountry. So Cory and I packed up our bags and drove out to the Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park. This winter saw a lower amounts of snowfall and numerous rainy/ windy days. When we reached the Tablelands I could see more orange peridotite than actual snow. We drove along the mountains and found some lines that looked enticing. I knew it was going to be windy but didn’t think it would hinder us that bad. Let me tell you that 120 km/h wind gusts are not fun when you’re holding a board in your hands. That day I really wished I had a couple extra pounds.
As soon as I pulled my snowboard out of the trunk a strong gust spun me around before ripping my board out of my hands. I crisped as I watched it execute two somersaults, landing loudly on the pavement each time before sliding down a few hundred feet into a stream. Luckily the board was still in one piece though a bit damaged.
This event made us decide not to hike all the way to the top where one of those gust would just throw me off balance into a dangerous tumble down cliffs while snowboarding. We walked up some way through rocks and snow. No need for snowshoes that day. All of a sudden we heard a roar, thunder like sound and Cory shouted “get down”. Another astounding gust blew as I held tight to my board while squatting down and laughing.
Fighting against the wind
We slowly made our way up while crouching every time the wind would pick up too much. What a wild adventure. We made it just high enough in order to get a ride along the brook. The spring like and sticky snow combined with the strong wind made it challenging to ride down. It gave me a whole new perspective on balance since you would be fighting against gust and falling when the resistance wasn’t there anymore. Cory came to a total stop and took off his snowboard. He then gave me a little push, which is the only reason why I made it down to the car. What a laugh we had that day. Didn’t go down the challenging chutes but the wind made it quite a wild workout. Make sure you are ready for backcountry riding by reading this post.
Live Wildly Intrepid!
Carpe Diem
Alex
