Featured Image: Vinnie Zacha-Herthel | Skier: Angus Blackburn | Location: Sugar Bowl Resort, CA
This winter has been feast or famine in Northern California. But when the feast arrived last week, some of our favorite riders got after it. To put it bluntly, we were simply in awe of the huck-fest that ensued. With storm totals clocking in at over 70 inches at Palisades Tahoe, Sugar Bowl and Kirkwood, it's no surprise that the bomb holes were plentiful and the cheers were loud.
We'd like to give a massive thanks to all resort operations staff and ski patrollers who worked tirelessly to get these mountains open safely. It's been a tragic 10 days in the American West, with more than 10 fatalities reported due to avalanches in California and Utah. Patrol work is incredibly dangerous and these experts literally put their lives on the line for us. If you're riding out of bounds, please be extra careful and check your local avalanche listings. If you're at your local resort, thank a patroller.
That said, when conditions align, we always salute the send. So without further ado, here are FREESKIER's top five sends from California's massive late February storm.
5) Anders Leckie - Diving Board Backflip
Sugar Bowl, California
Sugar Bowl is known for its abundance of natural features. It's what shaped Xander Guldman into the rider he is today. But sometimes you don't need anything fancy. Sometimes, you just need a proper diving board. Anders Leckie found just that, and he wasted no time putting this textbook backflip to his feet. Are his quads made of titanium or is there just something in that Donner Pass water?
4) Zeb Schreiber - Dub Backie to Bolts
Palisades Tahoe, California
Zeb has been on our radar for a little over a year, and despite not even being old enough to have a beer, the young Blizzard Tecnica rider is making waves on the freeride comp circuit. But he also knows how to show out for the camera. Stomping this double backflip, he made it look all too easy.
3) Mike Emmet - Heart Chute
Kirkwood, California
A Kirkwood Classic, Heart Chute is a line that few truly consider, and even fewer execute. Mike Emmet got it done as the clouds cleared after a staggering 92 inches of snow fell on Kirkwood Resort. The kick turn, the entrance, the mandatory air out the bottom; it was all beautiful. Big ups, Mike! This one had us puckered from start to finish.
2) Ryan Lapp - Top Rope 360
Palisades Tahoe, California
There's no shortage or incredible skiers at Palisades Tahoe, and Ryan Lapp ranks up there with the best of them. His eye for terrain and pristine style represent the best of Lake Tahoe. This lofty 360 had more hang time than a Steve Nash floater, and we don't say that lightly. Composed and calculated, it's a strong candidate for one of our favorite sends this season.
1) Noah Gaffney - Opening the Fingers
Palisades Tahoe, California
Opening up The Fingers at Palisades Tahoe is the type of thing most people dream about. Noah Gaffney isn't most people though. He ditched the dream for reality and made it happen. He was able to get up there as the rope dropped and b-line his way to a zone he's all too familiar with. This one earned the top spot as the timing it takes to pull this off is remarkable, but the skiing by young Gaffney is even better. Way to seize the moment, Noah. LFG!
