#fullwingspan

[thelastchair]

Austria

(Written by Sam Cox - March 2, 2019)

Skiing makes me feel good. Maybe it’s just my imagination, but I feel like the best version of myself is allowed to flourish when I’m sliding on snow and interacting with other skiers - they’re my tribe, it’s where I feel included and what keeps the flame burning inside my soul. Travel has always been a means for me to enhance these experiences and feelings. The exploration of new locales, emotions and connections brings a smile to my face, shines a little more light into my world and provides a vehicle to learn more about myself.  

I spent two weeks in February meandering around Austria with a close friend from college. We didn’t have a set itinerary, just a rental car and an AirBnB app. Realistically, our plan was pretty simple - we were on the search for quality snow, a few laughs and rumors of Hansi Hinterseer shooting a new video in the Arlberg. Deep turns were abundant, laughter was ubiquitous, but sadly we never ran into Hansi. 

Years ago, Austria was the destination of my first international ski trip, which was a formative experience, more powerful than I could have ever imagined at the time. I have an affinity for the landscape and their national dedication to skiing as a lifestyle. Skier pressure off-piste pales in comparison to Chamonix or Engelberg and tales of massive early season snowfall had crept into every aspect of my media consumption for weeks. It was an easy decision to find our way there.  

440 ski areas are nestled in every conceivable location across the Austrian countryside. I’d love to ski them all. However, our biggest constraint was a lack of time, so we focused our efforts in Vorarlberg and Tyrol, with St. Anton being the logical starting point. We navigated sketchy roads, glaciers, ski through tunnels, bottomless blower, manicured corduroy, insufferable Britons, schnitzel induced comas, overcrowded trains, excessive Après and chaotic lift lines before eventually settling on Pitztal as our home for the journey. The access under the Rifflsee gondola and terrain below the Mittagskogel simultaneously keep me up at night and occupy my dreams.    

I walked away from the trip completely satiated, grateful, smiling and with legs so thrashed it was painful to walk to the bar. Everyday I was astounded by the beauty of the mountains and the graciousness of the locals. Being on the road in Europe holds a special place in my heart and I’m looking forward to new adventures there in the future. 

[thelastchair]

Open Road

(Written by Sam Cox - February 23, 2024)

Like many, I've logged some miles in the Arlberg and Tirol over the years, but only dabbled into the expanses of Austria beyond their confines. February was a prime opportunity for two dudes well into their 40's, armed with a rental car and older generation iPhone's to venture further east and have a look around. The essence of the region is easier to sum up in photos, rather than words. Cheers.

Completely unrelated - winter 2024 in Montana has been a roller coaster of emotions. But, there have been some brief windows of superb meadow skipping:

[thelastchair]

Attitude of Gratitude

(Written by Michael Bird Shaffer - October 16, 2022)

It’s been a blink of the eye and one special trip. I’m honored and deeply grateful to share this bird documentary with all of you, my friends. 

Thanks to black crows skis, my family and our mountain community.  Time and again, you’ve lifted me up with love, shred and acceptance. And, a special kaw out to my guy, Camille Jaccoux Cam, you remember back in 2003, when you said we were gonnna make something?  Guess what?  I believed you! 

P.S. we couldn’t have done this without the amazing creative and patient work from the man who edited this piece - Julien Bevillard  Please enjoy the jOURney.  fullwingspan 

(For your additional viewing pleasure - From Fledgling to Full Wingspan)

[thelastchair]

Tirol

(Written by Sam Cox - February 22, 2022)

It had been a while since I left the country with a pair of skis. Nervous anticipation, last minute packing. Obsessing over weather forecasts, snow reports and avalanche conditions. 

Once en route, a couple hours of transit and a libation deep, everything settled into place. I had embarked on a ritualistic journey as old as the idea of sliding down a mountain - the ski trip. 

Central Austria is a gem. From the family atmosphere at Kühtai to the shiny infrastructure of St. Anton. The Olympic history of Axamer Lizum and the audacity of constructing a ski area at the head of the Kaunertal Valley. 

Stability was fickle. The off-piste had to be approached with respect. Alternating storm cycles and sunny days were the norm. Quality turns were plentiful. 

I could spend all winter skiing in the Alps, but the realities of finances and obligations at home eventually set in. That’s alright, I’m content being even a temporal guest from time to time. 

Perhaps it’s the scarcity of the visits that make these experiences so special. Until we meet again old friend, thanks for everything.  

  If you’ve made it this far - completely unrelated, 45 seconds of pow session on the neighborhood skin track this winter:

[thelastchair]

Wanderlust

(Written by Sam Cox - March 31, 2019)

I don’t excel at staying in one place for an extended period of time. Maybe there’s something wrong with me, or perhaps wandering is my natural state. During the winter, I had some time off from work so I hatched a plan, attempted to capitalize on this opportunity and indulge my curiosity about what lies just beyond the horizon. The objectives were straightforward - get off the beaten path, ski some pow, laugh frequently and connect with as many friends as possible. My adventure started with a drive from Montana, south to Baja. Honestly, my Spanish is questionable at best and my surfing leaves even more to be desired, but these didn’t seem like insurmountable obstacles standing between myself and a good time. Baja is a magical place, but eventually I was ready to return north and transition into ski season.     

Winter graced the Intermountain West with abundant snowfall and I invested my time working the skintrack, catching the occasional sled tandem, riding ancient double chairs and linking up with skiers from near and far. 

A two week trip to Austria was the crown jewel of my season and will be forever etched into my memory. In the spirit of being on the road and the skiing community, I also made the trek to Canada for Powder Week.  

Along the way, I encountered some setbacks. I broke my wrist and a bone in my foot, from what I’ll call an “overabundance of recreation.” These incidents proved to have ramifications for getting into ski boots and holding a pole, but they also provided opportunities for patience and personal growth. 

Lift served skiing is starting to wind down for the year and I’ve returned to work, but as I reflect on the winter, it was a personal best for me. Thanks to everybody who came out and skied, friends dropping everything last minute to chase a storm and gracious hosts who make these endeavors possible. As usual I only brought the camera out a few days, but I certainly had a wonderful time.