Pro ski athletes tend to spend their winters in exotic, far away mountain ranges like those found in Alaska, British Columbia, or Japan. But Aspen, Colorado-based skier, Colter Hinchliffe, chose the path least traveled (or skinned) by exploring Utah’s comparatively-seldom-skied desert range, the La Sal Mountains of Moab.
Of course no athlete goes skiing without a camera along. Such is the case with Hinchliffe as he and his friends, including Tim Durtschi, produced the film Sandstone and Snow. This short film shows off some of the best skiing in the La Sal Range as these ski buddies test their limits against a backdrop of red rock desert towers. They even climb those same towers, which is the first time for Durtschi.
Watching a pro skier who so fearlessly attacks technical ski terrain with grace and fluidity end up quivering with fear on a sandstone splitter hundreds of feet off the ground really humanizes those we consider to be super-human. It’s a great reminder that no matter how good we can be at any given discipline, the outdoors is always there to offer a new challenge that humbles and forges us. This scene alone, in my estimation, elevates Sandstone and Snow into something more than just a sick edit.
Of course the skiing ain’t bad either. Anyone who has timed their trip right to experience the La Sals on a powder day will nod their heads in agreement at one particular over-the-head segment. Plus there is a descent off Mount Tukuhnikivatz that will make your palms sweat a little. Check out the video, and then make plans to ski the La Sal Mountains this season. I recommend Talking Mountain Yurts to get you started.
Want to ski the La Sal Mountains yourself? Here’s your guide: