With a two foot storm, multiple fun events, and new soul friends in the mix, this last trip to Utah was about as fun as it gets. (photos all taken by phone)

The 2nd annual The Big LePowski event, held at Brighton Ski Resort last Saturday, went off in even bigger style this year. The turn-out was excellent, lots of money was raised for the Billy Poole Foundation (enabling under priviledged children to get on skis), and lots of folks left smiling with their new skills and confidence gained from skiing with the pros.

I had two amazing clinics that day, in particular an afternoon session with some remarkable women that invested themselves into what we were doing, and created a wonderfully positive vibe for the instructional atmosphere. In our team was Phyllis Erck, the late Billy Poole’s mom, and she came forth into the experience with an open heart, courage, and a desire to embrace her son’s vision; it was a moving session for us all.

The weekend also introduced some new friends, among them Laura Ogden and Jonaven Moore- two extremely talented and charismatic individuals that hide themselves up in Canada seeking pristine lines, deep snow, and big, cold surf. Jonaven, a professional snowboarder, has begun filming segments with The Season. His recent segment struck a chord with my own reflections upon instinct in the mountains- see the vimeo below.

Transitioning over to Snowbird Resort, I met up with some rippers for Skiing Magazine’s annual Ski Test. Whew- what a week. With over 70 runs in 5 days, along with 8th chair for an epic Alaska style two foot storm overnight on Thursday, we were able to test out some incredible fat skis in the blower powder, and evaluate some truly inspiring ski product coming on line for 2010′s season.

On Wednesday, a few of us caught the early tram to do some photo shooting with the legend Scott Markewitz. It is an uplifting start to any day to be in the quiet and peace of the early morning with an entire resort to yourselves. The light was eerily beautiful, and we found some nice stashes and angles, while enjoying one another’s company immensely- thanks to pals like Mike Britt, Megan Michelson, Jeremy Benson, and Lynn Kennen.

A big thanks to the great folks at Skiing Magazine for an adventure filled week at Snowbird and the Cliff Lodge.