Uncategorized

Kamp K2 timed perfectly for late-season Baker pow fest

For rent: fully outfitted Washington ski resort in the heart of the North Cascades with 200″ base and eight chairlifts accessing steep bowls, chutes, and tree lines. Resort comes stocked with 20″ of fresh, cold-smoke powder in world-class, high-alpine backcountry. Must stay in one of the hundred or so RVs temporarily stationed in parking lot. Three hot meals a day in posh day lodge included. Plus portable hot tubs, party tents with concert stage and skate ramp, live music, beer pong, massive slopeside bonfire, and all the PBR you can handle. Available second week of April.

Kamp K2 kicked off on Monday, April 7 as K2 pro skiers and riders, company staff, selected media, and invited guests flew into Seattle and shuttled through Bellingham and up to Mt. Baker Ski Area in hundreds of rented RVs for three days of riding and partying. As if free beer and use of the chairlifts for two days wasn’t enough, the cold Pacific Ocean and North Cascades delivered one more epic storm, perfectly timed for the event, with low temps and plenty of blower pow for all to share.

The late-season event was a chance for shop employees and buyers from North America and Europe to demo next year’s product, as well as hang with the likes of Shane McConkey, Shane Szocs, Bryce Phillips, Andy Mahre, and other K2 team riders in a low-key, open-format atmosphere. There was beer pong. And tricycle races. Raw wieners were flipped into the air. And an all-female AC/DC cover band (Hell’s Belles) that might have been better than the real thing.

On Tuesday, conditions and visibility kept everyone inbounds, but when 200 people have the whole mountain to themselves, no one complains about elbow room. Tuesday night saw an additional 4-6″ of snow fall from the sky, and on Wednesday morning, the clouds parted and the Shuksan Arm became a steeze fest of ripping skiers and snowboarders reveling in a PNW season that just won’t quit.

Many thanks to K2 staff and the Mt. Baker management for hosting a great event that won’t soon be forgotten by anyone lucky enough to attend.

CLOSE

The Ski Journal Mailing List

We respect your time, and only send you the occasional update.