2016 Retrospective- Christian Paul Photography

Another year has come and gone. 2016 was full of adventure from touring the Wasatch on the splitboard, riding Solitude on the snowboard, to backpacking and hiking the Wasatch and the Uintas. There was plenty of fun to be had in the mountains here in Utah over the past 365 days. From long days on trail, camp fires, star trails, sunsets, fall colors, to deep powder runs in the backcountry, life had plenty to offer. Full tally for the year 2016: 40 days snowboarding and splitboarding, 50 days hiking and backpacking, 22 nights camping in the backcountry, and 160 miles of travel by foot both winter and summer. Memories that will last a lifetime! This video below encompasses my entire year for 2016 in the mountains of Utah. Grab a snack and your favorite beverage and enjoy this 15 minute video tribute to the passing year. What will 2017 bring? Stay tuned......

2016 Retrospective from Christian Paul on Vimeo.

Willows Tour #3, Big Cottonwood Canyon- 12.26.2016

Another big storm brought a White Christmas to the Wasatch. We took advantage of bluebird skies and perfect temperatures to head up the Willows again to seek out some powder turns. The climb up was just beautiful as the rime crystals were falling like snow from the trees as we ascended the skin track. We peaked out on the Willow Knob and took in the view for a while. We dropped into some of the deepest turns of the season as we ran the glades getting some amazing snow. I was on my new Voile Speed Rail bindings and boy am I in love with them. The fit and precision is awesome and the change over from touring mode to ride mode is as easy as you can get. Say goodbye to the pin! Enjoy the video and landscape from our topping out point. 2016 is going out on a high note in the mountains. Its been a good one! More adventures to come!

Willows 12.26.2016 from Christian Paul on Vimeo.

Bear Trap Fork Tour, Big Cottonwood Canyon- 12.18.16

Another storm put down some incredible right side up classic Utah powder. We decided this Sunday's festivities would be had up Bear Trap Fork. We arrived to a -5 temperature at the trail head to get the day under way. "Human Popsicle" would be a good way to describe our cold ascent of this drainage. We were looking for every patch of sun you could put your body in. After taking a break in the upper meadow which was full of sun, we made the final climb to the ridge. It was a bluebird day so the views were amazing. We even had a bald eagle soar over us for a time while we were up top making the switch over. I dropped into some of the best snow we have had all year. The turns were yummy! The ride out was a mix of good snow and variable terrain. Keeps you on your toes for sure on the way out. Another great day touring the Wasatch on the splitboard! Enjoy the video, more adventures to come!

Bear Trap Fork 12.18.16 from Christian Paul on Vimeo.

Willows Tour #2, Big Cottonwood Canyon- 12.11.2016

The Wasatch received a rather wetter than normal storm this week, which culminated with the biggest part of this storm coming in on Saturday. We decided since the avalanche forecast was calling for considerable conditions that we would return to the Willows as this is a safe area with low angle terrain. We made our way up in the AM to just perfect conditions on the skin track. The stoke was high as we climbed the meadows. Once at the top we made the change over and strapped in. We dropped into some of the deepest powder of the season which was a creamy consistency. After making our way back to the start of the big up, we made the switch over and went back up for lap #2. The temperature climbed and the sun came out and it warmed up quite a bit. Eventually after a second time up the skin track, we sat below Willow Knob and made the change over again. After taking in the view, we dropped into a different line which was just as fun and had some really great snow. Our out to the car was so fun as the snow was in great condition. It was an amazing day in the Wasatch. The kind we look to get after. Enjoy the pic and video which has the full set of pics from the day. More adventures to come!

Willows Tour 12.11.2016 from Christian Paul on Vimeo.

Millicent to Twin Lakes Tour, Big Cottonwood Canyon- 12.9.2016

Got out for a quick tour up the Millicent side to Twin Lakes today. Snow was in great shape, and lots of powder to be had everywhere. I made a pretty quick climb up there, and got some very nice turns on the way down. This was a much heavier snow than the last storm. 7-8" everywhere to play in. It was really supportable, and no signs or red flags that I saw. This is the kind of base builder we needed. Enjoy the pic and video I made from today. More adventures to come!

Millicent Tour 12.9.16 from Christian Paul on Vimeo.

Willows Tour, Big Cottonwood Canyon- December 2016

Sunday Funday strikes again! We took a very nice tour up the Willows today. The skin track was well set as we climbed from the road to the turnoff for climbing to our line. It was a long day out there climbing, and we eventually settled in to our spot for the switch over. After taking in the view, we dropped into a very nice line of powder turns making us all grin from ear to ear! The glades were fluffy days after the last storm. The out was for sure a bit scary as the tide is low at the lower elevations. We had a death luge down the logging road which shot us out onto the main road. A great day with coverage setting up nicely out there. More snow is on the way so I expect there is going to be more fun to be had! Enjoy the pic and video edit I put together. More adventures to come!

Willows Tour 12 4 16 from Christian Paul on Vimeo.