Search for Fresh Powder on 'Dai Mar's Trail', Stowe, Vermont

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Back on the search for fresh powder in Stowe, Vermont...like this!

I just returned to Stowe, Vermont after a very successful four weeks running expedition trips aboard the Safari Explorer in the Hawaiian Islands. It was a harsh adjustment at first. When I stepped out of the airport, my body felt a 90+ degree temperature drop. Instead of 86 degrees outside, it was -6 degrees. Yes, you read that right, 6 degrees below zero. Brrr.

But then, it was time to explore what those winter weather conditions brought to the area of Stowe. For the next two days, I would drop off my kids at school, then grab my snowboard and head to Stowe Mountain Resort, to check on the views and shred the mountain. When I left, just after the new year, there was still a lot of the mountain that was closed, waiting for more snow. Now, a month later, pretty much everything is open! I couldn't wait.

Not to mention that the snow keeps coming! We've gotten a few inches a night since I've been home. So much search for fresh powder, and untracked descents continues. Enjoy some of the photos from the last few days. No need to fly out west for skiing this year...just come ski the East, as they say. Stowe, Vermont has all you need. We've been waiting for a winter like this.

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Hmmm. Looks a little colder down there than what I just left in Hawaii. I wonder if I have enough clothes to walk out of the airport.

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High up on a black diamond at Stowe Mountain Resort. This is called the Nosedive, and it leads to some pretty magical places.

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Even in the mist and low visibility, it sure is fun to be exploring these mountain trails back in Vermont.

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Walking the puppy in between mountain visits. This is her first winter, so it can be pretty funny watching her misjudge the depth of the snow.

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Riding up after some fresh snowfall last night.

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This is one of the most underutilized trails on Stowe Mountain. When I want untracked fresh powder, this is where I come. In my house, we just call this 'Dai Mar's trail'.

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A view off the side of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's tallest peak.

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I love these narrow trails through the forest. Everything gets quiet. The wind disappears. It feels like I have a winter wonderland all to myself.

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The high elevation conifer forest, in the peak of snowy winter.

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Snow-covered forest fading into the mist.

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The stoke is real, being back on the slopes after a successful four weeks leading trips in Hawaii.

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Double-check to see if anyone is coming behind me.....nope.

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Day 2 of fresh powder on 'Dai Mar's Trail!'

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This is what winter in Vermont should be like!

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A trail sign, hidden in the trees.

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