Last year showed once again the incredible camaraderie and adventure at the NATO Telemark Festival at Mad River Glen (trip report here), so we were sad not to make the trip back to VT again this year. While a couple of us were returning from a backcountry trip to Valhalla Mountain Touring last week (more to come on that), Karhu Ambassador Dave Bouchard sent us this report from the NATO Telemark Festival:
This year’s NATO telemark festival was much the same as last years and the year before and the year before etc… but this is not a bad thing. Everything I’ve come to expect in the many years I’ve been in attendance came to fruition this past weekend. The skiing was a mixed bag – muck on crust, frozen granular and then finally on Sunday “tigger snow” great for bouncing. I was able to ski with old friends and of course I made a bunch of new ones.
Dickie Hall, master of ceremonies – “Willy Wonka” as I affectionately call him – infused the fest with his positive energy. This included leaving me with an advanced group of 30 to instruct. By trying to teach them to link reverse tele-turns I was able to watch the group simultaneously either crash into each other or fall in the slush. Classic silver flasks were tipped and the third floor of the MRG BaseBox rocked Saturday at the telemark dance party – literally. You could feel the floor bowing and recoiling as hundred of sweaty skiers dance in telemark boots. Saturday’s party led to many tired, yet smiling, and somewhat confused looking faces on Sunday.
Daylight savings had snuck up on the festival, but the only thing that could break up the groggy crowd’s mood came out… the sun! The bump contest pumped adrenaline into the crowd at about the same time, and with shorter lines, Sunday’s skiing was spectacular. Groups of skiers formed and reformed on the Chute, moss and ice gave way to late season edges and everyone seemed satisfied, once again, getting what we’ve come to expect. The only thing left was the empty feeling of saying good- bye. Only 362 days until next year’s fest, put it on your calendar.
-Dave Bouchard
Tags: Dave Bouchard, Mad River Glen, NATO
Hey Dave, Great to hear you are still ripping it up freeheeling. When are you coming out to Tahoe, so we can get some powder and take you down in the patrol sled again like at Copper Mt? Mick and I still ride every winter together and now with his son and daughter, as well. His son Tristan will be skiing the entire Mt. this winter already and had his own Alpine pass last year. Hope to hear more great adventure stories. Sean