It had been a while since Crystal had opened its “Southback” (or lift accessed southern backcountry), the crowned jewel of which is the Silver King Peak, a 7000′ peak with north-facing laps to be had back to the base of the chairlift. The hike out to the top of the peak can take anywhere from twenty minutes to over an hour, depending upon the individual and snow conditions, and consists largely of traverses and some bootpacking.
I decided that when Crystal reopened the southback, I’d see how many laps I could get down the north face of the king during a single day of lift-accessed snowboarding. My previous personal best was about 7 laps, but I’d never tried to see how many I could squeeze into one day. I made the goal of 9 laps, put a few shots of GU in my pocket, and asked a fried to drop some water at the base of the chair. A little after the High Campbell Chair (previously known as “Chair 6”) opened, I began what would be one of the longest days of my life.
Attempting to Break the Record on the Silver King
Fortunately, most of the day, the lift line was nonexistent and the traverse trail was all but empty which allowed me to travel fast and encounter minimal obstacles. On my third lap up the King, I ran into Kim Kircher, who was psyched to hear about my personal goal. She told me that the resort area had a record set as well, with a skier several years ago having done 14 laps in a day. Naturally, my goal for the day changed. I wanted to either beat or tie the previous record.
There wasn’t much time for rest, so I jogged on the flats and steadily climbed up the hills. Luckily, whenever people were hiking, they’d move off to the side for me as I passed, while many would shout words of support. My laps were fast and creative, as I rode spines, chutes and steep headwalls (mainly whatever snow looked best), as I charged down the apron and back to the chair for another lap. Finally, on my last ride up the chair at 3:25, I was beginning my 14th lap and knew it was my last for the day. Dramatically slowing my pace, I dragged my exhausted body and aching muscles to the top to tie with the record.
A Tie for the Record it Good Enough for me
Honestly, the day was somewhat brutal. I recommend this loop at a slower pace so that things can be more easily enjoyed. As for the record, I am proud to have tied the skier who held the record before, and would wish the best of luck to anyone who could break it.
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