The experience of Plattekill is the sublime combination of natural terrain, incredible people, and right now – the blessings of a March filled with week after week of perfect snow. Each, a key ingredient…making up the soul of a place.

This past Friday Chris S., Ray, Chris R. and I gathered at the end of the most amazing tree run I’ve ever skied in my life – it was the most amazing skiing I’ve ever experienced, on piste or off.

Before dropping in, as we collected at the top, passed around water, and prepped our gear, I was both nervous and excited – I’d never skied this kind of terrain before. The trees were untouched, the snow was knee deep, as I quickly discovered after stepping out of my skis to rest. Snow fell around us, feathery and light, adding itself to the copious gobs of untracked, delicious powder waiting below.

Chris R. dropped in first, finding a smooth line, traversing across the mountain below. I followed, staying alongside, but also wanting to cut my own path. Chris S. and Ray – the two veterans – came down after, flying past as though it were second nature. Which of course, it was.

From there we leapfrogged down. Beautiful lines through acres of empty forest. No sound but for the swish of skis and shouts of unabated joy. And for once (thanks to Alan’s and Chris’s patience) I managed to keep up.

Nothing but us, the knee-deep powder of raw terrain, and the trees commanding it.  One word filled my head – Pure.

It’s how I think of that day; of how I think of Plattekill. Nothing between you and the experience, no extravagant garbage selling you a manufactured experience. Just the mountain. The snow. And, if you are fortunate enough – some great people to show you the way.

Emerging from the trees, we were somewhat overwhelmed. Our faces glowed with an astonishment, as though none of us expected to be as good as it was.

“Well…that didn’t suck,” Ray said.

Nope. It surely didn’t.