Splitfest Thank You

In a world fueled by social media and laden with hyperbole, it’s often easy to get caught up in the biggest, baddest, deepest and greatest. This year was probably some of those things. I suspect skin tracks have gotten busier over the past years because people are seeking refuge from the rigors of modern living and a return to a purer existence.

So, let’s skip the narrative on this event wrap up and focus on what really matters. We play in the mountains because we enjoy it. We give back because it feels good, and we seek the company of other like minded individuals because, well, mostly because breaking trail is really, really hard work when it snows a lot. There are no greater friendships than those forged on a skin track.

Thank you.

Two simple words, but they mean a lot.

Thank you to our sponsors. This event wouldn’t be the same without them. Their continued support is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Thank you to our participants. This event wouldn’t exist without you. Thank you for opening up your wallets and supporting the raffle. Thank you for being friendly, knowledgeable and safe.

Thank you to two of our grand prize winners who selflessly turned down an extra grand prize when lady luck smiled on them twice.

Thank you to CAF board member Jack, his family, and Pattie from the CAF office for their assistance with all things raffle related.

Thank you to Jennifer from the CAC for her work receiving and photographing donations.

Thank you to Grant from the CAC for his briefing on avalanche conditions. Thank you also to Kyle and Mark for their presentations.

Thank you to the Hillcrest for being great hosts.

Thank you to Trapper Snowboards for opening up their factory for tours.

Thank you to Emilie at Prior for her assistance with a lot of the behind the scenes stuff.

Thank you to the CAC for recognizing me with the 2013 Service Award for outstanding fundraising efforts and celebrating avalanche awareness in the splitboarding community. I am humbled by it and all too cognizant that it is something to be shared with all of you. Without your support, none of this would be possible.

This year’s event raised $5,658.08, including donations specifically targeting the Cora Shea Memorial Fund ($500) and the Craig Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund ($421).

This brings the four year total to almost $19,000!

Keep your skins warm, shred safe, may all your turns be powder. Hopefully we’ll see you again next year!

All photos by Conrad Petzsch-Kunze