Why not both? Unless it’s not flyable AND a powder day, I have found this year my shredding has taken a back seat to the ski flying. A calm sunny day with no new snow (and no work)? I’m in the plane.

But I have tried to combine the two somewhat by landing on slopes as high up as I can, then once turned around I throttle back to idle and the game is to see how long I can snow board downhill before the speed picks up enough to launch me back up. While I can’t make turns like on the snow board it is still pretty fun, too steep and the re-launch is too quick, too shallow and I have to use power, and that's just taxiing. On the perfect slopes I can get in a good 1/4 mile or so of sledding before I'm flying again. Dual fall lines are an added factor. This has proven to be the perfect way to test the RAGE gear shocks, they tend to suck up the bumps and not bounce me back up. It is just a bit frustrating though not being able to carve it up like on a board, the plane wants to go straight damn it, though I can get in some curves. Though these sites look similar they all have their own little quirks.

The fun starts with a landing as high up and as close to the brush line as I can, but only after I get a handle on the snow conditions, how slick or draggy it is that day. I then adjust my touchdown spot, while all the time chanting the ski pilot mantra; no brakes, No brakes, NO BRAKES! I have found that within minutes of landing similar sites the snow can change a lot due to being a couple thousand feet higher or lower, (usually warmer the higher I am) due to that and no brakes this keeps you real alert, hopefully.

Looks like too much fun!

I am sure you could rig the skis to turn side to side and then carve some turns. "Speed Flying" is being done with small paraglider-skydiving hybrid wings, so why not with something a little bigger?

On a safety note, as you experiment with different slopes, keep avalanches in mind. Usually the slope angles to avoid are 35-45 degrees, although they can happen at less angled slopes. Doesn't look like the slopes you are using are that angled.

Have fun!

Todd
(former Ski Patroller)

And, stay aware of snow conditions...as on high alert. That, especially combined with steep slopes, can create BIG prolems trying to take off downhill. The snow consistency creates drag, and the slope prevents you from lowering the tail.

Lots of fun, though.

MTV

Talk about practice practice practice!!
Good on Ya.
As MTV said, condition's can change quickly!!
Ya have ta get the tail down, no matter how fast you go!!
Ya gota have the prop out of the snow also!!
GT

Courierguy, that is pretty much epic!!! I have been dreaming about doing something like this ever since I started flyin. Before I was a rancher and pilot, backcountry snowboarding/skiing was my #1 obsession, it is totally inspirational to see you livin what I've been dreaming about doing with ski equipped light aircraft. Lookin forward to hearing more about the new suspension sounds pretty sweet! Thanks for sharing