2010 Gear Test Week, Day 5: Fresh Tracks

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Just after lunch today, while the last of the morning's haze burned off, a crew of gear testers lined up to get on the Paradise chairlift at Powder Mountain. Over the hum of the chairlift motor they overheard a few words from what appeared to be a local skier with his son.

"Those big dogs are here with their fancy equipment again, tracking up all the good snow," the local said.

Later in the day, during a conversation with another Utahan, one tester heard: "Yeah, you guys have been here the past few years, right? We can always tell when you're in town – there's no powder left."

In all honesty, Powder Mountain locals, we're flattered. But a bit of math - 40 testers times an average of perhaps 15 laps each - will tell you that our humble crew lays down about 600 tracks each day. When you consider Powder Mountain's 7,000 acres of terrain, a bit more math reveals: that's just one line for every 12 acres.

Backcountry photo editor Simon Peterson captured some of the day's best moments on film. Have a peek below and judge for yourself whether we're to blame for the "powder heist." Hint: today was bluebird, and tomorrow we'll still be skiing freshies well into the afternoon.

Want to learn more about the 2010 Backcountry Gear Test Week? Read daily updates from March 23, March 24, March 25 and March 26.

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