Powder Shoot at Snowbird, Utah

Our second story is about an early morning powder shoot at Snowbird, UT. Mike Schirf, a local Utah photographer, took a some amazing photos. Here is his story.

Powder Shoot at Snowbird, UT — A Ski Butlers Story

By Mike Schirf

If you ask many of the Snowbird locals they will tell you that the 11 – 12 season was definitely one to forget. Utahans tend to be quite spoiled and as a photographer it was definitely a challenge to produce the kinds of photos I had in mind over the season. While yes, it was a season we hope to forget there were definitely days worth remembering.

In late March of last year it finally started to feel like the Utah we know and love. Snowbird had just received about 3 feet of snow and the skiing was excellent. Due to the amount of snow and the rate in which it came there were a few areas of the mountain that had not been able to stay open during the storm, one of them being Mineral Basin.

Being a ski photographer definitely has its perks, especially when it comes to access to the goods on powder days, but not just anybody with a camera can get on an early tram. Just like with lots of things its about the relationships you create and communicating with the right people to accomplish what you have in mind.

With a bluebird powder day on the horizon I started to making calls and sending out texts trying to arrange an early tram and athletes. It can be a bit stressful because Salt Lake has a lot of great photographers who are all doing the same thing and sometimes it can be difficult tracking down talent. Luckily I have a great crew I can usually count on so it worked out.

The storm moved through and we woke to clear skies and visions of a quintessential Utah powder day. I had arranged 3 athletes for the day and we all caught the 8am tram. After checking in with ski patrol we were given the green light.

We only had time for one run in Mineral Basin before the public was going to show up so it was extremely important to have a plan and make the most of out time. We communicated over radio setting up shots and making sure we all stayed safe.

I have skied Mineral Basin hundreds of time but you can quite match the feeling you get when you are back there with good friends on a beautiful day with 3 feet of Utah’s finest snow. It’s a day I will not soon be forgetting.

Mike Schirf Photography will be contributing photos to Ski Butlers during the 2012 – 13 ski season. You can see more of Mike’s photos at www​.mikeschirf​.com.

View Mike’s photos on our Facebook Page.