In this installment we head back to the Rocky Mountains while the snow is dry and the options are endless. Adam Reiner has made a name for himself riding isolated lines throughout the massive state of Colorado. In this installment Adam talks about what its like riding in an area littered with 14ers.
Name: Adam Reiner
Primary Location, Home Mountain, or Home Range: Denver, CO. My favorite peak is Torrey’s Peak, which has many quality big-mountain lines on every aspect. Most of my riding is done in the Indian Peaks Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Age: 29
Primary Solid Board: Venture Zephyr 161
Primary Split Board: Voile Split Decision Freeride 173
Preferred Binding System: Strap bindings (currently using Spark Ignition I)
Boot: Salomon Malamute
How Long Have You Been Snowboarding Semi-Professionally? 16 years
How Long Have You Been Splitboarding? 4 years
What Compelled You to Begin Splitboarding? When I moved to Colorado from Illinois, I was already an established snowboarder and found myself approaching the upper barrier of ‘expert’ terrain at areas like Vail and Steamboat. My old college friend was already a year into backcountry skiing and he showed me all of his avalanche gear, randonee bindings, climbing skins, and other gear which I quickly became interested in. My first snowboard-mountaineering adventure was a climb of Quandary Peak in May 2006. I watched as skiers skinned past me while I was struggling with snowshoes. I decided right there to buy a splitboard, and never looked back.
Most Memorable Glacier Travel: Definitely the Nisqually Glacier on Mt. Rainier, May 2009 (my only glacier travel). My friend had the crazy idea to ascend this route instead of the usual route to Camp Muir. From Paradise, it looks like no big deal. However, down in the belly of the beast, I was very intimidated by the huge crevasses and towering ice walls and seracs.
Where has Split Boarding taken you? This should be ‘where has my truck taken me’, because I have driven all over the state of Colorado to splitboard. The vast quantity of mountains and ranges in this state cannot be beat in the lower 48. I have really enjoyed going on road trips with fellow riders to mountains near Aspen, Breckenridge, Vail, Silverton, Monarch Pass, Berthoud Pass, Steamboat, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Durango. I have also made one trip to the Cascades, where I splitboarded Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Saint Helens.
Gnarliest or most Extensive Approach for a Single Line: On July 1, 2007 I made a solo trip to Rocky Mountain National Park to ride the Taylor Glacier headwall. It involved about 5 miles of bootpacking on dry trail up to the glacial lake. The looks and comments I got from tourists on the rail was a trip (It was July, after all). No one thought I’d actually find snow. I made it to the base of the glacier and bivuoced right there on the snow. The next morning, I climbed straight up the headwall and rode it.
Ideal Backcountry Day: While an alpine start to a spring 14er ascent cannot be rivaled, I tend to enjoy the powder-filled mid-winter days. These are days where I can wake up in my comfy bed in Denver, and enjoy a cup of coffee with some friends while we drive to the trailhead. Once there, we break trail through the fresh powder, while meandering through lush forests, taking in the scenery. Instead of climbing up to a specified peak (like in spring), winter touring involves exploring the terrain to find hidden pockets of open terrain to ride within the avy-safe trees. We can cover a lot of ground and transition from riding to touring many times during the day. It is the adventure without a destination or deadline that I enjoy most.
Lifetime Goal or Objective, a Line You’ve Been Eyeing for a While, or What Would Be your Dream Trip? The East Face of Castle Peak, near Aspen, springs to mind. I have attempted it once, but conditions are rarely ever good for riding it. First, it has to hold a consistent base through winter to fill in the line. Then it has to be matured enough into spring that it is avalanche safe, but it cannot be too mature because it gets covered with runnels. Lastly, It needs a solid overnight spring freeze, and because it faces east, it has like a 30 minute window to ride it before it turns to mashed potatos. On top of that, it is a consistent 45 degree line! Someday it will happen. As far as ‘Dream Trip’: ALASKA…no question!
Favorite Backcountry Meal: I make a dense, calorie-fill concoction of yogurt, protein, and Kashi cereal to fuel me up before hitting the trail. During the tour, I like Clif Bars, but still haven’t figured out a way to keep them from freezing.
Favorite Piece of Gear (and Why): I value both of my DaKine backpacks. Their pockets are efficient but simple. They have a quick-release ice-axe feature, which is useful in hairy situations to grab my axe without having to take the pack off. I also love the ‘cross-carry’ feature which allows me to pack my board quickly in ski-mode much more efficient than an A-frame.
Favorite Place You’ve Travelled (and Why): Castle Peak, near Aspen holds a place in my heart. There are so many great features in that zone, and the possibilities are endless. 14ers, 13ers, and great tree riding. It is also home to many huts for rent, and the scenery is superb.
Sponsors: My parents have definetly contributed a little bit here and there to my safety gear. I used to work for a construction company that sponsored me with gas and a 4WD truck to get to the trailheads, although they never knew it!
Print/ Movie Appearances: I’ve been in a couple YouTube videos!
Local Causes You’re Passionate About: Anything that improves access to the vast quantity of mountains we have in Colorado. Our population is growing and our sport is becoming more popular. Unless access opens up to more than ‘the usual’ backcountry spots, someone is going to get hurt. Doing so would not impact wilderness terrain or wildlife habitats, just simply plowing a few more extra roads that already exist and lead to typical summer trailheads.
Other Stuff You Do (music, volunteerism, art, school, etc.): I volunteer with Big Brother and Big Sisters of Colorado. We teach kids sports and take them to sporting events. Hopefully I will get to teach a little one how to snowboard this winter. I spend most of my summer by mountain biking, and do an annual elk hunting trip in the fall. I’ve got a KLR650 motorcycle and I’m active with the local adventure riding community.
Website/Blog: www.adamlreiner.com
Check out one of Adams splitboard expeditions.
