Spring Is Here, And So Are The Wiggles

I, too, used to be ignorant to the infectious spring tradition of wiggling. Like most skiers, I love a good traverse track with ups and downs and rollers and hits at the end. But I had never seen what looked like a Grand Slalom course that was purposefully rutted out. 

Then, yesterday, I skied over to Granite Chief at Palisades Tahoe to get a couple late-season, old-school slow lift rides and try to catch a glimpse of the bear. 

However, on the way there, right under Shirley, I saw something captivating. A wiggle course. Actually, two wiggle courses.

I thought this was a simple case of rolling your ankles and keeping your weight centered while carving with your outer leg. Forced turn style skiing. 

Instead, I was in for a surprise as I chose the tighter course (that was only being used by snowboarders) and went in a little hot, only to get shot out the side of the fifth turn. 

Later that day, I was in for another surprise when I learned the origins of the track. None other than my editor (Matt Lorelli) was behind it, along with his friends. See below.

It's always a strange feeling when work and your free time collide. But then again, wiggles are a strange part of skiing. 

There are a couple more weeks (or maybe even months) of skiing, depending on where you live. If you're tired of slush, maybe take a cue from Solitude, UT, and Palisades Tahoe, CA, and start a wiggle course of your own.