Squallywood⁚ A Guide to Squaw Valley’s Most Exposed Lines
Squallywood, the book, is a detailed guide and coffee table book that documents over 150 ski/snowboard lines at Squaw Valley. It features 40 maps, 130 photographs, 26 pages of color photos, remarkable personal accounts of falls and historical descents, and a foreword by Scot Schmidt. The book is sold out on the site, is $200 on Amazon/eBay, and a PDF version of the rules/points for GNAR is available online.
Overview
Squallywood⁚ A Guide to Squaw Valley’s Most Exposed Lines, 2nd Edition, is a comprehensive guide to the legendary ski and snowboard terrain of Squaw Valley, California. Authored by renowned physician and avid skier Robb Gaffney, M.D., the book serves as a treasure trove of information for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, detailing over 150 unique lines and descents across the mountain.
The book’s primary focus is on the “GNAR Factor,” a points-based system designed to encourage skiers and snowboarders to explore the mountain’s most challenging and rewarding lines. The GNAR Factor is a testament to the book’s dedication to pushing boundaries and celebrating the spirit of adventure.
Beyond its detailed line descriptions and maps, “Squallywood” also offers historical insights, personal anecdotes, and captivating photography that bring the world of Squaw Valley to life. Its vibrant community, steeped in a rich history of pushing limits and celebrating the beauty of the mountains, is captured vividly within the book’s pages.
History and Significance
The genesis of “Squallywood” lies in Robb Gaffney’s deep love for Squaw Valley and his desire to document its unique character. Recognizing the mountain’s rich history of extreme skiing and its reputation as a playground for daring adventurers, Gaffney embarked on a mission to create a guide that celebrated the spirit of exploration that defined Squaw Valley.
The book’s release in 2006 marked a significant moment in the evolution of Squaw Valley’s ski culture. It provided a comprehensive resource for skiers and snowboarders seeking to delve deeper into the mountain’s vast and challenging terrain. “Squallywood” quickly gained notoriety for its detailed descriptions of the most exposed lines, its insightful commentary on the history of Squaw Valley skiing, and its captivating photography that showcased the raw beauty of the mountain.
Beyond its practical value as a guide, “Squallywood” became a cultural touchstone, solidifying Squaw Valley’s reputation as a hub for extreme skiing and snowboarding. Its influence extended beyond the mountain, inspiring a generation of skiers and snowboarders to embrace the spirit of adventure and push their limits.
The Book
Squallywood, a Guide to Squaw Valley’s Most Exposed Lines, is a comprehensive guide and coffee table book that delves into the heart of Squaw Valley’s legendary terrain. The second edition, released in 2006, features over 150 detailed descriptions of ski and snowboard lines, accompanied by 40 maps, 130 photographs, and 26 pages of captivating color photos.
The book goes beyond mere line descriptions, offering a rich tapestry of Squaw Valley’s history, woven with personal accounts of daring descents and unforgettable falls. Renowned skier Scot Schmidt contributes a compelling foreword, adding another layer of depth to the book’s exploration of the mountain’s spirit.
With its combination of practical information, historical insights, and stunning visuals, Squallywood serves as a testament to the enduring allure of Squaw Valley and its place in the world of extreme skiing. It captures the essence of the mountain, from its challenging terrain to the camaraderie of its community, making it an essential resource for anyone seeking to experience Squaw Valley’s unique blend of adventure and beauty;
The Author⁚ Robb Gaffney, M;D.
Robb Gaffney, M.D., is the driving force behind Squallywood, a testament to his passion for skiing and his deep connection to Squaw Valley. A physician by profession, Gaffney’s love for the sport transcends the boundaries of his medical practice, finding expression in his meticulously crafted guide to the mountain’s most challenging lines.
Gaffney’s book is a reflection of his intimate knowledge of Squaw Valley, a knowledge honed through countless hours spent exploring its slopes. It’s a labor of love, meticulously researched and expertly written, capturing the essence of the mountain and its unique character.
Beyond his role as author, Gaffney is recognized for his contributions to the skiing community, embodying the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that defines Squaw Valley. His Squallywood project not only serves as a practical guide but also as a celebration of the mountain’s legacy and its enduring appeal to skiers and snowboarders alike.
The GNAR Factor
At the heart of Squallywood lies the “GNAR Factor,” a unique scoring system that elevates the experience of skiing and snowboarding at Squaw Valley beyond mere technical prowess. It’s a playful yet challenging system designed to encourage skiers and snowboarders to push their limits, explore new lines, and embrace the spirit of adventure.
The GNAR Factor isn’t about simply conquering the most difficult terrain; it’s about embracing the entire spectrum of the Squallywood experience. It rewards creativity, exploration, and a willingness to push boundaries, both physically and mentally. It encourages skiers and snowboarders to seek out new lines, embrace the unknown, and revel in the thrill of pushing their own personal limits.
The GNAR Factor, in essence, transforms Squaw Valley into a playground for skiers and snowboarders, where the ultimate goal is not just to reach the bottom of a slope but to experience the mountain in its entirety. It’s a system that fosters a sense of community, encouraging skiers and snowboarders to share their experiences, challenge each other, and celebrate the joy of riding.
Scoring System
The Squallywood GNAR Factor scoring system is designed to be both challenging and rewarding, encouraging skiers and snowboarders to push their limits and explore the mountain in its entirety. It’s not just about technical skill but also about embracing the spirit of adventure, creativity, and exploration.
The system awards points for a variety of factors, including the difficulty of the line, the creativity of the descent, and the overall level of risk involved. It also incorporates elements of personal achievement, such as completing a line for the first time or achieving a personal best.
The GNAR Factor is a flexible system that can be adapted to different levels of experience and skill. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time skier, there are plenty of opportunities to earn points and challenge yourself. The goal is to accumulate the highest GNAR Factor possible, whether it be in a single day, a week, a month, or even a year.
Extra Credit Points (ECPs)
In addition to the standard points awarded for completing lines, Squallywood also offers a system of Extra Credit Points (ECPs) that allow skiers and snowboarders to earn bonus points for going above and beyond the call of duty. These ECPs are designed to encourage creativity, risk-taking, and a sense of community on the mountain.
There are two main categories of ECPs⁚ Line-Related ECPs (LR ECPs) and Non-Line Related ECPs (NLR ECPs). LR ECPs are awarded for completing lines in a particularly challenging or creative way, while NLR ECPs are awarded for actions that contribute to the overall Squallywood community.
Examples of LR ECPs include completing a line in a single run, skiing a line in reverse, or completing a line with a specific trick. Examples of NLR ECPs include helping a fellow skier, rescuing a lost dog, or organizing a Squallywood event. The possibilities for earning ECPs are endless, and the system is designed to be flexible and adaptable.
Line-Related ECPs (LR ECPs)
Line-Related Extra Credit Points (LR ECPs) are awarded for completing lines in a particularly challenging or creative way. These points are designed to encourage skiers and snowboarders to push their limits and explore the mountain in new and exciting ways.
Some examples of LR ECPs include⁚
- Completing a line in a single run⁚ This requires a high level of skill and stamina, and it is a great way to show off your ability to link turns together seamlessly.
- Skiing a line in reverse⁚ This is a great way to challenge your skills and see the mountain from a different perspective.
- Completing a line with a specific trick⁚ This is a great way to show off your style and creativity.
- Completing a line with a specific type of equipment⁚ This could include skiing a line on telemark skis, snowboarding on splitboards, or using a specific type of binding.
- Completing a line in a specific weather condition⁚ This could include skiing a line during a blizzard, in heavy fog, or in the middle of the night.
The possibilities for earning LR ECPs are endless, and the system is designed to be flexible and adaptable. So get out there and explore the mountain, and see how many LR ECPs you can earn!
Non-Line Related ECPs (NLR ECPs)
Non-Line Related Extra Credit Points (NLR ECPs) are awarded for activities that are not directly related to skiing or snowboarding lines, but that still contribute to the Squallywood experience. These points are designed to encourage skiers and snowboarders to embrace the mountain’s unique culture and community.
Some examples of NLR ECPs include⁚
- Attending a Squallywood event⁚ This could include a ski movie premiere, a live music performance, or a fundraising event.
- Volunteering for a Squallywood project⁚ This could include helping to build a snow park, maintain trails, or organize a community event.
- Sharing a Squallywood story⁚ This could be a personal anecdote about a memorable experience on the mountain, a historical account of a legendary descent, or a humorous tale about a day on the slopes.
- Creating a Squallywood piece of art⁚ This could include a painting, a sculpture, a photograph, or a poem.
- Documenting a Squallywood trip⁚ This could include keeping a journal, writing a blog post, or creating a video.
The Squallywood community is vibrant and diverse, and there are countless ways to earn NLR ECPs. So get involved, share your passion, and see how many NLR ECPs you can earn!
The Squallywood Community
The Squallywood community is a vibrant and diverse group of skiers and snowboarders who share a passion for the mountain and its unique culture. They are united by their love of the sport, their respect for the environment, and their commitment to pushing the limits of what is possible on skis and snowboards. The community is made up of people from all walks of life, from seasoned veterans to aspiring young rippers, from local residents to visitors from around the world.
The Squallywood community is a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of their skill level or experience. It is a place where people can come together to share their passion for skiing and snowboarding, to learn from each other, and to support each other. The community is also a place where people can celebrate the unique history and heritage of Squaw Valley.
The Squallywood community is a force for good in the world. They are committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices. They are also committed to giving back to the community and supporting local initiatives. If you are looking for a place to belong, a place to challenge yourself, and a place to make a difference, then the Squallywood community is the place for you.
Squallywood in Popular Culture
Squallywood has become a cultural icon, transcending the realm of simply a ski guide and entering the world of popular culture. Its influence can be seen in various forms, from online forums and social media to film and literature. The book’s unique approach to documenting Squaw Valley’s most challenging lines, combined with its captivating stories and stunning photography, has resonated with skiers and snowboarders worldwide.
The Squallywood community, fueled by the book’s spirit, has become a driving force behind the online discourse surrounding Squaw Valley. Online forums, such as Newschoolers, are vibrant with discussions about Squallywood lines, GNAR scores, and the history of the mountain. The book’s influence can be felt on social media platforms like Instagram, where skiers and snowboarders share their Squallywood adventures and pay homage to the book’s legacy.
Beyond online spaces, Squallywood has also found its way into film and literature. The book’s iconic status has inspired filmmakers to capture the beauty and danger of Squaw Valley’s lines, while writers have used Squallywood as a backdrop for their stories. The book’s enduring legacy continues to inspire and influence the culture of skiing and snowboarding, solidifying Squallywood’s place in popular culture.
Legacy and Impact
Squallywood’s legacy extends far beyond its pages, leaving an indelible mark on the world of skiing and snowboarding. The book’s impact is evident in the countless skiers and snowboarders who have been inspired to push their limits and explore the challenging terrain of Squaw Valley. It has fostered a sense of community among those who share a passion for the mountain, creating a network of individuals who celebrate its unique character and history.
The book’s emphasis on adventure and exploration has sparked a renewed interest in backcountry skiing and snowboarding, encouraging skiers and snowboarders to venture beyond the groomed slopes and discover the untamed beauty of the mountains. The GNAR Factor, a scoring system devised by Robb Gaffney, has become a standard for measuring the difficulty and risk of Squallywood lines, adding a competitive element to the pursuit of challenging terrain.
Squallywood’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of skiers and snowboarders, ensuring that the spirit of adventure and exploration that defines the book remains alive. The book’s enduring influence serves as a testament to the power of passion, determination, and the pursuit of challenging goals. It is a reminder that the mountains offer an endless opportunity for exploration and self-discovery, and that the pursuit of these goals can lead to a lifetime of unforgettable experiences.