Perverse Traverse Origin Story

It took years to earn the name Perverse Traverse, and yet only a single run to name it. Like most achievements, it started with a modest comment: “There is an untracked bowl off T-Bar.”

The reference was from our host a New Zealander, taking a break from his pro all-mountain ski career to “get in shape.” We call him Kiwi. The breakfast table was silent for a few minutes, while everyone considered the strength of their coffee and the power of their resolve.

Not to be confused with the base-mountain bar, the T-Bar at Breckenridge takes Expert-only skiers to 10,998 ft to a host of double-black runs. The day before we spent countless hours on T-Bar, grabbing Pika or Bill’s Thrill down to Peak 8. The video below shows the joys of the ride the day before the Perverse Traverse, so if Kiwi says there is fresh powder, then there is fresh powder.

The first chair ride was easy, up to Peak 8, then over to T-Bar. A cold, clear day after the previous night’s snow. Everyone to a man, said “we do this, just another good drop into Pika.” Because of the clear sky, it was a few degrees below zero and a -20 wind chill at the top. Kiwi leading the crew to the top, he points past the Pika drop-in to this awkward traverse toward a bowl, we learn later, is called Vertigo.

I was on a snow board, so I remember the cursing and screaming as we made this traverse into the promised fresh powder bowl. I also remember Arctic Cat yelling over the crunch of snow on the traverse “this has to be great…right?”

I follow Kiwi down the long, flowing powder bowl. Perfect Breckenridge powder. I also look up to see Carnie chasing us on his hard-pack race skis. He is making this pencil-thin arc through the snow, only to find a small berm. Next thing you see is a snowman, with a dislocated shoulder.

Everyone made it down the mountain that day, and our trip got its name: The Perverse Traverse. A delicate mix of pain and joy. Surrounded by powder. How perverse can it be?