Elena Hight is one of the most dominant halfpipe riders in women’s snowboarding. In Hight Hopes Chapter 5 Essence she brings us along for some deep backcountry turns in search of the essence of riding — what keeps us stoked to go sideways. After a long season of contest riding, Elena finds her solace outside of the halfpipe and within the boundless confines of mountain peaks and tree chutes among friends both old and new.