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5 Awesome Apres Skiing Bars in 5 Awesome Apres Skiing Bars in North America

From: kenholden
Description:

No day on the slopes is complete without a little after-party. Apres skiing is by no means a new concept, but it’s something that can turn even the worst conditions into an epic day. Every now and again, we’ll come across gems, some hidden and some not-so-hidden, that were simply meant to complete your trip to a specific resort.

Homewood Resort - Big Blue View
Sometimes, simplicity does it best. This small resort on the west side of Lake Tahoe offers one of the finest views in California and Nevada. New to the resort is the Big Blue View bar. Head up the Madden Chair on the northern portion of the resort, and look for the bright blue chairs and listen for the reggae beats. It might not be the greatest spot when the snow is dumping, but it’s going to be perfect for the blue bird and spring snow days. As most visitors will claim, the view overlooking Lake Tahoe from the Big Blue View is probably the best one of any Tahoe resort.

Mammoth Lakes – Clocktower Cellar Pub
Whiskey and skiing go together like peanut butter and jelly. While it’s not the easiest venue to find among the vast Mammoth Lakes village, it’s worth taking the time to look for it. The Clocktower Cellar Pub is a small basement bar, a far cry from the usual large restaurants and nightclubs that surround the world-famous ski resort. What attracts us to this specific bar is the exhaustive list of more than 100 whiskies from around the world. A few samplings and you’ll love the feel of this smaller bar, complete with a juke box for your après skiing entertainment. Make sure to ask the bartender about their personal favorites, you might get a taste of a secret stash not available on the menu.

Mont Tremblant – Microbrasserie La Diable
For the microbrew lover, good beer is hard to come by. As ski resorts grow and streamline their operations, the microbrew always seems to take a backseat. Fortunately, for the lovers of the Tremblant Ski Resort, you’ll never have to worry about that with the Microbrewery La Diable. Whether you’re just grabbing an après ski beer, or want the 20-minute tour, free samples of each beer are readily available. They usually have six or seven beers readily on tap for your eclectic pleasure, and the lounge-style jazz music makes it one of the most relaxing joints in the area.

Still look at Apres ski when your vacation is over? Check out this amazing Apres Ski wall art from Amazon.com

Vail, Colorado – Garfinkel’s Restaurant & Bar
When you’re done on these epic slopes, head down the Eagle Bahn Gondola and into the Lionshead to find Garfinkel’s. Trust us, you can’t miss it. This bar and restaurant is enormous, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. This place isn’t for the quiet-time après skiing, but for those who want to party well into the evening. With more than 20 different bottles and drafts, a full lineup of signature cocktails, and a menu spread that’s sure to please any palette, there are no bad days here. If you’re in the area, their New Year’s Eve party is one of the finest of any ski resort in North America.

Killington, Vermont – McGrath’s Irish Pub
For the lovers of Guiness out there, perhaps your ski priorities should be on the bars in the area. While the Wobbly Bar in Killington always seems to take the mainstream cake, the Irish lovers out there should detour to McGrath’s Irish Pub. This small Irish joint takes pride in serving Guiness the way it was meant to be…perfect. The owner is always out and about making sure that everyone is enjoying their selection from one of the best Irish menus on the east coast. In the summertime, McGrath’s only gets better. The parking lot is also a lot for some of the best trailheads, making it the perfect place to start and end your visit to Killington.

Plenty of skiing and riding left in the season, in fact March is the best time to Apre and shred pow. Save big when you book your lift tickets online through Liftopia.com
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3 months ago
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The Case For Cowardice: Heel P The Case For Cowardice: Heel Pieces

From: ryandunfee
Description:

What you are about to do with your uncomfortable feet has the potential to be painful and expensive. Photo by Ryan Dunfee.

Words by Ryan Dunfee

“Heel Pieces” is a column by Ryan Dunfee published twice a month on TetonGravity.com. In each entry, Dunfee tackles an area of ski culture in an effort to provide insight to the sport. This week, Dunfee argues the case for cowardice on the slopes. See: Being a giant pussy.

After the tragedy of last season and the explosively emotional Tunnel Creek story in the New York Times, a few corners of the ski community have begun a quiet conversation about what kind of skiing, and what kind of skier, “we” should be promoting. The most fearless, fastest, and gnarliest dude or dudette has long been the promoted emblem of our sport, and any “progression” in that direction for a given individual is a general good, barring any costs of that progression.

So far, we have yet to lay out the beneficial attributes of being a total whimp on the mountain. You know, the guy or gal who takes it slow, heads inside when they get wet or cold, or turns around when they see moguls, rocks, or hear anyone mention the word “avalanche.” Of particular note, the health and financial benefits of avoiding the gnar have gone completely unappreciated. That’s why I’m here to lay out the case for cowardice on the slopes.

It’s Cheaper

While the cost prohibitive nature of snowsports is no doubt a major factor of its anemic 0.6 percent annual growth rate, the bell curve really starts to head north once you’ve crossed off that “Level III” box when you’re getting your bindings mounted at the shop. Not only are you so good and so attuned to the demands of your various skiing escapades that you need more than one of every piece of equipment barring a helmet, but you run through it at a fast clip.

The feeble have a major advantage in budgeting for their ski excursions. Core shots and blown edges don’t happen when you avoid thin cover trails and the terrain park at all costs. Exploded heel pieces and snapped tails are avoidable by avoiding time in the air and through rough terrain at high speeds.

You’re Never Injured

Even more cost-prohibitive than $800 powder skis and iron-stiff boots are skiing-related medical bills. Few things are sadder to come across on your social media feed than a buddy calling out for help to fundraise for another buddy who blew their knee/hip/back but have no medical insurance. Thought your sled was expensive?? Try $35,000 ACL surgery.

However, fearful skiers and riders never put themselves in situations in which there is even the possibility of discomfort, let alone injury. Insurance premiums stay low, walking is a permanently crutch-free experience, and when they’re marching at a spirited clip to the nursing home shuffleboard tournament, you’ll be limping there in between pounding pills to deal with all your arthritic joints.

Your Boots Are Comfortable!

Ski boots: the Achilles Heel of the skiing experience, and quite possibly the single most inconvenient, ugly, and uncomfortable piece of equipment in all of sports. Expert skiers in particular suffer the most, as the demands of cliff drop landings, tight moguls, steep couloirs, and high-speed GS turns require tightening the boot down until circulation cuts off and toenails wilt into stalagmites. Not to mention that if you have any of those normal foot issues (6th toe, bunions, bow legs, etc.), you have to spend another couple hundred bucks to warp a piece of solid plastic to the exact physique of your hoof (insert ad for Fischer Vacuum Fit™).

Meanwhile, casual skiers get to buy second-hand 80 flex boots for $200, not adjust a thing on them, and stretch their toes while they cruise groomers with the buckles undone. They might even pass by you on the cat track under KT-22 while you lay in a ski patrol toboggan, knee and heelpiece blown, writhing in pain. Who’s laughing now?

Into The Mind Of Dave Mossop: Heel Pieces

The Art Of Ski Town Party Planning: Heel Pieces
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5 months ago
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News: Teton Gravity Research R News: Teton Gravity Research Releases Trailer For The Dream Factory

From: TetonGravityResearch
Description:

New feature-length ski and snowboard film will depict the history and modern progression of freeriding in Alaska.

(Teton Village, Wyo.) - Leading multimedia action sports brand Teton Gravity Research (TGR) announces the release of its upcoming feature-length HD ski and snowboard film, The Dream Factory, and releases the trailer.

For the past 16 years, Teton Gravity Research (TGR) has made the pilgrimage to America’s last frontier, Alaska: The Dream Factory. Throughout history, Alaska has been a place of dreams. From the early gold rush days, to the rise of commercial fishing, to the explosion of the ski and snowboard freeride movement, people have left everything to follow their dreams and journey to this foreign, mystical land. Like the frontiersmen before them, the pioneers of the freeride movement like Doug Coombs, Eric Pehota, and Trevor Petersen made the dream of skiing in Alaska a reality.

Follow TGR's modern day athletes on this cinematic voyage through Alaska's awe-inspiring expanse, rich history, and colorful characters. Watch as the TGR crew ventures from AK training grounds Jackson Hole, WY and Pemberton, BC, and delves deep into the Alaskan way of life during last year's record snowfall in AK, skiing terrain most of us only dream about.

Starring: Sage Cattabriga-Alosa, Dash Longe, Dana Flahr, Tim Durtschi, Seth Morrison, Erik Roner, Chris Benchetler, Todd Ligare, Griffin Post, Ralph Backstrom, Daron Rahlves, Angel Collinson, Matt Philippi, Clayton Vila, Cam Riley, Dylan Hood, John Spriggs, Rory Bushfield, Max Hammer, Nick Martini, Dave Treadway, Maxim Arsenault, Forrest Shearer, Daniel Tisi

On Location: Jackson Hole, WY / Valdez, AK / Haines, AK / Anchorage, AK / Whittier, AK / Northern Chugach, AK / Valdez Heli Ski Guides / Alyeska Resort / SEABA Heli / Alaska Heli Skiing / Girdwood, AK / Pemberton, BC

"The Dream Factory is the most elaborate TGR film to date," says Todd Jones, TGR co-founder. "We shot over 50 interviews and uncovered the true history of skiing and snowboarding in Alaska. The story will take viewers through Alaska's history as a state, its skiing history, and showcase the modern progression of skiing and snowboarding - from steep spines and big mountain terrain, to urban and all-around progressive freestyle."

The Dream Factory will premiere September 15, 2012, at the Walk Festival Hall in Teton Village, Wyo., followed by a worldwide film tour.

Click here for information on iTunes, DVD, and Blu-ray releases.

Photos, videos and stories from The Dream Factory

About Teton Gravity Research:

One of the world's leading action sports brands, TGR has produced 30 award-winning feature-length films, numerous television series, and national television commercial spots. Known for its cutting edge media and lifestyle product, TGR works with the top athletes in their respective disciplines, capturing, celebrating, and bringing to life the passion and enthusiasm associated with action sports. TGR is a proud member of 1% For The Planet and strongly believes in protecting the environment in which the team works and plays. For more information on TGR, please visit tetongravity.com, one of the leading online destinations and communities in the action sports industry.
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11 months ago
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The Dream Factory box art The Dream Factory box art

From: TetonGravityResearch
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The Dream Factory box art
11 months ago
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News: Lib Tech EnvironMental S News: Lib Tech EnvironMental Surfboards Dang Difficult To Ding

From: media-75233
Description:

Near Canada, USA - In a wave to mutilate the environmental and durability issues that have plagued traditional shaping practices and surfboards, Lib Tech, manufacturer of the world’s most environMENTAL snowboards, NAS, and skateboards have announced the launch of their Waterboard line. The Waterboard is a culmination of three decades spent surfing and experimenting with eco-radical watercraft by Lib Tech founder, chief surfboard designer, and composites guru, Mike Olson. Distribution of Waterboards from Lib Tech’s laboratory in Near Canada, USA, will begin in select shops on the West Coast, and will also be available online at libtechwaterboarding.com.

Generated through Isotropic conFusion, the Waterboard is a homogenous gathering of 31 classified eco materials and components. They ride with the panache of a traditional polyester board, though as stated by Olson, “Every material used is completely new to surfboards. Every technique is completely unique---to any industry. It’s not only a new way of making surfboards, it’s a whole new way to make anything.” These new environMENTALLY nicer technologies need no sandpaper, paint brushes, tape, or solvents except water. The de-classified components include:

2D2D Volcanic Organic Basalt Honeycomb Technology: Lib Tech is the first to use Basalt in surfboard design. Volcanic Organic Basalt Honeycomb Technology is an incredibly strong, impact resistant layering of fibers that withstands heel kicks, has no additives, and is extremely lively underfoot. This technology is 2D2D - Dang Difficult to Ding!

The Powerpop Airspring Foam Core: A lightweight foam composed of an exclusive closed-cell alloy formula that will not absorb water, has elastic qualities like a trampoline, contains up to 50% recycled content, and uses ozone friendly blowing agents. 100% of the off-cut foam produced while shaping is then recycled into new blanks. This is a new foam formula that didn't exist a year ago.

LVR43 High Rebound Matrix: Instead of toxic industry-standard polyester resin or old-fashioned epoxy, Olson created LVR43 High Rebound Matrix, a chemistry that has higher elongation, extreme ding resistance, and responsive rebound.

Elastomatrix Perimeter 2D2D Dampening Web: Rails are wrapped in rubberized metallic fibers to give the boards a silky smooth ride even in choppy conditions, and are also 2D2D.

Lib Tech Leash Plug: It’s still just a leash plug, but it’s different. Lib Tech’s newly designed leash plug featuring an anodized 6061 T6 aircraft aluminum pin that will never rust and a super lightweight fiber-composite cup.

MO BOX Fin System: To increase the adjustability of fin placement, all Waterboards feature Lib Tech’s new MO BOX fin system and come with four of Lib Tech’s new Maximum Intensity Leading Foil (M.I.L.F) fins, including a smaller trailer fin. The user has the freedom to adjust their fin to the fore or aft by 5/8th of an inch, creating a personalized fin setup for different conditions and styles of wave riding. The fin boxes are chemically and physically integrated into the board, and fit both Lib Tech’s new M.I.L.F Fin System, and the FCS fin system.

Mike Olson and co-conspirator craftsman, Jeff Henderson, broke down every element of surfboard design in Lib Tech’s windowless Waterboard lab to build maximum functionality into the lineup. Ergonomic elements including grab rails (small channels on the rails) for maximum hold while duck diving and performing aerials, and a concave deck for rib comfort are standard in every Waterboard shape series; Ramp, Bowl, and Vert. These shapes were created to provide maximum eco-radicalness on the wave face and beyond: Ramp - A magically fast, short, and wide, low rocker series with a speedy thumb-tail and flipped stub-nose. A surf skate tailored to accelerate and take you over the coping in small to medium waves. This is a punk rock grovel master, air blaster, mini slasher! Bowl - A magically fast quiver-killer in small to overhead waves, featuring a wide, speedy thumb-tail and pulled-in nose for aggressive modern performance. Medium-low rocker skates through flats sections and provides enough banana to pull through on pitching takeoffs. This is Lib Tech’s most versatile shape. Vert - A high performance design for high performance waves. Pulled nose, squared thumb-tail, increased rocker. Meant to be ridden at standard lengths and widths. Get pitted.

For people who enjoy sliding sideways with art underneath their feet, Waterboards are available with the sublimated works of renown Lib Tech artists Jamie Lynn, Quincy Quigg, and Ryan Davis. For the purist, Waterboards are also available without graphics.
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1 year ago
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Video: Chris Benchetler's 2011 Video: Chris Benchetler's 2011 Self Edit Smooth Like Butter

From: SamPetri
Description:

November 22, 2011

Chris Benchetler just sent over his 2011 self edit. Quite the artist, that Benchetler. He has his own skis with his own art on the top sheet and now he's making his own video edits. This clip contains a bunch of Teton Gravity Research and Nimbus Independent footage and is set to Pink Floyd's "Money" and The Box Tops' "The Letter." Filmed in Mammoth, California; Jackson, Wyoming; and Haines, Alaska, watching Benchetler butter to classic rock jams is a stoney Tuesday morning treat.

— Sam Petri
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2 years ago
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Interview: Dave Marlaire's Spl Interview: Dave Marlaire's Splitboard Art

From: media-75233
Description:

We recently caught up with Dave Marlaire, a Salt Lake City-based painter and splitboard enthusiast. Here's our interview and a few of his pieces. To check out more of his work, visit Dave's website: http://MarlaireFineArt.com.

TGR: What's your background in art? When did you start doing split-focused pieces and what was your inspiration?

Dave: As far as I can remember I was always able to draw. My dad is an artist, so I must have inherited it from him. His creativity and work ethic has been a huge influence in my life. He has a great art studio and growing up as a kid I always watched him work on illustrations. In the art studio were books of different artists like Frank Frazetta. I drew a lot of comics growing up, took art classes in high school and then went to the American Academy of Art in Chicago were I studied oil painting and illustration.

After graduating college I got an office job as a creative designer of toys. It was a really fun job, but after ten years of that I really needed to get out west. I had some money saved and decided on Salt Lake because of the easy access to the Wasatch mountains and because they get stupid amounts of snow.

When I moved out here I took a full year off from working and rode almost everyday. I met some splitboard and tele friends who showed me around the backcountry and I learned a lot about snowpack, terrain management and avalanche safety. I just fell in love with splitboarding, every time you go out it's an adventure. I've been painting split-focused pieces for about two years now.

TGR: It's evident you've combined two passions--painting and splitboarding--in this work. What came first and how did they merge?

Dave: I've always wanted to paint landscapes, but not of your typical plein air subject matter. I would take pictures of all the tours we would go on and started painting them. I guess I'm just more passionate about split-boarding and mountain biking than an old barn or a bowl of fruit.

TGR: What's your favorite painting and why?

Dave: I like the Big Cottonwood Sunset because of the bold colors and the memories associated with the painting. I was on a late afternoon tour or "dusk patrol" and there was no one else out. It was peaceful, the air was cold and crisp, a foot of fresh, the sun was setting and the colors were going off. I was standing at the top of my line, snapped a couple pics and then made some turns.

TGR: Describe your ideal Wasatch day, from sunup to sundown.

Dave: Wake up, read a couple minutes, coffee, check email, paint 4-8 hours, coffee, mountain bike, rock climb, or snowboard depending on the season, barbecue, check email again, read, sleep. Or if its a pow day scratch all that and go ride!

TGR: Are your paintings based on photos, experiences or a mix of both?

Dave: I'd say a mix of both. When I'm in the backcountry, I try to identify subtle colors to incorporate into paintings back at the studio. There are a lot of hidden colors in the snow that you normally wouldn't think are there. Whenever I'm splitboarding and think that a specific scene would make a nice painting I take a photo and make some mental notes.

TGR: Where do you see your art going in the future?

Dave: Painting some spring/summer touring, mountain biking, or rock climbing pieces and to do more art festivals, gallery shows and commission work would be cool. I'm also working with a gallery to do a show in August, we'll see. I would be stoked to make a living from painting and to paint what I love.
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3 years ago
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