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Go! A Snowboard Road Trip Epis Go! A Snowboard Road Trip Episode 2 - The North Face
- From: thenorthface
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Description:
GO! A Snowboard Road Trip Webisode 2 Jackson Hole. Meet up with the Go! Boardin crew of Lucas DeBari, Blake Paul, Alex Yoder and Kael Martin as they head to Jackson Hole, link up with Jackson legend, Bryan Iguchi to ride some deep and awesome snow.
- 1 week ago
- Views: 31
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Sending It with Sage: Postcard Sending It with Sage: Postcards from Fantasy Camp
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:
After returning home from his annual pilgrimage to AK, Sage Cattabriga-Alosa gave us a glimpse inside Fantasy Camp. Located deep within the Neacola Mountains, Fantasy Camp served as TGR’s staging ground this spring. Whether nailing first descents or documenting them, the TGR crew kept busy filming for Way of Life. As we gear up for the film’s release, we’ll be filling you in on what went down in Alaska.
Words and Images by Sage Cattabriga-Alosa
Todd Ligar and Ian Mac look down on a nice little spine wall we dubbed NHL. The wall earned this name because lurking just under a thin dust of snow was a solid sheet of ice that stretched from wall to wall. It made for some exciting attempts at hanging on—and some hockey stops.
Ariel views like this allow for quickly spotting multiple zones. I often go back through my photos, looking for areas where lines and zones might have been hiding on the first look.
The Land of Ice—seeing glacial caps and massive glacial fields is quite a sight. It’s cool to see mountains being formed right before your eyes.
The ol' Look down.
Ian Mac speeds out of a massive line in an icy world. The challenge on lines like this is dealing with an exit plan. Large bergshrunds littered the bottom of this wall and the snow was firm underneath the top layer. Needless to say, control—and a plan—was critical to getting out safely.
House-size chunks of ice and snow make up this peeling glacier.
This looks like a calm perch, but the area below is loaded with spince walls that branch out in almost all directions. Here, Ian enjoys a moment of calm before the storm.
Tim Durtschi launches into a 360 off this natural spine flank. This was his first film line of the trip, and he came out of the gate hot!
Mountain views for days.
The glow of the sun reflects off the ocean in the distance.
Wind can be your enemy out in the alpine, turning glory pow into sastrugi moguls. Luckily, we found protected zones that held good snow through the end of our trip.
Tempting fruit.
A razorback.
Doug Brewer, a bush pilot, was the key to our success at Fantasy Camp. He flew us, our gear, our camp supplies, and fuel out in many different flights. In this photo, he is headed home after taking us on a recon flight in his Bush Hawk.
GPS helps, but helicopters are fly-by-sight aircrafts.
This is how we measure our time out in the helicopter. It keeps track of the amount of hours that we are pulling power, and how long we can fly.
Sammy Carlson flies out of the bottom of a fun line.
The production team hard at work. Dutch Simpson shoots third angle, picking up the action, and reaction as we roll up to the group at the end of each run. And Tim D, who mostly shoots his Sony Action Cam helps out.
Dana Flahr lays some smooth tracks while killing time before our next set up.
A zone that got away... always tons of options out there. And it feels good to have goals for the future. It looks like you could have a bit of fun with this one.
Ice . . .
Ice . . .
Baby. - Blog post
- 2 weeks ago
- Views: 1067
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Utah's Growing Season Utah's Growing Season
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:
Words: Erme Catino
Photos: Joe Johnson
Sun is shining, the weather is sweet. Make you want to move your dancing feet.
The April sun has already begun blooming flowers in the Salt Lake Valley. Spring, the perennial fight between winter and summer has been entrenched in weather warfare.
To the rescue, here I am.
The blooming flowers in my backyard were making me nervous, a few damp powder laps worsened this knot in my stomach. Winter, I knew you weren’t done. The growing season this April hasn’t been the tulips in the valley. No, they are stunted. This April the growing has been the snow-stake at Alta.
Want you to know, y'all, where I stand.
A-top an untouched powder run. My mind races before I drop. Are these the last few face shots of the season? A few days go by, more powder pillaged, some deeper some thinner; a little wind rebuffs everything as folks down the valley are still trying to decipher what’s going on.
Tell myself a new day is rising.
Another storm is on the horizon. Boots shuffle around the parking lot at Alta ski area. Echoes of avalanche control work bounce off the walls of Little Cottonwood Canyon—what is today’s date, I’ve lost count, a friend reminds me, and I was a week off. Who cares? We hear the backside is about to pop.
Get on the rise a new day is dawning.
Late spring is notorious for thinning crowds, so Alta closes for 4 days, reopening for the final few weekends. LCC and the Wasatch continue to deliver, the snowpack growing larger as ski-resorts across the state are shutting down. A few powder laps at Snowbird, and some glorious touring on stable conditions. It’s beginning to feel like mid-winter and the lines are filled as if it is.
When the morning gathers the rainbow. Want you to know I'm a rainbow too.
The event has taken hold of skiers who have continued shredding. We feel engulfed in the weather and snow, our legs tired from going almost two weeks straight. Forecasts call for another storm; it’s downgraded, and then scaled up. Catching wind of this possibility, and recent daily dosing of pow, a friend arrives in town. It goes nuclear, storming all night and day. A classic Alta storm-day goes down, complete with high fives and powder caked smiles, truck pick-ups from Keyhole laps, deep runs in Eagles Nest, and it’s almost May!
So, to the rescue here I am.
April, the spring weather battle has shown winter triumphant. The snowpack has grown to its deepest of the season—perhaps some snow will arrive in May. Only time will tell, but for now we’ll bask in it and toast to the sun and snow gods. Sun is shining, the weather is sweet…
- Blog post
- 3 weeks ago
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Hokkaido Drift - Japan Pow! Hokkaido Drift - Japan Pow!
- From: robintlee
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Description:
Vimeo Link: https://vimeo.com/58027692
After last year, coming back to Japan was a no brainer and this year was even better. After last year we did a bit more exploring and found some new zones and areas that we had never been before. We were in Niseko for just under 3 weeks and apart from one day when it rained, we got 15-25 cm of new snow everyday... it just didn't stop. I think we must of seen the sun no more than a handfull of times with only one bluebird day.
As well as scoping new zones, we hopped on Black Diamond Tours' famous Mushroom tour twice where we drove around in a van finding avi barriers, pillows, steep lines (which are hard to find in Japan) and snow almost as deep as we are tall. Thanks to Gordy, Colin, Mitch, Hayden and Jordy from Back Diamond Tours for taking us out.
blackdiamondtours.com/As usual it was hard to find a balance between skiing and filming but we managed it and had an awesome time during our short trip.
Hope you enjoy!
- 3 weeks ago
- Views: 16
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Loveland Pass Slide Claims Fiv Loveland Pass Slide Claims Five Lives
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:
Five people passed away in a slide Saturday on Colorado’s Loveland Pass. The victims—which included one skier and four snowboarders—were taking part in the Rocky Mountain High Backcountry Bash. As guides, sales reps, and experienced backcountry travelers, the victims had especially deep roots in the ski and snowboard industry. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.
For additional details, please follow the link to The Denver Post.
Members of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center measure the crown of Saturday's slide.
Image Courtesy of The Denver Post/Helen H. Richardson
- Blog post
- 4 weeks ago
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Stevens Pass: More Snow Than H Stevens Pass: More Snow Than Hype
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:
Words and Images by Joey Mara
The Cascades are loaded with underrated gems—and Stevens Pass is definitely one of them. Not only is the resort peppered with steep terrain, it also enjoys massive storms that make the mountain a freerider’s dream. Only eighty miles from downtown Seattle, Stevens Pass has been slinging lift tickets for seventy-five years. In that time, it’s been responsible for more than a few people calling in sick to sample the latest storm. With ten lifts serving 1,125 acres spread between the mountain’s front and backside, the resort accommodates skiers and riders of all ability levels. Nonetheless, the mountain is best known for its expert terrain.
No one disputes that the snow in the Pacific Northwest is deep, yet its quality is often up for debate. A few locals will come clean, however, and reveal that labels like “cascade concrete” are misnomers designed to keep tourists away. The snow at Stevens is premium—and thanks to receiving over 450 inches of snow annually, there’s plenty of pow to go around. In fact, it’s not uncommon for the mountain to see upwards of 650 inches in a season.
After a storm, however, the snow at Stevens is typically measured in feet thanks to a unique weather phenomenon known as the Puget Sound Convergence Zone. West of Seattle, the Olympic Mountains split incoming storm tracks, forcing their wind and moisture to divide to the north and south and collide again when they converge at the Cascades. This concentrates precipitation in the vicinity of Stevens Pass. Consequently, storms may hammer the mountain while other resorts in the state receive only a fraction of this snowfall. Needless to say, the storms at Stevens make dreams come true—just come prepared with a snorkel. In December of 2012, for example, a storm dropped 39 inches at the base of Stevens and sixty inches at its summit in just a twenty-four hour period.
Stevens Pass lacks the glamour (and excessive amenities) of a mega resort—and that’s fine with those who call the mountain home. For the courageous, Stevens has plenty of steep lines—perfect for those who like to push limits and occasionally piss their pants. Pillows, chutes, steeps, cliffs, and spines all litter the mountain, while the tree skiing is also world class. It might be worth befriending a local when you come to Stevens, as much of this terrain can be elusive to the uninitiated. To further maximize your time at Stevens, be ready for some serious storm riding. Locals revel in the free refills provided by Steven’s heavy snowfall. The mountain’s night skiing can also add a new dimension to chasing powder. And if you’re fortunate enough to catch a bluebird day, Cowboy and Rooster Ridges provide an ample canvas for laying down creative lines. It should come as no surprise that skiers and riders can explore Stevens season after season and continue to find new zones.
Stevens Past to Present Celebrating 75 Years! from Joey mara on Vimeo.
For those prepared to venture outside the access gates, the backcountry at Stevens Pass is the real deal. Due to the high amount of snow and steep terrain, avalanches occur frequently. Adding to the danger, visibility can change rapidly. That being said, a wealth of ridges, back bowls, and peaks can be accessed via the lifts or by touring from the highway or nordic trails. Much of Steven’s backcountry dumps skiers at the highway, enabling them to easily hitch a ride back to the resort.
In addition to its natural terrain, Stevens Pass boasts a solid park. The Top Phlight park crew spends its days prepping dozens of rails and kickers of all sizes. Stevens also has one of the few halfpipes in the state of Washington. Thanks to the diversity of its terrain, the mountain is a breeding ground for well-rounded rippers.
Stevens has remained under the radar thanks, in part, to a lack of accommodations at its base. For those wishing to stay close to the slopes, a variety of rental cabins are available on both sides of the pass. Most visitors, however, stay in or around the town of Leavenworth on the east side of the pass. Located forty-five minutes from Stevens, Leavenworth sports a Bavarian theme and offers plenty of entertainment for those looking to kick back and slip off their boots. During the winter months, the town is lit up with Christmas lights and the streets are packed with Seattleites hoping to escape the city, shop, and enjoy some food and drinks at German pubs. For those looking for no-frills lodging, the small towns of Skykomish and Gold Bar on the Seattle side of the pass offer affordable options.
Stevens will never be a Whistler or an Aspen—and it does not want to be such a resort. And while the scene is mellow, the mountain is not. Needless to say, Stevens has no shortage of challenging terrain—and good company with whom to explore it. The people are friendly and the snow is deep. If you measure your seasons in faceshots and high fives, Stevens might be your soulmate.
- Blog post
- 1 month ago
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Stevens Pass Through the Cloud Stevens Pass Through the Clouds
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:Stevens Pass as seen through the clouds.
- 1 month ago
- Views: 90
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Freeriding in Austria 2013, Tr Freeriding in Austria 2013, Trailer #2
- From: joedesperado
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Description:
for more Freeride Photos & Videos, visit: http://www.facebook.com/Christoph.Oberschneider.Photography
Skis: Atomic Century / Moment Comi / Atomic Atlas
Cams: Sony Alpha 65 & Hero 3 Black Edition
Soundtrack: Professor Kliq - Pangea (http://www.professorkliq.com)
Location: Gastein, Salzburg, Austria
- 1 month ago
- Views: 44
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Jackson Hole PowWow Jackson Hole PowWow
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:
Rob Kingwill, Teton Gravity Research and the JHPowWow crew assembled some of the most dedicated and solid riders on the planet to test powder and freeride boards over 3 days at the beginning of March here in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
We tested over 60 amazing freeride and pow boards, threw some super fun parties, and shredded our faces off at Jackson Hole in deep snow everyday.
For More Information - 2 months ago
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Cherry Picking – Points North Cherry Picking – Points North Heli “Buddy Love”, the Worm Glacier
- From: kimhavell
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Description:
Photo: Grant Kaye
Remote, bold, and mostly unknown, some of the dream, big mountain lines lie deep in Alaska's mountains and are accessible only by helicopter. Over the season, we will cherry pick the modern gems of ski descents from one of the greatest places on the planet for big mountain powder skiing: Alaska, The Dream Factory. It will be a display of mind-blowing, inspiring, and intense moments as we ask the heli-guides and owners to cherry pick a run from each of their permit areas. This is a look into what is possible by some of the best operators in the world and their talented guides, clients and athletes.
Buddy Love - Cherry Picking No. 2 - Points North Heli
The Worm Glacier is a Points North Heli (PNH) treasure. Sitting at the Southern entrance of the Chugach mountain range just north of Cordova, Alaska, the Worm zone offers a vast number of options off the peaks lining its valley. Terrain ranges from the 3,000ft warm-up run “Guilt Trip” to spines galore. The stand-out, however, is a peak named “Buddy Love” that, according to PNH Chef and tail guide Nathan Stone, “is undoubtedly the brains and beauty of the Worm Glacier. Flying in, if you can make it past the temptations viewed on approach, your eyes become fixated on this lone peak at the head of the valley.”
The prominent peak of Buddy Love is roughly 2800 vertical feet and a consistent 50-degree angle pitch. It is named after one of Cordova's most respected citizens and good friend of PNH, Bud Jansen, AKA “Buddy Love”. A third generation Inuit tribesmen, Bud is a central figure of the land-locked community. PNH photographer and friend Keoki Flagg explains, “Like most who were born and raised in Cordova, Buddy has made his living as a commercial fisherman. This giant of a man has a gentle, easy-going manner and he is engaged and committed to supporting any and all activities that help the community thrive.” Janson also owns the famous “Pro Shop” in Cordova, and the Worm Glacier and many of its runs are named in honor of him.
When Kent Kreitler put the first descent down Buddy Love it was pre-PNH as well as pre-most heli operations in AK. Kreitler was based off the Maritime Maid boat in Prince William Sound, close to the current Points North base. The first descent was documented in TGR’s film, “Harvest”. The segment opens with Kent charging from the top, airing over a rock outcropping, and then sending it to the bottom effortlessly in about eight turns.
Countless pros and film companies have visited the area over the years and superstar big mountain skier Wendy Fisher calls it the best heli run of her life. Pro snowboarders Mitch Toelder, Flo Orley and 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist Seth Wescott have also charged multiple routes off its face.
As Guide and Co-Owner, Jessica Sobolowski-Quinn shares, “Buddy Love used to be a peak I often skied with Kevin (Quinn – husband, guide, & co-owner). The landing zone is small and the adrenaline I would feel on the toe-in would stay with me for the first three turns skiing down. It’s exciting! Dropping onto the massive spine is intimidating, but as soon as you’re a quarter of the way down the run appears, the rollover fades away, and you are skiing a beautiful, consistently steep slope to the bottom.”
Sobolowski-Quinn adds, “It was a special moment when one of our guests, KC, skied it. She is a mom of three and in her forties. I was overcome with pride and awe. It's not often you see a lady just ripping the you-know-what out of a line like Buddy Love and doing it just for the sheer joy of doing it.”
Photo: Court Leve
PNH company man Stone describes the run:
“On the west aspect there are fluted spines, top to bottom. The apron is littered with gaping crevasses that catch your eye like an S.O.S distress signal from a pocket mirror. Due to its sun exposure, this aspect is rarely skied. But in the right conditions, it will be what you dream about.
Panning around to the northwest aspect, Buddy Love proper, is a beautiful A-framed layout. The tip of the peak is rarely landed on by helis as it occasionally can have wind scoured rock formations and a miniscule landing area; so about fifty percent of the landings are in the saddle just below the summit. This is where I set out for the quick climb to the top.
Once on the summit, as I double check my gear, the bass drum in my chest is increasing in velocity and depth. Peering over the tip of my board, the view is peppered rock and small cliffs scattered about the entrance. Beyond that, the only visual is the valley floor 3,000 feet below. Classic AK roll.
There are safe points. But if you are caught in the wrong area, it's taking you top to bottom in a hurry.
With a consistent 50-degree pitch, I have no problem finding the accelerator in the first turn. From there it offers several routes—my personal favorite being fall line. I work the mountain from right to left. A third of the way down, a distinct rib just calls for turns. Shedding snow forms rivers on both sides of me, and yet more concentrated on either side of the spine. I make a few surf-style turns, whipping the tail while scrubbing speed in the same motion. A smooth lip. Take off!
Airing a small cliff band, I am now in the gut. The belly of the beast. I have two choices at this point: wait out the slough train, or, my choice, hammer down, working left toward the shoulder, letting the snow fall away from me.
Getting to the bottom third, the thought of pointing to the finish line comes to mind. But keeping one step ahead, I lock onto the open seracs and depressions on the left side of the apron. All of the snow I've been avoiding is now catching me and its destination is the danger zone. Smashing the pedal to the floor, I exit right, just before the slough nips at my heels to pull me back fall line. Arms raised, yelling in ecstasy, I realize that I made it. And I rode it how I wanted.”
Be safe in the field, shop for all your avalanche saftey gear online at Backcountry.comPhotos by
- Blog post
- 2 months ago
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Go Now: Selkirk Wilderness Ski Go Now: Selkirk Wilderness Skiing
- From: SamPetri
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Description:
“I don’t fuck around.” Dr. Powder says. “This is my 30th week up here. I only get two weeks each year to really ski, and I’m not going to blow it. I come here. I am not fucking around."
It’s hard to look directly into Dr. Powder’s intense, near-purple eyes as we chug uphill in one of Selkirk Wilderness Skiing’s bright-yellow snow cats on a bluebird Monday morning. Instead, I look outside in awe of Canada’s pillow-packed mountains. Dr. Powder is actually a heart doctor from California, and he’s serious about skiing. A quivering passion shows on his face when he talks about the sport, and he spends his precious little skiing time here. But he’s not alone.
Fanaticism runs deep in the clientele at Selkirk Wilderness Skiing, the first cat skiing operation in the world located in Meadow Creek, British Columbia, just two hours north of Nelson. It’s not a mystery why. The cats access more skiable terrain than Whistler/Blackcomb and Vail combined, and only see about 24 skiers per day. They’ve been quietly delivering stellar powder since 1975, when founders Allan and Brenda Drury literally changed the ski world by inventing a new way to ski.
It snowed 25 centimeters up high last night. In Freedom Units, that’s 10 inches. SWS lead guide and 20-year veteran Jason Remple, has seen fatter days, but he wasn’t complaining as we ended our first cat-assisted assent.
Ecstatic chatter cracks over the radios: “25 centimeters of new! Whoo Ha!”
Our crew of 12 applauds.
The cat stops and we file out into knee-deep snow. I just grin while looking the snow-caked, spine-filled mountains with pillow clusters and steep glades. There’s every type of skiing feature imaginable here. I search for my skis. Ian, our cat driver, has already laid them out on the snow for me, as he has with everyone else’s skis. How nice. I click in.
Remple, who also owns a business called Stellar Heli-Skiing, rallies the crew.
“Follow me.”
We’re off. We ski 12-deep in a mob, like some sort of Canadian cat skiing advertisement. “We really are skiing Canadian,” I chuckle to myself. We keep it up until we reach a convex rollover, the top of our main line. We stop.
Remple explains the layout of the run, and where people of different abilities need to go. Throughout the trip, Remple, Jeff Gostlin, and Carla Aldinger consistently guide us to the gnar. Every run has features to jump off of, leaving us repeating phrases like: “So sick!”
“You’ve got to understand this is a diverse group,” says Remple. “On any given run though, there are a lot of options and we can get into almost anything. There’s something for everyone.”
That might be the best thing about SWS—you can go there with your old man and have a blast. In fact, two guys in our cat were a father-son duo from San Francisco. While dad would ski the open powder field, his son, who we nicknamed “Big Air Blair,” would shred pillow lines. Both were fired up at the bottom of every run, ready for more. That’s quality family time.
It goes on all day. We ride up, blast down, each time linking back up with the cat. Rarely do you see the other cat out there. Each run from start to finish takes about 40 minutes or so, including time spent in the cat. Depending on the group, it’s possible to ski anywhere from eight to twelve runs in a day. Depending on the group, it's possible to get six to twelve runs per day. Most runs are about 2,000 to 3,000 vertical feet.
Helicopter flights jack you up for the next run, while traveling in a snow cat is like a relaxing bus ride through a powder forest. If heli skiing is a stimulant, then cat skiing is an opiate.
SWS serves lunch in the snow cat, and it’s one of the best things about the experience. It even comes with tea and cookies. This daily ritual happens every day at SWS. It’s amazing. Skiing needs more tea and cookies.
The lodge, located at an elevation of 4,000 feet, has a cool, community-style vibe where guests hangout together and eat together. There’s a pool table, ping-pong table, hot tub, sauna, and a serve-yourself bar stocked full of chronic Canadian microbrews that don’t show up in America. Oh yeah, there’s WiFi, but you’re here to unplug. Just ski. Don’t forget to eat though. The food is healthy, hearty, and delicious. Dinners are served family style, adding to the overall camaraderie one feels while at SWS.
The snow in interior BC, while feather-light, has a bit more moisture content than in the Rocky Mountains. This lets mini-AK-style spines, flutes, and pillow features form almost everywhere, allowing for playful bonks off terrain features without fear of dry-docking. I go all day without hitting a rock or crossing a track.
Back at the lodge we melt into the cushy chairs, kick our feet up by the fire, pop beers, thumb through Kootenay Mountain Culture Magazine, play ping-pong, and soak in the tub. This is the place. Tomorrow, we’ll get on a snow cat at 8:15 a.m., and ski the best powder of our lives all over again. It’s no wonder Dr. Powder comes twice a year—he’s in on the Selkirk’s secret.
Book Now
Selkirk Wilderness Skiing TGR Special
March 24 to March 30. Both 3 and 5 day package are available at 20% off right now.
3 day – normal price/discounted price = $2580/$2150.
5 day – normal price/discounted price = $4300/$3440.
Photos by Steve Shannon - Blog post
- 2 months ago
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Bluebird Pow Day At Jackson Ho Bluebird Pow Day At Jackson Hole
- From: jacksonhole
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Description:
February 24th was another special powder day at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. With over a foot of new snow the sun decided to pop. There is nothing better than a bluebird powder day. It's DEEP out there, whether you call it 300“ or 25 feet of snow. This video showcases one run in the Crags with Kim Havell and Jess McMillan. With the #1 snow in the Rockies and deals as deep as the snow, now is the time to get to Jackson Hole.
Watch More Jackson Hole Videos - 3 months ago
- Views: 10
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300" And Counting At Jackson H 300" And Counting At Jackson Hole
- From: jacksonhole
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Description:
February 23rd was another special powder day at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The storm continues and has dropped over a foot so far, propping Jackson Hole above 300“ of snowfall on the season. It's DEEP out there, whether you call it 300” or 25 feet. With the #1 snow in the Rockies and deals as deep as the snow, now is the time to get to Jackson Hole.
Watch More Jackson Hole Videos - 3 months ago
- Views: 4
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Surface Live Free Skis (2012/2 Surface Live Free Skis (2012/2013): GEAR REVIEW
- From: warpigsinfin
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Description:
SUMMARY: The Surface Live Free ski is an ultralight, fat, all mountain ski perfect for backcountry powder, ski mountaineering, and variable inbounds and sidecountry conditions. Despite being significantly lighter weight than most similarly sized skis, the Live Free is a solid wood-core ski incorporating hybrid flex: conventional camber underfoot and progressive rocker in the tip and tail. The Live Free has proven itself a fun, durable, versatile “one ski quiver” in the Teton Range.LENGTHS: 181cm, 191cm
RADIUS: 181cm: 22m, 191cm: 26.2m
WEIGHT: 181cm: 8.6lbs, 191cm: 10.2lbs (pair)
WIDTH: 181cm:146/110/130, 191cm:156/120/135REVIEW SPECS: Reviewer is a 200 lb., 5’10” male backcountry powderhound and occasional ski mountaineer in Wyoming’s Teton Range. I have skied 30+ backcountry days on the 2013 Surface Live Free 191 in conditions ranging from bottomless powder to hero snow to groomers to steep, sketchy sun and wind crusts.
Review conducted with Dynafit TLT Mountain Bootsand Dynafit TLT Speed Radical Bindings.
I experimented with multiple binding mount configurations, initially starting at the manufacturer recommended mount – 90cm from tail to boot center – before moving the mount back ~5cm and then ultimately moving the mount back an additional 4cm to 81cm from tail to boot center. After several seasons riding a fat, floppy 188cm ski with boot center 78cm from the tail, I didn’t enjoy having 90cm of tail and the necessity of leaning back in the deep stuff. I predominantly ride powder and found mounting the skis 9cm back from the recommended mount to be a whole lot of fun in deep snow without sacrificing hard snow performance. I have to lean forward a bit more aggressively to engage the edges for carving, but I’d rather do that than continually lean back to keep my tips afloat in the fluff I’m generally out hunting for.
FULL GEAR REVIEW HERE. - Blog post
- 3 months ago
- Views: 116
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Resort Review: Vail Colorado C Resort Review: Vail Colorado Celebrates 50 Years of Skiing
- From: drewrouse
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Description:
Vail has quite the reputation with out me writing one word about it as a subject you probably already have an opinion on the place. However after living here for 15 years and growing up skiing this place with my family before that I know some of its secrets so perhaps I can add some perspective both as a former gaper and a long time local.
Essentially a 5 mile by 5 mile expanse of ridges and huge open bowls that happen to sit at the south end of the Gore Range which creates a jagged cloud trap to catch any precipitation and funnel it towards Vail. It is the reason that there can be 5 inches on the report at mid vail but the back bowls and Blue Sky basin will receive feet as happened just this last storm cycle. On a good year well over 400 inches of super light Colorado fluff fall back there a few miles from the village.
The terrain here is mostly mellow but trust me there are some steeps and cliffs if that your thing. I spoke with young big mtn up and comer Christian Nichols formerly of Ski Club Vail’s Big Mtn Team and he told me that its legit terrain for him and the rest of the team to have to train on to prepare for contests at mountains that are much more highly regarded as steep and technical. The terrain parks at Vail are looking better than ever with a brand new 22 foot super pipe this season and always innovative rails and eagle counties little secret, lots of log slides in the trees if jibbing lumber is your thing.
Lines can be long on weekends or big powder days but there are ways to get away from the crowds. Show up early with a plan and get ahead of everyone and you will be lapping untracked powder for hours or show up late when its dumping and go seek out some stashes. Ptarmigan cornice and the ends of the ridges in the bowls are some of my favorite places to look for super deep wind-loaded leftovers. As a kid I can remember loving to go out to inner and outer Mongolia bowls just because there was no one ever out there and there was a lot of terrain to explore. Its not that steep but it is always worth a look if you want to find some solitutde.
The resort has a bunch of easily accessible side-country, which means you can usually find fresh snow even weeks after a storm if you know where to look. East Vail, The Minturn Mile, West vail trees…. It would take you years and years to ride all of the lines located a short walk from Vail’s ropes. Just remember here in Eagle County more often than not we have a sketchy snow pack with lots of depth hoar and a recipe for slabs that step down into bigger slides so use good sense and remember your Avalanche gear if you are wanting to venture out. Seems almost every year someone is lost in an avalanche around here and its definitely something that’s always in the back of my mind.
The snow is not the only attraction here, Vail does a pretty good job of putting on events and concerts all year long almost. With the Burton U.S open making its Vail debut, this coming weekend it looks like they are just stepping it up. Things have never been better as far as nightlife goes and bridge street, will keep even the most seasoned partiers happy. Check out the George if you want to chill or Samana Lounge to get your groove on.
Some of the things I have heard is that Vail is flat and its crowded, full of gapers, extremely corporate, expensive, my aspen friends call it a truck stop and yada yada yada. So what, a lot of negative things are true about this place and people always hate on the biggest for whatever reason but subtract that and what do you have. A huge expansive mountain with a pretty fun town, pretty easy access from Denver, via a very well maintained highway that doesn’t close often enough for my liking. Check Vail out, you may have the time of your life here whether it’s a deep pow day or a night out on the town, I know I have.Skier Drew Rouse
Photo Ben KoelkerVail Lodging Sale, book online through Mountain Reservations.
- Blog post
- 3 months ago
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Shit Jobs Part 6: Miniskirt-ed Shit Jobs Part 6: Miniskirt-ed Cocktail Waitress
- From: brigidmander
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Description:
This series attempts to profile some of the best and worst shit jobs in a ski town. Don’t get us wrong, in no way do we intend to bash professions like these, they are a means to an end, the axis upon which our mountain lives spin. Without jobs like these, how would you ski over 100 days a season and still be employed?
It sounds wrong, and it more or less is, according to the current, accepted norms of our society.
“You can wear whatever you want, as long as it is a skirt. A short one.” The manager states this, and then gauges your reaction. You might look around, fairly unenthused, as a potential co-worker - with a tiny circle of fabric passing as a skirt - ferries a tray of beer past you. Yes, when the manager of a job tells you this, you should probably run away, unless you are pursuing a career path unrelated to skiing.
But, in this case, it is already December, this place is somehow still hiring, and you just moved to this mountain town for one and only one reason: ski all the time. And this job, cocktail waitress at a busy base-area apres-ski spot, starts at 3:00 p.m.
Sure, you may have tried to be more upstanding. But everything good (i.e, night) is gone, and the local paper has options like: barista (serving coffee on powder mornings? Hahahaha!), hotel concierge (calmly assisting guests on powder mornings? I really don’t think so), retail clerk (standing forlornly among trinkets/tee shirts on powder morning? Sorry. Can’t. Do. That.), or babysitting (watch tiny non-verbal people at hotel while parents ski? No.). These are all the very definition of blowing it. Even if starvation is a concern, keep your eye on the ball: no day jobs.
So while the short skirts rule may seem wrong, all you can think about is the start time and base area location. What’s the big deal, really? You might get a little cranky for a minute thinking of your guy ski friends and their cool, night ski-tech, beer-drinking, no skirt wearing jobs, but you find yourself wondering if you still have that really cute little plaid skirt. And that little black V-neck? And there it is: This is the only remotely acceptable schedule for skiing, and priorities are priorities. No commuting, very little ski day disruption? Ciao, standards! Miniskirt it is!
There are some interesting scenes to be immediately discovered on both the patron and co-worker sides. You may learn that only some of your co-workers view this as the only way to get an amazing ski schedule and pay bills. A few of the other waitresses will always take the cocktailing, mini-skirting scene rather seriously. They will look at the helmet-haired crew disapprovingly, but no one will care (we skied pow all day!). If the others skied, they’ve gone home on time, showered, curled hair, and some, you come to find out, have little trick like stuff their bras. (According to some sources, it can get your five extra dollars a table. This skier did not test that one out. The line really did have to be drawn somewhere.)
What I did test is that you can come skiing up to the door with five minutes to spare, run to the locker room, strip to ski socks (yes, unknowing drunk guys will totally see these as sexy knee socks!), tight ski shirt (a deep zip necks work well, actually) throw on said cute mini-skirt, madly fluff helmet hair, grab a little makeup, and clock in. Woo! I made about $150 on average an afternoon this way. Would it have been $200 if I went home and showered and curled my hair? Who cares! For another hour and half or so of skiing every day, $150 works great!
Of course, you will also learn the finer points of serving hundreds of beers in an afternoon to hundreds of drunk guys who think they are all pros or are on ‘boy’s trips’ from fill-in-the-blank city. They may point out your abundantly visible quads (thanks, mini-skirt) say, “Woah, looks you ski a lot!” You might be tempted to say something sarcastic, but better yet is to just act all enthused about how rad their ski trip must be: ‘Oh yeah, whatever, but what did you guys ski today?! You don’t have to listen to them because you’ve already brought them six pitchers and they have no idea what is going on now, or earlier in the day. “We were over at, uh, what was it, hey Jeff, what was the name of that lift we skied today?” “Oh yes, that lift is cool. I am sure you guys skied some amazing blues –er, super rad lines.”
You will be asked to do a lot of shots, because every group you wait on will have decided that the boy’s trip actually sucks without girls. They will want to flirt with you, even though you are clearly in the weeds, have spilled beer on yourself, are possibly on the verge of tears, and have nine other tables of drunk guys who all want you to hang out at their table and do shots with them. The trick, if you want to oblige – and you probably should, as people get stoked and leave bigger tips when they think they’re expanding the party - is to have the bartenders, who are always on your side, give you something non-alcoholic.
Skirt and leering guys or not, the bottom line is that you ski all day, and since apres peters out around 6 or 7, you get to go home early, so you can be up early. Sure, it at least four hours of rushing drinks through extremely maniacal, chaotic celebrating, and you feel like you’ve run a very confused marathon everyday. But when you stuff the skirt back in the locker, pocket your cash, and leave the feeling of being a stereotype hustling beers at the bar and head home, things don’t look so bad anymore. Because it’s dumping outside, and you don’t have to be back at work until three.
Chase waterfalls this spring, women's clothing is on sale at Backcountry.com
Read Shit Jobs Part 5: Beginner Ski Instructor
Read Shit Jobs Part 4: WaiterRead Shit Jobs Part 3: Unemployment Collecting Seasonal Worker
- Blog post
- 3 months ago
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Selkirk Wilderness By Armada S Selkirk Wilderness By Armada Skis
- From: armadaskis108111
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Description:
Follow Riley Leboe and Nick Leboe as they head to Selkirk Wilderness Catskiing. Located in Meadow Creek, deep in the interior of British Columbia. This is their journey from the coast to Selkirk Wilderness for 2 amazing days of pow slaying.
Watch More Armada Videos - 3 months ago
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News: Team Europe Takes Top Ho News: Team Europe Takes Top Honors At Swatch Skiers Cup 2013 In Zermatt
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:
Zermatt, Switzerland - Team Europe took the SWATCH SKIERS CUP trophy back from defending champions Team Americas today, with a masterful team performance on the Backcountry Slopestyle course. Today’s 10 – 6 win follows their victory on Big Mountain Freeride day, making Team Europe the event champions with a final score of 21 – 11.
A crisp, sunny day greeted spectators and competitors as they emerged from Zermatt’s spectacular Gornergrat Bahn ski train. Riders found the competition face in perfect condition, with 20cm of untouched powder blanketing the venue. The top section of the course featured steep, freeride-style terrain, while the middle and lower sections were filled with hand-sculpted jumps, with the riders taking full advantage of the variety of possible lines and airs.
Team Europe’s Fabio Studer (AUT) had the standout run of the day, entering the course with a switch cork 540 (taking off backwards with one and a half off-axis rotations) off the ridge, drawing cheers from the large crowd as he flashed effortlessly through a hidden couloir, before finishing with a flawless cork 720.
Sverre Liliequist (SWE) kept his momentum from Big Mountain day going with a creative double cliff drop to backflip and a huge double front flip attempt. “Even though Slopestyle isn’t my strength, it doesn’t make me nervous to give it my best try. I know I’m stretching my abilities super far, but the features are very safe and the vibe here is so encouraging that it creates the perfect environment to push your comfort level,” said Liliequist.
Team Americas laid down standout performances as well. Rory Bushfield (CAN) skied an extra run to replace the injured Tim Dutton (USA), nailing all three of his super technical, stylish lines. The last competitor of the day, Charlie Ager (CAN), nearly pulled off a switch landing on his cork 900 in the deep powder of the final jump.
The successful week in Zermatt points to a bright future for the SWATCH SKIERS CUP. “Bringing together 16 of the best riders in Big Mountain and Backcountry Slopestyle has proved to be a winning combination and I’m pleased to be able to announce today that the event will go on. Thanks to our key partner SWATCH, we’re looking forward for the next two editions which are confirmed,” said head event organizers Nicolas Hale-Woods.
The two captains for the 2014 SWATCH SKIERS CUP have just been confirmed, with legendary riders Julien Regnier (FRA) to lead Team Europe, and JP Auclair (CAN) to head Team Americas. Look for the host resort of the next edition to be announced soon on www.swatchskierscup.com.
Today's Quotes:
“For my second run, I knew we were out of reach of getting the trophy, with no mathematical way to win. So at that point I told the boys to just go have fun, and for myself, I decided to give this crowd a show and go for my double cork 1080. The rotation was right on but I just went a little, ok, a lot too big. But it was just so much fun.
After that epic Big Mountain day, and then to top it off with today? I mean, it was honestly one of the greatest contests I’ve ever seen.” Cody Townsend (USA) – Team Americas Captain
“We deal with huge challenges to make this event happen. Putting in tons of work on the jumps, and the safety protocols, and judging, and then hoping mother nature cooperates. It’s a job, but I love it, and wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.”
Julien Regnier (FRA), jump shaper and judge. - Blog post
- 3 months ago
- Views: 82
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Tree Slaloming Tree Slaloming
- From: frenchman
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Description:Rider: Leon Chevalier Filmed By: Leon Chevalier Filmed in les Houches and in Val Cenis Vanoise, French Alps. Because it hadn't snowed in a long time, the only untouched snow we found was deep in the forest, or when hiking high and far enough.
- 3 months ago
- Views: 7
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Floating In Fieberbrunn With S Floating In Fieberbrunn With Sage Cattabriga-Alosa
- From: TetonGravityResearch
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Description:
Sage Cattabriga-Alosa gets ready to drop into deep Austrian snow. Photo by Dutch Simpson.
“Oh man! Hehe, I got a Fieber brew'n!”
Excitement was thick in the air after our first run, filled with insanely deep snow.
We had arrived just hours before in the dark of night to Fieberbrunn, Austria, after a wrong turn led us up a snow-covered single-lane road. Once the realization hit that things were not right the crew, Tim Durtchi, Colter Hinchcliff, Dylan Hood, photographer Mark Fisher, cinematographers Dustin Handly, Athan Merick, the TGR production crew, and I, found that one of our vans was basically stuck. The van was not stuck so much as it was ****ed, as it was overloaded, filled with bags on the inside, five ski bags on the roof, and equipped with non-snow tires and without chains.
The steep, single-lane snow-packed road was slick, and the van became a toboggan. We literally inched the van back down the mountain in a full skid, using the crew as anchors dragging along each side, and back, keeping the van from gaining too much momentum and ending up in a creek, ditch or snow bank. The drive, which should have taken about an hour and a half, took almost seven.
That was all behind us now, nearly forgotten, washed away with, as nearly all the crew described, the deepest snow that they had ever skied. Our start to the day was a little slow, but as we made our way up the series of pod gondolas, the first glimpses of terrain revealed steep trees covered in a visibly thick blanket of snow. As soon as we clicked in and made or first turns, verbal excitement erupted in a chain reaction as one by one we dipped into the waist deep snow. Excitement was high, and we were eager to get right to work, capitalizing on the amazing snow, and capturing the phenomenon of really, really deep snow. Immediately we began identifying shoot-able lanes of powder and pillows that inspired us to break out the cameras, line up zones and embark on the blind ride that would start as soon as you began skiing.
This storm was unique to our trip in Austria, it had snowed almost three feet in just over 24 hours, and was sitting on a soft base creating a bottomless, blower, layer of snow that covered the mountain. Skiing already feels like flying, and when conditions are like this, you are flying in slow motion, hovering down the mountain, suspended by a million feathery crystals, where the flying only ends when the fall line stops.
We continued through the day stepping out small takeoffs, floating off pillows and linking turn after turn of blinding fun. The entire crew was glowing, in awe of the experience, and grateful to have made it to this powder paradise.
Sage busts a cork 3 into bottomless pow at Fieberbrunn. Photo by Dutch Simpson.
Charging 50 cm of snow. Photo by Dustin Handley.
Deep, deep snow. Photo by Dustin Handley.
Sage gets pitted. Photo by Dustin Handley.
So pitted. Photo by Dustin Handley.
Yes, yes it was deep. Photo by Dustin Handley.
Field goal. Photo by Dustin Handley. - Blog post
- 3 months ago
- Views: 209
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