TT Ski/Snowboard/Sledding Club!

BlueB

BlueB

Legend
LeeD said:
You would be a fool to applaud bad technique, and luck.
Basically, that is what you are doing.
Poor technique, he should have caught his edges, crashed hard, and released from his bindings.
Like a luck mishit in tennis, that is not something to be proud of.
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Man, you've got serious problems... I'll leave that to a professional...

You keep on going about the technique... Understandable, since you can not answer the simple question I've asked several times.
I already politely declined the tech discussion. The kid has pro coaches and semi-pro dad, we are aware of what the shortomings are. You didn't even pick his biggest technical problem. Some of the stuff you said is correct, some is misdiagnosed. Which is ok - you can not tell from a single pic, although you would like to be able to, so you can boost your ego. Even that is kind of ok, but to wish onto a kid to have, or should have had, a hard fall, is just sick :shock: :mad:

It's probably hard to understand the concept that you teach the kids the best by encouragement and praising - you wouldn't know of course, as I doubted that you had any of your own, or are qualified to work with them.
Certainly that I'm going to be proud when I see the kid doing something that very few, or no peers can do... Show me another one and I'll praise that kid too.
 
GRANITECHIEF

GRANITECHIEF

Hall of Fame
Got to get in one last day at Snowbird last weekend to finish off the season. 4" fresh snow.

Least number of days on the hill in a decade. Must be global warming.
 
L

LeeD

Bionic Poster
Least amount of rain after Dec ever in history....
Watch, next year, we get torrential El Nino's.
As you know, it's cyclic. A few dry years, a few wet.
Ex g/f just got back from a week at Aspen. Said it was cold and no freshies.
 
sapient007

sapient007

Semi-Pro
GRANITECHIEF said:
Got to get in one last day at Snowbird last weekend to finish off the season. 4" fresh snow.

Least number of days on the hill in a decade. Must be global warming.
Click to expand...

i've been pushing my trips out west later and later every season just to ensure a good base. was lucky enough to be out there in the beginning of april and caught some storms at the bird. it has been raining a lot there april and i may do the same time frame again since the temperature is more favorable.
 
L

LeeD

Bionic Poster
Keep rewarding mistakes and bad form, take credit for you mishit winners, and brag about how much you meant to hit them.
 
BlueB

BlueB

Legend
Ski race, few weeks ago:

Seymore3.jpg
 
dParis

dParis

Hall of Fame
Gearing up for the season and I'd like to hear some advice on good base layer clothing. I think I'm finally figuring out less is more and I'm doing away with the endless layers of shirts, sweaters and jackets. I like the Smartwool tops, but at almost 100 bones ea. they're a kind of steep. What are some other, functional base layers that look good off the mountain as well?
 
Kevin T

Kevin T

Hall of Fame
dParis said:
Gearing up for the season and I'd like to hear some advice on good base layer clothing. I think I'm finally figuring out less is more and I'm doing away with the endless layers of shirts, sweaters and jackets. I like the Smartwool tops, but at almost 100 bones ea. they're a kind of steep. What are some other, functional base layers that look good off the mountain as well?
Click to expand...

Check out Sierra Trading Post. They almost always have a big discount coupon on their site or on the Interwebs, typically 25-30% off already discounted prices. They have a ton of Icebreaker stuff, which I actually prefer to Smartwool layers (I do love Smartwool socks, though). I ski in the Sierras and typically just wear an Icebreaker bottom and top layer, an Icebreaker merino wool vest, ski pants and either a light soft shell (if not too cold) or thicker Gore-tex jacket when colder.
 
dParis

dParis

Hall of Fame
Kevin T said:
Check out Sierra Trading Post. They almost always have a big discount coupon on their site or on the Interwebs, typically 25-30% off already discounted prices. They have a ton of Icebreaker stuff, which I actually prefer to Smartwool layers (I do love Smartwool socks, though). I ski in the Sierras and typically just wear an Icebreaker bottom and top layer, an Icebreaker merino wool vest, ski pants and either a light soft shell (if not too cold) or thicker Gore-tex jacket when colder.
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Looks good, Kev. I think that's what I'm looking for.
 
r2473

r2473

G.O.A.T.
dParis said:
Looks good, Kev. I think that's what I'm looking for.
Click to expand...

Good advice from Kevin.

Be aware that once you get on the Sierra e-mail list, you will probably have 3 or more active coupons going on at once. On Sierra, there is ALWAYS a coupon. So get familiar with how it works to get the best price.

Also, I don't know what you wear now or where you typically ski, but I'd suggest looking around your local retail store to get a feel for what you like and think you need. For example, you may or may not really need or like the top of the line Gore-Tex stuff. Would you rather get insulated gear (how thick?), or just a shell? Try it on and see what you think / how if feels.

I ski in desert dry Utah so the snow isn't very wet. The wind isn't normally as "biting cold" as it is in Chicago for example. So I'm going to buy different clothes than someone who skis mainly on the East Coast for example.

I actually ski in these cheap bibs and they are pretty much perfect. I got them for $18 shipped.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/wh...lterString=s~sierra-ski-pants/&colorFamily=01

I really like these socks, but you might not want cushioning. Or you might want compression socks.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/sm...rString=s~smartwool-socks-men/&colorFamily=01

Good gear and clothes make a difference to the experience, so take some time and figure out what you want.

By the way, we have NOTHING for snow yet in Utah. Almost everything on the slopes now is machine made (crap).
 
Kevin T

Kevin T

Hall of Fame
r2473 said:
Good advice from Kevin.

Be aware that once you get on the Sierra e-mail list, you will probably have 3 or more active coupons going on at once. On Sierra, there is ALWAYS a coupon. So get familiar with how it works to get the best price.

Also, I don't know what you wear now or where you typically ski, but I'd suggest looking around your local retail store to get a feel for what you like and think you need. For example, you may or may not really need or like the top of the line Gore-Tex stuff. Would you rather get insulated gear (how thick?), or just a shell? Try it on and see what you think / how if feels.

I ski in desert dry Utah so the snow isn't very wet. The wind isn't normally as "biting cold" as it is in Chicago for example. So I'm going to buy different clothes than someone who skis mainly on the East Coast for example.

I actually ski in these cheap bibs and they are pretty much perfect. I got them for $18 shipped.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/wh...lterString=s~sierra-ski-pants/&colorFamily=01

I really like these socks, but you might not want cushioning. Or you might want compression socks.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/sm...rString=s~smartwool-socks-men/&colorFamily=01

Good gear and clothes make a difference to the experience, so take some time and figure out what you want.

By the way, we have NOTHING for snow yet in Utah. Almost everything on the slopes now is machine made (crap).
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Yes, they will email you to death. :)

I use the same Smartwool socks (PhD) for everything...these for skiing and the running and trail running versions for running, tennis, squash and everything else. Darn Tough makes awesome socks with a lifetime warranty but the content of merino wool is so high (for durability), they aren't as soft and I have a hard time just getting them on my feet.

I have a ton of old Cloudveil gear I still use for skiing. Their old stuff fit me perfectly but unfortunately, they were bought out and the original owners left. A few years ago, a Utah-based site called Level Nine Sports bought all their old stock and sold it at a deep discount. I got a ton of stuff...soft shells, running shorts, casual shirts, soft shell pants and shorts, fleece, ski gloves hats. I must have bought more than 20 items for my wife and I for< $400. I still use my old Cloudveil Headwall jacket (thicker soft shell that's as water repellent as you need for skiing) and pants on colder days and thinner soft shell on warmer days. I will say that after switching to merino wool, I'll never go back to synthetics. They breath much better and never stink.
 
dParis

dParis

Hall of Fame
An aquaitence hooked me up with an Arcteryx hoodie that I have really enjoyed. It's comfortable enough to wear over a long sleeve tee or thin sweater, and tailored enough to wear under a variety of outer layers. So now I'm looking at other Arc gear to compliment. My current outer layer is a Columbia hardshell which has served me well on ski trips to CO and long weekends in the ******* as well as pulling some grunt work around Chicago's winter wonderland. The windproof shell, powder skirt and abundance of pockets make it very functional in different conditions. I'll keep this until it breaks. But I would like a more stylish option as well. That's where the Arc (Venta) comes in. Windproof, which comes in handy both in Chicago, and when skiing. Supposedly, it's good for high output activity and has a good range of motion. Add a quality base layer, and I think I'd have a good active wear winter set up. For extremely low temp, low output days, I have down parka which is basically bullet proof.

Thanks again for the advice, guys. I think I'll sign up for the Sierra Trading Post email bombardment.
 
spaceman_spiff

spaceman_spiff

Hall of Fame
Looks like I might get some skiing done over Thanksgiving. I'm visiting family in the DC area, and my brother says some of the nearby mountains are starting to make snow given the low temps and natural snow that has fallen.

It'll just be small hills with not much vertical, but it's better than nothing (and better than the indoor slopes around here).
 
BlueB

BlueB

Legend
dParis said:
Gearing up for the season and I'd like to hear some advice on good base layer clothing. I think I'm finally figuring out less is more and I'm doing away with the endless layers of shirts, sweaters and jackets. I like the Smartwool tops, but at almost 100 bones ea. they're a kind of steep. What are some other, functional base layers that look good off the mountain as well?
Click to expand...
No need to be too fussy or expensive...
Anything that is hi-tech polyester, Merino or microfiber, or mix of those, will work to keep you relatively dry, which is the most important role of the base layer. You can play with the thickness for more or less warmth, but normally mid layer does that.
The Paradox base layer from Costco works just fine.
Your tennis t-shirts and underwear (assuming you use hi-tech material, not cotton) can work really well too.
 
dParis

dParis

Hall of Fame
BlueB said:
No need to be too fussy or expensive...
Anything that is hi-tech polyester, Merino or microfiber, or mix of those, will work to keep you relatively dry, which is the most important role of the base layer. You can play with the thickness for more or less warmth, but normally mid layer does that.
The Paradox base layer from Costco works just fine.
Your tennis t-shirts and underwear (assuming you use hi-tech material, not cotton) can work really well too.
Click to expand...

I once brought a long sleeve "hi-tech poly" top, which I love for tennis, to use on a ski trip one year and when I put it on in the morning it felt quite cool against my body but I thought everything would warm up once I put on the rest of the layers and got moving around. Well, I felt uncomfortably cool/cold all day and that experience, rightly or wrongly, sort of scared me off of the thinner poly materials. I think my best bet is to get something designed particularly for cold weather.
 
BlueB

BlueB

Legend
Base layer is there to keep you dry (and clean).
Mid layer(s) is there to keep you warm (and dry).
Outer layer is to keep the elements out.
 
r2473

r2473

G.O.A.T.
BlueB said:
Base layer is there to keep you dry (and clean).
Mid layer(s) is there to keep you warm (and dry).
Outer layer is to keep the elements out.
Click to expand...

This is pretty much right on the money, but it comes down to personal preference. If you didn't like the "hi-tech poly top" as a base layer, don't use it.

I like to wear running tights and a "low-tech poly top". I also wear cheap poly sock liners inside my SmartWool socks.
 
dParis

dParis

Hall of Fame
r2473 said:
This is pretty much right on the money, but it comes down to personal preference. If you didn't like the "hi-tech poly top" as a base layer, don't use it.

I like to wear running tights and a "low-tech poly top". I also wear cheap poly sock liners inside my SmartWool socks.
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I ordered some 200/260 wt. Icebreaker tops. I think I'm going to like them. I recently remembered an old merino wool sweater I used to have. I loved that sweater and the only thing I knew about merino wool at the time was that I liked it. These Icebreakers look to be even more comfortable.

r2, running tights and top for skiing? Am I correct in thinking the poly sock liners are there to quickly wick seat to the more absorbant wool outer? Hands and feet, and I'm ready to book my vacation. :)
 
r2473

r2473

G.O.A.T.
dParis said:
r2, running tights and top for skiing? Am I correct in thinking the poly sock liners are there to quickly wick seat to the more absorbant wool outer? Hands and feet, and I'm ready to book my vacation. :)
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I find that the poly keeps me driest (and dry means comfortable), so I'm covered from head to toe in it. Probably not everyone's cup of tea, but it works for me. I'm probably just used to the clothing from winter running.

Where are you skiiing? Have you considered the "Epic Pass"? Given the cost of individual day passes, you'd pay for this skiiing 5-6 days. And when you're done, I think you could sell it on the Auction Site and get most of your money back. Better yet, split it with friends.

How far is Afton Alps from you?

Deal expires Nov. 23rd

http://www.snow.com/epic-pass/passes.aspx
 
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Kevin T

Kevin T

Hall of Fame
dParis said:
I ordered some 200/260 wt. Icebreaker tops. I think I'm going to like them. I recently remembered an old merino wool sweater I used to have. I loved that sweater and the only thing I ears knew about merino wool at the time was that I liked it. These Icebreakers look to be even more comfortable.

r2, running tights and top for skiing? Am I correct in thinking the poly sock liners are there to quickly wick seat to the more absorbant wool outer? Hands and feet, and I'm ready to book my vacation. :)
Click to expand...

You will love the Icebreaker tops. I've used the same 2 tops for 8 years now. I can run in the same top for 5 days with no funk...no kidding. On a side note, another great thing about Sierra TP is they carry overstock of Peregrine by JG Glover merino sweaters...awesome, chunky merino wool sweaters made in the UK. Catch the right sale and you can get $200+ sweaters for under 100. These are the kind of sweaters you can pass on to your kids.
 
dParis

dParis

Hall of Fame
r2473 said:
Where are you skiiing? Have you considered the "Epic Pass"? Given the cost of individual day passes, you'd pay for this skiiing 5-6 days. And when you're done, I think you could sell it on the Auction Site and get most of your money back. Better yet, split it with friends.

How far is Afton Alps from you?

Deal expires Nov. 23rd

http://www.snow.com/epic-pass/passes.aspx
Click to expand...

There's a good chance we are heading back to Crested Butte in February, but possibly somewhere closer to Denver. Friends we often ski with are talking about Vermont, but I don't think I'm feeling that this year.

Thanks for the epic info.
 
r2473

r2473

G.O.A.T.
Kevin T said:
You will love the Icebreaker tops. I've used the same 2 tops for 8 years now. I can run in the same top for 5 days with no funk...no kidding.
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No nipple chaffing in those when running?

Do you get the Epic Pass Kevin? Seems like it would work for you in Tahoe.
 
Kevin T

Kevin T

Hall of Fame
r2473 said:
No nipple chaffing in those when running?

Do you get the Epic Pass Kevin? Seems like it would work for you in Tahoe.
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You know, I've never gotten nipple chaffing with any material. Mine are smaller and lower on the chest, so maybe they're protected? :) I have gotten underarm chaffing with poly shirts but that doesn't happen with wool. I'm not a big sweater, so I just wear cotton t-shirts for tennis, squash running in warmer weather.

If I knew I was going to ski more, I would certainly get the Epic pass. But my wife and I keep pumping out kids, so I'm really lucky to squeeze in 5 days a year. My son (our third) was born in November 2 years ago, so that season was toast. Last year was practically snow-less. On top of that, one of my best friends (grew up together in Va) is pretty high up in an outdoor clothing company whose distribution center is based in Reno, NV. He gets heavily discounted passes to the Heavenly/Kirkwood/Northstar resorts. My father-in-law only likes to go to Sugar Bowl, as it's the closest drive and always insists on paying for my pass...of course, he also makes me chauffeur him up the mountain. :) Those two are my skiing partners for the most part. My oldest is now 6 but only wants to swim and play soccer. I'm hoping she'll get the ski bug this winter.
 
dParis

dParis

Hall of Fame
Anyone consider themselves knowledgeable about the Steamboat, CO experience?

This thread has been very quiet this season.
 
r2473

r2473

G.O.A.T.
Heading up to Snowbird / Alta this weekend. There isn't any snow, but we got an 1,100 sq/ft condo at Snowbird for $50/night for 2 nights (they can't give these things away right after Thanksgiving and too far from Christmas / New Year). I also have free ski passes, so the whole thing is basically free. Skiing will suck, but it's always fun to hang out at the ski resort for a few days.

I got lots of new gear for the season I can't wait to try out. Decided to use @Kevin T advice and buy some SmartWool baselayer (well, he recommended Ice Breaker, but same thing). I also got a pair of Apex MC-X ski boots. I've had them on in the house and they seem 1,000% more comfortable than my old boots. We'll see how they perform (on groomers) this weekend. They're like snowboard boots for skis.

http://apexskiboots.com/product/mcx-big-mountain-performance

Right before Sierra Trading Post changed their sales (they seem to suck now), I bought a few pair of $300 ski pants for $35 each and a $300 shell jacket for $35 too. Grabbed a really nice POC helmet for $50 and some nice Oakley goggles for $50.
 
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Kevin T

Kevin T

Hall of Fame
r2473 said:
Heading up to Snowbird / Alta this weekend. There isn't any snow, but we got an 1,100 sq/ft condo at Snowbird for $50/night for 2 nights (they can't give these things away right after Thanksgiving and too far from Christmas / New Year). I also have free ski passes, so the whole thing is basically free. Skiing will suck, but it's always fun to hang out at the ski resort for a few days.

I got lots of new gear for the season I can't wait to try out. Decided to use @Kevin T advice and buy some SmartWool baselayer (well, he recommended Ice Breaker, but same thing). I also got a pair of Apex MC-X ski boots. I've had them on in the house and they seem 1,000% more comfortable than my old boots. We'll see how they perform (on groomers) this weekend. They're like snowboard boots for skis.

http://apexskiboots.com/product/mcx-big-mountain-performance

Right before Sierra Trading Post changed their sales (they seem to suck now), I bought a few pair of $300 ski pants for $35 each and a $300 shell jacket for $35 too. Grabbed a really nice POC helmet for $50 and some nice Oakley goggles for $50.
Click to expand...

I predict your most enjoyable, epic, comfortable and successful ski trip ever after following my advice. :) Please tell me you're carving out time for the the Iowa game?!

Even though Tahoe is getting (and gotten a good amount this week) snow, my weekend will consist of watching my daughter walk in a Christmas parade, cutting down a tree and decorating the house (insert visons of Clark W. Griswald here). Who needs powder? :)
 
r2473

r2473

G.O.A.T.
Kevin T said:
I predict your most enjoyable, epic, comfortable and successful ski trip ever after following my advice. :)
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Your prediction came true. The new gear is great. Skiing sucked, but I don't mind doing groomer days my first time out. On Saturday it got so icy we left after lunch and just sat in the pool watching everyone ski. It was sunny, so really beautiful.
 
L

LeeD

Bionic Poster
Real skiiers, and border's, can wait until late Jan. to start their season, when there's 8' of snowpack and the trees are open.
 
D

Deleted member 23235

Guest
Lol, it's been 50's all week so far... been playing tennis outside in shorts.
I won't see a snowboard or the mountains til Jan :p
 
BlueB

BlueB

Legend
Back in Vancouver now... The pics are from Powder Mountain Cat Skiing, some 30 km south of Whistler.
I'll hit Cypress in the morning ;)
 
BlueB

BlueB

Legend
r2473 said:
Made it out skiing for the first time yesterday. Pretty good for early season. Anyone else doing any skiing this winter?

@Kevin T, @GRANITECHIEF, @LeeD, @BlueB, @spaceman_spiff, @dParis, @TahoeTennis, @tennis_balla
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Our season at Cypress started about a week later then average, but in a spectacular way. I had 5 pow days out of 9 that I rode so far! The steeps and most of the trees are covered already.
I'll probably do another 50-70 days season. I have to bring my kid for ski club training 3 times per week and I'll again train the snow school staff from Jan...

Right now I'm driving around Kruger Park in 30+ C° heat, but can't wait to be back on snow :)

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk
 
F

fireandwind

Hall of Fame
BlueB said:
Our season at Cypress started about a week later then average, but in a spectacular way. I had 5 pow days out of 9 that I rode so far! The steeps and most of the trees are covered already.
I'll probably do another 50-70 days season. I have to bring my kid for ski club training 3 times per week and I'll again train the snow school staff from Jan...

Right now I'm driving around Kruger Park in 30+ C° heat, but can't wait to be back on snow :)

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Where is Kruger Park? How can it be so hot over there. Is it in Australia?
 
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