lafcadio

Well that didn't take long. After carefully prying the corners of the T nut I was finally able to get it dislodged. Once one corner started to come out, the rest came rather easily. For anyone else attempting this one trick is that because of how the cuff is curved, it's difficult to get a tool under the corner of the T nut to pry it. After carefully deforming the cuff so that it's less curved, it was easier. Also, after further review, I now realize it would have been easier to relocate the clasp on the other side of the cuff rather than the buckle, due to the shape of the cuff. The nuts on the other side are easier to get at, if that's an option for you.

Hey everyone, I'm trying to reposition the top buckles on my UPZ XC12 boots to another set of holes because the buckles are too tight. It looks like the buckle screw is screwed into a T-nut, which would need to be removed. I've tried to pry it off but it ain't budging. I don't want to damage the T-nut to remove it since I don't currently have a replacement. Does anyone know how it might be possible to remove the T-nut in a non-destructive way so that I can reuse it in another hole? Thanks!

Since the season officially wrapped up on March 24th, I’ve been out half a dozen times on the splitboard. The snow that fell Thursday and Friday last week was still good Monday morning and I was able to find fresh lines. Even today, parts of Plutos and Galaxy haven’t been touched yet.

I’m squeezing every last bit of snow out of this season. My local hill has been closed for more than two weeks but the snowpack is holding (the rain coming tomorrow may put an end to that). I’ve been skinning up on the splitboard for some post-season runs. Even today I was able to find fresh lines which haven’t been touched yet I’ll likely head to Okemo this weekend and then maybe Stowe before it’s over.

Based on the extensive details posted by @Jarcode (thanks!) it sounds like the GFT may be one of the best Zipfit models for alpine snowboarders based on how it flexes. I'm in the market for a liner replacement for my UPZ XC12s. I love how the XC12s flex and I'm absolutely not interested in a liner that will make the boot feel stiffer (so likely a wrap-style liner is out). I'm thinking about the Zipfit GFT or maybe one of the Intuition liners with a tongue. I realize this post was a while ago, but I'm curious about this comment from @Carvin' Marvin after visiting Zipfit back in December of 2021: Did he indicate WHY he thought the GFT would not work well in the UPZ boots? Was this a comment about UPZ boots in general, or something specific to your foot/fit in the UPZ boots?

This morning at Mount Sunapee, NH after 22” of fresh in the last two days, a mother to her ~4 year old: ”Tomorrow is the last day of skiing.” ”Why?” ”Because they’re closing for the season.” “Why?” “Because it’s Spring.” “I HATE SPRING!” Me too, kid. Me too.

Sunapee was amazing today. 15” since yesterday and still coming down at noon. I’m going back for more tomorrow. I think this is the final week.

Going back to basics has never not helped me. I often do various carving drills when I’m out, especially warming up and early season.

Pluto’s was spectacular today. A little on the crispy side first thing but by 10:30 it was just right. Erik and I ripped it up good. At 1 PM it was still good but my tired little legs had enough. Gotta save some for tomorrow and Sunday. Snow on the way tonight and tomorrow morning. Only question is when it will turn to rain. Tomorrow morning should be good. We’ll see for Sunday.

Wednesday morning I was treated with snow flurries while skinning up. The snow was still very soft. Luckily it stopped snowing before it warmed up later in the day. Today was the best day of the week so far. At 7 AM it was 15º at the top, sunny, and windy (25-30 MPH gusts) with an overnight dusting of snow. The groom was crisp and firm in the morning and made for good carving on Pluto's, Meteor, and Galaxy. I stayed around and rode the lift until 10 AM. Tomorrow should also be good. Forecast shows more snow on the way Saturday morning and then it turns to rain Saturday afternoon.

Today was mostly a repeat of yesterday. Slightly cooler and windier. If overnight temps continue to drop hopefully it will still be a good week. Here’s a few snapshots from this morning.

For what it’s worth, Crotched in Southern NH is holding up well. I’m looking forward to an amazing final week of the season there.

TL;DR: should be a great final week and weekend! Skinning up this morning I was impressed at the amazing job the mountain ops team did with grooming. They pushed a bunch of snow back up the trail to cover thin spots on Galaxy and Moon Walk. After yesterday’s slush fest and light rain, I could not believe how good the mountain looked! It was about 30° at 7 AM and only dropped below freezing for a couple of hours. Trails in the shade were semi-crisp. Anything the sun touched was very soft. Looking forward to this week. The weather looks very favorable. Below freezing temps each night getting colder as the week progresses. No rain in sight. I’m planning to skin up each morning and will post updates. I should be out all day Friday and Saturday at least and maybe Sunday, too. Sunday, March 24 is the last day at Crotched.

Any update on potentially meeting elsewhere?

While out today, it really struck me that almost without exception, nearly every individual on the mountain was riding in a similar way: either straight down the mountain without turning or making very shallow turns (about 1 shallow turn for every 5-6 of my tight, full-C carved turns). In a world where everyone is doing the same thing and riding in a predictable familiar way, except one weirdo in ski boots on a snowboard, it becomes apparent there's going to be problems. Stay vigilant, give people room to be stupid, and be prepared to pull off to the side when you see someone too close. I don't know what it's like to carve turns without looking over my shoulder anymore.