Pat Donnelly

Aspen, CO - In honor of Donor Life Month this April, Olympic medalist snowboarder and organ donor recipient Chris Klug (Aspen, CO) hosted a hometown screening of the documentary film "Ride of Your Life," which follows Klug during the 2006 World Cup snowboarding season in order to demonstrate that organ transplants work and are now a part of mainstream medicine. "The film shows what's possible after transplants," said Klug, who underwent a liver transplant in 2000, then went on to win the 2002 Olympic bronze medal for parallel giant slalom. "It is possible to bounce back and live out your dreams. The film tells that story by intertwining my life on the World Cup tour last season with the stories of two women from Denver as they go through the entire transplant process." Following the free screening last Saturday at Aspen's Wheeler Opera House, which hosted 350 people, both women, Hannah Townsend, 17, and Sonya Byrd, 28, appeared onstage to a standing ovation. Each is now one year out from a successful transplant. "When the girls came up on stage, it really hit the audience hard," said Klug, a U.S. Snowboarding veteran. "Through the film, the audience had just gone through a very serious part of Hannah and Sonya's lives and then there they were, live up on stage and doing just fine. Aspen has always been super supportive of me and my career, but there are also a lot of people in this town who have been touched by organ donation. It means a lot to see this kind of support for this project." The recipient of the 2007 Delray Beach Film Festival Extreme Sports Film Award, the film was prescreened at the Sundance Film Festival and earlier last week in Denver. Klug hopes for more screenings across the U.S. this year with an eventual release to DVD and a possible deal to air it on television. Across the country, almost 100,000 people currently await a life-saving organ transplant and sadly 17 die daily while waiting. Klug hopes this film will inspire more to become organ donors. "I've lived a very good life because of my transplant and this is just another way that I can help spread the message of organ donation. We all can save lives and hopefully this helps people realize they can be a hero to someone," said Klug. "Ride of Your Life" is sponsored by The Chris Klug Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes life-saving donation and quality of life for recipients, donors, donor families and transplant candidates.

Same thing happened to mine. Tried to repair with epoxy but the repair failed during the first run.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="80%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Two of the best pieces of news you'll hear all week: 1. Wolf Creek will be open for one more weekend of skiing and riding. Rumors have it that powder stashes down south are still amazing. Check it out for yourself for only $25. 2.If you have a 2006-07 season pass to any ski resort anywhere, you can ski and ride Breckenridge or Vail for $20. Don't believe me? Hit up their websites for all the details. Hit up Breck and Vail before they close for the season. Sunday evening the bullwheels stop turning for the season. So come take advantage of the fresh snow, great lift ticket prices, and week-long free events. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Whistler (BC), Canada - British Columbia's Whistler Blackcomb ski and snowboard resort has confirmed construction of the Peak to Peak Gondola, for completion December 2008. The two mountains will be united by a gondola that will set world records for length and height as it spans the valley separating the two ski areas. The Peak to Peak Gondola will travel 4.4 kilometers (2.73 miles) in just 11 minutes, transporting winter and summer guests from Whistler’s Roundhouse Lodge to the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain, giving them quick access to both mountains’ expansive high alpine terrain. “The Peak to Peak Gondola will create a dramatically enhanced experience that no other mountain resort in North America, possibly the world, can offer,” says Dave Brownlie, Whistler Blackcomb’s Chief Operating Officer. “This link will effectively double, or more, the options for accessing the highest quality and greatest variety of terrain on any one day, from anywhere on the mountains. We are going to completely revolutionize our guests’ experience.” Skiers and riders will have the opportunity to easily take advantage of 8,171 acres of terrain encompassed by both mountains, via the world's longest continuous lift system. Moving freely between the high alpine areas of both mountains skiers and riders will spend more of their day in the best weather and snow conditions without the need to return to the base. The adventure for summer visitors will include spectacular views of glaciers and peaks as well as access to an expanded hiking trail network on both mountains. “This lift is the catalyst for a sustainable economic future benefiting both Whistler Blackcomb and the entire resort community,” says Brownlie. “It will solidify Whistler’s position as the undeniable leader of mountain resorts in North America, while increasing our appeal as a top destination in the world.” With 28 cabins each holding up to 28 people, total capacity will be 4,100 passengers per hour. The Peak to Peak terminal on Whistler Mountain will be located next to the Roundhouse Lodge and easily accessed from the valley by the Village Gondola. On Blackcomb Mountain the Peak to Peak terminal will be located next to the Rendezvous Lodge and accessed from the valley via the Wizard Express and Solar Coaster Express. Construction will commence in May 2007, with the lift being manufactured and installed by the Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group (Doppelmayr) of Austria The Doppelmayr 3S tri‑cable gondola will span the distance from Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain with the world’s longest unsupported (free) span of 3.024 kilometers (1.88 miles) between the two towers furthest apart. The highest vertical point is over Fitzsimmons Creek at 415 meters (1,361 feet) – the world’s greatest distance above a valley floor. http://www.firsttracksonline.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2327

Whistler (BC), Canada - Prior, Whistler’s hometown ski and snowboard company, presents The Prior 2008 Topsheet Launch Party on Wednesday at Maxx Fish to highlight the 2008 ski and snowboard graphics created by Sea to Sky artists. The Prior crew collaborated with three established painters from the region to design the 2008 ski and snowboard lineup – Vanessa Stark, Chili Thom and Olivier Roy. Prior got the ball rolling by approaching the artists with a predetermined concept and an open mind. Throughout the creative process the artists took inspiration from Whistler’s natural setting and other themes of the Pacific Northwest. “We wanted one of the graphics to conjure up images of deep snow tree riding similar to those of going through Khybers (on Whistler mountain) and other West Coast treed zones,” said Theresa Clinton, Prior’s Sales and Marketing Manager. Prior asked west coast mood maven/artist/rider Olivier Roy to run with this concept and the result is his ‘Pillow Line’ graphic. The ‘Dragonfly’ topsheet designed by Vanessa Stark, a Prior pro rider as well as acclaimed artist, originated from her vision of vines intertwining upwards into a snowy sky. This surreal image captures all four seasons of Whistler with a color palette and flow that is both earthy and magical at the same time. Finally, Prior approached renowned painter Chili Thom with the concept of a Pacific Northwest ocean scene. Chili’s magic is brought to life with the ‘Barrel’ graphic. All artwork will be shown on various Prior snowboards and skis during the party. In addition, the artists will be on hand doing live paintings on three recycled Prior snowboards during the festivities as well as showcasing some of their other creations. Until midnight on Wednesday, Prior and the Whistler Arts Council will sell raffle tickets for a chance to win custom Prior skis or snowboard and other prizes. Raffle tickets are $5 each or three for $10. The winner does not have to be present at Maxx Fish the night of the draw. Proceeds go to the Whistler Arts Council to help fund their summer events including, the Whistler Children’s Art Festival, Whistler Art Workshops on the Lake and ArtWalk.

RANGELEY, ME --- Saddleback Ski Resort in Rangeley, Maine, will offer free skiing Sunday, April 15, the last day of the season. It will do so as a "Thank you" for the very positive response it has experienced to the many recent improvements made at the mountain. In the past three years, Saddleback has increased ski terrain 44%, added a quad chairlift and trails to create a beginner/family area, upgraded and lengthened the Rangeley chair, and increased snowmaking up to 85% coverage. A new post and beam base lodge houses expanded skier/rider services. Tom McAllister, General Manager, reports , "As a result of these improvements, skier days are up 27% this season. We are seeing a significant rise in first time visitors." Saddleback received 45 inches of new snow this month and over 210 inches of snow this season. Fifty-nine trails and all lifts are open. A public hearing on the resort's 10-Year Plan is scheduled for April 11 at the Rangeley Inn in Rangeley, Maine. The LURC Commission will meet at 2pm. Public comments will be at 3:30pm and 6pm. The plan proposes 9 new lifts, trails, snowmaking, day facilities, and a four-season resort village. Located in Rangeley in the Western Maine Mountains, Saddleback is 4120 ft. mountain with 60 trails, 5 lifts and a 2000 ft. vertical drop. For further information: www.SaddlebackMaine.com.

Booked flights and hotel for Aspen (Feb 2008) last month. I had to wait a few weeks to book as most airlines have restrictions too far in advance.

Late season lift ticket rate is $35 (Apr 4th) Comments: Most of the front is still well covered for this time of year. We are expecting 6" to 12" of snow by tomorrow morning and the return of winter with below normal temperatures. Beginner skiers should be aware that with Easy Mile now closed we no longer have a beginner trail to use when riding the Green chair. For the Easter weekend we expect to have Pintail Peak open also. http://www.nubsnob.com/nubs-conditions.html

Have you checked for flatness and/or railed edges? IF scrapping, even pressure applied when PULLED? Many people PUSH scrappers, which according to Hoyle, is wrong.

http://www.firsttracksonline.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2113

Go Tex! http://www.firsttracksonline.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2111

Kathy Bates and James Caan . . .

Zolton - a speedy recovery to you! Spring conditions / soft snow, one can auger a nose in before you know what happened. A word of caution to all, regardless of the type of heel system you have. Myself, I have been busting the slush on a 179 Prior 4WD and have dialed the angles down to 55/52 and not riding as aggressive or as far forward as I would do with higher angles.

Brian - I went back on Sunday @ 3:00 and conditions were softer with no chatter on the 1/4 mile. Stayed until 4:30 and now time to make plans to head north.

Brian - I sent you an e-mail. Stayed local and the conditions were good. Sun, 03/18 is the closing day at Pine Knob. Lots of man made left but next to no skier interest. For the first hour on 03/17, there was a total of 12 people on the hill with 3 chairs running and that is including 3 patrollers, myself and 4 instructors.

http://www.frqncy.com/ This publication had an article featuring Nat Young a few years ago "Nat Young chases endless winter", but I let my subscription drop as the plate coverage just wasn't there.

Brian - Hoping to go 3/24 . . . PK tomorrow.

Plus how to measure your melon http://www.skihelmets.com/ Video tips http://www.skihelmets.com/video_fit_cable.asp Plus more resources on this linked page (bottom)

The problem I ran into was one of the four screws on each (non-Intec) heel had rusted and siezed onto the T-nut. I ended up having to drill out one screw from each heel which was a pain as the T nut kept spinning. When I installed the Intec heels, I ordered stainless bolts from McMasters. The 4mm hex head allows for a little more torque than a phillips head, but you still need to check your heels for tightness from time to time with eithe type. Converting mm to inches: multiply by .03937 or divide by 25.4

Hole size of 0.250" versus 0.256", drilling in plastic . . .come on. I used a 1/4" drill bit and just reamed it a touch. Worked well on two sets of boots. Use stainless, hex head bolts. Look on Alpinecarving for size and sources.

http://www.firsttracksonline.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1927

Mar 6th - went out for an hour at 5:45 and the conditions were firmer than all day Sunday. There were very few people there. This weekend, will probably stay at PK but would like to go North at least before the fat lady sings.

BShaw - Sunday a.m. was way too soft at PK so I left around 10:00 but came back around 1:00 p.m. on my 4WD. Conditions improved as the top surface was a bit firmer on the 1/4 mile plus the light was better once the sun broke. Stayed for about an hour.

Thanks Bobble, your clip brought to mind a certain Dave Matthews Band song . . . Day 9 http://www.pureboarding.com/pureboarding/index.php?id=237&tx_stormgallery_pi1[image]=33&cHash=af62cb7911#image33

Pete, Is your pain like this http://www.bomberonline.com/VBulletin/showthread.php?t=13595&highlight=shin+bang Do a search on "shin bang". If the pain is muscular try some sport legs. http://www.bomberonline.com/VBulletin/search.php?