leeho730

This winter is projected to be warmest in record in Australia. Warmer than last year which was already warmer than previous years, where even at night it was too warm to make snow in August. I wouldn’t recommend skiing in September there at all. Late July to late August would be the only time I’ll ski there. They closed mid September last year. The base altitude is way too low and there’s only one good trail for carving. Perisher has maybe two or three good trails for carving. Fairly wide intermediate runs (and spectators). There are a few alpine snowboarders in Perisher, you may be able to spot them. But then it gets crowded which increases chance of accident.

I’m on the same boat. I use zipfit liner on downsized Raichle 24 boots for my 25.5cm foot. It has a very thin toe area which helps. UPZ, Dynafit, Rossignol boots are on size 25 with stock liners and with either custom insole or better ski boot insoles.

I downsized Raichle/Deeluxe boots. 25.5cm, uses 24. All other boots, ski boots included, are on 25. Can’t imagine going to 23 on Deeluxe. EDIT: I’ve heard some Alpine ski competitors do downsize that much and go as far as removing toenails…

It’s probably the best option unless you wish to buy an atomic boots, and buy a spring kit and boots pivot mod kit from phantom and mod it yourself, since ski AT boots have ankle area not really designed for snowboarding. Considering the cost, phantom boots would be the best value. I use Dynafit boots (TLT5) but needed some modding, and wouldn’t recommend it over phantom boots. But maybe you can find some at a steep discount. Sorry couldn’t help much.

If you can get a hold of one or if you can ask Frank to make one, Virus UFC 163. I don’t really know how Frank designed the nose flex, but it floats very well in powder and slays the moguls. For example; if I see a slope with shallow moguls (4 inch high), then I would point the nose straight down and let the board do the work. I don’t know how the nose does it, but it’s certainly pleasing to bulldoze through moguls and even catch some speed in the process. EDIT: I also have Donek Metal FC 163, 20cm width. Boot size is 25. UFC has width of 20cm, I think. Length is 163. EDIT 2: below are links for reviews posted by members here:

Fortunately, some snowboarders started to become aware of “boot out” “toe/heel drag” as they started to get their boards more on the edge, particularly among Japanese and Korean softboot carving focused snowboarders. I tell them, the only reason we have +/+ stance is so that we don’t get toe/heel drag and they took a great interest in reducing boot out. I see more and more kids start to think laid out carving turns are cool, last year I saw a group of them going to intermediate slope to get lessons in carving. And the instructor was good, too. Almost want me to chase a dream of opening my own alpine board rental shop and get back to instructing… TL;DR:I recon it’s more of misunderstanding than “war”…

1, RCR BOX https://upzboots.com/product/upz-rcr-box-race-spring-set/ 2 DGSS drupi.work@gmail.com Please ask for hard forward flex.

Sole length on ski boots is important for ski bindings, but not so important on snowboard boots, so you don’t have to worry too much. Yes, UPZ boots have smaller footprints, which means you may be able to squeeze a few more degrees on bindings. The one on the link should be ok, I’d recommend to go for the right size like boots for 260mm or 265mm. I have 255mm foot and use 255mm UPZ and 255mm Dynafit touring boots. Hope this helps, but there are others with much more experience than I who may be able to help you better.

That’s what I’ve been observing in Australia for the last few years. But damn, never thought this would happen in America!

I was in Queenstown during Christmas (BTW, so many Aussies!) and had a chat with a ski/snowboard instructor for Coronet Peak. She said this season was not good with patches showing up in early to mid September. Better than Australia where patches started to show up in late August, but still worrying. Will still buy a house in Methven for ski season, but perhaps later convert it to rental in 10-20 years time. Glad I sold the life pass at RAL when I could…

Virus Terminator Zylon/UFC: high speed 60+kmh GS piste carves - check extreme carving freecarving - check for UFC tail-hook freecarving - check for Terminator float well in powder - check bulldoze through moguls - check playful pop for side hits - check for Terminator titanal - check for UFC But no soft boots or low carving duck stance.…

Scientists expect 2024 would be warmer than 2023, and they expect the trend is likely to continue (https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/01/02/record-heat-2024-el-nino/). If that’s the case, skiing and snowboarding in Australia’s farked…

I second phantom slipper boots for the touring snowboard boots. I use Dynafit TLT5 but it’s discontinued long ago, need modifications and the flex is provided by plastic tongue not spring so not as good. https://www.phantomsnow.com/collections/boots

I use dynafit TLT5. I don’t unbuckle the top one. But everyone’s different

I have Incline 160 Carbon, stock dimension with 24.1cm waist width. It carves well, I’d say better than Prior ATV (all mountain alpine board), but I believe Flux is more updated in terms of shape, flex and materials. If money is not an issue, I’d recommend Flux.

It’s a possibility. Changing the spring is very easy to do. Other possibilities are canting of the boots (not binding), boot fitting or binding angles…

Front toe lift and inward cant rear heel lift and inward cant. TD3, I use 3 degrees on the front and either 3 or 6 for the rear. There’s an app to calculate lift and cant on iOS, called TrenchGear 3D. EDIT: Sorry, didn’t realize the app was taken down from App Store…

I have the very old phantom binding (the very first production version) and I would probably stick to Ibex binding. Adjustable cleats cost like $350 and is more expensive than Ibex binding or F2 Carve RS which is like $229…

Flight is probably the worst carbon producer, followed by home electricity. Flight produces roughly 161 times the carbon emission of driving for the same distance. Lifts usually aren’t a problem, since most of them operate during the day when there is abundance of electricity generated from solar panels. Solar panels on roof generate enough electricity to cover the distance most people drive daily especially when coupled with home batteries. My 9.9kW roof solar generates more than enough electricity to cover the distance to the ski resort. Plus cloth dryers, dish washer, heating/cooling. I agree that self-sufficiency is the key where energy is generated from each home and building. Saves money, too I’m in credit for my electric bill several months in a row except during the winter. I guess in the end it’s mostly about money. Probably won’t save humanity long term, but can prolong the inevitable end. Earth has gone through several mass extinction events so sooner or later our time will come.

Oh well, there’s a good chance that we are going to cause the next mass extinction event. “Major mass extinctions in the Phanerozoic can be linked to thresholds in climate change (warming or cooling) that equate to magnitudes >5.2 °C and rates >10 °C/Myr.” ”Our findings predict that a temperature increase of 5.2 °C above the pre-industrial level at present rates of increase would likely result in mass extinction comparable to that of the major Phanerozoic events, even without other, non-climatic anthropogenic impacts.” https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-25019-2 Hence the scientists saying we should limit the temperature increase to a certain figure. Guess they’re Cassandra and we are Troy… https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassandra_(metaphor)

This was their answer : ”It's difficult to predict the exact timeline for the decline of alpine snowboarding, as it depends on various factors, including evolving trends and interests within the snowboarding community. However, it's important to note that snowboarding disciplines have a dedicated following, and many enthusiasts continue to enjoy alpine snowboarding, racing, and carving. While participation levels may fluctuate over time, it's unlikely that the discipline will cease to exist entirely in the foreseeable future.”

“What would be the reasons for the declining popularity of alpine snowboarding such as carving or racing?” ChatGPT: ”The declining popularity of alpine snowboarding, especially in disciplines like carving or racing, can be attributed to several factors: 1. Learning Curve: Alpine snowboarding can be more challenging to learn than traditional skiing or snowboarding, making it less accessible to beginners. 2. Equipment Cost: Specialized alpine snowboarding equipment, such as hard boots and stiff bindings, can be expensive, deterring potential participants. 3. Limited Terrain: Alpine snowboarding is best suited for groomed runs, which limits its appeal in areas with more variable terrain or deep powder. 4. Smaller Community: The alpine snowboarding community is smaller than that of skiing or freestyle snowboarding, which can make it less appealing for those seeking a social aspect. 5. Lack of Media Exposure: Alpine snowboarding often receives less media coverage and marketing than other snow sports, contributing to its lower profile. 6. Trends in Snowboarding: Freestyle snowboarding and terrain park riding have gained popularity, drawing attention away from alpine disciplines. 7. Aging Population: Participants in alpine snowboarding tend to be older, and there may not be as many new enthusiasts entering the sport. 8. National Interest: In some countries, there may be less national support and investment in alpine snowboarding compared to other winter sports. 9. Risk Aversion: Alpine snowboarding can be perceived as riskier due to higher speeds and specialized gear, which may deter some people. 10. Lack of Exposure for Elite Competitions: Unlike events like the Winter X Games, alpine snowboarding competitions may not be as prominent, limiting the sport's visibility. These factors combined contribute to the declining popularity of alpine snowboarding, especially in carving and racing disciplines.” Not bad…

@Fathermathew I recommend buying a lift kit when you buy a binding; I started with heel lift on rear foot and now I use toe lift on front foot. I would like to suggest F2 Titanium normal version with toe clips. Later on, as you become more confident, you can buy step in bindings. That’s how I started… Boots are super important but unfortunately it’s also hardest to find the ones that fit your feet well since shops either only do onlines or the ones that stock them might be far away from you. I started with Track 700 boots with size 25 on my 25.5 foot, which were very roomy but didn’t hold my feet very well. Went to 325 size 25 which were better. Now I use 325 size 24 with custom liners that hold my feet very well. I also use UPZ boots 25.5 which hold my feet very well, too. I truly wish good luck with your boots but there’s no easy answer. Wish we could find boot fitters for hard boots as easily as we could for alpine ski boots…

I’m keen to purchase these. Have sent an email. Thank you!!

I bought a used Salomon Daniel Franck 153 board (cap construction as well) from a rental shop at Ohakune for a sentimental reason. Almost never ride it…. If I feel like softbooting for that day, it’s either Donek or Rad-Air. So there’s a fair chance it may end up being an oversized wall decoration…