Hey John

If all goes well, I plan to leave Burbank mid-afternoon on friday the 26th, return on Monday afternoon.

I used the GoPro last season and while it wasn't the best quality, the footage was acceptable and it mounted pretty well to the snowboard using the adhesive clip. (The suction-cup mount did not hold as well in rough terrain). I just bought the Vholdr HD for this season but haven't used it yet. The problem with both of the above is that you are shooting blind and can't check it until you view it on the computer at the end of the day. With the POV type, you can view it on the small monitor while you are filming, but they are more expensive and you have the separate box and cable to deal with. Personally, I don't like to invest a whole lot into this equipment, because the items get cheaper and better every year.

Loc, It may require more time than you willing to commit, but you might consider the Wilderness Travel Course given by the Los Angeles Sierra Club. One of the things extensively covered is snow camping/backpacking, but I don't know if you can elect to do only that portion. John http://www.wildernesstravelcourse.org

If anyone would like higher res images, just send me your e-mail address. Thanks, John

Sorry, it only allow 3 images per message.

In my opinion an excellent experience overall. The video evaluation at the end of each day was what made this camp stand out above the others. My only regret was that I didn't take on something like this four years ago.

7:30 am... Too tired by 1pm? OMFG. What did I get myself into here?

After sitting on the fence for the past month, I registered this afternoon and received confirmation. Now I just hope the snow holds up.

I don't know about that one. The website makes no mention of boards. Since Fastlane in Burbank closed last year, I'm having the same dilemma. There is Val Surf in Valley Village, but I've only used them for waxing, not tuning.

Loc, Nekdut already mentioned SkiNet in Studio City. Don't know if the location will work for you or not, but I highly recommend this shop. Just had my new Track 325s fitted there this afternoon. They also had to re-position the top buckle straps because they were too loose. This took a bit of drilling, cutting and riveting, so they might be able to help you with your repairs as well. John http://www.skinetsports.com/

I've never seen it scheduled much earlier in the season at Mammoth. I'm only speculating here, but it might be because they reserve a few ski runs and the mountain won't let them do that until the crowds have gone.

Yes, it was a two or three hour lesson. It went very well overall, but we may have tried to cover too much for one lesson and I think I got information overload. But then it's hard for me to evaluate as I've never had a private lesson like this before.

Mammoth has one instructor that teaches carving in hardboots. Call the ski school and ask for Mladen Janev, better known as "MJ". Very knowledgeable and very technical. He has taught snowboard racing in the past. This would be a private lesson, not a class (i.e. $$$). Try to reserve as early as you can, as his time may end up being booked by someone else. When you reserve, be sure to insist on hardboot instruction, as they are not used to this type of request.

I plan on leaving for Mammoth on thursday night, return late Monday afternoon. Should have nearly four solid days on the slopes. I doubt if I'll make it out to June though. Should still be riding my black Prior 4WD, unless my Silberpfeil arrives early and I can get it decked out in time.

Check this story out. They were caught for a change. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2009/01/the-grinch-has.html

This may be a long shot, but does anyone know of a carving instructor in the Mammoth area? I was considering a private lesson from the Mammoth Ski School but they are outrageously expensive. More importantly, given the average age of their instructors, I had doubts about getting someone who was actually familiar with the equipment and technique. Just wondering if anyone else has had any experience or recommendations.

You might try a product called Spray Nine Snow Shooter. My father uses it to keep the snow from sticking to the inside of the snow thrower back in Michigan. I can't vouch for it because I haven't used it yet, but I'm planning to try it out this season.