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SunSurfer

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Posts posted by SunSurfer

  1. At most participating resorts Ikon gives 7 days riding. At only a few did it provide a season pass. To make the most of a pass we had to travel, and for many of the possible resorts the accommodation costs were eye-watering. My suspicion is that part of the reason the pass prices are relatively low is that the passes are a loss leader, to get people spending at the resorts, and that there may be some sort of background distribution of costs between the ski field operators and the accommodation and hospitality operators.

     

  2. I made reasonable use of an Ikon pass in 2023, but I had an extra advantage, I'm in New Zealand. A 2023 Ikon pass could be bought early and used for up to 7 days total during either the 2022 or 2023 seasons at NZ Ski resorts (Hutt, Coronet, Remarkables) I was also planning a trip to MCC for Feb 2023 with side servings of Aspen and Revelstoke. So I got my money's worth out of it.

  3. 9 minutes ago, Ster said:

    Thanks ! Lot's of things to think about !!!

    I use to ride with a 63cm duck stance. Have you an idea of the corresponding value if I go with a double positive stance ? 

    The linked video is about the geometry of stances. It will explain what they mean about a narrower stance, as well as a whole lot of other stuff.

    It should help you find comfort and function, no matter what angles and stance distance on the board you finally choose.

    • Thanks 1
  4. @lamby re-reading your post. I am a firm proponent of stepins for on-piste riding, especially for older riders with stiffer backs. I ride F2 Race Intec bindings (and Bomber TD3 Intec) and find that technique and board damping are my major "softeners". I actually appreciate the instant response the firm lateral hold of Intecs provides given that I put my boards on edge using lateral foot pressure rather than a heel/toe technique.

    I have my Intec cables mounted on the inner side of my boots after the outside caused heel pain through focal pressure from the cable despite moulding the liners. I also use extensions on the release handles, fed through the lower end of the vent zips on my trousers to make them easier to grab and have the snow cuffs completely down over my boots.

    • Like 2
  5. Step-ins need you to step in and exert downward pressure, even to release. I've found that tricky at times when I've fallen in deep soft snow. Not sure I would pick step-ins for a primarily powder board. I'm not a frequent powder rider, which may explain why I fall more often, and haven't worked out the best techniques for me in those conditions.

    • Like 1
  6. Attending MCC 2023 was a like a pilgrimage, something a carving snowboarder should do at least once in their life. It was an adventure, with lots that was new and different for a New Zealander visiting Montana for the first time, like driving a hire car on the "wrong" side of the road in winter without snow tyres or chains (cue a diversion into a snow filled ditch and a tow from the snow groomer). There was off the snow fun too, the roller skating night and the banquet band being highlights that DR hasn't mentioned above.

    But most of all for me, it was gathering with my "tribe" and catching up with old acquaintances. With climate change and the impact of air travel I may never make the trip to Libby again. But I have wonderful memories, as do the 2 skiers who came along for the ride with me!

     

    • Like 6
  7. On 12/21/2023 at 2:28 AM, Chouinard said:

    I will quote myself and inquire again.

     

     

    IMHO spring setup depends in part on the technique you use to tilt the board onto its edge and to control and maintain the edge angle.

    Heel & toe

    OR

    Sides of the feet

    I tilt my board by creating a sense of putting my weight onto the left or right sides of my feet. For me the springs are acting like the suspension system on a mountain bike, helping my quads muscles absorb the bumps in the riding surface and allowing my lower legs to move through a safe range of movement to facilitate that shock absorption. My front lower leg needs a smaller range of movement than my rear.

    If you ride more using heel and toe weight distribution then your goals for your springs are likely to be different. Because I don't ride in that way, I won't make comment about how to set the springs for that technique.

    • Like 1
  8. On 12/7/2023 at 5:48 AM, weather_nerd said:

    I might be in Aspen from Feb 7-10! Still debating between Aspen and some other Ikon pass areas, but Aspen is currently first on my list. I'm looking for the best grooming I can find, and I've (mostly) heard good things about Aspen/Snowmass. It would be fun to meet up with some other carvers who can point me to the good trails since it will be my first time there.

    Go to Aspen!

    A few years ago I had one of my best days ever, carving with @slopestar and others at Buttermilk during a previous AFC gathering. All the stars lined up, good snow and grooming, blue skies, and great company. At the end of the day I couldn't stop smiling and I could barely walk!

    • Like 3
  9. As an intermediate level carver a few years back I clicked into a Skwal USA Powder Skwal and was carving turns at an indoor ski slope in a run or two. Ditched my poles by Run 3 and had a ball. Binding setup is crucial for comfort, but using @Jack Ms test above, for me a Skwal is a snowboard.

  10. @barryj You're not the only holdout. Despite my newer boards being great rides without a sliding axle plate, I still use my Bolier plate, and my home built sliding axle plates. I have a Hot Blast Slalom Race board with a single radius 8m sidecut that I ride with a plate that is similar fun to an MK.

    • Like 1
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