slopetool

Hi Buell - there was definitely lots of turns made for those who couldn't be in attendance. You guys didn't miss out on much. Mt. Hood will always be there for later days. Now, for those who had the best intentions of making it for some outstanding snow... you really screwed up. It was great. The snow is holding up well, not the greatest. The June carve get-together should have plenty of coverage. Theres always the next two weeks until the Summer rates apply. Talk to you later - Ed

Dear Mom - Overnite it was 25 degrees and snowing up at the mountain. And now the clouds have departed and its clearing up. How about I stop by and see you later in the week? Love you, Ed I hope the snow doesn't get too slow once the temperatures warm up. But it should be good in the morning hours. http://www.timberlinelodge.com/ski_ride/conditions.php Hope to see someone else up there so it won't become a micro-carve fest like normal.

1. Her rear-entry boots give her "shin bang". 2. She thinks "off-piste" is a derogatory term. 3. Your Mom is scared of "lifties", and well, "carnies" too. 4. Riding "switch-stance" to her is not safe or very smart. 5. Her bota-bag is also a beer bong. 6. Her licence is suspended and your bro-in-law won't lend you his Rav-4 anyway. 7. She hates your constant snowboard techie talk and just doesn't understand. 8. She likes to ride "reverse cowgirl" on the lift. 9. Her shoulder cape and big hat embarrass you. 10. She packs a crappy lunch with Bologna with spouts sandwiches.

Today is shaping up nicely. High thin scattered clouds. And there is still Sunday. Saddle-up and sneak out of the house for a few hours why don't ya? I don't think everyone and their mother will be up there. Well, maybe in the lodges looking at the wood beams and gift shop. oh, I love you Mom! so sorry I couldn't meet for brunch.

Thanks for the heads up on the opening time, Jim. And I'll see you at the Huckleberry Inn on Friday morning. One of the cool things about the Spring/Summer season is being able to see, catch up or wait for people. Lets try to meet up on the hours of 9, 10 & 11 at the bottom of Palmer. Just at the top of the Magic Mile, there is a flat area between the two lifts. And we should be able to be able to eventually see each other on the lift or riding if we get out of the group. Oh, and the Chinese Downhill is at high noon everyday. Weather is still looking good. Those Huckleberry Pancakes are going to be tasty! I'll try to check in tomorrow. Thanks for all the feedback. Ed

Well, that works out great that the Snowperformance Camp is on the same weekend in June. Yes, the June dates are on Father's Day weekend - June 15,16 and 17th. Please don't bring your dad unless he shreds the gnar. If anyone is hungry on Fri. 7:30am? We can meet up at the Huckleberry Inn for breakfast? Sounds pretty damn good. Even just a short stack or a cup of coffee. If you're running early enough. The weather is really shaping up for wonderful Spring conditions. http://www.timberlinelodge.com/ski_ride/conditions.php See you soon, Ed

Thanks for the great responses! The last two Sundays have been great carving and even some untracked to be had. Lets hope the weather holds out and deals us some great conditions for the get together. How is everyone feeling about the June Carve Fest? Ed

Please disregard my comments on Meadows. I'm a scorned lover who didn't cough up the $$$ of a pass this year. I really miss the steeps. That is once the "journey to the goods" and dodging people is over. Damn it, I did it again. I would like to check out the US team training. Nothing wrong with that. Meadows will probably put 90% for their efforts into the course and leave the other 10% into parking everyone close enough in the lot. oops, that slipped out. Back to the topic of better interest. Timberline! Eric - I saw you too. You were on your 4807, right? What a day! yep, I was on my Tanker. 02' Dani "kiwi" Meier model Its getting some precious ride time while it has a chance. I'll be up tomorrow if the weather stays decent. Not sure if the clouds will break enough for Palmer to be open. Lets hope so.

Too bad the carve fest didn't start today. Awesome buffed cordorory. No ridges and smooth. Wide groomed runs. Sunshine with clouds rolling in. Oh, and 8 additional inches of 20 degree pow. High of 30 at Timberline, so it stayed cold. Light winds. Off-piste wasn't great until you got down in the trees. But the groomers were the best. 30 cars in the parking lot. Am I making sense to you guys. Do you even know what is going on? Hello? If you're used to Meadows, just stay there. Ed

Sure sounds like we are getting some interest. Having the June dates thrown in is a good back up plan. And yes, Galen, the camps will be in session after Memorial Day. Busy mornings and empty in the afternoons. July will be a circus but great to be seen up there. Maybe get SPONSERED. Good one, huh? Ed

Lets have a good ol' get together of like minded rippers this Spring? I'm expecting nice conditions as usual. How about these dates? May Fri. 11th , Sat. 12th and Sun. 13th June Fri. 15th, Sat. 16th, and Sun. 17th. Save your $$ now for those Summer season prices after Memorial Day, ouch! http://www.timberlinelodge.com/ski_ride/conditions.php Suit up and Show up for a great time. Love to hear your responses. ED

It about time for another get together up at Timberline. I wanted to throw out a few dates and see what your response is. May Fri. 11, Sat. 12, Sun. 13 Spring prices June Fri. 15, Sat. 16, Sun. 17 Summer season prices Nothing too formal yet - maybe show up and ride together. Grab a few beers together afterwards. http://www.timberlinelodge.com/ski_ride/conditions.php Thank you, Ed

Yeah!!! That was a great session! Thanks again Mike and Bonnie! It was so much fun! Your timing of the event was outstanding! Thanks for organizing it so well. We all owe you lots. See you again soon. Ed and Libby

The best looking carver is the guy on the mono-ski. YOU just can't beat that kind of style on the slopes. and someday soon some SOB will take one in the pipe.

If you have came back to your senses and kept the board, that would be normal. I wouldn't give my left nut for mine, but if its still for sale I should ask around. A short 172 like that doesn't come up very often. Are you sure? okay, if you insist.

One of my riding buddies told me I needed a boot that had more "meat and potatoes". I've now stuffed a Raichle F1 pro liner into the shell and replaced the softer tounge with a slightly stiffer one. I love my Frankenboots! Good job, Gibbons!

Yeah, Thanks Bryan for starting the process of healing on BOL. Enough with the chest pounding and grunting that has been going on lately. I was feeling like the mission was getting lost. And really who wants to talk about snowboarding when you can just go ride and discus it on the chairlift. Its January!!!! Less talk more riding!!!

Not to worry. I will be making special guest appearances in the parking lot and in line. Especially on those weekday mornings when crowds may be lower. They can't keep me away! There is some kick-butt terrain thats hard to pass on. Yep, that means back to the ticket line for me.

I hate to add insult to injury, but I chose not to buy a season pass at Meadows this year and put the money into travelling a few hours to other resorts. It is a pity. Meadow corporate attitude appeared last month when I heard they had surpassed their sales goal for season passes and acted like they didn't even care if they got snow or not. Their accountant/controller told this to my dad. And now I hear Dave R. whining on his blog, which I don't blame him for. Its not all about Meadows. Lots of other people use that road too. I really feel sorry for the employees and the pass holders more than the decison makers in the corporate offices. I'm really glad I didn't buy a pass now. And I apolygize to my 4x4 pass group for bailing on them. Ed I bought a Fusion Pass too . which I would have bought anyway.

My point is that if you are going to get a season pass picture, it would be best to sport a sweet mustache and a big goofy grin. I'm sure your peers would agree. Pictures of my stache will stay confidential due to my career as a secret agent. Opps I shouldn't have said that.

My advice is start slow and get those really short fat skis. You know, fruit boots. And soon a person with good enough balance could move up to using longer skis with poles.

Why do I feel compelled to grow hair on my upper lip to get ready for Winter?

Easy now, guys. We all know that 2 - plank'in was here and gone. And we wouldn't be here without the "pure carve" of race boards. Or are we going to discus Skawls later, sorry.

Gosh, those rippers on those Elan SCX's in the late 90's sure were ahead of the game.... Golly!!

Hey Moa - I've widened my stance by having my local shop install what is called "Heal-ly Coils." I have now idea how to spell it. And basically you can add more inserts to the pack. It was only $10 per hole. And it works great so far on my Rossi WC 190. Good luck. Ed