boostertwo

FYI: http://www.wolfcreekski.com/wolf-creek-snow-report.php IMO roadtrip = +++ <img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/34xf7d4.jpg" border="0" alt="Jeff Patterson, Secret Stash, Vail, CO."> You never forget a good powder roadtrip. Enjoy the ride, B-2

Thanks for posting the videos, Mark, and big props to Cliff Markham for excellent video work. Looking forward to future updates. <img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/2hga15y.jpg" border="0" alt="Shaun White, 2X Cork, Copper Mt., CO>"> Cheers, B-2

Click pic for Men's PGS finals: <a href=" " target="_blank"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/flcaix.jpg" border="2" alt="Justin Reiter, Copper RTTC PGS"></a>Sorry about nervous autofocus and crappy framing. .New camera, old operator. Cheers, B-2

Rok Flander and Justin Reiter Duel it out in the 2011 Copper Race to the Cup Men's PGS Finals: <iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/h16NuwYTr1o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

As it seems many on this forum are ancient enough to have experienced VHS and have watched or been influenced by his work: Yeeee Haaaa! Come to the Blizzard Snow Store and get a collector's edition "Legend Of Aahhh's" poster signed by yours truly for $10 bucks plus shipping. The poster was created for last fall's test showing of "Legend Of Aahhh's" in Aspen by famed Whistler Artist "Goldfinger" of world renowned Toad Hall Studios. It's printed on thick stock poster paper and is 18 X 24 inches... Well suited for framing I dare say! All my movies are available on DVD at the store plus T shirts and stickers! Come visit: http://blizzardsnowstore.com/blizzard-greg-stump-ski-movies.html The film "Legend Of Aahhh's" opens in January around the world! Look for it at your local movie theater! Cheers, Stumpy P.S. Please feel free to send this email to anyone who might be interested! <img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/ncctaf.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic">

I have wide size 13 feet and have used Burton Driver X softies for many years. Have been happy with fit (you can thermo-mold the liners) and performance. No issues with the speed lace system. 2011 and 2012 model years also include a removeable plastic tongue to fine-tune forward flex. <img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6106529369_17427373b6_b.jpg" alt="Sando blasts one, Pepi's Face, Vail, CO."> The past few years the Driver X boots been sized so that I've been able to use a full size smaller (men's 12) with no fit issues. Still suffer some overhang and occasional boot-out when trying to tip the board high on edge, but less than with size 13. As you are similarly afflicted with big feet, it might be a good idea to check if the smaller size works for you. Mi dos centavos, B-2

for the NCH VideoPad info as I'd like to de-shake Contour HD footage as well. I'd be very interested in any additional thoughts and findings on the software you might care to post. <img src="http://i54.tinypic.com/4jthd5.jpg" border="0" alt="Callan Chythlook-Sifsof, A-Basin, CO."> Cheers and thanks, B-2

There's still plenty of snow in the high country. As Fin mentioned, coverage depends on elevation and aspect. In N. Colorado you'll definitely see snow patches starting about 9,500'. Lodgepole (montane zone) has snow patches in shady areas and north and leeward aspects. Spruce and fir (subalpine zone) is mostly snowy and very wet. Alpine tundra is still mostly covered with snow--some drifts are still over 30 feet deep! Warmer temps have finally arrived, it seems, and the creeks are swollen with snowmelt. Where I live (8,600' about 35 miles N of Rocky Mountain National Park), the willow and aspen have only recently leafed out. With them come moose. <img src="http://i54.tinypic.com/fktv2r.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"> If you're arriving soon it might be a good idea to plan on hiking lower elevation and valley floors. Or bring snow-hiking gear. The coverage on the peaks is excellent and the late spring/early summer backcountry riding equally good. In any event, have fun! B-2

You should be able to find economical off-season rates for lodging. I've had good success in the past connecting with condo owners at nearby Keystone (6 mi. from the Basin) using the VRBO site. <img src="http://i54.tinypic.com/160viq9.jpg" border="0" alt="Jeff Patterson, secret stash, A-Basin, CO."> You should be good to go with 2wd unless we're in a storm cycle. B-2

...allows a bit of a discount on A-Basin lift tickets. Please note you need to sign up the day before. <img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/2ljgbox.jpg" border="0" alt="Sando, secret stash, Vail, CO. "> Plenty of snow and outstanding riding. Look forward to a sensational trip. Cheers, B-2

Great snow for high performance carving on all groomed slopes. South aspects, particularly in lower elevations, have been subject to thaw/refreeze cycle and IMO it's a good idea to let the sun warm the snow surface a bit before heading off-piste on these aspects. Daily grooming report is your best resource for current info on where to go first. You can also track vertical using EpicMix (you'll need to pick up a plastic RF (radio frequency) lift pass to do this). Some random thoughts on terrain/parking to check out here: http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=23332&highlight=vail http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=30570&highlight=vail http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=29437&highlight=vail <img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/9usvn8.jpg" border="0" alt="Jeff Smith, Yonder Gully, Vail, CO."> Enjoy the ride, B-2

If you're still looking, I have Palmer powerlink lifts in both 1cm and 2cm sizes. Good for additional clearance and leverage when carving on softboots. <img src="http://i56.tinypic.com/mlqq2f.jpg" border="0" alt="Chris 'Sando' Sandoski, Pepi's Face, Vail, CO."> Plates are very little used and in excellent condition, with all mounting hardware. $30/ea. plus shipping. Please PM if interested. Cheers, B-2

If you can't score one from Fin I have either plastic cam or whole assembly. <img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/w7c3a1.jpg" border="0" alt="Jeff Smith, Vail, CO."> PM if you're still looking. Cheers, B-2

...often has to do with the location of the 'target' (where the apex of the next turn will be). Ron LeMaster speaks to some of the situations where one might be preferable to the other here: http://ronlemaster.com/articles/extension-retraction-SR3-07.pdf (note: captions in Ron's article do NOT describe the images) <img src="http://i55.tinypic.com/bahig.jpg" border="0" alt="Jeff Patterson, Vail, CO."> Hiked Vail for a foot o' fresh today. Looking good for opening day Friday! B-2

I've a Sasquatch 166 with 28.0 cm waist in good used condition. Please PM for details if you're still looking. <img src="http://i26.tinypic.com/4kh8ap.jpg" border="0" alt="Moose"> Cheers, B-2

At this time of the year you can get some excellent off-season deals on condos at Keystone (6 miles down the hill from the Basin). I've had good luck renting through VRBO: http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/colorado/northwest/keystone I don't know what the season pass discount is for friends and family, but when friends come to visit in late spring I refer them to liftopia.com: http://www.liftopia.com/results.php?ResortId=0&ResortGroup=&RegionCatId=R_3&NumberOfDays=5&NumberAdult=0&StartDate=2010-05-19 <img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/6zrj44.jpg" border="0" alt="Callan Chythlook-Sifsof, A-Basin, CO."> Good luck, and have fun! B-2

I'm surprised at folks dissing the carving at Vail. In my experience there's no shortage of exciting runs for blasting high performance carved arcs, ranging from wide mellow blues to winch-cat groomed steeps. <img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/30ix6vq.jpg" border="0" alt="Jeff Smith, Vail, CO."> My standards may well be lower than yours, but the only times I've been disappointed riding a hardboot setup at Vail is on a big powder day. But you'll usually want to ride a powder board on those days, anyways. <img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/ie0376.jpg" border="0" alt="Jef Patterson, Vail, CO."> +1 for consulting a grooming report each day you ride. I'd also be stoked to share carving intel with you next time you're in town. Simply shoot me an email. <img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2v1n1cp.jpg" border="0" alt="Jeff Smith, Vail, CO."> In the meantime, brought to you, by your friend, Search: http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=13096&highlight=vail http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=23332&highlight=vail+runs Enjoy the ride, B-2

Fair use policy on using images from the website is explained on Ron's site.<img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/10efr0k.jpg" border="0" alt="Jasey Jay Anderson, Copper Mountain RTTC, CO."> I'm not sure how he feels about reprinting images from his book. You can ask him using the contact link on his website. Hope this helps, B-2

While finding free parking takes a little effort, it is certainly possible to avoid the Town of Vail Parking Structures and their $25/day fee. http://www.vailgov.com/subpage.asp?page_id=572 I haven't found the free town shuttle to be inconvenient (15 minutes between shuttles in East Vail, for example). Parking tips and bus schedules can be found here: http://www.vail.com/insiders-guide/parking-tips.aspx Map of some parking options, incouding free lots: http://www.vail.com/lodging-and-dining/explore-town/~/media/Vail/Files/TOVparkingmapdonovan.ashx <img src="http://i49.tinypic.com/2poayd0.jpg" border="0" alt="Jeff Patterson, Champagne Glade, Vail, CO"> Fresh powder and good skiing this week, and more is forecast in the Central Mountains. Look forward to an excellent trip. Cheers, B-2

Ian, I have some spare bails (toe and heel). Please PM if you're still looking. <img src="http://i49.tinypic.com/33bedr9.jpg" border="0" alt="Jeff Patterson, Vail, CO."> Cheers, B-2

I have a plastic Race Plate base I'm happy to part with. <img src="http://i49.tinypic.com/2yudiz7.jpg" border="0" alt="Jeff Patterson, Secret Stash, Vail, CO."> Please PM if you're still looking. Thanks and cheers, B-2

In case you missed the Copper Grand Prix Men's Halfpipe Olympic Qualifier: <center> <a rel="enclosure" href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-CopperGPMensHalfpipeFinalsRun1650.wmv"><img src="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-CopperGPMensHalfpipeFinalsRun1650.wmv.jpg" border="0" title="Click to play" alt="Louie Vito and Shaun White, 2009 Copper Grand Prix, Copper Mountain, Co." /></a> <br /> <a rel="enclosure" href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-CopperGPMensHalfpipeFinalsRun1650.wmv">Hit it!</a> </center> File might take a few moments to load. Next-level freestyle and high performance carving icy halfpipe walls are worth the wait. 2X click for Full Screen; Rt. Click>play speed for slo-mo. Enjoy the ride. B-2

If you're responsible to pull a rig with patrol (esp. a cardiac rig), you're definitely expected to perform to cert 3 riding standards (all mountain, all conditions), not level 3 according to the snowsports school (learning to make turns with an edge change on a green slope). In the US, there are not different standards for cert 3 riders on hardboot or softboot setups. You need to perform to the standard, whatever type of equipment you choose to ride. Each of the 9 AASI/PSIA divisions has its own defined riding standards (due in large part to different topography and snow conditions, and to a lesser extent on the lessons/teaching for different demographics). Links to divisional websites where you can find info on Cert and riding standards: http://www.thesnowpros.org/index.php/PSIA-AASI/info-center/divisions/ AASI-W Level 3 Riding Standards: http://www.psia-w.org/assets/files/SB%20L3%20Riding%20Standards%202009.pdf <img src="http://i47.tinypic.com/984sgz.jpg" border="0" alt="Jeff Patterson, Secret Stash, Vail, CO."> Good luck. Sounds like your training is interesting, helpful, and fun.

If you enjoy Ron LeMaster's photosequences of high performance skiing, you might also enjoy his new book. Ultimate Skiing presents lots of useful, well-organized and easy to understand info on physics, mechanics, and high performance technique. IMO it's a very useful resource for aspiring snowboarders as well as skiers. <img src="http://i48.tinypic.com/245ykvo.jpg" border="0" alt="Unknown Rider, Aspen Slalom, Aspen, CO."> Hope it's snowing where you are. B-2

Looking for a new home: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330383461896&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT <img src="http://i46.tinypic.com/148hdgy.jpg" border="0" alt="Volkl RT 163 SL"><img src="http://i50.tinypic.com/eqryba.jpg" border="0" alt="Base and edges in very good shape."><img src="http://i45.tinypic.com/2mfbuk8.jpg" border="0" alt="Board has been well-cared for. Regularly waxed and stoned. Stored in a cool, dry place."> Cheers, B-2