AHilshey

Thanks guys! I got a tip on the mountain and ended up heading to Out of Bounds Snowboards on the Killington Access road. Really knowledge helpful guys. Next time I'm down this way, I'll check out Black Dog Sports. Was at Stratton today, but hadn't had time to check this post, so didn't get to stop in at Edgewise. Fantastic day to be out!

Any recommendations for a good place to get my board tuned in Killington? Thanks!

Any carvers going tonight? I'm hitting the 9:30 show if anyone wants to meet up for a brew before or after.

I can't personally speak for the Magic Hat tour. Seems like people are more apt to take the tour of Ben and Jerry's in Waterbury (close to Stowe). VT has some really excellent microbrews to keep an eye out for, Harpoon, Long Trail, Wing Walker, Switchback to name a few. As far as Blue Knob goes, early season (pre-January) can be sketchy. See what percentage the mountain is open before taking that drive early season. (though I did hear they had to plow the roads this week)

Definately put Blue Knob on the top of your list. If you can get there mid week after big snow, it's a pretty amazing little mountain. Definately the longest runs in the area and some of the more challenging terrain. Plus, lots of glade skiing and some pretty long glades if you can find 'em. If you're ever heading to Blue Knob, feel free to send me a message and I'll give you the scoop on the good stuff to look out for.

No worries man. If you're in Burlington for the night, you should check out one of the following restaurants: American Flatbread or Vermont Pub and Brewery (or both!). Both have great food and excellent beer. Where do you ski in PA? I grew up skiing Blue Knob. I'm guessing you're a 7 Springs local?

I might be up at Jay on the 15th. I'll keep an eye peeled if i'm there.

This isn't going to happen. Grad school is a lot more intense than i had expected. If any alpiners are in Burlington, though, get ahold of me. I'd love to meet up for a preseason beer.

Great! I'll post updates and try to lock down a date soon.

This is just a feeler, but I'm thinking about throwing an outdoor Warren Miller party in the Burlington area. I'll drag the big screen into the back yard, fire up the grill, chill a keg, and play Warren Miller movies all night. Probably charge my skiing friends a small cover charge to help pay for the booze, but carvers drink free. Right now I'm aiming for late September. Any of you VT carvers be up for this kind of a pre-season get together?

Yeah, skydiving is pure freedom. I got into it last Fall and made 6 jumps. I'd still be doing it, but I became a student again...no more skydiving money! My last jump was a few minutes before the sun started setting. I'll never forget that moment.

Hey guys, I'm starting to get ancy for snow (I know, a little early,eh?), and I just moved to VT. Thought I'd say hi. Any of you in the Burlington area? Any recommendations for the best carving mountains? Can't wait for winter. -Alex

This is my first year on an Alpine board. I just bought a 173 Volkl from PCDenver, and a set of last years Head Stratos Pro boots. Now i need bindings. I like the set it and forget it reputation of the TD series bindings, and i was thinking about picking up a set of TD3s. I just don't know if i should get the standards or step ins. And if i go step ins, do I need so get anything else to make them compatable with my boot? I'd love some oppinions and info. Thanks, Alex

Great! Can't get a better reference than that! I'll buy it.

I was wondering if i could get your oppinion, man. I'm an experienced snowboarder, but this will be my first year with an alpine board. I weigh 155 lb, and i saw the Volkl specs for this board put my weight at the low end of the spectrum. I.e. they say it's good for 65-60 kilos and i'm 70 kilograms. In your oppinion, do you think this board would would work for me? If you think it'll work for me, i'd really like to buy it. Quickest way to get ahold of me is via phone or this e-mail, AHilshey@McLanahan.com (i'll be e-mail unavailable tommorow). I'll send you a message with my phone number.