Allee

I'm off to Kimberley this weekend, a hill I have always wanted to go to with long blue cruisers and nice grooming, quiet and away from the crowds. The snow there is supposed to be terrible and the hill is only 40% open. I will probably spend the weekend giving in to my other half and learning to ski. Panorama is the closest hill to Kimberley and describes conditions as "hardpacked on machine groomed trails - best trails are those with snowmaking" Hazards exist off piste (no ***, Sherlock). Fernie, normally a powder legend, has lifts downloading people to the base and is sending all it's season pass holders to Kimberley as they're only 25% open. Lake Louise last weekend was awful, slushy and granular and by now they probably have the Zambonis out grooming the front side. Sunshine is not supposed to be much better, and Nakiska has been getting temps of +13C during the day ... It's a very pleasant mild winter, but the boarding sucks! What are the conditions like where you are?

Second Neil's recommendation of Eric (PSR) at Stratton. I spent about an hour to an hour and a half with him, and the difference was unbelievable.

I'll just have to drool on the Coiler instead:)

Neil, next time you make a trip out this way give me a yell, I'd love to see what it looks like in the flesh. I may even get to hook up with you at Panorama, assuming that we get some snow there ... Valentine's Day, you say? PS ... any chance you're going to take the Prior there? I'd love to test ride one of those, and I missed the demos out this way at Xmas ...

If you have an accident of this type on a hill, and assuming that you can catch the little s.o.b. and refrain from kicking the snot out of him, what happens with damage, or paying for injuries? Being a transplant to North America, and coming from a country where anything that happened to you was covered under a government insurance scheme, I'm still getting to grips with the whole liability thing. I assume that for medical care, if you had no coverage of your own, you'd have to sue? Does disability insurance even cover accidents of this type? And for material damage, someone's personal effects insurance would cover it? These are scary thoughts.

Why carve? I got into snowboarding in New Zealand at a time when the whole bad boy scene of snowboarding was at it's peak, and my skier friends refused to ride with me "if I wanted to do that". On about the second or third day out, I saw a carver on a blue run, with the run all to himself, just laying down perfect big-ass lines, and the entire hill had stopped to watch. It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen, and I decided right there and then that was what I wanted to do. I still can't do it, but I'm having fun ... To me, it's just the purest expression of control, freedom and joy on the snow. Whether it's on a groomer inbounds at a hill, or heliboarding in deep powder with the nose floating, the carve is the most beautiful thing! Do you feel limited by your equipment or stance? Different strokes for different folks. If I wanted to learn to huck jumps in the park, I might. But I don't, so it never enters my head. Getting hold of the equipment is the biggest limitation. What could ski areas do to make the carving experience better? Resorts have to cater to the majority, and they have to make money, that's why they exist. I choose where and when I ride with this in mind. In Western Canada I'm lucky that we have hills with great snow and amazing grooming, we don't have huge crowds, and I have favourite runs that I will go to that hill just to ride. The only thing I would like to see is some demo boards and hard bindings ... who knows how many skiers might take them for a spin if they could just jump off the skis, and straight on to an alpine board in ski boots? To my mind, a starter alpine board need not be any more expensive to make than a cheap freestyle stick, and if we could get one of the big boys (eg Intrawest) on board and ordering a run for all their rental shops, maybe we could make it happen ... What do you say to the idea that carvers are an endangered species? I'd say not. Less visible, maybe (certainly where I live) but not in any danger of dying out, from what I've seen. I love the passion, the enthusiasm, and the willingness to educate, share and pass on that I've experienced at Bomber, and on the hill. When you're a carver you get the sense that you're a part of something different and exciting. Sometimes, it's nice to be an individual in a world where we're encouraged to be the same. What's the worst thing about being a carver? I agree with Ken, it's the constant danger of being taken out by somebody who just doesn't expect you to come back across their line. It's not necessarily anyone's fault, we just have to learn to live with each other. You have to just pick your spot and pick your time.

I know that when I was taking a lesson with PSR and having trouble with heelsides, that his advice was to drive my knee across into the turn and pull up with the front toe. The knee starts the turn, the pull up tips the board, and it's way easier to start the carve without it sliding out. Works well for me.

Nakiska is the closest mountain to Calgary, we got there from downtown in 1hr 10 min last weekend. From Banff you'll be driving back toward Calgary for about 20 min, and exiting at Kananaskis, Nakiska is about another 15 mins drive from the exit. If you've never done Nakiska before. for sure give it a try. Just be aware that it's a "first lifter" - as the closest hill to Calgary, it gets all the Mom and Pop and kids that can't be bothered driving into the park. So get on at 9 or earlier if the lifts are on, get some good hard runs in, and go home at 1. Sometimes you'll be lucky - last weekend it was a bit cold and the other half and I ran all over the blues until 1.30, and they were almost deserted. I don't know if you've been to Banff before? and I don't know what sort of accom you want, but try the Voyager Inn in Banff - cheap and cheerful and full of snow people. There's a special on Expedia for $60 per night. The Ptarmigan is where I usually stay, that's not bad (good restaurant). Drop me a line Mon, I'll be at Louise on Sun for sure.

I just replaced mine after taking two good (concussion) crashes on it last year, and a couple of smaller knocks as well. I think I'd rather be safe than sorry, but I got differing stories too ... one shop said they were multiple impact, one said it should be replaced. I can understand motorcycle helmets - they're a completely different construction/materials, but I would have thought that a styro and ABS snowboard helmet should be multi impact. Oh well. Never mind. I only have one brain, I'm happy to look after it.

We've escaped the rain, the snow in the next couple of days might be a bit wet, but it will be snow and not rain. I'm heading off to Louise this weekend, but conditions at Sunshine have been great all season. Louise hasn't been as lucky (not as much snow) but it looks as if they're getting dumped on now. I would say by this weekend, they will be rocking, and that is such a great hill when the conditions are good, with tons of terrain so everyone spreads out. I was at Nakiska last weekend (that's a fun hill for carving, groomed to within an inch of it's life) and that was fine as well - maybe a little icy in some places, but they'll also benefit from a bit of snow today and tomorrow. I can let you know about the conditions at Louise early next week if you drop me a PM. If you want to come out and ride I might even keep you company, and if you don't mind staying in Calgary, you'd be welcome to crash. Just don't make it next weekend ... unless you want to come on a boarding trip to Kimberley with myself and the other half ... Sorry to hear about your screwup with Mammoth .... what a total pain in the ass ... but there are some really good Canadian seat sales on at the moment ...:)

and if I'd known about that, I'd have been THERE! That is a drop dead gorgeous board, what a shame about the sidewall ... hopefully it can be fixed.

I'm really looking for something that's maybe a little bit more forgiving than the Blast. It's awesome on groom but it hates chop and bumps, and I'd really like something that might be a bit more versatile and doesn't cost a bomb. Not that I want to go and ride powder, but it would be nice to be able to carve down a less than perfect slope when I find myself on one. Still thinking that at 5ft9 and 150, that the 158 might be a bit short, the sidecuts are tiny (8m on both boards). From the specs on the Spirit I'm guessing that it might have been Hot's first attempt at a BX board?

bump ...

Bob, I'm pretty sure I spotted you, I remember seeing a Coiler on the hill ... and you looked fine to me! And if I managed to carve for most of the day, it wasn't the snow!:) You guys are all so sweet;)

Does anyone own/ride/know much about these? There is a Shine and a Spirit up on Ebay at the moment ... I have a 97 vintage Blast that has been my only board since I learnt, but it's not going to last forever and might have to be retired next season.I'm an intermediate rider who likes to stick to friendly blue groomers, and wondering if one of these would be a suitable replacement ... Of course, if anyone has a slightly longer Hot in the closet that needs a new home (160+) I'd always look at that as well ... (might as well shake the tree and see what falls out ...)

the girls in hardboots, I mean. Thu I was cruising on the Amex with PSR most of the day, and Fri I was out on the Madd boardercross and Steph's Donek. Christina and I might even have ridden up the lift with you. Next time ... I'll buy you a drink. Hey stoked ... funny you should mention that, I'm a goofy rider and I made the mistake once of jumping on a T with a friend of mine who's regular. Trouble was ... he got on the left, I got on the right ... we ran into each other about five feet up the hill. Hilarious. There's a nice T at Ohau in New Zealand's South Island ... 2.6 km long, it's a doozy, I'll share that with you some time! ;)

Derf, don't feel bad. There are plenty of us like you who only see ten or so days a year. Forty a season or more? I think I've only just passed the forty for my whole life! I watch other people ride and am amazed at how good they are - but then, snow time is the biggest thing for egtting better ...

I was at Stratton last weekend, where were you? I have to say I'm very impressed that you know what Kegels are ... and what they can do for you ...:)

An older woman will never wake you up in the middle of the night & ask you, "What are you thinking?" An older woman doesn't care what you think. An older woman always carries a purse full of emergency supplies. Young women go hungry and bleed to death every time there's a natural disaster. An older woman always carries a condom in her purse. A younger woman is still hoping the guy might have one on him. An older woman is a cheaper date. A younger woman will cost you 12 beers, but an older woman will sleep with you after a cup of a herbal tea. The older a woman gets, the stronger her libido gets and the older a man gets, the weaker his libido gets... which is why nature intended young guys to go out with older women and young women to go out with older men. (this one ain't always true - wink, wink ) An older woman can wear bright red lipstick during the day without looking like she just had an adventure inside a jam jar. This is not true of younger women or drag queens. Older women can run faster because they're always wearing sensible shoes. An older woman is into free sex! An older woman is almost always already attached to someone, so there's no need to develop a phobia about committing to her. The last thing she needs in her life is another clingy, whiny, dependent man! (child) Older women are more honest. An older woman will tell you that you are an ******* if you're acting like one. A young woman will say nothing, just in case it means you might break up with her. An older woman puts herself on a pedestal. An older woman will never get pregnant and then suddenly demand that the two of you get married. In fact, if you impregnate an older woman, you will probably be the last to know... Older women have jobs with dental plans. Younger women can't help you when your teeth get knocked out carving. An older woman will never accuse you of "using her." She's using you. Older women take charge of the situation. An older woman will call you up and ask you for a date. A younger woman will wait forever, by the phone, for you to call... Older women know how to cook. Young women know how to dial Pizza Hut Take out. An older woman will introduce you to all of her girlfriends. A younger woman will avoid her girlfriends when she's with you, in case you get any ideas... Older women are psychic. You never have to confess to having an affair, because somehow they always know. Older women often own an interesting collection of lingerie that they have acquired from admirers over the years. Young women often don't wear underpants at all, thus practically eliminating all possibility of a strip-tease. Older women know what Kegel exercises are. An older woman will agree to go to McDonald's with you for a meal. Younger women are too nervous to eat anything in front of somebody that they might possibly boff later. Older women are dignified. They are beyond having a screaming match with you in the middle of the night in a public park. (Really? I missed that one.) Older women are experienced. They understand that sometimes, after 12 beers, a boy just can't get it up. A younger woman may need some time to grasp this fact. An older woman has lots of girlfriends... and most of them will want to boff you too. An older woman will always meet the minimum height requirement to go on an amusement ride. An older woman will never accuse you of stealing the best years of her youth because chances are someone else has stolen them first.

I was at Big White last Xmas and in three days, didn't tire of carving and riding there at all. I'm an intermediate carver and like you, I love the greens and easy blues, and had a great time there. I was going to go to Silver Star but ran out of legs. :) There was a thread on the Okanagan hills last year at this time - I don't know how to link it but search for "Kelowna carving" - there's some good advice on there. Some of the package deals for these hills from TO are amazing - half your luck! Have fun!

Elisa, catch up with Steph and Cheri while you're at Stratton if you have the board with you. They'd love to meet you, and they're fun to ride with!

I was going to head to Big Mountain in Jan or Feb, and would have loved to hook up, but as I went to Vermont with the girls, I now have to stay home and save some money. Looks like I'll be stuck boarding at Lake Louise, Nakiska and Sunshine for a while. Life is tough.

All the girls will get that one! Finally made it home at 1.30am after a cancelled flight and a reroute across half of the US! THANK YOU ALL for the most amazing weekend, especially ... Christina (cool roomie) ... Steph - for the idea and the execution - top job, girl! And also the afternoon on the Donek ... Cheri - for the awesome food and hospitality ... Shaggy - for letting me (and everyone else) go Madd all over the mountain ... Eric B - for transforming my riding in about an hour and a half ... All the girls - for just being great to ride with ... and to everybody else who showed up and rode. To a girl from out west, so many carving boards is a very cool sight indeed! I'm all stoked to go to SES next year now ... I start saving this week! :)

In New Zealand we get all the Japanese imports, and there are thousands (and I mean thousands) of Subarus on the road. I don't know if they still do it, but if you ski at Turoa in the North Island, they have a Subaru only carpark some weekends and they give you free stuff if you drive your Soobie up there.

Sorry to hear about the loss of your big boy. It sounds as if he had a gret life, and a pretty good innings for a big dog. Losing a companion is always hard. I'm sure all of us that own dogs extend sympathy.