lafcadio

Really? I've seen signs prohibiting hiking at many resorts. I've always assumed it was targeted at those attempting to avoid buying a lift ticket.

+1 Looking forward to seeing the video.

Are the typical Sunapee weekend crowds still around or are things more sane now? I'm planning on coming for the day tomorrow (Sunday), but if it's still crazy crowded, I'll pass. If anyone was there today, I'd love a report on snow and crowd conditions. Thanks!

This may sound counterintuitive, but today I had my best carving day ever, and I think it's due in part to riding soft spring conditions over the last few weeks. Today was the first time on hero snow in probably four or five weeks and it was truly and epic day. Everything just worked. I think riding in poor conditions (very soft snow, ice, crud, etc) can really improve your technique by showing you exactly where your weaknesses are. Until I had a day in really soft snow, I didn't realize I was getting too much weight on the nose of the board. In softer snow I learned pretty quickly how to keep my weight centered. So don't fret the next time you go out and the snow isn't wait you were hoping for. In the long run, it will pay off by teaching you better technique.

Today was fantastic! The snow was firm, but not too hard and as close to hero conditions as you'll find this late in the season. The Sun was in and out of the clouds and it was snowing lightly most of the day. I cannot believe I almost went into work today! No crowds either, and on Thursdays your lift ticket gets you a free lunch. Doesn't get any better than that. Too bad my legs were done at 2 PM or I would have kept going. I'd like to try and get there this weekend, but the only day open for me is Sunday and I'm not sure about the weather. I'll have to wait and see...

I think so too. Comp was nice in the morning, but someone forgot to groom Exhibition. Stowe was nice last Saturday and I ran into five other carvers. I also heard that conditions were excellent at Burke.

I can't comment on the reasoning, but the expert SkiMD, aka Mike de Santis, recommended 3 degree side and .75 degree base for East Coast conditions. I've been sticking to that and it's worked well.

As usual, another fun day at the Beast. Mark, thanks for the fun time today and all season long. I know you guys will be open for least another weekend, but it's doubtful I'll make it back this year. -Michael

+1 Mike is the man. When I buy a new board, first thing I do is take it to Mike. He does a top notch base grind, sets the base and side edge bevels and even planes back the sidewall for easier maintenance. Check out his site, complete with hardbooter on the front page! http://www.skimd.com/

How are things looking for the weekend? It seems all of New England is under flood watch, but the forecast for Charlemont looks dry and in fact better than most places farther North. I'm thinking of heading out on Sunday if it's not raining.

I won't be able to make it tonight. :-( If anyone here goes I'm curious about the conditions.

Conditions tonight were hard and icy like a race course. After 9:00, I think I was the only one there. Unless some serious snow falls before Sunday, Sunday will be the last day of the season.

Sorry, Mark. I waited around until about 5:30, but I had to take off. I rode until 4 PM, and would have kept going if my legs would have allowed it. I ran into one of the other instructors (tall, thin dude) and he indicated you guys were still out at 4:30. Sorry, I missed you.

Hey... this is New England. The rain has stopped (sun it out right now) and it's currently 29 degrees F and falling. It is a bit windy though. I doubt it will be slushy in a few hours. I need my fix so unless the weather turns dramatically around in the next four hours (which is always a possibility, admittedly), I'm still going out for some turns.

I'm thinking I'll be there Thursday night. Anyone else?

Todd, I was just going to post the same, but you beat me to it. I was there on Thursday and there was plenty of snow. Conditions were pretty good. Nice and firm, but it was a cold night. I'm on for Monday evening.

A huge thank you and congratulations to Mark for a successfully planned and executed carving event: the Pure Boarding clinics complete with boards, boots, and bindings, and of course Joerg and Remo; incredible weather with a wide range of conditions, even powder, sun, and snowfall (all at the same time); great company and lots of fun terrain to ride; and of course, the midday grooming of Lower Comp on Saturday! Proof of a great carving weekend: hearing the locals in the bar afterwards complaining about the destruction of our favorite caving run after it's been riddled with trenches! Way to go!

I'm planning on coming out Thursday night. I probably won't be able to get there until 7 PM or so, but plan to make the most of it. Let me know if anyone will be out. -Michael

From summit to base, I think the runs at Wachusett are longer. Berkshire East has more fun green runs. The only greens Wachusett has is in the beginner area. Wachusett has more trails, but they're all pretty similar. Berkshire East has a couple of nice wide groomed runs (Exhibition and Competition), where Wachusett doesn't have any wide runs, other than Indian Summer in the beginner area, which is exceptionally flat.

Mark, how were conditions today? Last night I was at Wachusett and it was a slush fest. And crowded as ever... even at 9 PM! I'd like to come out tomorrow, but I may try somewhere further north if it's too soft and slushy.

I can't comment on Crotched, but Wachusett is a joke compared to Berkshire East for the following reasons: 1. never crowded 2. never crowded 3. better groom 4. more varied terrain 5. steeper (if you like that) 6. never crowded And to top it off, Berkshire East is never crowded. Oh... and did I mention it's also never crowded? And this is coming from someone who has a pass for Wachusett. :-( UPDATE: To be fair... the lifts are faster at Wachusett (2 high speed quads). But the lines are still long. And it's still way too crowded.

Regarding lodging: http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=331174&postcount=14 The Charlemont Inn is very close and convenient, but not really cheap. For less expensive options you probably need to look further away, such as Greenfield.

I thought IBEX Speed TC were basically the old Burton race plates, no?

And I thought I was the only one who had this problem?! Next year I hope to finally make it out to SES.

My signature used to say "I'd rather be carving", which was sort of a double entendre. I think most people assumed it meant, I'd rather be carving instead of working or doing some other less pleasant task when not on the mountain. But I meant it strictly for when I am on the mountain. I.e., I rather be carving instead of skidding. Yesterday was truly an epiphany for me. I finally got my toe side turns to work (really my heel to toe side transitions). Now I'm carving my downhill edge on toe side turns and leaving huge trenches. Thanks to Mark (aka dingbat) for all the great advice!