MNSurfer

That's the blue spring widget, on the back. It's installed in-place of the walk/ride lever, so as to add a little flex and pop. The post doesn't state whether it ships with the original lever. Still, at $200 it's a pretty good deal. Boots for us big-footed folk seem harder to come-by, on this marketplace.

Huey?! Was it the mustache? We were in one of the better-known smoke shacks the other day, and every 20-30 year old in there had an ironic mustache going. Some really, really awful ones' too. It's getting kind of old. Maybe it's how the 'kids' differentiate themselves from us old farts. Vs several years ago, when everyone had a beard (which is practical, given the season/location). And don't get me started on the fn KC Chiefs jersey wearing Jerry's. The. Worst. It's a circus, for sure. And the town (Vail?) just wants more, without expanding terrain (Federal land, I get it, but still), or improving facilities. It's batshit. Well, that's why you only ski/ride weekdays.

29JAN24 Spring conditions. Alps is icy, Highlands is 'taters, and Meadows somewhere in between. Two dodgy-as-fk runs on the board, and it was straight to the twin planks. All good after that! Beautiful day, no crowd, and the entire hill was open (less those couple runs next to Meadows)! It's astonishing to think that every last cubic inch of white, is man-made. Hell of a snowmaking operation they have, there.

Within 2-ish hours of the Shitties, most hills are pretty much the same; 250'-400', small footprint, and generally of similar geography. That being said, the fun is what you make of it! Keep your expectations low, and you'll have a good time. This year aside, MN usually has great conditions, with cold, dry snow, and firm chord. You'll find that to be the case wherever you go. As Bob said, weekdays are best, with almost no crowds to speak-of. Buck and Hyland are literally IN the metro, making them quite accessible. And busy. Welch is fun, but the best runs are almost always occupied by race events. Afton is often uncrowded, and has the most acreage around, making for a day's worth of exploring. There are little mom and pop hills all over, which are just a blast (Coffee Mill, Powder Ridge, Ski Gull, Ande's etc.). I leave my gear in my car from November to April. Giant's Ridge is arguably the best carving hill in MN. Great, even terrain, 650 vert, and usually gets great snow. It's more than 2.5 hours (3.5?). Unlike Colorado, MN driving is super easy, and a few hours is nothing compared to the nerve-wracking ascent/decent into Summit County. Spirit, at 2.5 is okay. Conditions can often be iffy, and frankly I find the terrain oddly undulating. Hard to find a groove, compared to Giant's. I know; Them's is fighting words!

Just got the new Surfer's Journal in the post, which is always a good/depressing thing. Looking at the cover photo, I was taken aback. This is exactly how I strive to make every one of my frontside (mountain) turns. Way out on the shoulder/treeline, knees locked, wounded gull, dragging five.

Interesting. Donek Gift card, half-ish off. Frisco. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1145101729808161/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Abaf3337c-3466-4267-9d86-9ddf04b9f1da

Sweet, Stylish and Steep! Looking at those packed chairs, lucky you got an empty canvas! First carver/hardbooter I ever met was in the back bowls at Copper. He had a red Donek, I believe. Anyway, he looked at my softboot setup, with both feet angled very much to the positive (no duckie), and suggested I seek out some Alpine gear. And the rest is history.

For the last two seasons, I've been teaching my 6yo daughter... to skiiiiiiiii. Every lift ride, every stop, every moment not moving, my focus has been to try to instill a sense of just how important it is to be 'Mountain Aware'. I have a Zombieland sort of list of golden rules. A lot of it centers on, as sad as it might be, 'judging' people, in the hopes of avoiding being in the wrong place, around the wrong person(s). And yes, Straightliners (be it board or twin sticks) are a constant lesson. The worst. Oh, and Ski Team 'liners are terrifying. You can't take all the danger out of snow sports. Use your ears as much as your eyes, and remember that you are always on Defense. That's my two cents I try to get through my kid's thick skull.

10JAN24 This makes about 10-odd trips to Afton, this season. It keeps getting better! All snowmaking operations have shifted to Highlands, and word on the street is that they're planning on opening [Highlands] up, this weekend. I am simply amazed at the sheer volume of snow that Afton can produce. All open runs are covered, and legit covered. Just crazy. The grip isn't the best, like real snow, but hey, it ain't all bad, considering the weather we've had. I'm a tour-around-the-hill, chalet beer to car beer to chalet beer, kind or guy. Without Highlands open, it takes away from that experience. Most days are an hour or so on the board, then switch to skis for another hour. The other day I did see a Coiler in the rack, at Alps. Later some Ski Patrol guy jumped on it. Not sure who that was. That's the only other Alpine sighting of the season, thus far.

* 1/1/24 * Wisconsin These popped-up in WI MP. Nice (M26) Track 325's for $200! Damn my big feet. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/996734058082590/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A213dc8e3-6285-4494-9aa5-b7d768717f30

Do you know the crew of the Ocelot?

Neat concept!!! It sure would be fun to try. Transformative, to the ski industry? Probably not, as this sort of activity only pertains to a fraction of a percent of those who participate in skiing. Side note: I'm frequently searching the FBMP for ski boots for big 'ol feet. The amount of AT boots you see (given the number of AT skiers vs "normal") is kind of shocking. I'm guessing a lot of people want this (AT, backcountry, etc.) experience, then realize how difficult and time consuming it actually is.

If this is against the Forum rules. kindly delete this post Came across this screaming deal, in (Utah) Market Place. Just thinking if there is someone out there, looking to get into the game without spending a lot of ching, this is a great opportunity. Wow. Two Donek/UPZ packages, each for $225?! Someone nab this before I do. My wife will thank you. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/653053210364647/ https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2095390810806128/

Seeing if anyone has experience with the [subject]. Please chime in! We have property in the hills of western Wisconsin, where for the last several years we've been tree skiing. We're looking to up our game this year, and with little ones now on skis, we have cleared out a few non-tree runs. Does anyone have experience with DIY rope tows, or groomers? This season we'll just be running laps with a Toolcat or snowmachine, but would like to do a tow, for next season. It seems like the easiest idea would be to just use a riding lawnmower, with the rope wrapped around the back wheel/hub. Devise a kill switch, put some tension on either/both ends, and Bob's your uncle. This is remote, so we would not have access to electrical, let alone 220, which I'm guessing you'd need for a proper motor. How about grooming? There's a guy here, locally, who makes drag groomers, which are reasonably priced. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/728492125750727/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A81401118-2e91-40db-beb2-b3957629c019