jmackoul

I'm not saying I need the poles to get on and off of a lift... I'm only thinking that it would be really great to get on to a lift without unstrapping and then strapping back in, especially on days when there isn't a soul on the mountain. MY MAIN interest would be accessing trails at particular mountains, such as Jay Peak, where many connection trails require softbooters to unstrap and then strap back in, or butter/ollie their way to the peak. Also, with the pack, I would be able to stow them while riding. I guess i'll have to find out for myself if it will be of any advantage to carry them

I mean carry poles for getting to and off of lifts, also to keep momentum on flatter connection trails, just to avoid stepping out of the binding When actually riding, the poles would be strapped to your pack

Thanks so much for all the responses! I've been reading up through out this forum and I'm very excited to get started, I'll definitely try to get out to Berkshire east. Anywho, I have some new questions. 1) Is alpine snowboarding necessarily considered "snowboarding"? In other words, could a hardbooter board at ski only resorts? Mono skiing is allowed at Alta, Deer Valley, and Mad River. 2) would it be stupid to carry a set of poles? thanks again all!

Hey all, this is my first post on this forum, and I've got some questions about Hardbooting... Firstly, I'm both a skier and boarder, however, I prefer boarding. When I was younger, I used to enjoy riding through the parks, hitting jumps and rails and what not, but I grew tired of that novelty about four years ago and began solely riding glades and steeps. My current ride is a Signal OG 159, which is a directional freestyle board, with very stiff bindings and boots. Basically, I only really like to carve and go fast. I'm planning on buying my first alpine snowboard this upcoming summer. I would buy one now while the season is still young, but I am a college student and alpine snowboards are not necessarily cheap. Anyhow, I do have some questions. 1) Is alpine snowboarding better suited for western terrain? I typically ride at Killington, Jay Peak, and Okemo and I am worried that the high speeds and ice patch roulette combined with narrow trails may be an issue. 2) What size board should I use? I am 6ft tall, 190 lbs, would use an all-mountain board. 3) Is the angled stance hard to get used to? 4) What happens when you wipe out? Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks again and happy boarding!