Riceball

It was bullet-proof in the morning, so we took a break to let the snow loosen up. After that, it was fun carving throughout the day until both our legs and the snow turned to slush. Everyone in the photo was riding anything between 152 and 167. I would have been on my Prior 183 WCR, but it hasn't come back from repairs yet. There was another guy on a Coiler 187 custom that wasn't in the photo. However, I don't think board length matters at any mountain. Since I got my Prior 183 (14m SCR) I've ridden it very comfortably at SES 2007 in Aspen (Buttermilk and Snowmass), Nakiska, Sunshine and at the steeps in Golden. To answer your question though, Nakiska is probably the widest open-carving hill I've ridden at and loves to be trenched with long boards. Sorry, I don't have any action shots. We were having too much fun playing cat and mouse to take many photos. I will try and distribute the remainder of the photos I did take... On another note, if anyone is in Kimberley next weekend, my entire family and I will be there with 3 hard-booter in the mix. Steve

Thanks to everyone who came out today, it was great to meet everyone. Lets do it again soon. Please send me your email for some high-res pictures. Steve

Well, that's no good. Yes, I plan on a couple mini expression sessions next year. Hopefully you can make it next time! Steve

I have about 6 carvers and 4 soft-booters coming Saturday. My friend Darcy was there Monday and said it was a bit soft, but otherwise the snow was holding up. My crew is going to be there no matter what. Hope to see you there!

Even though it's warm, I'm confident the snow will be fine. They just got another 5cm last night . . . I was at Golden last weekend and my son and I carved the steeps. The conditions where awesome; no new snow, slightly groomed and about +5C. I'm hoping Nakiska will be the same. The only bad news was that my new Prior WCR 183 I bought at SES 2007 had its nose metal spring lose which started the base to de-laminate. It's in Whistler now getting repaired so I should have it back in time for the 17th. Like Allee, I hope to scare myself! Steve

If you are looking for super groomers and great fall-lines, check out Nakiska, in my opinion it is way better for wide open carving than Sunshine or the Lake. It is also only 60mins from Calgary. Steve

Nakiska Expression Session (NES) Date: March 17, 2007 - Meet at Olympic Cauldron (in front of the main lodge) at 9:00am for group photo, introductions and first run. Location: Nakiska, Kananaskis The NES is open to EVERYONE and is simply a gathering of like-minded individuals who enjoy the hard boot style of snowboarding. As with other Expression Sessions held throughout the world, the NES is a carving day for riders of all abilities. Please use this forum to communicate with myself and other participants. My friend Russell has volunteered to shoot photos with his fancy new digital SLR camera. Steve

Can you please email the high-res photo to steve.recsky@completedba.com Thanks, Steve

I had wanted to attend SES for several years and finally convinced my long time friend Darcy to go with me. It was an incredible event. Thanks to all the sponsors and riders. It was awesome to see so many different carving styles and to speak with people who are as passionate about this snowboarding discipline as I am. I came home exhausted with a new Prior WCR 183 and yet to be designed Coiler which I won on the final night. What more could anyone ask for? I'm already planning for next year... of course I’m bringing more Canadians! Steve

Yes, it is still on. I'll post details as the date gets closer. Thanks! Steve

Hi Kurt, Thanks for the reply. Too bad we can't hook up that day. If I'm out on a weekday I'll be sure to fire you an email. Steve P.S. You missed an awesome SES 2007 in Aspen!

Yes, they have snow. My family and I are there almost every weekend. It is a great mountain for groomed trenching. My son (15) has caught the carving bug and my daughter (17) is just starting. I see the odd hardbooter there from time-to-time, but I think it would look awesome to see about 15 rippers on the hill.

I'll be heading down to Aspen for the Bomber SES 2007 but was wondering when I get back if anyone in the Nakiska area would be interested in a session sometime in March? Maybe St. Patrick's Day - the 17th. If you are interested, please say so in this thread and we'll get a group together. I know I can start out with at least 5 or 6 riders, but lets get more out and trench North Axe! Thanks, Steve Recsky steve.recsky@completedba.com

I'll already be at Bomber's SES that weekend...

Steve and Darcy from Calgary, Alberta, Canada are now committed. Flights and accommodation (Snowmass Inn) booked. Arriving Friday the 9th and departing Saturday the 17th. We will be purchasing the SES Package Deal.

Currently trying to get time off. If all goes well, my long time carving buddy and I will be coming in from Calgary.