Funky Cats & Ski Straps: 2011

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Top Ski Picks for 2011-2012 Season

Line Sir Francis Bacon

Atomic Bent Chetler

As ski's have progressed over the past decade, experimentation with traditional camber, reverse camber, and hybrid camber has produced a vast array of ski styles and types. Traditional camber has a high rise underfoot, that when used bends toward the the contact points on the tip and tail. These skis are traditionally intended for park and carving. Reverse Camber has a rise at the tip and tale, but has been outsourced in light of the Hybrid Camber. The Hybrid camber has an early rise at the tip and tale and has traditional camber. Over the past few years it has become popular to go fatter and fatter underfoot for a smoother and easier ride when cruising in the powder. No longer do you have to sit back on your ass while struggling to stay afloat. However, when is fat too fat and how many people are actually skiing in powder every time they hit the mountain? Eric Pollard this year has slimmed down his Sir Francis Bacon width to 108mm underfoot, with an effective edge from tip to tale (140mm tip 136mm tail). This allows for better carving on groomers and more control all around. It is a beast and I want it! Eric Pollard is a goofy artist with a Dr. Seuss type-style. These skis are meant to tear it up in all conditions with ease, and they are #1 in my book for this years shredder. Coming in second I have to turn to Bent Chetler Ski. They command the attention of those around for a day of fun in the backcountry. Even though you can try and ride these ladies in all conditions, you might look a little goofy on a groomer with skis rocking a 123mm base. These were meant for the powder and they do as they are told. Not to mention the design is wacky and out of control.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Mountain of the Month: Wolf Creek, CO

Picture courtesy of rockymountainmagazine.com

It's time for the first Mountain of the Month post! While I can't say I have had the pleasure of skiing Wolf Creek yet, I am well aware of its glory. Wolf Creek has already accumulated a 46" base, which is absolutely insane! With 1600 skiable acres already open and a $33 lift ticket for adults, Wolf Creek is calling our names at the top of her lungs;"Bring your fatty's bitches!".. Screw Vail Resorts and their steep lift ticket pricing, Wolf Creek is the place to be. The backcountry is supposedly unheard of, and I plan to find out sooner rather than later. Avalanches are no joke when treading the back bowls out west, anywhere for that matter. Just this week professional skier and family man Jamie Pierre passed away in Utah from an Avalanche. There is no doubt in my mind that La Nina will be causing a ruckus all across Colorado this year, so stay safe and have fun.

Friday, November 11, 2011

First day at Arapahoe Basin

phone pics.

A Basin is definitely one of my favorite mountains in the United States. A few years back I couldn't afford a Ski Pass in time and my buddy Craig came out for a month to hike the prestigious Loveland Pass and A-Basin backcountry. If you stay in bounds your not necessarily going to be impressed, but the prize comes from getting into the dangerous stuff. I remember at the end of season last year 3 feet of fresh powder, courtesy of the Snow Gods, provided one of the best days at A Basin I've ever had. We skied out of bounds and had to hitchhike back with an ABay local, whom I was considerably nervous might get us in trouble for not having the right Avalanche Gear. Luckily the bowl sitting on his armrest reassured me he was in a relaxed state of mind. He was adamant about us getting the right gear because he had friends that died in the same conditions... we agreed- but sometimes the risk is worth the reward! One of the best parts of that day was when Craig and I were sitting above a perfect line with two small cliff jumps adjacent from one another. Craig takes off and makes the line look like a Pollard shoot (minus the 50 foot cliffs), so I quickly track the same line. As I get to the second rock cliff the snow had been skied off and I dishevel my body like a Red Bull Flugtag contestant into the air. Craig thought I was doing some crazy cork 360, so that made my day. Anyways, I have a feeling the Snow Lords will be generous this year. Happy Season!

You can't leave Nederland without a Daguna double IPA!

At 8.5% I'm happy with this beer and the flavor is a perfect combination of citrusy hops! If you like a good microbrew like I do please check out my friends blog! http://beerformebeerforyou.blogspot.com/ (photo by Tiffany Demas)

Rollinsville

Fall in Rollinsville is a great time of year! Tiffany and I took a trip up through Nederland just as the trees were booming with iridescence! I do miss the variety of colors of Fall back East, but no one can complain when stuck in the middle of nowhere, serene as can be, on a perfect day. I did lose my keys, but life is about experiences, not losses, and this was a good one.

Take a trip to the Butterfly Pavilion!

The Butterfly Pavilion, located in Broomfield right off of Highway 36, is a great way to emerge yourself in a jungle setting without flying 5,000 miles to South America. Is that even 5,000 miles away? Anyhoo, we had a great time being swarmed by exotic butterflies and flabbergasted kids, not to mention there is a side room filled with tons of creepy crawlers.