Tahoe Mountain Sports Blog Contributor and avid skier, Kirsten Alburg, had the opportunity to be a part of the 25th Annual Hartford Ski Spectacular at Beaver Run Resort and Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado this past December 2-9th. Today she gives us a summary of this life-changing event.
The Event
Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA) hosted the 25th annual The Hartford Ski Spectacular at Beaver Run Resort and Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado. The eight-day event was the nation’s largest winter sports event for individuals with physical disabilities. More than 800 participants, ranging in ability from first-time skiers to members of the U.S. Paralympics Alpine Skiing National Team and more than 160 wounded warriors and their families came together in Breckenridge.
TMS Blog Contributor Kirsten Alburg and Alaska Adaptive USA E-Ski Team Member Moriah Maybry.
The Hartford Ski Spectacular strengthens and expands adaptive snow sports programs in communities throughout the U.S.; identifies and trains youth, wounded warriors, and others with disabilities including those who strive to be winter Paralympians; and helps local DSUSA chapters improve their services. A week of ski and snowboard race training, sponsored by U.S. Paralympics, prepares athletes for national and international competitions, including the upcoming 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.
TMS Blog Contributor Kirsten Alburg and Tyler Ryan of East Patchogue, New York.
Partnerships
The goal of partnerships with DSUSA and U.S. Paralympics is to increase awareness about the achievement that’s possible when you focus on ability versus disability. Inspiration is everywhere!
Photo: Ski Spectacular Participants Photo Op.
Many Different Programs
The Professional Ski Instructors of America – American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) is offered training for instructors in the latest and safest adaptive ski techniques for skiers with disabilities. “Learn to” programs in alpine and Nordic skiing, biathlon, sled hockey, curling and snowboarding were also offered.
What It’s Really All About
Some people think that this is just another ski event but it’s about so much more than skiing – It is life-changing! The relationships, the smiles, the positive energy, the mentors, and the exposure to sports for people with physical disabilities are what it’s really all about!
This Week’s Favorite Holiday Gear Picks, Straight From Our Fun TMS Staff To You!
With Christmas only a few days away and your “dirt bag ski bum” taken care of, as well as your “overly concerned parents” happily checked off for the year, that leaves the last (but not least) on your shopping list – the starving student! Every family seems to have one, or at least someone who lives like one, but what do you buy for someone who needs everything? Our TMS starving students, Meaghen and Ryan, have the perfect gift ideas that will help even the most destitute on your list feel like gear-royalty (opposite of gear-junkie) without breaking the bank.
I’ve liked this Chico backpack ever since I saw it. It barely weighs anything and scrunches down really small so it would be perfect to keep in my glove box. That way I’d always have it in case I decide to take a quick hike or walk my dog. Also for grocery trips – I wouldn’t worry about forgetting recyclable bags because I’d always have a big one in the car, and it’s much easier to carry when I walk or ride my bike home from the store.
Why do I want this North Face hoody? Because it’s sick! Hmm…what else? It’s really soft and I like the way the hood zips up all the way around your head but leaves the perfect little window to see out of. It blocks out the wind but the fabric is really comfortable and the zipper won’t rub my chin and annoy me when I’m running.
I need a new pair of goggles really bad and these Smith Goggles are the best goggles out there. They’re really comfortable and they look sweet! The weather changes so much in Tahoe that it would be nice to keep an extra lens in the car and be able to switch from back-and-forth really fast (flat-light to low-light).
I do a lot of lightweight hiking and long-distance trail running when the ground is dry, but it’s not always warm outside. I wouldn’t even notice this in my pack because it’s so small and light, just like the other Snow Peak gear I have, and I tend to drink tasty beverages like cocoa and coffee really fast so if I had a straw I could savor those moments a little longer.
My thermals are shot! I wear the same pair almost every day and put a lot of miles on them in the backcountry. I figure if I got some Smartwool long underwear next, they would last a long time and I could wear them repeatedly without stinking them up too bad. Plus, sometimes it’s really cold and wet in the mornings and other days it’s not that bad – these would do the trick in all conditions.
I really like how much I can do with these gloves on. I borrowed a buddy’s Ergo Grip gloves a while ago and was immediately sold on them. It was nice not to have to take them off when I needed to grab something from my pack, adjust my goggles or unzip my pit-zips (underarm vents).
This Week’s Favorite Holiday Gear Picks, Straight From Our Fun TMS Staff To You!
Great! Now that you’ve completed your Christmas shopping for the “Dirt Bag Ski Bum” in your life, you can focus on the “Overly Concerned Parent” that has stumped your holiday purchasing frenzy. We got inside the minds of TMS owner Pam and her daughter, Adina, to find out what they really want this year.
Pam – TMS Owner (for my daughter, Adina)
$154.95 / 94.95 - Marmot Starstruck Jacket and Marmot Skyline Pants
Keeping my daughter warm and dry is a top priority in winter, so I only buy the best outerwear. I love the Starstruck Jacket for girls because it has the same technical features (insulated, waterproof, stylish) as the adult version but in cute colors for little girls. Pair it up with the Skyline pants and your kid can play outside all day long without complaining.
$79.95 - Smith Galaxy/Cosmos Helmet Goggle Package – A helmet is key for safety especially for an active child. I’ve watching our daughter bounce hard on snow, ice and pavement so we want the best helmet for her protection and it needs to be cute and comfortable too so that she’ll wear it. The Galaxy/Cosmos Helmet Goggle combo fits the requirements – an affordable helmet and goggles that comes in pink with butterflies!
$34.95 - The North Face Sprout kids backpack - Overly concerned parents like to make sure we have packed EVERYTHING, so a backpack is a must. I like The North Face Sprout because it’s just the right size for my daughter and she can carry her own essentials now that she’s four years old. For older kids, there are great larger packs like the Deuter Kids Backpack.
Pam (for me!)
$20.95 / 19.95 – Smartwool Mini-Fairisle and Smartwool Jovian Stripe
I love socks and think they are the best holiday gift. I especially love the colors of the Mini Fairisle socks and Jovian Stripe socks.
$34.95 - Icebreaker BF150 Sprite Hot Pant - I think the Icebreaker BF150 is hot! The color combos are bright and fun while the style is cute and comfortable. I totally want a pair – or two or three – this winter.
$249.95 -Ugg Australia Brooks Tall Boot - The Brooks Tall UggBoot in black would put a huge smile on my face this winter. Fashionable, warm and waterproof; the perfect boot. Please tell my husband that I want these!
Adina – TMS Poster Child
$18.95 – Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp - Adina really wants her own headlamp, so the Black Diamond Wiz will be going in her stocking this year. It comes it cute color schemes and is plenty bright for her to play at night or to tag along on night-hikes with my husband and I.
$34.95 – Bogs Glosh Boot – She already has Bogs boots, which we love, but she really wants the new Glosh Boot since it’s pink and weighs less than her current pair. The handles are a great addition to an already waterproof and warm winter boot.
$24.95 – Nite Ize Flashflight Lighted Frisbee – Anything from Nite Ize that lights up, like this glow in the dark frisbee, would be another perfect gift for my precious little munchkin.
You have been waiting for it, dreaming of it, and desiring the outcome. From the edges of bike seats to the vistas of mountaintops, you haven’t been able to eat or sleep. Yes, this is true, but your deprivation has fogged your memory. “What is it that I’m thirsting for again?”, you ask. The exciting results of our fearless TMS/Boreas Pack Tester Adventure Team, of course! Our “brave seven” embarked, over the past month, on their own grand adventures to put the new Boreas backpacks to the ultimate test. This test would officially dub the Boreas packs worthy of outdoor gear grandeur, or at least provide feedback that will help Boreas meet their goal of greatness. If you are one of the many who have been waiting on the edge of your Thermarest for us to unveil the secrets of great packs, hold onto your Gu, because here it comes! The TMS/Boreas Pack Tester Adventure Team’s final results!
Overview: During the testing of this bag I took my Boreas on multiple trips. Out of the gate I took the bag to Alaska for some work around Talkeetna and Denali, followed by a few days out in the tundra of Bethel, AK. From the Last Frontier, this pack helped me take a few weekend trips to Western Montana, mostly acting as a suitcase. After it’s journey through Big Sky Country, it went down to Denver and Golden, Colorado for some more work (with some hiking mixed in on South Table Mountain when I could). I don’t do any extended backpacking, so I didn’t test this on any overnight trips in the woods.
1. How do you like the way the pack sits on your back? (TESKE) I had a couple of issues with the way the pack sat on my back. The curve of the internal frame did not match up with my upper back as well as I’d like. It took some fiddling with the shoulder straps and load lifters to get something the felt right, but even in the best position it still felt like I was being forced to hunch over a bit. A great feature of this pack is the removable frame sheet. It was really easy to take it in and out, even when the pack was loaded. That is an issue I have with my current 30L daypack. Sometimes you need the bag to be able to lose its shape (like when stuffing it in between the seats of a bush plane). The issue I had was that when the frame sheet was removed, the “z-foam” padding tended to bulge in the lower back area. So it’s kind of a trade off, remove the sheet for fitting it into tight spaces or for day trips, but endure some slight discomfort in the lower back.
2. Are there any changes you would make to the belt buckle? (TESKE) The belt buckle functioned very well. The wide straps for tightening made adjustments easy. The little pouches on the belt were designed very well for holding small items. The semi-rigid bands on the pouches were a great touch and made getting in and out with one hand pretty easy.
3) What do you feel this pack is best suited to do? (TESKE) This pack would be great for a two or three day backpacking trip. It didn’t really function as well as I would like for my needs. The 55L size is huge, and Boreas’ design lets you use every square inch of it. I loaded it up for multi-day trips to Alaska, Denver, and Montana and never maxed out the main pouch, even with multiple clothing layers and shoes going in with some camera gear. Most of the time during my test it was less than half full with the camera and field gear I needed for my work. Accessing the items in the bag can be a bit of a hassle when reaching down to the bottom of the bag from the cinch top. However, that cinch top opening was like a snake, it swallowed anything I packed into the bag whole.
4) Is there a similar pack you have been lusting after? (It’s okay if it’s not ours.) (TESKE) I can’t think of a specific model of pack. I was looking for something larger than my current 25L daypack and not as large as my large-size North Face Base Camp Duffel. This was in that size range, but again, 55L, especially the way Boreas lays it out, is huge. I think a 30L or 40L Boreas bag would be more what I could use.
5) What did you like most about the pack? (TESKE) I loved that Boreas maximized the space inside the bag. It was like one of those old Navy duffels with a lightweight, comfortable frame system. A close second was the sleek design. Even when loaded to the gills there weren’t many straps or loops hanging off it to snag on seats or foliage when dragging the bag around. In fact the design is so sleek it took me two days to notice the rather size-able zipper pocket on the front of the bag.
6) What did you like least about the pack? (TESKE) Really the top load design was not very good for me. I think it was designed well overall, but I think I need either a smaller top load bag, or a panel load bag to get at my items easier.
7) Best uses? What activities do you think this pack is best used for? (TESKE) A 2-3 day backpacking trip would be the best use of this. It really didn’t work well as a travel pack and was too big for an extended day pack.
8) Overall thoughts on the bag. (TESKE) I haven’t used a large frame pack since I was in The Boy Scouts. I know technology has come a long way since those days and Boreas seems to take things in a great new direction by incorporating key features with unobtrusive design. I will probably take a look at some of their other packs and bags to augment my ever-expanding collection.
1) How do you like the way the pack sits on your back? (BORDEN) The Boreas 60 was extremely comfortable for me. I’ve been using a 5-1/2 lb pack and didn’t think I could get comfort in a mid-weight pack, but this pack felt as if it was tailored just for me. I took it on a 4-night, 41-mile trek in the Wind River Range of Wyoming. I’ve been backpacking for 30+ years and have had many packs, and this is by far the most comfortable and functional.
2) Are there any changes you would make to the belt buckle? (BORDEN) I was concerned about the size of the buckles; they are small, but did work well. My concern is if it were really cold I may not have the hand dexterity to manage such a small buckle. The belt buckle itself was fine. I also would like to see the Camelback hose opening a 1/2″ longer. I had a heck of a time snaking the hose through the slot when it was 28-degrees outside. The sternum strap was fine for me, but I would have liked to see more range of up and down.
3) What do you feel this pack is best suited to do? (BORDEN) This pack is best suited for backpacking.
4) Is there a similar pack you have been lusting after? (It’s okay if it’s not ours.) (BORDEN) My plan was to start pack shopping toward the end of this season, so thanks for saving me the trouble! I have a Gregory Deva and a Z pack that now will be lenders. I was going to look at Deuter packs.
5) What did you like most about the pack? (BORDEN) I liked the comfort of the pack. I carried 35-40 lbs for 5 days up and down mountain passes and was completely comfortable. No shoulder or hip rubbing, and the load stayed centered and snug. I liked the large outside pocket as a quick place to store rain gear, which I did need in a hurry! The loosening loop on the hip belt was awesome, as well as all of the daisy chain loops and the way the fabric seems to stretch to accommodate whatever you want to put in the pack. I also loved the two hip belt pockets and the two deep outer side pockets for added storage. Thank you, Boreas, for making them so deep!
6) What did you like least about the pack? (BORDEN) What I like least is the color. Orange is actually my favorite color and I will never be mistaken for a deer, but it is sure shows the dirt. The buckle sizes could be larger, as stated before, with exception of the hip belt.
7) Overall thoughts on the bag. (BORDEN) I really liked this pack and it really surprised me that I did. I took my old pack with me to the trailhead because I was afraid to try a new one on this long of a trip, but once I loaded it I liked the way everything fit and decided to just roll with it. I’m so glad I did! Additionally, I have to say that it’s great it comes with a rain cover – not many packs go the extra mile like that. The Lost Coast 60 is smaller than the bag I’ve been using, but it holds more and does it more efficiently. Overall, this was a great pack.
ADVENTURER DETWILER – BOREAS BAG TEST REPORT
Name: Michael Detwiler Pack Testing: Boreas Repack 15
1) How do you like the way the pack sits on your back? (DETWILER) It fits well. I have never worn a pack that sits high on the hips like this one does but I like how it keeps the weight higher up.
2) Are there any changes you would make to the belt buckle? (DETWILER) The buckle is good. I might add a bit more padding for more comfort when weighed down with heavier gear, but I just had some lightweight items so that wasn’t a big deal.
3) What do you feel this pack is best suited to do? (DETWILER) It’s best suited for short day hikes and bike rides. It has plenty of room for lunch and a few important items.
4) Is there a similar pack you have been lusting after? (It’s okay if it’s not ours.) (DETWILER) No.
5) What did you like most about the pack?
(DETWILER) The adjustment loops on the hip belt were really handy. The bungee loops on the outside were great when I went for a hike and had to secure my fishing rods to the pack. It’s a very lightweight pack and stays secured to your back.
6) What did you like least about the pack? (DETWILER) I would have liked a third compartment. Also, the sternum strap rubbed on my arms when I went SUP’n (Stand-Up-Paddleboarding), but this was fixed by moving the strap down with the adjustable sliders. Another concern that I had was that I was worried I might tear the pack if I crashed or snagged a branch. Maybe the material is strong, but I worried it would tear easily.
7) Best uses? What activities do you think this pack is best used for? (DETWILER) This pack works great for mountain biking and day hikes.
8) Overall thoughts on the bag. (DETWILER) I liked the pack. Overall it was a good choice in gear.
This feature comes from Kirsten Alburg, a TMS staff writer, teacher, and owner of Alaska’s Take Refuge Canoe. Kirsten is a regular contributor to our blog and an above-average adventure enthusiast living on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska.
A Jetboil cooking system in use on-board a canoe.
Take Refuge Canoe, an adventure canoe company that runs guided and outfitted canoe trips in the Kenai Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, boasts that without their Jet Boil Cook System they would be up a crick without a paddle.
The Kenai Wildlife Refuge Canoe System, one of only three nationally recognized wilderness canoe systems in America, combines close to 300 lakes within two river systems with abundant wildlife. With many lakes to paddle there are just as many portages to forge, so paddlers expect to carry their gear a good distance – sometimes upwards of a mile. Since canoes weigh so much, there is a strong emphasis on packing light, and camp stoves are never an exception.
This is why Take Refuge Canoe uses the Jet Boil Helios Group 1.5 liter Cooking Systemas their campsite and on-the-go cooking system for all their trips. With an adjustable burner, push-button ignition, insulated lid and canister stabilizer, things are really made easier out on the trail (or boat) when you have a Jetboil.
Stove and Fuel both fit in the pot!
Jetboil fuel canisters are also small and lightweight, and just the right size (110 grams) to accurately gauge your fuel consumption prior to departure. This makes it very easy to pack for an adventure.
The Jet Boil Flash is also a key component on all canoe trips, due to its simple usability inside the boat and its quick boiling time. A thermochromic temperature indicator is visible through three stripes on the side of the 1-liter anodized aluminum cooking cup, so you can tell when your water is hot and close to boiling. When it reaches boiling, pour it through a Jetboil Coffee Press and enjoy your favorite brew when you’re as far from a Starbucks as you can get. Jetboils have excellent fuel efficiency and are one of the best backpacking stoves available today.
TRC’s last group of the season, who decided to embark on an extremely rainy fall overnight trip, was especially thankful for the quick cups of hot tea, coffee, and meals made along the way, says company owner Kirsten Alburg. It was these “liquids from heaven” that our guests said kept their spirits high and dry during the nearly flood-stage two-day downpour. A note taken from the TRC suggestion box stated, “The Jet Boil system was our best friend during our amazing yet damp paddle trip through the Kenai Wildlife Refuge! It’s so nice to book with a company that has the right gear for the job!”
Stan Powers, from Washington, was kind enough to contribute this review to Tahoe Mountain Sports. Stan swears by his Vibram Five Fingers and hopes to persuade more runners to fall in line.
I was actually turned on to Vibram Shoes by my eye doctor who runs in them almost daily. He has run half-marathons and will be doing a marathon in them soon. They seem to come from the philosophy that the native Africans and Australians had to run miles and miles to run down their prey. Gazelles, as well as other animals, tend to overheat when they run too much because they have no means of sweating. It’s amazing, really – these natives have no arch supports or Salomon running shoes! By running on the toes of your feet and letting your them absorb the shock, versus landing with all that impact on your heels, you don’t send the shocks directly up your leg. This helps to prevent knee and hip pain both now and in the future.
Converting to Vibram Shoes is not easy, but totally worth it! I had some pretty nasty foot pain develop when I first started trail running in my Vibrams, but in time the pain went away. The only thing I must recommend, as you’ve probably heard from others, is to break your finger shoes in slowly. Our foot muscles, tendons and ligaments tend to degenerate over years of non-use. I got a bit too aggressive because the shoes felt so liberating and seemed to provide infinite energy, so I ran further than I likely should have on my third time out. The result – a small fracture in one of the top bones coming from my fourth toe. I stayed away from running for a month or so. That was difficult, but worth it, and I have been more than happy with my new shoes ever since.
I ran my first 10K in them at the ocean in July. It was fun watching all those footprints deep in the sand in front of me, but looking behind me I noticed I hardly left a trail at all. I was able to run a 10K in under one hour comfortably, which was a first for me. I suggest these Vibram shoes to anyone who runs! Why fight what we are naturally made to do?
Tahoe Mountain Sports is proud to announce that Tim Hauserman, author of the Tahoe Rim Trail guidebook series, will appear at our store in Kings Beach, California, on Saturday, September 15 from 4-6 p.m. Tim will be signing copies of his new book, Tahoe Rim Trail 3rdEdition, and will provide the audience with an entertaining slideshow presentation featuring highlights from along the trail and around Lake Tahoe. An avid adventurist and explorer of natural beauty, Tim moved to Tahoe when he was two and has since racked up countless miles along the Tahoe Rim Trail.
The Tahoe Rim Trail offers one amazing high-alpine view after another, over the course of 165 miles.
“I have led hiking, kayaking and mountain biking trips in the area. I have thru-hiked the Tahoe Rim Trail three times, and hiked every section probably a dozen times,” said Hauserman. “I love the trail, and now I know it like the back of my hand.”
Over twenty miles of new trail descriptions, the new trail at Mt. Rose, and a new network of trails in the Kingsbury Grade – South Shore area are just a few examples of updates in the third edition of the Tahoe Rim Trail guidebook.
“I am excited to hear Tim provide his in-depth knowledge and expertise about the Rim Trail,” said Tahoe Mountain Sports (TMS) owner David Polivy. “He has some fascinating photographs from his journeys, and I’m really looking forward to seeing them.”
“I hope guests will gain a new-found love of the trail and I look forward to answering any questions they may have regarding the trail,” Tim explained.
Alpenglow and still waters along the Tahoe Rim Trail.
“All of us here at TMS are eager to meet and mingle with members of our wonderful community,” said Polivy. “This event will be a great way to connect with like-minded folks and adventure enthusiasts.”
Light refreshments will be provided and books will be available for purchase at the event.
Thank you to the Tahoe Rim Trail Association for co-sponsoring this unique opportunity.
Shoe technology is changing everyday it seems, from barefoot shoes, to ultra light hiking boots. It seems we are moving towards the mentality of “what can my shoes do for me, besides simply protect my feet”. That’s a good question. They can actually do a lot, from improving form to strengthening different muscles in the body. A good choice in shoe can improve your workout, and what you get out of your workout. It can be nice when your shoe does a little work for you. As the sports we partake in evolve, the equipment we use needs to evolve as well. For example hybrid run/hiking shoes, are making a big impact on the trail running community. Brands like Montrail are pioneers in the industry, creating the crossbreeds for those who like to run their hikes. Versatility is the keyword here when you need a shoe that can do it all.
Montrail’s Bajada is perfect for taking your legs for an off-road adventure. The Bajada features Montrail’s custom outsole called Gryptonite, which features a prong like grip for traction on any surface. The Bajada is made from lightweight breathable materials that make this shoe weigh about eight oz; it makes my feet feel nice and cool, almost like running in socks. You know that feeling you get after a run when you take your shoes off and it feels so good to let fresh air wrap around your toes. That’s a feeling you don’t have to wait for with Bajada.
Even lighter, at about 6 oz, Montrail’s Rouge Fly is ultra light and cushioning, this shoe is the most comfortable running shoe I have ever run in. The insoles of Montrail shoes break in fast, like on your first run, and form to feet creating true support and comfort. The shoes are responsive and flexible as well as provide adequate support on rocky and rough terrain. When I’m getting ready for a run, it’s not even a question! I grab my Montrails and hit the pavement…dirt…sand…rock… are you getting the picture?
While fireworks fly a day early here in Kings Beach on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore, another event falls on the 4th of July that’s tons of fun for anybody and everybody.
A true “all ages and all abilities” race, this 5K and 10K trail run is designed for families, running enthusiasts and those who may be new to friendly competitive trail running.
The point-to-point race starts at the North Tahoe Regional Park in Tahoe Vista, a hidden gem among North Lake Tahoe’s public parks, tours runners through scenic pine forest with breathtaking lake views and finishes on the beach in front of the North Tahoe Events Center in Downtown Kings Beach.
Runners have the option of taking the full 10K course along a mix of scenic single track, dirt roads and along quiet neighborhood streets; or the shorter 5K course which leaves off some of the longer, off-road sections.
The Run to the Beach is scheduled to get underway at 8 a.m.
Runners can register online at TahoeTrailRunning.com or at Tahoe Mountain Sports on July 2nd and 3rd from the hours of 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. Runners can also register on race day (July 4th) at the North Tahoe Regional Park. An awards ceremony will be held on the beach following the morning’s race and a shuttle will be provided to return runners to the North Tahoe Regional Park from the beach finish.
Runners, friends and their families are encouraged to explore the Fourth of July Festivities in Kings Beach and throughout North Lake Tahoe, including fireworks shows in Kings Beach on July 3rd and in Tahoe City on July 4th.
The Run to the Beach is part of the 2012 Tahoe Trail Running Series presented by Salomon and Big Blue Adventure.
Valentine’s morning with our wives/girlfriends or light, fluffy backcountry powder? Well, for a bunch of snow starved Tahoe ski bums, the choice was easy (though we might regret it later). Tahoe Mountain Sports web editor, Greyson happened to be riding the lifts with Jesse from Folsom Custom Skis earlier in the week and they made an instant connection so Jesse decided to come and visit the shop and see if anybody was going out skiing this week. Luckily we had a pre-planned dawn patrol trip scheduled for Tuesday morning so it all worked out.
Getting ready for the ski down
With about 12-14 inches up on the Sierra Crest and 6-8 inches down lower, we chose the west shore of Tahoe for our early morning jaunt and it was well worth it. The West Shore seems to have squeezed the most snow out of the most recent storm, so we headed straight there and started skinning up in the dark only to get engulfed in a misty, rimey cloud about half way up.
Skinning Up on Valentine's morning
The powder was incredibly light and fluffy on top of the hard crust that has formed in between the January storm and this one. At the top, we could barely feel the crust, but down lower, the 6-8 inches were not enough to keep you from hitting bottom. We were able to ski right from and then back to the car with hardly any bushwacking so the coverage turned out to be much better than expected.
The other purpose of this mornings trip was to check out these skis Jesse had brought with him. Luckily he had a Dynafit setup on a pair of BlueNote’s so I got to ride those. They were 100 under foot with a rocker tip, poplar/bamboo core, ABS sidewalls and one of their stock top sheet graphics. While you might not have heard of these guys yet, you are likely to start hearing about them soon. They are in business to make ONLY custom skis. They have a questionnaire on their website that is about 25 questions long and depending on your answers, the type of ski you want and how much you are willing to throw down, you can create your very own ski with your very own graphics. Currently they are making about 250 pairs a year of these things, but look out cause once everybody finds out about them, they are going to be cranking.
Folsom BlueNote Skis on the way up
So, the ski, did I like it or not? I most certainly did. It skied incredibly solid, was very logitudinally and torsionally consistent and midly stiff. The tip profile made it very fun and somewhat floaty in the light powder and equally fun at the bottom when quick turns and a solid platform were needed to make our way out. This ski was certainly a 1 ski quiver. With semi-custom skis starting at $850 to fully customized skis going up to $1200, these are not for everyone, but if you know what you want, want it to be the highest quality, Made in the USA and ski like a dream, these could be the skis for you. The Aspen Highlands ski patrollers have adopted them as their ski of choice for their durability and unique shapes. Jesse had a chance to stop by the shop after we skied so we could see some more options from them and you can see those below.
Some of the selection from Folsom Custom Skis
Demo fleet from Folsom Custom Skis
You can check out some more of the pics and some closeups of the skis on our Facebook page here.
I was actually turned on to Vibram Shoes by my eye doctor who runs in them almost daily. He has 
