Spring Break Part 2

Alpental, Washington. Such a fun place!

Check it!

Also on Early Ups.

earlyups.com/videos/daily-brew-april-3/

Spring Break Part 1

Wow being home was fantastic!

Here's two of the best days of my season, playing in the white room at Crystal Mountain.

Study Breaks Episode 3: Sketch!

Finally got some footage together from Colorado. It's been a very slow season, but finally!

Enjoy!

Study Breaks Episode 2: Northwest Sucks

Finally got some good conditions, so here's the edit. Don't ski the Northwest. Remember that area of the country has no fun.

I-Rock Review

I acquired the I-Rock to supplement my D-Senders on deep pow days, and for touring capability.

I’m 5’8’’ 150lbs

Ski aggressively and have competed in a big mountain competition

186cm Fat-ypus I-Rock

158-126-148

For rocker view, see previous post

Mounted with Marker Duke Touring Bindings ski center

My review of this incredible ski after three days at Aspen Snowmass and one day at Crystal:

Groomed- My first few runs on this were on groomed terrain, which the I-Rock handled admirably. This ski exudes stability and speed, at least with the segment that remains in contact with the snow. They key to groomers was remaining centered and foreword on the ski. With the correct stance, the ski rails. I only got in trouble if I tried backseat driver. Keep your form up and the ski will follow.

Ice- Unfortunately, Crystal had several aspects that resembled solid ice. The I-Rock remained solid and stable on the slope, with chattering tips and tails. Not the ski for these conditions, but I was able manage well.

Crust- Riding the northwest, I was fortunate to obtain plenty of chances to experiment on this snow type. While not as stable as the D-Sender, the I-Rock rides like a champ. The tips remain up above the snow, allowing me to decide whatever speed and turning style I preferred. The I-Rock made this snow type more enjoyable.

Heavy Powder- Let’s face the facts: the Pacific Northwest’s atmospheric patterns don’t predictably bless us with light snow. That’s why a fat ski like the I-Rock becomes a necessity, because even if the snow isn’t ideal, you can still ski like you’re riding Utah.

Crud- No complaints in this department. Similarly to groomers most especially, keep the balanced stable stance over the middle of the ski, and prepare for Mach 5.

Powder- That’s why I bought the ski, and no I don’t regret the decision in the slightest. Zoom zoom in the pow pow!

In the Ayer- My bindings are the legendary heavyweights Dukes, yet these skis still retain a very high level of pop, which keeps all of the little hits fun. I’ve only sent around 15feet on these thus far, and they’ve remained highly stable.

Speed- This ski performs well at all speeds, but truly comes alive in straight lines and fast turns. Just go for it on these skis: the I-Rocks will remain dependable.

Technical- Given the rocker shape, these skis handle technical sections with ease, and easily accomplish the small precise turns. Not their forte, but the I-Rock handles well.

Freestyle- Fun, fun switch ski. Their girth necessitates a rather wide stance for switch skiing, but the slightly different technique becomes well worth the trade off. These are a fun ride for backwards. Additionally butters are quite easy with the I-Rock, even with Dukes. Spread Eagles and 180s have never been more fun.

Here’s a short video on a few runs at Crystal with outlined conditions, while I was testing out the ski. Unfortunately the GoPro died a couple hours before lunch, but here are a few shots.

In short, the I-Rock is a turnier, slightly less stable, more powder oriented D-Sender. In otherwords kickass to the max. Such a enjoyable pair of boards. I recommend them entirely. If you have any questions, post them on up, and I’ll respond as soon as possible.

While corny, I rock with I-Rocks has become a proven fact!

With the forecasted upcoming NW storm, hopefully these babies will be of use. Pray for snow!

Study Breaks Episode 1

Last Wednesday, our campus was blessed with 4 inches of snow, so we made the most of the October skiing opportunity. Here's the edit, the first installment of my webisode series Study Breaks. Photos to come.

Think snow!

Turns in the Tropics

Even with little snow Jamaica has potential for some great skiing, as I found out on my mission trip.

Video of the line starts at 3:00

The incredible trip was done with Next Step Ministries.

Freeride Competition and Footage

Here is the next episode of Crystal Mountain Moments.

I was expecting to make several more, but a torn rotator cuff wrecked some havoc on my season.

I had to take several weeks off, and then when I made it to Aspen, I had to tone it down, hence the one shot in the episode. Conditions either weren't right for filming, or the terrain was too mellow.

Finally, still not 100% but better, came the Crystal Mountain Junior Freeskiing Nationals. It was my first comp and I placed 17th. Definitely not where I wanted to be, but the comp was an invaluable learning experience. Here are my thoughts on the lines:

Day 1 Elk Shoots

28.3 Points (20th/39th places)

For my first real comp run, it went ok. I skied the top section well, but stopped and later went off the air in the middle section in the wrong spot. I was feeling tentative with my shoulder and went smaller than I should've. And my finish was a disaster. Totally missed my line through the rocks, and almost bit it the entire way down. Oh well, I made it into day 2.

Day 2 Silver King

26.67 Points (17th/39th places overall)

After feeling upset about how my day 1 skiing, and still unable to send anything large with 1 shoulder, I chose one of the most technical lines on the King. Quite the mistake. Throwing spread eagles all the way my alternative Brain Damage line on the other side of the King would've scored much higher, and would've been more fun. Anyways, my chosen line down Pinball was simply too rocky. For half of the top section I wasn't on snow, and was unprepared for that. But I felt content with my air after the madness up top.

Final place 17th. 54.97 Points.

Even though I'm unhappy with my performance, this was an incredible event, and I can't wait for future competitions. The talent and positive energy at Crystal that weekend was as high as it has ever been. Congrats to the winners! Some insane lines were thrown down.

Without further ado, here is Crystal Mountain Moments Episode 3.

http://vimeo.com/22221709

Crystal Mountain Moments Episode 2

I haven't posted on here in forever, but the next episode of Crystal Mountain Moments is up!

Conditions at Crystal have been far from ideal, but the skiing has been really fun.

Hopefully this warm spell will end soon, so the pow will return.

I will be updating the blog next week with some pictures from Crystal.

http://vimeo.com/19109265

Or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p701fAzNdmE

Or watch it here (double click for full screen)

Enjoy!

Crystal Mountain Moments Episode 1

Skiing at Crystal has been so fun thus far. Been up twice and made an episode of Crystal Mountain Moments for day 2.

Crystal is still very rocky, so no large airs, just fun in the pow.

I ended up clipping a ski pole on a tree, so the day ended up being no poles. Super fun!

Going to be skiing like that for a while.

I also skied my first day on the Fat-ypus D-Sender, which is a incredible ski. Review coming shortly.

Crystal Mountain Moments Episode 1: No Poles

(Double Click For Full Screen)

http://vimeo.com/17350748

Skiing Da Hood

Boy it feels good to be posting fresh ski stoke in August!

Oh my goodness this ski season just keeps going and going!

Anyways I just made a trip down to Mt. Hood Timberline with my Dad, and we got a couple of excellent days skiing and hiking the mountain. I brought along the GoPro, and made an edit of the first few runs and current conditions.

Here is the url if you wan to watch it directly on vimeo:

http://vimeo.com/14038666

Double click for full screen.

A random photo essay of the Hood Trip (containing a few words)

Click on any of the photos to zoom.

Smoky says "GO SKI!"

Mt. Hood!

Very colorful cars lined up to go ski.

The lift served portion of Hood. Windells' enormous terrain park is visible bottom right.

Upper skiing terrain and big jumps.

Pipecutter next to a large table.

Danger! Danger!

Ski with care over here!

Log on a hike around Hood.

A slightly different view of Hood.

I love clouds.

Dirty snow never looked so fun.

Sentry squirrel.

Alpental Memorial Day

On May 31st, my photographer friend Michael Alvernaz and I headed up to Alpental to shoot some skiing photos. I also brought my GoPro along to take some POV of the day. Unfortunately, the GoPro died very quickly into the day, but there is enough for a preview.

There will be another entry soon with all of the photos and a full report of the day, but watch this little preview of the day's events.

Double click the video for full screen.

Sadly, a great freeskier passed away recently. Rest In Peace Arne Backstrom!

Your smooth, inspiring style and the great way you affected others around you won't be forgotten. Condolences to the Backstrom family.