RAISE THE BAR.

Charlie Schaffer recounts his trip to Chamonix with Skiershop!

Adam — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:21:59 +0000

Imagine you’re riding on a bus tired and about to pass out from ten hours of traveling on the red eye flights from Boston to Geneva, when all of a sudden you look out the window and see the biggest, tallest, snowiest, most profound mountain you’ve ever seen rising high above into the bluest sky. People start cheering, laughing in disbelief at what’s before them and everybody is overcome with the biggest shit eating grin on their face. That was me not three weeks ago and at that moment, I was no longer tired…..ever. My grin is still with me and at this point when people ask I just politely say, “It’s nothing don’t worry, I’m fine.”
We no sooner pulled into an equally remarkable town and after we got situated at the hotel we walked around a little. It all hit me at once. The beautiful french architecture of the buildings on the valley floor, the valley walls rising up at what seemed an impossible angle, the cable cars suspended in the air at what looked like thousands of feet, glaciers descending from the high alpine, Mount Blanc towering over what was already unbelievable to begin with. The temperature in the village that afternoon was perfect and the sun was shining. This was Chamonix! We pulled up a table outside one of the restaurants ordered a round of beer and just relaxed not believing that we were really here. I kept telling myself that I was dreaming and that my alarm clock would go off in a few minutes calling me off to work. We turned our heads up; four Paragliders, no seven, descending from the high alpine into the valley floor reinforced my suspicion.
The next day began that night at the hotel bar. With our whole group gathered around a table enjoying some brew and some food, we got word that a man named Deano was coming over to meet us. A few minutes later Adam looked over his shoulder out the window with a smile and said, “Ahh here he is!” I looked over and what clearly was the coolest person I’ve ever seen put down his Norrona skis lifted his sunglasses and came in with the biggest smile. After meeting everyone it became apparent that this man who has spent 20 or maybe more winters uncovering everything in this valley was going to be taking us out to the deepest, steepest, all around best parts of these mountains. What was unimaginable just got even better. We partied hard with Deano that night hitting up the Moo and Elevation bars and by morning we were all up like kids on Christmas morning for what would turn out to be one of a string of unforgettable ski days.
Day one was, simply put, above the clouds skiing. There were fields of leftover powder, the snow looked like it had diamonds in it, the peaks of the mountains basked in unobstructed sun. If you look at the pictures from that day, all you see is the snow-covered peaks and a line of clouds seemingly indicating where the world for us need end. We all arced some of the most incredible turns down the Grands Montets. Watching the other’s make their way down the mountain, it was apparent at how talented many of the group members were, especially Deano and I was happy to be skiing with them, but also learning from them. The people in this group were good as was I, but their abilities exceeded mine in terms of knowing how to be safe in this kind of environment and it was nice to have that kind of mentality rub off on me as well. To be honest, the trip made for a great opportunity for an avid skier looking to take the next step and learn what it takes to be prepared for the risks of a big mountain environment.
Day two it decided to snow and while the visibility made skiing less then optimal on that particular day no one was upset because we all knew that the next day was going to be, THE DAY! After making a few nice pow turns in a little tree stand we searched out; playing minigolf the guys call it in the low visibility, we tipped back some drinks, lived it up in France a lot, and the next day we wasted no time getting out to what would turn out to be the most amazing day of skiing in my life to date. It’s hard to put in words but let’s just say we got there early and put down more powder turns in one run then I got all last season living in Stowe, all under a blue sky. But here’s the thing, because they were avalanche prepping the summit they weren’t running the cable car to the top all morning. Deano had a hunch that they were going to open it and so we got into line. We waited half an hour and finally…..they let us on! The timing was impeccable we got first tram on Les Grands Montets on a powder day. We skied down an untracked glacier, arcing powder turn after powder turn, blue sky above us to start a run that would net us over six thousand vertical feet.
The next day was more snow and bad visibility so we just lived it up in Chamonix some more. See that’s the good thing about being in France, even if the weather is not optimal for skiing, the town is right there and everything is in walking distance and it’s FRANCE! As if the skiing may well have been just a bonus. We had plenty of stories to tell from the day before and we held our heads high with all that we had accomplished up to that point as I tipped back another vodka redbull, o wait that was Allarie’s drink, I tipped back another pint.
After that system moved through, the mountains were back into fantastic shape and yet again more great skiing was to be had. There was actually more snow that fell than originally expected and after a stint at Le Tour we were back at Les Grand Montets crushing the snowfields top to bottom every time no stopping. It was incredible to watch as Deano covered so much ground so quickly. I just hung in there and tried to keep him in my sight. It had softened up substantially at the lower elevations and while the top was still fresh pow, a nice corn snow developed giving the mountain a fun diversion.
Then, on what would be my last day and last run, Deano surprised us and said something about a Couloir Phillipe. I didn’t know what it was but unknowingly said, “yeah sure.” When we got to the top of it Adam recalled a story about how Deano was guiding a past New Yorker client to this spot years prior who exclaimed, “that’s not the Couloir Phillipe, that’s the Couloir f*@k you.” I laughed and then stared apprehensively as the guys in my group started to side step down what must have been a 45 degree pitch with no rope or anything, to get under these metal avalanche barriers that are at the start of the run. As they all made it through it was my turn and while I was pretending to not be nervous with Adam, who is a decorated skier himself still behind me, I most certainly was. One wrong move and you would tumble for a very long way down a very steep pitch into a pretty inconveniently placed crevice at the bottom. I cleared the first avalanche barrier and then the second and then waited for Adam to make his way through the gates. I looked down and it was damn steep. I called out to Adam, “so what do I do now?”
He smiled and said, “I don’t know, do whatever you want man!”
I smiled, looked down and just went. I knew Adam would be throwing down some pretty sick turns behind me so I decided to keep the pace up. The nerves that I had at the top I must have unconsciously determined were useless in this situation and so I made one turn and then the next down this crazy steep pitch with my newly found confidence. Somehow I skied that coulier f*ck you from top to bottom and as I approached the end of the run, I could hear my group cheering me on, saying in disbelief “he’s gonna do the whole thing without stopping.” I smiled and sort of shrugged it off. Then I looked back up……I saw Adam finish his run and I could see why they were so excited and why even other skiers who weren’t part of our group had stopped to watch. That was a gnarly looking thing for sure. Later that night Deano said I skied that really well and I was asking the other guys if they were just saying that to be nice or something to which one responded, “dude we were looking at the bottoms of your skis.”

What an amazing experience the whole thing was. From the second I met the guys at the Airport it was just nonstop fun. Everything was so smooth and chill. I am so thankful for everyone in our group who helped to make that trip a reality and not just a dream. Special recognition to Skiershop, Mike Thomas, Dean Decas, and Adam DesLauriers. Thanks guys for an unforgettable time!

Chamonix Skiershop trip was amazing!

Adam — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:39:02 +0000

Ahhh, Chamonix… If you’ve been following the Skiershop Facebook page at all, then you’ll already be savvy to our trip to the French Alps. But if you haven’t, last month marked Skiershop’s first ever foray into officially organizing international adventure travel. And we’ll be giving ourselves a gratuitous pat on the back right now, because it was pretty much totally awesome.

Blast Off! Everyone meeting at Logan Airport for our flight to Geneva

The idea for the trip came from people approaching us at our retail store in Stowe. Our friends in the ski industry range far and wide. Inevitably, we have a clubhouse kind of feel at the shop where international ski rock stars are hanging out chatting up their exploits. Then our local friends come in, mingle, catch the vibe, and want to be a part of it! So one evening after closing the shop and testing out a couple of ski-tune-traded libations, the idea was born to network our local friends with our international ski connections. For our first try, we chose the granddaddy of all ski destinations – Chamonix Mont-Blanc in the French Alps. It also happens to be home to some of our best friends and allies in the ski world. It worked out better than we imagined.

We started with 11 people for our first week – definitely the most popular out of our 3 weeks in Cham. And the Snow Gods were smiling on us. We got an unbelievable storm and had perfect over-the-head powder turns… Our group was immediately best friends with each other and the week went by too fast. Here are some snapshots from week 1:

Charlie on the steeps: Steep and technical lines in beautiful snow.

Chris Strong finding freshies! Our timing was perfect. Not too shabby for our second day. This was even before they opened up the top tram! We made the best of it for sure...

Deano in wide open fields of pow: This run led right down to the Argentierre glacier and it was untracked for every bit of the 4,000+ feet of vertical drop.

Kashmir: Skiing Hotspot?

Jeff — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:35:42 +0000

When people talk about India, skiing is never the first thing that comes to mind. But it seems like ski scene in Kashmir is getting some attention in the US. Both the AP and the New York Times just published articles about the joy of skiing in Gulmarg, a ski area nestled deep in the contested territory of Kashmir. I particularly like the image of the Indian solider in full uniform with an AK in one hand and a snowboard in the other. Maybe next year we’ll go there instead of Chamonix.

Jon Olsson on the 2014 Head Cyclic

Jeff — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:47:38 +0000

Jon Olsson dropped a few GoPro videos on his website of him ripping in Verbier. In this one he takes out the new Head Cyclic, a 115mm underfoot, rockered ripper of a ski. We got to ski it earlier this year and we really liked it. Although it would have been better to test it in these conditions.

PS: Check out the sweet Swix JO Signature Poles he’s rocking.

Armada Demo Hits Korea!

Ben — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:31:33 +0000

Check out what our friends at Armada are up to over in Korea. Not so long ago this same crew was in our shop, now they are out spreading the Armada love in a foreign land!

One Hot Minute Ep. 4- Korean Hotel Ledge w/ Phil, Henrik, Hornbeck, and Torin from ARMADA SKIS INC. on Vimeo.

Scott Sports Athlete Highlight – Tom Wallisch

Ben — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:45:05 +0000

Scott team athlete, Tom Wallisch, came back to the states for a hot minute in January to give everyone an update and take some laps in Park City. Check out the video, and our selection of Scott Sports skis (TW pro model in stock). Also check the link after the drop to see what Tom is up to in Sweden.

What’s he up to now?

Wallisch Project Goes to Sweden

Full 2012/2013 Run of Stockli Ski has Arrived.

Ben — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 20:48:59 +0000

Skiershop is proud to announce that with our most recent delivery we now are offering the complete 2013/13 Stockli lineup! For 75 years Stockli skis have been a staple in the world of skiing. Hand crafted in Switzerland at a production level of just 50,000 skis per year, it’s hard to find another ski company that can match the attention to performance and detail found in every pair of Stockli skis.

StormRider Series

Whether you enjoy losing yourself in the backcountry, ripping up groomers, or challenging yourself in today’s terrain parks, Stockli has a ski for you. Racers and frontside carvers will fall in love with the Laser series, which offers both FIS approved race skis and more forgiving, yet race inspired, carving skis. Those looking for an all mountain ski will be most at home in the Stormrider line which ranges from a 78mm waist ski all the way up to 110mm for those wanting more float.

New this season is the Y series, which is being offered as a Y85 or Y77 (85mm and 77mm waist respectively). Both skis skis have become instant favorites among Stockli fans looking for one ski to do it all. If you’re looking for a high performance one ski quiver, the Y85 could very well be your ski. Don’t be too quick to brush it off for its 85mm width, the tip is a whopping 136mm providing plenty of float.

Hand Made in Switzeland

Check out the Y and the rest of the full Stockli line at Skiershop.com or come visit us in the store to see all the skis in person on our wall. As the East Coasts premiere Stockli dealer, our expert staff has a ton of experience on Stocklis and can help find the right ski for you!

Something for Everyone

Inspired Demo Tour Stops by the Shop.

Ben — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 21:50:49 +0000

A gorgeous blue bird day up at Stowe Mountain Resort, fresh snow, and park laps with The Inspired Demo Tour, who could ask for more? Skiershop employees Jeff Neagle and Ben Perry met up with the tour crew early on for some mellow cruises through the 3 parks Stowe currently has set up. Not long thereafter a solid group of kids caught on and joined up. Everyone threw down and had a blast, smiles all around.

After some quick poster signing and chilling in the lodge the crew headed over to our shop for some pizza and hanging while B-Dog got his ill 2013-2014 Armadas mounted up for the rest of the tour.

Inspired Demo Tour

Everyone had a great time hanging out, and kids walked away stoked with some fresh signatures from Henrik, Casabon, and Bergeron. We could not be more stoked on everyone coming by and visiting the shop, and everyone is already amped for next year.

Fresh

Check out the tour’s stops, if you missed them in Stowe Inspired Tour Calendar. If your in the area stop by the shop and check out our selection of Aramada Skis, or pop over to the website Skiershop.com

Skiershop.com and Bomber Ski Company have Joined Forces To Bring the World “The Vermont Ski”

Jeff — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:14:30 +0000

Skiershop.com has teamed with premier ski manufacturer, Bomber Ski, to produce and manufacture a ski built for Vermont that embodies skiing in the North East. The Vermont Ski will be exclusively available through Skiershop.com’s website and the Skiershop Store located on the Mountain Road in Stowe, Vermont.

Bomber Ski Company is an official supplier of the U.S. Ski Team, and Canadian Ski Team. Bomber Skis are hand built by a master craftsman in Italy using the highest quality materials. The Vermont Ski is designed and tested in the mountains of Vermont featuring solid wood core construction. No attention to detail is left behind as The Vermont Ski is made in limited runs.

Skiershop.com and Bomber Ski are proud to announce that every customer who purchases a pair of The Vermont Ski, will have the option to choose between the U.S. Ski Team or The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, all non-profit companies that promote skiing. Skiershop.com will donate 10% from each sale to the chosen non-profit.

Bomber Ski Company is extremely excited to be an integral part of the growth of Vermont skiing. The company looks forward to support non-profits and local mountains through the creation of custom unique skis. To purchase The Vermont Ski follow the link: http://www.skiershop.com/bomber-vermont-skis-2013

Or stop in at the Skiershop Flagship location on the Mountain Road in Stowe, Vermont. For more information on Bomber Ski Company you can visit the
companies website- www.bomberski.com

Skiershop
580 Mountain Road
Stowe, VT 05672
800-996-8398
info@skiershop.com

Eider Play – Episode 1

Jeff — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:36:51 +0000

Eider has a new series of edits for this season called Play. First edit looks really tight. It’s a 3 1/2 minute video of French Ski-BASE Jumper Matthias Giraud talking about some of his jumps last season. JT Holmes jumps in there too, with his first BASE jump after Shane’s accident. Check it out.