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posts tagged "Winter"
Shot Ski foul means heckling from the Mountie - Photo Courtesy of Denver Westword Blog
Words: Erme Catino
It is a shame really, with a deep late season snow pack Stowe Mountain Resort will be closing it’s doors on Sunday April 17, 2011. It’s understandable especially with this week’s rain and warm temps, many people down South are thinking golf and bikes. Though as a skier it’s always tough to see a mountain full of snow shut down, but it just means more skinning, road trips to other resorts for late season turns, and obviously The Prezi’s. After all, we are getting a new Quad for next season (p.s. they will be blasting on the Quad side pretty soon after the mountain closes).
So there is only one more thing to do, head up to the mountain for your last lift served runs and make sure you don’t miss Sunday. Silly outfits are required as well as tailgating, and we heard through the grapevine that those not in outfit may be snowballed at the top of the quad…
Photo Courtesy of Jay Peak Resort
Words: Erme Catino
I’ll be honest; the past two seasons have been the worst in terms of March snowstorms I have ever witnessed. In 2009 Stowe mustered around 10 inches, and last year (2010) it was even less than that.
So it goes without saying that recent history wasn’t in our favor this season, but in typical weather fashion the patterns changed. Weather experts warned that while we may get some liquid blue in the mix, March and April should provide some snowy outbursts…do they have a crystal ball or something because they were right on this past week!
As the crowds dissipated this past Sunday, a rainy wet weekend miraculously turned into a winter wonderland. Stowe Mountain Resort received around 2ft+, and Jay Peak a bit more, those who rolled the dice with work were rewarded and the locals chowed down on fresh pow.
Tonight we are expecting some more light snow, though Friday looks a little suspect…this is when you leave your house now and get up here! March is starting to flex its muscles and hopefully we can stay in line for some more spring storms.
As always if you need gear, we got you covered.
Words: Erme Catino
Things are really starting to shape up here in Northern Vermont. We were able to rebound from the wretched January thaw, and have been getting frequent snows! So whatever you guys/ladies are doing to please Ullr, keep it up! It’s currently dumping snow and cold temps are in the forecast throughout the week…so get psyched, get up here, and stop by to say hello.
Photo Courtesy of Sunday River - 12/27
Words: Erme Catino
The East Coast is digging out from the first major winter snowstorm of the season! While Stowe and many areas in Northern New England have been lucky to be on the receiving end of numerous snow-showers the past few weeks, southern and eastern New England were the winners today in regards to snow totals.
Most of the resorts in Southern VT and New Hampshire/Maine were reporting around 20 inches – yup! So grab your gear, or get some new gear and head up to the mountains! Here are a few pics of the madness that ensued…
Photo Courtesy of Cannon Mountain - 12/27
Words: Erme Catino
To keep with our dealer review trend, here’s Nordica in a nutshell: Nordica has been in existence since the late ‘30’s, and in 1963 they were the first company to apply the buckle fastening system to their ski boots –interesting fact. Now under the corporate wing of Technica, Nordica USA also produces skis in addition to their heralded boot lineup, and Skiershop will be carrying a variety of their models. Additionally, they also have the coldest name in the ski industry—Nordica–it just sounds chilly. No longer are we lacing up our ski boots and strapping on skinny skis; thank Nordica next time you use a buckle.
Let’s see what our rad New England neighbors headquartered just a stones-throw from us have to offer for 2010/2011.
Boots
Dead Money
Features: Flex 90-120, 100mm Last, Shock Eraser Technology, Quick Step 3 Piece Construction, and a Baggy Pant Holder.
This new park/pipe boot provides serious shock absorption with a 10% lighter design provided by the 3 buckle system. The Dead Money’s progressive flex gives a soft flex when landing tricks, but also stiffens up when more stress is applied to the cuff. Lastly, since no one wants to ruin their new steezy pants, the Dead Money has a clip on the back of the boot so you can clip in your oversized pants and not rip your new rags.
Features: Flex 110, 98mm Last, Vibram Sole, Shock Eraser Technology.
A new boot for Nordica this year, the Enforcer is aimed at big mountain freeriders. The Enforcer features a race fit with Shock Absorbing Technology to dampen cliff stomps, and also includes a Vibram sole to keep you from slipping on those rocky bootpacks. The boot also features a cushy liner to make it very comfortable.
Women’s Hot Rod 90
The Women’s Hot Rod 90 features a 90 Flex index with a 100mm Last. It has an adjustable cuff profile that fits a bit lower to avoid calf squeezing, Shock Eraser Technology, and a comfort fit heat-ready fur liner.
The Women’s Hot Rod 70 features a 70 Flex index, with a medium-wide last, and also features the comfort fit heat-ready fur liner.
Women’s Cruise 55
The Nordica Women’s Cruise 55 features 55 Flex index with a wide last. It is a perfect soft boot option for those looking to cruise around with their kids, or for beginners/intermediates, and also features a comfort fit velvet heat-ready liner.
2010/2011 Skis
Ace of Spades: 113/86/113 (170cm, 177cm, 184cm)
The Ace of Spades is Nordica’s pipe and park slayer. With input from some of their top pros such as TJ Shiller, Justin Dorey, and new to the team Benedikt Mayr, the Ace of Spades will help you flip and spin into fame or maybe just help you score a date for the night. The ski features a true twin, wood core with a titanium layer, and a racing base.
Girish: 139/110/129 (185cm, 193cm)
The Girish got some much needed additions for its return this year and now features an Early Rise Tip. It also has a wood core with 2 sheets of metal, true camber underfoot, and a flat slightly rounded tail. The new early rise tip provides easy turn initiation and float while the flat tail and stability makes this a big mountain crusher.
Enforcer: 135/98/125 (169cm, 177cm, 185cm)
The Enforcer is the all mountain crusher of Nordica’s line. It features a wood core with two sheets of metal, Slow Rise Rocker Tip, and a flat tail with slight rounding for easier turn exiting. The soft tip combined with stability underfoot will have you charging all day without going to car to swap out for different skis.
Nemesis: 135/98/125 (161cm, 169cm, 177cm)
Nordica’s Nemesis, is the women’s version of the Enforcer. It follows from the same mold as the Enforcer, but with different core material. The Nemesis contains an I-Core which is two pieces of wood sandwiched around a synthetic layer of wood, making it 20% lighter. The ski features all the same aspects as the Enforcer making it a perfect one ski quiver for the ladies.
Hot Rod Ignitor CA: 123/76/107 (162cm, 170cm, 178cm)
The Hot Rod name says it all…this ski wants to drag race some big carves. It features Nordica’s I-Core and is a great intermediate/expert ski for carving up the mountain like your Thanksgiving Turkey.
Hot Rod Jet Fuel XBI:123/84/112 (170cm, 178cm)
A slightly wider version of Hot Rod Ignitor, the Jet Fuel XBI also utilizes Nordica’s I-Core and can rip up the whole mountain with the added versatility of an 84mm waist.
Women’s Mint XCT: 116/70/100 (152cm, 160cm)
Nordica’s Mint XCT is geared towards the intermediate/advanced skier. It is a carving ski that is also forgiving – so you won’t get launched into your turns as you figure out how to utilize the sidecut.
As always feel free to contact us: Ask an Expert, or call the shop (1-800-996-8398), and we’ll be happy to answer any questions.
Words: Steve Boisvert
A month ago I tempted the science behind the total snowfall of the Southern Hemisphere and how it tends to predict the Northern Hemisphere’s winter season, and I have been following their snowfall ever since. Just when I think the season is finished, and my prediction is finally obsolete, New Zealand gets more snow once again for the Energizer season that just keeps going and going.
Cardrona, New Zealand: 16 inches just ten hours prior to writing this. Mount Ruapehu: 8 fresh inches and more forecast for the week. Rainbow: 2.5 feet since it started snowing Thursday with the end barely in sight. The bummer is that they are closed until roads can be cleared and the wind dies down.
So it seems the late season winter is holding strong for the southerners as well as my optimism for our season; assuming mother nature follows the rules of my prediction.
New Zealand, Ski, Snow, Winter
Steven Boisvert
While most of us North of the equator sun-bathe or sweat profusely merely sitting in traffic (true ski-bums don’t have working AC) there is that little winter fairy twinkling in the back of our minds like the powder from January’s first genuine dump holding with her summer’s nagging anticipation about the ski season to come; will snow pound down in feet or trickle in inches? Or not at all? While summertime fun in the sun is the general concensus of what ‘good’ weather is; anyone reading this knows differently and aptly appreciates the bitter cold stuff that shuts down municipalities and sends many sane organisms south for the winter.
Not us. We’re risking life and limb racing to the mountains in feverish powerslides (see, now the AC doesn’t matter anyway) to get fresh tracks. And right now, this August, some of us are enjoying waist deep powder. Those of us willing to travel down under, that is.
This is currently the middle of the season for New Zealand, Australia, and South America and New Zealand is enjoying extremely agreeable weather with plenty of sun punctuated by healthy doses of white stuff with South America also enjoying an early start to the season. But what does this matter unless you can secure a passport and funds to travel below the equator?
Plenty. When the last 100 years of seasonal snowfall for South America, and New Zealand are compared to the following North American snowfall totals, there is an overwhelmingly positive correlation between what happens down there, and what ends up happening up here the following season. The correlation gets even stronger when the time lines are reduced to 1950-2010. In other words, their winter seems to predict ours.
Now before we get into debating details, lets just set the context here; I want it to snow, alot this season, so bear that in mind. Australia has been left out of the picture initially because of less correlation and proximity, but was pushed over the edge by what seems to be a rather bleak 2010 season thus far. It seemed ‘scientifically’ sound to nix Australia since there was nearly zero correlation between their winter and ours given the same time lines.
South America and New Zealand’s early 2009 start mirrored North America’s early 2009/2010 season that saw the Northeast getting a ton of early-season snow. New Zealand had plenty of records broken for their 2009 winter season with extremely early snowfall followed by the warmest August ever recorded, followed by the snowiest and coldest September since the 1950′s. Our record-breaking followed suit with the 2009/2010 United States’ season that shattered more records for overall snowfall in recorded history.
Now we look at what is happening right now in NZ and SA and that little fairy starts buzzing around in the back of my head and now I am following their winter season like a thirsty mosquito. So far, the outlook is promising with mountain access so harsh that tire chains are required for many areas. We can only hope we need snowmobiles to get to the mountains this season. If my highly accurate data is correct, we should be in for a doosie.