The Banshee Bungee

It has been called many things in our shop by customers so far (a rubber band, double braided rubber, the human slingshot) but its really called the Banshee Bungee.  This is by far one of the coolest new products out there and one of my favorite in the store.  The basic concept is simple, to generate speed where there is none.  The Banshee Bungee can be stretched back by a few friends and send one lucky rider on their way to jibbing pleasure.  Have a backyard where you want to set up some rails or a jump but no hill? Perfect. Been scoping out an urban jib with no hill?  Perfect. The Banshee Bungee opens up a new world of what is possible.  Check out the video above to see it in action.

What is ski structure?

Ever heard people talking about ski structure and wonder what the heck they are talking about? Check out the pic closely, notice the small groves in the ski? Bingo...that is structure.  But what does this do you say? Think of a tire tread, on water the tread of a tire gives you traction and control. When you ski or snowboard you are creating enough friction that the snow melts and you are actually riding on a thin film of water. The structure acts like a tire tread and channels the water away allowing, the ski or board to have better contact to the snow. This enables the rider to have more control and glide faster. Structure is added to the ski by a process of tuning known as stone grinding  As the temperature changes we adjust the pattern on the stone accordingly. Warmer temps require a deeper structure while colder temps require a less aggressive pattern. Combine this with the right wax and you will be flying faster than ever.

Colorado Season Underway!

Game on!  A-Basin has just announced that opening day is tomorrow!  While they are not the first, Wolf Creek Opened last weekend, it adds more fuel to the fire that ski season is just about here! Check out their press release below for more details.

ARAPAHOE BASIN OPENS FOR THE SKI SEASON THURSDAY,

OCTOBER 13, 2011

Arapahoe Basin, Colorado – October 12, 2011 – After a great week of snowmaking and several fresh inches of snow, Arapahoe Basin ski area officials announce that opening day for the 2011-2012 ski season will be Thursday, October 13, 2011.  The ski area has only been closed 100 days since last season ended on July 4, 2011.

Black Mountain Express will open to the public at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday.  Skiers and riders can look forward to an 18-inch base on the intermediate High Noon run along with several features in the High Divide Terrain Park.  There will be no beginner skiing at this time.

A tribute to Arapahoe Basin founders Marnie Jump and Max Dercum who passed away this year will take place before the lifts open to the public.

Opening day adult lift tickets will be available for $59, youth tickets age 15 - 18 will be $49 and child tickets age 6-14 will be $30.  The ski and snowboard rental shop, tune shop, food and beverage service, the 6th Alley bar and retail shop will be open to the public.  Snowsports lessons will be available on a limited basis. 

Local radio station, KYSL will be doing a live morning show and giving away lift tickets on-air.  KSMT will also be on site in the base area with a live remote, playing music and handing out give-aways. 

A-Basin's Bonus Passes are available while supplies last for $389.  The Bonus pass holder receives unlimited skiing or riding at A-Basin for the 2011-2012 ski season and five non-transferable ski days at Keystone or Breckenridge.  One of those days can be used at Vail or Beaver Creek (some restrictions apply).  A-Basin only passes are also available at great prices.  To purchase your pass or check snow conditions go to www.arapahoebasin.com.

Get your 5th grader on the slopes!

5th Grade Passport

Vermont is the place to ski this winter if your in 5th grade!  Actually it has been for the past 11 years, with Ski Vermont's 5th grade passport.  The Vermont Ski Area's Association has rounded up all the ski resorts, nordic and alpine, to promote our youth getting outdoors and learning how fun the mountains can be. Check out the link for more in depth details and spread the word to anyone you know who is a kid in 5th grade!