Think Snow

Christmas is over, have you finished hugging your brand new skis and snowboards yet?  Well, it's very important that you stop the hugging and bring your equipment in to SlopeStyle to be mounted, prepped, etc. Because, we are right on the precipice of an amazing winter! New Years is almost here, and with it comes, the peak of the season.  January and February are bound to bring bundles of snow, and we can only guess when it will start.  So, it's time to get prepared, bring in your new gear, and if you need anything else to get you stoked for the winter, SlopeStyle most certainly has you covered.  Remember, Think Snow!

Gift Idea 4

We're getting down to the nitty-gritty now, Christmas is less then a week away!  Is your hair starting to get that frazzled unkempt look?  Have your eyes become perpetually wide and fearful?   Has the holiday panic fully set in yet?  Oh, the joy of holiday shopping, how we both love and despise it, especially if we're getting down to the wire and we've still yet to find that perfect gift.  This year is especially bad because our shopping season has been cut back a full week due to the late Thanksgiving!  Well, never fear SlopeStyle has got you covered!   One thing a skier, snowboarder, or really anyone, could use is a new hoodie.  There's nothing like snuggling down into a slightly over-sized, brand new, hoodie.  This year we have a broad selection of hoodies, from a variety of brands, including, but not limited to, Burton, Line, Icelantic, etc!  So, if you're still trying to find a gift for your buddy, a hoodie is always a sure thing to please just about anyone.

Let it Snow!

Smell that?  That crisp, cold smell is impending snowfall permeating the air.  Or, if you're in an area similar to where I am, you might be looking at blizzard like conditions right now.  Squalls are leaving their mark across New England, but they're only paving the way for the real storm tomorrow!  Weather.com has dubbed it winter storm Electra, and it looks like she won't leave our area before dropping at least 10 inches of fresh snow.  Electra is setting us up great for the perfect white Christmas this year; are you ready for the best Christmas ski vacation we've had in years?!  If not, come on down to SlopeStyle and we'll get you hooked up, for the Holidays, and for the amazing powder day we're bound to have on Sunday!

Gift Idea 3

If you're into anything adventurous, such as skiing and riding, for a long period of time, you're bound to meet someone who loves to document the experience.  They probably whip out their smartphones or cameras randomly to catch your perfect trick, or toss you the device so you can get them.  Of course if you whip out a phone or camera enough times on the mountain you're eventually bound to break it or lose it.  Well, SlopeStyle has the perfect gift for your buddy, the film maker, The GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition.

Using an incredibly wide assortment of attachments you can firmly mount the camera on anything, eliminating the chance of losing it.  Plus, get the coolest angles by mounting it on your skis, ski poles, chest, helmet, or anything else you can think of; with the GoPro possibilities are endless!

Unlike prior versions, the GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition, has a smaller profile so it's less obtrusive.  Plus, it comes with a remote control so that you can determine whether or not it's on without having to track someone down to look at it for you.  GoPro has even reached the 21st century by creating an app for your smart phone that allows you to see what you're filming in real time!

With this little gadget you can go anywhere and capture anything due to it's shockproof and waterproof case!

So, if you're buddy is a hardcore film junkie, or just wants to document those great days of adventure without fear of losing or damaging a device, this is the perfect gift for them!

So Far So Great!

This season is off to a great start!  Some of the best early skiing we've had in what seems like a very, very long time!  If you weren't aware, the ski resorts are flourishing; Sugarbush has 19 trails open, Jaypeak has 11 and Stowe and Killington are up to 41 and 47 respectively!!!!!   This is outstanding if you can remember the last few years where we had, rather than white Christmases, very, very brown Christmases.  It seems that mother nature has been abundantly giving this Holiday season, and we can only ask for more!

Sugarbush November 30th

Make sure to check your skis and snowboard, make sure that they're ready to go for what's bound to be an amazing season.  If you need them tuned up or you need a safety check, bring 'em down to SlopeStyle and we'll get you all set for optimum rippage!

Gift 2

Doesn't it just feel like you should have two pairs of goggles?  One for those overcast days with snow the air, and another for those blue bird days where the sun is both overhead and reflecting up at you from the snow. When days fluctuate from one extreme of lighting to the next, it can get frustrating not having the right goggle for that particular condition.  Well, SlopeStyle comes to you today with a solution to this common problem, the Smith I/O, I/OS, and I/OX goggles.

The I/O series by Smith is essentially having two pairs of goggles without actually having to pay for two pairs of goggles.  The I/O comes with two lenses, one to brighten things up on overcast days or while night skiing, and one to cut the brightness of sunny days.  They are also super easy to switch in and out on the fly...

Complete with a spherical lens which eliminates distortion due to being shaped like an actual human eye, and no frame to allow optimal peripheral vision; the I/O is incredibly easy going on the eyes.  It is also treated with Smith's 5X Anti-Fog technology which is claimed to be 5X more fog resistant than any other goggle, this is further enhanced by the Porex Filter which allows the lens to breathe without allowing moisture in.  

The only difference between the I/O, I/OS, and I/OX is size; the I/OS would be for a smaller face, commonly used by women, the I/O would be for a medium sized face; and the I/OX for a larger face.  

So, bottom line, dual purpose goggle, awesome tech, and reasonable price for such a multifunctional goggle! This is a gift that for sure would make for a very grateful friend!  Or you could even gift yourself this holiday season, after all, no one knows what you like more than yourself.   

Gift Idea 1

So the holiday season is upon us, and like me, I'm sure you are beginning to contemplate potential gifts for people. Trying to pick out the perfect gift for someone you love can be exhausting, and like me you might find yourself waiting until the last minute.  When you wait for the last minute the gifts you originally planned on getting could be gone, and the gift you do get would inevitably be sub-par.  So, to alleviate some of your (and my) unnecessary stress I'm going to do various reviews of products over the next month that I believe would make excellent gifts, each of which you can easily pick up at SlopeStyle: Ski and Ride.

For this post I'm going to start off with something small that every skier and rider can attest for needing, socks.  As of last year we started carrying Darn Tough socks, a local Vermont company with an unconditional lifetime guarantee.  Darn Tough uses 100% fine gauge Merino wool which is highly breathable, itch free; and the fine gauge, high stitch count ensures an incredibly comfortable, hugging fit.  The Merino wool naturally wicks perspiration away from your foot and it is antimicrobial which will repel bacteria keeping the socks fresher longer.  The name Darn Tough is true, these socks are rugged!  I've used this brand my entire life and never once have I gotten a hole, and if you ever do, they stay true to there unconditional lifetime guarantee, even if the dog is the culprit!

Well, here's gift idea number one, it's a simple gift, but I can guarantee the skier or rider in your life will never have too many pairs of socks, so this is an easy one that shows you care about the sanctity of your buddy's feet.

Big News!

Did you hear?  Big news ahead for this weekend, 3 of Vermont's great ski resorts; Sugarbush, Jaypeak, and Stowe Mountain, are opening for the winter!!!!!!  They will be joining Killington which has been open for a couple weeks already.

The winter season is upon us, are you ready to rip it up this weekend?  If not come on down to SlopeStyle and we will hook you up with anything you still need; skis, board, goggles, helmets, jackets, pants, you name it!

Okay, now that you're all jittery with excitement like us, here is the first Sugarbush snow report of the season, to help you get pumped up!

 

New Web Series from Meathead Films

If you're an avid ski movie viewer from New England, than you might have noticed an absence in this season's movie line-up.  Meathead Films mysteriously did not create a movie this season!  Never fear, Meathead Films recently announced a web-series debuting in December titled: "Working for the Weekend." The web-series stars longtime Meathead veteran Ben Leoni, who, last winter, spent his weekends exploring the gems hidden throughout Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.  So, get excited to see all the hidden treasures that Ben and the Meathead crew dug up practically in our backyard!

Check out the trailer here:

Gearing Up For A Ski Movie Premier

It is that time of year already when ski movie mania takes over many cities across the country, and we are no exception to that rule here in Northern Vermont. In fact, here at SlopeStyle Ski and Ride we are adding fuel to the fire! We are hosting our annual premier of Teton Gravity Research's latest ski flick. This years movie is the "Way Of Life." It follows skiers around the globe and documents how skiing is more than just a sport, it is a way of life for many. We are busy this week getting prizes together (including a pair of skis!) and advertising the movie locally. Tickets have been flying out the door at a steady pace and can be purchased on our website here. We do have a history of selling out this event so grab you ticket early to ensure you don't miss out! Check out the trailer below.

Jason Levinthal Leaves Line to Start New Company

You may not know the name Jason Levinthal immediately, but I bet you know the name Line Skis. Line Ski Company has been at the forefront of the freeskiing movement since they were started in 1995, in Jason Levinthal's parents garage. It is hard to imagine now that line has exploded into a huge company how young they really are. A lot has changed since Levinthal started Line (K2 owns line) and he is looking for a change. It was announced earlier this fall that Jason Levinthal will be leaving Line skis and starting another new company called J Skis.  In a recent interview with Powder Magazine he had the following to say:

"This isn’t about spending a million dollars to buy the best team of athletes.This isn’t about inventing a new product. This is about doing things different, making change happen and letting the creativity drive the plan. Not letting the plan drive creativity."

With his experience in the industry and the creative drive that invented Line Skis, J Skis should be an exciting company to watch over the next few years as it develops. 

Rail Jam Re-Cap

The 4th Annual SlopeStyle Rail Jam was a huge success!! Hours of shoveling, woodworking, and promoting were well worth the effort so see such a huge turn out this year. The weather could have been a bit colder but the Sugarbush Parks crew managed the snow to provide a solid 2 hours of shredding in 70 degree weather. Check out the video above put together by our friends from Nor East Films, these guys have some serious film skills. We can't see what is next from this crew.

Rail Jam Time

It's Rail Jam time! This will be our fourth parking lot rail jam teaming up with Sugarbush Resort and is our unofficial kick off to another great ski season. The action will be starting at noon this Saturday October 12. We will be busy this week building the drop in ramp and shoveling snow from all of the local ice rinks. As we have done each year the entry is free of charge with a canned food donation which we will deliver to the Vermont Food Bank. Helmets are required and skiers and riders must be of advanced ability to participate. There will be plenty of action to watch even if you do not want to participate, as well as a free BBQ.  Check out the video below from our friends at Nor East Films to check out how much fun last year was.

Vermont Ski Resort Grab 5 Of Top 10

There is no doubt about it, fall is in the air. The foliage is nearing peak here in north central Vermont, apple picking is in full swing and the talk of Halloween costumes has begun. With these signs of the seasons changing another sign surely lets you know winter is right around the corner, SKI Magazine sends out the resort issue. Northern Vermont is home to some of the best skiing east of the Mississippi (maybe anywhere for that matter but that is a topic for another day) and this year the reader survey in Ski Magazine proves that. Smugglers' Notch took the top spot this year after many years of Mount Tremblant winning up in Quebec.  Smuggs was not the only one to get recognized this year with Vermont nabbing 5 of the top 10 spots. The other local winners this year were Jay Peak coming in at 3rd, Stowe at 6th, Sugarbush at 7th, and Killington at 8th. It's great to see our local resorts place so well in the poll of east coast ski resorts. Congratulations to all of the winners this year in the poll.

The Ride Sash Boa Snowboard Boots

It is a common belief throughout the ski and snowboard community that the boot is the most important part of the ski or snowboard set up.  Here at SlopeStyle: Ski and Ride we feel the same.  Some people think it's the snowboard, ski, or even the bindings that make the equipment; but if you think about it, without a decent boot, you wouldn't even be able to make it down the mountain.  The boot provides people with the support they need to relieve strain and protect their legs, while also giving people the ability to turn quicker, safely.  This brings me to my point, I recently got a new pair of snowboard boots, and I am eager to share my observations with you.  

The Ride Sash, is absolutely my favorite snowboard boot right now.  It falls under the stiffer side of mid-flex, so it gives you extra support to enhance hard-charging ability, while still being soft enough to walk around in with ease.  The sole of the Sash has enough tread to allow excellent traction while walking through, snow, slush, and, to an extent, ice.  The BOA Coiler lacing system, allows people to get that lusted for, extra tightness that just cannot be satisfied with laces.  You are able to get the boots so tight you can just about cut off circulation.  And when you're itching to feel your toes again, you can just pop the BOA Coiler forward and you'll, just about, instantly get feeling back.  The Sash has a comfortable calf adjuster for us ladies, with lower calves.   One of the most notable features of the Sash, along with the BOA Coiler, is the Intuition liner.  Intuition liners can be 100% heat molded to your feet, literally flattening and expanding to the contours of your feet and legs.  Every single one of us at SlopeStyle uses an Intuition liner, whether we're skiers or snowboarders.  With the Intuition liner people are able to get the super tight performance fit without sacrificing comfort.

All of these awesome features create for an incredibly fun and comfortable trip to the mountain.  I've had my boots, for a little while now, and I couldn't be happier.  I'm an intermediate snowboarder, and they provide me with comfort and support that are helping me to become a more confident and competent rider.