For me things are winding down pretty quickly as far as the ski season. I am kinda a seasonal skier and not much into chasing corn, patch skiing and boot hiking. So, when it starts to get boring I just move on to other activities.
Usually well before the ski season starts I formulate a goal or two that I work on. The goals are mostly technique issues and a plan to improve. This year, I went a different direction and just made decision to start season fitter and during the season to resort ski less and BC tour more. I met the first goal by signing up for a strong Mt. bike tour in late Fall and to really push to get in shape for that and have the added benefit of training for ski season at the same time. I met the the second goal by change resorts from the Vail Corp. threesome (Heav/KW/NS) to Mt. Rose. Mt. Rose is a OK place to ski but after many years there in the past, lost the love so only a place to go if the BC was crap or storm days.
Things Learned? Got a couple here, mostly gear issues. First, now days I only Alpine ski at the resort or maybe test gear at the resort but pretty much full on fixed heel. When I switched over to Alpine fixed from resort telegear I relearned the same lesson that I learned years ago and that was Alpine boots are OK for skiing but suck for walking. So much so are dangerous on anything icy or slippery. This year, got a pair of Transport boots with rubber soles and walk mode. Huge, Similar performance to Alpine boots, absolutely no issues climbing stairs, hiking around and off camber icy parking lots. Lastly a couple of AT touring innovations that are most beneficial, Light AT boots like Dynafit TLT6 with the big ROM and removable tongues make the uphill a lot easier period. For me up to a lap difference in effort. And, Rockered skis in conjunction with the new ROM boots climb better as they ride up over the snow, easier to kick turn over burms and mow crust way better than older trad gear.
So, who's got things that were different and worked or didn't or other ideas........ This season here around Tahoe was weak sauce and lots of time on crusty unconsolidated shallow snow but things learned.
Usually well before the ski season starts I formulate a goal or two that I work on. The goals are mostly technique issues and a plan to improve. This year, I went a different direction and just made decision to start season fitter and during the season to resort ski less and BC tour more. I met the first goal by signing up for a strong Mt. bike tour in late Fall and to really push to get in shape for that and have the added benefit of training for ski season at the same time. I met the the second goal by change resorts from the Vail Corp. threesome (Heav/KW/NS) to Mt. Rose. Mt. Rose is a OK place to ski but after many years there in the past, lost the love so only a place to go if the BC was crap or storm days.
Things Learned? Got a couple here, mostly gear issues. First, now days I only Alpine ski at the resort or maybe test gear at the resort but pretty much full on fixed heel. When I switched over to Alpine fixed from resort telegear I relearned the same lesson that I learned years ago and that was Alpine boots are OK for skiing but suck for walking. So much so are dangerous on anything icy or slippery. This year, got a pair of Transport boots with rubber soles and walk mode. Huge, Similar performance to Alpine boots, absolutely no issues climbing stairs, hiking around and off camber icy parking lots. Lastly a couple of AT touring innovations that are most beneficial, Light AT boots like Dynafit TLT6 with the big ROM and removable tongues make the uphill a lot easier period. For me up to a lap difference in effort. And, Rockered skis in conjunction with the new ROM boots climb better as they ride up over the snow, easier to kick turn over burms and mow crust way better than older trad gear.
So, who's got things that were different and worked or didn't or other ideas........ This season here around Tahoe was weak sauce and lots of time on crusty unconsolidated shallow snow but things learned.
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