Category: skiing

3 Things to Think about When Buying Skis

Brad Nierenberg Favorites, equipment, skiing, Uncategorized, winter sports

Terrain

If you are into groomers, go ahead and get a nice carver that will rip down a steep face. But if you like to venture into the backcountry, you will find the narrow underfoot a little unstable. Think about your favorite terrain, and whether or not you want skis specifically for that terrain. There are plenty of great all-mountain skis that will allow you versatility if you like a little bit of everything.

Over the years, I have collected a few pairs of skis. I have some longer, stiff skis for the days that I want to tear up the frontside, some fat skis for deep powder days, and a pair of shorter, softer all mountain skis if I want to spend a day skiing bumps.

Length

This depends on your level of skiing as well as the terrain you plan to ski. Longer skis carry more speed and cut through cruddy snow, but can also be harder to control for novice skiers, and can create some unsavory situations on crowded slopes. Shorter skis are easier to control for novices and also better suited to more technical terrain.

Level of skiing

If you are an expert skier, let me ask you one thing: why are you coming to my blog for ski buying advice?! Kidding. I know my stuff as much as the next guy. But if you are an expert, you probably already know what you are looking for. In my opinion it is best for beginners to buy something all-mountain to start since you may not know your abilities very well or have an idea of what terrain is your fave.

Happy Ski Season everyone! Let’s make it a good one.

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A Darker Side of Skiing

outdoors, Ski resorts, Ski trips, skiing, Uncategorized, winter sports

I found this article from a little while back and thought it needed to be shared.

Nothing beats the quiet of backcountry skiing when it is just you, the mountain and the trees. However, this is some seriously upsetting news. Skiers should be trying to preserve the environments where we ski, not tearing them down. Cutting down a few trees to create a new trail may seem harmless, but this article talks about many consequences that people obviously aren’t thinking about.

Respect the environment, after all without, we couldn’t ski, hike, or bike without it.

Best Kept Secrets

Ski resorts, Ski trips, skiing, Uncategorized, winter sports

Planning a ski trip, but not sure where to go? The popular resorts get too crowded for you, or you are just ready to experience a new kind of skiing? Check out this list of the Best Secret Ski Towns in North America. Whether it’s a family trip or something a little more on the wild side, it looks like these are the places for you. After you get your fix of fresh powder, head to the local favorites for great food and local beer apres ski.

I might be planning a trip to Pasoga Springs as we speak…

Which one looks like the most fun to you?

What Inspires Bradley Nierenberg?

Brad Nierenberg Favorites, hiking, Inspiration, outdoor sports, outdoors, skiing, Uncategorized

Why do I love to be outside? There are many reasons. Hiking, biking, camping, skiing, running, and climbing are all ways for me to push boundaries and find out what I am capable of. The wind in your face is enough to right all the wrongs of the day. The sense of accomplishment looking at steep incline or sheer face you just tackled is unlike anything else. The adrenaline of heights and speed is addictive. And knowing you did it with your own strength.. It’s an incomparable feeling.

I’ll Stay Inside if I Have To…

outdoor sports, outdoors, skiing, snowboarding, winter sports

The outdoors is where I’d spend all my time if I could. Mountain biking, hiking, skiing, anything to get my daily dose of adrenaline. But when the snow is blowing so hard I can’t see my car in the driveway, I let mother nature win.

If I can’t make it to the mountains, I might go to the gym, organize my garage, or watch an outdoor movie, staying warm, but living vicariously through the pros.

Here’s a good list of movies to kick off a nasty weather movie marathon when you are wishing you could be outside.

What are your favorite ways to wait out the nasty weather? Or do you just brave the storm and head for the slopes?

Feel the Burn! Go Hiking to Get in Shape for Ski Season

fall, hiking, outdoors, skiing

Before winter hits, start working those legs so your quads won’t be shaking after lunch.

Get in shape so you can shred till last chair.

This article is an oldie and goodie from Outside magazines with workout tips from the U.S. ski team!

If hitting up the gym isn’t your style, fear not. One of my favorite ways to get in shape to spend all day on the mountain is to… Hike all day on a mountain! Grab a friend, pack a lunch, and spend all day walking uphill. It’s more fun than it sounds. Plus now is the best time to enjoy the fall leaves, and the burn you feel in your legs now will pay off later.

How do you stay in shape during the off season? If I could, I’d ski year round, but since I can’t I gotta make every day count!

Getting Ready for Ski Season!

equipment, outdoor sports, outdoors, skiing, snowboarding, winter sports

Now that it’s fall, it’s almost ski season! I’m not sure where the time has gone off too, but it’s October, and I’m behind on preparing for the winter. Thankfully, Colorado Ski Country has a handy checklist for people like me! 

Figure out your ski pass

They suggest deciding how many times you’re anticipating hitting the hills, what your budget is. Options range anywhere from the Colorado Gold Pass to daily lift tickets. Find out more here! 

Get your gear in order

Based on how many times you ride a year, it might make more sense to rent than to own. But if you’re going to buy new, start your shopping with last season’s models. Make sure any and all of your clothing is still weatherproof, warm, and clean. Definitely make sure it’s clean. Also make sure your goggles still fit snugly, as does your helmet. You only have one head and two eyes, don’t risk them. Also, if you’re stuck between buying gear or renting, do yourself a favor and buy some boots. Then have them fitted. It’s worth itCheck your gear over.

  • Make sure nothing is broken, chipped, dull… you know the drill.
  • Make sure you’re in shape for this. Cardio will help your endurance in high elevations, and strength will keep you going.

Make a bucket list: life is short, the ski seasons are shorter.