Who else is looking forward to some powder over the holiday weekend? I remember skiing small, crowded resorts on holiday weekends as our yearly family ski vacation. While it is nice to have the mountain to yourself, nothing beats having some friends stay for a long weekend, and skiing in a group, regardless of ability, or crowds. The ski bum life isn’t for everyone, but it’s nice when everyone can get together and ski bum it for a weekend!
Tag: Colorado skiing
Brad’s Essential Ski Gear
Now that the holidays are over and everything is on sale, and winter has finally hit the east coast, you guys might be looking into some new gear!
These are my essentials for staying warm on those bitter cold days when sane people won’t even go outside.
Buff headwear. I don’t love being frozen solid while I ski, but I especially hate getting sweaty under all those layers. You get colder on the lift, and it just makes you uncomfortable for the whole day. These extra long, multi-use neckwarmers are thin and lightweight. They keep the frigid air out, but allow you to breathe and feel a little wind on your face.
Ski socks that are warm, but thin. In your tight stiff ski boots or snowboard boots, you need air to circulate to keep those feet warm. Layers of socks won’t help, but a high quality wool pair will. Spend a little more to get the good ones.
A windproof/waterproof shell. Seems like a no brainer right? You’d be surprised how many people I see out there in puffy down coats, or what looks like their everyday winter jacket. Down or synthetic is a great mid layer – but it won’t stop howling winds. Also down won’t stay warm when it is wet.
Glove liners. These changed my life. Seriously. My hands are the only thing that gets frozen numb. I added a pair of synthetic glove liners to my mitts, and I’m good as new.
When all else fails – go to the lodge and grab a hot chocolate, and maybe a beer. Then get back out there!
A Darker Side of Skiing
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
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?
I’ll Stay Inside if I Have To…
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
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!
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.
Trails, Trees, and Skiis 