Ski Local

Who says you need to "ski like a local" when you can simply ski locally.

T&S

Come Ski With Us!

Well folks, the word is out. After getting up high and checking out the snowpack, this years Camel's Hump Challenge (CHC) is set for this coming Sunday, March 3rd.  If you haven't checked out this BC tour yet, this year would certainly be a good one. The stream crossings are good with a little negotiation, and the snow is deep and stable. Did I forget to mention it's absolutely beautiful up there as well? Come on out and see the surrounding forests amidst the Camel's Hump and see a new and different side of this iconic mountain.  

2013 Camels Hump Challenge

From Wax to Waxless: Voile's Game-Changing BC Skis

We're so excited about the Voile Charger BC and Vector BC skis! These are our new skis for 2012-13 (well, the Vectors are still on back order ... ), and they're a favorite in our quivers. (Our small quivers include Rossignol BC 125s, and an old pair of Karhu Tenth Mountains - all of which are great skis, too.) To make these skis, Voile essentially put waxless bases on two of their very popular downhill skis.


Stepping into the Vector BC, mounted with a Voile  3-pin hardwire binding, was like love at first ski. It's sturdy and capable, yet light and tourable. And oh-so glide-y (is that a word?), yet climbs like a tractor. The revolution comes in the fat widths of these skis, but more importantly, it's in the rockered tip. Rocker is typically associated with keeping those skis afloat in the deep, deep powder days to our west, but they also really help with navigating dense New England backcountry by keeping your tips up and above debris, blowdowns, or crusty layers of snow. The Charger BC delivers all the same, but with a fatter base. Read on to get the low-down and our take on these fabulous new skis.

Voile Vector BC (a.k.a Sarah's New Love)
Dimensions: 92-96 under foot (a "mid-fat" ski)
Design: These have a mountain scene and cute fuzzy bear, which means I heart them instantly
They ski like: the dickens! I didn't want to stop skiing, despite painful blisters from a different boot/outing. This ski handled breaking trail in wooded terrain, climbing rolling hills and ravine banks, and descending tight down-hill trails with ease and grace. They edge beautifully, carving awesome turns through any conditions. Amazingly, they descend like a downhill ski while still being lightweight enough to climb comfortably - and climb you can, like a skidsteer with chains. Loggers should use these puppies to drag felled trees out of the woods. There is something both burly and sleek about this ski, simultaneously, that makes you want to ski them all day. Recommended set up: Voile 3-pin hardwire, light plastic telemark boot, an appetite for all-day fun (and the snacks to keep you going)

Voile Charger BC
Dimensions: 110-114 underfoot (like a fat powder ski, but built to take it all)
Design: These have a mountain goat on them, because they eat mountains for breakfast!
They ski like: a dream! This is a true adventure ski! It has the look, dimensions, and performance of a deep powder ski. But make no mistake, Voile excels at making this a really light, semi-stiff ski that is highly versatile. It's at home in the backcountry - either in powder or not, and can even handle your favorite groomed Nordic or downhill trails. I've taken this ski many times down the local snowmobile trail to make some laps on a local pasture hill - its a light, versatile ski that does it all well. Also, the rockered tip keeps the ski from diving in deep powder or rugged backcountry conditions, and it smooths the transition between turns.
Recommended set up: Voile 3-pin hardwire, light plastic telemark boot

Another plus for both skis: Made in the USA! Continue to support local, small shops by buying yours at ORS Cross-country Skis Direct - these guys don't just sell skis, they ski 'em!

Through Snow, Sleet or Rain?....Sure!

When we set out Tuesday morning, the new fallen snow to say the least was: amazing. However
half way into our ski tour out our backyard, which was an indeterminable distance, it was well: a bit soggy.

If there's one thing I've learned and profited from a little, it's this: It pays to carry F4 in your XC or BC pack when on any ski-tour-slash-BC-ski-adventure. F4 comes in many different applications but any and all will do.  They make wet, soft snow stop from sticking on the bottom of your ski and give you back that glide.

F4, if you've never heard of it, is universal glide wax.  Most days you never need F4.  Unless that is you're a glide junky who just can't seem to get enough glide out of his waxless skis the way he used to get it from those trusty wax-able skis. Now a little F4 never hurts, even before your ski tour; but on a day like this Tuesday, this is where F4 truly shines. You just never know when an hour into your day off, when that tele turn can do no wrong, and when 30 seconds in your friend says  "Hey is it raining?" - all of a sudden that snow that could "do no wrong" turns on you.  When you have a 20lb cinder block attached to the bottom of your wax less BC ski and your kick and glide has about as much oomph as a late night rerun of Chips.....  This is when someone in your ski party has to eventually say "Uh I think it's time to drop the skis and give em a little F4?..."   That of course is only if someone happens to have some.....awkward pause..   This is where I let everyone squirm a little and manage to procure that beautiful bottle of blue gold; F4.

Now back in the day I used to have my F4 handy quicker than folks could ask for it and proudly have skis back up and running quicker than you could say mashed potatoes.  But of late I like to make my friends squirm a little.  I do in fact work in a ski shop and on occasion could be made to look bad by being ill prepared in a BC ski situation.  But after three years, I know better and I like the fact that I can make the likes of cinder blocks turn into grease lighting in a matter of 30 seconds or less, and that just feels pretty darn good. 

So next time that ski shop employee suggests a little F4 when buying that brand new BC ski setup, think of it as a worthy and life changing experience.  Try not to think that poor guy is just trying to get another $15.00 out of you. You might, on the other hand, just be that guy on a long BC ski tour that manages to make those cinder blocks turn into skis again, and have his beer tab all settled up even before you get to the bar.

Now go and get it and I mean powder snow; not rain. 

But hey what ever floats your boat.

T.

A Bluebird Day

T, Odin, and I headed off into the forest near our house to do some exploring, and stumbled across this gem. It was a long enough run to practice 5 or 6 turns, and we lapped it about 85 times. While I had the stomach flu! (I was tired...) You know, that's just how we do.

It was a gorgeous day, as evidenced here...

I also got to try T's ski, which is mounted with a three-pin hardwire binding. That is definitely the best binding for the Rossi BC 125. I have mine mounted with a three-pin cable, and I rarely use the cable because it feels like it makes no difference, anyways. But I am promptly switching to the three-pin hardwire.

A Spring Moon Field ski

Ryan, Odin and I found ourselves in the middle of the Moon Field just as winter decided to return after a couple of warm Spring like days here in Vermont.  Matter of fact Sarah, Odin and I had just been riding our bikes the day before.  You never know when you, your dog and a friend might stumble upon the right trail, at the right moment, at the right time, in Vermont; in early Spring.

Sarah knows a little nightime BC skiing....

A good work day

GMPG

Photo courtesy of : GMPG Scott Kaier

If theres one thing we like to do here in central VT thats to find good snow and this year has had its share.  Heres Kip hitting the BC like a true GMPG.  I can bet there are more than a few of you out there that are having a terrific year.

Now go out there and get it.

T.



Breaking the camels back; CHC

A job well done and it's always nice when its fun.  I spent the day with a great group of BC skiers on the Camel breaking trail for this Sunday's Camels Hump Challenge.  If you haven't done it yet, this will be a tremendous year as all snow has really filled in the trail.  You can register the day of for $125 that goes to the Alzheimer's association, a good cause. This tour allows one to see aspects of the forest in and around Camels Hump not  usually accessible or seen as it traverses around the summit.  A must do for any BC skier.

T.