Time to Test Skis

Getting out on a pair of demo skis this morning, and I'm kinda stoked. I used to test skis all the time, and I still do a day or two of testing each year- but those days are a lot of skis in a short period of time. This is an all day affair, or at least as long as the girls legs hold out! I bring it up as I get asked all the time about what someone should get for a pair of skis, and I am sometimes embarrassed to say, "I have no idea". The reality is that skis have gotten REALLY good in the last decade, but while they've gotten really good they've also gotten very different. Where do you like to ski? How fast? Do you like to go everywhere (powder, woods, bumps, cruisers, park?) Do you like making big turns? Little turns? A bit of everything? There are skis that excel in all of those categories, as well as skis that do a darn good job crossing over.

So hit up your local shop and try out a pair of skis. Then try out another pair, and maybe another. I guarantee you'll find something you love!

Now get out and ski.

If you're looking for a shop, check out these guys- Sporthaus, they're the guys helping me pick out some new sticks.

Now That's Better

Got out on the hill for some lift service skiing today over at Shawnee Peak, and it felt great! I was impressed with how good the skiing was considering what we've been dealing with in regards to lack of snow and lack of cold. I connected with my parents for a couple runs and was reminded that skiing must be in my DNA. Watching my Dad ski always amazes me. Smooth is the word that always comes to mind and just so sure on his feet. It always reminds me that if I just breath and relax a bit my skiing always improves. Likely good advice in lots of areas of life!

Waiting For Snow

I know it's coming, and I've had a few great days out on the hill already, but that doesn't stop me from getting cranky about the lack of snow. It is a sad day when we skied powder the day before Halloween and then the day (and day's after) Thanksgiving- but have nothing on the ground now. Of course that being said they are cranking in terms of snowmaking right now so that is good.

As I write this I can see the lights at Shawnee Peak and that means they are going full bore which has me stoked.

Here is the footage from Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving Day 2011 from Sven Cole on Vimeo.

A good day for sure!

There seems to be a good appetite out there right now for the ski season to get cranking and the vibe in general is pretty good. I am defiantly hearing from a lot of folks who are interested in getting out into the backcountry, which is a good sign. I always look at that as a barometer of the passion for the sport, as it isn't easy to head off-piste when you know you've gotta hike and work to earn your turns. I'm getting excited to do some exploring on skis. One trip I'd love to do is to ski from my house in North Bridgton over to the Moat Mountain Smokehouse in North Conway. It's about marathon distance (around 50km), maybe a touch short- and much would be on snowmobile trails with a few bushwhacks thrown in for good measure, meaning it won't be easy.

I'm also anxious to do this trip again:

Pleasant Mountain Traverse from Sven Cole on Vimeo.

This time I want to skip the lift ride up. It was a super fun trip and one that I'm looking forward to taking a few other people on.

All we need now is the snow.

On a separate note, I want to send out a shout out to Miah, who is undergoing a marrow transplant today. He is one of my all-time favorite people and a major league ski hero. I'm raising a glass to speedy recovery. Now I need to book a ticket out so I can take advantage of his weakened state and be able to keep up with him for once on skis later this winter- it'll be the only way I'll ever do it!

Now go find some snow and enjoy.