The storm that I was following ten days before arrival panned out as expected, and the mountains here in Colorado were treated to 1-2 feet of fresh snow from Thursday through Sunday morning. And just like that, winter finally arrived with many of the resorts opening a good chunk of their remaining terrain that was previously closed. On Sunday, everyone and his third cousin went to Vail. I opted to spend the day at Beaver Creek with maybe -- MAYBE -- 400 of my closest friends for an amazing powder day.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
199 | Sarah Burke Tribute
For the last few years, not a season has gone by without losing a skiing legend at far too young an age. Yesterday, the world lost another amazing soul and one that has done so much for the sport, not only for women, but for everyone while pushing it further to the Winter Olympic stage. Sarah Burke passed away from injuries sustained from a fall during a seemingly routine flat spin while training for superpipe leaving behind an incredibly iconic career that paved the way for and provided inspiration to so many. You'll be missed, but never forgotten...
A Sarah Burke tribute video. from Downtofilm. on Vimeo.
Friday, January 13, 2012
198 | Moment Skis: An Inside Look
If anyone's been following the weather, it's no surprise how bleak this winter's been for anyone not residing in Alaska, British Columbia, France, Austria, or Switzerland. Most resorts across the US are operating with 20-70% of average snowfall. It's been so bad that for the first time since the late 1800s, no measurable amount of snow fell in Tahoe for the entire month of December. With that said, the pattern shifts next week as the high pressure ridge that's been blocking precipitation from entering Colorado (along with Utah, Wyoming, and Montana) will soon disappear giving way to a stormy northwest flow that is very favorable.
Now that I got the excitement out of the way, here's a video giving insight into Moment Skis while offering a sneak peak at a some of next year's gear...
Now that I got the excitement out of the way, here's a video giving insight into Moment Skis while offering a sneak peak at a some of next year's gear...
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
197 | SKI REVIEW: Moment Skis Bibby Special - 186m
Even though the entire country will be bone dry for the next week and with 90% of skiers and snowboarders still lusting for their first powder turns, I offer a first look at a new ski from Moment Skis: THE BIBBY SPECIAL 186.
Contrary to its predecessor which I reviewed here, this particular version has a completely different shape (150-116-123), flex, and purpose. Instead of the mustache rocker design seen on the 174/184/190 Bibby Pro, the Special features a longer shovel combined with 6mm of camber and a flattish tail specifically for skiers that have no desire to do anything switch and prefer a more directional charger. The flex here is also slightly stiffer making this one of the best all-mountain skis on the market that can handle every condition.
"How would you describe the Bibby Special in one word"?
Confidence-inspring.
As someone whose everyday ski for the past 2+ seasons has been the 190 Bibby, I was beyond stoked to hear of this new design since it's pretty much everything I've ever wanted in a ski that no one has yet to make. After 12 days of slaying groomers at Breckenridge and Keystone, and after a powder day at Vail with 9" of overnight snow, I'm convinced this will be my everyday driver for the life of the ski.
"What makes this ski so awesome?"
The Bibby Special will push you. It will make you a better skier.
Not once have I found a speed limit. The Bibby Special loves speed. It thirsts for it. And it will reward you handsomely for driving it as hard as possible. Unlike the 190 Bibby which I understood after only a few turns, it wasn't until after a few runs did I fully understand how the unusual sidecut on the Special functions: half the ski wants to turn, the other half wants to go straight. But once you allow the ski to travel on its predetermined arc and not force it beyond its capabilities, I feel most skiers will be amazed with how well the Special handles firm conditions.
"How does this ski handle soft snow?"
Simply put, the Bibby Special is a powder destroyer.
The key to powder skiing on the Special is to keep a more neutral stance. I found that when driving the tips hard into the snow, the ski was not reacting favorably. But once I remained centered and allowed the ski to do the work for me, I could not have been happier with its performance. Immediately, I began searching for anything and everything I could jump off of, and once I did, I was amazed by how well the Special stomps. Never before have I been more confident flying off cliffs and expecting to land each and every time regardless of how smooth or sketchy the impact may be.
"But what happens once the mountain gets tracked-out?"
I dare you to find a better powder ski that can bust through crud this well.
While the statement above may seem over-zealous for a few, I have not been on a ski this shape before that sliced through crud so easily and effortlessly. Towards the end of that lone powder day at Vail, I was cruising through chop at unsafe speeds without any hesitation. At one point, I tried my best to point the tips straight downhill through a long mogul field hoping to yard sale and prove a point that the Bibby Special has a flaw.
I failed. There are no flaws.
In the end, the Bibby Special will elevate your skiing. For those that desire a stiff powder ski that can be used anywhere on the mountain, that can handle any condition, and that will give you incredible assurance in the air and on snow, check out the Bibby Special (also offered in 196cm length).
Contrary to its predecessor which I reviewed here, this particular version has a completely different shape (150-116-123), flex, and purpose. Instead of the mustache rocker design seen on the 174/184/190 Bibby Pro, the Special features a longer shovel combined with 6mm of camber and a flattish tail specifically for skiers that have no desire to do anything switch and prefer a more directional charger. The flex here is also slightly stiffer making this one of the best all-mountain skis on the market that can handle every condition.
"How would you describe the Bibby Special in one word"?
Confidence-inspring.
As someone whose everyday ski for the past 2+ seasons has been the 190 Bibby, I was beyond stoked to hear of this new design since it's pretty much everything I've ever wanted in a ski that no one has yet to make. After 12 days of slaying groomers at Breckenridge and Keystone, and after a powder day at Vail with 9" of overnight snow, I'm convinced this will be my everyday driver for the life of the ski.
"What makes this ski so awesome?"
The Bibby Special will push you. It will make you a better skier.
Not once have I found a speed limit. The Bibby Special loves speed. It thirsts for it. And it will reward you handsomely for driving it as hard as possible. Unlike the 190 Bibby which I understood after only a few turns, it wasn't until after a few runs did I fully understand how the unusual sidecut on the Special functions: half the ski wants to turn, the other half wants to go straight. But once you allow the ski to travel on its predetermined arc and not force it beyond its capabilities, I feel most skiers will be amazed with how well the Special handles firm conditions.
"How does this ski handle soft snow?"
Simply put, the Bibby Special is a powder destroyer.
The key to powder skiing on the Special is to keep a more neutral stance. I found that when driving the tips hard into the snow, the ski was not reacting favorably. But once I remained centered and allowed the ski to do the work for me, I could not have been happier with its performance. Immediately, I began searching for anything and everything I could jump off of, and once I did, I was amazed by how well the Special stomps. Never before have I been more confident flying off cliffs and expecting to land each and every time regardless of how smooth or sketchy the impact may be.
"But what happens once the mountain gets tracked-out?"
I dare you to find a better powder ski that can bust through crud this well.
While the statement above may seem over-zealous for a few, I have not been on a ski this shape before that sliced through crud so easily and effortlessly. Towards the end of that lone powder day at Vail, I was cruising through chop at unsafe speeds without any hesitation. At one point, I tried my best to point the tips straight downhill through a long mogul field hoping to yard sale and prove a point that the Bibby Special has a flaw.
I failed. There are no flaws.
In the end, the Bibby Special will elevate your skiing. For those that desire a stiff powder ski that can be used anywhere on the mountain, that can handle any condition, and that will give you incredible assurance in the air and on snow, check out the Bibby Special (also offered in 196cm length).
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