Point is--if you enjoy skiing, don't wait around. The season is almost over and especially down south, this may be the last weekend or certainly the last week upcoming.
This certainly is a valid point. The season only last so long before it disappears and I've to find another job for the warmer months. On the east coast there is finally some snow, but it looks like the winter weather isn't here to stay. The expected temps in the California areas make it seem unlikely they'll be open much longer. The pacific northwest is suffering the same warm weather as the southern areas. Judging from Jon Lawson's most recent video, Breckenridge will be having a good season for a while long. At least it's been a good season for me.
The number of first time lessons I had over the past week has been absolutely amazing. It could be that the warmer weather didn't frighten off the these people, or that they've finally could afford a day on the mountain. Regardless, they showed up in droves. Wearing their blue jeans, sun glasses, no sun screen, a wind breaker, and random gloves for the rope tow to chew through. I applied my standard disclaimer to all the blue jean gapers, the "you will get wet" especially on a sunny warm weekend like this had been. Regardless we had a good time.
Back to the original point of this post though, which is how do I know the season is at an end. Simple answer, my gear finally dies. Every year I'm forced to buy new gloves, new goggles, new socks, and possibly new thermals. This year I'll be adding new snow pants, new boots (one year old Nordica W12s are dead), and a new instructor jacket to the list. Most of the gear isn't designed for heavy duty daily abuse.
BTW I'm open to any suggested gear to check out. Now that the end of season sales are starting, it's the best time to go buy.
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3 comments:
I absolutely love my Burton gloves. They make a great product. I have lots of real negatives about Jake Burton, their business practices, etc., but as far as their products are concerned, they know what they are doing. And if someone else is doing something better, Burton just buys them. I have had good luck with Oakley goggles and this time of year is a good time to buy gloves and goggles.
I have a pair of Nordica BEAST boots from three years ago and they have some serious miles on them (probably 50 days). They are phenomenol boots, but I also have custom footbeds put in as well as having some plastic work to fix a couple uncomfortable spots. I have two sets of Nordica boots and love both. I have the full Beasts, but check this for a set of Beast 10's for under $250:
http://shop.sierrasnowboard.com/browse.cfm/4,1461.html
I would seriously consider these Beast 10's as this is a smoking deal.
I wear bibs and have a nice set of Northface bibs that I love. They are reinforced in the knees, crotch, and butt because these areas take the most abuse. I also have an old pair of Columbia ski pants that I have had for six years that are getting "retired".
I've been using a pair of Nodica W12s that I've absolutely loved. They are the first ski boot for me to fit without need for some plastic re-work. I was checking out the Beast 10s at the start of the season, and think they might be a good purchase. Only challenge is the order from afar.
I always go in to a local shop and shop. I try on several different boots, especially if there is something that I have seen on special. Then I ask what the best price they can sell it for is. If they are within $25-50 (the cost of shipping and hassle) then I buy from them. I am not going to overpay and I let them know it.
Try the Beast 10's. See how they feel. My Beasts still hurt my ankles, but they need some plastic work too right where the ankle bone sticks out. I didn't have them take it out enough the first time.
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