This Kickstarter Wants to Save you from Flimsy Ice Scrapers
The makers of the Tusk claim it's the ultimate survival shovel, with four tools in one: a shovel, a steal digging spade, an extra-wide scraper, and a squeegee. It's built for those freezing morning when it's dumped two feet of snow and you just want to get to the mountain. It's designed to save its users from ever having to handle one of those double-sided scraper-brushes - that are never quite long enough, or break just at the wrong moment - again.
They've got several different packages and color option, and they promise delivery to their backers by this coming winter.
There's only two days left in this kickstarter so check it out by Friday (6/29) if you're interested in backing the project!
Grass Skis! - a short climate change film by Carbondale students
"Colorado, a beautiful place of wonder and enchantment... and now you can enjoy the warm winters with GRASS SKIS!"
This short film was created by Carbondale students as a part of the Lens on Climate Change (LOCC) program. LOCC is a project run by the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), that helps Colorado middle and high school students tell the stories of climate changes' impacts on their lives and communities through film.
The students who made this film chose to illustrate the very real threat that climate change poses to the future of skiing and snowboarding - an essential part of their Colorado mountain town lifestyle. They begin with a spoof advertisement for "Grass Skis" - no snow, no problem, just strap on some grass skis this winter!
Then some local experts share some pretty alarming data on climate change in Colorado: "The climate science that looks at this particular region will tell you that in 100 years the climate of Aspen will resemble the climate of Amarillo, TX" - Matthew Hamilton, Sustainability Director for Aspen Ski Co.
We hope that grass skis will not have to become a reality... and that butter won't be replacing ski wax any time soon!
We Asked Winter Olympians about Climate Change, Here's What They Said
We asked some 2018 Winter Olympians about climate change, disappearing winters, and renewable energy. They share their experiences, and hope for the future of winter sports below.
"I support a 100% Renewable Energy future because fighting climate change is not only essential for global stability, it is an opportunity for our global community to come together to achieve the impossible. We can achieve a 100% renewable energy future and along the way we can eradicate hunger, poverty and opportunity inequality. Together we can form a compassionate, thriving and sustainable global community. I have had the privilege of travelling the world as a professional skier, and along the way I have seen that anything is possible when we work towards a common goal."
-Noah Hoffman, Olympic X-Country Skier 2018
"Global warming is having a huge impact on the winter sports that we love. As a winter sports athlete, I have seen many events get canceled in recent years in due to lack of snow. This is happening in places that are known for having huge amounts of snow throughout the winter. In order to protect our planet and the sports we love, we have to move forward towards having a 100% renewable energy future. I hope that future generations will be able to enjoy the winter activities that we have been lucky enough to grow up with."
-Mick Dierdorff, Olympic Snowboarder
"Honestly, everything that I enjoy doing in this world is made possible because we have a lot of snow, clean water and healthy mountains. As soon as those things stop being true, everything I love to do in this world will be gone, and I really just don’t want to wait around watching until that happens. It isn’t a matter of if we should change anymore, but how do we change. Each and every step we take, it is important that it is in the right direction. Because hey, we all want to go ski some powder right?
"If we want to keep doing the things we love, and using the earth as our playground, there has to be a change. I want to go skiing for the rest of my life, and I want the next generations to be able to ski. I want to be able to surf in a clean ocean, and I want it to stay that way for everyone who graces this earth. It's as simple as that."
- Casey Andringa, Olympic Freestyle Skier 2018
"I have spent over a decade traveling around the world to the same snow destinations to compete in World Cup competitions. Over the course of my career, I have seen first hand how climate change has affected many of these places. What were once "winter wonderlands" are now the only places that can host an early season world cup. Places that typically had normal winters now are forced to battle rains, warm temperatures and little to no snow. Without trucking in man-made snow or machines that can make snow above freezing, these venues could no longer host a competition. All this has happened in just the past decade, imagine how it could be if we continue on this path for another decade! We need to treat ourselves and our environment better and that's why I support 100% renewables."
- Bryan Fletcher, Olympic Nordic Combined Athlete
Keep Litter off our Mountains!
Melting snow can uncover hidden treasures on ski mountains.
Single gloves, dropped goggles, abandoned poles and even whole skis emerge from their icy hiding placing as temperatures warm. If you know someone who has worked ski patrol or snow removal, you've likely heard stories of rolls of cash, gold watches, and even mysteries like a full set of dentures being left behind by melting snow. But in addition to these inadvertently dropped and lost valuables, mountain resorts are increasingly battling a more worrying collection hidden beneath the snow: thousands of pounds of cigarette buts, plastic bottles and other litter.
Visit a ski resort during the summer, and you're likely to hike past a few stashes of red bull cans that never made it into the recycling bin, or piles of decomposing cigarette butts, carelessly disposed of months ago in the snow.
This is a terrible legacy that ski and snowboard resorts bear. As outdoor enthusiasts and appreciators of the natural world, we believe it is our responsibility to protect and advocate for our environment, not contribute to its further degradation through carelessness and lack of foresight. Snowriders wants to change this dirty legacy of ski resorts by committing to more responsible stewardship of our mountains.
This commitment comes in two parts:
1) Don't be part of the problem:
Do. Not. Litter. Remember you are a guest in a wild and beautiful landscape while you're skiing. You wouldn't throw your trash all over a national forest or city park (I hope), so don't do it while you're skiing or riding, either!
2) Become part of the solution:
As individuals, we can't solve this garbage problem alone, but we can take responsibility for it. The environmental impacts of our winter sports are the problem of every skier and snowboarder. Become a good steward! Help clean up the places we play!
Check if your local mountain holds a volunteer clean-up day over the summer, or before next season begins in the fall. Here are a few great clean-up opportunities on our radar:
Alta Ski Area Clean Up - Saturday, July 8, 2017; 8:00am to 12:00pm
"Join us for a fun day of all over the mountain. It's not just a trash clean up, but a treasure hunt sometimes. After a lovely lift ride to the top of Collins, we will leisurely take our routes downhill. It's a stewardship exploration."
Keystone Resort Clean Up Day - Tuesday, June 12; 8am
"Join fellow employees and community members as we pick up litter on the mountain, roads, and base areas."
Sierra-at-Tahoe "Keep Sierra Clean Day" - TBD, likely October, 2018
For the last 11 years, Sierra-at-Tahoe has gathered their community in the fall to clean up their mountain playground before the snow starts falling for the season. Keep an eye our for the announcement of this year's event.
Respect the Mountain Project, across Europe - multiple events
Throughout the summer, the Respect the Mountain Project hosts events across europe - from Spain to Romania - to help clean tonnes of trash strewn across the alps each winter. In Europe this summer? Check out their extensive events calendar to do your part.
Multi-Mountain Season Passes Available for the 2018/2019 Season (other than Epic and Ikon)
If you've been paying attention at all, you know that Alterra Mountain Co. announced the launch of its shiny new Ikon Pass this spring. The full 2018/19 adult pass, currently going for $999, gives you unlimited access to 12 resorts including Mammoth, CA, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, CA, and Winter Park, CO as well as 7 days at each 13 other resorts including Jackson Hole, WY, and Killington, VT.
Since the announcement of the Ikon Pass, much time and many published words have been dedicated to debating the relative advantages of the new Ikon Pass and Vail's Epic Pass. (The Epic Pass, available for $899, gives you unlimited access to 19 North American resorts including Whistler Blackholm, BC, Park City, UT, and Breckenridge, CO. It also gives you 7 days at Telluride, plus a number of days at resorts in the Canadian Rockies, Japan and across Europe).
But, if you haven't yet been wooed by one of these giants, there are other multi-mountain passes out there that may suit more niche and local interests. Check out our list below! Note that many of these passes have different levels at different prices. Full adult pass prices are listed below, but check out their websites for more options.
Colorado -
CO Ski Country Gold Pass - TBD - a fully transferable pass that give you full access to all 23 Colorado Ski Country member resorts with no blackout dates.
Colorado Gems Card - $25 - gives you two 2-for-1 lift tickets OR two 30% off lift tickets at each of the ten Colorado Gems Resorts.
Summit Value Pass - $549 - give you full access to Keystone and Arapahoe Basin, and access with limited holiday restriction to Breckend
New England-
Peak Pass - $829 - full pass give you full unrestricted access to seven New England resorts including Mount Snow and Attitash.
Utah-
Yeti Pass - $649 - gets you 1 day pass at every Utah ski and snowboard resort.
Ski3 Pass - $759 - valid at Belleayre, Gore & Whiteface Mountains.
Gold Pass - $4,900 - a fully transferable pass (your friends and family can use it when you aren't) that gives you 50 days or more at each of Utah's 14 ski and snowboard resorts.
Silver Pass - $3,150 - gets you 30 or more days at each of Utah'a 14 ski and snowboard resorts.
Reciprocal Pass - depends - if you purchase a season pass Beaver Mountain, Brian Head and Sundance, you get three free days at each of 15 reciprocal pass program partners.
Other National/International Pass Programs:
Freedom Pass - depends - if you buy a season pass at any of the 14 "soul filled" participating mountains across north america, including Magic Mountain, VT and Cooper Mountain, CO, you get three free days at all of the other participating resorts.
Mountain Collective - $429 (limited time sale!) - gives you two days each at 16 premier resorts across North America, including Toas, Alta, and Revelstoke.
Powder Alliance - depends - if you buy a season pass at any of the 19 Powder Alliance member resorts, including Loveland Ski Area, CO, and Sugar Bowl Resort, CA, you get three free days at the other 18.
Colorado Olympians join us in Call for Renewable Energy
Published on May 16, 2018 in The Gazette
Warmer Winters Threaten Colorado's Winter Sports
In January, the New York Times published a report detailing the existential threat faced by winter sports around the globe. The study determined that of the 21 cities that have hosted the Winter Olympic Games, nine will no longer have reliably freezing temperatures by as early as mid-century due to climate change. In other words, winter is slowly disappearing.
As Winter Olympians who rely on consistent snow and freezing temperatures to pursue our respective disciplines, we have seen firsthand the impacts of climate change in Colorado and around the world. We must speak up and speak out to save Colorado’s winter sports and way of life.
The list of events cancelled or disrupted by warm winters and lack of snow grows each year, including those that were held consistently for decades.
Last season, Wisconsin’s famed American Birkebeiner nordic ski race was cancelled for only the second time in its 45-year history. Both the men’s Lake Louise World Cup, in Alberta, Canada, and the Beaver Creek Bird of Prey World Cup here in Colorado were cancelled last year because there wasn’t enough natural snow, and it was too warm to make enough snow. The year before that, Squaw Valley in California cancelled its Ski and Snowboard Cross World Cup event due to lack of snow.
Even the casual skier or snowboarder can attest to this trend.
Colorado is closing out one of its worst ski seasons in a decade, with statewide snowpack totals less than 70 percent of normal. The southwest corner of the state experienced a particularly snowless winter, dealing a heavy blow to small resorts such as Hesperus Ski Area in Durango, which was forced to close at the beginning of March. These event cancellations and reduced snowfall foreshadow something alarming: Our historic winter wonderlands may soon run out of consistent snow entirely.
We refuse to watch our winters melt away. That’s why, as winter athletes, we believe that our communities can and must take steps to combat climate change.
Global warming is caused by carbon pollution. To stop global temperature rise, we must cut our carbon emissions. Corporations and local governments can help by committing to using 100 percent renewable energy sources in the future.
This transition is both essential and possible. Companies including Apple and Coca-Cola, and mountain communities like Avon and Breckenridge have already committed to 100 percent renewable energy. Aspen has already succeeded! Nationally, wind and solar energy has increased 700 percent and 4,300 percent respectively over the last decade. Renewable energy is also becoming more affordable and accessible for all Americans, as the cost of production and storage drops.
A renewable future is attainable in Colorado, but it won’t happen on its own. The share of wind and solar is growing, but still only accounts for 19 percent of our statewide electricity consumption.
As Winter Olympians, we are calling for swift action and commonsense policies that cut carbon pollution and transition us to a clean energy future. This is the only way to protect the future of our sports, the outdoor lifestyle we cherish, and the planet we inhabit. Our communities must be leaders in the fight against climate change by committing to a clean energy future and protecting the future of winter sports, and our Colorado way of life, for generations to come.
Casey Andringa
Olympic Freestyle Skier, 2018
Boulder, CO
Mick Dierdorff
Olympic Snowboard Cross Athlete, 2018
Steamboat Springs, CO
Jasper Good
Olympic Nordic Combined Athlete, 2018
Steamboat Springs, CO
Noah Hoffman
Olympic Cross Country Skier, 2014, 2018
Evergreen, CO
Jaelin Kauf
Olympic Freestyle Skier, 2018
Vail, CO
Keaton McCargo
Olympic Freestyle Skier, 2018
Telluride, CO
Paul Casey Puckett
Olympic Alpine and Freestyle Skier, 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010
Aspen, CO
Joanne Firesteel Reid
Olympic Biathlete, 2018
Boulder, CO
Lucie Coleman
Snowriders International
Sign on to Snowriders' letter in support of a transition to a 100% renewable future!
How to Stay in Shape for the Off-Season
At some point every September, I vow to get in shape for ski season. I plan to rebuild my stamina and the strength in my legs so that this year my first summit of the Aspen Highlands Bowl is less painful and I spend fewer Mondays hobbling around the office. So far, this fall-bootcamp method of preparing for the season has not yielded very impressive results. I procrastinate, I get busy, and suddenly the first snow is falling and despite my best intentions I'm still winded and fatigued by the end of my first day.
I stay in pretty good shape year round - I hike, bike and run, when I can't be skiing - but despite this, the physical intensity of skiing takes it out of me anew every November. Although I stay active, my other sports don't maintain the core and leg strength necessary for strenuous skiing. And beyond a little body-weight training and extremely intermediate yoga, I've never been able to maintain much of a strength routine. Clearly my attempts to frantically generate one every fall haven't been working.
This year, I'm doing it differently. It's a lot easier to stay in shape than it is to get back in shape, so rather than trying to rebuild in the fall, I'm starting now.
I've done my research, I've bought some protein powder, I'm off to a good start. Join me in staying fit this summer, and vowing to start next season off in better shape than I'm ending this one!
Here are three areas to focus on in your quest for sweet off-season gains:
1. Strength: Legs and Core
Both skiing and snowboarding build muscles in your legs, core and arms. Maintain your strength throughout the summer by incorporating weight training into your routine 2 -3 times per week. Focus on exercises that work your glutes, quads, abs, and back. If you've noticed any particular areas of weakness during the season, you can begin by targeting those areas. I've had some knee troubles this winter, so I've been strengthening my hamstrings in order to help stabilize and protect my joints.
If you don't have access to a gym, body-weight exercises like squats, lunges, and planks are a good place to start. Biking is also an excellent way to maintain these muscles in the off-season, but challenge yourself with hilly terrain or shorter rides at high resistance on a stationary bike to build strength.
2. Plyometrics and Balance
One of the main reasons that skiing and snowboarding are so strenuous is that both require repeated explosive motion. Turning through deep snow is like hopping back and forth between your edges and requires both balance and agility. Include plyometric training at the end of your strength work outs this summer to build the strength, speed and explosiveness of your turns.
Plyometric exercise included repeated explosive motion like jumps and leaps. A simply plyometric exercise that requires no equipment is the "ski jump," where you jump, feet together, laterally back and forth over a line, kind of like you're skiing. You can also use a step or low wall to jump up and then down from. Always land softly and try not to pause between jumps until your set is complete.
Yoga is also a great off-season activity, as it will help improve flexility and balance.
3. Cardio and Stamina
Finally, the last piece of maintaining and improving your fitness during the off-season, is working on your cardiovascular fitness. Skiing requires a lot of stamina, frequently at high altitude, so cardio and endurance training are key. Running, biking and swimming are all great options, but really anything that gets your heart pumping for an hour or so a three to five times a week is excellent. Alternate between doing slow/long-distance sessions and high intensity interval training (HIIT) work outs to maximize your results.
With this plan in place, I'm feeling much more confident about my fitness for next winter. In fact, after focusing on these three areas all summer, I assume I'll be forgoing chairlifts altogether next season!
Let us know how you plan to prep for next season in the comments! Do you have a tried-and-true method or an inovative new plan?
Prep your Skis for Summer!
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - and that’s certainly true when it comes to your ski and snowboard equipment. A little TLC this spring will go far to preventing your gear from degrading over time and keeping it in peak condition for longer.
Here’s a quick guide to end-of-season ski and snowboard care to keep your gear safe in the off-season and allow you to hit the slopes with the first snow in the fall.
1. Repair
While thoroughly tuning your skis at the end of the season may seem like a waste of time, dealing with issues like core shots right away will help you maintain the integrity of your skis. Get nicks, and scrapes patched and sharpen your edges for good measure. You won’t regret the extra effort when you hit the slopes with pristine skis at the beginning of next season.
2. Wax
The best thing you can do for your equipment in the off-season is give them a good thick coat of wax. Waxing them prevents the bases from getting nicked in storage and prevents oxidation which can degrade your bases while they’re not in use. Leave the wax on thick, and scrape in the fall when you’re ready to use your equipment again.
3. Store Carefully
Finally, put your skis or boards in a safe spot to hibernate for the summer. Keep them somewhere out of extreme conditions including heat, cold or sunlight and where their bases don’t scrape or rub against anything. Beware of propping them upright where they can be knocked over or in a pile with other equipment. Consider investing in rack to give your quiver the rest they deserve before next season.
Use your Pass One More Time
Many season passes include discounts on tuning and wax. The Epic pass, for instance, allows pass holders get free or heavily discounted equipment tuning at multiple locations in California, Colorado, and Utah. The Rocky Mountain Super Pass gets holders 10-30% off tune-ups at Winter Park Resort and Copper Mountain.
Check the details of your pass, and don’t miss this opportunity to use it one last time this season!
Closing Day Events Happening this Weekend (April 8 - 9, 2018)
This first week of April marks the bittersweet time of year when lifts begin the shut down, and skiers begin to emerge from their GoreTex to step into the sun for the warmer summer months. To dull the blow of the looming off-season, resorts across the country are ending their year with bang this weekend. From live music, to costume competitions - not to mention a fresh layer of snow - this weekend is looking to be one of the most fun, and thoroughly ridiculous weekends of the 2017-2018 season. So grab your brightest onesie, and find your closest pond-skim on the list below!
Saturday April 7, 2018
CO - Aspen Buttermilk's Redbull Homerun
"Sprint for your skis or your snowboard, throw yourself down the marked course and finish at this year's biggest apres ski party."
UT - Deer Valley Closing Weekend Day 1
Sunday April 8, 2018
CO - Aspen Buttermilk's Bacon Day + Uphill
"In celebration of Buttermilk’s closing day, the mountain hosts an annual Bacon Appreciation Day featuring a schedule of all things bacon including bacon waffles at the Cliffhouse starting at 9am, bacon doughnuts from ColoraDough at 10:30am, bacon samplers around the mountain from 11am-it runs out, and more samples in the base area from 2 - 4 PM."
CO - Aspen Highlands Closing Day Party + Highlands Bowl BBQ
"The base area of Aspen Highlands is a natural conduit for all skiers and riders coming off the mountain, and it's also a natural gathering place to close out another successful season. Enjoy a live DJ, hilarious costumes and a festive atmosphere as locals and guests say "until next time" to the slopes of Aspen Highlands."
CO - Crested Butte Closing Day
CO - Keystone Slush Cup + Closing Day
"Grab your sunglasses, camp out in a lawn chair and close out the season in style with the 2018 Keystone Slush Cup! Join the fun for your chance to win prizes or cheer from the sidelines and snap big-splash pics!"
CO - Monarch's 10th Annual Parking Lot Cook-Off & Tailgate Party
"Everyone is invited to celebrate the end of the ski season and the beginning of the whitewater boating season with BBQs and beach chairs in the Monarch parking lot! Decorate your tailgate, prepare your best dish, and wow the judges for a chance to win a season pass for next season."
CO - Telluride Closing Day
"Don't miss the Pond Skim and dance party at Gorrono Ranch! Pond Skim registration is from 10-11am. They only take the first 100 people so get there early if you want to participate! DJ Soul Atomic will start spinning at 12 pm. Last call for alcohol at 2:45 pm. Once the mountain closes, The Commonheart will be playing a FREE concert at Heritage Plaza."
UT - Deer Valley Closing Weekend Day 2
VT - Mad River Glen End of Season Bash
"Who better to close out the ski season than The Grift, everyone’s favorite apres ski band! Ain’t nothing better than a hard day of skiing followed up by some amazing music and that famous Mad River Glen conviviality!"
WY - Jackson Hole Final Music Under the Tram of the Season w/ Sneaky Pete and The Secret Weapons