Saturday, January 13, 2007

Day 7

Only one more day of skiing left. Today, I went out by myself for a few hours, in the morning. It is nice to get out there, just me, my mp3 player and about 4 inches of freshies up top. I got into the trees early and often. Also hit some bumps along the way. I have to get those all in before I go out skiing with the other two. My dad just isn't up for bumps or trees anymore and Brad has been having shin problems most of the week, which hasn't allowed him to be nearly as aggressive as he can be.

After lunch, Brad and I skied together for a few hours. We had some fun on one of the groomed runs. We were both skiing down at about the same pace, a very fast pace, when we hit a few rolling jumps. Thankfully, I was about 5 seconds behind him. He hit a the first jump, sailed 8 or 9 feet off the ground for about 15 feet, until he hit the second jump. At which time, he lost control, hit the ground, lost a ski and slid about 15-20 yards. I followed suit. Only, I didn't lose any skis and slid right on past him about another 10 yards. I wish we had some video because that is the longest highest jump I have landed and it would have looked really awesome, especially with the wipeout afterward. If it was for that second roll we would have been stylin'.

It's setting up to be a good day, if not a bit on the cold side, tomorrow. It has been snowing all day and there should be a bit more fresh stuff for the last day. However, it is supposed to be about -10 degrees out to start the day.

Friday, January 12, 2007

Day 6

Today, I woke up expecting some fresh snow. The mountain is in dire need of some new cover. I was slightly disappointed. There was only a dusting at the base, but, there was about 4 inches up top. One of the main lifts up to teh top of the mountain broke down today. It turns out, they set up a rapelling system to get stranded riders off the lift. While sitting in the building's hot tub this evening, three of the guys in our building were telling me they had been stuck on their chair for 3 1/2 hours. They got a good story and a free lunch for their discomfort. I went out skiing with my little brother and took some pictures. However, when the good photo ops arose toward the end of the day, I was stuck with only my phone. I had dropped off my good camera at home after lunch. Here are a few really good pictures (at least they are for the type of camera) from after lunch.


This one was taken near the top of the mountain. The storm clouds were starting to roll in below us. It finally started snowing steadily near sundown.


The sun had not been completely blocked out by the clouds and there was a mist-like snow falling as we made our way down the mountain. I had already taken one picture of the ray of light cutting through the mist, when this man stopped in a perfect spot. I don't think he realized it. But, I thought it was awesome.


I took this picture one morning a near the beginning of the week. They take people up in hot air balloons on occasion. I was standing near the bottom of the mountain, but, was pretty high up, over the valley below. Normally, when I see a balloon, I am above them.

Days 4 and 5

Wednesday anad Thursday were uneventful. I took it easy in Wednesday and then we went out early on Thursday and shot some video. When we came in for good, in the afternoon, we went to the Tap House for some wings, again. I love those things.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Day 3

Day 3 was another good day. I took a group lesson with a few strangers. We learned how to ski the moguls and trees. There were moments during the day where I probably could have transformed coal into diamonds, my sphincter was so tight. Trees with bumps are still very intimidating, but now I take their names, they don't take mine. At the end of the day, I was as sore as I have been in a long, long time. So, I finished off the day with a trip to the hot tub and into town. A place called The Tap House, has some great hot wings. If anyone who reads this ever makes it out here, I recommend the oriental BBQ wings. Day 4 should be pretty uneventful. I slept in and am planning to take it pretty easy today, to let my legs get a bit of rest. I might have some video for you all(if there is anyone left reading this {I know at least 1 person is}) today. It is warm and sunny and very calm, so it is a perfect day to take out the camera.

Monday, January 08, 2007

Day 2

Today started out really early. Like, 12:30 a.m. early. There are a crapload of college kids from Texas that are rooming in our building. One of them managed to set off the fire alarm system, building-wide, at 12:30. By the time the fire department got here and shut it down it was 1 a.m. and we had been dressed and standing outside in the parking lot in single degree tempatures. It was well after 1 by the time I managed to get back to sleep.

We had to get up pretty early, as my dad had ponied up for an all day, private lesson for the three of us, and we had to get down to the ski school office to sign our waivers. The instructor we got was the same one who retaught me how to ski two years ago. It was another great day of skiing. When we came in for lunch, my pops decided to stay in, since he was getting a bit tired. That left Brad and I in the private lesson. We managed to get into a few trees and some moguls. I never really liked the bumps and trees intimidate the hell out of me. However, after significantly tweeking my technique, I think I will really enjoy the bumps with some practice. Trees still intimidate me, but, I am taking a group lesson tomorrow to try to get the rest of the wrinkles ironed out. I might be into the trees more often in the next few days.

Sunday, January 07, 2007

First Day

It was a great first day. There was about 2-3 inches of fresh stuff up top and after the morning clouds burnt off with the rising sun, it was a bluebird day. A bit windy up top, but you can't have it all. I feel ten times better this year. I can ski a lot harder and faster and keep at it all day. That would not have been possible the last few years. Amazing what 25 pounds can do. Hopefully, by my next trip I will be down another 25. Here are a few pics from the first day. Thanks to my brother Brad for taking some of them.


This is the view from about halfway up the top part of the mountain. The building is a restaurant at the midpoint of the mountain.


My brother B-rad.


My Pops.


And, me.

Happy New Year...A Bit Late

Happy New Year, everyone. It is that time of year again. Ski trip time! I am typing this from my condo on the mountain at Steamboat, as I am getting ready for my first day of skiing. I've got my Cap'n Crunch with Crunch Berries sitting in front of me, my long underwear on and a few inches of fresh stuff waiting on the lifts to open. I will be reporting back several times over the course of the trip with pictures and hopefully some video. Hope everyone had great holidays.