Wisconsinites please respond

[Reign]

hello. i'm new to the snowboarding world, in fact i've only gone two times. after searching the web for some good boards to buy i came across alpine snowboarding and it sparked my interest and i eventually came across this site. first of all i would like to ask if anyone knows of any resorts in wisconsin that rent alpine snowboarding gear so i can check it out. second, where are the best places to buy gear? i'm only 18 so my budget is kind of low, so alpine is probably out of the picture for a while unless i can get a good deal. i was looking at REI out of madison for some normal snowboarding stuff, but i'd really love to get into alpine, it just looks like so much more fun. if you could direct me to a alpine snowboard seller in the middle to southern wisconsin area that would be great. thanks

[P06781]

Years back, when in school, I bought stuff from the flying fish shop. They are windsurfing/snowboarding type of place. I am not sure if they sell anything anymore as this was 1992... It seems like there is core group of carvers in Madison , I am sure one of them can help. I buy most of my stuff off the classifieds on BOL as there isnt even a place in portland metro that sells alpine anymore ....

Jim in PDX

[NMU Alpine Boarder]

I have found that Bomber would be your best source, as Alpine gear is hard to come by in the Midwest. I would check any ski/board swap meets, and ask around some shops, as I have found that alpine gear sometimes shows up in the back corners of these places, and usually pretty cheap if you find it. I got a '96 Burton 159 FP, Burton race bindings, and Burton Reactor Boots at a swap meet @ Marquette Mtn. for $125! All were in fine shape too. Renting is almost going to be impossible, as far as I know. Hope this helps out :cool:

Derek