Ottawa pre-season 2011/12!

[Ian M]

Hey Ottawa carvers! It's September already, which means that my brain is in full-tilt snowboard mode. I thought I'd come and share my (almost boundless) enthusiasm :D

This year looks like an exciting season; the last week of February is already booked off at work for the East Cost Expression Session (http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=34532), and I have a shiny new pair of skis waiting to be... flown! That's right, I picked up some all-mountain carving skis to round out my sliding fun. I'm looking forward to teaching carving more this year, so please feel free to ask for focused teaching meet-ups with me as well as free-carving.

September is also the month that seasons passes are on sale at most hills, so I thought I'd share some thoughts. Last year I finally tried Mont Cascades, and ended up visiting a few times because I liked it a lot. There are steeper, wider runs than Vorlage, and after a few years riding nights in one spot I'm ready for a change. There is also riding 'by the hour', so if anyone is interested in coming out just a few times, it should be very affordable. It seems that many of us have 'lone wolf' tendencies and differing resort preferences, but it would be great fun to have a regular meet-up night. Varying locations might make this more interesting too! Think of it as a 'local hill buffet'..?

Lastly, (I know, I just talk and f*#&ing talk :P) I'd like to invite everyone to a November get-together to watch some great carving videos and maybe old Warren Miller stuff if I can find the carving footage I remember. The only catch is that I can't host it! My apartment and TV are simply not up for the job. Anyone looking to show off their big screen?

I hope the summer has treated everyone well... it has been a nice one. Looking forward to seeing you all and making some trips and turns together! :biggthump

Cheers,

Ian

[CaRtharsis]

(I know, I just talk and f*#&ing talk :P)



Acceptance is the first step on the road to recovery.

[Ian M]

Acceptance is the first step on the road to recovery.
This problem seems specific to snowboard... hmmmm!
Here is the info on the Latitude (http://www.tremblant.ca/tickets/ski-pass/carte-latitude/index-e.htm) card from Tremblant; up to 4 tickets at $50 each. Brian also mentioned the T-Max (two-for one) and the T-66 deals, but they are not listed yet. I'm thinking of buying four tickets for Tremblant this year :)

For anyone interested in trying Jasey Jay's new boards, there are opportunities nearby. I also asked JJ about demos at ECES, and it sounds like Eric Snyder from RaceBoarding.com will bring some boards. There are three stores in Quebec that will be stocking the boards, and I believe we can test them out:
Max Ski Service in Mt-Tremblant
Mont Saint-Sauveur Internation (MSSI) ski shop
La Boutique Sharks in LavalCheers,

Ian :D

[Ian M]

Hi all,

I just made email contact with Angus Fairgrieve (Knightchocolate), and he is part of a group of 4 people buying Cascades night/day passes. (Weekdays are included when you buy a night pass)

I'm signing up as person #5, if three more people join then passes will only cost $85@. Currently with four or more people they cost $95. Who's in? :D

Cheers,

Ian

[Ian M]

... And then there were eight! Rammy joined in, and two more of Angus's friends also.

Ryan (Hilux) is looking for co-conspirators. :eplus2: Who else?

For those reading the thread, I apologize for the offline emails... i keep trying to steer discussion back here!

[Hilux]

And then there was one...

Anyone interested in Cascades? I believe we have until October 1st (can someone chime in to confirm please!) so a few days left.

[Hilux]

Sorry, bit the bullet folks...

[Ian M]

Sorry to hear you had to buy on your own... glad to hear you got the pass! Any news on your new ride? Is Bruce going to build it out of niobium-coated teflon-impregnated super-unobtanium?

Ian :D

[Hilux]

Bah, if I get out 4-5 times it's all good : )

No super-unobtanium just regular :D However, there's talk in the biz about experimenting with a new metal core that responds to earth's true magnetic north...something like Gyrokore? Apparently helps with stability and maintaining good balance throughout the turn ;)

Note: Please do not go emailing and calling Bruce about this or my board may never get made!

[Ian M]

Haha... magnets - that's good. You could use them to tune raceboards so that they only point downhill.... :smashfrea

[GoofyFoot]

Hi Ian et al,

Well, I am not quite as ready for winter as Ian, however, I have started planning my winter vacation(s). I am headed to UTAH with my new GF in March. Check out the wickedly low prices for the first three trips the National Capital Ski Club has organized to date! (ncskiclub.ca) I will also look at the ECES in Feb. Thx for the heads up Ian!

Recently had a long chat with Chris who directed me here. I am definately up for a pre-season war story session! In fact, I will even volunteer to host if you snow dogs can get your collective tails to Orleans. At the moment I am planning a mid-Fall bike ride for friends that I jokingly refer to as the "Tour d'Orleans." We have done this for the past three years and it is always a ton of fun. The gig is to get together mid-day and go for a leisurely (to be inclusive of the women who join in) 2-3 hr ride around the flat lands of the neighbourhood to see some of the more interesting sights (yes, I can assure you there is some wonderful scenery in the east end of town). Hybrid or mtn bike is recommended since some sections are off-pavement. The "finish line" is at my BBQ for a beerfest and further socializing. You can come for the ride or the beer call or both - your choice.

I would be delighted to turn this occasion into a pre-season carving call. Who is willing to volunteer the videos? While the date and details are yet to be confirmed, Sat 22 Oct is the preferred date (the following WE is the other choice). Chime in Ottawa area posters!

[Ian M]

Hey Brian!

That sounds like fun. I'd be up for bikes, bbq, and boards :) Thanks for offering the venue!

I've some short videos pulled from the net which are pretty good, and if anyone else has some favourite footage just shoot a link my way and I'll bring 'em all. There's cool classic Warren Miller carving footage too - I just have to figure out which one of the 52 films it was in...

Cheers!

[Tabatha]

Brian! I resemble ... I mean resent that comment about riding slow so that the girls can keep up! I would be up for a get together, might even bring a bike. Never been to Orleans! Do I need to bring my passport? :AR15firin

How many months till snow season? I will be buying the 4-pass at Tremblant and am looking for people to play mid-week hooky with me. Also plan on SOS and ECES this year, so keep me in the loop!

Happy Friday

[CaRtharsis]

I could possibly be coerced into something like this. Orleans is awful far though.

[Ian M]

So so far... except I've driven farther for a yummy snack :)

Dryland training with the Extreme Ski club starts next week if anyone's interested. I did it last year and felt very well prepared for the season, for the first time! Just ask if y'all have any questions...

http://www.skiextreme.ca/programs/dryland.html

Cheers,

Ian

[GoofyFoot]

OK Boys & Girls,
<O:p</O:p
The fourth annual Tour d’Orleans is set for Sat 22 October 2011. RSVPs by Wednesday 14 Oct, please!
<O:p</O:p
Here is the game plan: <O:p</O:p
RV at my place between 12:30 & 1:00<SUP>1</SUP>.<O:p</O:p
Depart for a 2-3 hour casual bicycle ride around Orleans’ best tourist attractions. If Tabby cycles as fast as she promises we will have more beer-drinking time…<O:p</O:p
Return to my place for a late afternoon BBQ<SUP>2</SUP>, socializing and carving vids courtesy of Ian. This is a rain or shine event. Come prepared for whatever the weather has to dish out<SUP>3</SUP>. Unless the conditions are absolutely miserable, we will start outside on my large deck, then migrate inside as appropriate. <O:p</O:p
If you do not own a bicycle or have other plans for the afternoon, you are welcome to drop in anytime after 4 PM to join the party.
<O:p</O:p
Brian & Tara <O:p</O:p
613-552-0034<O:p</O:p
Snowsurfer^at^rogers.com <ADJUST ; spammers precluding at attempt my please sign, the for “at”><O:p</O:p
1089 Chablis Park<O:p</O:p
Orleans, ON
<O:p</O:p
Notes<O:p</O:p
1 – If anyone needs some minor bike maintenance such a putting air in tires or tightening a spoke, I will be happy to pull out my pump or my spoke wrench at 12:32. At 12:58, I will be somewhat less patient.
Judge your arrival time accordingly!<O:p</O:p
2 – BBQ is BYOB – Bring your own Beef/Pork/Lamb. Tara and I will whip up a cornucopia of salads and vegetables. I also have two cases of beer left over from our recent (combined) BD party; Sleeman’s Honey Brown & Corona. I am looking for volunteers to empty those two-fours so I can get my bottle deposit back. For those bringing wine, be advised that Tara and I prefer French and Italian versions.<O:p</O:p
3 – I will make two bathrooms and one shower available for folks to clean up if the weather is at its worst – which has happened in the past - and actually made the ride more of a giggle! <O:p</O:p

[Ian M]

Awesome, please count me in!

I love the footnotes Brian... that may be the first use of superscripts on this forum. :biggthump

[CaRtharsis]

"rain or shine". You've omitted snow sleet and hail. All of which are a possibility considering how the weather has turned for any other event I've planned to attend this summer!!!

[Tabatha]

I think we had an OK summer, the weather was better than last year. Although, riding in sleet is not my idea of fun (cold, wet, bike - pick two). Yesterday I was standing at the bus stop in the rain thinking, if only it were 10C colder, all this would be snow! I have decided that fall is a nasty tease!

Looking forward to seeing people at Brian's. I feel like I am going to have to put some serious miles on my bike between now and then so that I can put my tires where my mouth is.

[CaRtharsis]

so that I can put my tires where my mouth is.

Why do you continue to make it so easy......? ;-)

[Keyser Soze]

Last year I finally tried Mont Cascades, and ended up visiting a few times because I liked it a lot. There are steeper, wider runs than Vorlage, and after a few years riding nights in one spot I'm ready for a change. There is also riding 'by the hour', so if anyone is interested in coming out just a few times, it should be very affordable.

So you finally tried it. And it only took like 3 years of me yapping about it. I "lone-wolf" at Cascades because of the wide runs and lack of crowds.

[Ian M]

So you finally tried it. And it only took like 3 years of me yapping about it. I "lone-wolf" at Cascades because of the wide runs and lack of crowds.

Yup... right you were! It can take me a while to come around to something when the old thing is still working for me :P

Looking forward to making some turns together at Cascades.

Cheers!

[CaRtharsis]

It can take me a while to come around to something when the old thing is still working for me :P

Quote of the year LOL!!

[Tabatha]

Warren Miller's 62nd Anniversary, “Like There’s No Tomorrow”.


Movie will be held at Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa, On K2G 5K7. Showtimes will be on Thursday, October 27, 2011 – 8:00 pm.

Tickets available at:

Tommy and Lefebvre
Capital Tickets
Centrepointe Theatre Box Office For more info see this link:
http://www.skinet.com/warrenmiller/events/centrepointe-theatre

Anyone interested?

[CaRtharsis]

Meh. Went last year for the first time in several years. Turnout was about 200 people if I'm generous. Dismal.

Movie was just ok. I guess it's hard to keep coming up with new ways to film the same thing over and over and over and over......

[Ian M]

^ Yeah, I'm going with some guys from the Ottawa Mazda Club. It'll be more of a networking event than anything. Like Chris I was disappointed last year; so much of the riding was at a ridiculous level in places I'll never set foot. Besides, WHERE'S THE F@&%ING CORDUROY?? We all know that's where the fun is had :eplus2:.

[Tabatha]

Seriously ... why has it not snowed yet? I am done with this wet-fall (all three days of it). Can we get some fluffy white stuff now? Can someone have words with Environment Canada and put in a request?

[GoofyFoot]

I'm gonna echo the majority of the previous comments. As much as I like Warren's eye for good vid (I have periodically seen several of his productions over the years), ya can only watch the loonies do suicide jumps off of vertical rocky chutes, the themed slide'n'fumble snow races and grannies and kids slip around at the foot of the mtn trying to walk from their car to the lodge in ski boots after an ice storm ... so many times. And his movies are never cheap! But if Ian brings along a WM tape, I might watch it - which segues nicely into ...

[GoofyFoot]

This is last call for those wanting to get out for a pre-snow social get together. So far, Ian, Chris (& friends) and Tabatha, plus possibly Graham* (newbie) have expressed interest. I also have a few of my own friends coming out so there will definitely be enough bodies about to tell war stories :). If anyone else is interested please contact me off-line (email address is above) as I will send out more detail (to individual email accounts) later next week once I have a better idea what the weather is doing.

See you all Sat afternoon,

Brian

* Hey Graham - this would be a great opportunity to show off that freshly minted home built board!!!

[slabber]

See you all Sat afternoon,

Brian


hey Brian,

I'll plan to be there. Will send you an email.

cheers
Andrew

[graham p]

Hi Brian and all.
I will see you all Saturday evening.
Graham.

[Ian M]

Hi Brian and all.
I will see you all Saturday evening.
Graham.

If you built your own board Graham, please bring it! I'd love to see.

Ian

[graham p]

Hi Ian.
I will bring my board with me for a little show and share session. It still needs a base grind and wax to be 100% complete, but the board itself is finished.
I won't be able to make it for the bike ride, I'll see you just after 4:00.
Graham

[Ian M]

^ Sweet!

[Ian M]

As Ryan just said by email, many thanks to Brian and Tara for hosting the ride and get-together yesterday! It was great to see all of you, and to talk gear, riding, and other things. Seeing Graham's board was a special treat :biggthump.

The ski and snowboard show came up yesterday, and we haven't missed it yet. It's next weekend at Landsdowne, 10-6 Saturday and 10-5 Sunday. Tuning clinics by Kunstadt, last year's gear on sale (mostly Kunstadt I think), and lots of reps from resorts expounding the benefits of their beautiful slopes. I don't know about you guys, but I go mainly to enter all of the 'free trip for 2' draws that the resorts do ;).

Cheers,

Ian

[Hilux]

ooooh, ski show free trips! I like getting the stickers too :D

And Graham, I hope we all get to witness the maiden voyage of your craftsmanship. I think you've inspired most of us there. Thanks again to all for a great day/evening.

[graham p]

I'd like to thank Brian and Tara for hosting a great get together.It was good meeting everyone there.
The maiden voyage may or may not be advertized. I might quietly sneek out some mid-week night to some out of the way hill to save myself the embarrassment of a catastrophic failure of either my board or my ability to control it.
Thanks everyone for the positive comments.

[CaRtharsis]

I'd like to echo the comments above. Had a great time with friends old and new. Eagerly anticipating making trenches with you all.

[Ian M]

I'd like to echo the comments above. Had a great time with friends old and new. Eagerly anticipating making trenches with you all.

:1luvu: Love you too, man. I'm not having your babies though. You've got to draw the line somewhere.

[Tabatha]

I second all that Ryan, Graham, Chris and Ian said - a big thank you to Brian and Tara for a great afternoon. Looking forward to seeing everyone on the hill (soon ... they say it might snow around the Ottawa weekend in the coming days!)

[CaRtharsis]

:1luvu: Love you too, man. I'm not having your babies though. You've got to draw the line somewhere.


You're too tall and deficient in certain areas I deem mandatory for a breeding partner. Even if it is just for practice/recreational purposes. The whole you being a dude issue would be the first insurmountable hurdle.

[mikel45]

Guys and gals, just wanted to say thanks for suggesting Dinardo's is the local place to get a board tune-up.
I too highly recommend as they did a wonderful job.

[Keyser Soze]

Dinardo's doesn't cook liners, do they?

[Ian M]

@ mikel45 - glad to hear they did good work. They're not cheap, but they're good!

@ Keyser Soze - no. Last time I asked Frank about cooking Deeluxe liners, he told me they only had (gentle) warm-air hoses for the ski boot liners. What type of liner are you talking about?

[mikel45]

F.Y. I. Kanata Costco has Head gloves for $18.99. It seems Head gloves are a smaller fit, so happy to report there is still a selection of XL and XXL available (unlike last year). I suspect they will go fast.

[CaRtharsis]

F.Y. I. Kanata Costco has Head gloves for $18.99. It seems Head gloves are a smaller fit, so happy to report there is still a selection of XL and XXL available (unlike last year). I suspect they will go fast.

Mike you have any pics? Btw, was it you that borrowed my toe caps?

[mikel45]

http://i40.tinypic.com/2mcyosz.jpg

CHEERS!

Mike

[Tabatha]

Not sure what the weather is doing in Ottawa, but I am up at Lac Carling and we had snow all afternoon. The world is covered in wonderful white stuff. I am so excited ... winter is coming!

[Ian M]

^ Nice Tabatha! No snow here unfortunately. It sounds like there has been 'white magic' west, north, and east of us but not here :(

Hey Ryan, when is the due date again? I forget when you said your baby was expected ;) ... http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=35327 (http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=35327)

I'm not sure how many of you know, but I started hiking all of our local hills on weekends to help pass November. There are only two hills left, MSM and Pakenham. Would anyone like to join me for Mt St-Marie next Saturday? Rain or shine. I'd enjoy the company :D

Hiked so far: Fortune, Cascades, Calabogie, Vorlage, Edelweiss.

Cheers,

Ian

[Hilux]

Ha ha, I'm expecting December 3. And yes, I'm already an overprotective dad...just can't trust anyone. The anticipation is driving me nuts at this point. The lack of snow is keeping me in check but once we get that first covering I'll be crawling out of my skin and irritable if the hills aren't open :eplus2:

What time you heading up to MSM?

[Ian M]

^ The perfect early Christmas present!!

Time for the hike is very flexible; maybe leaving Ottawa around 10:30am?

Funny thing is, I tried for MSM this Saturday, but got lost. Hey, there was an accident blocking the main road, so I tried the side roads but didn't have a map with enough detail. Almost ended up at Lac Poisson Blanc. Doh! :eek:

[Tabatha]

Hiking ski hills is surprisingly fun and really interesting. I bet you wouldn't have been lost if you had brought a better GPS ... say someone who never gets lost! Wish I could join you ... but I am going to be away for a while.

I have to say the first snowfall was magical (not to rub it in). The world was white and wonderful and all I could think was winter is coming!

[CaRtharsis]

Happy Snow Day!!!!!!!

[Hilux]

Ian...I'm out for Saturday as I'm out of town over night and can't guarantee I'll be back in time. I have a feeling it'll be a rough go for my fitness level once I get on the mountain. Too bad the snow is melting :( Mother Nature is such a tease...leads us on and drops us.

[Ian M]

It may be slim pickings, but there are at least three local hills opening some runs this weekend! Finally!! It only took them EIGHT MONTHS to figure out how to make SNOW again :rolleyes:.

The list looks like Calabogie, Fortune, and Pakenham so far. What are YOU doing this weekend? :D

[loopback]

am hoping Sat and Sunday morning but plans subject to change:(

[Ian M]

^ Nice Paul! I think I'll go and help christen Calabogie. I'll come and ride Pakenham with you sometime though.

What goes through everyone's head that first day? I always experience such a mixture of emotions: excitement about finally riding, and concern that I've forgotten how to carve or that it won't be as fun as I remember. Of course, it's always f*#%ing awesome, and my soul shouts 'wheeeee!' :D

[Hilux]

I'm holding out...I've gone this far so I'll just ride out the anticipation in hopes we'll get a good dump within the next 2 weeks.

Get out yer slalom boards folks! I'd imagine it'll be a s*#tshow...the ol'meat gates. It'll keep you on your toes for the first time out anyway ;) I'm just jealous though...

[Ian M]

Hey everyone, here's an update on conditions at Calabogie and Pakenham!

Calabogie has two runs 'open', but when I drove in today, they looked pretty... brown. On closer inspection, they were pretty... brown. Not the type of conditions I'd put an older board on. Uber disappointing. I got back in my car, and drove to Pakenham.

Pak was definitely better. Only one run open today, but quite good snow. (Fairly soft granular that scraped down to icy spots by 2:30pm) It was somewhat crowded through the afternoon, but after 8 months of waiting it felt like heaven! Bumped into a lot of people I knew, including Paul (Loopback), Neil (softbooter who also carves), and a skier who is putting together a HB set-up and was looking for info on boots.

It sure felt like a first day - I even fell over the first time I tried to carve :rolleyes:. Maybe it was Pak's fault because it wasn't steep enough?? Sure, let's go with that! The day got better, though. It comes back so quickly, and we even had sun for a few hours. Paul was breaking in some new boots, and it was great to do some runs with him.

As long as the temperatures stay down, there should be lots more open next weekend. I think everyone is making a fair bit of snow now. Think snowy thoughts, and maybe we'll get a nice natural dump too!

Cheers :D

[Tabatha]

Jealous of everyone who managed to make it out today. Even though it sounds like it wasn't great, it really is better than nothing. Soon - need to recover from my crazy month. And for those of you who were curious; there was no snow in the Alps when I arrived. I was there for the first fall of the year, but it wasn't much. Soon - snow. I believe winter can't hide forever.

[loopback]

FINALLY!!!
Had a great 1st day on snow at Pak on Saturday, bumped into Ian getting off the lift for my 1st run of the year and had a good few hrs riding together.

Went back on Sunday AM and they have opened the top of exhibition and widened out the rest of it by another 20 feet or so. Had 2 hrs of nice groom and no crowds.

[Ian M]

Headed to Tremblant on Thursday with Ryan. He's got a bundle of new gear to try out, so it'll be early Christmas for him!

I'm just happy to celebrate the passing of the shortest day of the year by spending the majority of it outside snowboarding :D.

Anyone else able to play hookey?

[Tabatha]

Oh! So tempting! What were the conditions like on Sunday?

[Ian M]

I didn't go on Sunday, because I heard from a friend of a friend that it was CRAP. It'll be subzero from the weekend to Thursday though, and they're getting a bit of fresh snow mixed in. It should be better by then. :biggthump

[powdahbonz]

Ian-

Been out the past two Sundays-very crowded due to the limited good weather for snowmaking. But good for dusting off the cobwebs and getting in touch with the snow.
Cheers!
Derek

[Ian M]

Glad to hear you guys are on snow, Derek... it's pretty rough around here! :barf:

[mikel45]

http://i40.tinypic.com/2mcyosz.jpg


Slow at my end, but I finally realized the function of zippers on the $18 Head gloves . . . the pockets on the backs of the liner gloves hold heat packets (sold separately) for additional warmth - Dah.

Enjoyed a couple of hours skiing at Pak Monday am.

[Ian M]

the pockets on the backs of the liner gloves hold heat packets (sold separately) for additional warmth

Nice... toasty paws are the bomb. How many runs did Pak have open by Monday?

I'm passing on work tomorrow to go to Tremblant... perhaps with Ryan, but he's now a maybe 'cause he's :barf:.

[mikel45]

Nice... toasty paws are the bomb. How many runs did Pak have open by Monday?

Heads-up for everyone . . . these gloves will need the chemical warmers or an additional liner, maybe both, to actually keep my cold digits warm during sub-zero days. Appropriate gloves for those warmer spring skiing days. Have my eyes on 3-finger (lobster claw) gloves - just have to get over sticker shock.

Ian . . . the Loop, Upper and Lower Exhibition - basically one run only. But, it was great to have the muscle memory kick-in, no crowds, and remnant cord to enjoy.

M.

[GoofyFoot]

Have my eyes on 3-finger (lobster claw) gloves - just have to get over sticker shock.

Mike,

I have been buying the Head fabric ski gloves sold at Costco for a number of years now. Yes, they always sell out fast and are good for just cool days. For the seriously cold days, may I suggest the mitts that MEC sells? They typically run somewhere north of $100 but are an excellent product that have kept my digits warm in the coldest of cold days. I just ran over to MEC's site and they now have a variety of mitts from $74 to $189. Have a look:

http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/MensClothing/GlovesMitts.jsp

- Brian

[GoofyFoot]

Hi folks,

My game plan is to be at Camp Fortune on Sat - Xmas Eve; arrive early & leave early. On Sunday (Yep, I know it is Christmas Day), I am contemplating leaving Ott at 6 AM to ride the morning and leave in the early afternoon.

Any takers? If so, you can call me at 552-0034 or reply here.

- Brian

[GoofyFoot]

Hi folks,</O:p

<O:pLast year, the National Capital Ski Club partnered with Tommy & Lefebvre to organize an awesome weekend package to Jay. It was such a success that the Club's trip guy, Jack, has put together three trips with T&L this season. Tara & I are considering the Feb excursion and am looking for someone we know to share a quad cabin.</O:p

<O:pCheck out the incredible pricing below (I am assuming this is a per person price) which includes transport, accomodation and lift tix for three days. T&L uses their corporate status to pass on this deal to us.
</O:p
<O:pFor anyone that has not been to Jay Peak in a few years, the skiing/riding is as good as ever, however, they built an amazing new lodge (the old one was like an old slipper; small, comfortable but well worn around the edges) that is far superior to the one that is no more. Plus, they are talking of expanding their snow area!...

<O:p- Brian</O:p
<O:p552-0034 if you have Qs</O:p


Jay Peak Express



January 20-22<O:p</O:p



February 10-12<O:p</O:p



March 16-18<O:p</O:p


$275 (price subj to change)<O:p</O:p

Transportation: Bus Departs 07:30 from National Capital Ski Club with pick-up at T&L Warehouse Lancaster Rd. Sunday return after ski day. Free parking but only if vehicle details are provided at registration.
<O:p</O:p
Accommodation: Ski in/Ski Out 2Bdrm Condos: Quad Occ (up to 6 people per unit depending upon configuration).

Ski Lift Tickets: Friday afternoon, all day Saturday & Sunday.
<O:p</O:p
Registration/Payment: Register in person, by email or by Fax. Payment by Credit Card only. $275 is Non-refundable.<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p

Visit www.ncskiclub.ca (http://www.ncskiclub.ca/) for details

[Ian M]

Wow, interesting Jay package Brian. Have you heard about their new waterpark? They even have a standing wave! http://www.jaypeak.ca/en/waterpark.html I'll be out of town for the holidays, tearing up Sir Sam's near Haliburton, but look forward to riding with you in the new year. :biggthump

Riding Tremblant today with Ryan was... challenging :D. Firm granular snow scraped down to piles and ice by noon in most steeper spots. Greens and some blues stayed pretty good until we left at 3pm. Ryan really wanted to one-up my story of falling during my first carve this year, so he fell and took out a skier :rolleyes:. He should be awarded bonus points for this maneuver, because both of her skis came off despite the low speed of the collision. He was very polite and apologetic and feels sincere remorse for his actions:o.

Despite being challenging riding, I'm glad I went. On the first lift, we ran into a guy named Laurence who carves mostly at Mont Blanc. He said that some Saturdays, up to 30 carvers ride there! He was sporting a demo Jasey-Jay slalom board with plate, and had lots of good things to say about it. He also claimed that the conditions at Mont Blanc are normally much better than Tremblant. Food for thought!

Happy holidays to everyone, and best wishes for the new year!

Ian :D

[Keyser Soze]

I've also heard great things about Mont Blanc. They apparently have one side that's perfect for carving. Habitant is supposed to be great too, been meaning to ride those for the last couple of years but haven't gotten around to it.

[Ian M]

^ Yeah, I think the 'good' side was closed when Chris and I tried it last year. It was icy, too. Definitely sounds worth another try!

I liked Habitant, there was a session organized there two years ago. It was enjoyable, but fairly small and had a gentle slope.

Has anyone heard rumblings about Cascades opening nights yet?

[Tabatha]

According to my sources; cascade is open nights. They are reporting 25% open (or 6 runs). Actually, all the hills in the hood with night skiing are now open nights. Guessing with kids out of school this week, things could be a bit of a zoo.

Hoping this snow continues. It is wonderful to see it falling in profusion!

[CaRtharsis]

Hi folks,</O:p

<O:pLast year, the National Capital Ski Club partnered with Tommy & Lefebvre to organize an awesome weekend package to Jay. It was such a success that the Club's trip guy, Jack, has put together three trips with T&L this season. Tara & I are considering the Feb excursion and am looking for someone we know to share a quad cabin.</O:p

<O:pCheck out the incredible pricing below (I am assuming this is a per person price) which includes transport, accomodation and lift tix for three days. T&L uses their corporate status to pass on this deal to us.
</O:p
<O:pFor anyone that has not been to Jay Peak in a few years, the skiing/riding is as good as ever, however, they built an amazing new lodge (the old one was like an old slipper; small, comfortable but well worn around the edges) that is far superior to the one that is no more. Plus, they are talking of expanding their snow area!...

<O:p- Brian</O:p
<O:p552-0034 if you have Qs</O:p


Jay Peak Express



January 20-22<O:p</O:p



February 10-12<O:p</O:p



March 16-18<O:p</O:p


$275 (price subj to change)<O:p</O:p

Transportation: Bus Departs 07:30 from National Capital Ski Club with pick-up at T&L Warehouse Lancaster Rd. Sunday return after ski day. Free parking but only if vehicle details are provided at registration.
<O:p</O:p
Accommodation: Ski in/Ski Out 2Bdrm Condos: Quad Occ (up to 6 people per unit depending upon configuration).

Ski Lift Tickets: Friday afternoon, all day Saturday & Sunday.
<O:p</O:p
Registration/Payment: Register in person, by email or by Fax. Payment by Credit Card only. $275 is Non-refundable.<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p

Visit www.ncskiclub.ca (http://www.ncskiclub.ca/) for details

May want to reconfirm that Brian. Received an email today. Price is up to $340.

[Hilux]

Check this out. Go to the December 26 video about a minute in and wait for the carver!

http://www.calabogie.com

Still doesn't look like great coverage...better than nothing!

[Ian M]

Check this out. Go to the December 26 video about a minute in and wait for the carver!

Nice! Who is that carver?

[GoofyFoot]

May want to reconfirm that Brian. Received an email today. Price is up to $340.
Hence the "subject to change" rider. Jack the Trip Guy was telling me that he had been given a quote less lift tix so $340 per person is still a helluva deal for "ski in/ski out" condo accn at Jay Peak. Lift tickets are $75 ea at Jay so a $65 increase for three days of tix still sounds good to me!

From experience, all the condos have a good kitchen area so meals can be done in-house if desired to keep meal costs down. Also, if anyone is interested, please note that the Jan trip has been cancelled.

I am still looking to go in Feb if anyone wants to join Tara and I.

Cheers,

Brian

[GoofyFoot]

I've also heard great things about Mont Blanc. They apparently have one side that's perfect for carving. Habitant is supposed to be great too, been meaning to ride those for the last couple of years but haven't gotten around to it.
Having ridden Mt Blanc, yes, IMHO the third (north?) face is the best for freecarving in that the pitch is the most consistent and it is the furthest away from the main lodge so it is usually the side less skied/ridden.

[GoofyFoot]

Well, I went to Camp Fortune on Christmas Eve morning and the conditions were fantastic! Grooming was great, no one was around all day and the sun was shining brightly. A truly remarkable day in the Ottawa valley. I had a Volkl Renntiger board underfoot and had a great day!

The next morning, I jumped into my car early and drove to Mt Tremblant where the weather had completely changed around for Christmas Day. The snow was falling steadily making for flat light conditions. Moreover, MT had its typical early season fog at the top of the mountain as the guns were going full force trying to open up more runs. MT was definately behind the normal power curve in terms of getting terrain open due to the lack of natural snow. Still had a good day, but took the board off early as I got beat up pretty fast bouncing through the rough stuff late morning. That and there were more people out than I expected; most of them going slooooowww which made for dicey riding when I was trying to go fast, in the fog, around slow moving skiers!...

[Ian M]

^ That's the Tremblant I know and love; low visibility and crowded! Glad to hear that Fortune is doing well though. :biggthump

[Tabatha]

Playing hookie - will be at Edelweiss for 9am tomorrow.

[mikel45]

We stay away from MT, family & friends prefer Mt. Blanc the past 3 years.
Good terrain, nice condo rental, and no crowds.

[Tabatha]

Hey everyone,

Edelweiss was cold this morning, it was nice and firm as well. The early start and cold temperatures kept many of the scrapers away, but the lack of snow started showing by around 11am. They are making like crazy. On the drive up, Cascade was hidden behind a fog of snow-making.

I am planning on being at Calabogie for first lift on New Years Day (9am), if others are up for it, would love to see you there.

[Hilux]

Happy New Year!

Update for Vorlage. Snow coverage not bad today given our situation. Really only one run open (worth carving on) but they are still in dire need of snow. Base is thinning out with mild temps but I was still impressed considering it's mostly artificial.

Snow, snow, snow...everybody!

[Tabatha]

Calabogie was pretty great this morning. Super impressed at the conditions of the runs that were open and I wanted to ride (the greens were a little rough, and coverage left something to be desired under the second chair lift). Everything got soft around noon because it was warm and there were more and more people.

From about 9am till almost 10am there were more lifties then skiers!
Happy new year everyone.

[Ian M]

^ Glad to see so many people out on NY's day! I went to MSM, and it was very good. The base is a little thin on one of the green traverses, but otherwise the four runs that are open (two on each side) were excellent!

Happy New Years everyone :D

[mikel45]

Mike, I have been buying the Head fabric ski gloves sold at Costco for a number of years now. Yes, they always sell out fast and are good for just cool days. For the seriously cold days, may I suggest the mitts that MEC sells?


Hey Brian, yesterday while the cold front was blowing into Ottawa Valley I ended up night skiing at Pak with outer-mitt-shell over the fabric gloves. This ended up being a low-cost, high performance ticket for my warm digit fixation. CHEERS! Mike

[Tabatha]

I know some of you have night passes at Cascade, but for anyone who doesn't; once again there are $9.00 lift passes for Wednesday nights. Below is the link to the coupon.

http://www.hot899.com/docs/HOT%20E%20ZONE/montcascades-january2012coupon.jpg

Let us know if / when you will be up there and maybe we will join you

[CaRtharsis]

Let us know if / when you will be up there and maybe we will join you

Really Tabby?!? The Royal Us/We?!?

LOL

[Tabatha]

Yes Chris, "we". You are not the only person I sometimes hang with. My friend JP is slowly getting into carving. And while he has a night pass at Vorlage, his girlfriend has lessons (on Wednesday's) at Cascade ... so "we".

Somethings never change :nono:

[CaRtharsis]

It isn't the things not changing that is usually the problem.

It is most often the people that are assuming/expecting they should.

[Tabatha]

I am ever the optimist.

Heading to Vorlage for the whole five runs that are open tomorrow. Anyone want to join me? A gentle warm-up after work? Looks like it will be the best day this week. Warmer, fresh snow, but no melt yet.

[GoofyFoot]

Thx Tabby,

... for putting the coupon on the Oddawa msg board. I will try and get to Cascade on a Wed evening later this month.

I am off to Mt Tremblant again this WE. if anyone else is in the neighbourhood, you can text me at 613-552-0034.

I will be laying trenches in the early morning (I have "First Tracks" lift tix this WE) while the cord is in good condition, then go incognito when I switch to skis for the balance of the day.

-Brian

[Ian M]

^ Well, Tremblant is tempting, but i think I'll go to Vorlage instead tomorrow (Saturday). I like the view better from the top :rolleyes:.

Seriously, Chris will be up there with his daughter, so I'm joining him. Anyone else wanna come and play?

Plans for Sunday are still open - does anyone feel like Calabogie?? :D

[Ian M]

^ I won't make Vorlage today - woke up nauseous and dizzy... boooooo :barf:

[Ian M]

^ Feel SO much better! Heading to Calabogie tomorrow to carve with Chris (a skier friend); leaving my place around 8 if anyone would like to join! Feel free to call until 10:30pm or tomorrow after 7am. 613-322-3250

[GoofyFoot]

Just a quick note to let all you local carvers know that MT now has all the main runs open (although they are still blowing lots of snow to get the parks built).

The most entertaining view from the chair was watching a Nor-Am PGS SB event on McCullough. It was great fun watching the up-and-comers fly down the run in the fog!

However, pse note that only the top of the mtn was fogged in. Most of the mtn was in bright sunshine for most of both days so we all had an awesome time!

[Tabatha]

Hey - I can take off a day this week and would love to head to Tremblant? Anyone up for a road trip Wednesday or Thursday? I am flexible. Let me know.

[GoofyFoot]

Chris & I laid down some big trenches at Mont Cascades last night. I wish I could say "deep trenches" but snow (?) conditions were classic Eastern Canada powder. :rolleyes: There was a JP sighting (Tabby's newbie carver workmate) as well as a couple non-listers in hard boots.

Cascade has their main runs open but are still blowing snow, even on all the main runs, which made cruising at speed a little more challenging as we negotiated the substantial Wed nite Hot 89.9 crowds as well as the "mini snow storms" down the Promenade! On the bright side, given the size of the piles of artificial snow accumulating, it should be good for the WE. <fingers crossed>

For tomorrow, I will be at MSM with Tara if anyone else feels like playing hookey given that there is a serious dusting of snow coming in the next 24 hrs.

Saturday, I will be at CF on my freeride board with my instructor suit on!

- Brian

[Ian M]

^ Sorry Tabby - no days off work this week :(

Ryan and I will be out at Cascades tomorrow night if anyone would like to join! I might ride there with him and Deb again on Saturday, then ski at MSM on Sunday. (Wheeee! Ski demos :eplus2:)

Free evenings next week are Tuesday through Thursday. Who wants to ride when?

Cheers!

Snow :D Snow :D Snow :D Snow :D Snow :D Snow :DSnow :D Snow :D Snow :D

[Tabatha]

My life is suddenly more messy than the road conditions. I am very tempted about tomorrow and will play it by ear if / when I get out of here tonight.

Other plans: Calabogie on Sunday morning and the Vorlage next week (possibly Tuesday). Still thinking about tonight.

I am so happy there is precipitation.

[Ian M]

^ I'll join you at Vorlage one night next week... I miss the Vertical ;)

Anyone else? How about Cascades on Thursday?

It's really piling up out there :biggthump

[Ian M]

If anyone would like to join me for carving this week, plans look like this so far:

Wednesday night at Vorlage with Tabby, Ryan, Deb
Thursday night at CascadesWho's planning what for the weekend?


Cheers!

[mikel45]

Feeling lonely at Pak, how are you dudes and dudette swinging affordability to enable carving multiple local hills during the week, ganging up on season passes?

[loopback]

I've only been out 6 times this year but all at Pak. Was out yesterday aft and might try an hour or two this aft again.

I go for the deal days/coupons. but this is getting harder.....

From Calabogie site:
"The Peaks has discontinued half price Monday, $22 Tuesday and Season Pass holder bring a friend on Wednesday free offerings"

What has worked for me......
-MSM has $20 Tuesdays
-Cascades has promo/discount nights
-My Pak season pass usually gets 50% off the full rate at most locals.
-Tremblant I look online for unused lift tix that expire in less than a week that were part of vacation packages
-The Entertainment Coupon book usually has 2 for 1's or 50% off at a couple local hills and using 1 of the 2for1 dinner coupons usually pays for the book.
- COSTCO -- haven't tried this year.
- A Tremblant picture pass of any kind is usually good enough to get the Season Pass reciprocity rate at most hills

I hate paying full price for lift tickets!!

replied to your PM on the Rossi and/or Airwalk too.

//Paul

[CaRtharsis]

http://www.ncskiclub.ca/tickets.html

$25 membership saves you a bunch over the season. There are a few other local clubs with different/varying discounts/perks.

Was cheaper for me to do it this way to ride Vorlage the days my daughter has lessons than purchasing a season pass.

[Ian M]

Feeling lonely at Pak, how are you dudes and dudette swinging affordability to enable carving multiple local hills during the week, ganging up on season passes?

Same as Chris said, but different - I join the Ottawa Ski Extreme club every year, which offers ticket and gear discounts as well as a great 10-week dryland training program. That usually gets me at least 15% off an lift tickets, often more.

If you're lonely, come out and play some night Mike! If you come to Cascades where I have a night pass, I can buy a discounted ticket for you.

Boy, today at MSM was chilly, but very fun :D. There were so many beautiful things to see in the cold - like ice on sunlit trees and vapour from the guns floating up into the air. I'm feeling almost-ready for ECES because I just did three consecutive days on snow!

Cheers :D

[GoofyFoot]

To add to what my worthy peers have already touted:

NCSC: One more benefit of the $25 mbrshp fee is that they run a bus to Mt Tremblant every Wed for $90. This gets you a lift ticket and a comfy ride on a luxury cruiser bus. I did this for years and I always appreciated, at the end of the day, that someone else was driving me home while I was having a cold one at the back of the bus!

Moreover, the Club Executive has convinced the Sutterman bros to hold CF Appreciation days on Fridays alternating at MSM & CF for active and retired military mbrs. I fall into the latter category (Damn it! I must be old!!!) and drove to MSM last Fri where I skied for free! This Fri is CF's turn if anyone fits the bill.

Costco/MT tickets. I am a mbr and had a look at their passes last WE - $65 (plus tx, I presume). However, in addition to a lift ticket, you receive a $10 lunch voucher as well, thus $55 & tx is a reasonably cheap MT tix (the NCS Club sold pre-season tx for $52 for this season (in the fall of 2011) - yet another reason to join) versus the ~$90 full pop iffn you show up at MT's ticket wicket.

T-66 and Club Max Discounts. Since MT started selling their T-66 limited season's passes, I have bought one every year. It is a great deal if you pay attention to the T-66 days. I always get about a dozen days out of my ~$350 pass. That's about $30/day at Tremblant! I love it!!! As mentioned by Paul, I need to try out that T-66 pass to get if I can get discounts elsewhere!

Did I forget anything? That Alzheimer’s is just around the corner; I know it...

BRP

[Ian M]

If anyone would like to join me for carving this week, plans look like this so far:
Wednesday night at Vorlage with Tabby, Ryan, Deb
Thursday night at CascadesWho's planning what for the weekend?


Cheers!

Just in case someone was planning to meet me at Cascades tonight, I'm bailing. Too... t..i..r..e..d. Why do I need this 'sleep' thing anyways? :mad:

[Tabatha]

Tired? Why? As Brian points out, it was only a little mole-hill that we rode last night! :rolleyes:

[mikel45]

Thanks all for cheap tix insights - meet the newest card carrying ski club member.

[Ian M]

Also in cheap ticket news, if anyone would like three days at Tremblant for $140...

http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=36331

I still have two tickets, or I'd buy it myself!

[Tabatha]

Anyone out there tonight? Curious about the conditions ... thinking of heading out for a few hours tomorrow. Thoughts? Is it going to suck?

[CaRtharsis]

Ian and I are just heading back from Cascades. His quote is " Its a thin layer of granular snow over machine groomed ice". Translation... It's carveable but hard and fast. Choose gentler slopes. We rode the back side all night and had an absolute blast.

[loopback]

Ian and I are just heading back from Cascades. His quote is " Its a thin layer of granular snow over machine groomed ice". Translation... It's carveable but hard and fast. Choose gentler slopes. We rode the back side all night and had an absolute blast.

Sounds good enough for me, I was on the fence but am going to try to and squeeze in a few hours at Pak tomorrow morning......

[Ian M]

That run down the back of Cascades is EPIC. Wide and steep, then wide and gentle with a wicked knoll to play with. Fu-un! Chris and I worked most of the night on laying clean carves all down the steep pitch, but it was a real challenge. I ended with a run where only one toeside was shaky, but Chris made a really smooth run! (He was on a way-too-stiff board, too) The gentler bottom section was covered in our tracks by the end of the night... very nicely defaced/decorated :D.

I think that the key to hard, fast conditions like right now is to choose somewhere that you can manage your speed comfortably. Any of us could have a blast (and a reasonable challenge) riding Pakenham right now.

ahhhh... :sleep:

[Ian M]

ps... now that Chris started the newer 'Ottawa season' thread, I suggest all future posts be made there.

Cheers!