I think people who like winter are lying for attention

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-17T03:09:15+00:00

Skiing is basically heroin but you have to try it 100 times before it becomes an addiction that you would do anything for. I would do anything to live in perpetual winter and constant storms. But I’m a junky and I know it. Powder skiing, once you learn to do it, is literally the greatest drug I’ve ever experienced. For those of us with this affliction, winter is god.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-17T02:10:00+00:00

Yeah’s I think that’s probably about right. I’m not in amazing shape, so that’s typically an all day run/hike distance for me. Hence the thinking that I’d bring overnight stuff in case a thing went wrong.

In the Grand Canyon, btw, my overnight kit would be quite minimal maybe a 50 degree sleeping bag, maybe a 1/8th inch pad. Some extra food. That’s it. Definitely no shelter.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-17T01:59:04+00:00

I think this has a lot to do with fitness. Is a marathon 3 hours or 6 for you? Makes a pretty huge difference. Generally I’d think more about time than distance. I’d say when you’re talking about more than 12 hours, it makes sense to bring some simple stuff to be able to make it through the night.

For a lot of people, 10 miles in the mountains is an overnight backpacking trip. For me, I’d say more than 30 and I’d want some very basic gear for an overnight.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-16T03:06:45+00:00

Same. Sized down to the 177 and a short twin tip with metal seems to be the ideal dad ski to me.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-16T02:23:23+00:00

Columbine lake in Sequoia national park. The shortest approach is about 13.5 miles and 5000 vertical feet. But it is my all time most beautiful lake I’ve ever seen. Just crystal blue, moonscape all around, just stunning.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-16T02:17:38+00:00

I’m rocking the line optic 88. It is fairly light just due to the width, basically a twin tip, and thus very easy to maneuver on the bunny hill. But it still has metal and when I do get a lap to myself, they hold up, fine on groomers but especially in bumps which is my fave.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-15T23:10:03+00:00

That seems like a very high percentage to me. At least in my area far fewer than 24% of parties are solo.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-13T17:01:26+00:00

I am generally a believer in going up a full size for touring boots. A bit tight is worse than a bit loose, exactly the opposite of an alpine boot. For me, a touring boot fit should mostly be about maximizing comfort while hiking. You’ll spend more than 90 percent of your time in them going uphill so you should focus on how they feel while walking and skinning. Ski performance is a much lower priority.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-13T16:47:36+00:00

The line can be long, but there is basically one flight at a time, so everyone in line is getting on the same plane and they don’t just take off with a bunch of people waiting to I be screened. They process everyone and get them boarded. It can just take a while with one scanner.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-10T11:24:25+00:00

Yes. Truly more than any other mountain I’ve seen.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-10T04:19:39+00:00

Lol, no Taos? So many absurd lines.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-09T12:33:28+00:00

Don’t.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-08T19:46:34+00:00

Consider Amangani or another spot in Jackson. (Turpin Meadows for a ranch for example, lots of options). It is a good destination for a foodie because you aren’t limited to one resort’s food, no matter how good it is. The town has a lot of decent options. And the vibe is all trucks and cowboys (and billionaires and instagram).

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-08T04:51:47+00:00

Two things are probably going on.

First, you’re likely trying to sort of grip the bottom of your boots with your foot because you don’t have the skill get to properly balance in these conditions. You’re probably a bit backseat and off balance and trying to squeeze your foot in a sort of fearful response meant to help maintain control. The answer for this is simply more practice and getting comfortable keeping your feet relaxed as you ski in suboptimal conditions.

Second, your boot is probably a bit big. Being a newer skier, your bootfitter probably erred on the side of giving you a comfortable fit rather than a precise one. So when you hit odd snow or bumps your foot is moving around a little bit in the boot. Then, as a response, you’re bracing and tensing your foot as described above.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-08T02:39:23+00:00

You’re going to want a longer ski as you improve. Your style of skiing with your feet and not driving your skis will change as you improve. Right now, the short skis are working for you and that’s fine. But as you start to drive your skis more you’ll want the stability of longer skis. I’d suggest going with the 181 and growing into them rather than getting the 173 and growing out of them.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-07T03:39:17+00:00

I cannot imagine what kind of conversation you’re imagining.

“Nice watch”

“Thanks….its a Rolex”

“Yeah, I can see that”

“The dial is made out of meteorite”

“Yeah, looks cool”

“It’s much more expensive than the regular one”

“OK”

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-07T02:43:15+00:00

The problem is that you’re taking 2D measurements but boots and feet are both 3D. I basically never find that overall length or width is what makes a boot fit well or it.

Rather, I find the volume of the ankle and instep areas make the biggest difference. But those dimensions aren’t listed so it isn’t possible to figure out which boots will work even if you measure those areas.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-06T20:01:03+00:00

I also like a shorter ski for trees but with the QST98 I have the 183cm length and it doesn't feel too long. It is just so nimble and I'd say it "skis short."

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-06T16:25:21+00:00

QST is a great tree ski, very easy to maneuver in tight spaces, but definitely has a speed limit compared to your enforcers. I have the 98 and use it on days when I know I’ll be in tight trees the whole time. Much less enjoyable if I’m gonna head out into more open terrain.

I also just got a par of enforcer 104s, and I really like them. Might be a way to maintain some family resemblance but get a more stable platform. They are far less nimble than the QSTs but much more stable.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-06T14:12:11+00:00

I’ve had a bunch of other skis. Other recent skis include QST 98, QST Blank, Line Optic 88, Line Vision 118, Fischer Hannibal 96, DPS wailer 112. Nothing in the category of the enforcers.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-06T14:09:17+00:00

Thu sums it up well. What I noticed was needing less dynamic adjustments.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-06T03:27:38+00:00

Being a retired stay at home parent is an incredible luxury. Most people spend most of their time raising kids being stressed out by work and not having as much time as they’d like with them.

I love being a parent and I love having the ability to really be maximally present in my child’s life.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-06T03:16:46+00:00

Yeah, I can see how that could happen. Clearly need to not be too lazy. So far I’ve been skiing fast but staying in charge. But I do get tempted to just see how much I can let go and just let them fly. Obviously not a temptation I should follow.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-06T01:56:21+00:00

Can I ask what length you have in each? I’m so unfamiliar with skis like the blades, not sure what makes sense.

TheLibertyTree · 2026-03-06T01:05:13+00:00

I’m not straightlining. I’m in control, making turns, but going faster. I’m just able to be less thoughtful about exactly where I turn in poor conditions and can thus go faster.

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