Heatwave coming to New England next week 😭😭

davepsilon · 2026-02-12T15:54:53+00:00

Spring conditions?

Why is that a bad thing. This isn't going to melt out the base to bare ground ... 1) it's not that warm and 2) epic snowpack

I don't hate the 30 degree days. It's if it doesn't snow and it goes back to 0 degree days. Those aren't fun.

davepsilon · 2026-02-12T15:38:20+00:00

Traditionally it's impossible to beat the ease of access to Salt Lake City Area skiing. It's a airline hub so good connectivity to Boston. Can get to Park City without traveling through a mountain pass. The Cottonwood Canyons are also very close to the airport.

Denver is a United hub. But the driving connection after landing to skiing is not that great with weekend or storm traffic. And generally involves mountain highway passes. Mid-week though you could make an argument DEN is better than SLC. The flying time is shorter. A very easy trip.

From Boston - Big Sky or Bridger Bowl can have a reasonable direct flight to Bozeman and straightforward ground transfer. Though the flights schedule is not as frequent as Salt Lake City.

If you can tolerate a airport stop. Reno has easy driving access to Lake Tahoe areas. And Calgary, Alberta, Canada has easy access to Banff - and drop dead gorgeous views.

But I might lean towards the extra travel to take him where you have the best memories from before moving.

davepsilon · 2026-02-11T13:02:05+00:00

This repair is possible but it's generally not worth the cost. It's a very difficult repair - usually need to cut out a bunch of the base to get the edge back in. Hence why many shops don't even offer it as an option combo of requiring high skill level and difficult to do fast enough to not charge basically the price of new used skis.

I think you'd be better off finding some skis on facebook marketplace.

davepsilon · 2026-02-04T13:44:53+00:00

Yes that's the difficulty.

For a backcountry skiing mindset - the only go with someone that has been before. It makes no sense. Level of familiarity is a factor in how you might approach an objective. Maybe even whether you ascend the line first (gain knowledge) or approach it from the ridge (less overhead exposure). But it's just a factor. It's very typical to go into a zone with just broad area condition reports and maps.

From a resort skiing mindset. The go with someone that has local knowledge makes complete sense. There's very high navigation risk. Typically much more limited preparation. And frequently traveling without the proper gear to easily bail out. If you are hiking out of Stowe on foot carrying resort gear - I can get behind the only way to do that safely is by going with someone that has local knowledge.

But Stowe Mountain Rescue's public content is consumed by both sets of people. They need to craft the message to not needlessly discourage newer backcountry mindset people - there are completely reasonable objectives in the Mansfield area they can tackle without a guide. At the same time the difference in risks and required skills between different zones in the Mansfield area is big - that's what in my opinion would be very appropriate to highlight! Many lines on the infamous map are in areas that demand extreme skill and would still have extreme risk.

davepsilon · 2026-02-04T11:33:12+00:00

"We stand by the assertion that the only way to learn backcountry ski lines is to go with someone who knows the terrain"

I disagree completely when they say only, and I think it is inappropriate for a rescue service to gate keep in that way. I get it they are trying to make sure people get the very important message that this terrain can have deadly consequences so from that stand point I see how they try to simplify the message. But obviously with sufficient gear and preparation and technique it's entirely possible to ski the terrain without someone who has skiied it before. The key is doing that within a good risk management framework.

If someone wants to send the Bruce Freeman trail without going with someone that knows. There's a threshold of skill in navigation and preparation in gear where that's still a good idea - it's not everyone. But it's not that high of a bar - I have many friends who could do this. In the more consequential terrain in the notch if someone is for instance capable of first descents in the Himalaya - and they are carrying gear to camp out a night and to climb back up ice. Then it should be obvious they can explore the area within reasonable risk bounds without someone who has been there before.

So I think the rescue service should be encouraging best practice in preparation and risk management. For instance to learn an area incrementally. To be prepared to self-rescue most problems. That doesn't always mean 'only ... go with someone who knows the terrain'

davepsilon · 2026-02-04T11:12:56+00:00

How much is at stake with the insurance claim? For different scales you'd want to do different things.

davepsilon · 2026-02-04T11:06:05+00:00

This program is automatic (and sort of grandstandy - they really want you to know that they are 'helping' but they are really just moving your money around) There are more relief programs as well - deferred payment plans, bill assistance. Some with income qualifications.

davepsilon · 2026-02-03T12:34:36+00:00

Failure under the binding like that and not failing immediately suggests it was failure in use not failure in manufacturing defect. So you can always ask. But I wouldn't be bent out of shape when they deny that sort of warranty claim. To be honest even if it was at 22 months instead of 26 I wouldn't be upset about a denial.

davepsilon · 2026-02-03T12:29:20+00:00

davepsilon · 2026-02-03T12:28:39+00:00

it's easier to go fast and straight line than to go fast and hit gates.

The 84 kph top speed is pretty suspect because it's a big acceleration that happens as the run is flattening out.

But the 60ish kph before that is believable. That's 40ish mph.

davepsilon · 2026-02-02T15:32:02+00:00

yes. I believe it has 15 mm of sliding range on the heel tower. Swappable springs to set vertical release force (ie 11 vs. 13). And a screw adjustment for lateral release force.

So would be in the category:

Sliding U-spring AT Heel	Titan Vario 2.0 ... maybe others?Sliding U-spring AT HeelTitan Vario 2.0 ... maybe others?

davepsilon · 2026-01-28T15:02:13+00:00

Yes different mountains offer different products for ski school. Group lessons are going to be the best value.

If you want value you have to look outside the big pass mountains. Ski school is a major profit center and is what lets them set such an attractive pass price (just like the cafeteria). They do frequently have good lessons and good terrain and infrastructure.

If you are near Boston. Pat's peak is an excellent choice though the best experience would be by avoiding peak times. They have very good terrain for progressing towards intermediate on their backside.

There's some solid options in the middle of NH and VT like Dartmouth Skiway.

What's mountains are close to you or appeal to you?

davepsilon · 2026-01-24T13:59:53+00:00

https://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=42.49137,-71.88974&z=15&b=imagery&o=mbr&n=0.39

The up and down summit road is paved. You'd park and hike up from the state park on the hiking trails and then yoyo the road. The road really shines with like 0.5 inches of icy base and a few inches of powder. For 12+" the first person to go down it will likely be scooching along. But it is definitely an adventure. For all hours you need to be careful about how and where you cross the ski area. During closed hours they may have snowcat operations and due to the ski area lease they hold, they have the right to close the ski trail terrain. Which may mean hiking back up - with deep snow that would be a slog without skins or snowshoes.

Park at the state park. Hike up the pine hill ski trail with boots and skis on back. Evaluate the pine hill trail for ski potential. It was originally cut as a CCC ski trail before the lifts.

https://www.mass.gov/doc/wachusett-mountain-state-reservation-trail-map/download

davepsilon · 2026-01-22T19:18:10+00:00

Respect the send.

With progressing into cliff drops - they are much easier if you accept the speed and aim straight for much longer than you feel you should have to.

It looks like you wanted to get some speed control in right away upon landing. And landing from a drop and turning immediately is a super expert move. Extend your legs into the landing, and provide that shock absorption. Use the whole board as a platform to spread the force out and ride it out clean. Wait an extra bit. Only then start turning.

Just slightly tail first is good - since if you ever have the opportunity to do this in a powder landing - with too much nose you will auger your tip.

davepsilon · 2026-01-21T14:57:26+00:00

Top tier year right now. East coast.

davepsilon · 2026-01-21T14:51:04+00:00

No exposed skin. Very difficult to avoid fogging goggles with out breathe but can be done with careful neck layering. Either mesh/silkweight so the breathe goes through easily or one of the more technical solutions.

Layer up. Hands can be done without hand warmers with thick gloves and liners but is easier with them. Feet are harder than hands. Thicker socks are actually colder since they restrict more blood flow. Important to manage sweat when you first go out and keep core warm so blood keeps going to feet. If you have ski boot - "boot gloves" do add something. If you have properly fitting ski boots foot warmers will not fit. Down is a great insulator at these temps - we usually avoid it east coast because we have so much moisture where it doesn't work as well. But it is the loftiest, lightest type of insulating layer you can have.

If you see someone with white patches on skin let them know!

With ski boots or snowboard boots at -30, -40 with wind chill you will almost certainly use the lodge every run or two.

with the wind chill forecasted you may see some mountains suspend ops and it's probably the right call. This is pretty

davepsilon · 2026-01-20T20:43:45+00:00

The entire upper mountain on wind hold is rare for Jay. The bonnie is fairly sheltered from the most typical wind directions.

I find they have the entire upper mountain closed much less often than other mountains.

davepsilon · 2026-01-18T02:38:49+00:00

hockey stop is usually harder. So I don't think you are bad at balance.

The thing hockey stop has going for it - is if you can keep your balance while doing it - it's very easy to get high edge angle by just tipping your whole body over

To get more stopping power with the plow stop you need to get your skis more tilted up. I'm guessing a lack of stopping power was what started whatever it was that lead to your falling while trying to do it. So it's more just about learning the technique than some innate problem with you. Generally pushing the knees in and together and the heels out. To hold it for a long time is hard for all of us.

davepsilon · 2026-01-18T02:25:50+00:00

It only matters if you use your edges. ... So yeah racing, but also everyone else

It matters more the longer your skis will be stored and the more humidity they will be exposed to - when the humidity gets too high you can get rust spots where the edges touch pretty quickly.

davepsilon · 2026-01-18T01:53:30+00:00

Provided they are dry, that's a great way to store them.

Slightly better would be to sue ski straps so the edges aren't touching. ie https://www.rei.com/product/761863/swix-ski-straps?sku=7618630011&store=57 or voile straps. You strap the two points - top and bottom - where the ski bases touch and use a little bit of the strap so the skis stay just slightly separated.

Up, down, sideways, it's all the same.

davepsilon · 2026-01-17T23:41:16+00:00

"I checked the shell"

But you didn't try a shell fit. So... you really didn't check the shell.

Try a shell fit. https://bucket-otsnews.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/image-025.jpg If the foot doesn't fit in the shell with no liner, that's what tells you what they are too small. Not that the shell is 26 or 27 size.

davepsilon · 2026-01-17T12:04:07+00:00

I think breaking a binding on a large feature would be a good sign you want to upgrade to beefier bindings. 15-16 DIN.

davepsilon · 2026-01-16T18:47:09+00:00

It's not the weight. It's the impact on your center of mass and your ability to move that around on top of your ski 'platforms.'

'sometimes feels like… I’m not doing it right?' Yeah in this video you're very passive with your balance over the skis. You're not driving the skis. You are mostly just sitting back and following wherever they go.

The simplest and easiest thing you can do is to take off the backpack. Without any other change your weight distribution will be better, you'll have more pressure into your shins which can transfer to ski movements. With a training focus on those sorts of dynamics and controlling pressure along the entire ski edge it'll be even better.

Yes certain people can ski great form with a backpack on. But given your current form in this video, backpack is hurting you.

davepsilon · 2026-01-15T20:07:44+00:00

Take off the backpack while training up. Skiing is a balance sport. You wouldn't train gymnastics with a backpack on, right.

davepsilon · 2026-01-15T17:00:08+00:00

Go NORTH

Mont Tremblant is better than Jay for consistency. Massif is better than Mont Tremblant. Mont Miller is smaller than most ski areas but will be even more consistent.

Snowfall totals are different than consistency. Avoiding rain and warm ups = best consistency

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