BackcountryBlog.com

Quick shout-out to Backcounty. These folks have a great site full of information regarding most major outdoor categories. Check em out.
That is all for today.
JP

Aspen Lift Ticket Art - The Real Reason Behind $80 Daily Passes

It all makes more sense now behind Aspen charging folks like me ~ $80 for a single lift ticket.

"The Aspen Art Museum is partnering with the Aspen Skiing Co. to put a painting by artist Yutaka Sone on lift tickets this winter. The painting, commissioned by art museum Director Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson, is called "Ski Madonna" and features a wintry scene on Aspen Mountain with the artist's skis in the foreground and his guide telemarking in the distance."

So there's at least 4 documented people/organizations directly involved with deciding artwork. I can imagine what kind of compensation they received.
Only in Apsen I guess...

Our peeves about paradise - brought to you by Aspen Times

People bitching about living in Aspen. Wow, folks. You got it pretty rough living all the way out there in the middle of nowhere with all of that fresh powder. I fell so bad for all the idiots you have to deal with...
Ok, so they're not really bitching. They're just jonesing for the snow to arrive.
BTW, do you mean this t-shirt?

I liked this part the most. Trust me, it's the truth to the n'th degree. "And the worst of the bunch, since we're pointing fingers, are the übermoms. You know who we're talking about: Those women seen scaling mountains just days before giving birth, while toting toddlers on their backs; or their evil twins, the pencil-thin women who have just given birth and are already readying their family for a four-day foray into the backcountry."

Is it winter yet?

Meatheads: East Coast Ski Video Variety

"I think people are interested in East Coast riding, but no one else is doing it justice," Hmmm. Oh, i got it. Because most people like ice in their drinks -- not beneath their skis.
At any rate, i'd be interested in checking out their vids for shits and grins. Why not. In fact, if TGR is involved, i'll be sure to send some props to the upper east side. Right coast Meatheads... i'll be waiting.

Construction Begins on new Snowmass Base Village

To keep up with the jones', Snowmass is starting over with their base village. I think this is a good move overall. The nightlife for one is non-existant at Snowmass. Lets hope they bring in some cool watering holes... it seems to be the rage.

Breckenridge starts construction of highest chairlift in NA

Dear Breckenridge,
Please install a viewing deck towards the bottom of peak 8 so i can enjoy watching all the Joe Pubs stumble down peak 8 in near death fashion.
TY,
JP


"The trend toward increased backcountry use by many skiers and riders has prompted resorts to offer expert-level extreme terrain in-bounds, providing a more controlled option for those with little or no backcountry experience who still search for adventure."
I hope ski patrol knows what they're getting into. I've seen some real winners in line at chair 6 hoping to get 'the Colorado experience.'
Whatever. Welcome to Colorado. Buh Bye.

Summer Powder Skiing

"The other day we had knee-deep powder. You don't expect that in summer," says Warren Smith, a ski instructor currently based in Switzerland.
Warren Smith is a pioneer of "new-school" freeskiing. WTF is new-school freeskiing? Whatever dude.
I'm just jealous about fresh pow in July...
See here

The hands-free trend in European skiing intensifies

"A survey carried out by Axess shows that 40% of skiers in Europe used chip cards, and these skiers accounted for more than 50% of the rides."
Yea, that's great. Now if they can only figure OUT HOW A FARKING LIFT LINE WORKS!
What's best is when European Joe Pubs come over here and think they don't have to alternate in lift lines. It's really funny when they try and pretend they don't have a clue when it turns out that they actually know what's going on.
It's a good thing i spend time in the BC so i don't have to deal with these idiots.

10 Weeks to Torino -- The *Official* Olympic Countdown

Here's the latest US Ski Team marketing ploy to make all you Joe Pubs buy your tickets now.