Figger_Eight

No kidding - everything about the movie was great except for all the stupid Hobbit wooey wooey crying scenes. I was surprised they didn't just start kissing each other

It's listed as playing in Seattle on January 23rd.

Hopefully the parking lot situation works itself out...what a pain in the ass. I guess I don't understand the big deal about the trail being closed, though. Resorts have always had policies controlling the use of property where they are held liable - that's just responsible risk management. If you want to access backcountry at White Pass, Stevens or Crystal, you're allowed to skin up through the area as long as you're out of the way of downhill skiers. In Alpentals case, that trail is way too narrow for people walking upvalley to do so. You've all seen the cluster that trail turns into when the family of 12 goes in there for their annual snowshoe trip. I'm guessing this is all a result of a rash of skier/other user collisions back there. What's to prevent another trail being put in on the other side to access Chair?

Asking medical advise on this discussion board is like asking a bunch of doctors how to climb.

the best advice yet

Think of a porpoise bouncing up and down in the water - that's how it should feel in the deep stuff. Pay attention to your fore-aft balance through the transitions and cheat towards the back ski if you need to. Start to lean too far forward and you're over the handlebars - which is kinda fun in powder anyways

If you're toting an SLR, LowePro and Sundog make great harnesses that strap your camera bag to your chest. If it's just a small point and shoot - stick it on your sternum or waist strap like Rodchester says. Get a good camera bag if you have a nice camera. Putting an expensive digital camera in a 5 dollar bag is the same as the guy with the $2,000 dollar ti bike putting it on a $20 trunk rack.

She could be at the apex of her deadpoint.

Tele skis? Well shit - that makes it a lot more interesting... Might as well dive into the deep end

Yeah...the toughest guy in the room - until you walk in Ace.

Nope...don't care about my topsheets. But I'll bust that snowboard over yer head just cuz I like getting aggro on skinny wittle punkity ass crybaby knuckledraggers. It puts a smile on my face

Jumping on a pogo stick is a benign recreational activity...unless you're doing so under an avalanche slope.

There's a warning sign on the trail in from the Alpental lot...which is the same as the backcountry skier's exit. I don't think there's one at the trailhead proper.

Hey Muffy...just pay attention to the little "check spelling" button and you'll be just fine

I'm not sure if I can agree Reudi was practicing "textbook" safe travelling techniques. That accident is a good case study on the balance between cycling through big groups and taking a more conservative approach. Unfortunately it was a tragic way to find out which way the scales tipped that day.

That's such bad karma for those idiots.

I know what you're trying to say...but I don't think I'd go this far. Beacons are simply a tool - they don't replace knowledge and experience. As long as you understand that, anyone going into the backcountry should carry one - even newbies.

Dickhead - the part I quoted commented on the conditions on Friday. Armchair quarterbacking? You don't know anything about me so go blow yourself.

A guide service will always have their clients wear beacons.

Where did you find out it was a Mountain Madness led group?

An excerpt from the weekend's avy report: Is it reasonable for a guided group to go out in these conditions? Are there safe areas to travel? Can you get comfortable in avy terrain if you always stay home?

Me! Me! Me! Oh wait...