benb

Looking to give Success Cleaver a shot. Could anyone help out with current conditions? Thanks

If you ski, you need to check out these boards. 4-frnt VCT. I have never skied anything like them. 129-104-121 in the 175 length. I am 5'11" 165, and they never fail to amaze me. Powder, Corn, Crud, Groomers, Hard-Pack, riding the lift or in the BC, they blow me away. If you can find some demos, try them, if you cant, buy some. You will not be disapointed. I have dynafits on mine and always feel like the lucky dog with the optimal set-up. Happy freshies in April

Wow, Global warming is a bitch. Ski Bowl may opperate through May! Its been snowing at my house the for the last 6 months. When spring arives, and the snow consolidates, it is going to be an epic season on Hood. I am looking forward to hear about all the goodness. Transievers in late april, COME ON!

160cm. Would you e-mail me a photo? bliesneb@ortrail.k12.or.us

How long are the skies? Thanks, Ben

Coldiron, The man himself. Thank you for your help and advise. I heeded the post before yours and goggled your name. I feel a bit like a stalker. While checking out all the sites that came up, one including a Coldiron family reunion, I was able to learn a lot about the “fast” gear. My gear budget for the year is well over spent, much to the dismay of my wife. If I come home with anything else that I NEED to survive, I will be at the bottom, in deep powder, without any skins. I do ski on dynafits, not the ultra light race model, but much lighter than other AT systems. I do have 4 buckle boots and fat skies which will make the descents fun. As far as the climbs, I see myself getting a better workout than the properly equipped racer. Are helmets required? Is there any technical climbing gear needed? (ice axe, crampons, ascension device) If not, are there any races that do require it? How strict are the regulations on modified/homemade gear? I read somewhere that shovel alterations would not be allowed. Have you ever tried the “snow claw” in avalanche debris? Do you use or carry ski crampons? Extra skins? I am bummed you guys wont be at Chrystal Mt. Will you be at Alpental later in the month? If so, I hope to see you there. Best of luck in Switzerland. Show them how we do it in the PNW. Cheers, Ben

Anyone have any info on ski mountaineering comps? I thougth that hitting up the USSMA contests that make it out to the west side would be fun. Seeing that a $60 entry fee could get me one or two runs down the mountain, I signed up in the 2 lap race division. I have not competed in an event like this and was wondering If anyone had any constructive advice or links. What equiment will the fast guys be on? What pack system works well? What hydration system will I see? Are there points for the person who suffers the most? Thanks Ben B

I ski/tour/climb in Garmont Mega-Rides. I am very happy with their performance. I can't believe how well they ski. Remember your boots are key to having fun. I feel if you are an aggressive skier, you need a 4 buckle boot. I would also recomend dynafit bindings. Looking down at your skies at high speeds to see next to nothing holding your ski to your boot is wild.

I ski a fat 186 length, 118-96-111 ski. Garmont Mega-Ride and Dynafit comfort bindings. The thought of climbing in my mountaneering boots makes me think broken bones and ligaments. I would never do it. I ski the same set up in the resort, the back country and climbing. With skins on a ski that long and wide, they stick like glue to the hill. Also great flotation on the deep stuff for climbing and skiing. Wide shaped skis are so much fun to ski why would you want anything else. Ive found the snow conditions up high are usually not Ideal. You want a ski that will handle crud. I would ski on that set up as much as you can. You must become one with your set up. Your boots are without doubt the most important piece of the set up. I love my garmonts, would recomend them to all.

Alpine treckers are junk. Save some pain and frustration. Rent a set-up, fall in love, then throw down for some Dynafits.......

"But the steel and most Mfg products from China is as good as anything in the US" WTF WOW! I take it you dont work in the manufacturing industry. China can build cheap crap like no-ones buisness, but it is just that CRAP. Cams are devices that reley on simple machines and phisics to opperate corectly. You wont see major failures often. Where you will see a hudge difference in quality is the longevity of the device. China fills the need for our "throw it away, well buy another cheap piece of crap" culture. Its good for BD sales, bad for us all.

I am in the market for some new boots. I climb year round but will usually be in my ski boots in the winter, or when there is good skiiing. I do want a mountaineering boot could handle winter climbs. So what I am asking is what is the best all around all season climbing boot out there? Thanks Ben B

A PDXer slamming Hood! SHAME ON YOU!

If you like the sound of rocks screaming by your head, your in for a real treat. Frontpointing on frozen ash is something not everyone enjoys, but you will have the summit to yourself.. I enjoy Three Fingered Jack that time of year.

Was that Black or Pink?

Hell Yes, Thanks for the help. Black or Pink? Black or Pink? Yes, Black then Pink, then Black and Pink.

I always find the slog on the south side of hood is more enjoyable with "A Tribe Called Quest" pumpin in the ear-buds... YO!

That helps; something to think about on the long walk.

Where does the plow stop on road #15 that leads to pole creek?

Yo Irish37 I am sitting in a house just outside of bend. No one here is doing anything today. I would love to get out and use up the rest of the daylight. What are you up to?

I am thinking of heading out to Broken Top this weekend. Has anyone been out that way lately? I would like to ski the 11 or 9 o-clock routes. What condition will the crater bowl be? Thanks Ben B

I had a great view of you guys topping out on the head wall and finishing up west crater rim. I was sitting on top of crater rock. Who took the high traverse? that looked wild. Nice work. B

Nice spot, looks like fun..

Thanks for the report. It sounds like a good day.

I recently purchased a set of G3 skins. I am pleased with their perfomance. Easy to trim to your ski shape. My skies are 118mm at the tip, I got 120mm skins and trimed them down. good luck..