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Damn. I was going to test Nordica Enforcer and Navigator at BM, but now wouldn't mind comparing them with RTM. Alas, there is no RTM at BM.

I think 3D Glass is the new model's feature though...

Sounds like a dream then... I've seen a few of the new RTMs on the slopes today. They look... sophisticated with that ridge and the UVO damper. What surprises me though is how and whether they can have good grip on ice with such a deliberately narrow sidewall. I mean, they have thick profile in the middle, but where it matters most, where they're supposed to transfer the weight to the edges, they thin out... Do they grip on ice? Did you try turning at speed and pressing the outside ski into the ice as hard as you could? Do they hold w/o slipping while you do so? Granted, the weather wasn't even remotely icy today, but CB is known to have some ice spots even in the best weather, so perhaps you had a chance?

I am not asking you about CB or your mustard preferences though. I asked about skis. And probably, it just might be so, that others would support that kind of conversation better than gloating over broken expresses from the top of the Stevenson lift?

I still haven't seen a proper test report on all three skis. What about Kendos? Did you try Vantage? Maybe different widths of RTM?

Mad Santas waiting on broken 6 pack in the early morning.

The place is emptying out. The fun is just starting!

I combinate. Today I'm on a CM ticket. Usually I'm skiing Blue at night, and then it's just cheap. In Jan I'll start running around between mountains because PA Card will kick in. In Feb you never know, maybe I'll join Salty. Got to try those deserts at least once

Ceaser salad. Violating Blue food policies.

No. It's not open. And yeah, I love it when you don't have to hunt for a table. That ruins the mood.

I think I need another pair Too bad Salty was demoing on the wrong mountain today, otherwise we would've split up the cost

Sidewinder us the best trail of today. Then goes Main, then beaten up Lazy. IDK what they've done to Lazy. Since being completely bald on Thursday it got some thick granular layer that my sticks aren't liking too much.

Yeah, the loss of a 6 pack is a big problem. Quad is definitely not keeping up, lines are up to the scanners now consistently. And no line management, most chairs are leaving with 2-3 people, sometimes 1, sometimes 4. The stupid part is that there are not too many people on the mountain. Skiing is very comfortable. And so is lodge.

Yeah, I'll get there next year when my tickets kick in. How are the RTMs though? I don't see any test reports.

Main lift has zero people. Expresses continuously break down, so it varies. They shut down six pack permanently, then quad shortly stopped for 10 mins, and it started to get crowded. People waiting outside gates.

Yeah, not full width, so it gets tight when you need to pass someone, but it has better snow for me. Hard yet gripping.

No, I mean day time people. Those are half tired, half not knowing what they want to do. Today morning crowd surprised me with sheer determination to come out and ski. But they were all silent cowards when attendants were sending them from 6 pack to quad and back. Not a single whine. A was pissed after 25 mins waiting, but not them.

It's not icy here, and so far Lazy is such that I wish I had somewhat wider skis. Hey saltyant, they did a full bypass for SP holders at the lift, so you can ditch Montage and start thinking Blue again

I like the morning crowd. All wound up, silent, knowing what they want, leaving the lodge 3 mins ahead, almost marching down the stairs. Nothing compared to the day time people. All relaaaaxed, sipping tea or beer, stairing through the window, chatting lazily.

Alright, going now. Snow is pretty good, whatever I could sample on my single run down from the summit lodge.

Awesome, ain't it? 6-pack broke, quad isn't prepared. So 30 min delay at least.

The options are to go or not to go. I can live with firm, I can't stand crowds. There were tons of people in the stores today. I'm thinking if they continue shopping, I may have a chance?

How are the crowds usually on xmas eve? In other words, what's the forecast for tomorrow? I'm thinking whether to go to BM or not...

Ah, OK, I get it now. RTM's construction varies for different widths. Only 86mm has two layers of titanal, and hence is the stiffest. The two other narrower ones have a single layer of steel, and so they're softer, and the steel there is mostly for dampening. So it will really be a challenge for you, what to try. Typically people would recommend a specific width considering things like the ease of putting them on edge or comfort of going through the crud, but here with increased width comes different stiffer construction, and the results will be less predictable.

That's the interesting part. Titanal has much higher yield strength than steel. And it's lighter. So, I'm really puzzled by why they chose to put a layer of steel in RTM.