Glenn

Papa was not removed from the staff for disliking racers. His own son is a racer, and I think he would be the first to tell you he doesn't hate racers. I won't comment on others moderating style, but I will say we (as a site) are open to critisism and thoughts for improvment. The posts have been undeleted. Papa, if you want to slam the site, or the members who run it, thats your own perogative. Understand there will be a limit to the amount we allow you to slam us on our own site. ... it's about having fun, and learning about the snowsports. I have been lax (largely because of things like this) about reading all threads and I'm not exactly sure what it is that you are asking webspace for swdorsey. Perhaps you can elaborate or point me to the right thread. I don't have any problem giving webspace to better the sport/community, although I'm not the one paying for the space. It will be a topic of discussion for the staff.

CB will be worth while if you get there before the ski clubs on friday.

If you test alot of boards on your carpet you will be able to tell. I can tell bending boards with my hands because I do it alot. On the snow is definately the best though.

Bulimic perhaps?

Be nice

Kinda like the "colored" dining room during the early part of the century. No thanks.

Ok, I'm going to try and answer as much as I can. I am a lowly snowboarder, but I try to take in as much as I can about all snow sports. Also sking and snowboarding aren't too terribly different in many reguards. All forms of instruction are postive assuming the instructors are good. Which is to say you can a ski camp could be good or bad, a group/private lesson can be good or bad, a race team can be good or bad etc etc etc. It all depends on how the teacher is. I would recommend going to your local mountain and taking some "advanced" lessons as a start. Usually the better instructors work their way up to teaching the more advanced lessons and you will likely end up with someone that is worth while. If racing becomes a serious focus then camps will make more sense, as they are rather pricey for the "casual" racer. Racing (as I see it), is about perfecting the turn (with perhaps a few other skills thrown in, but these additional skills are just the icing on the cake). Speed events like super G and downhill aren't even available in PA because of the distance needed to run such a race. However, that should not discourage you from getting into racing, since speed events are for WELL seasoned racers who have developed their skills. You probobly like going straight down trails because it makes you go fast. Racing is the pursuit of that kind of speed while manuevering. I've talked about racing so far because that seemed to be what you were interested in your post. There are other options for competitive sking, which include moguls, freesking (not available anywhere around here to my knowledge), freestyle, and probobly other disciplines I'm not even aware of. There are ceratin things PA sking will not provide. It will not provide the steepest trails available, if your goal is to ski the steepest terrain available you need to look westward. PA does not provide cliffs and extensive tree sking, and similar natural "features." If you are looking to be the sickest tree skier or cliff hucker you need to look to the north or the west. Even if you are looking to be a world class racer, or freestyler you need to look to the north or west. However, what PA can provide is a close affordable way to develop skills. The most important thing (as I see it) to getting better is sking alot. Practice makes perfect. While instruction is great, you can sit for thousands of hours listening to the best coach but if you never get on the snow and practice what you've been taught you won't get any better. Perhaps Atomicskier can explain his progression. In a matter of a few season he went from a total newbie on skis to a pretty good racer. I don't think he had any formal training, but I may be mistaken. Also I should point out finding people who are better than you to ski with is a great way to get better. Having a visual of what to work towards can be really helpful. Hopefully this helps a little. I'm sure if you have more specific questions there is someone who can address them.

I had a blast riding with you on sunday. Crowds were alot smaller than I expected. We'll definately have to ride again some time. Oh, and BTW you saw the best crash I've had this season

Yeah, actually it is the rangers job. Even so... do you think that ski patroller, or most rangers have any clue about park ettiquete? Until the management takes a insiders interest in the park things like n00bs taking off of rail tranny's isn't going to stop.

... caring about what. It's not the ski patrol's job to police the mountain.

I'm gonna try and get out on sun morning, but sat is a no go.

I thought conditions sucked. I was far too cold, and the blown snow just sucked. Glad someone dug on it though. What trails were you riding?

Couldn't find anyone. Oh well still had a decent day. Conditions weren't the greatest but the pipe was in resonable condition again.

I'll be up there. Not sure what time, or if I will be riding with friends already. I'll try and spot you though metzy.

I saw sushi right by the taxidermy eeewww..... Other than that nothing seemed strange.

Perhaps I'll see both of you. I plan to be making laps in the laurel park.

Yeah but all the cool kids are doing it

Sorry for taking so long to update. She ended up with k2 first luv's I believe at 160. Salomon boots (I think the bindings were the "defualt" binding thrown in with the skis). Nesters hooked her up with all the gear after spending quite a bit of time finding different stuff. She's real happy with the gear, and I suppose for her first setup wasn't too dissapointed that she paid a little extra for shop help. Thanks anyone for you help anyways.

My pass isn't good on sat mornings and I work most sundays or saturday nights. So... no, but everyone once in a while I try to get there.

Speaking of which, when are you going to make it up for a friday night?

Didn't realize you came to CB on weeknights. I'll look for you there.

The pipe was a hardpack but held an edge decently. It's the best it's been in over a month I'd say. It was especially cool because I finally was able to air out on my heelside edge. Thats been a year in the making, all of a sudden it clicked . Sorry for gloating, it was a big day for me.

I fit but it's a tight squeeze. I have a pretty small build too, so I can imagine if someone had wider shoulders

The riders looked way more stylish than any ski blader ever has been. Although, I can't ever see myself buying one. Plus... you have to know they will be super unstable at speed.

There is a private snow mobile tour about 25 min outside of lake placid that is supposed to be really fun. My dad and older brother rode for a half a day (which included lunch) and had a blast on a trip ealier this year. They provide the sled, and helmet. The snowmobile dealer in lake placid will point you in the right direction.