Thats a sick quiver of skis. Obviously you have some budget dedicated to skiing, lol. I get what you are saying about the skis. I'm very familiar with them and agree with all your comments. I've skied the BG's, C&D's and Vicik. But even at the end of season discount sales I'm not seeing then for less than 500 US.
You could be right, I was thinking retailers like Fresh, or online you could get them a bit cheaper (if there are any pairs left by then). I buy mine from the factory though; they've always shipped them up here by express for next to nothing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Weitz
I've got a heliski trip coming up in a few weeks (pending COVID), and I am wondering if I should take them up on the free rentals they provide.
My Powder skis are about 7-8 year old Rocker 2's. Which are fine. But I'm starting to wonder if they will have something better to rent.. and whether or not I would enjoy them more.
Why not call and ask what their rentals are, and then decide? Personally I'd want to ski the skis I'm familiar with, if it was me. But I'm also not sure you should get your hopes up too much about the trip going through. I've heard that those discounted trips are getting cancelled en masse and rescheduled for next year... You might have just given them an interest free loan.
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I ended up going with the Head Kore skis, I tried them and know I like them, I ski the back bowls, moguls and trees alot and I like how quick they are. I don't have the budget to have more than one pair so knowing I liked how these skied made the decision easy. I did go a little longer than my previous Volkl Gotamas
Went into West bowl for the first time this weekend and I cant say I'm that impressed, sure there's lots of new terrain but I found I can get the same type of skiing done off summit back bowls, paradise and Ptarmigan trees without the runs leading to 2 chutes with a long ski out to the base and dealing with lineups. Maybe when they get a chair there it'll be better but for now I don't think I'll be back in there.
What hills do people recommend for beginners? I haven't been on a snowboard since I was a kid, and have picked the worst possible year to take it up again, but I'm just going to bite the bullet and do it and something I can do outdoors.
I'm going to get a private lesson or two in just to get myself back up to speed, but are there any actual hills that are more enjoyable to learn on? or does a rookie like me just stick to COP until I have some light ability under my belt?
Norquay has a pretty easy chair right at the base, or Nakiska. I don't think it's worth paying the big bucks for Louise and Sunshine if you are just sticking to easy terrain.
You could be right, I was thinking retailers like Fresh, or online you could get them a bit cheaper (if there are any pairs left by then). I buy mine from the factory though; they've always shipped them up here by express for next to nothing.
Why not call and ask what their rentals are, and then decide? Personally I'd want to ski the skis I'm familiar with, if it was me. But I'm also not sure you should get your hopes up too much about the trip going through. I've heard that those discounted trips are getting cancelled en masse and rescheduled for next year... You might have just given them an interest free loan.
Current update is it is still on. Haven't paid yet though as they moved the pay date closer due to covid. Refund if cancelled due to covid. No long term interest free loan.
They are also flying right now anyway.
I also am feeling i'd like to be comfortable on the skis so thats the downside.
What hills do people recommend for beginners? I haven't been on a snowboard since I was a kid, and have picked the worst possible year to take it up again, but I'm just going to bite the bullet and do it and something I can do outdoors.
I'm going to get a private lesson or two in just to get myself back up to speed, but are there any actual hills that are more enjoyable to learn on? or does a rookie like me just stick to COP until I have some light ability under my belt?
COP is awesome and the best place to learn IMO. If you're looking up the hill and go on the chair to the left, it's actually kind of steep right off the chair at the top. Once you can do that little chunk without too much trouble, you're good to go to basically any mountain.
COP is awesome and the best place to learn IMO. If you're looking up the hill and go on the chair to the left, it's actually kind of steep right off the chair at the top. Once you can do that little chunk without too much trouble, you're good to go to basically any mountain.
The only reason I didn't recommend that is it is probably swamped with people right now, and trying to learn when it is busy can kinda suck.
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The only reason I didn't recommend that is it is probably swamped with people right now, and trying to learn when it is busy can kinda suck.
Good point. I think they are capping the number of people on the hill, but I haven't been this year so no clue how it looks once you're actually there.
Currently you can buy a 2 hour pass to COP for 32 bucks, which would be an okay way to spend an evening if you wanted to just get your board under you again. They are limiting it to keep traffic down.
As far as the hills, frankly the cost of a lift ticket isn't really a consideration. They're all 100-120 bucks regardless of where you go. You're better off finding someone with a season pass or other card that allows them discounts on lift tickets if they bring their friends.
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I didn't realize Nakiska was $98 now. Norquay is still "only" $75, thoguh I presume you can still get discounted ones for any of the hills at Costco, if you have a membership.
Thanks guys, I'll get up to speed on COP and then try to hit Norquay and Nakiska a few times until I feel fully comfortable.
Aside from the beginner recommendations, what's your favourite hill driving distance from Calgary? Where do you all go out to whenever you get the chance for a day or a few?
Is COP even offering day tickets yet this year? Last I checked it was reservation for passholders only. Although I haven't been since they got rid of their park a few weeks ago so this may have changed.
COP is the quietest hill I've been to all season. Even more so without the park. If you're just getting back into it and feel you need a lesson I absolutely would not drive to the mountains just to stand in line.
Thanks guys, I'll get up to speed on COP and then try to hit Norquay and Nakiska a few times until I feel fully comfortable.
Aside from the beginner recommendations, what's your favourite hill driving distance from Calgary? Where do you all go out to whenever you get the chance for a day or a few?
Lake Louise, easily. As a new snowboarder? You should probably fall in love with Sunshine, for my benefit.
Couldn't agree more...as a boarder, there isn't a single reason you shouldn't ride Sunshine all the time, every time... Louise is for squares man...and don't even get me started on KH or Revy....
If your snowboarding you can sit on your a$$ in the middle of a run at any hill you want, just make sure you take 4 friends with you so you can spread out across the run
If your snowboarding you can sit on your a$$ in the middle of a run at any hill you want, just make sure you take 4 friends with you so you can spread out across the run
Don't forget to make sure it is just below a terrain change out of sight.
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If your snowboarding you can sit on your a$$ in the middle of a run at any hill you want, just make sure you take 4 friends with you so you can spread out across the run
Hey I think I saw you in this video.
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^ Lol that is hilarious. As a former snowboarder my point is valid but not restricted to boarders alone, plenty of idiot skiers stop and stand in the middle of runs as well. If I don't teach my kids anything else it will be to get to the side of a run before you stop for a break or to wait for someone to catch up.
