Rocket Tent: When You Think It's Going to be a Long Long Hike....

A 2-person tent that weighs less than your ski bindings?
Somehow, I think that when you wake up you'll feel like one of those roast beef grinders that has been sitting in the store cooler all day. Mmmmoiiist.

http://www.brooks-range.com/StoreBox/trpshl/rocket_tent_a2.htm

Skiing Antarctica

I came across the trailer for a new movie that will be making the rounds with the other ski flicks this fall. 

Australis: An Antarctic Ski Odyssey follows a ski expedition to the world's highest continent. So far no East Coast dates have been set, however, the distributors promise to bring it East sometime this Fall.

Giggity.

A New Old Resource for East Coast Skiers

Right there between bird watching and lighthouses.

I received a photo from my friend Keith yesterday.  Keith, who has sworn off winter camping and backcountry skiing, had noticed a book on backcountry skiing at the local Borders. He hadn't seen me reading it yet, so naturally had to pass it along.  

My first thought:  Aha! Keith is now noticing books on backcountry skiing.  Maybe our campfire chat did him some good, and there is hope for him after all.

My second thought: What?  A book about East Coast backcountry skiing that I've never heard of?!

Well, a quick Amazon search revealed that this is a new version of two older books.  It appears David Goodman has combined his two previous volumes on backcountry skiing into one book covering both New England and New York.  I'm curious to see if he's added any new destinations to his reviews.

This would be a good resource for those looking for an introduction to backcountry skiing in the East.

Backcountry Ski Ideas: Fall 2010

My Basement

I've been busy researching (obsessing over) skis for the upcoming ski season.  Based on my research, I've put together a chart comparing the best options out there for an East Coast skier.

These are organized based on the width of the ski underfoot.   Generally speaking, a ski with a thinner sidecut will perform better on hard pack and ice, while a ski with a wider waist will float better on powder.

The radius of the ski is a function of the sidecut ratio.  If you can imagine the curve between the widest and thinnest part of the ski as part of the diameter of a circle, the number listed is the radius of that imaginary circle.  The lower the sidecut radius, generally speaking, the easier it is to turn the ski.  However, this is not always the case.  Sometimes the shovel design can lead to better turn initiation.

Most of these skis are considered "medium-fat" skis.  I've left off the widest skis, and also elminated the heavier skis from consideration. 

The prices are as of 9/24/10 from the listed retailer.  If you find a better deal, feel free to leave a comment.  Enjoy.

Model	Sidecut			Radius	Weight/lb	Length/cm	Price	Retailer
Volkl Snow Wolf	113	76	100	18.1	6	170	$199.00	www.untracked.com
Dynafit 7 Summits	113	78	100	20	5.5	170	$531.21	www.campsaver.com
BD Machine	123	79	108	16.5	7.1	166	$99.00	www.gearx.com
BD Stigma	123	79	108	17	6.4	174	$490.00	www.evo.com
Atomic RT80	121	80	107	17	6.3	171	$230.00	www.gearx.com
K2 Backup	125	82	110	19	7	174	$300.00	www.mammothgear.com
Mt. Baker Superlight	122	86	107	21	6.6	167	$280.00	www.evo.com
Karhu Spire BC	122	86	108	22	7	177	$299.00	www.secondascent.com
Dynafit Mustagh Ata	116	86	109	24	6.6	169	$468.00	www.sierratradingpost.com
BD Voodoo	123	88	112	21	7.3	175	$250.00	www.gearx.com
K2 Wayback	124	88	108	22	6.8	174	$372.00	www.o2gearshop.com
Atomic Kalais	125	88	111	20.5	8.1	174	$280.00	www.helm-sports.com
BD Havoc	121	88	113	21	7.6	175	$325.00	www.mammothgear.com
BD Aspect	130	90	117	19	6.5	176	$570.00	www.gearx.com

Tour Dates for Ski Movie Premieres

Popcorn, music, movies and free stuff... What's not to like?

The tour dates for this year's quality ski porn  have already started.  All across New England, ski movie premiere season is upon us.

-Trip Report- Hillman's Highway: A River Runs Through It (May 2010)

Did somebody bring an auger?

There's nothing like skiing with the sound of rushing water beneath your feet.

The words skiing and water usually end in disaster unless there's a boat involved.  That includes the late spring contests where skiers dress up in ridiculous costumes and go skimming across open water to reaffirm principles of speed, air displacement, and blood alcohol content.

But I wasn't picturing the margarita fueled crowds of some resort.  I was more focused on driving out thoughts of a dark, cold, wet hole that was waiting for me on the other side of an unknown thickness of snow and ice beneath my feet.

Such is the mental battle on Hillman's Highway on a warm spring day.