Airline seating

Rather than fly back to the UK and then out to Canada, I'm going to fly straight from Hartford. This means I won't be suffering from jet lag on arrival and best of all I won't have to endure the Monarch flight out.

Came across this quote on the web earlier.

http://www.airlinequality.com/Spcl/seat_tip.htm

"If you are 6ft in height do not contemplate flying Monarch Airlines out of London Gatwick. My partner who is 6ft 2" cannot physically place his feet on the floor of the aircraft in Monarch's 29" pitch seats."

At 6"5, a few hours might be possible, but an 8 hour flight would be a complete nightmare! I've opted to pay an extra £30 on the return flight for an exit seat. It's a joke that airlines are disregarding passengers comfort for a few more $$$$$

One point worth noting thaI i was not aware of previously. If you have a return ticket and you fail to use the outward portion of the flight, the airlines will cancel the entire ticket. Luckily i got wind of this and contacted the airline, who agreed to honour my return ticket.

Seat Guru

When travelling, i find this web site very useful for checking what seats to avoid on particular aircraft and airlines.

www.seatguru.com

They graphically show the seating plan, outlining the best and worst seats. Very useful.

Okemo Report

I was really spoilt by the conditions at Mount Snow last weekend!

Following the partial thaw, extreme temperature drop and lack of snow last week - I wasn't surprised to find less than favorable conditions at Okemo.

The surface snow was man made and very granular, the base was packed ice and the light was very flat. All in all, not the greatest day on snow.

I changed my stance again!!! Moved the front foot further forwards, creating a perfectly balanced stance over the board. This definitely helped with my edging, but the conditions still punished my less than perfect edge control. By lunch time I had given up trying to carve and opted for the slide and grind approach :)

Okemo resort is far more family oriented than Mount Snow, the terrain is suited mainly for the intermediate. Lift queues at the base were very busy, which forced me to keep doing top to middle runs. I also found the runs a bit on the narrow side.
The full face mask proved a great investment as it was bitterly cold on the chair.

Getting out of the carpark was also a bit of a nightmare! All in all, I much preferred Mount Snow. But I'd give Okemo another shot if conditions improved.

It wasn't all bad though, the drive up was very easy on the eye. Great scenery - with picture postcard views around every corner. Didn't get any snaps though, as i wanted to get there first thing.

I also picked up a new Marmot Jacket in the Sales. 40% off RRP. The Removable MarmoLoft liner is sooooo warm! Apparently I can fall in a river and the liner will still keep me warm despite being wet! Not sure I want to test that just yet.

Check out this number plate i spotted on the way back!

oh dear!

To Flow Or Not to Flow

I'm not going to stoke the great flow debate - except to say, they work for some and don't work for others. Horses for courses and all that.

Having huge US 15 feet, my setup is limited. Currently I have a 168 Ride Mountain board, coupled with US 15 Vans BFB boots and Flow Pro FR bindings. My main issue with this set up, is the weight. Flows are strong, but very heavy. The board is huge and thus very heavy. Weight causes fatigue and coupled with a wide board, equates to slower response.

Flows big plus point for me is comfort. I get stacks of support and no pressure points at all, unlike conventional strap bindings.

The other issue with Flows is boot compatibility, some work better than others. Take a look at the below picture.



The base of my boot should stay flat to the bindings at all times, but I've noticed that when on my toe edge, the heel of my boot is sliding upwards in the binding. This is obviously adding to lack of response.

I can't hold Flow fully responsible for this, my boots are obviously bigger than what their bindings were designed to cater for. You can see from the image above, there are gaps between the side of my boots and the binding. This can result in the following.



That's a lot of movement!! When in this position the boot / binding fit is perfect, there boot will not move any higher. However, as soon as I go back to my heel edge the boot will slide back down again.

possible solutions

I) place a spacer tab on the base of my binding - to raise my boot heel into the preferred higher position. This will prevent any unwanted movement, but will also upset my natural balance over the board.

ii) Add a hook to the underside of my boot, similar to a clicker set up. Would require major modifications to bindings and boots - risky to say the least!

iii) If you look at the first image, if I had a raised area on the back of the boot just below the edge the binding high back. It would prevent the boot from riding up. The problem here, is how do I secure the raised area? Glue would not be strong enough.

The option I decided on, is the simplest and appears to work. I simply stuck on some self adhesive pads to the high backs. Creating a better fit between my boots and bindings.



I will continue experimenting with pad placement this weekend in Okemo.


It's worth noting I have tried using conventional straps. Last year in Jackson Hole I picked up a pair of these puppies.



The Burton P1 Carbons, looked great and I'd heard good things about them. Sadly the binding heel was too narrow and they caused major discomfort when riding. In order to get the same level of support as my Flows, I had to crank them really tight, which just added to the discomfort. My other issue with them was the length of the straps. Due to my huge boots, it was a struggle to get the straps in the ratchet's.

If I can find some bigger strap bindings, with longer straps, I will definitely give them another shot, plus I'd couple them up with a narrower board and riser plates.

What's the biggest binding out there? And can I get longer straps?

Okemo

I had planned on going to Okemo today, but after a crazy working week of one too many 12 hour days, i opted for a day of relaxing. I will hit Okemo tommorrow morning first thing.

Looking at the trail map, i've got plenty of terrain to cover! Lets hope we have some fresh tonight!

Crazy Crazy Weather

It's been the warmest winter on record out here. Last week the temperature dropped to below freezing, then climbed to spring like conditions. Then this morning i awoke to find it snowing!

Temps are due to drop by 40 degrees this weekend!!! Back in Blighty, conditions are fairly constant, you don't get the extremes and changeability like out here.

I discovered this great weather site earlier.

http://www.bestskiweather.com/

Jim has a passion for snow sports and weather. His reports are accurate and informative.

Powder, but oh so cold!

I awoke at 4 am with a searing cramp in my right calf!! After hopping round the room for a few minutes, I checked outside expecting snow - there was nothing! 2 hours later my alarm went off and this time I looked out to see a couple of inches of fresh!

I had hoped to get to Mount Snow for first tracks, but the roads were a complete mess, took me nearly 90 minutes. The scenery was fantastic though, picture postcard scenes a plenty.

Despite near blizzard conditions, visibility was still fairly good. It was seriously cold though. Initial slope conditions consisted of dust on crust, but after a few hours, some good powder could be found. The snow was bucketing down!

The South bowl tree line had some seriously good powder, hardly anyone seemed to be hitting it! I must have done that same run a dozen times today!

I experimented with my bindings - reduced my extreme duck foot angles and moved the back foot nearer to the center. It helped with board balance and I was able to pressure the board edge better on toe side turns.

Total snow accumulation was 5 inches, no where near as more coastal areas such as NYC and Boston, which received nearly 2 feet!

Mount snow is a great local hill, a days boarding costs $69, which equates to roughly £40! Very good value when you think that only gets you a few hours boarding at one of the UK snowdomes! Having covered most runs at Mount Snow, the plan is to head further north next weekend. Many people have recommended Okemo Resort, which is bigger, has quiet slopes, good snow and more challenging terrain.

Think my body needs a week to recover! Pushed it real hard this weekend. Shock to the system or what!

Heading home, one last look at Mount Snow.

Feels good to be back on the snow.

I spent the day at Mount Snow - what a day! I wasn't expecting much, considering the lack of snow in Vermont, but was pleasantly surprised with how good conditions were. There was a nice layer of fresh and it wasn't until late afternoon that the runs got icey.

I've decided snowboarding is like riding a bike! You never forget! It's been 12 months since i was last on the board, but first run down felt fantastic, despite not having the helmet with me, I was clocking a good speed from the off.

Lift lines were to be expected on a weekend, but the singles line was very quick. The improved fitness made a big difference, I was enjoying myself so much, I skipped lunch and boarded right through to the last lift. The legs were burning like fire on that last run! Feeling it now too! I'm beat!

Digging out the pipe.


Top of Mount Snow.


The Northeaster is gonna kick in tonight, dumping pow all day tomorrow. Coastal areas will be hit the hardest, Boston is expecting 2 feet of snow! Vermont is expecting 3-6 inches.

It should be white over when I wake up tomorrow morning! The plan is to hit Mount Snow again. Going to change my stance - felt like i was boarding too much on the tail. Moving the rear binding forward, will create a narrower more central stance, which in theory should allow more flex of the board, resulting in better carving. Having said that, if there's stacks of snow tommorrow i won't bother!

Gearing up!

Got the board out in preparation for the weekend. The flows are on and set up. The boots are on my feet and the bag is packed for tommorrow. Just need to decide where i'm going first thing.

I'd forgotten how heavy my board and flows were!!! It weighs a blinkin ton!

I've made a few prototype modifications to my flows - will blog about them later in the weekend.

Winter Olympics opens in Torino

For once I actually watched the opening ceremony - quite impressive. Looking forward to watching the coverage, just hope the American networks do a better job than they did with the Athens coverage, which was dire.

People definitely seem more pumped up for it here than back in the UK. I guess this partly due to lack of expected success and representation in most events. Shame really, as to me it's an amazing spectacle regardless of who competes and who takes gold.

The mens downhill and halfpipe competition starts on sunday.

for a full scedule of events check here

Storm headed for the East Coast

I'm watching the weather channel like a hawk. After much discussion, the meteorologists have issued a weather warning for the east coast. We could be looking at 1 foot of snow!

I had planned to drive to the local snow resort "Mount Snow" this weekend, but in light of the projected storm, I'm going to sit tight and make a last minute decision depending on conditions.

The following weekend is a 3 day weekend - due to Presidents Day. A trip to some of the northern Vermont resorts could be on the cards. (Jays Peak, Smugglers ...etc)

Fingers crossed for the weekend!

Bit chilly out

Bit late with this blog - been a tad busy!

Flight over went fairly smoothly. The united Airlines flight was barely half full, so there was stacks of room to spread out. It's not often I get 3 seats to myself. Thankfully my board was waiting for me at Washington. I then had a short flight to Hartford Connecticut, the plane was an ERJ 145, which is very small - 1 seat on the left and 2 seats on the right. There was barely room for me, never mind my board. I was expecting the worst on arrival at Hartford.

I needn't had worried though. Despite looking like it had been used for a wheel break, my luggage was waiting for me on the carousel! wooohoo!

I had planned to get a compact car, but on seeing the weather and the need for trunk space, I opted for a Toyota Landcruiser. I was glad of the 4 wheel drive, as I hit a fairly bad snow storm on route to Brattleboro.

This winter has been the warmest on record, hence snow conditions pale in comparison to this time last year. Due to the cold, there is plenty of snow piled up in carparks and at the side of the road from a previous storm. But there should be snow everywhere at this time of the year!

Brattleboro is your typical New England style rural town. The scenery and architecture is very easy on the eye. Plus the locals are very laid back and friendly.

Vermont for 3 weeks

Working out in Brattleboro, Vermont for 3 weeks. Flying into Hartford CT, picking up the hire car and then travelling up the I91 to Brattleboro. I'm taking the board with me, so providing my weekends are work free, i should get some snow time. Vermont has plenty of hills on offer.


[1] Bolton Valley Resort
[2] Bromley Mountain
[3] Burke Mountain
[4] Jay Peak
[5] Killington
[5] Pico Mountain
[6] Mad River Glen
[6] Sugarbush Resort
[7] Ascutney
[8] Mount Snow
[9] Okemo Mountain Resort
[10] Magic Mountain
[10] Stratton Mountain Resort
[11] Cochran Ski Area
[12] Middlebury College Snow
[14] Smugglers' Notch Resort
[15] Suicide Six


Mount snow is my local hill, but conditions are not looking that good. I aim to to visit Killington and depending on time, hopefully Stowe or Jay Peak. The east coast resorts are definately in need of some fresh snow - fingers crossed for my stay.

I had originally planned to fly back to the UK, stay for 2 days and then fly out to Canada for my Banff trip. However it seems that i can now fly straight from Hartford to Calgary via Salt Lake City in 8 hours. This will make life much easier and i won't be such a wreck from the jet lag. Plus i won't have to endure the chartered flight from the UK with Monarch Airlines!!! ( 29 inches of leg room!!! )

Providing the customer gives me the go ahead to do the above, i intend to use the Banff Airporter to get from Calgary to Banff

http://www.banffairporter.com/

I'll post more details once i'm in Vermont. Flight leaves in 7 hours :) Lets just hope i don't get any grief from the airline due to my huuuuge Dakine 180 board bag.