Rdutch 0 #1 September 13, 2009 Ok Im taking the entire month of January off, to SNOWBOARD! I havent been in ten years, and need some info. Im leaning towards Colorado, but I also have friends in New Hampshire. So heres what Im looking for. Wheres the best and most affordable places to Snowboard. I was looking at Steamboat, but a weeks lift tickest is around $600 thats $2400 a month! So whats a typical week of lift tickets usually, and where is the good slopes that arent outrageously expensive? Next is Gear. Im looking online for snowboards ect. I need everything, from clothes, to a snowboard. So what do you reccomend? The choices are endless, I need a good board, and setup. I have a little experience, but plan on snowboarding a lot, so I dont want beginner gear, if Neccessary Ill rent in the beginning until Im ready for advanced geard. So what do you suggest? And for clothes, what do I need so Im comfortable? Thanks for all the advice Im sure theres a lot of snowboarders out here? Ski resorts that have ground launch friendly places nearby are a plus. Thanks. Ray Ray Small and fast what every girl dreams of! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
d_squared431 0 #2 September 13, 2009 Best thing for you to do is buy a mid week pass at one resort. You can usually get a better deal and sometimes you get to ride two resorts on one pass. Most resorts give you a discount if you are a pass holder from another resort as well. I no longer can play on the snow and I have some extra almost new goggles and a few outfits in different sizes. PM me if you want them. I now live in florida and with my knees I can no longer play on the slopes or do much of anything anymore. If you are into back country I have a brand new probe that is collecting dust. I got rid of all my back country stuff. I would suggest Colorado cause you want powder steeper slopes and not flat icy slopes to play on...TPM Sister#130ONTIG#1 I love vodka.I love vodka cause it rhymes with Tuaca~LisaH You having a clean thought is like billyvance having a clean post.iluvtofly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billeisele 130 #3 September 13, 2009 she is right - east coast ice vs. western powder - easy decision seems like lodging will be the highesst cost item, if you have a free place to stay at either then I'd go out west - Squaw, Summit County, Steamboat, Park City or the best would be Whistler but the Olympics will be a problem not sure about this but check the cost for a season pass, it might be cheaper if you plan to be there 20+ days, discount tickets are available, the locals know where to find them, REI and King Sooper in Denver have them but there may be better options wear some safety gear or your 1 month visit may be wreckedGive one city to the thugs so they can all live together. I vote for Chicago where they have strict gun laws. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #4 September 13, 2009 Not sure how the States works but could a season pass be cheaper that say 4 x 1 week? Have fun... it WILL be brilliant. (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnDeere 0 #5 September 13, 2009 I would check into a season pass for Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and one or two more. Lift tickets are good for all of these. If you gonna be there that long it may be good to be able to goto diff. slope. I goto Beaver Creek ever year and love the area Nothing opens like a Deere! You ignorant fool! Checks are for workers! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrewEckhardt 0 #6 September 14, 2009 QuoteOk Im taking the entire month of January off, to SNOWBOARD! I havent been in ten years, and need some info. Im leaning towards Colorado, but I also have friends in New Hampshire. So heres what Im looking for. Wheres the best and most affordable places to Snowboard. I was looking at Steamboat, but a weeks lift tickest is around $600 thats $2400 a month! So whats a typical week of lift tickets usually, and where is the good slopes that arent outrageously expensive? A month of lift tickets is usually less than $400. Two months is usually less than $400. The reason is that serious snow sports people get season passes. And pack a lunch (NOTE: carbonated sodas in cans can explode) so they aren't eating bad tasting $10 hamburgers. Most of the front range places you'd like to go (Winter Park, Loveland, the Summit resorts) have passes. You'll need to buy one in the fall, because they stop selling them (it's better when tourists pay full price for both food and lift tickets). QuoteSo what do you reccomend? Get your boots fitted. Superfeet? in-soles are must; they'll heat up the inserts and vacuum bag them with your feet. Custom molded bladders are great too. Between the two your boots will fit like gloves and not get uncomfortable when you crank things down. Get boot driers to use on your boots and gloves; it's less expensive than getting three pairs of each so you stay dry and way more comfortable than just being wet. Your outer layer needs to have minimal insulation and pit zips for ventilation. Otherwise you'll drown in your sweat unless its below 20 degrees. I like bib pants to keep snow out. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryoder 1,590 #7 September 14, 2009 In general ~$400 (+/- $50) will get you a season pass for one of these: a) Loveland b) Winter Park + Copper c) Breckenridge + Keystone + Arapahoe Basin I would shoot for that for a month of skiing. They usually try to gear the season passes to the "day skiers" who live in the area. I dont' know if there will be a hassle if you have a non-local mailing address. If so, you may be able to get one of us to be your mail drop. Generally, if you don't have a photo on file with them, you will need to stop by their ticket office for the mugshot on the first day. Online websites for tickets: Loveland: http://www.skiloveland.com/ see "Tickets & Passes" menu item Winter Park, Copper, Steamboat (all owned by Intrawest) http://www.skicolorado.com/ see "pass products" menu Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin (all owned by Vail): http://www.snow.com/passsales/default.aspx"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaVriK 0 #8 September 14, 2009 as far as tickets and season passes...^^^^^^ they pretty much covered it. As far as gear goes...do research on the boards..I've owned Rossignols, burtons, forums, etc.. etc.. and ridden a bunch of others, I personally dont like burton i think they're over prived and they're the only board ive ever snapped in half. THe base of the board and the core is something you wanna read about and decide whats right for you..(you doing park? carving, back mountain?). Bindings, stay away from click in's - go with traditional ratchet bindings...easier on your heals, and more control. Keep your edges sharp and get good wax! other than that...remember how to fall well edit: I'm personally lookin at NeverSummer boards for my next board...heard rave reviews and prices are good! check em' out! ~MaVriK~ "The Greatest Accomplishment in life is actually Living it" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
d_squared431 0 #9 September 14, 2009 I was not just a recreational winter person. I lived the snow bums life and competed for yrs. I ran a retail shop and dealt with winter product for more than 10 yrs. I also help ran a local snowboard event in Reno/Tahoe every Wed night for a few yrs. I am now a has been because of knees. MaVriK, One of the only ways you can snap a burton is if you are to heavy for the board or it was a manufacture defect. That goes with most boards that are out there. If you do a lot of buttering you can snap the board but that is still hard to do. Camber on a board last for about two seasons if you get 150 days a season. An average board is good for 2-3 seasons based on the amount of time you get in a season and if you ride harder on one edge than the other. To the OP, If I were you I would stick with a name brand board and if you are into all mt riding make sure it is about nose high to you at a minimum. If you have big feet you will need a fatboy. K2 makes the best fatboys out there. If you have normal feet then I suggest ride, santa cruz,burton, and palmer boards. Bindings are a personal preference of the rider. I have used a variety of step ins and strap ins(aka ratchets) and I like step in systems for half pipe and spring riding. They are a pain in the ass on poweder days to get the snow off and to click in. If you want light wt then go with a step in. Also, if you have a hard time skating to and from the lift a step in system will make it a bit harder. You need a really good stomp pad. Normally I dont use a stop pad with regular bindings. My riding style and yrs in the sport, I prefer straps. I honestly blame bad knees on the step in systems/riding duck. You do not have as much flexion in your ankles and you strain your knees, hips and back a hair more. You don't notice it right away but trust me you will. Clothing wise get nikwax and treat your clothes. That shit works great. Also, pick up some CAT CRAP. It is the best anti fog on the market and it is about 4-5 bucks. Comes in a lip gloss look round thing.TPM Sister#130ONTIG#1 I love vodka.I love vodka cause it rhymes with Tuaca~LisaH You having a clean thought is like billyvance having a clean post.iluvtofly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaVriK 0 #10 September 14, 2009 Quote MaVriK, One of the only ways you can snap a burton is if you are to heavy for the board or it was a manufacture defect. That may be true but it was a kicker to a rainbow rail, i guess that just kinda ruined burtons for me. Palmer boards were great, miss my rossy actually. good advice though, clickers i just never liked, and i only got to ride the Flow bindings once...but i liked them (the mesh ones)... all in all i guess its personal preference...and if anyone from DZ.com comes to PA to board or to VT..lemme know..we'll go tear it up!~MaVriK~ "The Greatest Accomplishment in life is actually Living it" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rookie120 0 #11 September 14, 2009 I think they covered passes pretty good. GO WEST!!!!! I lived out there for a few years and am now on the east coast. NH, VT snow sucks ass compared to the snow out west. As for gear go for the good stuff if your gonna be boardin a lot. You might want to think what kind of riding you plan on doing. Back country powder bustin or are you gonna be in the terrain park all day. Go to a shop with someone who knows what the hell he's talkin about and he can hook you up. Burton Canyon or Burton Fish are both great boards for powder. There are plenty of boards for the park so the choices are endless. So with some good clothes. I have a Bonfire, K-2, and burton jackets. I also have several pairs of pants. Make sure the seams are waterproof and good quality fabric so you dont get soaked. The rest of it will be what you want. Do you want a beanie hat or a helmet? Good Burton gloves. I have a Spyder hat. Goggles. Oh and Under Armor is your friend!!!!!!!! Have fun and I hope you get some great snow storms!If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rdutch 0 #12 September 14, 2009 Thanks for all the great advice from everyone. I thought I would save some cash by buying my stuff online now. But I talked to sme friends in Colo. And they said its better to buy a board from a shop, where there is someone to fit me, same as boots. And they said with all the shops in Denver the cost is lower due to competition. Im going to buy my clothes online, and wait for my board and bindings there. My boss has a house in Steamboat, so no matter how much the season pass is, its still cheaper than a months rent. Im thinking of taking two months off now! Thanks for all the advice, and if anyone has anything else to offer, please do. I feel like a first jump student trying to buy gear, that wants a velocity because Im going to do 1000 jumps this year, lol j/k. Thanks Ray Ray Small and fast what every girl dreams of! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryoder 1,590 #13 September 14, 2009 Quote My boss has a house in Steamboat, so no matter how much the season pass is, its still cheaper than a months rent. Im thinking of taking two months off now! Dayum! Steamboat is one of the priciest places, (obvious if you've check the season pass price), but if you can get a free place to stay there, I would jump on it. They probably get the overall best powder in the state, but it is beyond the driving range for a day of skiing from the Front Range, so we never go there."There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Misternatural 0 #14 September 14, 2009 >I goto Beaver Creek ever year and love the area. Bwahhyes most people love the Beaver area Beware of the collateralizing and monetization of your desires. D S #3.1415 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nigel99 617 #15 September 14, 2009 QuoteOk Im taking the entire month of January off, to SNOWBOARD! I havent been in ten years, and need some info. Im leaning towards Colorado, but I also have friends in New Hampshire. So heres what Im looking for. Wheres the best and most affordable places to Snowboard. I was looking at Steamboat, but a weeks lift tickest is around $600 thats $2400 a month! So whats a typical week of lift tickets usually, and where is the good slopes that arent outrageously expensive? Next is Gear. Im looking online for snowboards ect. I need everything, from clothes, to a snowboard. So what do you reccomend? The choices are endless, I need a good board, and setup. I have a little experience, but plan on snowboarding a lot, so I dont want beginner gear, if Neccessary Ill rent in the beginning until Im ready for advanced geard. So what do you suggest? And for clothes, what do I need so Im comfortable? Thanks for all the advice Im sure theres a lot of snowboarders out here? Ski resorts that have ground launch friendly places nearby are a plus. Thanks. Ray Since I haven't seen anyone mention it wrist guards are a good investment - I learn't the hard way on how easy it is to break a wrist.Experienced jumper - someone who has made mistakes more often than I have and lived. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryoder 1,590 #16 September 14, 2009 Quote Since I haven't seen anyone mention it wrist guards are a good investment - I learn't the hard way on how easy it is to break a wrist. Seems like Skymama would have brought that up by now."There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #17 September 14, 2009 Quote Since I haven't seen anyone mention it wrist guards are a good investment - I learn't the hard way on how easy it is to break a wrist. PLFs work almost as well in snowboarding as they do in skydiving.I'd advocate strongly for a helmet even though some people have classified them as optional above."There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nigel99 617 #18 September 14, 2009 Quote Quote Since I haven't seen anyone mention it wrist guards are a good investment - I learn't the hard way on how easy it is to break a wrist. PLFs work almost as well in snowboarding as they do in skydiving.I'd advocate strongly for a helmet even though some people have classified them as optional above. Not to hijack the thread but I was stopping and the board kicked out in front of me - I had 2 options a) put my hands out b) land flat on my back with nothing to slow me down. There is no-way that a PLF was possible. PLF's are still good though cause the doctor said that the advantage of wrist guards is that the move the break from the wrist to the arm - which is easier to "fix"Experienced jumper - someone who has made mistakes more often than I have and lived. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #19 September 14, 2009 Quote Seems like Skymama would have brought that up by now. I didn't open this thread because it invokes too many bad memories. A PLF wouldn't have helped me either. I fell back when my board got stuck in the ice. I made sure I didn't put my wrists behind me, they went into the icy slope and broke. I take Calcium suppliments now. She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
