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***Ski Season 2024-25***

172,788 Views | 1708 Replies | Last: 4 mo ago by RangerRick9211
JFABNRGR
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In reply to Bayou City • 10:45a, 3/22/25
AG
Well I don't know how old the technology is in my new board but it's like magic, it won't hardly let me fall down in just about any condition.

To show how old I am, I started boarding in 87. This was also pre helmets and I can still remember the painful transition from skiing to boarding, may not have made it had my snowboard instructor not been HAF.
“You can resolve to live your life with integrity. Let your credo be this: Let the lie come into the world, let it even triumph. But not through me.”
- Alexander Solzhenitsyn
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Bayou City
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In reply to JFABNRGR • 10:52a, 3/22/25
Thats an easy one. Boards don't keep you from falling down. You do.
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Bayou City
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In reply to MouthBQ98 • 10:55a, 3/22/25
They're easy to get on lifts. It's more does the lifty have their head up their ass or not. Usually when they see a bike they perk up and honestly they're Sper easy to upload. Easier to get a ski bike on a lift than most bad skiers. I've never seen a ski biker spike a lift. Ever.
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Pahdz
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In reply to Bayou City • 10:58a, 3/22/25
I only ski Minnesota and Whitefish so probably out of the loop but is this catching on like mad in CO and other places?

3 days of skiing Whitefish earlier this month and I saw exactly one. Granted, we had no new snow so conditions don't sound like they were ideal. Of course it's snowed 5 feet there since we left two weeks ago lol
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Cibalo
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In reply to ChoppinDs40 • 11:10a, 3/22/25
ChoppinDs40 said:
Cibalo said:
What are yalls thoughts on ski bikes? After this last trip my kids seem excited about skiing. My oldest probably needs another round of ski school and the younger one we will see. My wife and I have never skied but she has already bought kids ski suits for next year.

At some point we either need to learn so we can be with the kids, pay for private lessons for the kids one they get a little better, or we look at a ski bike.
I'm closer to 50 than 40 (damn) got a repaired ACL where the knee has never felt the same since and has now developed arthritis.

The ski bike looks like a fun and easy way to be on the slopes with the kids while being lower risk for injury. Looks like a lot of resorts allow them but some have restrictions on the type you can use.

So thinking about next year it is either get prepared to learn to ski or find a resort that allows ski bikes and a place to rent them. The main goal is just building memories with the kids.


Learn to ski. Have you water skied? Are you somewhat athletic?

You can learn to putt around on greens in a few days of lessons if you're somewhat in shape and have balance and done ANY water sports.

I grew up in a desert. There was no skiing of any kind. We did have some stock tanks to swim in, that was as sporty as it got with water.
Balance is ok but not great on the left since the ACL repair.
Been working on getting in better shape but I am sure skiing uses different muscles in different ways that would need to be specially targeted.
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Yesterday
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In reply to Cibalo • 11:20a, 3/22/25
AG
Cibalo said:
ChoppinDs40 said:
Cibalo said:
What are yalls thoughts on ski bikes? After this last trip my kids seem excited about skiing. My oldest probably needs another round of ski school and the younger one we will see. My wife and I have never skied but she has already bought kids ski suits for next year.

At some point we either need to learn so we can be with the kids, pay for private lessons for the kids one they get a little better, or we look at a ski bike.
I'm closer to 50 than 40 (damn) got a repaired ACL where the knee has never felt the same since and has now developed arthritis.

The ski bike looks like a fun and easy way to be on the slopes with the kids while being lower risk for injury. Looks like a lot of resorts allow them but some have restrictions on the type you can use.

So thinking about next year it is either get prepared to learn to ski or find a resort that allows ski bikes and a place to rent them. The main goal is just building memories with the kids.


Learn to ski. Have you water skied? Are you somewhat athletic?

You can learn to putt around on greens in a few days of lessons if you're somewhat in shape and have balance and done ANY water sports.

I grew up in a desert. There was no skiing of any kind. We did have some stock tanks to swim in, that was as sporty as it got with water.
Balance is ok but not great on the left since the ACL repair.
Been working on getting in better shape but I am sure skiing uses different muscles in different ways that would need to be specially targeted.


Anyone can learn to ski! I would do a couple of days with group lessons and you should be just fine going down greens. Then, if you are interested, I would spend money on a private lesson and you will be going down blues in one day with a private lesson.
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Cibalo
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11:32a, 3/22/25
This popped up in my feed today

https://www.mlive.com/life/2025/03/northern-michigan-resort-builds-massive-glacier-ski-run-that-could-last-until-memorial-day.html

Resort in Michigan is trying to keep a run open until Memorial Day.
Quote:
What if they could use a half dozen of the resort's new high-volume Super PoleCat snowmakers on its popular Victor intermediate-level ski run to keep piling up the snow.
What if, instead of just creating a great base and letting Mother Nature do the rest, they kept making snow every time the temperature dropped to the right level.
What if they made snow even during the day when the Victor run was in use, treating skiers to a Super PoleCat snowstorm?
What if their glacier lasted until May
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rather be fishing
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11:43a, 3/22/25
AG
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chickencoupe16
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In reply to Cibalo • 11:55a, 3/22/25
AG
Cibalo said:
ChoppinDs40 said:
Cibalo said:
What are yalls thoughts on ski bikes? After this last trip my kids seem excited about skiing. My oldest probably needs another round of ski school and the younger one we will see. My wife and I have never skied but she has already bought kids ski suits for next year.

At some point we either need to learn so we can be with the kids, pay for private lessons for the kids one they get a little better, or we look at a ski bike.
I'm closer to 50 than 40 (damn) got a repaired ACL where the knee has never felt the same since and has now developed arthritis.

The ski bike looks like a fun and easy way to be on the slopes with the kids while being lower risk for injury. Looks like a lot of resorts allow them but some have restrictions on the type you can use.

So thinking about next year it is either get prepared to learn to ski or find a resort that allows ski bikes and a place to rent them. The main goal is just building memories with the kids.


Learn to ski. Have you water skied? Are you somewhat athletic?

You can learn to putt around on greens in a few days of lessons if you're somewhat in shape and have balance and done ANY water sports.

I grew up in a desert. There was no skiing of any kind. We did have some stock tanks to swim in, that was as sporty as it got with water.
Balance is ok but not great on the left since the ACL repair.
Been working on getting in better shape but I am sure skiing uses different muscles in different ways that would need to be specially targeted.


I tore my ACL and meniscus the first time I ever skied. Knee still doesn't feel 100% but I've never had a problem while skiing since. Do get lessons the first time, though. Trying to figure it out with friends "helping" and crappy, icy conditions definitely contributed to my injury.
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evan_aggie
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1:15p, 3/22/25
AG
Wife was complaining about ski boot fitment with her wider feet and calves. Just bought a couple pair: Salamon QST Access 70 and some Nordic with calf adjustment.

Also bought a Smith Mission and Vantage MIPS to try out. Hopefully one of the two works.

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Bayou City
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In reply to evan_aggie • 4:19p, 3/22/25
Vantage MIPS Is what I ride. It's saved me from dying several times.
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Bayou City
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In reply to evan_aggie • 4:26p, 3/22/25
You want a boot w a high last width.

Low Volume (LV): 97-99mm
Mid Volume (MV): 99-101mm
High Volume (HV): 100-104mm

QST is 104. Only thing id say is a 70 is a SUPER low flex rating. My kids ski a higher rated R. 60 is the absolute lowest.
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Bayou City
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In reply to evan_aggie • 4:29p, 3/22/25
If she's having calf issues its likely how the boots being buckled and not the actual boot just through experience.

Most people don't know how to store or buckle boots properly. 99.6% of the time, If the last width and insoles are correct, if the heel isn't slipping and toes are snug and the ankle is firm, the discomfort is from what you're wearing and how you're buckling them. It's NOT the boot.
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evan_aggie
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5:15p, 3/22/25
AG
She had them buckled on the very last tooth. I do think she needs as much volume as possible. She just has a thicker legs and after pregnancy her feet got a little wider.

If both the boots I ordered feel just like her rentals, then I'll know the problem is something else. For all I know the Dalbello they rented us were normal 98?
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Max06
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In reply to evan_aggie • 6:33p, 3/22/25
AG
Those Solomons are pretty good for wide calves, single buckle upper vs double, shorter.
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RGRAg1/75
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In reply to Bayou City • 7:37p, 3/22/25
AG
Bayou City said:
Most people don't know how to store or buckle boots properly.

I store in my boot bag buckled about 1/2 as tight as I ride with a large desiccant pack.

Right? Wrong?
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rather be fishing
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8:13p, 3/22/25
AG


Had a big dump over night. Oldest finished her last day of ski racing with a home series race. She took 7th out of about 16 girls. We've got to get her off of riding a wedge.

https://www.instagram.com/share/p/BAI01ukcvH
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MouthBQ98
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8:34p, 3/22/25
AG
I was cursed with genetic big toe bunions and duck feet so I have to get wide last boots and do punches. I'm a EE width shoe. Bit good inserts and good work on the shell can make a huge difference. Get the right mondo and flex and let a mountain fitter do their magic. That second part is what I still need.
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Bayou City
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In reply to MouthBQ98 • 10:55p, 3/22/25
EE w a Ballerina arch.

Personally, I'd never rec people buy or rent a 3 strap boot.
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rather be fishing
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In reply to Bayou City • 11:04p, 3/22/25
AG
Bayou City said:
EE w a Ballerina arch.

Personally, I'd never rec people buy or rent a 3 strap boot.


I'm trying to find a pair of K2 BFCs for my wife. That's what I've seen online as the best non-rear entry for wide calves.
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MouthBQ98
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In reply to Bayou City • 7:13a, 3/23/25
AG
I looked some up as I hadn't really paid attention to them and they have all sorts of crazy designs. Some stuff looks like cosplsy boots for anime fans. I guess the idea is a shorter boot needs different strap arrangements? Points out guess for innovation and trying new things.

I wonder with someone with calf fit issues if it is the liner or shell that's the problem? Surely some manufacturers have a category of boot with deliberately somewhat shorter designs above the ankle for shorter people. Just 1-2cm could be a big difference. I am guessing someone somewhere might produce a listing of shorter vs taller boot designs.

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ChoppinDs40
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In reply to MouthBQ98 • 8:48a, 3/23/25
AG
Anime boots. lol

That's a funny visual. Crazy Goggles on top of head.


Anyone seen these in the wild yet?

https://www.apexskiboots.com/

I saw multiple pairs last week. These look like space age technology or the boots from Super Mario Brothers way back in the day.
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Jock 07
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8:53a, 3/23/25
AG
I noticed this year that I didn't see near the amount of folks telemarking down the hill as I have seen in the past.
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Pahdz
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In reply to ChoppinDs40 • 9:50a, 3/23/25
Look sorta like Dahu, these are all the rage in the Skiers of the Midwest Facebook group I'm in

https://skidahu.com/
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Lt. Joe Bookman
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In reply to rather be fishing • 11:32a, 3/23/25
AG
rather be fishing said:
Bayou City said:
EE w a Ballerina arch.

Personally, I'd never rec people buy or rent a 3 strap boot.


I'm trying to find a pair of K2 BFCs for my wife. That's what I've seen online as the best non-rear entry for wide calves.


When I switch from snowboarding to skiing years ago, I first got a pair of Atomic Hawx Magnas. They're very wide last. I don't have any experience with the BFCs though I now have a pair of Mindbender 120s. They've been pretty good except for having this annoying squeak when skiing.
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RGRAg1/75
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In reply to ChoppinDs40 • 12:11p, 3/23/25
AG
ChoppinDs40 said:
Anime boots. lol

That's a funny visual. Crazy Goggles on top of head.


Anyone seen these in the wild yet?

https://www.apexskiboots.com/

I saw multiple pairs last week. These look like space age technology or the boots from Super Mario Brothers way back in the day.

A buddy of mine talked to a guy running a pair and he said it was the best thing ever and worked like a champ. He could have also been hyping up his purchase to make himself feel better about it…
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MouthBQ98
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5:03p, 3/23/25
AG
An interesting concept. Basically toughen up the liner and design it to latch into the frame as it it were a partial shell. Designed appropriately I could see it working.
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Bayou City
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In reply to ChoppinDs40 • 9:12p, 3/23/25
They and Dahu are the fad running joke at shops and amongst locals. They're the Tesla driving, Spyder wearing, Mexico City/Monty "Experts" that can't load a chair but can YouTube phd you to death. We also laugh that most of them regardless of their height ski 163s. Along that same joke thread, It's a Miracle they don't use BOA. Scuttlebutt is that's next years up grade for the 2.0s. I'd never be caught dead in them jaja. Always someone wanting to remake the wheel to catch a fast buck before people see the light through the trees. Not at mad at it but lets just be honest; They're the NFTs of ski boots. In 2-3 years you'll see them and go those are from 2025 because they were a one hit wonder and we all shouldve known better.
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Pahdz
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In reply to Bayou City • 9:37p, 3/23/25
Kinda what I figured. I mean ski boots aren't made to be comfortable (or AS comfortable as regular shoes). I don't think I'll ever venture from traditional four buckles. Looking at some of these new fads I simply don't trust them
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evan_aggie
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In reply to Pahdz • 9:47p, 3/23/25
AG
I dunno.

4 buckles seems like overkill. I think the 3 buckle designs make sense for 95% of skiers.
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Bayou City
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In reply to evan_aggie • 10:16p, 3/23/25
100% disagree. Maybe 5% should be in 3 buckles. 3 buckles can't hold the flex that most people generate and they are naturally unbalanced and provide a less positive connection to the ski.
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Yesterday
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10:29p, 3/23/25
AG
Wife wears a three buckle. She also cruises blues and hardly shreds. She says it's the most comfortable boots she's worn. Definitely a market for them but I can see them being frowned upon by everyday skiers.
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Bayou City
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In reply to Yesterday • 10:35p, 3/23/25
They are 100% comfort. Kinda like the crocs of ski boots. The normal life cycle for us is the guest that's thinks everything is uncomfortable in the shop end up loving the QST Access. Then they go out and ski in a group and the difference in performance is noticiable even to a novice skier. After a day or two, they come back and want to try a new boot. At that point their foot has become acclimated to being in a ski boot, so that initial discomfort / block is gone and they can handle the new liner and come back and tell us how much better they were, faster they were, more in control they were w the new boot. I wouldn't say everytime, but probs 4/5.
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rather be fishing
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11:16p, 3/23/25
AG
I just order a pair of K2 BFC 75s and Atomic Hawx Magna 95s for the wife to try out and see if either of them will work for her. If that doesn't work, we'll probably look into a Nordica HF.
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evan_aggie
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In reply to Bayou City • 6:21a, 3/24/25
AG
Basic question: are you suggesting novice skiers stay say from 60-80 flex ratings, or stay away from 3 buckles?
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