Posts by Dshenberger

Merino wool is my favorite for base layers. Problem is: Icebreaker is really expensive. Sites like steapandcheap.com and tramdock.com really help out!

Sounds very interesting. I'll be curious to see if you notice a difference on the snow!

I had the measles when I was 19, and thought I was going to die. I was down to 135 lbs at 6'1". Quite an awful week. I've heard that the chicken pox are similar for adults. One ex-marine told me that it was worse than anything he had ever experienced in the military.

Amanda,

Twin tips are skis that have a curved back end as well. They are designed to make riding backwards (switch) easier, and facilitate switch landings. Another advantage in powder is: you have more "effective" length. For example, my twintips are 172. But, the actual contact length is about a 165. So, they handle like a 165, but float like a 172 in powder.

Dean

Shows how much I know, Bandit! I must just be used to skiing heavy skis because after my Tigersharks, these things feel like nothing! I only weigh 150 lbs. I'm certainly not an expert in the park, but I can do a flatland 180 with my 172's.

Scott Punishers! Awesome ski, and you should be able to find a good deal on them. Ski price should be less than $300 USD if you don't mind last years model, and you can pick up some Salomon Z12 Ti bindings for less than $200 US. Incredible ski! Right now I am using it for everything. Moguls, park, and our "lovely" spring conditions.

Tramdock, sometimes, is a better deal than pro rates. The problem is: it's addictive, and you can end up with a ton of gear.

Amanda,

He doesn't fall because his centrifugal force is greater than gravitational force. You just have to learn to trust. Of course, you need a ski with good edge grip and stability. Then all you have to do is get comfortable with the speed. It really helps to be able to ski a lot. I'm lucky enough to live within a few miles of a local hill, and I think Trencher is in a similar situation.

All the top brands make some great gloves. I have some Marmot Ultimate that are great down to about 25F(I get cold hands really easy!). Below that, I now use Mountain Hardwear Alpinist mitts. I am regularly tempted to buy some Hestra, but I have so many gloves now that I can't possibly justify it! I, also, have some Dakine Cobra that I wear when it's not to cold, or wet. They seem to be pretty well made. Full leather takes a while to dry if you are putting your hands in the snow a lot. . .

Mexicomark, I would suggest you check out some of the Arc'teryx gloves. They are quite nice for warmer weather. I have the Hardface, but they aren't waterproof. Also, the North Face Pamir is a great windstopper fleece with more length in the wrist. Price isn't bad if you can find it on sale.