Opening Day!

Stevens Pass:
The 2012-13 season starts tomorrow, Tuesday, November 20 at noon. Operating hours will be from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. tomorrow and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.  Tickets will be just $20 for guests on opening day.

Dry land training: The fun kind.

We are very excited to expand our program to include dry land training this season.   

Balance, fitness and body awareness are critical to improving as an skier or snowboarder.  We are pleased to offer professional coaching indoors on an Olympic trampoline. 

Training will be offered at SkyMania in Kirkland.  Our trampoline coach is a Level 3 U.S. Freestyle Aerial coach and passionate skier. 

Space is limited for each session.  You must RSVP in advance.

Our training begins at 7:00 PM but we ask that you arrive by 6:45 to get signed in.  Complete the waiver online in advance. (click on the link below) 

https://skyzoneseattle.pfestore.com/waiver/

Bring socks, sweats or shorts and a T shirt.  The facility is in a warehouse and it may be cool this time of year.  Bring water. 

Cost:  The first session is a mandatory introduction and orientation:  $40.00.  Subsequent training sessions:  $25.00 

Location:  SkyMania – 11801 NE 116^th Street, Suite B.  Kirkland, WA  98034   (right off 405 at 116^th, next to Subaru)  425-825-7599.  For more information about SkyMania visit:  http://www.skymaniatrampolines.com/

We have a lot of great events and opportunities this season.  Looking forward to sharing it with you.

Swap Meets

Swap Meets

If you missed the Ski Fever and Snowboard Show last weekend, there are still opportunities to get in on some used gear.

Tacoma Ski Swap:  Nov. 2nd - 3rd.  University of Puget Sound Tennis Pavilion
www.tacomaskiswap.com

SPVSP. Nov. 2nd - 4th. Red Hook Brewery, Woodinville

http://spvsp.org/Ski_Swap

Mercer Island Ski Swap:  Nov. 5th (8:30 - 2:00).  Islander Middle School Gym

http://www.mi-s​kiswap.com

Newport Snowsports Swap: Nov. 9th - 10th.  Newport High School, Bellevue
http://skiswap.info/

Nacho Ordinary Slopestyle

Slopestyle is my favorite freestyle event to watch.  It combines great riding with jumps, aerial manuevers, hard features like boxes and rails and, of course, style.

Spend your Cinco de Mayo at Stevens Pass for the Nacho Ordinary Slopestyle contest.  It's open to all ages and sure to be a ton of fun.

Register now at the link below:

http://ridestevenspass.com/news/2012/04/19/nacho-ordinary-slopestyle

Afraid to Bail

It was a big jump, over 40 feet from lip to knuckle.  The in run was long and steep, but not enough for a 10 year old to generate enough speed to clear it – at least not on a warmer day when the snow was slow.  Starting on the hill above the run in, he skated, then tucked through the line up carrying enough speed to air over the normal take off point.  Approaching the jump, he prepared for his maneuver.  Then, abruptly, the skis were thrown sideways and as he made an emergency stop inches from the lip.

Disappointed, he slowly skied back down the jump ramp and to the side of the run.  Head hung low, he slowly side stepped up lip of the landing and gently skied to the waiting area.

Moments later, an older and heavier rider got into his tuck and gunned it for the jump.  Good speed, good pop, but not enough. Coming down hard on the knuckle, his knee buckled.  His friends were there first, but patrol and their toboggan were needed to get him to the aid room.

It’s easy to get big air.  It’s also easy to get disappointed when other riders are taking it higher or farther.  Given the choice between short term disappointment and a season ender – make the smart choice.  Yes, skiing and snowboarding are risk sports.  Injuries can and will occur.  But, know your limits and know your game.  Scope it out, check your speed, make a plan and be aware of changing conditions.  If you’re not feeling the love, call it off.  Don’t hit the (insert the feature of your choice here).

We can all learn a lot from the 10 year old who bailed at the last second.  He’ll ride the rest of the day and the rest of the season.  And, I’ll put money on him learning more tricks this season than the kid on crutches.

Happy (and safe) riding!

Are you a young rider who thrives on steep terrain?  Then check out the upcoming freeride event at Crystal Mountain.  The competition is Saturday, March 24th.  It's open to girls and boys, ages 11 - 18.  Here is the link for more information:

http://www.crystalmountainresort.com/Events/1336/The-Crystal-Mountain-Triple-Crown-Day-Two-Washington-States-Junior-Freeride-Championship