Rider Plus

Rider+ Still Open for Business in Ivanhoe

2011-12-06T15:35:00.000+11:00

We are relocating our store to our 650 square metre warehouse at the rear of our Ivanhoe retail store. Our rental department and workshop will still be operating together with our expanded range of ski and snowboard equipment at GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE PRICES.

However our Trading hours will be reduced over the non winter months - with the exception of our online store.

We had made a deal to rent out the retail space over summer, however the deal with a National brand has been delayed.

So.........WE ARE STILL OPEN and our sale continues.

Plus, we have new ranges of 2012 product available now. Including the fantastic range from Eleven Outerwear.

We will be closing after Christmas.

Grab a bargain NOW!

http://www.riderplus.com.au/

Rider+ The Future.

2011-11-08T17:38:00.001+11:00

We "officially closed" our retail store at the end of September.

Next winter we will be bigger and better than ever in our new space - OUR WAREHOUSE at the rear of our old store located at 105 Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe.

For 2012 we will have a new entrance from Kenilworth Lane at the rear of the warehouse. By reducing our overheads and "off season" trading hours we will be able to offer an increased range of ski and snowboard gear at GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE prices.

We are currently selecting stock from suppliers who understand that the Old Pricing Model is broken.

Standby for the NEW Rider+ WAREHOUSE store.

Naturally our Online Store continues to trade 24/7.
Check Out the Bargain Bin. http://www.riderplus.com.au/bargain-bin/

Ivanhoe Store Closing Down.

2011-09-20T14:58:00.001+10:00

Rider+ in Ivanhoe, one of Australia’s oldest and largest snow stores has marked down merchandise in preparation for its eventual closure, which will happen in at the end of September.

If the writing wasn’t already on the wall for traditional retailers, it is now. Times have changed.

According to founder and CEO David Rouch. “Retail is about providing the right product at the right price at the right time. In the current global market we are willing and able to compete provided our cost base is low enough. Going forward this will involve expanding our online offering and reducing overheads throughout the non- winter months. We will work with suppliers that will enable us to be Globally Competive."

“Our current retail space is too valuable to occupy over summer and it will be offered to a mainstream retailer with year round trade who can take advantage of the vibrant street frontage."

Our online store will remain open for business and our warehouse will be open to the public for short term targeted promotions over next winter.

All current product is to be LIQUIDATED this month at up to 70% off.

We thank our customers and staff for their support and friendship over the last 32 years. We hope you have a lot of fun shopping this final sale.

http://www.riderplus.com.au/

Deciphering Rocker | Skiing Business

2011-09-07T10:48:00.002+10:00

Industry leaders may not agree on how the technology should be marketed, but brands concur that rocker skis help the industry.
“In some ways it changes the way skis ski as much as shape skis did at the time,” says Geoff Curtis, Marker-Völkl USA’s marketing vice president.
But buzzwords abound: reverse camber, flat camber, mixed camber, rocker-camber-rocker, early rise, tip rocker, tip-and-tail rocker, and plain old rocker. And many companies have their own words like Baseline and CamRock, so are consumers confused?

Read More.
Deciphering Rocker Skiing Business

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Platinum Pass & Mid Season Pass at Thredbo

2011-08-18T12:21:00.000+10:00

The Platinum Pass gives you year round unlimited access to Thredbo activities and adventures so you can experience the best that each season has to offer.

Here is what is included in your Thredbo Platinum Pass:
· Winter 2011 lift access.
· MyThredbo Card

PLUS Year round access to:
· Thredbo Leisure Centre pool & waterslide, gym, sports hall, and squash court
· Unlimited access to scenic chairlift rides
· Thredbo Bobsled
· Thredbo Golf Course
· Tennis
· Save 15% on retail items and ski, snowboard equipment and clothing hire
(recreational and executive) at Thredbo Sports Friday Flat or Valley Terminal

Choose to have the pass delivered straight to your door* or pick up at one of our convenient ticketing locations** when you arrive.
* Delivery allow 5 - 7 working days for delivery
** Jindabyne Ticket Office (Winter Only), Thredbo Resort: Friday Flat or Valley Terminal

Platinum Passes are required to have a photo.
To upload a photo to your profile please click here

With MyThredbo you can now purchase your lift tickets and other resort products online, loaded directly onto your pass so everything is ready before you arrive - which means you can head straight to the hill for more time on the snow. No more waiting in ticket lines, fumbling for passes or cold hands.

http://riderplus.com.au/news.html

2011-08-16T18:18:00.000+10:00

Get Super Value with the Spring Pass super deal, 2010 prices with an extra week of value.
Falls Creek and Hotham Alpine Resorts will again offer their Spring Pass for 2011. The pass will be released a week earlier than last year and will provide exceptional value for those wanting to get amongst this amazing snow.
"Falls Creek and Hotham have been experiencing a good winter with early season snowfalls, exceptional snowmaking opportunities and a good base" says Debbie Howie PR Falls Creek "There's plenty of the season to go and this spring pass will offer great value".
"The mountain is abuzz with winter snowsports enthusiasts who will appreciate this renewed offer and with our snowmaking systems firing when conditions allow, there should be some great snow across the mountain throughout Spring", says Belinda Trembath GM, Hotham Skiing Company.

Sam Perry by Matt Hull (Falls Creek)

Spring pass holders can ski and board at both Falls Creek and Hotham resorts for unlimited days for the rest of winter 2011, giving more value each time a passholder skis or rides. These passes are offered at $549 for adults, $439 Youth and $275 for children. This price has been held at the 2010 rate for this 2011 Spring Pass.
"The response to our new Spring Pass in the past couple of years showed that guests want to continue skiing for the whole season and it's great to be able to offer this opportunity to our valued spring skiers", said Belinda Trembath, GM Hotham Skiing Company.
Spring Pass holders can ski or board at Hotham and Falls Creek on as many days as they want from 29 August til the end of the snow season on 2 October. Passes can be picked up from the resort tickets offices from 3pm on August 22.
For details on each resort's Spring Pass please go to these websites:
www.skifalls.com.au/springpass
www.hotham.com.au/springpass http://www.riderplus.com.au/news.html

Blue Ribbon Open at Hotham - ALL LIFTS This Weekend.

2011-07-07T18:50:00.000+10:00

WHOLE MOUNTAIN TO OPEN AT HOTHAM THIS WEEKEND

Hotham Alpine Resort has more great news to report with a further 31cm of snow falling overnight, bringing our three day snowfall total to 64cm so far with still more snow in the forecast!

As a result of this perfect alpine weather including snowladen blizzards, Blue Ribbon Chairlift will open tomorrow and as of Saturday, the whole mountain will be open with Gotcha, Keogh’s and Orchard chairlifts all set to see some action too. Skiers and boarders will have reason to celebrate as these four lifts didn’t open after mid August in 2010.

The Basin Rail Park will be open this weekend with the first event of the A la Carte in the Park series that night, The Cheese and Crackered Rail Jam. Cobungra Platter Beginner lift at Dinner Plain also opened today.

The average natural snowdepth is currently 98cm - looking good for riding on a solid metre base by the weekend! Hotham’s grooming team has been hard at work to get the whole mountain open so early.

Early openings of Heavenly Valley Chairlift will also start this Saturday with the lift spinning from 7.30am for first tracks. This program is no extra cost with a valid lift pass and operates from Wednesday – Sunday each week (snow and weather dependent).

Don’t forget you can celebrate and ride Fri, Sat, Sun OR Sat, Sun, Mon THIS WEEKEND ONLY (8-11 July 2011) for $199 when you join the Snow Rewards Club for $49. http://www.riderplus.com.au/

Snow Glorious Snow

2011-07-05T09:25:00.002+10:00

Main range gets 30cm, Falls 21, Hotham 11 and Buller 8. Blizzard continues with another 20cm expected today.

2011-07-02T22:56:00.000+10:00

There's no excuse not to take the kids to the snow now that Falls Creek has a range of new packages.

It has always been a family-friendly alpine resort and now it has enhanced that attribute with a range of special packages. "Falls Creek’s focus on families has seen the resort cater specifically to kids and the needs of parents" says Michael Callahan GM Falls Creek "We’ve developed some great new packages to encourage families to try the resort and see what we have to offer".

The development of the four Terrain Parks is a large part of the family market appeal with teenagers and young kids getting amongst the rails, boxes and jumps.

A selection of apartment, hotel or ski lodge packages now includes free ski lift tickets for kids aged between 6-14 years, in mid season. There's also packages which offer either free or half price accommodation for young guests.

A three night lodge-style package, in a four-share family room, with a three day ski lift ticket and three days' snow equipment rental, costs from $906 per adult. Children are Free. The family group must consist of a minimum two adults and maximum two kids. Owing to the Free offer for children there's a limited number available between 24 July - 7 August. So be quick.

A shorter, two night option in a luxury apartment, costs from $899 per adult and $470 for a child aged 3-14 years. It also includes two breakfasts, two days ski or board rental, a two day ski lift pass for both adults and the good news for mum and dad, their children can get their chair lift passes free, which is a good reason to take the kids to the snow!! Valid between 24 July - 5 August. There is a limited number of Kids Ski Free packages so get in early.

"Falls Creek has Victoria’s highest snowfalls with great skiing and boarding available so is the perfect choice for families to enjoy a snow break" says Callahan.

Contact Falls Creek Reservations on 1800 45 35 25 and be the first to secure one of these limited Kids Ski Free packages. Check www.skifalls.com.au/KidsSkiFree

For further media information contact Debbie Howie 0417 572 228

Access to Mount Hotham this Winter.

2011-07-02T14:20:00.000+10:00

Resort permits will no longer be sold at resort entry points. You must purchase your permits online BEFORE your journey.

You can purchase your entry here.
http://www.mthotham.com.au/travel/entry/

The Mount Hotham Resort Management Board is excited to announce the implementation of Alpine Easy Access Resort Entry system. Alpine Easy Access brings to Hotham the next generation in resort entry, a first for Australian ski resorts.
You can now purchase you resort entry online in the comfort of your own home or office, eliminating the need to process the permit transaction at the entry gates. So by having no permits for sale at the gates, there will be no more waiting in traffic queues on the road. It's a quick and easy ticketless system designed to give you less time in the car, and more time on the slopes!

http://www.riderplus.com.au/

Good News for opening Weekend.

2011-06-09T00:03:00.000+10:00

Hotham open for skiing this weekend

hotham: 8-6-2011 Hotham welcomes a snowy season opening with three lifts to open. With at least 30cm of snowfall in the last week and further snowfalls forecast, Hotham Alpine Resort and Dinner Plain Village are gearing up for what promises to be a chilly but action-packed Opening Weekend from 10 - 13 June.
Hotham's snowmaking team has also been hard at work supporting Mother Nature by producing over 40,000 cubic metres of snow with the snowguns still going! The most exciting news is the resort has confirmed at least three lifts will open - Big D, Summit Trainer and Playground (to mid load) - with lift tickets at $49 ($24 for a child or $39 youth).
"We are very excited about this week's snowfalls at Hotham, providing us with a fantastic start to the season and our visitors with another reason to celebrate this Opening Weekend. As well as three lifts open and heavily discounted lift passes, we'll also have snowsports lessons running and fun events for the whole family," says Belinda Trembath, Hotham Skiing Company General Manager.

Bumper opening at Buller

buller: 8-6-2011 Mt Buller today announced bumper plans for Opening Weekend with four lifts scheduled to run this Saturday including the Wombat Chairlift which has never before turned on the first day of the season.
Ideal wintry conditions for snow lovers have blasted the mountain since last weekend with 27cms of natural snow blanketing the resort and an average cover of 40cms measured across snowmaking areas by Ski Patrol this morning.
The snowguns have almost run continuously since Sunday across Mt Buller with sub zero temperatures firmly in place all week and expected through to Friday.
"We couldn't ask for a better lead in to the season" said Laurie Blampied, Buller Ski Lifts General Manager watching the snow guns firing outside his office.

Fallscreek open for skiing this weekend

fallscreek: 8-6-2011 Falls Creek has been inundated with snow this week and with the sub zero temperatures, the snowmakers have been going great guns adding to the natural snow base. The snowmaking has been operating none stop for the past 40 hours taking advantage of the extreme cold temperatures, dropping as low as minus 7C
Around 20cm of snow has fallen this week and predictions are for more by the weekend, up to 50cm

http://riderplus.com.au/

Its Freezing - and its GREAT!

2011-06-07T14:48:00.000+10:00

AN ANTARCTIC blast sweeping Victoria will stay until Thursday, bringing hail and thunder, high winds and snow.
The state is set to shiver through the night as the winter blast ushers in one of the coldest June days in 18 years.
The cold front developing in the state’s west has already brought white-knuckle conditions in many areas, and as the winds shift from the north-west to the south-west the big chill will grip even tighter.
"There's quite a vigorous cold front coming up from the Southern Ocean," senior forecaster Phil King said.
"There will be widespread showers, tending to rain and, in areas, hail and thunderstorms."
Today fellow meteorologist Andrea Peace said while Melbourne had reached 10.2C just after midnight, and in most suburbs was hovering around 9C, the apparent temperature was much lower.

It is the coldest day since the state got an early winter taste on May 11.
“When you’re outside the humidity and winds makes it feel much more like 4-5C,” Ms Peace said.
The average temperature for the city at this time of year is 14.3C.
By lunchtime, the bureau had already begun recording heavy downpours in parts of the state while in Melbourne local hail and thunder could develop across the city, particularly in the eastern suburbs.

“We’re starting to see thunderstorms pop up around the state,” she said.
Wind gusts were also expected to peak up to 70km/h in the eastern suburbs, with gale warnings issued between the SA border and Gabo Island, with seas up to 7m.
Port Phillip Bay can expect waves up to 2m, with squalls up to 45 knots.
Meantime, sheep graziers in a huge swathe of the state from the Wimmera to West Gippsland, and the North East forecast district have been warned to protect sheep and lambs, amid “a high risk of losses” in current conditions.
She said the showers and possible hail were expected to continue tomorrow, with the low pressure system that had developed in Bass Strait not expected to abate until Thursday.
“Today, Wednesday and Thursday will all be wet, windy and cold,” she said.
Tomorrow's forecast top is 11C, but the bureau says if it is reached it will be brief, with the rest of the day in single digits.
Rain, hail and thunder are also likely tonight, and bitter 90km/h gusts.
Ms Peace also said it was not expect to reach more than 0C in the alpine areas.
“We’ve got quite a bit of cloud cover and shower activity, which is falling as snow.”
She said the expected falls on the Dandenongs overnight tonight happened about once a year, as the snow falls in areas down to 500m.
Even Ballarat has a "marginal chance of snow" Tuesday night and Wednesday.
"It should set up the alpine areas very well going into the long weekend."
But the big chill is great for snow bunnies, with ski resorts likely to get a dump of fresh snow in time for the Queen's Birthday long weekend season opening.
Gale-force winds are tipped for the central, Melbourne and Gippsland areas, and livestock alerts are likely to be issued.
The Dandenongs and Macedon Ranges can expect a blanketing, and Ballarat locals could wake to a white streetscape.
If Melbourne's maximum dips to 9.8C, it will be the coldest June top for 18 years.
Mt Buller expects a -6C icy minimum tomorrow and a -3C still-freezing top.
"We're very excited," Mt Buller's Gillian Dobson said.
"We are certainly optimistic we're going to be open for skiing and snowboarding this weekend."
brownt@heraldsun.com.au http://riderplus.com.au/news.html

Best Range of Ski Boots Ever

2011-05-23T15:50:00.000+10:00

With pride we announce our range of ski boots for 2011.

Nordica
Tecnica
Salomon
Atomic
Full Tilt

We have a ski boot for everyone and.........guaranteed fitting.

Check them out here. http://www.riderplus.com.au/ski-boots/

Warren Miller Time - a Little Preview

2011-05-17T15:47:00.000+10:00

"wintervention"

you just know that winter and all things snowy are around the corner when the latest Warren Miller hits town.......

Check dates here http://www.warrenmiller.com.au/

http://www.riderplus.com.au/

Perisher Opening Friday 20 May 2011

2011-05-17T15:36:00.001+10:00

Perisher, will be opening this Friday thanks to the early snow falls, low temperatures and continued snow making last week.
Three weeks ahead of the official opening, Perisher will be the first resort to open in Australia, offering lift tickets for only $30 adults and $15 children (per day) for Friday 20th and Saturday 21st May.

The resort will open Front Valley with the Mitchell T-Bar on Friday and the V8 chairlift on Saturday.

WHAT: Perisher opens early - lift tickets only $30 adults, $15 children. Ticket proceeds from the two days will go to charity

2011-05-17T15:32:00.000+10:00

Salomon have a range of ski boots that are a great step forward in my opinion regards fitting, it’s called Custom Shell. The technology has been around for a couple of seasons but is becoming more prevalent throughout the range, the heat moldable area is a product called “Kaprolene” and basically deforms when warmed to a temperature of approximately 80 degrees Celsius, it does not have memory and can give up too an additional 6mm of width where required. The shell starts out as a 98 /100mm last but if heated and the customer puts it on and wears it while it cools down the fit sets at that shape.
Check them out here.

This is What should sell this year according to SIA America

2011-05-16T14:33:00.000+10:00

According to SIA's market research, the categories that saw the biggest growth were related to developing ski and snowboard technology and the trend toward venturing beyond resort boundaries.

Reverse and mixed camber skis posted the greatest gains as a category, with sales finishing up 134 percent in units and roughly 54,000 pairs of skis sold. Sales for reverse camber snowboards also increased by 42 percent in units sold. Alpine skis in the 80 to 110 millimeter waist category increased, with 74,000 units sold this winter compared to 47,000 units in 2009-'10.

Equipment sales for alpine touring and randonee rose by 87 percent in units sold, with boot sales in this category rising by 126 percent.

25cm at Falls Creek

2011-05-12T13:57:00.000+10:00

Early Natural Snow & Snowmaking Starts!

This week temperatures across Australia have really dropped, reminding us that the 2011 snow season isn't far away now, and winter has well and truly arrived early at Falls Creek.

This week Falls Creek has recieved it's second major pre-season snowfall for the year, receiving around 25cm already this week, the bulk of which fell yesterday, and it'll continue to snow for the rest of the week.

Cold temps down to -6 degrees overnight and averaging -5.2 degrees last night have meant that snowmaking has kicked off early at Falls Creek.

Snowmaking has started on Main St (Towers), Drovers, Tom Thumb, and Wombas Ramble.

15-20cm at Buller - May 11th 2011

2011-05-12T13:54:00.000+10:00

15-20cm at Buller
buller: 11-5-2011
15-20cms of beautiful fresh snow covering Mt Buller Victoria today
The mountain staff at Mt Buller awoke to a deep, dry snowfall across the resort and were out celebrating the early beginning of the winter this morning.

Attached photo shows the transformation of the resort - one month early - for the start of the snow season on the June long weekend.

Mountain maintenance workers were excited by the snowfall but faced some unique challenges with the significant snowfall as they headed to work today.

The USSA Announces Launch of US Freeskiing Brand

2011-05-07T09:32:00.000+10:00

The USSA Announces Launch of US Freeskiing Brand

Tech Talk - Rocker v Early Rise

2011-05-03T17:49:00.002+10:00

Tech Talk - Episode 23 - Rocker vs. Early Rise from 4FRNT Skis on Vimeo.

http://www.riderplus.com.au/news.html

Don't Miss Warren Millers Intervention

2011-05-03T15:45:00.000+10:00

Do you have a skiing or snowboarding problem? Do you always take "just one more" run? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, it is time for a Wintervention. Narrated by skiing icon Jonny Moseley, Warren Miller’s Wintervention is the definitive solution for the snow-obsessed. Wintervention takes riders like Chris Davenport, Jonny Moseley and Lindsey Vonn on a global tour of Alaska, Norway, Antarctica and beyond… delivering a successful Wintervention for all of us in need. Warren Miller films attract a cult-like following and mark the official start of winter for sports enthusiasts everywhere. Check warrenmiller.com.au for details.

http://riderplus.com.au/news.html

Buy Local at Global Prices

2011-04-29T17:16:00.005+10:00

The 2011 Snow Season is nearly upon us and the Snow Forecast is looking positive.

Our has been stuffed with more ski and snowboard clothing and equipment that will help you ski and ride better at prices that are GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE.

We invite you to take advantage of these unheard of prices for a Short time ONLY.
http://www.riderplus.com.au/bargain-bin/

Long Range Snow Forecast from Snowatch

2011-04-27T11:17:00.000+10:00

Season 2011 early season outlook:
I see the current La Nina pattern weakening over the next month or so. With this the SOI (Southern Oscillation Index) will drop from the high positive reading it has been since last July. This would normally mean that the above average rainfall that we have seen over SE Australia over the last six to nine months will start to ease back to more normal levels.

Coastal waters off Western Australia have had record high water temperatures over the last few months. When this moves down the coast into the Great Australian Bight via the strengthening Leeuwin Current during May we should see the probability of a cold front picking up added moisture increase.

From June onwards we shouldn’t see as much moisture from the north being dragged into the mountains from the NW which is a good sign as this usually falls as rain in the Alpine areas.

At the moment I see a fairly slow start to the season unless the La Nina breakdown happens faster than first thought. A pattern of slow blocking high pressure systems should block most cold fronts from reaching the alpine areas with any great strength during May (which is fairly normal for this time of year).

With the SOI readings decreasing the SE of Australia and the Alpine areas should see average to slightly below average rainfall for May and most of June. Large blocking high pressure systems should dominate the SE much of the time with warmer than average daytime temperatures. There will be some cool crisp nights (good for snowmaking) but I think these may be scarce leading into the early part of the season.

When comparing historical data and patterns with current anomalies I see more positives than negatives and as such see a good snow season coming. A slow start which is normal with light snowfalls for early June, unless SOI drops dramatically in May, which would mean good snowfalls may come earlier.

If we see the SOI levels hover around the +3 to +8 area in late June-July (which I see as a real possibility) we could see some very good snowfalls, not the smaller falls we have been used to over the last few years but falls around 70-100cm due the the cold fronts reaching further north that last season.

Looking back over the last 30 years some of the best snowfalls have been on a weakening La Nina (1981, 1996, 2000). Although having said that there have been quite a few average La Nina years. A positive is that the worst seasons (1982, 1993, 2006) have been the opposite El Nino (drier pattern) years.

With all of the above falling into line I feel July and August could see some very good dumps of snow from intense storm activity which should see the snow depth increase dramatically. I’d be surprised if the Victorian resorts didn’t finally crack the2m mark and NSW could even be up around 2.5m by the end of August.

I’ll be monitoring any changes in patterns leading up to the season and will advise of any changes or information that may strengthen my views.

Pete (The Frog) Taylor

(Please note: anyone publishing/copying any of the above material please quote the source as snowatch.com.au)
http://riderplus.com.au/news.html

Ski Half Pipe In for Next Olympics

2011-04-07T22:27:00.001+10:00

Ski Halfpipe Gets the Go-Ahead for Sochi Winter Olympic Games 7th of April 2011
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Source - ESPN

Men's and women's ski halfpipe has been added to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, the International Olympic Committee announced Wednesday in London.

Men's and women's snowboard slopestyle and men's and women's ski slopestyle were not added to the program at this time.

"This is a great day," Christophe Dubi, the IOC's sports director, said. "A decision will be made in the coming month (regarding slopestyle) after further feasibility study. We need our experts to review the situation with the organising committee, FIS (skiing's governing body) as well, prior to making a final decision." Dubi confirmed that a decision on slopestyle is expected in a "matter of weeks."

For the upcoming slopestyle decision, the IOC is sending a team to Sochi to conduct a feasability report. "We need extra information about the capacity for the athletes and the spectators in the region," said IOC President Jacques Rogge at a later press conference at the London meetings. "If you add more events, you need more slopes and more access for spectators and technicians."

Ski halfpipe athletes are excited about the news. "I've always wanted to go to the Olympics, so this is a dream come true," Canadian pipe skier Mike Riddle said. "I've been pushing for ski halfpipe inclusion for years now, so this makes my goal very clear for the next three years. This is basically a life-changing decision for me."

For slopestyle athletes, the decision is bittersweet. "I'm happy they're accepting a little bit of freeskiing in there. But I'm also super disappointed," 2010 Winter X ski slopestyle champion Sammy Carlson said. "They've been working at pipe longer than slope and there's been a lot of hype of ski pipe getting in, so I understand. But to me, it makes more sense to accept slopestyle: Kids everywhere who ski their local hill can get into jumps and rails, but not every ski area has a halfpipe. Kids can relate more to slopestyle."

Ski halfpipe will make its first Olympic-level appearance in January 2012 at the first Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck.

The IOC's debate on ski halfpipe and ski and snowboard slopestyle has been more than 10 months in the making.

In June 2010, FIS voted to support ski halfpipe in its bid to become a medal event for men and women. This met essential IOC criteria that sports be affiliated with a recognised international federation before gaining Olympic status.

Another step forward occurred in September 2010, when the IOC program commission met in Lausanne, Switzerland, and recommended ski halfpipe for inclusion to the IOC executive board.

The freeskiing community expected a decision at the IOC executive board meeting in October in Acapulco, Mexico, but instead, the governing body said it would wait and see what happened at the world championships of sports up for consideration.

The good news? At that meeting, the IOC confirmed that ski and snowboard slopestyle were up for review as well.

Because the IOC requires Olympic sports to participate in established competition series with standardised judging formats, the freeskiing competition landscape shifted during the 2010-11 season. The U.S. Grand Prix, an established qualifier for the U.S. Olympic snowboarding team, added ski halfpipe for the first time. The FIS freestyle world championships added a slopestyle event for the first time, and IOC official Walter Bieber attended as a spectator.

Throwing snowboard slopestyle into the mix has had a ripple effect through the snowboarding community. Athletes chafed at the idea that FIS, a ski organisation, would continue to govern their sport and that the addition of Olympic qualifying events to an already crowded competition schedule would push athletes too far. Terje Haakonsen encouraged snowboarders to have a voice, asking them to sign his 180 Olympic Charter. Chas Guldemond and other top slopestyle riders founded We Are Snowboarding in solidarity.

The IOC also wins, bringing in a sport that appeals to a young demographic and giving the Olympic Games more universal appeal. At the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the live coverage of Shaun White's gold medal in snowboarding halfpipe helped NBC capture 30.1 million viewers in the U.S.

"Involving freeskiing in the Olympics will bring a younger, fresher, edgier feel to the Olympics, similar to how snowboarding halfpipe did," pipe and slopestyle skier Gus Kenworthy said. "I'm eagerly awaiting the 2014 Games and can't wait to see what the incorporation of freeskiing will do both for the Olympics and for our sport."

Women's ski jumping, biathlon mixed relay, figure skating team event and luge team relay also were added to the Olympic program.

Matt Sterbenz and the creation of 4FRNT ski

2011-04-04T10:29:00.001+10:00

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Earlier this week I had the opportunity to speak with Matt Sterbenz, founder of 4FRNT skis, about his company, the athletes that define it and its humble beginnings in Tahoe.

While our conversation covered many aspects of the company's history, direction and philosophy, one theme rang clear throughout the whole conversation: 4FRNT is attempting to funnel the needs and desires of skiers into their product by giving athletes ownership in the company and letting them do their own designing. In this way, 4FRNT aims to embrace the culture of skiing, while making positive and impactful contributions to its evolution. 4FRNT has its eyes on the slope and builds skis based on what skiers see and experience.

Like many people who have made Tahoe home, Sterbenz wasn't brought up here. Born and raised in Illinois, he cut his teeth in the downhill world on the snow-blown bumps of the midwest. Skiing resorts with too little vert to satisfy the needs of a young man looking for speed and air, he quickly learned that moguls were the best way to get more bang for his buck. However, it wasn't until he visited his friends who had ventured out to California that his eyes were opened to the possibilities that only big mountain terrain features provide.

Back in the 1990s, snowboarding was overrunning the Alpine world. In many ways skiing had become stagnant and unappealing to an energetic youth who saw ski resorts as the ultimate playground. In large part this was due to narrow focus and industry domination of European ski companies obsessed with downhill racing. Here in America, kids wanted to free-ride and race skis weren't providing the technical advantages needed to push the sport to new heights. In contrast, snowboarding was breaking new ground, both on the steeps and in the air.

It was in this climate change and conflict that Sterbenz came onto the Tahoe scene. Working whatever jobs kept him on the slopes the most, Sterbenz was ripping up the runs at Squaw Valley and beyond. His skills eventually gained him a sponsorship from Fischer. However, he felt that the Austrian company was lagging behind the demands in the emerging free ride market. Asking for twin-tipped, near-center mounted skis, he felt like the mainstream companies were dragging their heals.

Regardless of the reluctance of some manufactures to produce innovative skis based on new demands, talented young skiers were pushing themselves to do new tricks in the air, while sliding down hill in loose, self-expressive new styles. Yet the feeling remained that free riding didn't have a place in the rigid world of traditional skiing and the competitions built around it.

By the late 1990s, skiers started to look around for new options. It was at this time that skiing redefined itself. In many ways, California was leading this revolution. Gleaning novel insight from the snowboard industry, skiers started to look at their boards with new eyes. It was within this climate that Sterbenz started to break away from traditional ski design and create new ski models based on what his experience told him the needs were for this new generation of rippers.

At first Sterbenz saw himself as a ski design think tank of sorts, wherein he would sell his novel ideas to other manufactures to build and market. However, this idea ran him smack-dab into the old world skiing paradigm. It became clear that he would have to cast out on his own and claim a share of the new school skiing market. In 2002 4FRNT skis were born.

The road to the successful ski company it is today is more of story than I have space here to tell. However, what matters most is the idea that Sterbenz has brought to fruition. Pros skiing for the company would be part owners in that company. By these means, 4FRNT athletes would use their person and their image to sell their line. Each pro rider would create a signature product that would pass fluidly from the athlete's mind, onto paper, into the press, onto the slope for tests and eventually into the shops for the consumer to buy and use.

Sturbenz explained that with athlete-ownership of the company, the success or failure of a ski is ultimately in the hands of the pro who brought it into existence. Participation in the process is paramount. And as a result, 4FRNT has never had a ski flop when it went to market.

Sterbenz describes this process as putting the pro back in the sport. It is not good enough any longer to just be a ripping skier.

“You have got to walk the walk and talk the talk,” he said. By this standard, skiers wanting to make it in this highly competitive industry must not only ski well, but transfer that skill into new ski designs, and ultimately the promotion of their new product. A tall order, no doubt.

However, 4FRNT has attracted some of the best skiers in the industry as a result of their flat management structure and willingness to let the skier make the decisions about their product. It should be mentioned that local legend CR Johnson was a member of the 4FRNT team before his untimely death last year. His skis remain in the line today and are great tool to handle the heavy and huge conditions that maritime mountain ranges, particularly the Sierra Nevada, dish out in ample servings.

Regarding his pro model, CR Johnson said: “I worked with an engineer for two months to develop the breakthrough: half normal camber and sidecut, half reverse camber and sidecut shape. This ski has revolutionized the sport of skiing for me by opening up a whole world of ways a ski can preform.”

And that gets right to the heart of it: 4FRNT makes skiers for people who live to ski and ski to live.

4frnt Australia

By Nicholas Miley
Special to the Tribune

2011-03-28T12:32:00.000+11:00

Hot on the heels of news yesterday that Alex Chumpy Pullin has been crowned snowboard cross World Cup tour champ, comes word that Nate Johnstone has rivalled Chumpy's efforts on the Halfpipe World Cup Tour.

While on the women's side Holly Crawford has capped off another successful year with a second place overall finish, as well as a second place on the podium at the final event in Arosa, Switzerland.

Big congats to both of them for their efforts. This is the first time Australia has ever had a world cup champion in halfpipe and is a huge credit to the riding of Nate who looks to have progressed his riding even further since breaking his ankle in the lead up to last year's Olympics. Check the height of the shot in the release below. By the end of the pipe most riders are going smaller than what they do at the start of the run.

Killing it Nate!

http://www.riderplus.com.au/

Subaru World Freeskiing Tour. Live.

2011-03-12T12:40:00.000+11:00

Bored? Don't want to work? Then watch the live feed of the Freeskiing World Tour stop at Snowbird! of http://fb.me/WbfD6iX4 http://fb.me/WbfD6iX4

riderplus.com.au

US Open Live on Demand

2011-03-12T12:32:00.000+11:00

Burton US Open Live here

Super Pass is back

2011-03-12T12:18:00.000+11:00

fallscreek: 8-3-2011

Ski and ride three resorts on one pass in 2011

The three resort Super Pass is back! Opening up more terrain for skiers and snowboarders across NSW and Victoria, the Super Pass is now on offer for the third year in a row.

Snowsports enthusiasts can choose to ski or ride at Falls Creek and Hotham in Victoria, plus Perisher in NSW, all season on the one pass. That's access to a total of 2015 hectares of terrain.

Guests who purchase their Super Pass prior to Sunday 19 June, 2011 will automatically go into the draw to win their pass for FREE. A draw will be made at each participating Super Pass resort which means there are three FREE Super Passes up for grabs!
The 2011 Super Pass will be available for purchase at anytime from today until the season ends, it's yours when you want to buy it. Ski and ride til your heart's content across three of Australia's major resorts for only $1449 (adults) and $818 (children, secondary students and seniors).

For those who intend to stay in Victoria only, the Falls Creek and Hotham joint season pass is on offer at earlybird prices until 27 May, 2011 for $1199 (adults) and $672 (children).

Full-time Tertiary students can head on up to both resorts all season for only $723 on the earlybird rate whilst Seniors can head up for $725 (65-69 years of age). After 70 years of age it's FREE!

Belinda Trembath, GM of Hotham Skiing Company, is pleased to be able to offer guests the Super Pass again this year.

"We look forward to welcoming NSW visitors to Hotham and Falls Creek. The terrain across each resort is so diverse and the Superpass makes it easy for our guests to experience it all," she said.

Falls Creek Ski Lifts GM, Michael Callahan says predictions are for a wet and cold winter, which hopefully means a bumper snow season ahead for all to enjoy.

"If this is the case, the question won't be IF to buy a season pass, it'll be which one to buy and where to ski next. Guests wanting to ski Hotham and Falls Creek should take advantage of earlybird season pass prices available until 27 May," he explained.

Guests with a joint Season Pass or Super Pass can ride both Hotham and Falls Creek in the same day with the Helicopter Link (weather dependent) taking only six minutes to fly between resorts.

For more information or to purchase the Superpass, visit;

www.skifalls.com.au/SuperPass 

http://www.hotham.com.au/superpass

riderplus.com.au

The Snowiest Month in Colorado

2011-03-12T12:05:00.000+11:00

Rider+ usa: 9-3-2011

Snow Totals from Past 48 Hours Catapult Colorado into its Snowiest Month

Denver, Colo. - March 8, 2011 - The beginning of this week delivered healthy amounts of snow to each of Colorado Ski Country USA's (CSCUSA) 22 resorts. The fresh snow helped some resorts reach benchmark totals for the season, while for others, resulted in yet another classic Colorado spring storm blanketing runs for March skiing and riding.

During the past 48 hours, Silverton's 28 inches led the way for the state, while Telluride's 14 inches and Winter Park's five inches gave skiers and riders amazing conditions in which to play.

Colorado's Yampa Valley - March 8 2011Monarch's 16 inches and Crested Butte's seven inches kicked off their spring skiing on a great note. In the northern part of the state, With nearly 30 feet of snow this winter Steamboat's 10 inches allowed that resort to reach another accumulation milestone for the season - helping Ski Town U.S.A. record a "four-wire winter," which is when the snow stacks up past the resort's fourth row of fence wires.

Aspen's four resorts varied in 48 hour storm totals. Snowmass lead the way with three inches while Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk also reported fresh snow.

Australia's first snowboarding World Championship gold medal.

2011-01-20T15:46:00.000+11:00

Alex "Chumpy" Pullin rewrote the record books last night in La Molina, Spain, by capturing Australia's first snowboarding World Championship gold medal.

The 23-year-old AIS scholarship holder from Mansfield/Mt Buller, stood on top of the world after a resounding win in the snowboard cross final, downing two Americans, dual Olympic gold medalist Seth Wescott and six time X-Games winner Nate Holland.

An elated Pullin said that he was motivated to do well at these championships by the huge disappointment he suffered at last year's Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada, where he set the fastest time in qualifying only to finish in 17th due to a racing mishap.

"I was gutted after the Olympics because I went there ready to win.I now know that you learn more when you don't win and things don't go well."

"A fire was lit inside of me when the Olympics ended and at that time I identified these championships as the target to go after," the number two in the world recalled.

"From that moment I focused all my energy and thinking on the World Championships and for it to all come together is surreal.

"As I crossed the line today my mind exploded with a bunch of emotions. Initially, when I realised I had won the World Championship, it was excitement. Then there was some relief because until winning today everything is up in the air. And then I experienced happiness like I've never felt before."

Under the direction of AIS head snowboard coach, Ben Wordsworth, Pullin underwent a punishing training block specifically designed by Winter Sports physiologist, John Marsden, in readiness for this year's northern hemisphere's season, which has already provided two podium finishes and a current World Cup ranking of two.

His supreme fitness, race strategy preparation, focus and an abundance of talent enabled him stand on podium's highest step proudly holding the Australian flag while Olympic medalists, the defending World Champion, Austria's Markus Schairer, and other elite boarders looked on.

But he had to endure the fight of his career to get there, surviving knock out races against the current dual Olympic gold medalist Seth Wescott on three occasions throughout the final day of the snowboard cross championship.

After qualifying in fourth place behind Schairer, Frenchman Pierre Vaultier and Italian ace Luca Matteotti, Pullin won his first knockout final in the round of 32 in convincing style.

He then went on to edge out Wescott in the four man quarter final encounter before finishing second to the American in a drama packed semi-final, a race that could have wiped out Pullin's championship dream.

Pullin described his semi-final start as the worst of his career, causing the Australian to fall back to third for the first half of the race. Had he remained there, Pullin would have been relegated to the consolation final, lamenting another golden opportunity.

For a flashing moment in the semi, he recalled the disappointment of Vancouver and made his move. He knew that bank two of the 20-feature 650-metre course was critical to his championship dream. He was bolstered by the thought that he had ridden bank two brilliantly all week in training, so he attacked.

He gathered speed coming out of bank two and was able to make a daring pass on the next turn to grab second behind his main rival Wescott, which enabled him to qualify for the championship round.

Pitted against Wescott for the third time for the day, Pullin delivered a flawless performance in the final, leading from start to finish, and etched his name in the record books.

Displaying his typical magnanimous and unselfish nature, the affable Australian said that he hoped the win would bolster the fortunes of his sport and ignite a passion in future generations of boarders.

"To see that an Aussie has won a World Championship will only help grow snowboarding, which is a sport that I have a huge passion for," he said.

Olympic Winter Institute of Australia CEO Mr Geoff Lipshut described the history making win as a huge catalyst for snowboard & snow sports in Australia.

"This is a fantastic result by Chumpy and his team, a real testament to his personal effort and self-belief after the extreme disappointment at the 2010 Olympics," Mr Lipshut said.

Pullin joins a select group of Australian winter sport athletes who have won World Championships, consisting of Kirstie Marshall (Aerials), Jacqui Cooper (Aerials), Alisa Camplin (Aerials), Dale Begg-Smith (Moguls), Zali Steggall (Alpine) and Men's 5000m Relay team (Speed Skating).

Stormwatch - Mammoth - with 3m in three days... are there words?

2010-12-21T17:07:00.001+11:00

Snow across the Australian Snowy Mountains a week before Christmas is pretty heroic so special credit to Mother Nature for that (though it could be a litter warmer in the cities please) But the real hero this week just has to be Mammoth's 10ft (that's 304cm!) storm...

Mammoth - with 3m in three days... are there words?

France - the Southern and Northern Alps scored big from the same storm that snow-bound London

Niseko - a decent metre or so and Niseko is Ja-Pow once more

The snow forecast heros:

Santa's bringing a lot of Christmas frosting to the Northern Hemisphere this week

150cm for Mammoth again, crazy
Zermatt with over 40cm before Christmas
Lake Tahoe, the California/Tahoe resorts will potentially get a 1m Christmas present

Last week's highlights:

The Nike 6.0 Open, the first stop on the Winter Dew Tour at Breckenridge saw the world's best skiers and snowboarders establish the hierarchy for season 2011, with Simon Dumont, Alexis Godbout, Louie Vito, Queralt Castellet, Torstein Horgmo, and Jamie Anderson earning top of the pecking order. Find out more .

The opener of the World Cup ski cross season, with Aussie Scott Kneller winning World Cup gold - Australia's first - in the second race of the season

Highlights this week:

18 - 21 December 2010 FREESTYLE WORLD CUP - Moguls and aerials. Beida Lake, China

18 - 19 December 2010 FREESTYLE WORLD CUP - skier X. Innichen/San Candido, Italy.

19 December 2010 ALPINE SKIING WORLD CUP, Alta Badina, Italy. Mens GS

21 December 2010 ALPINE SKIING WORLD CUP, Courchevel, France. Women's slalom

27 - 29 December 2010 ALPINE SKIING WORLD CUP, Bormio, Italy. Men's downhill

28 - 29 December 2010 ALPINE SKIING WORLD CUP Semmering, Austria. Women's slalom and GS

If we could pick anywhere this week, we'd be: Silly question, Mammoth of course, we'd possibly sell our own grandmothers to get to Mammoth right now.

Summer Snow in Australia Dec 2010

2010-12-21T17:00:00.000+11:00

The NSW Snowy Mountains and Victorian High Country experienced a temporary return to winter on the weekend with around 10cm of snow falling down to 1600m in the snow resorts.

Summer activities were put on hold on Saturday and Sunday as snowflakes dusted the slopes, in Thredbo the Thredbo Downhill mountain bike track was closed due to ice and snow settled on cars in the village temporarily. In Mt Buller, where about 5cm fell at village level, visitors swapped bikes and hiking boots for toboggans to enjoy the temporary 'white Christmas'.

A local's perspective
Reggae Elliss

A winter-like cold snap had locals complaining and some visitors beaming when snow fell across the Snowy Mountains on the weekend. While rain, sleet and snow fell on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, closing Thredbo's mountain bike trails, there was a 'proper' snowfall overnight Sunday, 19 December into Monday, 20 December. At 11.30pm on Sunday night, snowflakes the size of 20 cent pieces were falling in Thredbo Village, settling on cars and making late night revellers burst into off-key renditions of White Christmas. While most of the snow in the village had disappeared by 7am Monday, the top two thirds of the mountain was still white, the main ski runs and snowgums covered with snow, the view of the mountain from the village looking more like mid-July than December.

After the wettest October and November in years, when it has rained nearly every weekend for two months, most of the locals were grumbling about the cold and the need to chop wood for the fire. However most visitors, other than disgruntled mountain bikers, were surprisingly up beat about the winter-like weather. As school holidays are underway there are a few families in town, many of them taking the Kosiouszko Chair up to the top of the mountain where they took advantage of the 10cm of snow on the ground, building snow men and having snowball fights. The novelty of a snowfall this close to Christmas had radio stations from Sydney chasing down locals for a chat and a camera crew also drove up from Canberra to get some pictures for the evening news.

However, snowfalls during summer happen regularly, especially above 1800m where snow showers occur at least once a month between November and May. Occasionally the freezing level drops to 1500m as it did this time and snow will fall in Thredbo village at 1380 metres. Four years ago there was 15cms in the village on Christmas morning - two days later the temp hit 28 degrees and it was all over.

By mid-afternoon Monday, the snowline had receded to the top of the mountain above Kareela Hut and with warmer overnight temps and sunshine forecast by Wednesday it'll disappear pretty quickly. The best thing is the cold has killed all the blow flies - that is always makes for a pleasant Christmas in the mountains.

The Snowiest November on Record

2010-12-07T16:16:00.001+11:00

Stormwatch:

It's been declared the 'snowiest November on record' by Steamboat. Whistler is claiming the snowiest opening in 25 years, Europe is practically buried and the people of Britain are thoroughly cold.

Fernie 58cm of white stuff so dry we can only assume it squeaks when you ski it
Europe with heavy snowstorms of epic proportions
Britain with up to 60cm in recent days - Scottish ski trip anyone?

Luckily we're not obliged to give everyone a go at being a hero because there's just no getting around the fact Whistler is always number one.
75cm for Whistler this week, again.
The Dolomites with fresh snow expected every day for the week
Hakuba, good to see it on the list at last with 20cm for the week

Highlights this week:
7 - 8 December SNOWBOARD WORLD CUP - snowboard X. Lech am Arlberg, Austria

9 - 12 December ALPINE SKIING WORLD CUP, St Moritz, Switzerland. Women's GS super G and super combined

10 - 11 December FREESTYLE WORLD CUP - Moguls, Ruka, Finland.

11 - 12 December ALPINE SKIING WORLD CUP, Val d'Isere, France. Women's downhill, super G and GS

If we could pick anywhere this week, we'd be: Fernie. Have we ever seen snow that dry before?

Colorado
Aspen Mountain
OPEN

Recent Snowfalls: Nothing at Aspen Mountain, but between 10cm and 22cm across the other three resorts

7 Day forecast: 23cm forecast in the next 7 days, mostly next weekend

Current snow depth: 58.42cm

Current conditions: packed powder and man made

91% of Aspen Mountain's intermediate terrain is open and 84% of the expert stuff is going strong, did we mention it's week three of the season? Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands are yet to kick into gear but Snowmass is also looking good. In other news the guys at Snowmass put in some overtime to get the first park of the season going over the weekend.

Triple treat as early bubs survive

2010-12-02T12:00:00.001+11:00

This post is not about the snow or Rider+ the business. It is about about the Rider+ familly.

Cary Hamond has worked for Rider+ for over 12 years - a loyal and enthusiastic member of our team who has stayed with us through good times and bad ( good snow and no snow).
It cannot be easy for Cary and Jon. We would like to pay tribute to this familly and wish them all a long, healthy and happy future.

This article appeared in the Melbourne Herald Sun today

CARY and Jon Hammond have won a trifecta - three children who raced into this world three months early.

Evie, 3, and twins Billy and Sonny, 14 months, were all, incredibly, due on New Year's Eve but arrived in October instead.But their troubled start to life has not stopped the plucky siblings from getting into the Christmas spirit.

The three turned up with other prematurely born tots from the Life's Little Treasures Foundation to help decorate the Royal Women's Hospital Christmas tree yesterday .

Ms Hammond said while Evie had recovered fully from her traumatic birth, her little brothers still had a long way to go, with Billy yet to eat his first meal.

Born a tiny 698g, and suffering chronic lung disease, Billy was plagued by digestive troubles, so he was fed through a tube into his stomach, she said.

Though Sonny weighed almost twice as much as his twin brother at birth, he was also very sick, and a staph infection nearly claimed his life at just four days old.

The children were born early because Ms Hammond had pre-eclampsia during her pregnancies.

http://www.riderplus.com.au/

Full Tilt Boots - Reinventing a Classic Design

2010-11-03T11:13:00.001+11:00

What are now known as Full Tilt boots, started as Raichle boots in the late 70s, and have changed design, name and ownership a number of times until K2 bought the molds in 2004.

Now, led by brand manager Jason Levinthal (founder of Line Skis), Full Tilt resurrected the original Raichle design and is making a comeback.

Skiing Business caught up with Levinthal to find out more about the three-piece boot design and how the brand is reinventing itself.

You guys have had quite the history. How are you staying relevant nowadays?

What we’re doing to stay relevant is aesthetics and small improvements where we can without sacrificing performance or the original design. We’ve added fabric cable covers to keep the cables organized and add a super cool look. We have themed boots and are really getting away from the boring style most people associate with boots.

There seems to have been a Full Tilt resurgence lately. What do you chalk that up to?

The key to this whole “bringing it back” thing is the cult following. People generally hate their ski boots, and the Full Tilt design is tried and true. We have people who have skied this design for more than 20 years - including Seth Morrison - and hoarded parts to keep theirs operational while the boots weren’t in production. People are realizing they don’t need a race boot. Instead, they need one that’s comfortable and looks as good as it functions.

We made the simple design even simpler by replacing all the rivets with Phillips heads so consumers can work on and replace every single part of the boot except for the actual shell. People would rather keep their boots and spend a little bit on new parts than spend a whole bunch on replacing the entire boot.

How has Full Tilt’s technology changed despite the basic molds staying consistent?

It really hasn’t. I know it sounds funny, but our whole goal was to keep the boots the same - and many people don’t want them to change. The design is classic. I don’t call it old, I call it the best.

We have some wider models now and offer some models with aluminum buckles, but the designs are unchanged.

There is talk circulating that Full Tilt only produces a few shell sizes, and uses various liners to help customize fit. Shed some light on that.

The original style we have is still the same with the same number of shell sizes - which is the same as every other boot maker on the market.
When we decided to introduce boots with a wider shell, the goal was to make a good boot at a better price. To do that, we had to save money somewhere, so we decided to make half the number of shell sizes (five total). Instead of a size 9 and 9.5 foot fitting in the same shell, for our wider boots, we put a size 9, 9.5 and 10 in the same shell. From there, we have different liners and even insoles and toe wedges to ensure people’s boots fit properly. The Intuition liners keep people comfortable and well fit and the toe wedges keep people’s toes from unnecessarily touching the front of the boot.

You guys are investing in some wild graphics this year. So far is it worth it?

You can’t just sell three different color boots and call it a day even though companies get away with it. We wanted to stir it up and look at boots with a blank slate. Looking at boots differently gives us the ability to attract a new crowd and it’s working. To me, the weakest link in these boots (before they were Full Tilt) was aesthetics, and I wanted to think outside the box.

What was the assimilation like when you were acquired by K2 in 2004?

Surprisingly amazing. I think K2 is the best winter sports company out there and it’s great to have them behind us. They are profitable, know how to run a tight ship and they let us do what we want. Even if we come up with a crazy look or crazy concept, they back us and let us run with it.

The boots are well known among older skiers, but how has athlete sponsorship helped grow business among younger riders?

We have the young crowd on lock. Not to be cocky, but people come to us because the design works. We don’t have to do much. Once they ride with Full Tilt boots, they don’t want anything else. With athletes like Seth Morrison and Tom Wallisch, it’s a snowball affect. Kids see them riding with Full Tilt and they want to too. These boots work as well for a 60-year-old woman as a 16-year-old boy - the only difference is the tongue stiffness.

What do you anticipate doing in terms of revenue this season compared to last?

I don’t know actual numbers, but we’ve more than doubled our growth since last year, and I think that will continue. That being said, when you’re small it’s easy to grow exponentially, but we have a great company (K2) behind us and that helps.

Drop are making Goggles

2010-09-30T16:13:00.001+10:00

Welcome to year one of Drop Goggles

DROP’s new goggle line not only looks amazing, but also performs second-to-none.

Exclusive technologies include

· Supreme Fit fleece-covered memory face foam for a custom fit;

· Supreme Air Valance lower forward air vents to prevent moisture build-up;

· Supreme Air Flow for fog-free riding;

· Supreme Spherical optically correct and distortion free lenses;

· Hinged outriggers for helmet compatibility.

· Plus, goggle straps feature sublimated graphics that are crisp and vibrant.

Snowboard Camber Theories Explained

2010-09-30T16:11:00.000+10:00

From The Angry Snowboarder
Camber used to be one of the easiest things to explain about a snowboard. Now everyone’s tossing around buzz words because of the anti-camber technology that’s floating around. It’s something that I’m noticing people don’t fully comprehend with the various differences and are in turn butchering it when trying to reference it or write a review of a board with it.

To understand reverse camber you have to look at what traditional camber is. If you lay your board flat on the ground there will be a space between it and the mid section of the board, that’s the camber. This is what you end up loading and unloading to drive through turns and initiate pop. This has been the standard for what boards have been pressed with for 20 something years. Hopefully everyone grasps this concept because it’s simple enough.

True reverse camber is just the opposite of camber. Lay the board flat and from the dead center the board will bend upwards in a mellow U shape. Mervins Banana Technology is the prime example of this. That mellow U shape keeps the contact points raised off the snow and there is essentially no flat spot between the bindings.
The next variation of reverse camber are the ones that offer a mix of both reverse and positive camber. Most common is the Never Summer R.C. Technology. How this works is that it’s a reversed camber between the feet then a micro camber just after the inserts. The reversed part lifts the contact points off the snow just enough to let them be catch free, while the cambered section still allows you to have solid pop. Mervin will be offering this up in their Banana C2 for next season and Nitro did it this year in the Sub Pop this year and will have it in the Sub Zero and a version based off their Team model. It’s really in a realm of it’s own.

You can even tell by this diagram that the buzz words get tossed around a lot.

Rocker is a little different as some people claim that they’re reversing the camber between the feet. Basic concept of Rocker is just like that of a rocking chair, back and forth, back and forth, get the idea? The common one is the 3-stage rocker which K2 utilized a lot that’s where it’s flat between the feet then a gradual rise depending on it’s purpose towards the contact points. Burton does their V rocker which is like it sounds a V shaped rocker between the inserts into another stage of rocker a little further out. It can be argued that this is also Reverse Camber, it’s all in how you interpret this. Salomon is doing a bigger V shaped rocker in the Grip for next season as well and that could arguably be Reverse Camber.

The Spring Rollercoaster

2010-09-10T15:49:00.000+10:00

We've had an interesting snow season with a slow but steady start, incredible almost endless snowfall during August with the best fresh snowfall for over a decade, then floods saw us lose around 20cms of our snowbase.

The resorts have bounced back extremely well after more fresh dry snow earlier this week reopening areas that were closed temporarily.

This beautiful shot was taken on Wednesday at Hotham.

It was a bit of a struggle for some skiers and boarders earlier in the week to reach their favourite resorts due to road chaos with a few land slips and flooding but things are getting back on track with the forecast less extreme for the next few weeks.

The floods have subsided around most of the alpine region. We still have plenty of snow and good to very good spring snow conditions across the resorts.

Great news in terms of forecasts with good snowfalls today expected to ease tomorrow with sunshine on the cards for Sunday ahead of another cold front which should bring more fresh snow next week.

Only three weeks to go until the end of the official snow season finishing up on Sunday 3 October for most resorts and with the current snow it's going to be a great few weeks

Get your Mount Baw Baw Spring Pass Now from $142

2010-09-10T10:55:00.003+10:00

Get your Mt Baw Baw Spring Pass now! Valid from September 1st 2010 until the declared end of the winter season. Take advantage of the best snow in years! Keep coming back all through spring for only $182 (adult) and $142 (children). For more information go to http://www.mountbawbaw.com.au/ and click on the promotions and specials tabs.

It’s the deepest September snow since 2004

2010-09-09T18:55:00.001+10:00

Arthur Stanley

Thursday, September 09, 2010 at 05:00pm

THE natural snow depth dipped to 175.4cm today – still the deepest snow for the second week of September since the great 2004 season. And Mother Nature might just have a spring surprise in store for skiers, with next week holding great potential for some late-season pow.

WHILE the Bears of the Australian ski season were quick to call “season-ending washout” as 100-200mm of rain was dumped across the skifields last weekend, the Bulls (read seasoned skiers who love the mountains and take fluctuating conditions in their stride) took one look at the outlook charts, quietly made sure they had a day or two free this week – and then promptly enjoyed some of the best September skiing in years.

“The skiing is so good right now. I’m amazed the skiing has been as good as it is considering the rain on Saturday. We’ve had 20cm of fresh snow since and great freezes overnight, around -5C to -6C, to set up the snow pack,” said Falls Creek-based adventure photographer Chris Hocking on Wednesday.

“The skiing’s pretty good. Really, you wouldn’t know it had rained,” reported Skiwatch source Marrtin Cavill after an excursion to Thredbo and Perisher mid-week.

And so it went as those out on the uncrowded September slopes made the most of a week that many had completely written off.

It might have been a slow June and July in terms of natural snowfalls, but the snowiest August since 2006 has set up a terrific base for September. Not since 2004 - along with 2000 one of the truly outstanding seasons of the past decade - has the snow been so deep across the NSW Snowy Mountains in the second week of September.

Snowy Hydro officers measured 175.4cm today at Spencers Creek, which sits at 1830m between Perisher and Charlotte Pass. These two NSW resorts, along with Thredbo, take the independent readings of Snowy Hydro and experienced skiers have learned how to adapt this information to the various ski areas.

At Deep Creek, which sits an an altiude of 1620m in the Canbramurra area, there was still a healthy 68.6cm measured today.

Down south, the snow is holding up remarkably well, especially given the fact the Vics copped the worst of the drenching rains.
Falls Creek had 123cm in the Village Bowl as of this morning, ditto Hotham on Sun Run, while Mt Buller had a neat 1m on Family Run.

And there is more snow on the way.

Patchy pre-frontal rain Friday should turn to snow quickly, with the expectation that the white flakes should drop to 1200m. There’s not a lot of snow in it, but 10cm will put a nice coating of sugar on the snow cake.

Isolated snowfalls are likely Saturday morning too - and then it gets interesting.

Regular Skiwatch readers will be across the fact we called a September powder hit for this week 10 days ago and I’m still pretty keen on the way the charts are looking.

While there is a downgrade of Monday’s potential on most of today’s forecasts, don’t be surprised if this system delivers widespread snow as a two-pronged event, with Monday and perhaps late Wednesday looking likely.

I’m tipping September 16-19 – Thursday to Sunday – as the days you might want to keep clear if you are keen on a mid-spring ski. Keeping in mind most skiers would prefer to enjoy some nice September sunshine along with decent snow.

Snow is also brewing for New Zealand with Friday-Saturday looking the goods for the South Island ski areas and Sunday-Monday for Mt Ruapehu in the North Island.

Mount Buller - Over Half a Metre of POWDER in 2 days!

2010-08-27T18:59:00.001+10:00

In case you have not heard, overnight we were blanketed with another 21cm of the freshest driest snow flakes. The word on the slopes and among Mt Buller veterans is that the snow we have received in the past 2 days is some of the best quality and driest powder EVER seen here.
Skiers and boarders today have been out on the slopes carving up untracked powder turns on an average natural snow depth of 130cm and up to 155 in snowmaking areas.

And for all you shred dogs out there - the half-pipe is close to completion!

HEINEKEN ABOM MOGUL CHALLENGE - TOMORROW

Tomorrow the 22nd annual Heineken ABOM Mogul Challenge will take place on Summit! Head along to see some of the BEST mogul skiers from both Australia and around the world battle it out on the bumps.

HEINEKEN STAR AFTER PARTY
After the action of the Mogul Challenge finishes, make sure you head to the official Heineken Star after party from 8pm at Moosehead Bar, ABOM. Featuring DJ Eddy & FREE entry!

80’S DAY SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 4
Next Saturday we are celebrating all that is rad for 80’s Day. Wear your most offensive and brightest outfits on the slopes and head to Apres Bar at 3pm for a Retro Party, with prizes to be won for the best outfits

Dump of the Decade!

2010-08-26T12:54:00.000+10:00

Arthur Stanley

Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 09:24am

Arthur Stanley

Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 09:24am
IT’S the photo that says it all about the record-breaking August of 2010 – eight sticks poking up on the side of the road at Hotham. But take a closer look – they are the windscreen wipers of cars buried under 2m of snow! The ski areas have had 1m of snow in a week and massive wind drifts are burying everything in their path. And it’s still dumping. Here is some of the action.

These cars were lined up along the Great Alpine Road early Thursday after 47cm of fresh snow overnight at Hotham. When you add roaring gales and blizzards into the equation, that meant there were massive snowdrifts of up to 2m around the resort.

“It’s insane. Officially we had 47cm overnight but there are huge wind-drifts around the resort. We were on the bus when we saw these cars parked on the Great Alpine Road near the Hotham workshop,” reported Hotham’s Gina Woodward.

“How will they get them out? Good question. There’s a whole lot of digging going on. A lot of shovel action and quite a few people taking mental health days I would imagine.

“I was on the Heavenly Valley chair an hour or so after this photo was taken and I could see bodies everywhere crashing in the deep snow – but everyone had a smile on their face.

“It’s officially the snowiest August at Hotham since 1992 and the skiing is amazing.”

We might have had a slow start to 2010, but it is going to finish with a bang. It shapes as a September to remember.

The Most Snow in a 24 hour Period in 15 Years

2010-08-26T12:39:00.000+10:00

Last Updated: 26/08/2010 12:29:50 PM

MIDDAY UPDATE - MORE FRESH DRY SNOW

54cm of Fresh Snow at Falls Ceek.
http://www.ski.com.au/cgi-bin/admin/news/vnews.pl?ad=-102130-&year=2010

It's still snowing steadily at all Victorian resorts. We have a moderate to strong N wind on the mountain tops with cold temps still hovering around -4 degrees. We've had the most fresh snow in a 24hr period in at least 15 years. A series of cold fronts will affect Victoria over the next couple of days, while an intense low pressure system developing south of Tasmania will move steadily eastwards during the week. A high pressure system will drift across South Australia on Friday and move over Victoria during the weekend. No doubt that today will be awesome!

It Must be Snowing - Blue Ribbon is Open!

2010-08-21T16:00:00.003+10:00

NEWS ALERT

20 August 2010

For Immediate Release

For the first time in season 2010, all 13 lifts at Hotham Alpine Resort are planned for full operation as of Saturday 21 August. The final lift to open tomorrow is one of Hotham’s favourite chairlifts, Blue Ribbon.

The snow continues to fall at Hotham with the last 24 hours seeing 10cm of fresh snowfalls and more is expected into next week. As of yesterday, the snowfall comparison charts showed August 2010 to be the best August snowfalls at Hotham since 2004 measuring 109cm (August 19 tally). That total is now 119cm as of today and has contributed to the average natural snowdepth reading of 97cm, almost hitting the one metre mark.

The fantastic natural snowfalls have fallen on a solid manmade base now measuring 122cm. Total snowmaking production this season has now reached 403,049 cubic metres – more than double last year’s total seasonal production of 198,042 of m3. That’s nearly 20m of snow covering the surface of the MCG or enough to fill 161 Olympic swimming pools.

This weekend sees Vancouver Olympians Scott Kneller, Katya Crema and Sarah Sauvey returning to Hotham to compete in the two day FIS Australia New Zealand Cup Ski Cross event.

At Last - More Terrain Open at Hotham!

2010-08-18T19:06:00.000+10:00

Keogh's and Orchard Chairlifts open at Hotham

With over 42cm of fresh snowfalls in the last week and a great average natural snowdepth of 89cm, Hotham is excited to announce that both Keogh’s and Orchard chairlifts are open.

This exciting opening gives access to a greater area of intermediate terrain for our guests.

More snow is predicted to fall today through until the weekend to top up the snow cover for a great weekend ahead. Stay tuned for updates on Blue Ribbon opening.

Rider+ The Video

2010-08-12T12:33:00.002+10:00

1/2 Price Llift Tickets at Buller for Tertiary Students

2010-08-10T14:26:00.002+10:00

Thats Right - 1/2 Price Day Tickets. Just present your Student ID Card - EVERY Tuesday.

Baw Baw Invitational - for the Bros not the Pros

2010-08-10T14:13:00.003+10:00

Night Rail Jam at Baw Baw

2010-08-10T14:00:00.002+10:00

A laid back jam session to be held under lights in the Village Square with great prizes on offer from sponsor SHQ Boardsports. The rail jam will use our launchpad to drop into a custom made rail setup by our Park Crew and we encourage snowboarders from intermediate levels upwards to join in on the fun. Prize giving and after party to be held at the Alpine Hotel with hip hop crew Tenfold - set to get the crowd partying the night away!

EVENT DETAILS
Date Saturday, 14 August 2010, 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Location Mt Baw Baw Alpine Village
Contact Jack; events@mountbawbaw.com.auThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sierra Snowboards Officially In Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

2010-08-10T13:11:00.003+10:00

Posted by The Angry Snowboarder

The rumors have been confirmed that it is indeed true that Sierra Snowboards has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in the city of San Jose.

Mountain Watch

2010-08-04T18:26:00.000+10:00

15cm more snow at Mount Hotham

2010-08-03T10:35:00.002+10:00

15cm more snow!

The snow just keeps on coming with an additional 15cms falling since yesterday morning! Our 7 day snowfall is now at a huge 51cm. lots of fresh powder for everyone to enjoy.

The heaviest part of this front is expected to ease off today with scattered snow showers continuing though until Thursday.

The average natural snowdepth is now 66cm with 98+cms in snowmaking areas.

Groomer's picks for the day are QC on the Big D for beginners, Sundowner for intermediates and Brockhoff for advanced.

The current temperature is -1.9 degrees with an expected top of 0 degrees today.

Come along to Hotham's Après evening tonight, proudly resented by HSBC. Boggy Creek Winery in the King Valley will be doing FREE tasting from 4 - 6pm @ hotham central (across from Chill Bar and Café).

If you want a feed after wine tastings, head to Argentinean meat night tonight at the White Room. Chef Pablo will be cooking up a storm with his traditional Argentinean style dishes. Bookings call 03 5759 3456.

Snowfalls Have Transformed the Season

2010-08-02T09:29:00.003+10:00

SUNDAY was The Day for skiers as a juicy snowstorm swept in and let loose, with the snow hammering down until the early hours of this morning (Monday).

Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and even Selwyn Snowfields in the north of the Kosiuszko National Park all hit 55cm of new snow. Falls Creek (37) and Hotham (36) were also caked in the white stuff and Mt Buller had topped 30cm.

While the skies cleared briefly this morning, dark clouds were again rolling through the valleys and the bureau is tipping a further 11-20cm of snow through to 6am Tuesday. The best of the follow-up snow should be Wednesday into Thursday when a second front is due.

At Thredbo, Funnel Web and Bushranger were open to skiers today and The Bluff was sensational. So too Powder Bowl on the Merritts side. Thredbo mountain staff will today assess Michael’s Mistake skier’s left off the Antons T-bar to see whether it’s right to go. Dream Run from Merritts down was also opened today. 12 lifts will run at Thredbo.

At Perisher, Eyre T-bar made its season debut this morning and skiers and boarders were immediately heading wide of Eyre into the powder stashes around Wylies. The Pleasant Valley quad will also open today and Perisher staff are moving quickly to join the dots and open the skier links between Perisher and Blue Cow and Blue Cow and Guthega. The snow is there, it will just take time to bed it down and ensure skier safety on the trails. 40 lifts will run at Perisher from today.

At Falls Creek, Summit chair makes its season debut today, giving access to the Village Bowl and some of the best advanced riding at the picturesque Victorian resort. 12 lifts will run at Falls Creek.

At Hotham, extensive off-piste terrain will open this week. Again, time is needed for mountain staff to ensure skier safety. But Heavenly Valley is in fine shape, in particular. 7 lifts are running and expect that to increase significantly in coming days.

At Mt Buller, 13 lifts are ready to roll with the northside in good shape. There are some juicy wind-blown stashes low on the southside too.

The southern resorts are expected to get the best of Monday night’s snow.

It’s almost certain the big NSW ski areas will top 70cm for the week and there is a chance we could hit 1m of new snow if Wednesday night’s follow-up front delivers. The charts are still diverging a little on how this will pan out.

Nevertheless, the peak month of August will provide some excellent skiing because this storm has transformed the season.

Arthur Stanley
Monday, August 02, 2010 at 08:00am

Big Air returns for 2010

2010-07-20T17:57:00.001+10:00

fallscreek: 17-7-2010
Falls Creek is pleased to announce the Frying Pan Inn Coca Cola Big Air Competition.
The event, presented by Chiko Roll is taking place August 14 in the Village Bowl, Falls Creek with the finals to be held under lights. The jump is being created by experienced park builder Rueben Cameron.

With $12,000 AUD in cash and prizes up for grabs in the Open category, the Big Air event will be drawing athletes from across Oz to compete. The finals will feature 24 skiers/riders plus the top three 2009 finalists receiving automatic invites to the finals.

WSF Rookie Tour comes to Australia.

2010-07-20T17:54:00.001+10:00

thredbo: 19-7-2010
Come late July and the hills of Thredbo will sprout to life with the sounds of adolescent shredding. Over a three-day period, Australia’s premier freestyle resort will play host to an international gathering of youth as they throw down in the second leg of the 2010-11 WSF World Rookie Tour, the Australian Rookie Fest.
Carrying a 2 star TTR rating, the debut of the Australian Rookie Fest on the World Rookie Tour follows on from the opening event in Val Senales, Italy. In what is a first for the Southern Hemisphere, the Australian Rookie Fest will be contested on the finely manicured slopestyle course of Thredbo, located in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains Range. Riders will be throwing down to earn themselves an all-inclusive entry to the Livigno World Rookie Fest in Italy or the World Rookie Tour Finals in Ischgl, Austria in the hope of securing the title of World Rookie Champion, an accolade once captured by Australia’s own Michaela Davis Meehan in 2009.

Competitors will also be treated to a bag jump session and induction clinic to help hone their jump skills before hitting the specially built course for a practice session. Thredbo’s air bag is the largest of it’s kind in the Southern Hemisphere and will provide youngsters with a safe and secure platform to attempt some new tricks beforehand.

The World Rookie Tour includes events in both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres with more than 500 young riders from 27 nations joining last season’s tour. The tour culminated in Ischgl, Austria, with the 4 Star Protest World Rookie Finals where Finnish ripper Roope Tonteri won his second World Rookie Champion title. After the Australian leg the World Rookie Tour moves onto the backcountry of the Andes for the South America Rookie Fest, from August 13th to 23rd, in Valle Nevado, Chile.

Entry Forms
Entry forms and event notice can be found on the SSA (Ski & Snowboard Australia) website
www.skiandsnowboard.org.au (Under the Snowboard > Events tab)

Program
Wednesday 28th July 2010
2pm – 5pm Registrations – Tate Room at Thredbo Alpine Hotel
5pm – 6pm Coaches Briefing – as above
6pm - Welcome – Lounge Bar at Thredbo Alpine Hotel
Thursday 29th July 2010
9.30am Monster Bagjump Safety Clinic
10am – 1pm Bagjump Session
2pm – 4pm Practice (on course)

Friday 30th July 2010
8am – 9.30am Bib collection
10am Practice
11am Event Qualifiers
1pm Finals
2.30pm Prize Giving Ceremony (on course)

Prizes
The 4 winners (male/female rookie and male/female grom) will receive an all-inclusive entry into the Livigno World Rookie Fest, Italy or the World Rookie Fest Final in Ischgl Austria, both of which are 4 star TTR events. The prize includes registration, accommodation, meals and lift tickets. Travel is not included.
Male and Female Rookie winners will also win a ride in the Red Bull stunt plane.

Event Sponsors
Red Bull, Thredbo, Smith Optics, Adrenalin Plus Boardstore, NSW Sport and Recreation, NSW Snowsports.

40cm of fresh snow cover

2010-07-16T15:09:00.003+10:00

fallscreek: 16-7-2010
With almost 40cm of fresh snow cover from the most recent wintry weather the cross country skiers now have about 25km of groomed slopes to choose from at Falls Creek.
Alpine skiers and boarders also have more options with the opening of more groomed terrain in Sun Valley. Plus there's still some hidden stashes of dry powder - a result of sub zero temperatures overnight and the most significant snowfall so far this winter.

News on The Victorian Slopes

2010-07-16T14:56:00.001+10:00

Falls Creek
Thanks to the fresh snow Falls is now ski in/ski out which is just how we like it. The village roads are covered which means they have commenced oversnow mode. And for the cross country skiers there is now 25km of groomed trails.

The Interschools Grand Prix racing weekend starts tomorrow. The Age - Falls Creek Corporate Ski Race runs from July 23-24 and gives companies the opportunity to challenge business rivals in a highly competitive but friendly environment.

Night skiing is on tomorrow night and it's free this week. It's on every Wednesday and Saturday night from 6pm-9pm to get some extra slope time after the sun goes down. Just Adult $20, Child $10, and Student $15 with Family and Group rates available. Purchase your tickets at Falls Creek Sports at Quay West

The Night Show Spectacular is on every Thursday during July and August (weather permitting) and don't miss out on Pete the snow dragon who will make an appearance at 5pm Wednesdays and Saturdays in the Village Bowl.

For something different try snow bungy, snow biking/tubing, the Basketball Half Court or take a lovely Scenic Chairlift Ride.

Snowcoach Tours - one of the newest services on the mountain are now operating and you too can now ride in comfort to Falls Creeks highest peak Mt McKay up through the snowgums. For bookings call 1800 20 44 24.

And of course Happy Harvey hour is every Tuesday and Thursday from 3.30pm - 4.30pm with live music at the Falls Creek hotel.

You know what to do to find out more.

Mt Buller
With a lovely top up of 28cm midweek Mt Buller is looking beautiful with more terrain opening up. The current pick is Baldy for the beginners, Shakey knees for the intermediates and Little Buller Spur and the Summit for the advanced.

This weekend it�?Ts Chics with Stix. This is an awesome freeride event set up to encourage more young women to take up the challenge and get involved in competitive freestyle skiing - bumps, freeride and big mountain. They have a facebook site so join them. And the next free rider session is tomorrow at 3pm @ Koflers. Be there...

And if that's not enough the Victorian University Championships is set for next Thursday 22 July. And for the ladies you need to try out some great new gear, get some expert instruction and have a blast with the girls on Rossignol Ladies' Day on Saturday 24 July.

Just a reminder night skiing is every Wednesday and Saturday from 7-10pm under lights on Bourke St.

Other activities always on the cards are at Mt Buller including snow shoeing, tubing, cross country, Alpine Museum, Spa Retreat, Arts & Artifacts, Gnome Roam, Gym & Sports Club, Indoor Rock Climbing and Helicopter for a scenic flights. Films starting this week at Buller Cinema are Shrek- Forever After and Get him to the Greek.

Hotham
It's all action stations at Hotham with this new snow. Roadrunner and the Summit have reopened and the cross country trails are in much better condition. And for the advanced riders you need to head to Heavenly valley and hit Milky Way, Imagine, Snake Gully and the Cornice.

The 'A La Carte in the Park' series kick off tomorrow afternoon with the Cheese and Crackered Rail Jam in the Basin Rail park. The event is jam style, one heat per division followed by finals. Starts at 4pm.

Parties galore across the mountain starting with Dallas Frasca playing at The General tonight and tomorrow night (upstairs is DJ Power Masher). Sunday is Soul Mamma Sundays and upstairs Twister Party. Monday is DJ Eddy. Tuesday is Apres session with live acoustic music, Trivia with Hannah Studd and Beach party. Wednesday is Darts and Disco.

Monday it's Jimmy & The Mirrors at Swindlers.

Start gearing up for the awesome Mountain Fresh Festival which runs fron 23-28 July. Read the Dinner Plain section for more detail and also click here.

Night skiing is on tomorrow 6.30-9.30pm and every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the season. $9 per night. Tickets available at all tix outlets and no bookings are required.

Something kind of cool is the Supervised Night Skiing - Teen Sessions. Cruise around the Big D at night with a group of friends and a Hotham snowsports staff member on Wednesday & Saturday evenings from 7 - 9pm. $25 per child includes night skiing lift pass - 6 - 14 years only.

Lake Mountain
With an awesome 30cm top-up on Wednesday it's all systems go at Lake Mountain.

Kicking off this weekend is the Lake Mountain Mini Series which also runs next weekend on 25 July and the 14 August. A great way to introduce the kids to ski racing.

And don't forget the Interschools Classic on Sunday, 25 July. This event is a great opportunity for all those schools who run ski programs to enter their students into a race. This is a low key introduction for students to ski racing.

You can now enjoy a guided tour at Snowy Hill, driving your own snow mobile. You can either ride alone or take a passenger. After some initial instruction you will be

Mt Baw Baw
Four lifts are now turning at Mt Baw Baw with good snow conditions for skiing and boarding and a fair to good cover for the cross country skiers.

Some huge events coming up at Baw Baw are the Forum Battle @ Baw Baw next Saturday 24 July. See the nations best snowboarders battle it out in the Baw Baw Terrain Park. Following the battle is a huge after party at the Alpine Hotel.

Ever dreamed of a White Christmas? Bring the family to Mount Baw Baw for Christmas in July on 24-25 July. Santa will be out on the slopes all weekend with a sack full of Christmas sweets for the kids. Traditional Christmas Dinner will be held on Saturday Night at Village Central.

Some fun outdoor activities you might like to take a shot at this season is the new Bungee Tramp or Short Course Tube both open (weather permitting).

The big earth ball and other giant games are also available for the kids and for the mums try out the new rock spa pool well being centre or stay at the re-furbished Frosti and Tanjil Creek lodges now provide more comfortable lodge style accommodation all year round.

Dinner Plain
The big news at DP is that the Cobungra Platter opens for the first time for skiing and boarding this season from today. A great stop for beginners to start out. There's very good cross country skiing on offer as well on ungroomed trails.

If you're a little left of centre the 18th Annual Hookers and Deviants Ball is on Saturday 31 July. Get your tickets from Edge FM, 19 Templeton St Wangaratta, Rays Ski Shop in Myrtleford, Dinner Plain Hotel or call 5722 1566.

Now heading into its fifth year the Mountain Fresh festival is just around the corner on 23-28 July. The Festival promises six days filled with events hosted at different venues throughout Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain, showcasing regional food and wine with tastings, demonstrations, master classes, dinners and the Top Chef Challenge. This is a foodie event not to be missed.

Lifts are expected to open at Falls Creek, Hotham and Mt Buller

2010-06-10T12:03:00.001+10:00

Fresh snow about all the resorts thanks to this winter blast. A great way to herald in the start to the 2010 snow season this weekend. Lifts are expected to open at Falls Creek, Hotham and Mt Buller and possibly Mt Baw Baw. First time since 2007. More snow expected over the next couple of days.

THREE LIFTS OPEN AT HOTHAM THIS OPENING WEEKEND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SEVEN YEARS!

2010-06-10T11:59:00.002+10:00

Following plentiful natural snowfalls and a good snowmaking run, Hotham Alpine Resort will open three lifts, The Big D, Summit Trainer and Upper Playground this coming Saturday 12 June. The last time Hotham Alpine Resort opened three lifts on Opening Weekend was seven years ago, in 2003.

With three operational lifts for the opening weekend, it’s a great start to a season that is forecast to be more than above average.

Hotham’s GM Belinda Trembath says, “We are pleased to offer the opportunity to ski and ride on opening weekend – it’s exciting for our guests visiting to celebrate the season opening.”

Snowmaking has been running continuously since 8pm Monday and more than 40,000 cubic metres of snow has been produced during that time. Temperatures have hovered around minus 4 each day and this has provided optimum snowmaking conditions.

Mother Nature has come to the party and already delivered more than 10cm of fresh snow. The temperature is currently -5.4 degrees and more snowfalls are forecast for Friday and Saturday.

Tech Talk - Ski Bindings

2010-06-04T13:21:00.001+10:00

Tech Talk - Episode 25 - Bindings from 4FRNT Skis on Vimeo.

New Store and Web Site Ready for Winter 2010

2010-05-24T21:45:00.004+10:00

At Last!
The Ivanhoe store has an updated store front, new fixtures, lighting and a paint job. And the display team has worked magic merchandising the product.

The Store looks Great!

And so does our updated 2010 Web Site. www.riderplus.com.au

Just in time for the new winter gear - we now have room for:
more skis
more boots
more snowboards
more clothing
more accessories
more helmets

In store and online - come and check it out.

-

Warren Millers "Dynasty" in Melbourne

2010-05-24T15:20:00.002+10:00

Weds 2 June - Sunday 6 June

What’s New 2010 - Australian Ski Resorts

2010-05-17T15:35:00.002+10:00

What’s New 2010
As the 2010 season fast approaches all alpine resorts across the country are putting the finishing touches to projects and upgrades that have taken place over the summer months. 2010 has already treated the alpine areas with cold weather with snow falling on 3 occasions since January, so this bodes well for the winter months ahead.
The upgrades and changes resorts have implemented this summer are listed below with each resort submitting their top 5. Snowmaking and grooming improvements across many resorts was high on all priority lists, followed by lots of new products now moving into the online world and freeride and terrain park improvements also implemented across many resorts. For more information on everything your favourite resort has implemented for season 2010, not just the top 5 improvements, go to their web sites.

NEW SOUTH WALES
Selwyn Snowfields
• Terrain Park Lift Only Ticket for $20.00 !
After it’s successful trial in 2009, the Terrain Park Only ticket is here to stay! Valid for use on Wombat T‐bar only and is purchased in 1 day lots. Designed for people who want to ride the Terrain Park and no other areas of the resort. Cost is $20 each adult and $15 each child per day.
• Snow Riders Program – 6 to 18 years of age !
RADS (Race and Development Squad) is combining with Junior Riders and Sliders for 2010. RADS has been our “Club” for kids who want a season of training with an emphasis on skiing technique and racing. Junior Riders and Sliders was our day ski and snowboard program for general visitors. The new program will be called the Snow Riders Program and can be joined for a full season at a discounted rate, or purchased by the day or half day. It is open to all levels of skiers and boarders (with the exception of first timers) from 6 to 18 years, teaching many aspects of riding from freestyle tricks to traditional Slalom and GS. The aim of the new program is to get kids excited about the many different aspects of snow riding and provide a fun, club atmosphere where they can make friends and share in team spirit.

• Freestyle Safety Induction Course !
½ hour course on basic terrain park etiquette and safety and includes helpful tips throughout the day. Cost is $20 for adults and children per person. Course runs 3 times daily at 10am, 11.30am and 1.30pm. Adults and children attend combined classes. Participants must have a valid lift pass to attend.
• Freestyle Tips & Tricks !
1 ½ hour course designed for skiers and snowboarders who want to learn more about how to use terrain park features and perform freestyle ticks. Cost is $40 for adults and children per person. Course runs at 1.30pm daily. Adults and children attend combined classes. Participants must have a valid lift pass to attend.
• Building Maintenance Stage 2 With Stage 1 completed in 2009, we look forward to the completion of Stage 2 in time for Winter 2010. Stage 2 includes replacing the remaining exterior cladding and some windows on the buildings. The new boards will receive a coat of paint in the deep shade of grey/blue.

Perisher
• Purchase of over $500 000 of additional hire equipment for the various Perisher Snowsports Hire outlets
• Purchase of a Bison X Grooming Cat to add to Australia’s largest fleet and that will be doing most of the park features this season
• Significant mountain summer grooming to smooth out runs and lift loading areas
• Expansion of the Mt Perisher snowmaking system proving better access from Happy Valley to Mt Perisher, as well as an extension of the Happy Valley T‐bar, making the return access from Mt Perisher easier.
• Numerous environmental initiatives including the electrification of the Leichhardt and Wentworth lifts, plus an energy management system and software for better environmental management.
• Further upgrades to the Perisher Centre including the conversion of the Elbow Bar into a lounge and the addition of conference facilities within the Perisher Skitube Terminal building

Charlotte Pass• Lift ticket prices frozen for 3rd year!
Charlotte Pass Ski Resort has frozen lift ticket prices! ‐ Charlotte Pass is offering
Adult and Child Lift tickets at 2008 prices.
• Additional Groomer
Charlotte Pass Ski Resort has recently purchased a Piston Bully Groomer to
add to its fleet. This new groomer will significantly improve and increase the
grooming capabilities of our team.
• Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel renovations
The Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel has undergone some major renovations over
summer, including a brand new Reception area as well as the relocation of
Frosty’s Kids Club and the Chalet Shop.
• Jindabyne Ticket Office
Charlotte Pass Ski Resort now has a Ticket Office in Jindabyne. Located in
the Town Centre, the Charlotte Pass Ticket Office is the best place to secure
your Day Tripper ticket. Our friendly staff are also available to answer any
questions about Charlotte Pass Ski Resort.
• Kosi Carpet Extension
Charlotte Pass Ski Resort’s newest lift, the Kosi Carpet has been extended by
another 50%, enabling beginners to access even more terrain to advance their skills.

Thredbo• New for this year Thredbo Monster Bagjump
Yes riders get excited. This is the first of its size in the country ‐ it's a 20 metre x 20 metre huge air filled cushion, with a durable bomb proof cover. The Bagjump was initially used by the pro's in the stunt world, but in Thredbo, the park crew will position it behind a kicker then intermediate and advanced riders can push their limits ‐ practising jumps,spins and flips with confidence and most importantly, safety.
• New Look Thredbo Club
The Thredbo Club is now your ticket to ride…this season your Thredbo Club Card is your lift pass. So it not only saves you money with a stack of year round benefits and savings, it also saves you time with an easy online buy‐and‐reload function. This means you can add a lift pass to your card on‐line bypassing the ticket office and head straight to the lift.
• Live Chat
This year you have the ability to chat live to a Thredbo Resort Centre
consultant for instant answers to your queries. Live Chat is a real time online feature making it quick and easy to answer your snow questions. Thredbo is the only resort in Australia to offer guests online Live Chat.
• Trip Planner
Are you booking for the group or family? Then let Trip Planner do the work. Just invite your friends and book and pay online for accommodation, lift passes and equipment hire. The great thing about Trip Planner is that each person will only pay for their share of the trip, so the organiser doesn't foot the entire bill for the group thredbo.com.au/tripplanner
• Snowmaking Automation
Snowmaking automation – the final stage in the $6 million automation of the
snowmaking completed with extra guns installed in mid Supertrail and Sponars area.Thredbo now boasts coverage across most middle and lower slopes catering for all standards of skiers and boarders.

VICTORIA
Mt Baw Baw• KEEP WARM IN WINTER AT THE NEW ROCK SPA POOL
The Rock Spa Pool ‐ as part of the new wellbeing products being developed at Mt Baw Baw, you can now enjoy a hot spa! Nestled amongst the snow gums, the Rock Spa Pool is designed to help rejuvenate and invigorate the senses and help you relax. Open all year round. Bookings Essential.
• The Bungee Tramp
The Bungee Tramp, new in 2010, will be open all year round, even in the snow! Keep warm as you jump as high as you can go in the harness. Safe for the young and young at heart. Open all year round, weather depending. $10 for 15 minutes.
• Short Course Tubing:
Tubing is available all year round! A great alternative to the toboggan! Enjoy tubing on the snow during winter months and on the special dry slope when the snow melts. Fun for all to enjoy as you spin, bounce and slide (safely) down on a specially designed snow tube.
• UPGRADED ACCOMMODATION IN 2010
The recently re‐furbished Frosti & Tanjil Creek lodges now provide more comfortable lodge style accommodation all year round.
Frosti Lodge (previously Baw Bells) is a newly renovated family lodge. It has all the trimmings of a large, well equipped kitchen, open plan lounge with a big flat screen TV and DVD facilities, central heating and a large drying room. Five private bedrooms are on offer (sleeps up to 18 people) with multiple shared bathrooms; this value for money lodge offers a comfortable snow stay! Linen is available for hire from the Mt Baw Baw linen service, or bring your own.
Tanjil Creek Lodge has recently been given a facelift with renovations now completed. This spacious lodge has 5 private bedrooms (sleeps up to 16 people) and multiple shared bathrooms. The Lodge has a large fully equipped kitchen/dining area, with a separate social lounge. It’s fully decked out with a Big Flat Screen TV, DVD facilities and a gas log fire. The lodge provides great warmth and has a large drying room for when you come in from the slopes! Linen is available for hire from the Mt Baw Baw linen service, or bring your own.
• GROUP RACE TRAINING:
Group race training. Our speciality race instructors now offer group race training. Whether or not you’re a snowboarder or skier, Mt Baw Baw offers the best in race training in a specially designed, safe group environment. For pleasure or if you have your sights set on competing in a Winter Olympics, group lessons are designed for the more experienced skier who wants to improve their racing prowess

Hotham• More Snowmaking
Hotham has invested an additional $1.7million into the Heavenly Valley snowmaking system in 2010. Installing 22 new snowguns to bring the fleet to 77 total will increase the snowmaking power by a massive 40%. This will ensure that the signature terrain of Heavenly Valley, renowned for the best skiing and boarding in Australia, can open earlier and stay open later in the season. Guests can book with even greater confidence for school holidays in 2010.
• More flights
QantasLink flights direct to Hotham airport will be back in season 2010 with four weekly services operating from Sydney during peak season. Hotham Airport is the only alpine resort based airport in the southern hemisphere and offers guests the opportunity to skip the traffic and maximise precious holiday time. QantasLink will fly direct from Sydney with connecting flights to all other capital cities. Visit qantas.com for booking and full schedule.
• More Rewards
Join in and get more rewards with Hotham’s NEW ‘Snow Rewards’ loyalty program. Also valid at sister resort Falls Creek, Hotham cardholders can access lift tickets for only $90 per day, discounts on snowsports lessons and activities as well as bonus offers throughout the season for a joining fee of only $49!
In addition to Hotham’s new initiatives, the resort’s diverse offering of on and off‐mountain activities will be back in 2010. Including everything from luxury day spas and après evenings to snowshoeing and winter dogsledding (the only place you can do this in Australia!), Hotham provides an alpine experience like no other: Hotham’s attractions include:
• More Activities
Fireworks shows, weekly après evenings, Kat Skiing, winter dogsledding, guided snowshoeing tours, snow grooming tours, snowmaking tours, sparkling sunset tours, night skiing, scenic heli‐flights and heli‐link to Falls Creek, day spas, Japanese‐inspired Onsen.
• More for Kids
Kids Snowzone at the Big D, ski (3years +)and snowboard programs (6 years+), daycare, live shows from Harry the Snowdragon, teen sessions including Wii competitions and movie nights, supervised night skiing, Park Rangers Squad and kids snowmobiling.

Falls Creek• NEW Night Skiing on Wombat’s Ramble, Australia’s longest beginner run. Wednesday and Saturday nights 6pm – 9pm.
• NEW Snowmaking on Wombat’s Ramble, now top‐to‐bottom with the addition of 28 new Techno Alpin snow guns.
• NEW Snow Rewards Loyalty Program, gives you access to lift pass, lesson, rental discounts plus more.
• Completion of the Quay West Resort and Spa at the bottom of Falls Express.
• NEW Back Country Tours with Steve Lee (former World Cup winner and Winter Olympian).

Mt Buller• More snowmaking
Great news for skiers who will revel in more cover on the ever‐popular Wombat run from top to bottom thanks to new snowmaking systems, and further automation in existing snowmaking areas such as the Howqua Extension. The entire Summit area is now fully automated enabling snow guns to be turned on and off at the precise moment when conditions are perfect – meaning more snow, and better snow.
• A complete upgrade of Koflers T‐bar
Upgraded from diesel to electricity this year is just one part of creating a faster and smarter lift system that is good for the environment and great for skiers. A striking new addition to the Village skyline this winter is The Stables development of three luxury homes perched above Chamois run offering amazing views, superb accommodation and a great investment.
• Lids on Kids
Mt Buller Ski & Snowboard School is taking the lead and will require all kids to wear a helmet in lessons. To make it easy to put ‘lids on our kids’ Buller Sports will include helmets in all rental packages for children this winter. Also new at Ski & Snowboard School are more options and choices to learn in a way that suits your ability and your budget. Skiers and boarders can choose from a Premium 3 hour lesson first thing in the morning, great value Regular 2 hour lessons each afternoon and other great options including a tailored 1.5hr Beginner Boost Lesson and of course our unique Discover Lesson for first‐timers, completely FREE with a day ticket.
• Olympians return
2010 is set to be an incredible season as we welcome back our Winter Olympic heroes from Vancouver. Look out on the slopes for Olympians who call Mt Buller home including ‘Chumpy’ Pullin, Lydia Lassila, Jacqui Cooper, Joh Shaw and Steph Hickey.

If you require any further information about any of the resorts listed above please contact.
Ashley Blondel | Chief Executive Officer
Australian Ski Areas Association Ltd
4 Booroo Street
Pambula Beach. NSW.2549
T: 02 6495 6301
M: 0418 213 001
E: ablondel@bigpond.com
W: www.snow-australia.com/asaa

K2 Rocker Technology 2011

2010-05-13T00:24:00.008+10:00

Long Range Snow Forecast (according to Snowatch)

2010-04-22T15:58:00.002+10:00

Looking at the current charts I see a cold outbreak around the 9th-11th May with light snowfalls likely. This snow is not likely to hang around for too long with mostly clear weather and cold nights after that until the next possible snowfall around the 23rd-25th of May. After this we could see some shower activity with some warm air mixing in with some weak low pressure systems, which is not good news for the snowmakers.

The season is due to officially start on Saturday the 12th of June and although it's a long way away, to me the charts are indicating snowfalls around the 5th-8th, so fingers crossed we get a snowy start to season 2010. Looking to specific dates any further than that becomes a bit hard but I can say that June and July are pointing towards being wetter than normal with El Nino weakening. I see snowfalls mixed in with some showers over the first few weeks of June before the temps drop slightly at the end June and we start to see colder nights and the likelihood of heavier snowfalls increase dramatically in early July. I think July could one of the best for some time.

Bureau forecasts suggest August being drier than normal but I don't see this as a problem with temps remaining cold enough for long periods so the snowmakers can keep the cover fresh. I still see some good snowfalls in August that should see the depth increase. September should be a lot like 2009 with periods of warm sunny days mixed in with a couple of nice falls of snow that should keep the cover decent enough to have skiing and boarding continuing up to the closing weekend.

Overall I see a good to very good season for the major resorts in regards to snowfalls. With the Spencers Creek snow depth not reaching the 2m mark for the last five years we are well overdue. The longest run of years not reaching the 2m mark previous to that over the last 40 years was three years (1997-1999).

Pete (The Frog) Taylor

source: snowatch.com.au)

Tech Talk - Dual Turn Radius - All Mountain Skis

2010-04-17T09:26:00.003+10:00

A tighter turn radius at the start of the turn enables the skier to get accross the fall line more quickly and with greater confidence. However when the turn has been initiated, a greater turn radius will allow more stability to make those high speed turns that we all dream about.

Check out the video from 4FRNT's Matt Sterbenz.

Tech Talk - Episode 22 - Dual Turn Radius from 4FRNT Skis on Vimeo.

April Snow - 2010

2010-04-13T12:22:00.001+10:00

fallscreek: 12-4-2010
It was sub zero temperature this morning with the predicted cooler weather at Falls Creek.

Graham Parker owner operator of Nelse Lodge in the heart of Falls Creek said:" The phones started ringing once the word got out our long run of very mild weather is over."

"It got down to about zero by mid-afternoon yesterday and it was minus 5.5C with the wind chill this morning The BOM is forecasting snow above 1400 m today.
"It was a white morning with my car covered with a dusting of snow."

No More Discount Burton?

2010-03-23T16:49:00.003+11:00

The blogosphere has been alight lately following Burton’s decision to pull all of its brands’ products from Sierra Snowboard, an online and brick and mortar snowboard shop based in Sacramento, for violating Burton’s online dealer service agreement by discounting products 50% off in March. Burton mandated that no online dealers go over 40% off at any time to protect margins.

While Burton chose not to comment on this story, Sierra Snowboards has responded by blowing up comment boards around the Web with their reasoning for the decision and pushing on with the discounts. Sierra Snowboards VP of Sales Mike Montgomery defends its position stating: “Burton modified [its online dealer service] agreement unilaterally in July after we had already taken possession of [product]. Our owner Mike Harrosh verbally informed Burton that we wouldn’t agree to this. In my opinion this is Burton symbolizing they want to hold their product to a premium even if no one wants it. Burton is discontinuing eleven models for [20]11. They’re basically telling the snowboard community that these boards are irrelevant, but we can’t discount it. ”

While Sierra is portraying the break as Burton running rough shod over retailers, many other core shops are backing Burton’s decision to keep margins high.

The Hotham/Falls Creek/Perisher joint Super Season Pass

2010-03-23T16:40:00.000+11:00

GET SUPER VALUE ACROSS THREE ALPINE RESORTS IN 2010

The Hotham/Falls Creek/Perisher joint Super Season Pass

Adults: $1,149
Child/Secondary Students*: $649
Senior **: $649

Continuing on from a successful introductory year and fantastic response from our guests, Hotham will again join forces with Falls Creek and Perisher in 2010 to release our Super Season Pass.

Super Pass holders can ski or board at Hotham, Falls Creek and Perisher for as many days as they want throughout the 2010 snow season. Super Passes are also valid for night skiing at Hotham and Perisher, adding further value to these great products.

To gain access to Perisher lifts, Hotham and Falls Creek Super Pass holders need to present their Super Pass at a Perisher Mountain Pass Office to be issued with a one day mountain pass on each day they wish to use the lifts.

Super Passes are available for purchase from Thursday 25 March until 5pm Thursday 27 May 2010 for the early bird rate of $1,149 for Adults & $649 for Children/Secondary Students* and Seniors

Purchase before 7 May to go into the draw to WIN back the pass you purchased. That's 74 lifts and 2015 hectares of terrain for FREE!

* Secondary Student 15 – 18 year old full time secondary students. Must supply a copy of valid student ID card and a letter from school, confirming student status
**Seniors Pass – 65 – 69 years

Purchase your Super Pass – available to purchase from Thursday 25 March
• Go to Hotham's ONLINE STORE – available from Thursday 25 March
• OR click here to DOWNLOAD ORDER FORM
Contact Us...
p/ 03 5759 4436 03 5759 4436
e/ tickets@hotham.com.au
f/ 03 5759 3164

Receiving Your Pass
Passes can be sent to you by direct registered post (see below). Alternatively, passes can be collected over the counter at either Hotham or Falls Creek from opening weekend (12 June 2010) - pickup direct from either Hotham Central Ticket Office or Falls Creek Village Bowl Ticket Office.

Postage
For an extra $10 per order, the registered post option is available. Passes will only be mailed out if the ticket office has been supplied with an up-to-date, colour photo (head shot please) by email (no larger than 50KB) or post and all pass holders have signed the completed order form. Passes will be mailed out in the first week of June.

Super Pass Terms & Conditions
A Super Pass is subject to the above terms and conditions and the terms and conditions below:

1. One day lift tickets issued to Super Pass holders are non-refundable and non-transferable.
2. Hotham and Falls Creek Super Pass holders are not entitled to any discounts or privileges made available to Perisher Super Pass holders at Perisher other than lift ticket benefits.
3. Perisher Super Pass holders are not entitled to any discounts or privileges made available to Hotham and Falls Creek Super Pass holders at Hotham and Falls Creek other than lift ticket benefits.
4. Super Pass holders must agree to and abide by the terms and conditions of use of each resort when using the applicable resort’s facilities.
5. To gain access to Perisher lifts, Hotham and Falls Creek Super Pass holders must present their Super Pass at a Perisher Ticket Office to be issued with a one day lift ticket on each day they wish to use the lifts.
6. To gain access to Hotham or Falls Creek lifts, Perisher Super Pass holders must present their Super Pass at a Hotham or Falls Creek Ticket Office to be issued with a one day lift ticket on each day they wish to use the lifts.
7. Hotham and Falls Creek Super Pass holders are eligible to receive one only one day lift ticket at Perisher per day.
8. Perisher Super Pass holders are eligible to receive one only one day lift ticket at Hotham or Falls Creek per day.
9. A Super Pass holder that has been issued with a one day lift ticket must have their Super Pass and issued one day lift ticket on their person at all times when using any lift, and must present their Super Pass and lift ticket for verification if requested to by an authorised officer of the resort in order to access any lift.
10. Any breach of the Super Pass Terms and Conditions of Use or Terms and Conditions of Perisher, Hotham or Falls Creek could result in confiscation of the Super Pass and lift ticket and may invoke police action.
11. Super Pass holders will be issued with an Adult, Over 65 or Student lift ticket as outlined above consistent with Adult, Over 65 or Student designation of their Super Pass.
12. Super Pass does not provide access to Falls Creek Night Skiing.

Downloadable Forms

Season_Pass_Order_Form_20104.pdf (125 KB)

Thredbo Gold Medal Lift Pass - save $120

2010-03-04T11:33:00.001+11:00

Thredbo Gold Medal Lift Pass
To celebrate the 2010 Winter Games, Thredbo and Steve Downhill are offering you a deal that'll make your toes curl.

The Thredbo Gold Medal Lift Pass. That's 5 and a half days skiing or boarding for only $318, a MASSIVE saving of over $120.

You can use it whenever the hell you like for 5 consecutive days from 12 June to 4 October 2010.

But, I'm taking this puppy off the table at the end of the 2010 winter games (Friday 5 March 2010) so if you're planning on skiing this winter you'd be barking mad not to get involved NOW!

That's how Steve Downhill rolls.

Click here to buy your Thredbo Gold Medal Lift Pass

Please note:
Passes are valid from 12 June to 4 October 2010. Passes are valid for 5 consecutive days.
Half day free ski - half day is available from 1pm on the day prior to the ticket commencing

CANADIAN SKI COUNCIL ANNOUNCES POLICY ON HELMET USAGE

2010-02-26T10:26:00.003+11:00

CANADIAN SKI COUNCIL ANNOUNCES POLICY ON HELMET USAGE
2/22/2010

Collingwood, ON, CANADA (February 22, 2010) -- The Canadian Ski Council (CSC), Canada's national umbrella organization for the Canadian ski and snowboard industry, released in January its policy on helmet usage at Canadian ski areas. Colin Chedore, President of the CSC stated "I'm pleased that after considerable research and consultation with our member Associations, we have been able to develop a national policy on helmet usage by skiers and boarders. While skiing and riding are considered safe sports, there is risk and we recommend that skiers and snowboarders educate themselves on the Alpine Responsibility Code and helmet usage. The policy as approved by the Board of the CSC reads:

"The Canadian Ski Council recommends wearing helmets for skiing and riding. Skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to educate themselves on the benefits and limitations of helmet usage. The primary safety consideration, and obligation under the Alpine Responsibility Code, is to ski and ride in a controlled and responsible manner."

Colin Chedore notes that the Alpine Responsibility Code, which is posted on ski areas' web sites, printed on brochures and on signage at all Canadian ski areas, requires that skiers and boarders have the responsibility to ski and ride safely within their ability level, and be aware at all times of other skiers and boarders around them."

The Policy was developed after research undertaken by the Council showed that helmet usage in Canada is increasing steadily, with over 50% of Canadian skiers and boarders wearing helmets. Usage is much greater among youth, reaching 90% at many areas. A helmet may reduce the severity of some head injuries in low speed collisions. A helmet may not reduce the severity of head injuries sustained at higher speed impacts. Some studies indicate that helmet usage may contribute to a false sense of security, leading to increased risk taking. As noted industry expert Dr. Jasper Shealy says "If you are going to wear a helmet, ski and ride as though you are not wearing one."

Canadian ski areas have invested heavily in making the sport safer with improved signage, better grooming and safer equipment. In addition, areas have purchased over 50,000 rental helmets to include with their rental packages that are available at nearly all Canadian ski areas. The CSC also recommends that helmets should meet at least one of the two current international standards for helmet construction (CEN, ASTM).

The Canadian Ski Council will continue to work with its member Associations to make the sport safer for all participants by educating them of their responsibility to use proper equipment and to ski and ride in a safe and controlled manner.

Lydia Lassila wins GOLD.

2010-02-25T15:48:00.002+11:00

Lydia Lassila wins GOLD.

Australian Lydia Lassila has won the gold medal in the ladies' freestyle skiing aerials final at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
Lassila scored a total of 214.74 points with combined jumps of 106.25 and 108.49 in the first and second runs respectively.

Chinese pacesetter Xu Mengtao had the chance to snatch gold on the final jump but she failed to stick the landing and scored just 82.87, placing her sixth.

Fellow Australian Jacqui Cooper finished in fifth place with a total of 194.29 points (90.82 and 103.47)

Womens Aerials - http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-freestyle-skiing/schedule-and-results/ladies-aerials-final_frw030100Ei.html

CR Johnson died today, Feb. 24th, while skiing at Squaw Valley USA.

2010-02-25T13:11:00.002+11:00

From Matt Sterbenz - 4FRNT Skis.

It comes with much regret to inform you that CR Johnson died today, Feb. 24th, while skiing at Squaw Valley USA. Squaw was CR's home resort and the accident occurred while skiing a face titled Light Towers. This was a respected expert face with a variety of features. CR, like most Squaw locals, routinely ski this venue as it is within the resorts boundary. It has been told to me that CR was skiing down the face when he lost control, made contact with rocks and fell lifeless to the apron below. Emergency support was quick to his aid but it was clearly too late. CPR was executed with no response, CR was gone.

He is one of my best friends and this loss is very sad for me. He loved amongst all other things, the CRJ and being apart of 4FRNT.

Condolances and sincere best wishes to all familly and friends from the team at Rider+ and Rider Sports Distribution.

2900 S. West Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
www.4frnt.com
http://www.facebook.com/4frntskis

How Good is Shaun White?

2010-02-19T17:32:00.003+11:00

Photos by Chris Owen and Jeff Baker

Shaun White kicked ass today in the pipe and won the gold. Mad respect to Shaun for landing new tricks and continuing to push the progression of snowboarding. Shaun proved once again that he is the best pipe rider on the planet and if winning the gold wasn't enough, Shaun decided to land a Double McTwist 1260—in his victory lap. This kid is nothing short of amazing and now Shaun has two back-to-back gold medals in Torino 2006 and now Vancouver.

2010-02-19T17:05:00.002+11:00

Torah wins GOLD
events: 19-2-2010
Champion Australian snowboarder Torah Bright has won the gold medal in the women's halfpipe event at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
She bombed out in her first run, slipping twice to record the lowest score of 5.9, forcing her to lead out the second run at Cypress Mountain.

Bright remained composed under heavy pressure and produced a stunning performance that earned her the gold medal score of 45.0.

Americans Hannah Teter (42.4) and Kelly Clark (42.2) took the other podium spots.

Hotham QantasLink flights from Sydney resume in 2010

2010-02-18T11:30:00.000+11:00

hotham: 15-2-2010
QantasLink's Sydney to Hotham flights will be back this 2010 winter season with the airline announcing it will offer additional services and an extended flight schedule, meaning visitors can spend less time travelling and enjoy more time on the slopes!

QantasLink will fly direct from Sydney to Hotham Airport, the only alpine resort-based airport in the
Southern Hemisphere, from 25 June 2010. Services will run four times a week during the peak season and continue until 12 September.

Victorian Tourism Minister Tim Holding welcomes the reintroduction of QantasLink's seasonal flights between Sydney and Hotham.

"Victoria's ski fields are among the best in Australia and we're pleased that these areas are becoming increasingly accessible to interstate and international visitors," Minister Holding said.

"These flights are the perfect way to visit Victoria's renowned alpine regions either for a short trip or to explore the many towns and villages in the High Country."

Hotham's General Manager, Belinda Trembath, is also excited about QantasLink's announcement.

"We are thrilled that QantasLink are offering additional flights and an extended flight schedule to Hotham guests in 2010, allowing our interstate visitors to get even more time on snow this season." Trembath said.

To celebrate the announcement of the new schedule, QantasLink will be offering a special sale fare of $179 one-way*, including taxes and charges, for sale from 10-19 February 2010, valid for travel throughout the 2010 season. For a full schedule and fares visit www.qantas.com.

With Hotham's 2010 winter season just around the corner, there is no better time to organise your snow holiday. Experience the convenience of a ski-in, ski-out holiday with Hotham's 'Ultimate Fly, Stay & Ski' package:

Ultimate Fly, Stay & Ski
Fly in for the weekend and get more time on snow with the return of QantasLink direct flights from Sydney to Hotham Airport. From $832* per person. Includes:
- Return flights on QantasLink from Sydney to Hotham
- 2 nights accommodation in an Ultima 1 Bedroom Apartment
- 2 day all-mountain lift pass and equipment hire
- Return transfers from Hotham Airport

*Price $832 per adult – 4 share. Qantas flights on sale for discounted rate of $179 one way from 10 -19
February 2010. Package valid 2 – 22 July 2010. Subject to availability. Quote Code P2NFLYUL.

For holiday bookings or further Hotham information call 1800 hotham or visit hotham.com.au.

IS THIS THE BEST SNOWBOARD GEAR IN THE WORLD?

2010-02-12T16:49:00.005+11:00

Coming To Australia - Eleven Technical Outerwear from Switzerland

http://www.eleven.ch/index.php?collection-2

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE'VE GOT FOR YOU
we are a collective of creative individuals gathered together to reach a common goal. each of us enjoys the endless variety of nature’s opportunities to express his very own style. what keeps us all together is that we care about what is taking us there.

do you care too?

with eleven we strive to offer you a product that becomes an important part of your very own expression of sense and style. we want you to feel what you wear, and be sure that it will take you wherever you are going.

we provide you with garments that bring together strength and smoothness, quality and style and make you feel part of the crew here at eleven, because it’s not about us, it’s all about you.

An Insight into Skis for Next Season - ISPO Round Up

2010-02-12T11:02:00.005+11:00

ISPO Round Up
Posted on Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 at 11:08 pm.

ISPO wrapped up this evening, and we were there to check out some of the product that will be coming your way in 2011. Of course this being the world’s biggest snow sports show there was really too much new stuff for us to be able to preview everything, however we did get to grips with the essentials, and by the essentials we mean the skis.

Overall ski companies seem to be further embracing the rocker revolution, with every company now having at the least a rockered tip on one of their skis, and plenty of companies rockering a majority of their freestyle, freeride, and even all-mountain range. So if there is anyone out there who thought rocker technology was just a passing phase they should probably find a hat and start eating it about now. Other than this there is definitely a push towrd the backcountry this year, with more and more wider skis finding their way into ranges. Also mainstream companies seem to be looking toward the tourer now as well, with a focus on lighterweight skis. The other main change this year was the abundance of colour walking around the stands, maybe this is a backlash to the otherwise gloomy global outlook at the moment, but whatever the reason we like it.

For more info see: http://skiunion.mpora.com/featured-box/ispo.html

Falls & Hotham to make more snow in 2010

2010-02-09T11:26:00.001+11:00

hotham: 8-2-2010
Living and Leisure Australia invests additional $2.5 million in snowmaking - Guests visiting Falls Creek and Hotham Alpine Resorts in winter 2010 will benefit from today¹s announcement by parent company, Living and Leisure Australia (LLA), of an additional $2.5 million investment in snowmaking at the resorts.
Falls Creek Alpine Resort is investing in 28 automatic TechnoAlpin lance snow guns with the majority of these being installed on Wombat¹s Ramble, Australia¹s longest beginner run at 2.2km.

With 100% automatic lance gun coverage, the run will be transformed into Australia¹s newest nightskiing and boarding playground with floodlights running on green power.

Falls Creek will now have 49 fan guns, 50 automatic air water guns and 115 manual air water snow guns. With the completion of a high capacity snowmaking system along the length of Wombats Ramble, new top to bottom snowmaking ensures night skiing will be available both earlier and later in the season.

Snowmaking (File photo)Snowmaking helps to develop a solid base for the season, top up high traffic areas and keep popular access trails and ski areas open for longer.
John Schryver, LLA CEO said, "Previously installed snowmaking infrastructure helped to sustain a quality snow base through to the end of the 2009 snow season, which resulted in strong visitation building at both resorts from early in the season.

"This commitment by LLA to its continued investment in snowmaking will provide guests with greater confidence when booking snow holidays in the earlier and latter parts of the snow season, including school holidays."

The 2010 winter season opens on 12 June 2010

NEW TO 2010- BIG AIR BAG, DRY SLOPE at BAW BAW

2010-02-04T15:28:00.002+11:00

Stop! Don’t pack up that snowboard or those skis just yet- we’ve got just the thing for those wanting to perfect their skills ready for next winter.
This December, enough dry slope will be arriving on our doorstep for the terrain park guys to set up our famous Big Air Bag (BABs), as well as terrain park features that you can use just like in winter!

Also on offer will be Dry Slope Tubing- it’s like sliding down the snow in a giant roll.

What’s Dry Slope?
Dry Slope is a material designed to simulate sliding on the snow, and won’t wreck your skis or snowboard in any way. Think of it as looking a bit like fake grass, but as slippery as the white stuff.

The Dry Slope Activities are here, Ladies and Gentleman.
With the official launch of the Big Air Bag (BABs), Mini Terrain Park and Dry Slope Tubing on Australia Day Weekend at the Down to Earth Festival, not only will there be plenty to do,but also a crowd to watch, as you show off your winter snow sports skills, IN SUMMER!

The Dry Slope Park will be running (weather permitting) on the following dates:

January 23rd and 24th 2010 - Australia Day weekend

February 13th and 14th 2010

March 6th and 7th 2010 - Labour Day Weekend

April 3rd and 4th 2010 - Easter Weekend

Cost of the Dry Slope Activities is only $25.00 for a half day access pass, available for purchase from the Administration building.

To view images of the recent set-up - check out our online image gallery, post a comment here or on Facebook

Disclaimer:

Running of Dry Slope Activities are weather permitting.
There will be no refunds should these activities be deemed unsafe to operate due to weather conditions.
Helmets must be worn.
Please pay attention to the waiver, signed at time of pass purchase.
There is no ski or snowboard hire available on the mountain during the Green Season.

Britteny Cox - Our Youngest Winter Olympian

2010-02-02T10:20:00.002+11:00

15 year old skier Britteny Cox grew up chasing her brother Hamish over the moguls at Falls Creek, Victoria's largest alpine resort.
Her inclusion in our team to represent Australia at the Vancouver Winter Olympics is testimony to her rapid rise through the ranks of women's mogul skiing.

From eight years of age Britteny has been winning titles at state and national level in her chosen alpine discipline - mogul skiing.

Her on-snow skills have been honed by input from her father Graeme, older brother Hamish (who's currently coaching our national team at Deer Valley), Falls Creek-based Adrian Costa a four time Winter Olympian and coaches attached to the Falls Creek Race Club. Older brother Hamish represented Australia in the winter of 2007 (at Park City, Utah where younger sister Britteny recently secured a first and second place in the Park City Classic). However, it is Albury Scots College student Britteny who has rewritten sports history with her selection in Australia's mogul team which will compete in the forthcoming Winter Olympics

Eric Hjorleifson - The Hand Made Renegade from 4FRNT

2010-02-02T10:05:00.004+11:00

Well here they are!

After three weeks of hard work almost every day the first run of 6 pairs of the Renegades are complete.

The majority of the trip to the 4FRNT HQ was spent setting up all the fixtures required to produce skis in house for the future. We only went to Home Depot a dozen times, Isle 17 fixtures, Ha, Ha....

We renovated the press from alignment pins, form blocks and bolster tube assembly all the way to the pneumatic rams and regulators that control the airbag inflation pressure.

We also had to set up, extend and dial in the die cut press machine and had dies built to cut out the P-tex bass material. This was a substantial project in it self.

I built a steel work bench/bandsaw table/ Mcgivered drum sander finishing side grinder assembly out of old steel shelving units stacked behind the office, reused materials and 50 trips to the Bolt center shop down the road.

I feel that I really have learned a lot about ski building and what is involved to produce high quality hand built skis. This experience will definitely be applied to future productions of the renegade and prototyping beyond that....

I would like to Thank:

Matt Sterbenz, Bob Boice, Endre Hals, Cody Barnhill, Steele, Jeremy, Parker, the rest of the 4FRNT crew, Alta resort, Sid's ski Shop in SLC, Jeff & Dave at The Tune Shop in Banff for all the help and effort to make this project possible!

Skiing Switch

2010-02-02T10:01:00.001+11:00

Tech Talk - Episode 14 - Skiing Switch from 4FRNT Skis on Vimeo.

Tech Talk - Ski Care with Matt Sterbenz from 4FRNT

2010-02-02T09:53:00.001+11:00

Tech Talk - Episode 15 - Ski Care from 4FRNT Skis on Vimeo.

The Scott James Miracle 26 January 2010

2010-01-28T14:13:00.003+11:00

It took more than an injured teammate to get 15 year old Scotty James to make the team for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. He is the Youngest male Australian Winter Olympian in history and the youngest Snowboard Olympian ever.
After a long 6-months on tour and a failed campaign to achieve Olympic Team selection, 15 Year-old Scott James was back in Australia and happily enjoying being a 15-year old kid again wakeboarding at his mate Ethans' farm.
At about the same time a call came through to his family home and Scott's mother answered - it was his coach and mentor Ben Bright in the USA, the news was bitter sweet. Australia's top medal hope in the Men's snowboard Halfpipe Nate Johnstone, had just broken his leg in a training accident and there was an outside chance for Scotty to make the Olympic team in Nate's place. Ben had made some calls to Ski and Snowboard Australia CEO, Michael Kennedy and also to the national head snowboard coach Ben Wordsworth who both confirmed Scott's eligibility.
But there were two small details; first Scott had to compete at a World Cup event in Eastern Canada (the opposite side of the globe) in only 2 days time. And then he had to record a 19th place finish or better to qualify for the vacant spot left by Nate Johnstone's misfortune.
Time was against Scotty, but with some quick thinking and fast packing he was on a plane first thing the next morning from Melbourne International. 20 hours of flying later and the 15 year-old hopeful finally arrived in Quebec City at 9:20pm the night before the event and made his way to Stoneham resort. He had missed all the crucial practice days where 'getting used to the pipe' is usually of utmost importance for a solid day of competition.
Nevertheless early the next morning after only a few hours sleep, Scotty managed to squeeze in a quick 20 minutes of practice before the main event. He then went on to nail 15th place with a single five-hit run through the cold icy halfpipe (Method, Front 7, Cab 7, front 9 and backside 540). He had done it, the dream he had all but given up on was again a reality.
Scotty is now in Salt Lake City where he is on call for the Winter X-Games in Colorado at the end of this week. His coach Ben Bright is at the X with defending gold medalist (Australia's world champion female snowboarder), his sister Torah Bright, all of who form a solid network of support around the young Scotty that has attributed to his fast rise to success.When Scott flies to Vancouver in just over 2 weeks, he'll pull on the green and gold team tracksuit for the first time and be the youngest ever snowboarder to compete at a Winter Olympic Games.

Dale Begg-Smith Cements His Number One Mogul Status 15 January 2010

2010-01-28T14:06:00.002+11:00

The first day of a double World Cup in Deer Valley sees Begg-Smith on the top of the podium yet again, on the very same course he suffered a season ending knee injury just a year ago. Qualifying in second position behind France's Guilbault Colas, Begg-Smith again stepped it up for finals, skiing the course two seconds faster than his qualifying time and leaving the field in his wake to take the day with a total score of 26.12 a lead of more than half a point over second place skier Guilbault Colas of France with 25.48. Dmitriy Reiherd of Kazakhstan placed third posting a 25.10.

During my many years coaching World Cup it's always been impressive to see one skier who can stand on top of the podium week after week like Dale has done these past two weeks. Other Aussies at Deer Valley include Sam Hall who skied to 40th position followed by teammate Matt Graham in 41st. Hugh Norton placed in 56th.
Broken Dreams for Australia's Ramone Cooper
Skiing bumps takes its toll and few are left unscathed. Unfortunately, Australia's Ramone Cooper has sustained what is likely a season ending knee injury during training at Deer Valley, leaving him unable to enter the competition. Further MRI results will confirm the extent of the injury although initial prognoses indicate the Olympics are in serious jeopardy for Ramone.
Call it home court advantage
The women's saw USA's Heather McPhie take her first World Cup win of her career, which was technically a tie with Canada's gold medal winner in Torino Jennifer Heil. After the tie breaker, McPhie took the win and confirmed a berth for the Games in Vancouver. McPhie also moves up to the number two spot on the World Cup rankings. Shannon Bahrke seized her first podium of the season taking third. Shannon and I have fond memories of Deer Valley from the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics. While coaching the US Team during the Salt Lake Games we saw Shannon win the silver on this very same challenging course.

Winter Olympics Schedule and Results

2010-01-27T14:15:00.001+11:00

Check out all the action here: http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule-results/

Video Report - World Cup Snowboard Cross

2009-12-24T12:35:00.001+11:00

Video Report - World Cup Snowboard Cross
usa: 21-12-2009
Alex Pullin Leads Australian Snowboard Push to the Olympics
Australia's snowboard superstar Alex Pullin showed he's ready for Olympic competition with an aggressive start to the World Cup season in Telluride, Colorado, USA.

Pullin unleashed his assertive snowboard cross tactics in the heat rounds of the finals competition, winning his first heat after leading from the starting gate in spectacular style.

A risky move on a tough turn in the second heat sent him into the nets but displayed the young Olympic hopeful's willingness to push that extra bit for the win.

"I don't want to be a rider who sits back and watches the action," Pullin said after the race. "It is so fine it can come off and put you in first, or end up the way it did," he said of his maneuver attempt. Finishing 15th overall in a full strength World Cup field, Pullin beat five-time X-Games Gold Medalist, American Shaun Palmer, who placed 21st.

Prior to competition, team member Damon Hayler described the course, by Vancouver Olympic Snowboard cross course builder Jeff Ihaksi, as a very tricky course.

"It's a technical course, it's a hard course," he said. "It should suit the freestyle guys more than the racing guys."

Hayler also made the finals, coming in 25th overall and showing his own determination, coming back from a mid race incident to make ground on the leaders.

Olympic qualification looks to be in hand for both athletes, with Pullin placed 8th in the overall World Cup standings and Hayler 18th. In addition, Australian female snowboard cross athlete Stephanie Hinky earned a respectable 25th place.

The Telluride WC event supplied a form guide for the 2010 Vancouver Games. Despite earning only one podium spot the United States dominated the men's top 10; third for Ross Powers behind France's Pierre Vaultier and Canada's Robert Fagan.

Chest deep powder in Niseko

2009-12-19T12:35:00.000+11:00

japan: 18-12-2009
Niseko has had 30-40cm overnight, and another 10-15cms this morning & it just keeps dumping. The big machinery snow movers are now here to deal with the dumpage in the village.
Bottomless powder - waist & chest deep with breathing apparatus being an absolute necessity. This is the reason why Niseko is rated the 2nd or 3rd snowiest resort on the planet.

Chill factors are still around 25C under with a 15-20km breeze from the WNW. Today, Friday & Saturday is again looking huge. Later Sunday & into the evening is looking totally off the charts. Monday will be epic.

Weekend Weather Summary:
A heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Fri night. Temperatures will be well below freezing (max -7°C on Fri morning, min -12°C on Sun night). Wind will be generally light.

Mon-Wed Weather Summary:
A heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Mon morning. Temperatures will be below freezing (max -5°C on Wed morning, min -8°C on Mon morning). Winds decreasing (strong winds from the NW on Mon morning, light winds from the W by Tue night).

Summer Gear at Rider+

2009-12-12T13:37:00.002+11:00

We have a fantastic range of Snow products at Internationally Competitive prices in store & online now and the best thing is, most of it is on sale at up to 70% off. We have Snowboard boots from $99, Snowboards from $199 and great deals on some travel bags for those of you lucky enough to be going overseas. Don't forget that for purchases over $300 you can get your tax back at the airport. click for details.

Special offer: 2009 Option Influence Snowboard was $599 now $199

We also have a fantastic range of wide skis at GREAT prices for overseas sking including 4FRNT
CRJ, MSP, VCT & EHP

Drop snowboard bags were $119.95 now only $79.95 (buy now)Drop wheelie bags (limited quantity) were $219.95 now only $129.95 (buy now)
We have some great discounts on our gloves and goggles: go to Gloves: Go to Goggles
70% off selected Outerwear.

Don't forget to check out the BARGAIN BIN for daily updates

Rider+ also has a great range of Summer gear now in store including board shorts, tee shirts, boogie boards, skateboards, skim boards, soft surf boards, heaps of beach toys, a great assortment of sunhats, thongs, awesome jewellry, snorkel sets and fun stuff for the pool. Everything you need to enjoy your summer holidays or if you are looking for some great Christmas gift ideas.

Special offer: All DC skate shoes are now 30%* off

Sizes range from Toddlers size 5 to mens size 12 (in store only)

Shop hours: Mon-Thurs 10am-5.30pm. Fri 10am-7pm. Sat 10am-4pm Sun 11am-3pm.
Online hours: 24/7.

*These offers are valid in store only for a limited time.
Our Ivanhoe store is located at: 105 Upper Heidelberg Road. Phone: 03 9497 1655 or email: sales@riderplus.com.au

Powerful Storm Blankets Colorado Ski Resorts

2009-12-12T13:33:00.001+11:00

usa: 10-12-2009
Season's longest snowstorm buries Colorado Ski Country in feet of powder.

Denver, Colorado, USA. Dec. 9, 2009 Colorado's ski area operators are smiling today as they count the snow totals from this ski season's longest snowstorm which blasted Colorado Ski Country with several feet of powder. After a string of days with continuous snowfall and cold weather, the storm system intensified in the past 48 hours. Every one of Colorado Ski Country USA's (CSCUSA) member resorts received fresh snow, with many resorts opening new terrain as a result and one resort prompted to open up early for the season.

Southern Colorado fared particularly well. Silverton Mountain broke the three-foot mark with 38 inches of snow in the past two days. A winter deluge engulfed Wolf Creek, which saw 35 inches mount in the last two days, bringing a weekly total of more than four feet of light, dry powder. Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort followed suit, measuring 34 inches of snow in 48 hours.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) saw 28 inches of accumulation in the past two days. Enough snow fell at CBMR over the past week to prompt the resort to open another lift, Paradise Express, which gives skiers access to more advanced terrain and to the mid-mountain Paradise Warming House.

Happy powder skier in Aspen. Photo: Jeremy Swanson.Telluride Ski Resort also opened new lifts and terrain as a result of the storm. The resort, which welcomed 17 inches in the past 48 hours, is garnering worldwide attention this week as it prepares to host two Olympic qualifying events starting December 15, the U.S. World Cup Parallel Giant Slalom and Snowboardcross events.
Sunlight Mountain Resort also reaped 16 inches of snow, with most of that falling yesterday. Monarch Mountain joined Sunlight in shattering the one-foot mark, receiving 15 inches in the past two days.

There are also a lot of happy riders at Snowmass, which was buried in a full foot of fluff since Monday morning. Aspen Mountain nearly matched its big brother's snowfall, clocking in with seven inches.

Northern Colorado got a major boost from the storm too. A new 6 inches of snow has Steamboat Resort opening top-to-bottom skiing today as it powers up its popular Storm Peak Express lift.

Eldora Mountain Resort was pummeled with a half-foot of new snow in the past day as well, adding to the 14 inches that Eldora accumulated since last week.

The fresh flurries have some resorts opening early to accommodate eager skiers and riders. Powderhorn's new 28 inches has that resort opening a full five days ahead of schedule. The ski area, on the edge of the Grand Mesa near Grand Junction, will now join Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk in opening this Saturday, December 12. The winter flurry has been a boon to Ski Cooper as well, which announced yesterday that it has enough snow to open for the season on December 18.

Shredders at Echo Mountain have an extra five inches of cushion for their landings as a result of the recent storm.

Copper Mountain welcomed a fresh coat of powder as that resort prepares to kick off its U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix event tomorrow. Olympic snowboarders from around the world have descended on Copper over the past several weeks and can be seen practicing their art on the resort's 22-foot halfpipe.

Skiers at Arapahoe Basin and Loveland Ski Area are also enjoying fresh snowfall. Conditions at both resorts are a mix of powder and packed powder, ideal for smooth carving.

Recent snow blanketed Winter Park Resort over the past couple days as well. Skiers there can look forward to snowy turns as the sun comes out this weekend, and a not-to-miss apres ski at the mountain's Derailer Bar, where acoustic artist Michelle Branch is playing a free concert on Friday, December 11.

For a complete listing of Colorado Ski Country USA member events and snow conditions, please visit www.ColoradoSki.com.

Summer Gear at Rider+

2009-12-10T16:46:00.001+11:00

Rider+ now has a great range of Summer gear now in store including board shorts, tee shirts, boogie boards, skateboards, skim boards, soft surf boards, heaps of beach toys, a great assortment of sunhats, thongs, awesome jewellry, snorkel sets and fun stuff for the pool. Everything you need to enjoy your summer holidays or if you are looking for some great
Christmas gift ideas.

Special offer: All DC skate shoes are now 30% off

Sizes range from Toddlers size 5 to mens size 12

Record November snowfalls at Whistler Blackcomb

2009-12-08T15:49:00.001+11:00

canada: 4-12-2009
Whistler Blackcomb smashes record for snowiest month EVER with over 5.5 metres (18 feet) of snowfall
November 2009 takes the podium as Whistler Blackcomb's snowiest month in recorded history

WHISTLER, BC, December 1, 2009 – As the calendar flips over, it's now official that November 2009 will go down in history as the snowiest month on record at Whistler Blackcomb, dating back to when the collection of weather data began 30 years ago.

November 2009 has seen a total accumulation of 560cm (220 inches) of snowfall, nearly four times that of November's average snowfall of 148cm (58 inches). This is an increase of more than 19 per cent over the previous record of 469cm (185 inches) set in January 2006, and a 22 per cent increase over January 1992's record of 459cm (181 inches).

"Whistler is already known for reliable early season snowfall and this year's record breaking start sets us up for an unbelievable season," says Stuart Rempel, senior vice president of marketing & sales at Whistler Blackcomb. "To begin the season with a record breaker the likes of 5.5 metres of snowfall has certainly heightened the level of excitement in the resort, especially in this year, as we prepare to be a host venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympics Winter Games in February."
And now, with the record broken, there is still an entire season of skiing and riding to look forward to. With a season that offers 192 days of skiing and riding, Whistler Blackcomb is already over half way towards the resort's average annual snowfall of just over 10 metres (33 feet).

"With amazing conditions and stay and ski packages starting from $103 per person per night, there are some great deals to be had," says Rempel. "Combine this with plenty of availability leading up to and following the Games, the new PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola which opened to incredible reviews last winter, and slopes that are expected be quieter than usual, and there couldn't be a better time to visit Whistler Blackcomb."

Both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are now open, offering thousands of acres to ski and ride at North America's largest ski resort. Check out videos and photography, as well as information regarding mountain operations, snow reports, weather forecasts, and ski and stay packages, at www.whistlerblackcomb.com

Tips on buying skis - turn radius.

2009-11-28T16:56:00.000+11:00

Mat Sterbenz fronm 4FRNT talks about turn radius.

More Ski >>

Tips on buying skis - ski construction

2009-11-28T16:52:00.002+11:00

MAtt Sterbenz from 4FRNT talks about ski construction.

More Ski >>

Tips on buying skis - CAMBER.

2009-11-28T16:40:00.002+11:00

Matt Sterbenz from 4FRNT talks about camber and the rocker revolution.

More Ski >>

Niseko officially opens

2009-11-23T12:10:00.001+11:00

international: 23-11-2009
HEAVY snowfalls the past couple of days primed Niseko's powdery slopes for the much-anticipated season opening today, Powderlife Niseko has reported.
As promised, the Grand Hirafu lifts were switched on at 8.30 this morning, with hundreds of skiers and boarders turning out and hitting the mountain throughout the day to get their first taste of the 09-10 powder.

Those keen enough were up waiting in line for the familiar opening bells and sirens to sound, and a steady stream of people continued to flow through the gates all day to sample the upper half of Hirafu.

A solid 1m base up top allowed plenty of powder for all to share. And although there was only one official run open for business, everyone had a smile on their dial, happy to be up there on Day 1 and dusting off the cobwebs of summer.

Early openers in Canada, America and France

2009-11-19T14:02:00.001+11:00

Early snow and low temperatures allowed Loveland and Arapahoe basin in Colorado to open in October, the earliest in 40 years.
Other major resorts running lifts earlier than expected:

- Keystone, Colorado: November 5
- Banff-Lake Louise, Alberta: (Mt. Norquay - October 31; Lake Louise - November 6; Sunshine Village - November 11)
- Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia: November 12 after receiving 120-plus cms of snow in just over a week
- Breckenridge, Colorado: November 12 (3,000 free pancakes were served at the base during the opening!)

Almost every major resort in the West will be open between now and the days following the traditional Thanksgiving holiday weekend in America.

www.riderplus.com.au