zeepowderhunter

Looking to buy a 2nd set of skis. Been skiing brahma's (188/88) last few seasons and I've always liked them, but wanted to try a wider ski, ~90s. I'm mostly an on-piste intermediate/advanced skier that'll ski mostly blue/black groomers, non-groomers. Can ski pretty much anything at SR except for the super tight glade stuff. Been considering the blizzard Rustler 9, Nordica Enforcer 94, Volkl Mantra M6. I'm 6'1", 155lbs and from what I've read, the Rustler would probably be best for me, but some reports of it being not as stable at higher speeds (2024 has full length metal edge so maybe better?) has me considering the other two.  I'd like to rip high speed GS groomers and the Nordica seems to fit the bill well. The Mantra, based on reviews appears to be a high charging heavy ski that at my weight may be more difficult to maneuver. Overall, I'd like a stable ski at speed, but still being able to execute quick turns on the steeper stuff. Any suggestions on these or other skis to consider?

9 minutes ago, mreaves said:

Just saw a report of 16” in Wilmington, VT on the morning news. Is that even possible this early?

If you look at the magic mountain web cam I would think so. 

7 minutes ago, Ginx snewx said:

http://moe.met.fsu.edu/banding/

Thanks!

5 minutes ago, Ginx snewx said:

Probably but it varies where you are. Berks 10 to 12 to 1. Valleys 5 6 to 1 at times. Euro biggest bands are at night and atmosphere is colder. Everything still up in the air IMHO

What’s the best place/way to see where potential banding may set up?

30 minutes ago, radarman said:

Seen any blackhawks down?

Crazy that nobody was hurt!

14 minutes ago, powderfreak said:

I took one run and did the snow/water survey after that and then went home, haha.  I'm so over firm and fast conditions this time of year.  In November or December, sure but not week long stretches of it in mid-February.  I'll find something else to do.  No patience for it in February/March/April.  May not ski for a good solid week after this next one unless it snows a little .

To illustrate how solid the ungroomed snow is, this guy snapped his ski in half on a mogul.  It's a Stockli Stormrider!  Those things are solid skis but no match for frozen moguls right now.

Is that thing snapped under foot?

It is a stout ski….no noodle there!

4 minutes ago, MRVexpat said:

Jay reporting 8" up top as of EOD. You get out today? I don't scrutinize their totals as much as some but that one does seem a bit suspect to me. Hopefully its legit! I'm up the following weekend.  

Haha…that update had and still has me contemplating getting the car right now!

Wowser! Ripping in central ct!!!

18 minutes ago, PhineasC said:

Starting to see a better upslope signal on the models after this Friday OTS low passes to our NE. That could be the saving grace for us.

12z GFS is pretty healthy in the usual spots.

Was looking at that myself! Planning on skiing Jay this weekend if something falls. I’m a complete snow snob and not driving for just hard groomers!! 

I would assume PF knows more but regardless say to hear about this. Far to many lives lost in the mountains around the country this year. 
 

I love the woods, but can’t help but think of how easy this would be to happen. 

26 minutes ago, PowderBeard said:

This year they really cleaned out the Hollows. Previous years it was creating "Voodoo." Some volunteer days they basically made entire new areas that, luckily, still are not on the map - I believe "Narnia" was a volunteer glade but could be mistaken. Since the east side is one massive glade now the west side needs some love. Only 5/6 real unmarked areas there that are named. 

Well that’s great to hear about the Hallows. Yeah there were definitely some “things” lurking beneath in there. Place is so great, happy it’s in good hands now. Have a great season!  I have dreams on ripping down green line during the big March storm a few years back. Full white out, felt like I was out west again. Praying for more of that sometime soon. 

5 minutes ago, PowderBeard said:

Hahaha. Not "The G-Spot",  the other side of Red. G-Spot has been sneaky good the past couple years, almost like it was forgotten about. 

Been to many volunteer days, always a good time. 

Ahhh gotcha!

I have only been able to reap the benefits of volunteer days. They have helped the mountain out a ton.  I need to help out sometime.  Can’t wait to get up there this season. 

9 minutes ago, PowderBeard said:

All natural, just how it grows with that exposure.

My handiwork has not translated well (i.e., narrow chutes down multiple large ice falls that can only be skied a couple days a year). Guess I just don't have the eye for it. The guy behind the camera in these is the master at it. Probably done 10-12 areas at Magic and they are all fun and unique. The lower 200' of one some of use made is pretty sweet though, just gets loaded at the bases of these ledges because of a main trail 100' below it. (I clearly need to stop landing in the backseat) 

Hmmmm....looks like it might be between Goniff and Red line!

You have been to the volunteer days?

Nice shot!

14 minutes ago, powderfreak said:

That’s my buddy Dylan, but yeah I think he’s got shifts for bindings.

Ah gotcha.  Thanks!

2 hours ago, powderfreak said:

Ended up with a couple inches of snow above mid-mountain this afternoon to give it a wintry vibe up there.  Lower mountain was spring like mashed potatoes and soft bumps.  2.5 ways down right now... 3 upper mountain that funnel to 2 routes lower half (plus a few beginner lifts and trails over at Spruce).  Full on bump runs this afternoon from the soft snow and traffic.

Not time to "Shut 'em Down" yet up here.  We'll see after a couple rainers, ha! 

Hey freak,  are those shifts on your boards?

That’s my plan also...but bring skins if you got em. Who knows how hard the winds will be howling!

Well that’s good news! I will be heading to Jay later and was hopeful.  Hopefully I can get on my new pow boards that I have been salivating over. Thanks again and enjoy it if you get out. 

Thanks!

Any thoughts on upslope?  

7 minutes ago, ice1972 said:

Wolf you got mix yet?  You’re in Southington right?

I’m next town over on Berlin and it’s still all snow

1 hour ago, HIPPYVALLEY said:

Yup and Burke too. 

So I hear. A buddy of mine used to rent a house close to Jay but has since changed location to Burke area. I assume there are less winds holds at Burke compared to Jay but I hear they don’t get as much snow?  And yes, I am fully aware of Jays snow reporting!

21 minutes ago, ORH_wxman said:

I really want to get there. It's one of the few real mid sized mountains with a good rep I haven't been to yet. Everyone raves about it once the snowpack gets deep and the glades are open season. 

It definitely a great mountain when the snow is flying. Also never have to worry about wind holds like many other mountains. My suggestion is to get there on a mid week powder day. Smaller crowds which preserves the powder!  That is if your into that type of thing.  No frills laid back vibe.