Resort Skier vs. Backcountry Skier, ROI

Scotsman, you're right.  If you're aiming for top-tier performance (ie elite comp or pro/sponsored level skiing)  at some age it just isn't achieveable.  You can always get technically better.  If you take the big mt or dh/sg competitions and the big mt videos, there's always an age where people begin to fall off.  Are you really arguing that there should be more 70yo on the World Cup?

And your point was what again, that at some point people can't improve and therefore should be content with sucking it up in the BC?

I have no illusions of making it on the WC at this point or the desire air to hardpack on the FWT anymore, but that doesn't mean it is folly for me to continue to try and improve my GS skiing or keep my strength up and hone my skiing technique, things that cannot be effectively practiced without significant repetition.  (Didier Cuche just won at Kitzbuehel to become the oldest DH winner at 36 btw).  My skiing may not be as bold as it was 10-20yrs ago, but the standards to which I am held  are my own and not the 20yro with rubber legs and fresh knees.

Increased technical skill is usually always an asset in the BC skiing and rarely falls in the liability catagory, so I see the ROI on this as immeasurable.  But my way or choice is not the best way, but merely the best way for me.


Good god do we need some snow.

Good god do we need some snow.

QFT, the end.

Again nuance is required. Skill improvement is possible up to a quite advanced age IMHO, strenght is not.
Skiing is not all about strength and it's about how you define " out ski".
I was rather dismayed by Vogtski's view and yours frankly as I think as skiers get older they should still concentrate and re-emphasize their commitment to improving technically.

I'm not disputing any of those points, Scotty.

And your point was what again,

(Didier Cuche just won at Kitzbuehel to become the oldest DH winner at 36 btw).  My skiing may not be as bold as it was 10-20yrs ago, but the standards to which I am held  are my own and not the 20yro with rubber legs and fresh knees.

Good god do we need some snow.

Exactly.


Anyway, enough thread drift.  Sufficient skills need to be acquired before enjoying variable oft-piste conditions.  It is faster to acquire skills in-bounds with the increased vertical available.  Personally, I try to ski IB enough to keep my skills up to a level I can live with, and then try to ski the BC the rest of the time.  I'd ski 6 days a week if I could, but it's not realistic at this point in my life.
Of 40 days skied last year, 2 were IB in WA.


in terms of *my* ROI.  I have yet to finder a AT binding that lasts over 100 days (some much less), while good DH bindings last 300+.  Skis in the Cascades (not Rockies) probably last for me 100-200 days IB, 150-250 days BC.  Skins require reglue every 3-4 years, but will last forever (just about?).  I can live with boots for many years (i really really need new boots!)

bottom line is skiing is cheaper than mtb for me