Keeping the culture war alive at Crystal

snowcrushers

I think Lowell nailed it. These are trends and it is interesting to follow them. But nothing is going away.

I think the next big trend is applying a waxless pattern to a backcountry ski. This has just started. Viole sells the most advanced version, but I expect other folks to get in the game very soon. The big advantage is the transition. Locking and unlocking and all the other things you have to do with the boot and binding (or even a split board) are minor compared to attaching or detaching a skin. With a waxless ski (or a ski with kick wax) this part of the game is often eliminated. This doesn't mean you should leave the skins at home, it just means you use them a lot less.

As far as snowboarding goes, the big advantage I see to the sport is foot comfort. You can wear a soft boot and still do fairly well. I know folks use hard boots as well, but a good snowboarder can get down a moderate slope (say, Paradise) in deep snow just fine. You have to be a really good skier to do the same. I ski areas like that with Nordic BC boots but I often struggle. I can't remember seeing anyone else with similar gear. I've yet to find a plastic boot that I like. The last one hurt my foot so much I saw a podiatrist. When I explained my situation she joked "Have you considered snowboarding?"

In all seriousness I have, but I also haven't given up on plastic boots yet. I really don't feel like learning another way down a mountain (especially since I like touring as much as anything and like the easier transition of a ski) but if I was learning from scratch I would probably learn both. 

Man this issue is really bringing out the people. 4 pages! Thanks for the Alta video, that was funny. I have only been there on one trip but the best skiing and snowboarding was across the street from Alta and Snowbird.

I don't think there needs to be efficiencies or advantages found between skiing and snowboarding. They are different sports that are worth it for their own reasons. Boot comfort is pretty nice but my favorite part of doing both is just being able to mix it up if I feel like trying something new that day.

Man this issue is really bringing out the people. 4 pages! Thanks for the Alta video, that was funny. I have only been there on one trip but the best skiing and snowboarding was across the street from Alta and Snowbird.

I don't think there needs to be efficiencies or advantages found between skiing and snowboarding. They are different sports that are worth it for their own reasons. Boot comfort is pretty nice but my favorite part of doing both is just being able to mix it up if I feel like trying something new that day.

I concur, my friend. Let's just enjoy the freshies and you're welcome for the video, I was a bit shocked by that, as I have never been down there.

it's all gravity fed fun.

it's all gravity fed fun.

Gravity in full effect in this video.....he's lucky to be alive. Snowboard boots=no grip.
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Fast forward to 11.15...Yikes!