What is gelande quaffing you ask? Years ago in Jackson Hole, a few members of the legendary Jackson Hole Air Force were having a some beers at the Bear Claw (now Village Cafe) while waiting out a storm. The story goes that the bartender slid a full mug of beer down the bar to his buddy, who wasn't paying attention, and someone instinctively caught it before it hit the ground and chugged the beer. A new mountain sport was born.
Make sure to watch until the end for the freestyle round.
Rules:
1. Four person teams.
2. One minute for first three rounds, finals are two minutes.
3. Quaffer must be 2 feet from the edge of the bar.
4. Must rotate pitcher and quaffer every pitch.
5. You CANNOT pitch until beer is down and mug touches the bar.
6. You must quaff the beer, not wear it.
7. No puking. Puking results in immediate team disqualification.
8. In the event of a tie, each team will choose one quaffer and one pitcher, and the team with the fastest Gelande Quaff wins.
Scoring:
Round 1: 1 point regular catch, 2 points handle catch.
Round 2: The quaffer must do a 360 between leaving the pitchers hand and the quaffer’s catch. 1 point regular catch, 2 points handle catch.
Round 3: The quaffer must to a 360 OR under the leg catch. 1 point regular catch, 2 points handle catch.
Finals: (2 minutes) each must complete 1 catch of the following: handle catch, 360 catch, and under the leg catch. After the 3 required catches, its time to freestyle. 0 points regular catch, 1 point handle catch, 2 points 360 handle catch, 2 points under the leg, 0-5 points for each freestyle catch (at judges discretion).
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Step Up, Throw Down
1st Annual Cold Smoke Freeride Comp 2012 @ Lost Trail
On Saturday March 24, 2012, UMEM and Backcountry Racks & Skis, in cooperation with Lost Trial Powder Mountain hosted the first annual Cold Smoke Freeride Competition. This single day event was open to skiers and snowboarders, men and women, 18 years and older. The competition was designed to challenge the best skiers and snowboarders in Western Montana to lay down the most challenging lines they can in front of a panel of judges. And boy did they ever!
22 Skiers and Snowboarders competed together and top 3 male and female riders claimed spots on the podium along with a $500 first place cash prize.
Four judges used the following criteria to crown a winner:
-Style/Tricks/Creavitity
-Line Choice/Degree of Difficulty
-Speed/Fluidity
The course was lookers right of Chair 1, an area the locals call the North Shore. The North Shore is loaded with spines and cliff drops. Lost Trail built four jumps on the lower half of the course, a zone called Femur Ridge. Competitors charged lines and dropped as many cliffs as they could before picking out their huge jump to air over Femur Ridge and down to the rope tow.
Lost Trail went to great lengths to keep the course closed Monday-Friday to ensure fresh snow and soft landings for the competition on Saturday.
Music played throughout the day and Lost Trail’s Andrew Shulz MCed the event as only he can. Athletes were treated to food and drinks all day to ensure optimum performance. Spectators were treated to some of the most impressive and intense skiing Montana has seen.
As many as 8 competitors could have walked away with the title. We saw numerous 360s, 720s, and backflips, as well as some HUGE wrecks.
Results
1st Joe Dillon
2nd Shay Lee
3rd Jake Fagrelius
The fun didn’t stop once the lifts stop spinning. Tons of prizes where tossed into crowd and raffled off, including a pair of Liberty Genome 187cm. Music played and beer flowed until 8pm. Everyone left with a prize and a full belly.
Toy Soldier Productions was on hand filming the entire event. Keep your eye out for an edit sometime in the near future. When we get it, we will post it up.
Many generous sponsors donated tons of killer prizes for the athletes and the spectators raffle. We would like to sincerely thank all of the sponsors who made this event possible: Lost Trail Powder Mountain, University of Montana Entertainment Management Program, Backcountry Racks & Skis, Liberty Skis, Discrete Headwear, 4FRNT, MFD All Time, Bern Helmets, Moment Skis, Toy Soldier Productions, Big Sky Brewery, and Saga Outerwear.
Look for the next Cold Smoke Freeride Comp to be held in February 2013.
On Saturday March 24, 2012, UMEM and Backcountry Racks & Skis, in cooperation with Lost Trial Powder Mountain hosted the first annual Cold Smoke Freeride Competition. This single day event was open to skiers and snowboarders, men and women, 18 years and older. The competition was designed to challenge the best skiers and snowboarders in Western Montana to lay down the most challenging lines they can in front of a panel of judges. And boy did they ever!
22 Skiers and Snowboarders competed together and top 3 male and female riders claimed spots on the podium along with a $500 first place cash prize.
Four judges used the following criteria to crown a winner:
-Style/Tricks/Creavitity
-Line Choice/Degree of Difficulty
-Speed/Fluidity
The course was lookers right of Chair 1, an area the locals call the North Shore. The North Shore is loaded with spines and cliff drops. Lost Trail built four jumps on the lower half of the course, a zone called Femur Ridge. Competitors charged lines and dropped as many cliffs as they could before picking out their huge jump to air over Femur Ridge and down to the rope tow.
Lost Trail went to great lengths to keep the course closed Monday-Friday to ensure fresh snow and soft landings for the competition on Saturday.
Music played throughout the day and Lost Trail’s Andrew Shulz MCed the event as only he can. Athletes were treated to food and drinks all day to ensure optimum performance. Spectators were treated to some of the most impressive and intense skiing Montana has seen.
As many as 8 competitors could have walked away with the title. We saw numerous 360s, 720s, and backflips, as well as some HUGE wrecks.
Results
1st Joe Dillon
2nd Shay Lee
3rd Jake Fagrelius
The fun didn’t stop once the lifts stop spinning. Tons of prizes where tossed into crowd and raffled off, including a pair of Liberty Genome 187cm. Music played and beer flowed until 8pm. Everyone left with a prize and a full belly.
Toy Soldier Productions was on hand filming the entire event. Keep your eye out for an edit sometime in the near future. When we get it, we will post it up.
Many generous sponsors donated tons of killer prizes for the athletes and the spectators raffle. We would like to sincerely thank all of the sponsors who made this event possible: Lost Trail Powder Mountain, University of Montana Entertainment Management Program, Backcountry Racks & Skis, Liberty Skis, Discrete Headwear, 4FRNT, MFD All Time, Bern Helmets, Moment Skis, Toy Soldier Productions, Big Sky Brewery, and Saga Outerwear.
Look for the next Cold Smoke Freeride Comp to be held in February 2013.
Very happy winner Joe Dillon
Enjoying the after party
About to go huge!
Joe Dillon’s winning run
Spinning off A Cliff
Whoever held up the beers the longest won the pair of skis
The DJs
Course description
David Steele
Joe Dillon airing out
The course
Male Winners: 1st Joe Dillon, 2nd Shay Lee, 3rd Jake Fagrelius
Happy winners
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Downing Mountain Lodge is rad!
If you don't know about Downing Mountain Lodge, now you know. Downing has everything you need for the perfect ski trip: deep snow, great terrain, huge fireplace, lots of beds, wifi, flat screen tv, hot tub, shower, electricity, heat... I could on and on about the amenities, but I'll let you go to their website to see for yourself. After all, its the skiing that matters, and the skiing is killer.
The lodge located in the Bitterroot Mountains just west of Hamilton, MT. A short 45 minute skin from the parking lot takes you to the circular lodge, which used to be the Grubstake Restaurant. Upon arriving you can't help but notice the commercial kitchen you get to cook in.
We arrived to tons of fresh snow, but high avalanche warnings. There is tons of terrain and tons of safe terrain, which is where we spent our time. From the lodge you skin up 2000 ft to the ridge. From there you can lap a number of runs. At the end of the day its a long run back to the front door.
The lodge is super kid friendly and dogs are allowed. The owner runs a great blog with tons of ski beta for the area. I cannot recommend this place enough. Go now, and thank me later.
The lodge located in the Bitterroot Mountains just west of Hamilton, MT. A short 45 minute skin from the parking lot takes you to the circular lodge, which used to be the Grubstake Restaurant. Upon arriving you can't help but notice the commercial kitchen you get to cook in.
We arrived to tons of fresh snow, but high avalanche warnings. There is tons of terrain and tons of safe terrain, which is where we spent our time. From the lodge you skin up 2000 ft to the ridge. From there you can lap a number of runs. At the end of the day its a long run back to the front door.
The lodge is super kid friendly and dogs are allowed. The owner runs a great blog with tons of ski beta for the area. I cannot recommend this place enough. Go now, and thank me later.
Sleep where you lay.
The groms loved the piano.
Short snow pit video:
Now on to the skiing. Short version here:
Long version here:
Long version here:
2012 Tradeshow Wrap Up
Every year the ski industry gathers in Denver , CO North America dedicated to ski and snowboard gear. Ski shop employees, sponsored athletes, media types, bloggers, product reps, manufacturers, and magazine publishers make up the bulk of the attendees.
The show is always the last week of January, which is right in the middle of the current winter season. Yet, somehow, we need to switch gears and focus on gear for the upcoming 2012-13 season. It’s a tricky mix as we don’t fully even know what the best sellers are for this season, much less next season.
We loaded up the Subaru Outback early Friday morning for the 13+ hour drive to Denver
Saturday and Sunday were spent running from appointment to appointment all over the giant convention center. We talk about skis, grab catalogs, and take photos. Our backpacks get heavier with each appointment. Thankfully at the end of each day, beers are cracked and its time to relax. We get to talk with friends about skiing, and not just skis.
It’s after SIA, that the real fun begins. On Sunday afternoon all of the vendors tear down their booths and displays and pack it up to Winter Park
The snow looks grim as we pull into Winter Park Colorado
The drive back to Missoula
Some highlights:
Moment added a 187cm length to both the Belafonte and Jaguar Shark.
Moment introduced the Death Wish, a wide ski with multiple cambers.
4FRNT introduced the Hoji, a more versatile version of the Renegade.
4FRNT introduced the Cody, a lightweight backcountry ski with rocker.
4FRNT introduced an adjustable backcountry ski pole and climbing skins with silicone instead of glue.
Tyrolia introduced the Adrenalin, an alpine touring binding.
Line added a 192cm length to the Opus and Influence 115.
MFD introduced a touring plate that is compatible with Marker bindings.
Mammut introduced a whole line of avalanche airbag packs.
Some low lights:
Moment discontinued the Comi and Donner Party.
4FRNT discontinued the EHP.
Marker increased the price of the Jester Pro.
Final impressions. If you continue to shy away from a “wide” pair of skis because you think they can’t carve, get over it. Big skis have as much sidecut as skinny skis, and they rip! We were able to ski every ski from Moment, 4FRNT, Line, Liberty
We will also renew our dedication to the backountry with some lighter skis and more touring bindings next season.
We always come away from the show with some funny stories (like paying $8 for a Subway $5 footlong), a couple freebies, and 50 lbs of catalogs. We love attending SIA, skiing new gear and seeing familiar faces. Can’t wait to do it again next year.
Stay tuned to our facebook page for more updates, photos, and videos of the new 2012-13 gear. (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Backcountry-Freeskier/289613027172)
Mammut Airbag pack
Liberty Double Helix & Helix
Liberty Variant
Von Zipper goggles
Tyrolia Adrenalin alpine touring binding
4FRNT Renegade & Hoji
4FRNT Aretha women's ski
MFD All Time touring plate is now compatible with Marker
Faction Agent 100 & Agent 90
Moment Outerwear
Moment Bibby & Governor
Line Opus & Sir Francis Bacon
Moment Deathwish
4FRNT Hoji
4FRNT Cody
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Very Proud Parent
We took our son skiing for the first last week at Lost Trail. I picked up some gear at the SOS Ski Swap in the fall. He has boots that are too big for him, and 67cm skis, which are the perfect size. He loves snow and rarely gets cold. The only problem, is that he's only 21 1/2 months old. He's probably too young and we don't want to push him into a bad experience. But the thought of waiting another year to put him on skis wasn't pleasant. We love to ski so we figured, why not? If he hates it, we will stop and try another time.
I started skiing at the age of 8. I had to wait until my brother was 5, so we could learn together and all go skiing as a family. I never learned to snowplow. What I mean is, I didn't learn to ski using the snowplow, or leashes, or anything to hold my tips together. I just learned how to ski straight and fast. When I wanted to stop, I fell over. Not ideal, but I learned how to fall without getting hurt.
We teach what we know, so that's how I taught our son to ski. No snowplow and no learning aides.
Keep in mind that this was his first time in his ski boots and his first time on skis. He knows what skis are and he has skied on my back before, but never on his own.
He absolutely loved it! He was literally laughing the entire time. He picked it up immediately. Well, he actually fell after only a few feet, but he laughed and got right back up and asked to "Go Fast." Which he did, again and again. It was the perfect ski day.
Saturday at Lost Trail went so well that we went to Snowbowl the very next day. Expectations were still a little low. He may not like it on Sunday. He may not improve.
Wrong. He loved it even more and skied more runs. He was still laughing and having a blast. And so were we. No pizza for this kid. Just french fries.
I don't know if I have ever been so happy or proud (wedding day, and his birth immediately come to mind).
This winter hasn't shaped up like we all hoped it would, but watching my boy, was one of the greatest ski days of my life. I can't wait for the next one.
Short Version
Long Version
I started skiing at the age of 8. I had to wait until my brother was 5, so we could learn together and all go skiing as a family. I never learned to snowplow. What I mean is, I didn't learn to ski using the snowplow, or leashes, or anything to hold my tips together. I just learned how to ski straight and fast. When I wanted to stop, I fell over. Not ideal, but I learned how to fall without getting hurt.
We teach what we know, so that's how I taught our son to ski. No snowplow and no learning aides.
Keep in mind that this was his first time in his ski boots and his first time on skis. He knows what skis are and he has skied on my back before, but never on his own.
Playing with Mommy and Daddy's skis (@ 9 months old)
Lolo Pass (@ 9 months old)
He absolutely loved it! He was literally laughing the entire time. He picked it up immediately. Well, he actually fell after only a few feet, but he laughed and got right back up and asked to "Go Fast." Which he did, again and again. It was the perfect ski day.
Saturday at Lost Trail went so well that we went to Snowbowl the very next day. Expectations were still a little low. He may not like it on Sunday. He may not improve.
Wrong. He loved it even more and skied more runs. He was still laughing and having a blast. And so were we. No pizza for this kid. Just french fries.
I don't know if I have ever been so happy or proud (wedding day, and his birth immediately come to mind).
This winter hasn't shaped up like we all hoped it would, but watching my boy, was one of the greatest ski days of my life. I can't wait for the next one.
Short Version
Long Version
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