Holy shit, 39 year old freeskiing legend Shane McConkey died today in a BASE jumping accident while filming with MSP. When we see films with the incredible stunts these guys do I think we become desensitized to just how f’in crazy the shit is that they are doing, and making it look easy. RIP to one of the good guys, and thoughts/prayers/vibes/karma to his wife and kid.
ESPN article
http://espn.go.com/action/freeskiing/blog?post=4018726
Thread at TGR
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155628
UPDATE:
Matchstick’s official release
http://www.fuel.tv/FUELTVED/blogs/view/5951
K2′s tribute page
http://k2skis.com/shane-mcconkey-tribute/
 Shane McConkey, aka Saucerboy 
So to continue my eco-rant from yesterday and bring things totally off-topic had this exchange in the office the other day. One co-worker (who leads a fairly active outdoors life) walked into the kitchen and saw a Dixie straw sitting on the counter by the coffee maker and went on a mini-rant about people not throwing away their stuff when they are done with it. One of us stated how it was the straw used to mix their coffee and as they are planning to have another cup he put it there to reuse. “It’s just a straw, just grab another one” was the response he got as his straw met the garbage can.
The exchange got me thinking as I try to be conscious of my output and have been using the same red “ghetto pimp cup” here for a few months, just rinse and repeat. I’ve also seen the aftermath of beach cleanup days, and how many cigarette butts (BTW, everytime I see a smoker throw a cigarette out the window I want to punch them in the face. One day I’ll get my opportunity…) make their way to the beach. I’m sure each smoker thinks “it’s just a tiny butt”, but it adds up.
In fact, cigarettes are the most littered item in America and the world. Cigarette filters are made of cellulose acetate tow, NOT COTTON, and they can take decades to degrade. Not only does cigarette litter ruin even the most picturesque setting, but the toxic residue in cigarette filters is damaging to the environment, and littered butts cause numerous fires every year, some of them fatal.
So, anyways, back to straws, I decided I’d try and figure the volume of straws making their way to the North Pacific gyre if everyone in the world threw one away as the thought of head high, straw infested barrels is unappealing to me. It should be noted that the math > me, and I had to make some unscientific assumptions, so if you see anything amiss point it out.
 Coming to an ocean/landfill near you Straw size: 5.25″ long. I’m assuming that it three straws crushed down will be 1mm (1/254″) in height and width (very unscientific guesstimates, and yes I mixed metric and standard measurements). So that means the volume of three straws (L x W x H) would be 5.25 * 1/254 * 1/254 = .00008138″. The population of the world at 8:35 this morning was estimated at 6,768,982,726. So taking that times the earlier number we get 550,827 cubic inches. Dividing that by 1728 we get 318.8 cubic feet. Yup, that’s a pile of straws a football field long, a football field’s length wide, and a football field’s length deep.
I realize that there are parts of the world not throwing away straws, but I also realize that the package of straws we have in the cupboard comes with 1000 of them in it and it’s not the first package our company of six has used in the past year. Will not throwing away straws save the world? Of course not, but can your finger or a wood stick achieve the same end goal as a non-degrading straw? Yes. As people whose recreational pursuits are dependent on the environment continuing to work in the way we’re familiar with it’s worth considering little things you can do to help out.
/end rant, we now return to our regularly scheduled snow stoke
Your skis are killing you, and your snowboard is killing the environment.
Bold statement or understatement? Take a minute and think about your kit and the toxins used in the creation of it. The resins in your core contains VOCs. Your wax has PFCs, the production of which requires PFOA. Clothing dyes, waterproof laminates, metal zippers and plastic buckles? Yup, more fun chemical cocktails and non- and slow degrading products leeching into your water. What about durability? A more durable product may be bad for business but good for the environment as it’s less waste making it’s way to landfills. It’s mind boggling to think of all the bad that goes into the manufacture of our good times.
Thinking outside of output from the direct manufacturing process there’s the core. That wood has to come from somewhere – and odds are good that it wasn’t sustainably grown. Was it grown locally? Every mile from the factory is additional mile of carbon spewed into the atmosphere. Your snack on the lift? That wrapper is filling landfills while you’re filling your stomach.
So why is it that an industry that is dependent on winter being cold continues to use products that contribute to global warming? Outside of Lib Tech it feels as if it’s primarily smaller companies such as Venture Snowboards and Purl Wax leading the way, whereas larger companies with much larger R&D budgets merely offer a single line of greener products. Do companies with a business predicated upon the outdoors have an ethical obligation to the consumers and the environment? As consumers will we continue to blindly (ignorance is bliss, right?) purchase product without giving a second thought to it’s environmental effect from cradle to grave, or will we rise up and voice our opinions and vote with our pocketbooks?
I’m not pretending to have any answers as the problem gets more complex the more layers of the onion you peel back. Hopefully by merely planting this seed others will think about their purchase habits and who they choose to support when it comes time to open your wallet.
Ingrid Backstrom has been up in Whistler filming with MSP, and recently wrote about an avalanche they set off while checking the snow that day.
We got on top of a fairly small zone that we’ve skied before, just to test snow, dig a pit, and make a general assessment. Our guide, Wayne, went down a little ways to dig a pit, and at this point we pretty much knew it was going to be sketchy–we had felt a whoomp and were already considering our options for mini-mini shredding and safety. Then, literally two feet below where Wayne was digging the pit and Petit was watching, the whole slope broke away, and massive chunks started sliding–then it propagated to the adjacent slope skiers’ left and skiers’ right, simultaneously with a massive settlement right under our feet that dropped us all down a few inches.
Full story and additional can be had at her blog. This picture is nuts though, the crown was 9 feet high, and notice how it propagated across the entire image! How much do you think that much snow weighs, and do you think your backcountry partners have the stamina to dig you out of something that deep?
 Good chunk of snow up and left I like how she ended her blog post.
The moral of the story–take your time, don’t rush, and make good decisions.
edit: my take on that image
 Pucker factor: 10
Usually wouldn’t post things like this as they reek of spammy B.S. (just sign up for this deal, and 10 others, and get a free Xbox!!), but as I just got a call from a lady friend who was at their store, used it and it’s legit.
Basically, print out this coupon (you can also find it on Facebook, which is how I heard about it this morning), bring it into a North Face store, and they give you a $25 gift card. No purchase necessary, so you can basically cop some free shred socks, a tee, a Sigg bottle or other small thing. Yeah, it’s not much, but hell the price is right.
http://view.ed4.net/v/QF30DQZ/QFH/72W1EZU/L27M7/MAILACTION=1&FORMAT=H
here’s the FB version for those on FB
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=58791933647
It says non-transferrable so you may want to photochop the email address out, but the friend I spoke to used this same coupon with no probs. I have no affiliation with The North Face whatsoever, but due to a modest upbringing I’ve got a strong affinity for free.
I’ve been sleeping on giving my reviews since posting a few teasers, mostly due to lack of time and mental capacity to write a long-winded and thought out review, and I apologize. This post nails the long-winded part, but it’s a bit lacking in the thought out side of things. Also, I’ll update this post later this evening with some photos I took last week that didn’t make it to my computer to show the cuffs, belt and thigh pocket.
Marketing speak
The Westcomb Rampage HX pant is part of the ‘HX Series’ of clothing from Canadian outerwear manufacturer Westcomb. I’m not real sure what the HX stands for, I’m assuming the H is for hybrid as they are a mix of eVent for the bulk of the pants, with Schoeller Dynamic from about the knees up on the front of the pants for enhanced flexibility and breathability. The Schoeller is treated with their “Nanosphere” finish, which the company claims is a naturally self-cleaning fabric. I’ve yet to test that claim.
Fit
I purchased a pair of the pants in a large tall, which should fit someone with a 37″ waist and 33-1/2″ inseam according to their sizing chart. I would say that’s spot on, and maybe a touch short on their inseam measurement (a good thing!) as I have to tighten the pants down in the waist but the length isn’t too short, which was my initial worry as I usually wear a 34-36″ inseam depending on the garment. The fit is a happy medium between an athletic (read: tight fitting mountaineering cut) and a slightly baggier fit. The only bother on the cut is that I’d like the legs to be a little wider to more easily fit over my boot/bindings, but that’s only because I’ve been wearing them a lot inbounds this year since my Four Square’s met an untimely fate against my crampons. For OB work the leg size is perfect.
One thing to take note of is that I’ve heard anecdotally is that their quality control across the same line of product is inconsistent and they are prone to size fluctuations for the same make/model/size of a particular garment. I haven’t fondled enough of their product to confirm/deny these rumors, but it’s worth keeping return policies in mind if you’re ordering any Westcomb product from an online vendor.
Build
The Westcomb’s seem well built for the most part. They are a stripped down, no nonsense pant – don’t buy them if you’re looking for something with internal gaiters and a million bells and whistles. A thin strip of velcro and toggles around the leg are your options for tightening around your boot, full zip legs, a magnetic clasp with built-in belt around the waist, and a single pocket on the right thigh is all you get.
 Belt buckle with magnetic closure  Fancy looking leg tightening innards  Thigh pocket with waterproof zipper It’s initially shocking how light eVent is, especially when you’re used to a heavier weight/old school North Face cordura-esque fabric on technical garments (yeah, it’s been awhile since I’ve bought tech outerwear). Westcomb claims reinforced high impact areas, which I assumed meant a heavier weight fabric, but it must mean reinforced stitching as the reinforcements aren’t outwardly visible. This was one my only real concern with the pants on first open as there is no reinforcement on the inside of the legs to fight off crampon and edge scuffs. As I assumed these would be used primarily by backcountry skiers/snowboarders, as well as climbers, I found the omission a bit odd.
Performance thus far
Thus far I’m mixed on the pants. I will say outright that I love eVent thus far though! It’s seriously more breathable than anything I’ve ever used. I’m typically a heavy sweater (as in open your pant legs or jacket and watch buckets of water fall out) and have yet to get more than ever so slightly damp while doing heavy climbing (and in that case I was wearing a heavyweight underlayer, wrong tool for the job that day), and I’m usually able to get ahead of the damp curve by unzipping the vents when I see a steep climb coming. The only downside I’ve experienced with these pants to this point is the insides are already starting to shred and I’ve yet to use them with crampons. Merely the occasional edge nick (it should be noted I never tune my boards…) while touring has caused a lot of surface tears, and even one tear fully through the eVent membrane that you may/may not be able to see in the mediocre photos below.
 This could be preVented at the factory  Will these last a hard season?
I emailed Westcomb to see if they can put a reinforcement on the cuff for me as I didn’t want to bring it somewhere locally and void the lifetime warranty on the pants, and to their credit they responded (albeit it took 2+ weeks) saying that not only will they do what they can but that they’d even pay for the shipping back to them! Pretty good customer service, I’ve yet to send them though as I have some spring descents planned – will obviously update once I do send them in and see what they do.
Summary
Overall the pants are almost exactly what I was looking for when I ordered them, except for the lack of cuff reinforcement. As Westcomb is a newer company, and doing all their manufacturing in Canada (that’s right, their product is NOT manufactured offshore, amazing in this day and age), I’m willing to give them a bit more leeway than I otherwise would. I should add that I picked these up for $110 (screaming deal!) on closeout, had I paid full price my tone would be slightly different. I’m hopeful they’ll make it through the spring without too much more damage, after which time I’ll take up Westcomb on their offer to modify the pants.
Also, if there’s anything you’d like me to include/exclude in future reviews let me know either via email or just leave a comment.
If not available to you locally you can pick up Westcomb products at a few online vendors, though neither have a terribly deep selection. Backcountry.com and Oregon Mountain Community both carry Westcomb and are good retailers, though like always I suggest trying to give your local shop the biz first.
I filled this out awhile back but came across it again while looking for a different survey to post and figured I’d throw it up there for others as the more data the better. The Canadian Avalanche Centre and Simon Fraser University are conducting a survey on attitudes and decision making as it relates to go/no go decisions for resort accessed backcountry riding – and your input can help make a difference. The goal is to use their findings to help develop better risk awareness and assessment tools for other slackcountry skiers and snowboarders. If the warm fuzzies that you are helping to contribute to more educated backcountry users isn’t enough they are also doing a drawing for schwag. You may win a Tracker DTS beacon, one of two Black Diamond Bandit Avalung packs, or one of two Transfer 3 shovel and probe sets.
Yes, I want to give my input! For what it’s worth, I was hesitant at first as it sounds like another internet “we got your email address hahahahaha” type scams but read their privacy policy and it’s legit, part of which is below.
This project has received ethics approval by the Research Ethics Board at Simon Fraser University.
Any personal identifying information you provide will be used only to inform you when the survey is ready and to contact you in the event that you win one of the prizes. Your response will be stored offline in a secure password-controlled cache. Individual records will be identified using a code for data analysis and all records will be destroyed once the data analysis is complete. Your responses will be analyzed in aggregate and will not be identifiable in any publications.
I’m sure you’ve heard it by now, but as everybody is asking me about it I feel like I should drop a quick post on it so that they know yup, I heard about it.
Squaw, a mountain for which I’ve lusted after a season pass to for years, will officially cut their pass prices by up to $1k! They are calling these passes the “50/60 Pass” in honor of the 60th anniversary of the resort AND the 5oth anniversary of Squaw hosting the 1960 Olympics. Of course the economy and the fact that most (all?) the other Tahoe resorts have a similarly priced pass had nothing to do with this decision. More than one Squaw local has commented (with a smile and sparkly eyes) on how empty the resort has been this year, probably due to the economy, though I sure didn’t notice any lack of crowds two Thursdays ago. I guess powder days > economic downturn. That or everyone up there was unemployed and trying to cheer themselves up.
Summary of the pass options below.
Bronze: $369
Valid 7 days a week beginning November 20, 2009
* Not valid:
o Saturdays from December 27, 2009-February 28, 2010 (uhh…no Saturdays for two months=good deal for locals, bad deal for anyone else)
o December 27, 2009-January 3, 2010
o January 16-17, 2010
o February 13-14, 2010
* Includes FREE night skiing/riding
Silver: $469
Valid 7 days a week beginning November 20, 2009
* Not valid:
o December 27, 2009-January 2, 2010
o January 16-17, 2010
o February 13-14, 2010
* Includes FREE night skiing/riding
Gold: $949
Valid 7 days a week beginning November 20 through the end of the season
Perks include:
* 4 vouchers for $20 off an Adult All Day lift ticket
* 4 FREE Adult group lessons
* 15% off Squaw Valley retail purchases
* Hosted passholder party
* Summer Cable Car with purchase by May 11
Platinum: $1499 (nobody notified Squaw’s marketing dept that Platinum isn’t actually the color of an Olympic medal)
Not that it matters, if you’re looking at the Platinum pass you’re probably not looking for information on their reduced pass prices.
Valid 7 days a week beginning November 20 through the end of the season
Perks include:
* Invitation to 1 early up date per month
* Access to Squaw out of bounds program
* Ski with Jonny Moseley dates
* 2 complimentary Adult All Day lift tickets
* 10 FREE Adult group lessons
* Hosted passholder party
* 20% off Squaw Valley retail purchases
* FREE 10 Wax Card
* 4 vouchers for $20 off an Adult All Day lift ticket
* Summer Cable Car with purchase by May 11
Of all of those I’d have to say the silver rubs my rhubarb in the right way and looks like a solid deal as you don’t want to be near Tahoe near any of those holidays anyways unless you like massive crowds and 6+ hour drives back to the Bay. If I were planning on staying in these parts I’d take a good long look at the Silver pass, but I’m hoping for a pass to Crystal Mountain for the first time in over 10 years.
Also, if you’re reading this, it’s worth thinking hard about your local shop and your purchase habits. If the economy is hitting well capitalized (I’m assuming) businesses like Squaw how do you think your local shop is doing? Will they still be in biz after you go in to try on a pair of boots, only to order them online for $20 cheaper? I know that nobody is made of money, and by all means if you are finding something for a few hundred cheaper I don’t blame you for ordering online, but in the grand scheme of things is $20 going to affect your day-to-day? Cut three lattes and a beer out of your week and you’re there. Also, it’s worth giving your local shop a chance to match a price you find online. Afterall, if you keep going in to try things on and leaving with nothing they won’t be there for you to try things on in the future. /rant
Skiers, you’re getting your <3 today, first with the how to and now with this peek at a Lange AT boot for 2010.
Found some info on the 2010 Lange Super Blaster. Looks pretty solid, but as it was on a German site I couldn’t really make out what they were saying using my limited German skills and Google translator. Here’s a sample translation “To the best compromise between comfort and sportiness to find the developers of scanned feet long by several hundred people”. Huh? I can haz touring boot?
It’s got a walk mode, that much I know, but the rest of the details are sketch. As it’s Lange I’m certain it will be a top-notch boot. Two things seem odd to me though:
1) “Gecko-sole” – not sure why they didn’t go with Vibram??
2) Lack of Dynafit/tech fitting means the hardcore guys are out of luck with this one.
Seems like a minimal good first effort, will be interesting to see if the market responds positively, allowing them to put a bit more time and effort into developing more alpine touring focused boots.
If you can’t find the Super Blaster’s at your local shop you can buy ‘em online at REI and evoGear.
 Lange Super Blaster
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