Ski Sundown - 2/15/2006 (Moguls!)

[Greg]

Date(s) Skied: Wednesday, February 15, 2006, 1:40 pm - 5:00 pm

Resort or Ski Area: Ski Sundown, New Hartford, CT

Conditions: Spring snow, moguls! Sunny, warm (near 50), no wind. Perfect!

Trip Report: I have to thank 2knees for informing us that Sundown seeded a bump run after his visit yesterday. We made arrangements to try them out this afternoon. I figured with the sun, warmth and recent natural snowfall, they must be in prime condition. If we get any rain and then a freeze later this week, the mountain will likely mow them down.

I got to the mountain around 1:30 and got ready. Just as I was about to put my helmet on I noticed a guy that fit 2knees's description. We both gave each other that semi-sure look and confirmed. 2knees quickly booted up and we were off. Not much to speak of in terms of the conditions on most of the mountain as the only run we skied was the seeded modguls on Nor'easter. As soon as I skied up to the "MOGULS" sign and looked down, I was pleasantly surprised. Some damn nice looking bumps!

2knees jumped right in and I could tell right away that he's an accomplished bump basher. I followed trying to keep up but needed a few runs to warm up. The moguls were primo and really pretty good, especially for CT standards. We would be able to stay very satisfied during our stay this afternoon. We ripped several runs until all the kids showed up after school around 3:30 pm. 2knees skied a few more runs and then headed out. We probably did a dozen runs down the same trail together. He's a damn good skier and was great company. Considering we both have two young daughters, we hit it off immediately. The conversation made the short lift ride go even faster. Thanks Pat!

I skied 5 more runs afte 2knees left. 3 out of the 5 were a major disaster with bodies sprawled out all over the trail. I'm glad we got the quality runs we did earlier in the afternoon. A truly awesome day.

So that's day 5 for me at Sundown. I'm really starting to fall in love with my new little local haunt. The seeded moguls were well done and I applaud them for offering something for mogul nuts like us.

HERE are the pics.

2knees ripping it up (6.6 MB MPG)
Greg bumping (11.6 MB MPG)
2knees rockin and rollin on his final run (3.6 MB MPG)

[ALLSKIING]

Nice...I wish that I could have made it.

[2knees]

Greg, thanks for the great company and the kind words. It was a great day for sure, just too short. family duties called. And don't be modest, you have a great style in the bumps yourself and threw a nice daffy today too.

[Greg]

Okay. HERE are the pics. Videos coming soon...

[Greg]

Originally Posted by 2knees

Greg, thanks for the great company and the kind words. It was a great day for sure, just too short. family duties called. And don't be modest, you have a great style in the bumps yourself and threw a nice daffy today too.

Yes, too short indeed. I'm learning. I've certainly gotten to the point where low-angle bumps like we skied today don't intimidate me at all. Again, I applaud the mountain for setting those up. I think I understand all the mechanics involved so it's just a matter of logging more miles and working on consistency. Skiing with fellow AZers like yourself that can really rip in the moguls is inspiring. Thanks again for the great company today. Oh and that daffy...ha! That's just my attempt at trying to forget I'm 32 years old.

A funny anecdote to end the day. My wife informed me when I got home that she called my cell phone and was a little miffed when some chick answered. Apparently all that bouncing around today caused it to fall out of an unzipped pocket. Luckily someone found it and returned it to lost-and-found. I guess that just means I'll have to head back to the mountain to play in those moguls again before the refreeze when they'll inevitably mow 'em down.


Here are the vids:

2knees ripping it up (6.6 MB MPG)
Greg bumping (11.6 MB MPG)
2knees rockin and rollin on his final run (3.6 MB MPG)

Enjoy!

[2knees]

thanks for posting those videos. In 25 years, i've never seen myself ski before. I think i'll go buy Dan P.'s book now. I've got some bad habits.

[Greg]

Originally Posted by 2knees

thanks for posting those videos. In 25 years, i've never seen myself ski before. I think i'll go buy Dan P.'s book now. I've got some bad habits.

Yeah - I really get a lot of useful feedback out of watching videos of myself skiing. From this one, it's clear I still need to work on standing taller (back seat driving here) and tightening up my stance. Hand position is improving though...

[JimG.]

Originally Posted by 2knees

thanks for posting those videos. In 25 years, i've never seen myself ski before. I think i'll go buy Dan P.'s book now. I've got some bad habits.

Ah, another who has seen the light.

Your bump skiing is good...but like me, reading and applying what Dan says will make you better.

[riverc0il]

video is excellent. it is part of the reason i try to ski with the sun at my back as often as possible because it gives instant visual feedback in your shadows.

[JimG.]

Originally Posted by riverc0il

video is excellent. it is part of the reason i try to ski with the sun at my back as often as possible because it gives instant visual feedback in your shadows.

Had no idea that anyone else did this...I thought I was being vain.

In fact, this past Saturday Profile was the run to do just this and I did alot of it. Great to be able to watch your shadow, helps keep you in rhythm too.