Chicks that Rip

Monday is Mussle Maddness at Billy's!

Mark's Daily Picture Book

My brother is publishing a book. It will include 365 photos from his life over the span of one year. I was lucky to have the pleasure of Mark's company today and ski with Mark in Vail!

Photo 72, March 28, 2007
Jules on the Picnic Table


Photo 71, March 27, 2007
Vail Panorama


Click here to see some more of Mark's pic's: http://www.flickr.com/photos/markmarkster They are very good...

I'm on TV!

I was recently chosen to star in a commercial for Vail Resorts giving snowboarding tips! These spots will air on the CNN Airport Network at 41 airports across the country and locally in Vail on RSN's TV8 and TV17 begining this month. It will also air again next winter (2006-2007). CHECK IT OUT!

The Falling Leaf
The Side Slip
Riding the Chairlift

Click here for a list of airports the CNN Airport Network reaches

Here are some shots from the film shoot in January:

SNOWBOARDING RULES...GET SOME!!!

Fresh Tracks

On a powder day, after all the fresh snow is gobbled up on the groomed runs, I duck into the trees to find some secret stashes. There’s nothing better than making smooth, light turns in powder, a fine reward for turning around various obstacles like the trees.

I admit that, in the trees, I most enjoy following other people’s tracks. Occasionally, I’ll stray a few trees over and make my own tracks, but I always find comfort to return to a paved path a few turns later. I like knowing that someone else has been there before; their tracks are proof of their survival. I trust that the maker knows the area better than I do, so I follow their route and embark on a great journey.

When I choose my own path, I am challenged to make instant decisions about which way to go, and I run the risk of choosing a path too narrow, running over a log or rock, getting stuck at the bottom of a valley and having to hike out, or ending up on top of an impossible cliff, and I'm the one to blame since I led the way. So, my strategy has always been to find fresh tracks riding alongside another’s predetermined path; If they can do it, so can I.

My friends often scold me for following other people’s tracks. As Jeff says, “Every time you cross my tracks, you owe me a hundred dollars.” Some people have an innate sense of adventure, a desire to seek thrills, take risks and blaze their own trails in the trees (my roommate is one of them). But, for me, this characteristic was not inherent. I have been working hard on it in recent years, building a sense of adventure. I’m now developing the curiosity to explore things unknown and, finally, I’m starting to now make my own tracks...

Amusingly, I encountered a few rocky expeditions to start.

TRY NOW, PAY LATER
After an awesome run from mountain top to bottom through a few of my favorite powder filled trees in Vail, like old Chair 2 line and Do the Dew, my partner in crime and newfound adventurer Jeff and I craved just one more hit. As we approached Lower Born Free, skiers left trees struck a distant chord in my memory as a place other instructors had once dragged me through during my very first season--a time when I was very uncomfortable off groomers. Jeff and I thundered by and quickly inspected a good place to drop in. There were no fresh tracks leading into the aspen grove, only the subtle indication of one previous attempt before the new snow. Regardless, we flew by the seats of our pants and dived in.

I attempted to follow what little of a track I could see, while Jeff charged on in making his own way. The powder was so heavy and deep; a bit sun affected to compare to the dreamy light powder we’d been riding all day. One time, Jeff landed head over heels, catching his heel edge in the snow and landing on his back like an upside-down turtle--I could barely even see him burried in two dozen inches of snow! With hopes to reunite, I took a detour from my chosen route to help Jeff, and of course, I didn’t make it more than a ten feet before my board sunk deep below. 10 minutes huffing and puffing later, we somehow dug our noses out of the snow, and we made our way through a dangerously flat stretch and one-footed a bit too. We barely made it to the next catwalk, and in fear of getting stuck in the flat again, Jeff launched off the lip only to land in another trecherously flat thicket of bushes. At that point, we raised our white flag and hiked back to the trail in true and utter defeat.

WEST VAIL WANDERERS
As this incident did not entirely smother Jeff and my hunger for adventure and trailblazing, a few days later, we tried again. We had this great idea to finish another awesome powder day doing the locally renowned West Vail trees. Neither I, Jeff nor Pavel had done them before, but we knew where West Vail was, we knew where there were trees in West Vail, so we thought we had a general idea of where to go. But, just to be sure, we phoned our friend Kelly just before we set in. Kelly told us to hike over the Chair 26 ridge and follow the ridge as far as we wanted, drop in anywhere we like. So we did. We followed one thin track for what we later learned was about 2 miles long down the ridge, only to find one last snowboard track traverse into a cluster of dense Aspen trees in a large scale falling leaf shape. So, we followed it in, with no other clues of where to go. We hoped this person must have known of a secret stash.

We couldn’t have been more wrong. This dense grove of Aspen trees, beautiful as they were, was shite and too tight for skiing in. “We’re in jail!!!” Jeff kept exclaiming as we traversed in falling leaf fashion across the mountain. It felt as if the trees were so tight and close together, we were behind bars, unable to make a single turn on our own.

We giggled as we continued to follow the track wondering how many thousands of dollars we owed each other for traveling in someone else’s path. Occasionally, we’d reach a difficult spot for me, the sole snowboarder, and I often feared getting stuck in the flat sections. One time, while traversing, I tried to make a toe side turn and somehow got the nose of my board sliced diagonally down into the snow about two feet deep. I was doomed. The snow was so heavy, I couldn’t wiggle my feet or board an inch, but so light that I couldn’t pack down a solid place to push myself up from. I laughed so hard I cried, and with tears nearly in my eyes and strain in my voice, Jeff and Pavel began to panic because I’d fallen, and I could not get up. It was a miracle when I finally did.

As we three plowed our way through what was the worst payoff for an unnecessary hike, we started to realize this person hadn’t the foggiest idea where to go, and we were even sillier for following him. But, it was the easiest way, traveling in someone else’s path helped me keep up my speed in the flat sectionsn and stay afloat.

Over the river and through the woods, we were delighted to hear the cars rushing by on the highway and finally see a few houses on the North facing mountains across from Vail’s front side. We were saved at last! Minus an unexpected big jump over a summer river dam after ducking a fallen tree trunk and nearly landing feet first in an unfrozen section of river water, we hiked onto a road just behind the Streamside Mariott at the West Vail traffic circle! We were so proud to make it all the way to West Vail, though we felt like huge failures as we never found that golden land known as West Vail trees. All we had found was some other idiot’s bleeping track.

Jeff and I are agreed that we are not allowed to go making our own tracks together anymore. We also vowed never to do West Vail trees again without bringing someone who’s done them before!

5 Takes Audition Video

It's done. It's finally done!

Click below to view my audition tape for 5 Takes (a travel show on the Travel Channel):
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3028628815022699250

As of now, there is no application deadline for Season 4...which means it might be a long time before they choose their next cast...more details as I find out...

Click here to learn more about the show!

To a man with no shirt but many friends...

J.E. You will be missed!

Sometimes, I think I’m invincible.

The goal for the morning was to master the pipe, but as daylight beamed on, a new goal came to the table: The picnic table jumped to the top of my list.

An assortment of fellow instructor friends and I made circuits through the super-pipe, bringing a number of tempting stunts and hurdles through our path on our way to the chairlift each run. The BIG Golden Peak terrain park was always one of those mythical, impossible, unimaginable challenges--the kind I used to joke about hitting, but never actually thought about seriously. Today, I thought about it seriously.

My friends and I had been hitting the boxes in the parks for several days this season. There was something exciting and challenging about learning freestyle and sliding boxes and rails; 50/50's, frontside, backside--it was all a fun new side of snowboarding for me. Last season was all about powder; trees, bumps, and fresh tracks. So this season would be alternately dedicated to the terrain park.

From above, all of the jumps in Golden Peak seemed a bit out of my league--thirty, fourty and fifty foot jumps just may never be in my repitore. The rails shooting off the top of the quarter pipe seemed a bit unrealistic. But, the picnic tables, ah yes, the two picnic tables. Now there seemed one thing I may be able to do this lifetime.

I began to build confidence about the picnic tables as I watched some of my male peers charge through. Lowe jumped on as if it were nothing tricky. J.D. slid on down being the fifth box he’d ever attempted. And me? Not a chance! haha. Yeah, me and the girls sat with our bums in the snow, deathly scared of the new feature. Our imaginations went wild, dreaming up every possible bad thing that could happen--we could catch an edge and fall off, we could fall off of the table and onto the bench, we could jump too low and miss the table... We even went as far as discussing all the bad things that could happen aloud (not a good idea--the fear just builds and builds).

It wasn’t the actual picnic table I was scared of. The table was just like a big wide box, and I’ve been practicing heaps of boxes this season and have actually grown to feel somewhat comfortable on them. What was worrying about the picnic table was the five foot gap between the lip and the table. What if you didn’t make it?

As we stared down at that picnic table for another moment, we watched a young skier prepare to spin a 360 onto the box, only to finish with his femur smack 90 degrees into the table end. We witnessed our worst nightmare before our very own eyes. We then patted ourselves on the backs for not going there.

Of course, the next run down, my interest in trying the picnic table returned. All my friends could do it, why can't I? So, without pausing long enough to think about it, I decided to go for it.

I was the first one rushing for the table this run. For my approach, I pointed my board flat, with no real thoughts in my head except, JUST DO IT! One quick speed check, and then I lept into the air, Wow, I’m doing it! I'm doing it! Now, just stare at the end of the table… Whoa!!! SMACK!

Suddenly, I was in slow motion, sliding on my back, feet dangling on the right picnic table bench below. Just keep sliding, just keep sliding, it will stop soon.

The very tip of the nose of my board had smacked bam into the front end of the picnic table, and somehow, I kept flying forward sprawled on the table. I was still alive, just waiting to reach the end of the table and drop into the snow.

I was defeated by the picnic table, and I was pissed. I just did my own worst nightmare.

A quick raise of the arms demonstrated I was okay, and off I went, racing to the bottom of the hill. I had to release the rest of my aggression and anger. I had to make sure I was still alive and that everything still worked. I’d kinked my back earlier in the pipe that day, and this second hit felt like it was just not my day…

I’d unknowingly been chased down the hill by two boys with honest concern. They were sweet to care, and I felt silly for worrying everyone. I’d scared the whole crew from trying the picnic table that run. And poor Claire and I were all pumped to hit the table that time, but after seeing my mistake, Claire was not about to give that one a go. Within a few minutes, everyone made it to the base, and we all decided to grab a quick bite and cool down for a moment.

I ate my sandwich, my heart still racing. I couldn’t remember exactly what happened, all I knew was that it looked like a damn good fall. I reasoned with myself to take it easy the rest of the day, maybe call it a day early. But, I never removed my helmet. I was going out there as soon as we was finished eating. I was going to kill that box.

A second time through, I stared that picnic table down. How dare you knock me down! How dare you make me scared of you. I knew, like many other features in the park, the more times you pass a feature that you’re scared of, the more scared you become. My new theory, was to just conquer it the first time, every time, and never be beat that fear.

With more speed and a viction to kill, I pointed my board straight a second time and made a conscious effort to ollie onto that picnic table this time. I didn’t care what happened after that, all I cared about was that I didn't do my worst nightmare, again, and smack right into the front of that table.

And this time, I did it, landing solid and letting out a huge scream of happiness! I slid the picnic table! I hit something in the big Golden Peak Park. I did it, I did it, I did it!!! And then, the next time through, I did it again. And, again. I spent the rest of the afternoon hitting the table with the boys, feeling great to defeat my biggest fear a handful of times. It was the best feeling I’ve earned in snowboarding in a long time.

It was a thrilling day. It was an exhausting day. It was, a great riding day. Every emotion pumped through my body today, and, feeling that cycle of fear, anger, excitement and satisfaction on such an excelerated and intense level, was the perfect reminder as to why I enjoy this sport so much.

Ring in the new year!

The busiest time of the year for Snowboard School is nearly finished, which is obvious due to my low immune system right now. Like most of my coworkers, I’m congested and coughing due to the nature of this hectic time. Nonetheless, the past few weeks have treated me well. I have had a number of great days on the hill: great clients, great lessons, and great tips. I had the pleasure to work for one of Hollywood’s hottest superstar actresses (see her new movie in theatres now) and make a new friend in a rock band (how’s that for starstruck), do a bit of freeriding (finally making it out to Outer Mongolia!) and enjoy a few more holiday social events…


(Pictured: The covered bridge on Bridge Street, Outer Mongolia, Outer Mongolia, morning view from the top of chair 11, morning view from top of chair 8)

In a nutshell:


A fabulous Timber Ridge Christmas was held in the “quiet building” K block on Christmas Eve. We had a gigantic celebration with twenty six members of my snowboarding family, filled with twenty two internationals without familes nearby. I enjoyed the loud cheers and bursts of laughter as every person made a toast at the celebration.


(Pictured: Dan, Kylie & Rose, Greg makes Hugarian fish soup)

The next day, I was happy to zoom home for the afternoon to have a nice dinner with mom and dad (missed you Mark), and a piano playing extravaganza.

A double hitter torch light parade highlighted the final nights of 2006. Snowboarding down the Golden Peak race hill in the dark with a flaming road flare in each hand is always a fun way to celebrate the new year (or salute the late President Ford). I love it for nothing more than tradition.


A few more December weeks have rolled by marked by Tuesdays and DJ Latenight’s pop music. It’s never a dull night watching people try out the pole…



Splitting bills and sharing cable with the neighbors...


I’m feeling good about my decision to turn down what might have been the best or the worst the attempt for me to integrate my snowboarding life with my career in television. A sad job offer from a small local station offered me a great career opportunity in terms of experience, but was unwilling to pay me for my completed days of training or offer me Colorado’s new minimum wage. As much as I would have loved the experience, I choose to wait for a real opportunity.

The question still remains, how long can I/will I keep up with this life? Some people have made this seasonal lifestyle a permanent one. Others have come but returned to the real world to enjoy a more stable routine. For me, my hopes to be a travel journalist for the Travel Channel’s 5 Takes show is still a primary goal. Of course, as the odds are bad, and a backup plan is necessary…but my audition video is nearly complete!

I’m enjoying being back in Vail. I love the community of friends I’ve made up here. I am often reminded that this is the reason I keep coming back to Vail. I’m constantly impressed by my fellow buddies passion for the sport. As a good friend of mine, John Evans, says, “Not knowing how to snowboard is like not being able to breathe, only worse.”

I’m also looking forward starring in a Vail Resorts commercial for the CNN airport network later this month. I will be giving snowboarding tips, so stay tuned!

Though I entered this winter thinking it was my last, I could entertain the idea of “just one more.”




(Pictured: Photos from New Years, friently morning new year's hugs)

LOST and FOUND

I woke up at 5am this morning with a terrible feeling that I lost something.

It's not because I lost my interest in snowboarding, I found that again yesterday.

My two scheduled days off this week got dedicated to Cert clinic, which was a big sacrifice when they were my only two days off this fortnight. The habit of hard work and improvement are still with me, as I press on towards the next snowboarding goal, Cert 3. But as I sat with my butt in the snow during the clinic listening to my peers 'practice teach,' I realized it might be a little early to go at it full force.

My brain is a little burned out on snowboard tech talk; there is a little attention span for words like "turn initiation, control and finish" and "timing, intensity and duration". Though I do welcome the challenge to obtain the next and final level of snowboard instructor certificaiton, well, I am not quite sure it's time. What felt most comfortable is when Greg and I skipped out on the clinic after lunch and hit the powder in O.S. and WFO trees and then did a few runs in the terrain park. :) I love snowboarding with Greg. He is my favorite tree riding partner and always challenges me to go a little faster and jump a little higher.

The season has been much more successful compared to my rocky start. It's rewarding to bump into a few of my old students around town who cannot keep their lips closed about their improvement. One of my students generously surprised me with two tickets to the Counting Crows concert last weekend! How cool is that!



As far as Cert, well, I am going to sit back and enjoy my days off and ride for now. I did enjoy the new things I was taught at the second day of Cert camp (ie. heel to heel!), and gained some confidence about my switch riding. For now, I will spend my days off exploring the mountain for myself, having fun riding trees, bumps, wherever, and working on spinning 1's and 3's in the park. Let's take it to the next level!

(Roommates: Poaching the tubing hill with Greg. This is my roommate Rose!)

As for whatever it is that's lost...hopefully I can find it again, too...

The Slow Season

This time of year is always considered the slow season. I have been sent home a number of days from work because there is no work, barely paying off my lunch with show up pay. But, when there is work, it is nice to have small student-to-teacher ratios and a short lunch line. The slow season sucks if you were hoping to make more than $20 show up pay for the day, but it’s great in terms of socializing.


DJ Late Night (a.k.a. my boss P. Schaf) has hosted two rockin’ evenings full of hip hop and dancing. The Rumpus Room is the place to be on Friday nights, and, our Tuesday night tradition at the Ski Bar will continue in full swing. I have been busy promoting and poster-making to support my esteemed supervisor. It has been nice to see that the invitations are well received.

Life at the Ridge has been great. It’s not the “Ghetto” I’d imagined, except for the part about hoping on a short bus with twenty other youngins each morning. I love being nearby friends, who fill nearly every door on this floor. The other night was a great example: I invited John and Stan over for dinner, and soon, our living room was full of friends catching up and hanging out. It is quite convenient! The place itself is basic but not gross as it’s reputation allows. Greg and I got lucky to get in the block next to the bus stop. That, paired with a seasonal lease, a comfy couch (and all other furniture) and a kitchen with a dishwasher make home a good place. Greg has been a terrific roommate. With a fully stocked fridge, we have been feeding ourselves quite well—I missed cooking all summer! We balance our big nights out with computer evenings making movies and blogging.