Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Friday, March 12, 2010

The Benefits of El Nino

Even just yesterday, this weekend's skiing forecast at Squaw Valley was describing an average March day with 2-4" of new snow. The power of this incoming storm didn't dawn on me even after overhearing someone at the dog park say San Francisco was to receive an inch of rain today. All hardcore skiers, who are part-time weather geeks, know that an inch of rain in the city is equal to twelve inches of fresh powder in the mountains.

Today, I'm thrilled to see that Squaw's forecast changed to 10-16". This new snow is well needed and should make for very good conditions tomorrow. It'll be important to hit it early before the sun bakes the snow and creates the all too familiar sierra cement. Let's pray that the sun doesn't show itself all weekend.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

North American Freeskiing Championships at Kirkwood

The North American Freeskiing Championships return to the forbidden Cirque area of Kirkwood Ski Resort. This permanently closed area seems to open each season for only this Freeskiing World Tour event. After looking at the photo below, it's understandable why the resort has this area under such tight control.

The Cirque at Kirkwood

For many seasons, I've played with the idea of entering this comp. It'd be a thrill to ski the narrow chutes and huck the cliffs of this challenging area. Since I'm not getting any younger, next season might be the year.

Good luck to all the competitors!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Thom Yorke of Radiohead on Tour

Thom Yorke will be touring this spring with an all-star backing band, Atoms for Peace, that includes Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, R.E.M./Beck drummer Joey Waronker, percussionist Mauro Refosco, and longtime Radiohead producer/associate Nigel Godrich.

At this time, they're playing two dates in Chicago, two dates in Oakland (at the Fox Theater no less), and Coachella. Tickets go on sale this Saturday and Sunday on Ticketmaster.

Go see them and report back!