Snowmaking - Almost ready

We all thank Ullr, the Norse god of snow, when he blesses our mountains with fresh, sparkly powder falling from the skies, but we owe most of our early season turns to the science of snowmaking. Snowmaking is what allows ski areas like Breckenridge Ski Resort to open before we get our first major snowfalls of the winter, but exactly how does it work?


It turns out that snowmaking is a bit more complicated than just turning a hose on and pointing it skyward. In fact, it takes just the right mix of temperature, humidity, water, and compressed air to coat our ski slopes with lovely white snow.
Yo might not be surprised to learn that air temperatures need to be low for blowing snow. In fact, even though 32º F is the freezing point of water, temperatures lower than 28° F are ideal for snowmaking. Equally important is the wet bulb temperature. The wet bulb temperature is a measurement that factors together both the outside air temperature and relative humidity levels. Relative humidity tells us how much moisture, or water vapor, is in the air. For snowmaking, dry conditions are best.  Why? Because water cools through evaporation. That’s why your skin feels cooler when your sweat evaporates. When sprayed from the snow guns, droplets of water vapor evaporate a little bit and become colder. When the humidity is high, the air is already saturated with moisture, and the droplets don’t cool as quickly. Dry air makes the water vapor cool much more rapidly, which means it’s easier for those droplets of liquid to become frozen crystals – snow!

Of course, Breck can’t make snow without the snow guns! You’ll often see snow guns with one or two hoses attached to them. These hoses supply the snow guns with plenty of water and compressed air. The compressed air has a few purposes: It breaks up the flow of water into tiny water droplets and blows those water droplets up into the air while also cooling them. Some snowmaking systems can turn thousands of gallons of water into snow each minute!

We are all excited for the snow making to start.  A-Basin is usually the first resort to get moving.  I read the following recently in the A-Basin blog.

"OK, let's do some "Snowmaking 101". Typically, when the wet bulb temperature is less than 28 F, we start making snow. When the wet bulb gets less than 25 F and, even better, less than 20 F, we start making lots of snow. The lower the humidity, the lower the wet bulb temperature. A cold, clear night with a wet bulb of 20 F is great snowmaking weather. A warm, stormy day with wet snow falling and a wet bulb of 33 F is not snowmaking weather."

We are getting close, but not there yet.

Elevation is ready to support the skiers coming to town with quality ski and snowboard equipment.  Breck is posting 13 November as the opening day.  Lets keep our fingers crossed that we get some cooler weather.

Do I have the right size ski poles?

How do you determine what length pole is required? The chart on this page can be used as a general guide and is based on height. The most common "old time" method is to invert the pole with the grip on the floor and grab the shaft under the basket. The pole is a good fit if your forearm is at 90 degrees (or parallel to the floor).

This is a good starting point, but personal preference may dictate a slightly shorter pole in modern day slalom where racers attack in a little lower body position and the pole plant becomes awkward if the pole is too long.
GS/SG and DH poles are typically longer for a stronger push out of the start and pole planting is not an issue.

Select a longer pole if in doubt as most shafts can be cut down to size, but it is quite impossible to add length. (Note: Cutting down GS/SG and DH poles is a bit more complicated due to the bend of the pole. They may be cut down some, but keep in mind the placement of the bend relative to the body while in a tuck, before making this decision.) It may seem obvious to some, but always cut from the top of the pole.

Skier Height	Pole Length Inches	Pole Length Centimeters
6'7" +	56	140
6'4" - 6'6"	54	135
6'1" - 6'3"	52	130
5'10" - 6'0"	49	125
5'7" - 5'9"	48	120
5'4" - 5'6"	46	115
5'1" - 5'3"	44	110
4'9" - 5'0"	42	105
4'5" - 4'8"	40	100
4'1" - 4'4"	38	95
3'9" - 4'0"	36	90
3'5" - 3'8"	34	85
< 3'4"	32	80

Do my boots fit properly?

Here are some questions which may help you out.

• 'Should my toes go all the way to the front of the boot and feel pressured/kinda curled when I first put the boot on?'

Yes! When you first put a ski boot on your foot will go all the way to the front and it'll feel tight in the toes.  This is especially true with ski boots that are really easy to get on.  Don't worry once you get your heel seated in the pocket it'll feel much better.
Give your heel a little kick on the ground (Don't do this on your Mom's nice hardwood floors) buckle the top buckles, then stand up flex forward then proceed to buckle up the bottom ones and then the power strap at the top.  When you're flexed forward in the boot with some pressure on your shins you'll be able to move your toes a little bit - nothing crazy like when you're in a shoe, the shoe will move too.

• 'I think my ski boots are the right size, but not sure.  How do I shell fit my ski boots?'

Shell fitting is done to make sure that a boot is not too big or too small.  To shell fit, take the liners out of the ski boots.  Put your feet in the boots with a ski sock on, and put your toes all the way to the front so they are just touching.  What we want to measure is the space behind your heel and the shell.  If you have more than 2cm (a little less than an inch) behind your heel your ski boots are too big.  If you have 1.5 - 2cm of space behind your heel it's the right size.  (Everyones fingers are different sizes, never been a fan of the '1 finger/2 finger fit rule.') 
Generally speaking.. The less space you have between your foot and the shell the more performance you will get and the less comfort you will have.  However the snugger the shell the less you'll have to worry about liners packing out which makes sense for skiers that ski often and aggressively that want their ski boots to last a while.  Most ski boots in the $399 - $599 range will last about 120 days or so of skiing before starting to feel too loose. (Depending of course on how much abuse you've given them, storage and general care.)

• 'I can lift my heel when I'm buckled down is that ok?'

Yes, you're going to be able to lift your heel if you try to stand on your toes in the boots.  The reason you're able to lift your heel is because your foot is more flexible than the ski boot.  If you can't lift your heel that's not a bad thing, it's more likely that you are sized down in your boots or you have a less flexible foot.
If you are flexing forward in the boot and your heel lifts - that is most likely due to having less range of motion in your ankle.  That doesn't mean that it's the wrong boot you just need more ramp angle in the ski boot.

• 'When I flex forward in the boots like I'm in a Ski position, I feel my heel slide back and I can move my toes more, that's good right?'

That's great!  You don't want to be swimming in there though.  When you're standing up tall in the ski boots feeling the upper cuff on the back of your calves, your toes should touch the front.   

• 'When I stand up tall in the boots my toes don't touch the front and when I'm flexed forward I feel like I'm swimming, are my boots too big?'

If you feel like your swimming in a pair of ski boots than yes, they are too big. Swimming isn't a word you want to use when describing a good fit. 

• 'When I'm out on the mountain skiing I get an awful cramping and burning under the arches of my foot, is it the boots?'

Are you skiing with aftermarket or custom footbeds in your ski boots? If the answer to that question is 'No' than you should get some.  If your ski boots fit really pretty well when you tried them on and then started to have fit/pain problems out on the hill then you should definitely invest in some good footbeds.  
Good footbeds especially custom one's will solve almost all fit issues that you may be having including: toes jamming, aching arches, ankle pain, cold feet and shin bang.  
If you do have a pair of custom footbeds in your current boots and are still getting that pain underneath your arches.  Start wearing footbeds in your everyday shoes and/or wear a decent pair of shoes with good support like a running or athletic shoe.  Getting used to support will help you out greatly and your feet won't be as cramped when it's time to get on the slopes.
Most ski boot fitting issues can be remedied by being in the correct size ski boot with 1.5 - 2cm shell fit and a good aftermarket footbed.  The footbeds job is to get your foot to sit properly in the ski boot by supporting your foot where it needs it.  Stock footbeds that come with your ski boots don't provide this.  Not only will footbeds help you feel more comfortable they will help your performance on the hill as well.
So if you're having some fit issues with your ski boots check size and footbeds first, if you've exhausted those 2 options you may have a footbed that is too rigid or flexible for your foot.  Flexible arches need more rigid foot beds, rigid arches need more flexible footbeds that act more like a suspension. 

*Note: Footbeds are interchangeable between different ski boots.  However, they will most likely need to re-shaped to your new ski boots.  There can be an issue if you are going from a performance/race fit to a more comfortable fit since the foot bed will most likely be too small.  You can really only make a footbed smaller not bigger, get it?

Ski Boot Sizing Chart

Elevation in Breckenridge CO has a variety of different type boots, but a good bootfitter place can assist you if all else fails.

Tips for Finding a Ski Boot that Fits

If you are new to skiing, finding and putting on a ski boot that fits can seem like torture. You pry the boot open, jam your foot inside, and hop around stomping your foot until your foot slams down into the boot. By now your toes are jammed against the front of the boot, your heel feels squeezed, and your calves are not going to let you clamp the top buckles. Hold on though, because putting on a ski boot and getting the proper boot fit does not have to be this difficult.
The first thing you will want to do when trying on a ski boot is get your foot measured properly.

Ski boots are sized using the “Mondopoint” system (26.0, 28.5, ect.) so you will want to use a foot measure that has these units of measurement. Also, be sure to have on the socks you will be wearing in the boot. This ensures the boot fit you feel when you are trying boots on will be the same when you get out on the mountain. The socks should also be made of a seamless lightweight material, (Merino wool tends to be the favorite) and you want them pulled tight so there are no bumps or areas that could create pressure points in a tight boot. Knowing your boot size and ensuring you have the proper size and sock will lead to a better ski experience.  If you are renting boots, getting the right size the first time means you will not have to switch boots later in your trip.

Now that you have the right size and sock on it is time to unbuckle and loosen the boot so you can slide your foot inside. Ski boots are tight and it can be hard to maneuver your foot inside, but it should not be a struggle. With most boots if you pull the tongue down towards the toe of the boot your foot should be able to release down into the boot. When you first get your foot in the boot your toes will feel like they are touching or brushing against the front for the boot, this is normal and expected.  The boot should then be buckled up and you should flex your leg and push your shin against the tongue of the boot. You should feel your toes pull back from the front of the boot and create a little wiggle room. Your heel should also slide back into its heel pocket. At this point you should be able to tell if the boot is a proper fit or not. The key thing to think is that the boot should be “snug but comfortable.” Ski boots are not going to fit loosely like a nice tennis shoe, but you should never be in pain or feel pressure points.

A proper ski boot fit is important for a couple reasons. For one, you went skiing for the great experience of being outdoors on a mountain and cruising with your friends and family.  You will have more control and the skis will perform better if you are wearing a boot that fits correctly.  If you are not in the right boot it can lead to shin bang, bruising, blisters, or sores that prevent you from skiing and enjoying time with your family.  Again, a proper boot fit from a rental company also ensures you will not be switching boots halfway through your ski day and can stay out to enjoy a full day with your friends and family.

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to getting a proper boot fit for you and your family:

• Rent skis and boots from a ski rental delivery service
  • Elevation Ski and Bike services Breckenridge and delivers skis right to your condo or hotel. The trained ski techs ensure your ski boot fits properly and answer any questions you may have about the equipment.

• Make sure both boots are adjusted to the same specifications
  • Boots have made many advances in the past few years and there are a number of fine adjustments that can be made to get the proper fit.  If one of your calves is slightly bigger than the other you may need to buckle that side a little tighter so it feels the same as the other. This ensures each boot will have the same feel and perform correctly when you are cruising down the slope.

• Your feet may be swollen when you get off of a plane after traveling all day.
  • If you are getting fitted for your ski boots the same day you arrive after flying be aware that your feet can swell a little on the plane. This can affect the fit of the boot and cause it to feel looser when you put it on to ski the next day. However, if you follow the steps to get a proper “snug but comfortable” boot fit then the fine adjustments you can make should make up for any swelling the day before.

• There are women’s and men’s specific ski boots for a reason
  • Women’s boots tend to have a lower cuff and a narrower fit to conform to the average women’s calf and lower leg shape.  A women in a men’s boot may feel pressure points she wouldn’t notice in a women’s boot of the same size, and vice versa for men.

• The brand of a ski boot plays a role in how it fits
  • Just to name a few; Nordica boots tend to have a wider foot sole pocket and an average calf area. Tecnica boots are taller, tighter in all areas, and meant for more aggressive skiers.

Follow these tips and tricks and your next ski boot should be the best fit you have ever had. Remember if your feet hurt, you may need a different size boot.  Do not continue skiing as your day will be miserable and the nights could get worse

Waxing Your Skis Is Important!

One of the many things that recreational skiers have in common with professional ski racers and instructors is that they all like to go fast. After all, isn't that what skiing is all about? But, if you feel like you're lagging behind all of your friends as you chase each other down the mountain, the solution could be something as simple as waxing your skis.

All modern skis are essentially made with the same type of ski bases - plastic running surfaces made from some form of polyethylene. When you ski over the surface of the snow, the pressure and temperature of your skis melt the snow, creating a fine film of water. Depending on the temperature, humidity and age of the snow, this film of water can either make you ski faster or slower.

Snow can be divided into six different types: new snow, fine grained snow, coarse grained snow, corn snow, saturated snow, and chemically treated snow. New snow is the stuff skiers live for. It's the blanket of untracked powder that's fallen during night or continues to fall during the day. Fine grained snow is merely new snow that's two or three days old.

Coarse grained snow tends to be older, "rounder" snow that has lost its shape over time. Corn snow (a popular springtime snow) is snow that has survived two or more thawing and refreezing cycles. Saturated snow is snow with a higher water content - typically found with spring skiing. Chemically treated snow is found at many resorts that use artificial snowmaking.

Snow takes the form of sharp, six-sided prisms when it first falls and requires a relatively hard wax that won't allow the sharp edges of snow to penetrate the bottom of your skis. As it goes through many cycles of thawing and refreezing, snow tends to get grainier and denser, requiring softer waxes. In addition to the type of snow you're skiing, you'll need to consider the air temperature and the humidity - all have something to do with how well a wax will perform on your skis.

With all of the different types of snow, the temperature, humidity, wind speed and weather, how does anyone accurately choose the best wax for their skis? Fortunately, Swix, one of the leaders in ski wax, has come up with an easy to use Ski Wax Wizard. Choose your sport (nordic, alpine skiing or snowboarding), your level of skiing (pro, sport or recreation), then choose the temperature, humidity and snow conditions.  The wizard will suggest the appropriate type of wax for the day's conditions.

It's time to hit the workbench now that you've made the appropriate wax. If your skis haven't been tuned in a while, drop them off at a ski shop for professional tuning. All the wax in the world won't make much difference if your bases are gouged and your edges are dull. The most common method of applying wax is to use an iron. Set the temperature of an inexpensive clothing iron on low and melt the wax onto the ski bases by pressing the wax against the bottom of the iron. Professionals will melt wax until it's a liquid and paint it onto the bases using a brush. Allow the wax to cool for at least 20 minutes.

Once the wax has completely cooled, scrape the excess wax off the bases using a profession-grade base scraper. Finish by running a nylon brush over the bases. Some technicians use a medium-course pot scrubber instead of a brush. If it's been a while since you've waxed your skis, your bases will be "dry." You'll need to repeat the process several times to force the wax into the pores of the bases.
You can protect your investment at the end of the ski season, by applying a liberal layer of wax to the bases of your skis before you put them away for the summer. After applying the wax, do not scrape off the excess wax. Separate the skis with a long piece of plastic wrap and bind the skis together using a Velcro ski holder.
Something as simple as a bar or tube of wax can make the difference between your skis creeping downhill or flying like the wind. It's probably one of the cheapest ways to ensure that you make it down to the bottom of the mountain first.

Here is a great article in regards to Glide Waxing. Click here

If your in the Breckenridge area, you can stop by Elevation and we will do it for you.  Doesn't take long to get the best out of your skis.

Use your local businesses

I have owned a small business for a short time now, but definitely see the advantages.  Being in Breckenridge is a pleasure and exciting.  Biking in the summer and skiing in the winter!  I have noticed a large corporation trying to take over the town.  It is ridiculous and hard to believe the town of Breck allows this to happen. 

Using a small business definitely has its advantages.  The prices are usually lower and the customer service is much better.  My employees constantly speak about peoples reactions while talking about the large corporation.  The customer service is generally very poor, and even the employees speak poorly about their job conditions. 

The pricing for rentals is generally higher as the large corporation is trying to squeeze every penny out of the tourist.  Remember, the local businesses are generally ran by locals and they will take care of everyone.  I can tell you that Elevation is a friendly business and is there to assist people, nt pull every dollar from them.  We all have the same equipment available to us, so the large corp saying they have the best equipment is a myth.  Support your local business.

Altitude Sickness

If your plans include traveling to high-altitude conditions, one thing to remember is to be knowledgeable about altitude sickness – just in case. Mountain destinations, such as Breckenridge (9,600' MSL), have less oxygen than cities at sea level, and sometimes visitors can feel “ill” due to the altitude change. Symptoms of altitude sickness include shortness of breath, headaches, diminished appetite and overall physical fatigue.Here are some  tips to prevent altitude sickness as well as a few possible remedies should you begin to feel the symptoms of altitude sickness.

First off, most people do not feel the effects of altitude sickness. It is not related to age, gender or fitness level. Those who do suffer the effects of altitude sickness can be categorized under two types – mild and severe. Those who travel to moderate altitudes – such as Denver at 5,280 feet above sea level – may experience altitude sickness conditions for a day or two as the body adjusts. Mild sufferers may experience symptoms similar to the flu.

Travelers who look to go to high altitudes, such as 14,000 feet, are more at risk for severe altitude sickness. (Severe sickness is not common under 8,000 feet.) High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a progressive breathlessness sensation attributed to dilated blood vessels in the lungs that is often recognized by its signature “frothy” cough. If not treated, fluid can fill the lungs and potentially cause  heart failure. People with conditions such as asthma are more susceptible to HAPE. High altitude cerebra edema (HACE) is similar, although it affects the blood vessels in the brain, which can lead to dangerous brain swelling.
Should you or someone in your group begin to feel the effects of altitude sickness, here are some important tips:

Don’t Push It. Take it slow and do not exert too much energy the first day. Listen to your body!

Drink Water. Drink as much water as you can. Fluids will help the body adjust. Stay away from alcohol or caffeine. Mix one-half water with one-half Gatorade for added electrolytes. Aspen has a great public water supply, and bottled water is available at several locations around town. Try for 3-4 quarts per day!

Eat Right. Eat light carbs such as pasta, and stay away from “heavier” foods.

Descend. Going down in altitude 1,000 or 2,000 feet may help the body return to normal. Remember to not ascend again until you are 100 percent better! When you do ascend, avoid increasing by more than 1,000 feet per day, so your body can adjust.

Meds, Part 1. Taking an anti-inflammatory like Aleve or Advil may help with the discomfort and headaches. Do not take sleeping pills.

Meds, Part 2. Diamox is a medication that treats and prevents symptoms of altitude sickness. It works by regulating the carbon dioxide in the blood, increasing ventilation.

Meds, Part 3. Gingko has been known to enhance circulation, which means more oxygen in your body. Studies show taking a gingko extract can be effective if taken one day before arrival, but is more effective if taken five days prior.

Why no significant Military discounts with Vail Resorts?

Some things in life you cant explain.  One thing that amazes me is that a majority of the US supports their military veterans (past & present) and then some don't seem to care.  Obviously they didn't serve in the military.  After moving to Colorado from Virginia, I felt that this is the place for me.  Serving 21 years in the Navy, I have been around the US from NY to California to Florida. Didn't like any of those places.

The first snow season, I purchased a Local Epic pass.  I did my research and no, there is no military discounts.  So I went for it anyhow.  My son and I did have an enjoyable season, skiing all the places on the pass.  The next season I did some more research and found the "Patriot Pass".  Wow, what a deal and Copper, Winter Park and Steamboat are amazing.  They give a fair discount to the men and women of the US whom served their county, what a concept.

Obviously Vail Resorts is not a Military friendly company and care only about the bottom line.  Yes, they give a one pass discount to both active and retired (different prices), but why not a season pass?  Will it really hurt them to support the military?  Oh, BTW retired personnel are different than active and reserves.  They did their total time and completed their obligation and have military ID for the rest of their lives.  So why do companies only give discounts to active duty?  Thats another story.

Elevation Ski and Bike will give a discount to ALL military with an ID card, past and present and they do not differentiate between active and retired.