First day on new Head SS Speed = huge grin

[Svend]

Well, it wasn't Steamboat, but or little local berg, Blue Mtn. finally had some decent conditions yesterday (and I finally fled the office!) for my first day on the slopes this winter on my new SS Speeds.?

I must say I really wasn't sure what to expect from these skis, as I'd moved up from my 2-year-old iM70s, and hadn't had the possibility to demo them.? With crossed fingers, I went down the first run...."Did I choose the right ski? Will they be what I wanted? Will they be too demanding...difficu lt to ski....kick my butt down the hill?" The usual trepidation, which I'm sure you all know too well when first trying untested gear, but is especially relevant to me, as this is only my third season skiing.

Well, I needn't have worried....the skis are fantastic! They were so easy to ski, so stable, easy to turn, and smooooth, that I just had a ball.? Did I mention smoooooth.....? As the day progressed, and I kept trying different things to put 'em through their paces, I just kept repeating "Wow!" and "Awesome!" all day (not exactly an expansive vocabulary, I know, but it was all I could think of at the time).? I could not find a single thing that they did poorly, and they seem to be exactly what I had been hunting for in a ski.? Compared to the skis I'd demoed at the end of last season, these were just leagues better for the attributes I was looking for.? Perfect for me, in other words.

If anyone is interested in a more detailed review, I can post one here.? But keep in mind, I'm not the most experienced skier so may not have the keen insight of the lofty Cassara or Contarino.? But hey, I'll put in as much detail as I can think of, and will update it as I get more time on them.

In the meantime, it's pounding down snow here at the moment, and ASAP I'll be back on 'em ripping up some fresh stuff.

Cheers,
Svend

Basic specs:? 2008/09 model; length 170; radius 15.0 @ 170; sidecut 116/68/100 (wider than earlier models); lateral flex medium (softer than the Magnum, about the same as the regular Supershape); torsional flex stiff (same as the regular SS, as far as I can remember); same construction as the regular SS and Magnum -- sandwich layup, sidewall, dimpled topsheet, Liquidmetal, FF14 binding, carve plate.



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[jim-ratliff]

Svend:

Well done.? Relax, we didn't expect much vocabulary from a Viking -- I believe they are mostly grunters and gesturers??? ??

I believe that overall the Super Shape Speed slots in above the SuperShape Magnum and under the original Super Shape and with slightly different sidecuts and intended audiences.? In any event, it is clear that all three are extremely versatile, wonderful skis.

Interestingly, Lynn and I rode the Gondola with a number of people from Canada, some that mostly skiied Blue Mtn.  You and Mrs. Svend should consider coming to Steamboat next year for Real Skiers IV.

[Svend]

Jim, it is with great effort that I can even form a complete sentence, not to mention write in a lucid and cohesive manner.  Grunting and gesticulating comes instinctively, and other, higher forms of communication makes my cephalic regions ache.  Oh, the burden of my heritage..... (there's no smiley for a headache, is there?)

 I hope the Canadians that you met were polite and talkative....we're all terribly shy up here, you know.  Takes a lot just to get us to talk, never mind even look you in the eye. 

Funny you should mention Blue Mtn. and Steamboat in the same sentence.  Mrs. V and I picked up our seasons passes yesterday, and received coupons for free lift tickets and lodging discounts at Steamboat.  I didn't realize that they were both Intrawest.  Tempting....very tempting....

At the moment we're getting stoked for a trip to Utah in early Feb. (just Mrs. V and I , then a week at Lake Placid with the kids in late Feb., and perhaps Tremblant in March.  In between that, I've got some business trips to Alberta and BC, so may bring my skis and take in Lake Louise and Whistler.  Gonna be a good season!

[jim-ratliff]

Yes, all of the Canadians we met were quite intelligent and polite (and conversant in American which I guess is somewhat like English). I sort of assumed that there was some sort of screening involved prior to allowing you south of the border, and that was what was restricting you from coming south.? Obviously that must not be the case.? ? ? Have a good time in Utah, I really like skiing there.? Love the ability to drive to a different place each day.? It's off the beaten path a bit, but I really like Powder Mountain (up in the SnowBasin area, which I also very much enjoy).

In fact, one of the guys was the Canadian distributor for Halti ski soft goods ??.? I had never heard of the brand, but the stuff he and his son were wearing was pretty cool looking and well engineered.?

[Perry]

Svend - go for it!!!!!!  All you can do with regard to these reviews is read several and get a gut level read on the ski anyway.  I think reviews from several different skier types is actually helpful.

[Svend]

Hmmm....they spoke American, eh? A rare trait.

As for border screening, well, let's not talk about that. ?All I will say is that it can be a major PITA. ?Hopefully with a new team in the White House, they will become a little less paranoid and start treating honest people less like criminals. ?Between that, and our dollar being worth 20% less than yours, kinda makes us want to ski at home.

Thanks for the tip on Powder Mtn. -- we've not skied there yet. ?We've been to Deer Valley and Brighton, and are looking forward to exploring elsewhere....Solitu de and Alta, perhaps, and definitely Snowbasin. ?When our Utah trip gets closer, I'll post a question here about what y'all recommend (did ya catch my little insertion of an Americanism just there? Clever, no? ?). ?We're going to stay central, in SLC, so we can have quick access to all that variety. ?You're right, it's a great place -- at least seven resorts within 30 minutes of downtown SLC, dry powder, and always sunny....love it!

OK Perry...you asked for it, and receive it you shall (probably tomorrow, though, as I'm getting swamped in the office again today).  Hopefully Jim can comprehend my Canadian idioms and weird spelling.   

Hey Jim, should I post a review here or in the gear review section?  It seems kinda sparse in there...does anyone ever go there to look at the review posts?

[jim-ratliff]

Post it here. I don't think anyone ever really looks down there, and this forum is supposed to be getting replaced by the newer one by the end of the year anyway.

What's the expiration date on the free Steamboat stuff, maybe we should discuss a cross-border barter.


BTW, the occasional lack of complete sentences and correct English in my posts is a result of too fast fingers and not a lack of the language.  Please forgive my sometimes lack of intelligence, it is often pretty embarrassing to go back and read what I have wrote. 

[Svend]

Will do...thanks!

[jim-ratliff]

By the way, Lynn used to own a place in Park City so she might have some input on places to stay, espeically if the ambiance of walking around the shops in downtown Park City is of interest to Mrs. V. 

If you stay close to the Interstate rather than more Park City town, then access to the Cottonwood Canyons is still very good and prices are better.

[Perry]

Svend - Snowbasin is a must, definitely on my must go back to list; great runs, awesome views, and opulent ski lodges with very reasonable prices, and I have heard great things about Powder Mountain as well......more of a local feel, lots of off-piste runs.

Snowbird is fun, steep and nice variety of terrain, haven't been to Alta, but I hear it is another "shouldn't miss". For me, Park City was nice but was kind of vanilla - coming from North Carolina it seems odd to complain about a nice big mountain like that, but that was my experience.  To be honest, the conditions weren't great and I was with my kids, so it might have influenced my run choices and biased my impressions.

[Svend]

Thanks Guys.? I've heard nothing but great things about Snowbasin....gonna do it for sure.? I've heard that Park City resort and The Canyons are so-so, and we're going to pass on those.

Haven't booked accommodation yet, so I'll definitely check with Lynn about Park City.? We were reluctant to stay there because we might be skiing in the Cottonwood area a few times, and didn't want the extra driving all the way around the range.? Will have to check the map about the Interstate connections, though.? May be closer than we think.

Jim, just checked the Steamboat coupons, and you have to be a Blue Mtn. passholder to get the deal, and then you have to book flights and lodging through Steamboat reservations...does n't look like that'll fly for you.? Sorry bud.? But if I see anything else, though, I'll let you know.

it is often pretty embarrassing to go back and read what I have wrote

....er, not meaning to be a ponce about this, but that's incorrect grammar, sir....that should be "...what I have written"

[jim-ratliff]

Errr, that one was intentional and for Perry -- they talk that way down in North Carolina, especially up in the Blowing Rock area.

However, "ponce" isn't something that I've heard used "south of the border".? Is this definition from the Urban Dictionary correct?

ponce
 An individual who attempts to fake having intelligence, class, or culture.


FWIW, I agree with the assessment of Park City ski resort.  I like one day at Deer Valley just because it's fun to ski around and look at the houses but Park City and Canyons are a step down.  I have skied Brighton and really enjoyed that, but smaller feeling than the other major resorts.  Check out the major roads, my gut feel is that the Cottonwood canyons are almost as close to the Park City Interstate exit (timewise) as staying south of Salt Lake City in Sandy but with the bonus attraction of evening ambience.  Snow Basin and Powder Moutain are a hike from either place (probably a 45-60 minute drive).

[Perry]

  Har in Noth Carolina, we juss let them notes to the internet to fly off our fangers once we mash all them keys on R puter...yup.

I have often looked at a message, one or two, in particular and said whoops........shoul d have read and edited that one.

I agree with Sandy area for SLC. Easy access to the Cottonwood area and you can get on the interstate and go north to Snowbasin (easier than from Park City)  For my next trip to SLC I was considering staying north of the city, perhaps Ogden, since I am more interested in spending time at Snowbasin and Powdermountain and then taking my long trip to Alta one day.  Solitude is supposed to great on a weekend - no crowds - true to it's name.

[Svend]

I use the term ponce occasionally, but it's not common in Canada either.? Just trying to throw ya a curve ball there, Jim.? The Brits use it a lot, and I have some British friends, and so have adopted it into my lingo.? Good definition that you found, and it can also mean a smart-ass, which was how I was using it.

I know your linguistic skills, Jim, so I kind of thought the choice of "wrote" might have been intentional.? But gee, I just had to call you out on that one, in the spirit of a Friday, and all.?

Well, Perry...keep mashin' yer 'puter there, big fella.? 'Cause I need more tips on Utah, that's why.? Interesting choice of Ogden to stay in....will have to check that out.? I have some clients in SLC, and can ask them what Ogden is like for places to eat and stay.? Hey, if my wife and I are going down for a once-a-year getaway (ie. no kids), some decent restaurants would be nice.? Downtown SLC has lots of them, and Park City too.?

Just checked Google maps for driving time from Park City to Alta, and it gives a time of 1.3 hours....not exactly close.? From downtown SLC it would be about 30 to 45 min., I would guess. Because of this, we're kind leaning away from Park City, as we'll only be skiing there for one day at Deer Valley.?

[jim-ratliff]

Just checked Google maps for driving time from Park City to Alta, and it gives a time of 1.3 hours....not exactly close.? From downtown SLC it would be about 30 to 45 min., I would guess. Because of this, we're kind leaning away from Park City, as we'll only be skiing there for one day at Deer Valley.?

Svend:? Might be worthwhile to do that Google maps query again, but then figure out how much of the time is getting from city center Park City to the Interstate exit.? There has been a lot of development since the Olympics and there are now plenty of options that are real close to the Interstate.? Without looking, I would imagine that 20-30 minutes of your total trip is getting from map start point to the Interstate.? However, I agree with SLC city based unless someone really desires the PC ambience.  I did try to do Ogden based once and didn't find anywhere I wanted to stay (but that has been a few years).