If you haven’t heard of or visited the Cold Smoke Festival in Nelson BC maybe this will help the process.
It is always interesting how creative minds approach a simple act like skiing.
Cool.
Norway-1, US-0
Usually I would say that the US Ski Team is the best in the world and blah blah blah… but in this case, there is just no question, Norwegians rule. It’s nice to see athletes of this caliber relax a little… or a lot. Not sure how much Aquavit it took to get these guys to do this, but all I have to say is KUDOS boys, KUDOS.
And the French team responds…
Hot Tub Time Machine
If you’ve been watching the Olympics coverage (if you can call it that) on NBC, you might have seen the previews for Hot Tub Time Machine. Almost two years ago we got a call from a production assistant at MGM asking permission to use vintage Kästle skis in the movie. At the time, we could hardly believe this was a real movie, but the paperwork looked legit and there were some big names associated with the film (John Cusack, Chevy Chase)…so what the hell, right?
Fast forward (or time travel in this case) to 2010 and the movie hits theaters on March 26.
Despite the premise, this actually looks pretty damn funny. “Twitagra?” Awesome.
A bulk of the movie apparently takes place in an 80’s ski resort and the trailer includes some gratuitous shots of neon one-piece suits. At the least we’re hoping for a few shots of some sweet retro Kästle skis. In a dream scenario, we’ll see a Lane Meyer-esque ski scene down the K12. “Go that way really fast. If something gets in your way…turn.”
In related movie news, we were also just contacted by a producer looking for gear to use on the set of 127 Hours, a movie about Aaron Ralston starring James Franco….not sure what to think of that one.
Crazy Brits … or are they?
A new off-season training technique or just a fun day at the pool?
Google Street View from a Snowmobile
It’s only a matter of time before you’ll be able to watch a Google Street View of your favorite backcountry run.
And pretty soon you even won’t even need to get up at 5 a.m. for dawn patrol. You can just make your turns virtually on Google and call it a day.
Fritz Simmons Loves Smartwool
Thanks Mavis & SmartWool!
Frozen. The movie.
“It will do for skiing what ‘Jaws’ did for swimming.”
Apparently they should have been wearing layers from Polartec/Cloudveil/Smartwool/Spyder.
Behind the Lens with Casimiro
If you thought the life of a photojournalist was all about shooting surfers in bikinis on the beach with a really, really long lens….this video will do nothing to prove you wrong.
Steve Casimiro is certainly living the dream – he’s an accomplished journalist, photographer and blogger who regularly travels to some of the most beautiful destinations on Earth – shooting models, writing travel stories and testing the latest, cool gear along the way. His job description is the envy of j-school grads, gearheads and amateur shutterbugs everywhere.
We’ve known Steve for a long time. He’s one of the best in the biz and he’s worked damned hard to get to where he is, not to mention he’s a talented writer and a beautiful photographer. It’s awesome to see him get some exposure in front of the camera for a change in this new multi-media feature on the Nat Geo website. Check it out. Just one question, Cas, do you get to keep the 4Runner?!
Ski Fitness Euro Style
During these last few weeks of pre-ski season weather and shoulder season depression, many mountain town locals get creative with their training. Lunges in the kitchen, balance boards in the family room, squats at the gym.
Here is another idea, all you need is a bike and an empty gym. I hear its good for the core and the hamstrings.
Freeskier Takes the Backbone Kickball Classic Championship UPDATE: Now with Video!
Let’s get two things straight.
Sarah talking pre-finals smack
The J Team - J-LD, J-Lantz & J-Smith
One, the 3rd annual Backbone Fall Kickball Classic is a low key affair. Yes, we have pizza, Red Vines, beer and of course a 3-foot tall Champions of the Kickball World green trophy. And not just any beer either, this year we were blessed with a special barrel of New Belgium Lips of Faith – Le Fleur Misseur. But the scene is a low key affair, with writers, friends and their kids drifting in and out of the fray.
Backpacker's Dennis Lewon & his pitching coach
Jonathan G and Mike May showing off their facial hair...
The more important point is the second – with a trophy on the line – the bragging rights are serious. So don’t let the low key pretense fool you. People are out for blood.
These guys should be behind bars - CJ, Jason and Metzler
This year, Freeskier Mag came up big, routing Skiing Mag in the first round then easily dispensing with the hosts – Backbone in the finals. Clad in fake mustaches, Backbone reached the finals by taking out the Freelancer/Freeloader/Backpacker team in round 1.
Skiing's Jake Bogoch hands over the hardware to the victors at Freeskier!
Overall, fun was had. Thanks to 50+ who atteneded. Congrats to team Freeskier and lookout for next year!!!!