It looks like winter isn’t wanting to give up here in Colorado, and I think most of us riders are stoked about that.  A-Basin just received another foot of snow, which is awesome for May.  We started off with a slow snow season, but we’re going out with a bang, and I couldn’t be happier.  I’ve nabbed a new pair of Nike ZF-1 boots in size 12, replacing the size 13′s I had which were slightly too big.  I’ve been riding dual boa Vans’ Cirro’s, and while I love those, I wanted to move back to laces for a bit to really compare and contrast the two technologies.  I’m also looking at doing side by side comparisons this coming season of similar boards, like I’ve done in the past.   Look for a review of the upcoming Rome 390 Boss’s, Jones Flagship and a few other reviews I still need to get up.  I didn’t get as much time to post recently as I was out in Canada for work, and some other obligations, but look for me to make some changes to posting frequency etc.  If there’s anything you as a reader feel I should review, definitely let me know, and I’ll work on getting a review for you.   I’m a bigger rider, and that’s what this site is aimed at, so I take that into consideration when reviewing gear.  A board that may feel stiffer to a smaller rider, may feel a bit more flexy to us larger riders, and I try to make note of that .  All together, the season has been great, I’ve worked on my big mountain riding techniques, and really working on butters, and jumps and the like.  It’s getting warmer here in Colorado, so I’ll focus on posting blogs about the new Never Summer factory, upcoming tech, and more.  Stay tuned, and if it’s still snowing were you’re at, get out and get at it!

As I’m sure most of you may have read, or heard, we had a pretty nasty avalanche tragedy this past weekend here in the rockies.  Unfortunately, there were five lives lost in the slide, making it the second worst slide of all times since the 1960′s in Colorado (from my understanding.)  It’s tough anytime someone loses their life doing what they love, and it’s especially tough when it hits close to home as was the case this time.  Joe Timlin was an awesome guy, and I was glad to call him a friend.   From the first time I met him, his love of snowboarding and life was infectious.  I remember him showing me some of the early YES boards, and being so excited about the tech in the boards.  Joe’s excitement was truly contagious, and was a welcome breathe of fresh air in the community.   Joe,  you’re missed brother!

Image borrowed from Snowboard Colorado.

Out on the mountain riding with the crew in awesome conditions. Can’t complain. Stoked the conditions are so solid, so took the Skunk Ape HP out again today with the Flow NX2-RS bindings.  Had a blast in conditions, although I do still find Magna Traction a bit too “grippy” for me at times.

The picture below was taken at A-basin, at the top of the back side.. gorgeous view, and amazing runs!