Ski Pipe should be an Olympic Sport. Definitely.

Adaptive skiers are cool.

Let's Go Tubing!

Ted Ligety Wins Birds of Prey GS

Congratulations, Ted!

Birds of Prey Downhill at Beaver Creek = AWESOMENESS.

Cool. Now I can obsess more easily.

The Vail Valley Foundation has created an iPhone app for this week's World Cup Ski Races at Beaver Creek. Now I can obsess more easily. Search BC World Cup at the iTunes store if you want to get the free app.

Good call, FIS.

The international skiing federation (also known as "FIS-Ski") recently announced that the 2011 World Championships in Deer Valley, Utah will include a slopestyle competition.

That sound you hear is the sound of all the new schoolers of the skiing world rejoicing.

DUDE!!!

Gracias, Guatemala!

Instead of skiing last week, the Obsessive Skier spent the week in Guatemala. What a wonderfully hospitable country! Gracias, Guatemala!



The mountains in Guatemala are incredibly beautiful. But sadly, they don't have snow.

It's ski season!

This webcam shot is the view from the deck at the base lodge at the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area today.

Colorado ski season officially opened yesterday at Loveland Ski Area, followed quickly by today's opening at Arapahoe Basin.

Most Colorado ski areas will open sometime in November.

Since my last day of skiing was Memorial Day, I'm eager to get my skis on and take a few turns at A-Basin.

Bully Goat.

Since a Colorado Springs-area woman was recently attacked by a mountain lion, and since a hiker was recently killed in Washington by a mountain goat, I thought you'd want to know what to do if you're ever attacked by one. Click here and learn.

Welcome to the Family, Charlie the Hedgehog!

He's little.
He's kind of spikey.
But he's cute, and now he's ours.

His name is Charlie.
He is a hedgehog.

We gave him to Sophie last night at her 10-year-old birthday party.

I really like those Chilean miners' t-shirts.

Those who know me well know that I don't think too highly of "Jesus Junk".

But I really like those Chilean miners' t-shirts. Might even try to get me one...

Have you seen the words on the back of their shirts?

Spanish: "Porque en su mano estan los profundidades de la tierra, Y las alturas de los montes son suyas."

English: "In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his also."

These are the words of Psalm 95, verse 4.

And so, while people around the world wait for the last man to be hauled up out of that deep hole in the earth, the Obsessive Skier offers up this prayer:

Thank you, Father in Heaven, for the faith being proclaimed by so many of the Chilean miners being rescued today. Thank you for the enduring hope of their families and rescuers that helped them to persevere. And thank you for ruling providentially over all of our lives. We rejoice together with people around the world today as each man is released from the Fenix 1 capsule. We pray for each of the 33 miners and their families to recover fully and remember your purposes for their lives. At the same time, we realize that there are still so many suffering in this world. We pray that you would rescue them too. And in those moments to come when we're trapped in our own sufferings and you are our only hope of rescue, help us to keep trusting in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Thank you cnn.com for the photos.

"Lovin' my new ride."

For my birthday, my family got me this awesome new bike. I'm now a bicycle commuter.

















Maybe someday, the roads in Boulder County will look like this...





HT: Signs Signs
(Thanks, "Signs Signs")

Anna rocks!

This is a post by a proud papa.

My very cool 12-year-old daughter brought her guns to the first bouldering competition of the season today at The Spot Bouldering Gym in our beloved Boulder. Anna placed 5th among the girls of the Youth B division with a combined total of 16,900 points! WAY TO GO, ANNA!!!

Youth teams from across Colorado assembled at The Spot today to participate in USA Climbing's American Bouldering Series (ABS) of competitions. This was Anna's first competition as a member of USA Climbing and ABS, and her 5th place finish was awesome!

Congratulations to everyone on Anna's team, team sik byrd out of Movement Climbing + Fitness in Boulder, and thanks to Anna's great team of coaches at Movement: Chelsea, Andrew, Jimmy, Angie & Taylor.

Let's go fishing!

The obsessive skier is not very obsessive about fishing, but finds this video inspiring.



Let's go fishing!

I need a wintervention.

It's mid-September and the Obsessive Skier is getting antsy. I need a wintervention. Looks like Warren Miller Entertainment knew that already.

Anybody want to see Warren Miller's Wintervention with me on opening night, Tuesday, November 9th at the Boulder Theater?

Still the Hermannator.

Basel, Switzerland - Austrian skiing great Hermann "The Hermannator" Maier may have retired from the World Cup circuit, but his competitive streak lives on. This December, Maier will lead a four-man Austrian team competing against a German squad in an overland ski race to the South Pole for Austrian and German broadcasters.

Maier is the man whose 1998 crash at the Nagano Olympics is the stuff of legend.



Maier will head to Cape Town, South Africa on Dec. 8, his 38th birthday. From there, crews will travel to the Russian Antarctic base of Novo to begin their trek to the pole.

Maier's teammates include triathlete and ORF broadcaster Tom Walek, while the German team is highlighted by triathlete Joey Kelly and television commentator Markus Lanz. Each team's remaining two members will be determined by a series of contests that wrap up this month.

Teams will travel on touring skis, pulling a sled with a tent and supplies. A 25-member support crew will travel alongside. The 248-mile trip, which is expected to last 16 days, will head out of Novo on Christmas morning.

Information from Reuters www.reuters.com

August Snow = Awesomeness!

Here's a snaphot from the Snowmass, Colorado area today!

August Snow = Awesomeness!

Best Wishes to "Cuchara Ski Resort 2.0"

The Denver Business Journal and OutThereColorado.com are reporting signs of new life at the Cuchara Ski Resort in Huerfano County, Colorado near Walsenburg.

Cuchara is nestled among the Spanish Peaks (pictured here in the summer), a beautiful spot on the eastern side of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains that is easily accessible from I-25 about 60 miles south of Pueblo.

The Obsessive Skier and his family pass by Cuchara at least a couple of times each year, on our way to and from visits with grandparents in Northern New Mexico.

Best wishes to Bruce Cantrell and the new Huerfano County Recreation District! Their non-profit approach just might be the key to Cuchara's long-term viability as a skiing-oriented recreation destination.

One suggestion: Put in the mountain coaster and summer tubing ASAP!!! The Obsessive Skier and his family would definitely stop for a ride with or without snow on the ground...

Thanks to @oscskiing for the tweet that made the Obsessive Skier aware of this good news.

I'd rather be in Portillo.

It's hot here in Colorado.
I'd rather be skiing in Portillo, Chile.

This dude's got issues.

I think his name is Allen.
Here's his site.

Dubai, I feel your pain.

So about 2 months ago, a friend of mine called me from Dubai. Not really where I expected to hear from him, but it was cool. After a few minutes of small talk, I asked him to pick me up a T-shirt from Ski Dubai. Haven't heard from him since. Haven't gotten any T-shirt either.

Perhaps it's because of the debt crisis facing that poor country. I saw this article on the interwebs today and now everything is making sense.
Dubai, I feel your pain.

Black Mountain Express, I am eager to meet you.

Arapahoe Basin has dismantled it's Exhibition lift (one of the old, slow chairlifts at the base of the mountain, which often had LONG lines) and is now constructing a new chairlift that they are calling the Black Mountain Express. This is good news for the Obsessive Skier. I am eager to meet you, Black Mountain Express.

I like the high country.

Yesterday, I drove the Moffat Road to the Forest Lakes Trailhead, then walked to/over the Needle's Eye Tunnel, across "Hell Hill", and stopped at this point above the trestles for the old Moffat Road Rail Line. It took me 3.5 hours to get home from from the spot where I took this photo. An hour of walking, and two-and-a-half hours of driving. The 12 miles from the Rollinsville/East Portal turnoff to the Forest Lakes Trailhead are REALLY bumpy and rocky.

No snow? No problem!

A "Fool" for Christ: Manute Bol, 1962-2010

The Obsessive Skier was saddened this week when he learned of the recent death of former NBA center Manute Bol.

Jon Shields, writing in the Wall Street Journal, gives us a respectful and encouraging summary of this unique man's life. Please click here to read the article.

PS: I will buy a cookie for anyone who can tell me the name of the man pictured next to Bol in this photo.

Dust on Snow = Rapid Runoff

After returning from two weeks in Florida, I was eager to check out the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area's Web Cam.

I was shocked by how quickly the snow had melted since my last skiing day there just a few weeks ago on Memorial Day.

This article explains why the snow is melting so fast and the spring runoff is so rapid.

Manatees are such gentle creatures

Happy Memorial Day!

Dude...

Wenzel Peikert's Slot Couloir wins Chris Davenport's award for the 'Line of the Year' - love this photo because it give a strong sense of anticipation- skiing a steep and narrow couloir in tough weather conditions.

Adam Lockwood Rocks!

Listen to this lullaby by Adam Lockwood. It's musical awesomeness!






I am so glad that God brought Adam into our lives.

He now teaches guitar to our Anna.

And he leads the team of musicians at Christchurch.

Did I mention that I'm so glad that God brought Adam into our lives?

Christy Mahon Skis All of Colorado's 14-ers. Impressive.

It wasn't that long ago that Chris Davenport became the first person to make a ski descent of all of Colorado's 14,000 foot peaks in one year.

This week, Christy Mahon added her name to the list of ski mountaineering giants when she became the first woman to record a ski descent of all of Colorado's 14-ers.

And as usual, Jason Blevins of the Denver Post lets us all in on the story in the Outdoor Extremes section.

Maycember!

Jason Blevins got some great powder turns this week up on Berthoud Pass.

Maycember @ Berthoud from Jason Blevins on Vimeo.

I'm not jealous.

Good Runs are Still Out There.

Just because it's May doesn't mean that ski season is over.

Good runs are still out there.

I plan to keep skiing in Colorado through the summer of 2010. I will post again when I do.

In the meantime, I'm getting inspired by those who are finding good runs in some unexpected places. Such as this dude...



Ouch. I've never seen a face plant on a concrete floor before...

Here's a longer escalator run with a better finish.



But it looks like there might have been some trouble on one of his test runs...



Happy Skiing!

A goal without a plan is just a wish.

Chris Davenport: 2010 Video Profile Part 1 from Freeskier Magazine on Vimeo.

PS: In case you haven't heard, snus will cause your teeth to rot and fall out, and it will give you a terrible case of halitosis as your gums get diseased, and it will give you mouth cancer.

Spring in Boulder: The Bears are Back!

I'm glad they are so sleepy.

Be Avalanche Aware this April.

Visit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center's website before heading into the back country this Spring.

That's NOT the way that I want to die. You?

Rock on, Thundergland!

How NOT to ride a rope tow.

Alpine Coaster. 'nuff said.

Screaming Banshees on Skis

Way to go, US Ski Team!

This article was posted today on the US Ski Team website.

While this season has been one of success for the U.S. Alpine Ski Team, it was also one of philanthropy as the athletes teamed up to help those affected by the earthquake in Haiti through donation and fundraising efforts.

The push began in January when members of the team, along with the global community of athletes on the World Cup, put their race bibs up for auction. Racers participating included U.S. all-stars Bode Miller (Franconia, NH), Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO), Julia Mancuso (Olympic Valley, CA), Ted Ligety (Park City, UT) and Andrew Weibrecht (Lake Placid, NY).

"I think we were all watching the incredible destruction going on in Haiti on TV and how poorly their infrastructure was able to handle it. It was clear that they needed help and raising money was the best way to do that," said Scott Macartney (Crystal Mountain, WA) who spearheaded the group's efforts. "I thought the auction was incredibly successful. It is the best bib of the season, autographed by the athlete and it was in high demand. I think every athlete was happy to help out!"

The men put up individually signed race bibs from the 70th running of the famed Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbuehel, Austria, and the women signed bibs from the World Cup super G Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. All auction items were placed on eBay and in the end, the results were astounding.

Counts at the close of the auctions held that the race bibs earned $90,000 in online auctions for the earthquake relief effort in Haiti, with the highest earner being the bib of Didier Cuche of Switzerland, who was the Hahnenkamm winner and whose signed bib was purchased for $16,209. Of the U.S. men, Miller earned the most at $2,504. Vonn's bib went for $8,600 and Ligety earned $1,075.

"Thanks to everyone who bought a bib to help Haiti! Your help goes a long way," Vonn said.

But, Vonn wasn't ready to stop her philanthropic efforts there and enlisted the help of one of TV's most popular funny women to get people to keep thinking about Haiti.

Following her Olympic success, Vonn stopped by for a visit with Ellen DeGeneres and, after receiving a pair of Head skis and Leki poles featuring Ellen's face on them, the Olympic champ thought that the items would be better served in the aid of Haiti.

Vonn signed the poles, DeGeneres wrote an official letter to accompany them, and they were placed on eBay with the promise that proceeds would go to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund. In the end, the items sold for $1,575.

While the athlete auctions are now closed, people can still get involved in the cause to help Haiti through the Red Cross here.

Check out this stop motion short.

Pillow Line from Kari Medig on Vimeo.

Ski Joring in Leadville This Weekend!

More to come on this one soon!

Free Will.

The best Rube Goldberg Machine. Ever.

I weep. And I rejoice.

This "Depression Poem" by Sue Lubbers is the real thing.

Double-click on the image to see a larger version.

skootch.

This may be the best performing US Ski Team ever.

When Lindsey Vonn won her gold medal in the Women's Downhill in Vancouver, the Obsessive Skier got all choked up like the dad on that old Chevy Suburban commercial (you know, the one where he has flashbacks to all the ski races he drove his little girl to in the family's old suburban, remember?).

Julia Mancuso has been medaling like a feminine banshee.

Andrew Weibrecht came up strong in the Men's Super-G with a bronze that the Obsessive Skier did not expect.

And to top it all off, Bode Miller is growing up and focusing on his racing this year. His gold medal performance in today's super combined has caused The Obsessive Skier to reflect and say: "This may be the best performing US Ski Team ever."

I'm definitely going to be cheering on Ted Ligety during Tuesday's Men's Giant Slalom. Let's go "Shred"! Beat Ben Reich!

Congratulations, Hannah Kearney!

She's the first American to win gold at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Congratulations, Hannah Kearney!

For a full recap, visit the Vancouver Sun's website.

The mountains rose.

Psalm 104:8 - "The mountains rose, the valleys sank down
to the place that you appointed for them."

Beautiful sunrise this morning. Couldn't help but take a detour to one of my favorite overlooks along Highway 128 as the sun broke over the eastern horizon. Fresh snow on the plains and up the Flatirons all the way to the Continental Divide. What a joy it is to be alive and to enjoy God's creation.

Jimmie Huega died today.

Who is Jimmie Huega? He was one of the first Americans to win an Olympic medal in alpine skiing. He died today at the Balfour Center in Louisville, Colorado. I had no idea that one of my heroes was living so close to where I live.

Father, I pray for Jimmie Huega's family and friends as they grieve. Thank you that because of Jesus none of us need to grieve without hope of eternal life in Him. Amen.

Reading Rocks!

Happy Groundhog Day!

When I was in kindergarten, my best friend was named David. He lived about 5 houses down our street and his mom was a bit eccentric. On February 1, 1977, when we got off the school bus taking us home from Mrs. Berry's afternoon Kindergarten class, David's mom told me and David to hang brown socks on our fireplace mantels so that The Great Groundhog would come and fill our socks with treats. At first I was skeptical, having never heard of this Groundhog Day Eve tradition. But being the risk-takers that we were, David and I put our socks up that night. And on the morning of February 2, 1977...WE GOT STUFF! Awesomeness.

I told my kids that story last night, and encouraged them to hang up their own brown socks for The Great Groundhog. As you can see, HE CAME!

Happy Groundhog Day!

Congratulations, TJ Schiller!

TJ Schiller pulled off the first 1620 in last night's X Games competition in Aspen. Check it out.

USA! USA! USA!

2010 U.S. OLYMPIC ALPINE SKI TEAM
(name, hometown, age as of opening ceremonies, birthdate, (past Olympics))

Men
Will Brandenburg, Spokane, Wash., 23, 1/1/87
Jimmy Cochran, Keene, NH., 28, 5/29/81 (2006)
Erik Fisher, Middleton, Idaho, 24, 3/21/1985
Tommy Ford, Bend, Ore., 20, 3/20/89
Tim Jitloff, Reno, Nev., 25, 1/11/1985
Nolan Kasper, Warren, Vt., 20, 3/27/89
Ted Ligety, Park City, Utah, 25, 8/31/84 (2006)
Bode Miller, Franconia, NH., 32, 10/12/77 (1998, 2002, 2006)
Steven Nyman, Sundance, Utah, 28, 2/12/82 (2006)
Marco Sullivan, Squaw Valley, Calif., 29, 4/27/80 (2002, 2006)
Andrew Weibrecht, Lake Placid, NY., 24, 2/10/86
Jake Zamansky, Aspen, Colo., 28, 6/26/81

Women
Stacey Cook, Mammoth Mountain, Calif., 25, 7/3/84 (2006)
Hailey Duke, Boise, Idaho, 24, 9/17/85
Julia Mancuso, Olympic Valley, Calif., 25, 3/9/84 (2002, 2006)
Chelsea Marshall, Pittsfield, Vt., 27, 11/15/82
Megan McJames, Park City, Utah, 22, 9/24/87
Alice McKennis, Glenwood Springs, Colo., 20, 8/19/89
Kaylin Richardson, Edina, Minn., 25, 9/28/1984
Sarah Schleper, Vail, Colo., 30, 2/19/79 (1998, 2002, 2006)
Leanne Smith, Conway, NH., 22, 5/28/87
Lindsey Vonn, Vail, Colo. 25, 10/18/84 (2002, 2006)