| borg |
Last season the borg clan decided to take up snowboarding, we took a couple of basic courses & we were on our way. That was the first year for the boys (7 & 8 yrs old) snowboarding, the year before that they took skiing lessons but they always prferred to snowboard. Mrs borg ski's downhill & cross country, while I've never done anything of the sort until I took snowboard lessons for the first time.
It has become one of our favourite winter outings & the boys really enjoy it, so after a season & a half of renting equipment we took the plunge this month & bought our own gear. We hit a local shop which was having a sale on snowboard equipment, got all geared up & we headed for the hills.
This is my board, what do you think?;) |
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| borg |
| walking up to the lift. |
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| borg |
| A trip to the Rockies has to be one of the main benefit of partaking in a winter leisure/sport:) |
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| borg |
| How about skating on a frozen pond?....actually that's Lac Beauvert.:) |
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| borg |
| Playing hockey on Lake Mildred..........he shoots, he scooores!:D |
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| borg |
Slow moving traffic keep right.
Apparently this herd of mountian goat didnt see the sign. |
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| borg |
| ANother fun filled wild adventure comes to a close......until next time;) |
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| john802 |
| Nice adventure with the family. May I ask what is the brand of your snowboard and where did you take the family for snowboarding? I snowboard and ski alternately for the past 8 years but I've been skiing for the past 28 years. Have you snowboard in Lake Louise or Banff yet? |
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| borg |
quote:
Originally posted by john802
Nice adventure with the family. May I ask what is the brand of your snowboard and where did you take the family for snowboarding? I snowboard and ski alternately for the past 8 years but I've been skiing for the past 28 years. Have you snowboard in Lake Louise or Banff yet?
The board: GNU Altered Genetics, I would have preffered to get a free ride board but availabilty & selection wasnt that great so I ended up with the GNU which is a free style board but is also excellent on the trails. Maybe someday I will be good enough or brave enough & use it @ a park & pipe........NOT!
We took lessons @ a local ski hill & practice @ different spots around my area but the last trip to the Rockies was to Jasper, which according to experienced riders is a better place for beginners compared to Banff or Lake Louis.
The only experience I have with Banff/Sunshine Village was 2 yrs ago when the boys took their one and only skiing lesson, it was spring break then so it was very busy. I didnt pay much attention to anything else then because I never thought I'd ever ski or snowbaord, they did have a nice lounge though. :7: |
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| john802 |
| Nice board that you got. I think it's rigid enough for you to take it to the park & pipe. Is your board directional? I've never snowboard in Jasper but the family ski/snowboard in Norquay and Sunshine Village three years ago. |
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| a2Pilot |
Wow, Borg! That's really cool! My son is 9, and LOVES snowboarding too. It's about time we got him to a real resort like that. But we don't have "real" mountains in Michigan!!
Great pics! Looks like you guys had a great time!:4: |
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| kemosabe |
Once again, excellent pictures, borg!!! :29:
Thanks for sharing -- my two boys are still too young for snowboarding right now, but in 5 or 6 years... :p |
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| borg |
quote:
Originally posted by john802
Nice board that you got. I think it's rigid enough for you to take it to the park & pipe. Is your board directional? I've never snowboard in Jasper but the family ski/snowboard in Norquay and Sunshine Village three years ago.
I think the board will take the punishment if taken to a park & pipe.....by an experienced boarder. Me? I'm sticking to the mountains where the powder offers a softer landing surface, which is crucial since I spend much of the time on my butt than on my board. :D The board is not directional which is OK because I'm still trying to figure out what stance is best for me, right now it's set up for regular stance (left foot forward) but when I get going I spend half the time in a goofy stance (right foot forward). :8:
The skiing conditions in Jasper is similar to Banffs, it's just that most people say that Jasper is not as crowded, you should give it a try next time your up here for skiing/snowboarding, I really think you'll enjoy it. |
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| borg |
quote:
Originally posted by a2Pilot
Wow, Borg! That's really cool! My son is 9, and LOVES snowboarding too. It's about time we got him to a real resort like that. But we don't have "real" mountains in Michigan!!
Great pics! Looks like you guys had a great time!:4:
The boys kept bugging me to go snowboarding out of the blue.
I thought maybe it was a phase they were going thru but for 3 winters they kept asking if they can take lessons, we even had them in skiing lessons thinking that it was better for them but there was no denying them, snowboarding was what they wanted to do. That's when we decided to take it up as a family & make it a family affair, instead of sitting in the chalet waiting for them I'm out there making a fool of myself which they all think is cool. Ahhhhhh, the joys of keeping a united family.:D But I'm really enjoying it & the boys couldnt be happier.
Too bad you dont have mountain resorts you can go to in your area but if you ever decide to come up to Jasper let me know, maybe I can get us a discounted group rate package.:) |
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| borg |
quote:
Originally posted by kemosabe
Once again, excellent pictures, borg!!! :29:
Thanks for sharing -- my two boys are still too young for snowboarding right now, but in 5 or 6 years... :p
I still cant figure out what attracted my boys to snowboarding, I thought it was a fad & the sport was a fad but I was wrong. According to one of the instructors that taught us, the number of people taking up snowboarding outnumber those that want to learn skiing 6 to 1. So I wouldnt be surprised if six years from now we will be seeing pics of your boys & you & Mrs kemo on this thread, snowboarding.:D |
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| borg |
More fun filled snow boarding adventure @ Marmot Basin in Jasper, AB.
Here are some more pics, this one is at the unloading area of Eagle express quad chair. |
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| borg |
| This is one of the few times I was actually riding instead of sliding on my behind down the hill.:D |
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| borg |
| My oldest boy showing me how it's done.:) |
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| borg |
| My youngest with the "Look Ma, no hands...." riding style.:p |
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| borg |
Conditions were just right , fresh snow on the trails & the temps were in the -10's. It was the middle of the week so it wasnt as crowded, there was no waiting in line for any of the lifts & less people for me to run into as I loose control of my board & barrel down the hill. :D
It had been a great 2 days of snowboarding & no one wanted it to end, this last pic was taken at the end of the last run just before packing our gear & head for home.....note the grumpy faces.:( |
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| borg |
Almost forgot......the obligatory Pilot shot.
Parked on the main street of Jasper. |
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| jay |
quote:
Originally posted by borg
Almost forgot......the obligatory Pilot shot.
Parked on the main street of Jasper.
I'm glad to see you had a fun time, and made it back home safely.:p |
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| 74PILOTMOM |
Jeez I haven't been up boarding in a looooooonnnnng time. I kept getting pregnant!
You've given me the bug...after looking at all those photos, I have to go! Thanks for posting those, borg. |
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| john802 |
| I'm glad to hear that you and your family had a wonderful time snowboarding. |
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| borg |
End of snowboarding season is coming fast, we've taken every opportunity to go up for as long as there is still snow but I think after this trip we will only be able to go up once more this year, towards the end of the month. Then on to more seasonal activities like camping.......but that's another thread.
Pics of us riding & picnicking..........loads o' fun! |
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| borg |
We're heading out for the first time this season for some snowboarding. Marmot Basin in Jasper has had a phenomenal start for the ski/snowboard season......they've received tons on snow which is unusual for them at this time of year.
Pilot is packed, ready to haul........!
Lots of room for 4 sets of snowboards, bindings & boots in the Thule Cascade! |
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| john802 |
Good luck and enjoy your trip to the slope!
BTW, kindly blow some of the white stuff toward Southern California mountain, we need it here!:p |
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| borg |
We just returned from another great snowboarding adventure! The weather was great, lots of snow & the best thing was I spent more time on the board than on my butt this time around.:D
The drive up to Jasper was uneventful until we passed the park gates, then conditions turned in a hurry with howling winds & drifting snow...it turned the road into a skating rink in some spots. I'm glad that everyone on the road were driving smart & we all arrived at our destination safe & sound. |
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| borg |
| At Marmot, first order of the day was to get our season's pass picture ID. |
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| borg |
Then we were off for some serious snowboarding fun!:4:
(That's the town of Jasper in the valley.) |
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| borg |
One more action shot!
(I wish I was as fearless...:) ) |
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| borg |
Of course a trip to Jasper would not be complete without a mountain goat sighting.:D
This pic was taken on the way back home, it reminds me a bit of
Bev Doolittle's art.
Good day everyone! |
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| Sunday Rider |
| Great pictures Borg. Looks like great fun. Those icey roads looked tough. Glad everyone was careful. :) |
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| john802 |
| Thanks for sharing some pictures of your outdoor adventure. How did the new tires performed in that icy condition? How much it cost for the family season's pass at Marmot Basin? |
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| borg |
Thanks guys,
We had a wonderful time on the slopes, the facility is world class & the staff very professional. They keep everything operating smoothly, from grooming the runs to managing all the riders on to the lifts.
The Hakks performed very well on its first trip up to the mountains, although conditions were not that extreme I'm confident that it will shine when we travel thru more severe weather.
SundayRider, you mentioned you were going to take your family skiing sometime...did you guys go yet, how was it?
john802, family seasons pass @ Marmot cost $1,530.00*
Last year we were spending $120.00* a day on lift tickets & we ended up going 14 times which would've paid for a seasons pass.
I was prepared to pay for the full amount for the family pass but I had an opportunity to buy it at an auction for less, my bid was $1,000.00* & that's what I got it for....it's a great deal!:29:
*all figures in CAD |
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| john802 |
| borg - The cost of season's pass at Marmot is low for a family of four. My better half and I have a value pass from Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort for $425.00 each for 2004-2005 ski season. |
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| Sunday Rider |
[QUOTE]Originally posted by borg
[B]Thanks guys,
SundayRider, you mentioned you were going to take your family skiing sometime...did you guys go yet, how was it?
Well yes and no. My younger, who I am trying to get out on the hills, got video games, and ended up going to my brother's for a few days, to play with his kids. My older (18) said later dad, give me the keys and went snow boarding with his friends. I think I was glad he didn't want me to come along. He said the Hakkas were great and had a great time on the hills.
Oh, did I mention I was at home shovelling snow, with no help.
So I didn't get out (yet). We have a lot of snow, but today, temperature is going up to 12C (54F), so everything is melting. Big change from 2 weeks ago when it was -30C.
Will update, but not sure I want to take my camera. |
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| john802 |
| Sunday Rider - Going down the slope is better than shoveling snow!;) :p |
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| Sunday Rider |
quote:
Originally posted by john802
Sunday Rider - Going down the slope is better than shoveling snow!;) :p
You are right, even going down the hill horizontal on skiis/snowboard is better than shoveling the driveway. Will get there yet. It never works out when I have the time (like this weekend) the conditions suck. It is warm today as well. |
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| Dac |
Hi Borg,wow you guys really had a blast !,glad to see that you had fun :) and nice pictures too.
Happy New Year !
Dac |
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| borg |
Typing this post from the lobby of Marmot Lodge in Jasper, I've been up here snowboarding with my family since Saturday. Yesterday was great, crowd was minimal due to Grey Cup.....we filled our boots with as many runs as we coul & still got back in time to the hotel to watch the Esk's beat the Al's.
Just came to lobby to pick up the paper when I glanced over the computer & couldnt resist logging on to HP.Org.
Later, gotta go get breakfast, then off to do some more snowboarding.
:4: |
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| Sunday Rider |
quote:
Originally posted by borg
Typing this post from the lobby of Marmot Lodge in Jasper, I've been up here snowboarding with my family since Saturday. Yesterday was great, crowd was minimal due to Grey Cup.....we filled our boots with as many runs as we coul & still got back in time to the hotel to watch the Esk's beat the Al's.
Just came to lobby to pick up the paper when I glanced over the computer & couldnt resist logging on to HP.Org.
Later, gotta go get breakfast, then off to do some more snowboarding.
:4:
Snowboarding with your family, the Eski's win.
Life couldn't be better.
Sounds like lots of fun!:29: |
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| borg |
Yeah, we had great fun.....what a way to kick off the snowboarding season!
Some pics from the trip.
The road to Marmot Basin. |
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| borg |
| My boys & Mrs borg on the Tranquilizer run! |
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| borg |
It was a great couple of days of snowboarding, even though half the runs were closed, the runs that were open were in excellent shape. There were a lot of areas where powder was up to my knees, I had to remind myself to lift the nose of myboard after I got stuck in knee deep snow a couple of times.
Anyway, I'm sure the resort will be fully operational by the time we go back during X'mas break........cant wait.
Last pic:
Pilot in Marmot Basin parking lot #3. |
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| john802 |
quote:
Originally posted by borg
My boys & Mrs borg on the Tranquilizer run!
I'm jealous! How's the weather on top of the mountain? |
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| Pilot-Matt |
Wow! I can't believe the incredible views you got. I haven't been skiing in over a year but the best resort we've been able to get to for us has been Peak-n-Peak in PA.
One of my daughters will be starting boarding lessons soon and I've been thinking about converting. How easy is the transition from ski to board? At my age i'll probably just embarrass myself or worse my kids, and physically abuse myself since I'm not as agile as I once was, but then again i'm not an aggressive, crazy skier as I was in my teens and twenties.
:cool: |
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| borg |
quote:
Originally posted by john802
I'm jealous! How's the weather on top of the mountain?
Saturday's & Sunday's weather was excellent, it never got below -6C, it was foggy at the top though, which made it a bit challenging at times. Monday's temps were'nt as good, it only got up to -16C but with the windchill it felt colder, but at least the sun was out.:4:
pics of the quad lift & fresh POW! |
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| borg |
quote:
Originally posted by Pilot-Matt
Wow! I can't believe the incredible views you got. I haven't been skiing in over a year but the best resort we've been able to get to for us has been Peak-n-Peak in PA.
One of my daughters will be starting boarding lessons soon and I've been thinking about converting. How easy is the transition from ski to board? At my age i'll probably just embarrass myself or worse my kids, and physically abuse myself since I'm not as agile as I once was, but then again i'm not an aggressive, crazy skier as I was in my teens and twenties.
:cool:
That's all I did the first year......get humiliated & in contstant pain. But it's all worth it, now I can actually carve the side of the mountain, swishing back & forth effortlessly........well, most of the times.:D |
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| dontnomuch007 |
borg,
Can you tell me the brand and model of the cargo box you have? Thanks. |
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| borg |
quote:
Originally posted by dontnomuch007
borg,
Can you tell me the brand and model of the cargo box you have? Thanks.
I have the older style Thule Cascade 1500, the link features the newer version. Mine has a flat black finish and only opens to one side but everything else appears similar. It's been a great gadget, I use it as well in the summer to haul camping equipment. The reason I chose this style was that it can accomodate the propane tank that I use for my camp stove. |
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