The alarm went off and I’m up. I know September is over. Greetings friends. Another week down. Another week closer until opening day.  Oh yea. Things are really starting to come fast now. Dustings of the white stuff are starting to be seen here, there and almost everywhere. And our friends to the North may already have a real base in some areas. They just had another dumpage. It’s always an exciting time of the year.

A little bit of house keeping . . . some of you may have seen pictures of myself CM MAN aka JERRY on the Orient. Yes, it is true. I had the amazing opportunity to visit Hong Kong for a few days late last month. Let me set the record straight, I did not ski in Hong Kong. There is no skiing or riding in this part of the country. It is a tropical island, not conducive to winter sports. There is some great hiking in the territory, unfortunately with time constraints I was unable to do any. That’s how it goes sometimes. Anyways,  I am hoping to write a feature story about my trip as a guest author on https://www.tbltrips.com

Now back to our usually scheduled programming . . .

Ski Areas Opening Dates

(*Opening dates subject to conditions)

Colorado:

Arapahoe Basin: Mid-October – WHAT DOES THIS MEAN . . .LIKE WHAT DATE?

Loveland: Mid-October – WHAT DOES THIS MEAN . . .WHEN? NEED ACCESS ASAP.

With just a few weeks before the ropes drop I am seeing more resort list rankings and gear guides, snow predictions and movie trailers than I care to keep up with. They are starting to come out fast and furious. So you know it must be close now. Just in case you don’t have any idea what I’m talking about, here’s what I’m seeing.

Resort List Rankings

No disrespect to the writers and readers who help compose these lists but these lists that rank resorts are about as strong as the paper they are written on. Really, they serve no great purpose other than bragging rights and add to an already overcrowded mountain scene. Just saying. The point is not where you ski or ride but that you just do. Support your local operator. Before big business came in and bought up all the great mountain leases there used to be hundreds of mountains that offered some kind of lift access at a reasonable price so we the people could make our turns. Don’t believe me, check out number eight on my Movie Trailer list: Abandoned. Point being, it doesn’t matter what your resort, or any resort is ranked for that matter. The point is that the mountains are accessible and affordable for all who want to experience the greatness that comes with that. That being written, support your local mountain or you to may find it to has become Abandoned.

I digress…here’s skimag.com’s result’s for what it’s worth

2019 RESORTS OF THE YEAR – AWARDS OF THE WEST

1. ASPEN SNOWMASS, Colo.*
2. WHITEFISH , Mont.
3. SNOWBASIN, Utah
4. STEAMBOAT, Colo.*
5. KEYSTONE, Colo.*
6. BEAVER CREEK, Colo*
7. SUN VALLEY, Idaho
8. TAOS, N.M.
9. HEAVENLY, Cali.*
10. LAKE LOUISE, Alberta
11. GRAND TARGHEE, Wyo.*
12. DEER VALLEY, UT

2019 RESORTS OF THE YEAR – EDITOR’S CHOICE

1. ALTA, Utah*
2. BIG SKY, Mont.
3. BRIDGER BOWL, Mont.
4. BRUNDAGE, Idaho
5. CANNON, N.H.
6. CRESTED BUTTE, CO.
7. KICKING HORSE, B.C.
8. KIRKWOOD, CA.*
9. MAMMOTH, CA.
10. POWDER MOUNTAIN, Utah
11. REVELSTOKE, B.C.
12. STOWE, VT.

2019 RESORTS OF THE YEAR – AWARDS OF THE EAST

1. SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH, VT.
2. MAD RIVER GLEN, VT.
3. WHITEFACE, NY.
4. OKEMO, VT
5. TREMBLANT, Que.
6. KILLINGTON, VT
7. WILDCAT, N.H.
8. SUGARBUSH, VT.
9. MOUNT SNOW, VT.
10. SUGARLOAF, ME
11. BRETTON WOODS, N.H.

*denotes skied

And if you want to see a hilarious version of the Ski Report with @halleyobrien with Resort Guide comments exposed, check her out here:

https://www.skimag.com/ski-resort-life/snow-report-halley-obrien?utm_source=WedNewsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=Story2&utm_campaign=101018&jwsource=cl

Gear guides – 2018

Skis/Snowboards/Boots – There is pretty much a ski/snowboard or boot for everything nowadays. You have your carvers, powder, all mountain, backcountry, race, alpine-touring & tele., mono, split. I’m sure I’m missing some. Remember, you don’t need them all, you just need one.

If you can swing it, I always recommend grabbing some new to you gear. Nothing like an equipment upgrade.

SNOW PREDICTIONS

People ask me all the time “When’s it gonna snow?” I have no idea, I’m not a weatherman. People get paid a whole lotta money to give out that information. Knowing how much and where it’s gonna snow is a precise science and even then it’s not foolproof and always correct. We all want the fresh stuff. Being at the right place at the right time during a storm feels like winning the snow lottery. It just doesn’t happen all the time; but I bet many of you have cashed that ticket before. If you really want the fresh stuff, be prepared to chase it. Easier written and said then done. Finding it comes at a significant cost; both financially and to your overall life. The search and commitment comes at a significant sacrifice to home and family life. This commitment is not a joke (kinda funny like chasing snow is not a joke) and should not be taken lightly. But the joy of finding what you are looking for is priceless. Riding the pow is a great feeling and could be described as the Nirvana ski or snowboard experience. That one line, that one run. Does it really matter though? Plan a trip with friends and family and enjoy it. Enjoy the space, enjoy the freedom, enjoy the mountain. The great outdoors has so much to offer. Enjoy the experience and time spent with family and friends. Snow has fallen, just about everywhere so far just not much. Our friends to the North have experienced a nice dump or two so far and Jackson,WY saw some nice snowfall this past Friday. I know it’s early and it’s absolutely no indicator of what’s to come but at least we can hold hope that there’s always a chance the cold white stuff can fall at anytime. Here’s some pics of recent snowfall and other great snowfalls that should get you pumped to hit some chutes and make some turns:

Lovely morning out there.

Dark and gloomy to start the day.

Any one ready to drop in the bowl?

Yes, Yes, Yes. Can’t wait for this place to open. ONE OF A KIND – FA’ SURE!!!

Some freshie in the gully.

White out on that chairlift up. Won’t be long now.

Views with the trees holding the white stuff.

And the trees will become winter playgrounds again.

And arrival and departure views will look more like this again. Can’t wait.

Fido can’t wait either. He also loves to play in it.

Oh these beautiful bluebird days are right around the corner.

So close now.

So follow me this season, I continue to explore. A great winter is ahead and I again plan to share it with all of you.

Ski Movie Time

I actually don’t know how many new ski movies are coming out to kick off the 2018/2019 season but I can tell you it’s a lot; a whole lot. I decided to feature a few coming out. While I have not seen any of these yet (are any out just yet?), I’m gonna make a point to check a few out. By the trailers these all look pretty good. As is normal, some look much better than others. As a huge fan of TGR, Jeremy Jones and Protect Our Winters (POW) I have interest in both FAR OUT & ODE TO MUIR. ABANDONED a ski documentary also comes highly anticipated. I have great interest in this one as well.

REI & TGR team up for this new feature length ski and snowboard film. Following the perspective of an athlete as he journeys to a far and remote unexplored mountain locations. This movie is bound to have a strong collective of athlete experiences and an array of locations that drive the story. TGR is usually a lock. Money in the bank as they say.

Like CM MAN/JERRY their is only one HOJI-coincidence, they share the first name, I think not.

From skimovie.com “Skiing isn’t exclusionary, true fun in the mountains can be shared equally be everyone. This isn’t your typical Women Can Shred too film, this is a kick-ass ski film that just happens to feature as many women as men.”

Zigzag. 1. a pattern created using alternating course. 2. another word for skiing. 3.Papers my friends used to roll with in college. I kid. I kid. And from

Unofficialnetworks official trailer “Following nearly two decades of ski movie pedigree, Level 1 documents a lifestyle of contradiction. Timeless ephemera. Love and money. Natural and synthetic. Powder and slush. Stagnant and innovative. Tracked and well-traveled. Consistent but not predictable. Swerving left, right and diagonal, yet never asleep at the wheel.” Has peaked my interest a little.

And from Dustin Watson at the SkiJounal: “Blank Collective is back. The North American skier-led film collective that came onto the scene just a few years ago recently released the trailer for their new film “Before Blank.” Featuring a host of American and Canadian big-mountain rippers, the teaser gives us a glimpse into the early lives of KC Deane, Alexi Godbout, Stan Rey and more. But fear not; this film isn’t all throwback footage. If the trailer is any indicator, the full movie, which will be available this October, will be stacked with huge big mountain lines, pillows, and of course, plenty of face shots.”

I’m not yet sure what to make of this film. Could be a comedy but most definitely a documentary. Looks like it’s entertaining and fun.

Can’t wait for this feature film to drop. Big fan of his and Teton Gravity Research:

From TGR “Teton Gravity’s newest film Ode To Muir pairs professional snowboarder, adventurer and founder of Protect Our Winters Jeremy Jones with two-time Olympian Elena Hight as they embark on a 40-mile foot-powered expedition deep into California’s John Muir Wilderness. Their journey balances the challenges of winter camping, grueling climbs up the Sierra’s biggest mountains, and aesthetic first descents with personal reflections on the importance of the natural world and those who first traveled it generations ago, and sharing perspectives gleaned from what it truly means to explore a great American Wilderness”

Some cool resorts that once were. I think a backcountry trip is in store to these relics of another time.

New and veteran athletes together pay tribute to the man, Warren Miller, who started it all.  Celebrate a life lived in high places.

If you don’t do it now you will just be one year older when you do.

READER FEEDBACK, COMMENTS & PICS

READER FEEDBACK

Thanks for sending me feedback. We appreciate anything we receive. Received this

See you guys skiing sometime . .

No doubt you will. And to the guy who wrote this:

Indentured servant, I am –2019 all different!!

Just because you have a boss does not make you an indentured servant. What exactly do ya mean? Anyway, I loved this reply we received

I just crushed it at water aerobics

Love that. Keep crushing it dude. And someone with the intuition here:

You da man.

Kinda goes without saying  but I also guess it goes this one:

Love the new look

What you talking bout Willis?

COMMENTS

Opening day is right around the corner. Literally like two weeks away.  Get your season passes now. Don’t wait!!! IKON PASS, EPIC PASS, I don’t care.  Both passes offer a tremendous value if you are gonna use it. These passes are hands down the best. Don’t wait any longer, prices just keep going up. The longer you wait, the more you pay. Both passes have already gone up $100. Sooner than later you won’t be able to buy  a season’s pass for this season.  Don’t care about cost-just buy a US SKI & SNOWBOARD GOLD PASS good at over 250 resorts in the USA for about 10 large ones. That’s 10G’s- yup- $10,000 for a US Ski & Snowboard Gold Pass. Want to spend a fraction, buy an EPIC or IKON pass. Both are the real deal. You can have amazing value with just one pass or combining any variation of the two passes can have you very well covered.

On the Snow has a pretty good breakdown and comparison of the 2 passes. I am not sure if the comparison is apples to apples if any EPIC resorts are being excluded, but it is what it is and it can be found here

https://www.onthesnow.com/news/a/631486/ikon-vs-epic-season-pass-comparison

Take it for a grain of salt or what you think it’s worth. Screen shot of some of the comps below.

Bottom line . . . GET YOUR PASS or pay up the ass!!!!!!!!!!!

Trips

I have two planned group trips on the books to Beaver Creek in 2019. There are still some spots open. One in January and one in late February/March. If you want more details please visit the website or reach out for more information.  We would love to have you!

CM MAN aka Jerry.

LODGING

If you need help with lodging, especially last-minute, reach out to us at:

ThrilloftheMountain@gmail.com

We know people. And we may be able to help you.

Here’s a reservation link to Creekside @ Beaver Creek. Michael Simmons and his crew will take good care of you.

http://res.creeksidebeavercreek.com/irmnet/(S(uca4jbgpyhsavmkyxqg2slmk))/Res/ResMain.aspx

RESORT GUIDING

Resort Guiding

January, February and March are starting to see some reservations. Now is the time to get the best value.Don’t wait for the last minute, book today. We offer all-inclusive resort guiding for you and your family at a discounted rate. Our guides can handle from 1 to 6 people. The day will be customized and tailored to your group and groups needs. A fun day is in store. If this is something you have an interest in? Please reach out, we promise to make it a great day. Some feedback we received from tours:

Had an amazing time!!

and this one

It really was an amazing ski vacation!

Thank you. I had a blast. I look forward to it again next year. This always makes me feel good:

Great day on the mountain. Thank you for being so very patient.

as well as this gem:

Thanks for the pics. They are awesome. Thanks for capturing those precious moments.

Glad I could help in making special memories. Received this in my inbox:

We had the best time ever!! Thank you for navigating the mountain for us, for the snow shoe tour, for teaching us how to ski better and for being so wonderful and patient and welcoming to our entire crew!!

We love writing about the mountains and mountain activities, but even more, we love sharing it with everyone-with all of you. Want to find out what it’s all about? It’s not to early to book for next season. We are booking for 2018/2019 season now. Dates are beginning to fill up. Need your whole trip planned from soup to nuts??? Is this you? We can help you to. Whether we just spend a day with you or we plan your whole trip, we are happy to do what we do. We have your winter adventures covered.

Early discounts available now. We promise you and your family will have a great time.

PICS

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner. I see that medal lady. Great smile.

Moon shot.

Careful golf cart crossing ahead.

Fore.  GIR? PAR? BIRDIE?

Hot Pot Night . . . I’m in next time. BTW what are the those pink things?

Love it. Take me home.

Caves – so cool. Love it.

Love it, high falls.

Dude I think your season is just about over.

Traveling can be exhausting but I always travel with my best buddy- my ThrillofTheMountain.com hydroflask (cheap plug, but i gotta do it)!

 

 

Dude your mom called she said come home, dinner’s ready.

Love me some ice cream sundae.  That looks so amazing right about now.

So cool. BAMM

Thanks again for reading this blog. I hope you all have a great finish to your week. Until next time, love one another and be kind to each other. Get out there, The Thrill of the Mountain awaits you. 

If you would like to get Thrill of the Mountain, in email form, right in your inbox please subscribe at the bottom of this post. Check us out on Instagram – Thrill of the Mountain or like us on Facebook- Trill of the Mountain. Thanks. Want to be an author and can write about the mountains or mountain life? If so, contact us at:Thrillofthemountain@gmail.com