Alta and eastern skis??

[snowgem]

I can't believe I am finally posting this note. I kept trying to sign up and my e-mail server kept putting the response with the link into the spam box where I didn't look until I finally did.

Anyway, I need help. I'm a Northeast skier. I demoed and bought a pair of 153 Burnin' Luv's (online, Al's Ski Barn, last year's model). Just like that - loved the fact there was such a good woman's ski. They grip on hardpack and ice, turn on a thought, and seem to be able to handle whatever asked to. They are making me ski better.

But, I am headed to Alta or to ski some of the mountains in the area. How will the BL's do there? I have been considering getting a ski more for cruising. Is there one that would handle Utah conditions and still be good for the east, since that's my home area? One of the Nordica's? I rarely go off piste and am a groomed trail skier, tho groomed is relative out there with all that snow. I guess I have to add - I am well over 60, a source of chagrin and pride, but am limited in strength, which may be a consideration on which ski is good - still one of the older (definitely) and faster, though cautious, females on the slope.

I would rather buy a pair than rent for the time out there, and resist demo-ing at $40 -$50 a shot. (Will rent if we get good powder, tho I don't know how to ski it!) There may be free demo's for Nordica's on Tuesdays at Okemo - but I still don't know which would work for west and east.

Looking forward to the replies. Thanks, in advance.

 

[altagirl]

Unless you're skiing in a blizzard, groomed is still going to be groomed, and I'd think they'd be fine. And you never know if you're going to get a storm while you're here or not.

I'd just use the skis you already have and love and then if you do end up with a big storm day, maybe demo something bigger just for that day.

 

[Pequenita]

I'd just use the skis you already have and love and then if you do end up with a big storm day, maybe demo something bigger just for that day.

I agree. And think it's awesome that you're out on the slopes.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Welcome, Gretchen! Hope to read an official intro from you soon! I'll totally defer to the UT divas on this subject (there are quite a few) but will address the chagrin/pride of the (ahem) "mature" skier -- I'm not quite to 60, but in a year-plus....Where you indicated that you had limited strength, I highly recommend getting into a program of regular fitness --- obviously best if done year-round, certainly all the more beneficial in the time period preceding a trip. There's the altitude difference to cope with. Have you visited this region prior? Both Alta and Snowbird have some pretty serious terrain, but there's lots for all. (It's been years since I've been there.)

I have found that getting very serious about conditioning has made a world of difference in my strength, stamina and agility.

Hope you have a wonderful trip! Let us know how it went! (as we watch the snow melt here in the east...:( )

 

[abc]

I am well over 60, a source of chagrin and pride,
- still one of the older (definitely) and faster, though cautious, females on the slope.

BRAVO!!!

I'm nowhere near your age yet (off a decade ). Still, I'm always inspired by those who're never old!

I think altagirl had pretty much had the most appropiate answer. In fact, I did that the one time there was a big dump. One trick though, watch the weather forecast in the morning. But not just for that same day. Pay attention to the following day. If there's going to be a big dump, rent/demo fatter skis the evening before. Don't wait till the next morning. You'll lose out on first track and worse, you may not get the skis you want because everybody else wanted to rent/demo the same on a powder day.

 

[snowgem]

Alta and skis

Thanks for the coments and advice. I LOVE this site!

I am an northeast skier, but skiied in Utah, various places, (and Austria, Italy, Switzerland here and there) yikes, 10 or more years ago - luv, luv Alta especially. I am not in as good shape as before, but am a better skiier (one would hope - am a 7 or 8, I figure), but know that the altitude will be a factor. Maybe 3 weeks left of aerobics will help. My calves got a workout on those steeper slopes. Unfortunately getting older affects strength. I'll be skiing with some guys and a strong, younger Russian woman. Challenging. I am trying to promise myself not to push too much and to bring a good book! The tips on conditioning are great, and so is the idea of renting the night before - last time there (Snowbird, Alta) it snowed every day, but we stayed on the groomed. Hopefully the group will guide me through a fat-ski powder session if conditions are right!