Greetings Ladies...long time no post!
A few weeks ago I woke up early on Saturday and put my K2 BLs (160) and my brand new 07-08 Auras (170) with freshly mounted Marker 12 Free bindings into my new Transpack double ski bag. I stuck my boots in the matching Transpack boot bag and after stuffing us all into my 2-door coupe, we headed off to Austria.
Upon arrival at Hintertux Glacier 2+ hours later, it was really warm in the valley - the gondola ticket counter was interspersed with skiers and half-naked hikers - a rather funny sight.
THREE gondolas later I made it up and over the peak to the glacier and I was relieved to suddenly see a huge area of white - almost none of which can be detected from the valley ticket counter.
I had decided to only bring the Auras up with me, despite never having skied on them and not knowing the conditions. The first 100 meters or so out of the gondola and down the first grade were basically ice or extremely hard packed snow with a little dusting on it, and I sort of skidded around. Then the first piste I chose was wide, moderately steep, and a tiny bit softer. In testing out the Auras I made some short, medium and long turns, especially being sure I could get up on the edges and stop on the ice. The feel of the Auras was of course quite different than the 68mm BLs, but suffice it to say I LOVED them! Throughout the morning went through ice, groomers, crud, and slush on steep (ish), moderate and flat slopes. I had a couple of mogul patches to get through as well, but nothing serious. They made me feel comfortable and didn't let even heavy snow push them around. The only thing missing was real powder, but it was mid-July so I didn't complain.
In any case, the Auras are awesome (+ I picked the right length, it seems) and I see them as my all-around ski, with the Burnin's for days when I know I'll be on groomers or trying moguls. We'll see how it plays out this year, since I have the new Harts that I may start using as well - but I am no hurry to mount those yet.
My goals this coming season (which will be my second real ski season) are to improve on moguls and to really learn powder skiing.
In any case, I achieved my goal to ski this summer and I love the new Auras so I am happy. Thanks for all of the advice - on the skis and the bags also!
Hope all's well with everyone and watch Olympic Track & Field (Athletics)!
A few weeks ago I woke up early on Saturday and put my K2 BLs (160) and my brand new 07-08 Auras (170) with freshly mounted Marker 12 Free bindings into my new Transpack double ski bag. I stuck my boots in the matching Transpack boot bag and after stuffing us all into my 2-door coupe, we headed off to Austria.
Upon arrival at Hintertux Glacier 2+ hours later, it was really warm in the valley - the gondola ticket counter was interspersed with skiers and half-naked hikers - a rather funny sight.
THREE gondolas later I made it up and over the peak to the glacier and I was relieved to suddenly see a huge area of white - almost none of which can be detected from the valley ticket counter.
I had decided to only bring the Auras up with me, despite never having skied on them and not knowing the conditions. The first 100 meters or so out of the gondola and down the first grade were basically ice or extremely hard packed snow with a little dusting on it, and I sort of skidded around. Then the first piste I chose was wide, moderately steep, and a tiny bit softer. In testing out the Auras I made some short, medium and long turns, especially being sure I could get up on the edges and stop on the ice. The feel of the Auras was of course quite different than the 68mm BLs, but suffice it to say I LOVED them! Throughout the morning went through ice, groomers, crud, and slush on steep (ish), moderate and flat slopes. I had a couple of mogul patches to get through as well, but nothing serious. They made me feel comfortable and didn't let even heavy snow push them around. The only thing missing was real powder, but it was mid-July so I didn't complain.
In any case, the Auras are awesome (+ I picked the right length, it seems) and I see them as my all-around ski, with the Burnin's for days when I know I'll be on groomers or trying moguls. We'll see how it plays out this year, since I have the new Harts that I may start using as well - but I am no hurry to mount those yet.
My goals this coming season (which will be my second real ski season) are to improve on moguls and to really learn powder skiing.
In any case, I achieved my goal to ski this summer and I love the new Auras so I am happy. Thanks for all of the advice - on the skis and the bags also!
Hope all's well with everyone and watch Olympic Track & Field (Athletics)!
