December Is Looking White

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. I know we still have thanksgiving to look forward to but I just can't help myself. And according to www.wasatchsnowforecast.com, I just might get what I'm after. Snow is in the forecast for early December so, if you haven't already, get you gear dialed so you can be ready to shred when that sweet white powder starts falling from the sky. If you are new to the sport, here are a few tips to keep your board in tip top shape--

1. Always Keep Your Board Waxed. 

     The base of your snowboard is made up of a plastic material called P-tex. It's a naturally porous material (especially sintered bases) , and waxing it fills those pores with moisture, making your board faster. You can never have too much wax. I like to wax my board at least every few weeks, sometimes more. 

2. Keep Your Edges Clean

    When your edges are rough, they add unwanted friction when carving. It's pretty easy to keep them clean and smooth using a small file, or an edge stone. For larger burs, having your edges tuned by a pro can be helpful. 

3. Fix Gouges and Core Shots

    Everyone bumps into a rock at some point or another. When you do, it's important to repair the base of your board, especially if any of the wood core is exposed. If you leave a core shot open, your wood core will soak up water and eventually break. Its pretty easy and inexpensive to use a P-tex drip candle to fill in deep gashes in your base. If the gash is up against the edge of your board, it's smart to take the board to a pro. If your board has a lot of small gouges and scrapes, take it to your local shop for a base-grind and give your board fresh start.  

 If you're not into waxing and tuning  your own stick, bring it in to MiloSport in Orem for a full tune-up by Ty the gear guru. After all, there's nothing worse than a sticky snowboard.

above: Ty the tuning guy doing what he does

Paradise Trees

Wednesday the 20th we headed up to a prominence above Guardsman Pass and just below Clayton's Peak.  Nick, myself and our good friend Mike AKA Avi Danger Mike thought it to be a good place to find some good snow and avoid any potential avalanche danger. The snow pack is never the same in two places and it was easily noted during our tour through Paradise Trees. The storm in late October made for some skepticism but the area seemed stable. The snow coverage wasn't what we hoped for seeing how there are a lot of dead trees in the area which made for some extreme skinning on the way up. Mike and I skinned up and Nick charged straight up on snow shoes to 10,420 ft. We got some turns and had a great time. CHOWDER-HOUNDIN!!!!

Know What's Below

Storms are starting to line up, resorts are beginning to open, and people are getting antsy to ride. There are a few things we all need to pay attention to before we head out in the snow. For those who are starting to dip their toes into backcountry travel, or those who are veterans, it is an important time to brush up on your avalanche protocol. 

Your most important resource is the Utah Avalanche Center. They have a wealth of information and they offer the courses that will prepare you to make informed decisions when traveling in avalanche terrain. Calling their hotline on a regular basis is a great way to keep informed and to understand how the snowpack responds to different weather patterns.

Other resources:

There is also some great literature for you to read on the john. 

Get your stuff together and pray for the white stuff (not cocaine). 

BENJAMIN PELLEGRINO AKA THE PRINCE

MILOSPORTS first master shredder pick from Benny Pellegrino!!! Ben loves ripping pow at Utah's famous Snowbird Resort. With 28 years of experience under his belt, Ben truly knows how to hand pick the best shredding goods available! We spoke with Benny and asked him a few questions, here is what he had to say!

-CH: WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO UTAH?

-Ben: I'm from NorCal. The majestic Wasatch Mtns are what brought me to Utah!!! 

-CH: WHERE DO YOU RIDE?

-Ben: i'm a FOBL. Full On Bird Loc. 

-CH: WHATS YOUR BIGGEST TRAM PET PEEVE?

-Ben:My biggest Tram pet peeve is people farting on the tram, c'mon it's only 8 minutes, hold it!!!!!

-CH: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR INTEREST/HOBBIES APART FROM SHREDDING?

-Ben:Skateboarding is near and dear to my soul, but Downhill/Freeride Biking has captured my heart right now!!!

-CH: DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM DAY AT THE BIRD?

-Ben:My Dream day is a surprise mid day underforecasted snowfall day at Snowbird that closes Little Cottonwood Canyon with low occupancy in the hotels and not many employees around. This equals INTERLODGE/closed canyon conditions with walk on trams. I had it like that for 2 days once in the late 90's. 30 person trams with no locals but a hendful around for 2 days!! Epic to say the least...

Big thanks to Benny and everyone and Milo. Stay human and shop local. THeses dudes know what they are talking about so go in an say hey to them at there OREM location. Also stay tuned for a video walk through of benny's winter 14 product picks!

KEEPIN IT 100

 THE CHOWDER HOUNDS ARE OFFICIALLY B-L-O-G-G-E-D.