It’s possible you’ve never heard of Kevin Jones. If you have not,
chances are snowboarding is not your thang. Perhaps you’re happier on skis or sipping Mai Tais in warm climes. If you
have heard of him, then you’re going to be stoked that documentary filmmaker Dave Seoane has released and is beginning
to show
Kevolution,
the Billabong film that documents the career and life of professional snowboarder “KJ”. Jones is widely regarded as one
of snowboardings brightest talents and biggest
hams. The film made its debut last night at
Mammoth Mountain and is headed to Whistler, BC, Denver, CO, and Bend, Oregon.
Mountain Cams
Have you ever been sitting in a ski cabin wondering what the weather is like up on the mountain? Or how clean the
half pipe is looking? Or more, have you ever been sitting at home watching the weather channel and trying to figure out
where the best snow is that weekend? Well, Ski Magazine has
a page dedicated to ski mountain cams, where you can
click around to see what the weather is like and how much of the tasty fresh stuff is falling on your favorite area.
The selection of cameras is impressive, with about 60 cameras, ranging from Alpine Meadows to Winter Park, organized on
one page. I just spent a good fifteen minutes clicking around and was amazed how much snow
some places already have, and how little
others have.
Snowgo: Reading, Writing and Riding
Luke Smallman is the writer over at Snowgo, a regularly updated and well
written snowboading blog. The site is more than just a journal of Luke’s boarding adventures (which would be
a bit of a challenge, given that the UK isn’t exactly bursting at the seams with brilliant slopes, parks, or
snow.) He also reports on other websites, shows and exhibitions, online articles, gear and parks. There are also
sections on individual riders, resorts, and loads of other interest categories for boarders. All in all, an excellent
site and a great resource – check it out!
Best Snowboarding in North America
With a new winter season so close,
this guide to the best snow boarding in North America is a useful and timely resource for info on where to head
when the snow falls. Just reading about some of these places — from Blackcomb to
Big Sky to Stowe — is going to get you pumped up to dust off your board and get in line for lift tickets. The site
does a fine job, providing key details from snow fall to total vert to info on how to get there. They break out their
ratings of the best places according to your type of boarding, whether you are a freestyler (partial to half-pipes), a
freerider or a carver. Most of the stand bys are here. Blackcomb,
Squaw (where I worked one winter so long ago) and Snow Bird, but it also gives props to a couple of lesser-knowns
like Kirkwood and Steven’s Pass, both of which I know well, and can tell you deserve the attention.
Record Opening Day Loveland
Skiiing season has kicked off.
It’s still seems early, but Colorado skiiing is now officially open. Here, the leaves haven’t even fully changed
yet. But the legendary Loveland
Mountain in Colorado and other places got a boost from Mother Nature recently and are open for biz. Loveland,
though, is the first resort in the United States to officially open for the 2004-05 ski and snowboard
season.
Loveland got 48 inches of natural snow and more snow is in the forecast, which bodes well for all of us. I plan on
hitting the slopes as often as I can this winter. Last winter, despite its dreary tendency to persist into spring,
there was little time to get out and shred. That will not happen this year, I assure you.