Ski racing, Slalom and GS

[jon_cross]

I was having a boring winter here at college and decided to try out/walk on to the ski team here. I had my first race this past weekend and it was an absolute BLAST. For anyone who skis but has never run gates, you HAVE to give it a try! We were in Wintergreen VA, but the snow felt like it was straight out of the rockies. The only (slight) downside was the difficulties that lie in running Slalom races on 192cm skis. Are there any other mtn bikers moonlighting in the off season? Is there any decent racing in MI?

[CrisCataldo]

Jon - Welcome to the dark side! There are actually some pretty big local racing scenes - mostly at the post-college level. You can race at 18+, but sometimes it conflicts with CUSSA/Collegiate eligibility rules. If you're interested though - I can give you the list.

Who are you racing for? Now you're going to get sucked into the gear and skier's crack (wax). What new skis are on the horizon for you? 192's are loooooooooonnnnnnnnnnggggggggggg........

We're heading to Searchmont this weekend. Super G. Hehehehe...big speed, big air. Can't wait!

[jon_cross]

I race for Lees McRae (collegiate mountain bike national champions YEAH!) I was thinking about the local stuff more for next year, since I won't be back home for a few months, but it's good to know either way.

I was thinking about either picking up some Fischer RC4s or Rossi OS as they seem to be the favorite among my buddies here- and I can probably buy one of their sets used at the end of the year cheap. Another option is the Atomics since our guys won 3 pairs of them at Snowshoe yesterday, but if I go with them, I'll be keeping my Look bindings as I have seen several people pre-release from the Atomics in the last few weeks.

[CrisCataldo]

I was thinking about either picking up some Fischer RC4s or Rossi OS as they seem to be the favorite among my buddies here- and I can probably buy one of their sets used at the end of the year cheap. Another option is the Atomics since our guys won 3 pairs of them at Snowshoe yesterday, but if I go with them, I'll be keeping my Look bindings as I have seen several people pre-release from the Atomics in the last few weeks.

The Fischers are a great ski. You might check out the Volkl P60s as well. I've skied all of them (I'm on the P60's in a 150 for slalom). I'd probably stay away from the Atomic since (unless you get race stock/race room stock) it can be overpowered easily by a strong or big skier.

I'm using the Rossi Oversized for GS - that ski just rocks! Especially for the modified GS we end up doing aroud here. It's a blast as a free ski too!

GOOD LUCK with the racing! What a cool way to spend the winter!

[luv2mtb]

I've been skiing most of my life, never raced until this year, and got hooked big time, and I have to agree its a blast!! I'll be up at Searchmont this weekend as well, I just bought a skin suit for the Super-G and Giant Slalom, I may even have some of the Fisher Sl ski's for this weekend

[mtnbikinbryno]

Luv, I'll be at Searchmont this weekend too! Maybe I'll see you there. I wear a blue Helly Hanson jacket with black pants, and I will be on yellow X-screams.

Brian

[luv2mtb]

I'll be up there friday, saturday and sunday, wearing the jacket in my avatar until race time, then I'll look like Spyder Man!