I hate gun pow

Post by **SkiDork** » Jan 5th, '07, 07:01

Here's the deal:

Gun pow sucks. It's nothing like the real stuff. I usually just get bogged down in it, whereas the real stuff is like skiing on a cloud.

I realize it's a necessary evil, and like it for what it really serves - building up a base.

But I just don't like seeking it out as if it's something good...

What say you?

Dr. NO · Post by **Dr. NO** » Jan 5th, '07, 07:03

All depends upon weather and temps for the guns. Of course I would prefer the soft dry natural POW over man made or even heavy wet.

On a cold day under the guns, the stuff they lay down can be 3 to 4 inches of fine confection sugar. You can glide over it and it feels just fine.

On a bad gun day, the stuff is wet and unless you are on your rock skis, no wax, you tend to stick to it and stop. Now that part sucks.

Post by **SkiDork** » Jan 5th, '07, 07:06

I guess I usually hit the wet crap - seems thats all K blows these days...

newpylong · Post by **newpylong** » Jan 5th, '07, 07:46

Thats because its never in the low 20's where the good stuff starts being made.... always junk temps.

Mister Moose · Post by **Mister Moose** » Jan 5th, '07, 07:54

I've had some epic days lapping under the guns on dry soft fresh. Not as good as Western, but excellent by any eastern standard.

skifaster · Post by **skifaster** » Jan 5th, '07, 07:59

Your sking, in a very marginal season thus far, no less.
Quit your flappin and ski what ya got, wet or dry, at least they are blowing.

Post by **SkiDork** » Jan 5th, '07, 08:03

skifaster wrote:Your sking, in a very marginal season thus far, no less.
Quit your flappin and ski what ya got, wet or dry, at least they are blowing.

Pot calling the kettle?

BTW - notice I said I like it for what it does - build the base. No complaints about that. I just don't agree with "seeking it out" for good skiing is all...

kmudrick · Post by **kmudrick** » Jan 5th, '07, 08:20

If it helps prolong the season, I don't care - they could blow frozen urine pellets in my face if it helps build the base. Down here in PA, most places are having a tough time just getting snowmaking temps.

JerseyGuy · Post by **JerseyGuy** » Jan 5th, '07, 08:22

kmudrick wrote:they could blow frozen urine pellets in my face if it helps build the base

Oh for God's sake, don't give the Big K any ideas...!

reefer · Post by **reefer** » Jan 5th, '07, 08:31

skifaster wrote:Your sking, in a very marginal season thus far, no less.
Quit your flappin and ski what ya got, wet or dry, at least they are blowing.

You go skifaster. I hope all the whiners stay off those trails. I had an epic day on the 22nd sking in the guns on highline, east fall and cascade!

Post by **SkiDork** » Jan 5th, '07, 08:40

reefer wrote:
skifaster wrote:Your sking, in a very marginal season thus far, no less.
Quit your flappin and ski what ya got, wet or dry, at least they are blowing.
You go skifaster. I hope all the whiners stay off those trails. I had an epic day on the 22nd sking in the guns on highline, east fall and cascade!

waaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!

BadDog · Post by **BadDog** » Jan 5th, '07, 08:43

Compared to ice, it's nice.

Had a blast skiing under the guns on Cascade this past Tuesday morning -- and giggles galore under the guns on Skylark for last runs in the afternoon.

Both cases had the trails to myself -- it was like skiing in a blizzard. Maybe it's been too long since I've been out west -- but the manmade pow was close enough to fool my sense memories...the mix didn't seem to wet to me.

Post by **SkiDork** » Jan 5th, '07, 08:47

OK, here's a question:

Have you ever had your skis _submerge_ in gun pow? I never have. I've always been on top. Thats prolly what I'm referring to.

Yes, it's better than ice, but it's nowhere near real pow. Period.

buckethead · Post by **buckethead** » Jan 5th, '07, 08:56

durng the "winter" we're having, i sure as hell seek out fresh blown/blowing snow.
likewise had a blast on tues at cascade, weds at cascade, 2 upper sections of superstar, and chute. weds snow was dry, fast and among the best snow i've skiied this season (all at k so far)
on weds there was less caking on the goggles, so it was possible to really enjoy it.
of course we'd all prefer the real thing. the biggest downside of the blown snow is that it sets up really fast...soon after the guns on superstar were shut down weds, things went from pow to crud-cake.
not a problem on a damp+fat ski, but not half as fun as when it was"dumping"
now there is talk of a ridge forming up in alaska that may deliver some goods next week, so be careful on the ice this w/e..thngs should get better!

BadDog · Post by **BadDog** » Jan 5th, '07, 09:04

SkiDork wrote:OK, here's a question:

Have you ever had your skis _submerge_ in gun pow? I never have. I've always been on top. Thats prolly what I'm referring to.

No. You're right.