How will skiing work in this deeper snow

thewavebb · Post by **thewavebb** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 4:11 pm

I have never kited in the snow depths we are getting and i'm hoping to get out tomorrow. This snow is probably going to be wet snow rather then powdersmoke snow. How well does skiing work? I use k2 Public Enemy's and they are mid fat twin ski (112/80/103) they work pretty well when i'm powder skiing, but i'm wondering with the torque of a kite pulling how well skis work.

~Ben

faceplant · Post by **faceplant** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 5:20 pm

I was out today and found that the skiis (Rossi Bandit XX's) work pretty well. You'll need a bit more grunt from the kite than usual to keep you moving, but otherwise it's fine. Just watch out when you turn for a tack because they can get stuck in the heavy snow and not want to come around.

newms · Post by **newms** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 5:27 pm

I was wondering the same thing yesterday, but since I have no other ride I went for it despite apprehension. I used a pair of Fisher Big Stix mid-fats 175CM, and found them quite difficult in the heavy snow and deep ruts at Bellaire. The ride was OK once I got up to speed and could blaze over the tops, although the side-cut did make them a bit squirrelly.
Turns on the other hand were work. I had trouble getting my skis to release and skid/carve and I was face-planting/body-dragging on most attempts (ouch. should have had elbow pads). Slingshot turns made it easier to get them around and out of the ruts. However, I only landed a handful, usually stalling the kite.
Still a newbie and sure most of my problems were technique related. I will give it another go this weekend.

Don’t give it a second thought. I watched Mike W for a few minutes and he had none apparently had none of the problems I did on skis. But then again, most of the time he was in the air.

thewavebb · Post by **thewavebb** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 5:35 pm

I am thinking I will bring both my k2 public enemy's and my Canon m7 skiboards. The skiboards are great for when the snow is really wet, they turn super easy and don't put as much pressure on my knee.

Micky · Post by **Micky** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 3:45 am

skiing is for old farts. catch the new wave on a board! Lets see when Warren Miller has some snowkite footage to teach us something about the next big wave! You don't surf on skiis do you?

Tighe · Post by **Tighe** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 8:04 am

Guess I'm now clearly an "old Fart" cause I love skis. All boards rock. Differing conditions may dictate difference boards but it's all good.

Skis are still the board of choice for learning.

thewavebb · Post by **thewavebb** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 9:40 am

Tighe, I guess i'm an old fart as well. At least i'm in good company right? I have skied for 15 years. I have tried snowboarding int he past, i'm not bad at it, just its a pain to have to unstrap and strap in all the time when you in the flats or getting on a lift. Skiis are so much more mobile.

Rick R · Post by **Rick R** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 10:03 am

Yeah I will throw a vote pro-ski. my board skills and rides are limited compared to skis, and skiing. but i will say that when it comes to skis in big deep snow or chopped up crud you need a big fat pair of skis, shorter, narrow skis work fine most of the time, work great actually. however I know when i went from a great shape ski to a phat powder ski out west I went from fighting it to having the best of times. get a ski with some booty and its like you have a snowboard on each foot, then the fun starts
Rick

thewavebb · Post by **thewavebb** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 7:46 pm

I'm thinking of picking up some strickly powder skis if I can score some for cheap. Even if I only use them every couple years, I'll be ready to rock. Its like have a tiny sail, your stoked to have it when you need it.

jlho · Post by **jlho** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 8:29 pm

I have to say I had a really good time today on my skis (rossi megabangs). I thought the snow conditions were great for skis (still would like to try a board but skis are all I have right now). If a layer of sun crust forms the next few days, it will not be as fun for skis. There was a layer of crusty snow at the surface out in Montana at the Snowkite Rodeo that I was having trouble with, mainly during turns. I started to get the hang of that snow but it took awhile and it still wasn't as fun as today. The boarders I talked to though were likin' those conditions.

I think some big fat skis like your thinking would be great to have if skiing is your thing.

john

Micky · Post by **Micky** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 11:18 pm

I knew someone would respond to my comment about skiis! I stink at skiing so that limits me. I understand that 2 edges can get you higher if big air is your goal. I was just trying to stir up a hornet's nest.

steveb · Post by **steveb** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 12:21 am

John, I came back from Montana thinking I needed some fat skis too. I had a tough time with the skis I had out there.

ice_kmauve · Post by **ice_kmauve** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 2:26 am

Let me provide the definitive statement on skis vs. snowboards, so that no one need comment further. Just kidding. But here's my thoughts, having gone from skis to snowboard. The best thing it seems is to be able to do both. At the same time. With a banana taped to your head.