Grete Eliassen sets a record and proves girls can play big too

After winning back to back gold medals in the Superpipe at X Games Grete Eliassen rocketed off a monster hip at The Canyons to set a height record of 31 feet.

How To: Live in the Mountains Next Year

Live Here Next Year!

Live Here Next Year!

Every fall, thousands of kids just like you move to a mountain town and ride until their legs can’t take it anymore, everyday. Don’t you think you owe it to yourself to do the same? I mean, those knees aren’t getting any fresher, but those colleges will still be there for decades. Here’s our foolproof guide to help you get settled in a mountain town next year.

First off, you need a destination. Remember, this is going to be your home mountain for the next season, so you need to pick a place that suits your own needs. In the name of looking out for number one, consider whether or not the park at this resort keeps up on maintenance and rebuilding when needed. If you’re all about the forest, then make sure that there is a variety of natural terrain, both within and above your current ability level. This part is crucial, picking a mountain that offers terrain, both in the park and outside, that is outside of your current ability allows you to grow into it as the season progresses. Trust us, you’re gonna get a lot better just by riding all day, every day, and this way you’ll have some features to look forward to.

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Spring Break Snowboarding

Killingtons Stash

Killington's Stash

The snowboarding community is overflowing with oddities, a fact we’re all well aware of, yet our friends outside of the snow globe are given just one chance a year to see it. The social scene at your school, work, or where ever you kick it when you’re not shredding is abuzz right now with people planning excursions to sunny beaches with minimal clothing. Meanwhile, the snowboarder is diving headfirst into a week of snow and hoodies and a trip to a fancy ski resort. So what is it that keeps us away from the co-eds and seashores on spring break?

The spring break ski trip is almost a rite of passage for us. Your friends won’t understand, or even believe you when you tell them how fun it was, because they just don’t get it. Who says that a cruise or scuba-diving beats a front board through some kinkers? What about taking advantage of that sure-to-be slushy stunt ditch? Soft snow is perfect for learning tricks, and just because you’re spending the day lapping the park doesn’t mean that you won’t be getting wild at night while your friends in Cabo are darting around in fear of kidnappings.  In honor of your dedication to the endless pursuit of that just-landed-a-trick-for-the-first-time feeling, we’ve compiled a few mountains that have late season deals and coupled them with local après hot spots, enjoy. Read More

It’s That Time of Year Again: Spring Break

Everyone that snowboards or skis knows what comes along with March and the warm weather, spring break of course. That time of year when you pack way to many of your buddies in your car and hit the rode in hopes of a week of good weather and fresh snow. Either that or you hop a plane to a resort for a week of non-stop riding in the luke warm spring weather. We all know the feeling of excitement for that long awaited vacation you have been dying to go on for months on end. The Real question here is what are you going to pack all your stuff into. There are many different options depending on where you’re going.
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Spring Threads and Essentials – Part II

Photo: David Smart

Photo: David Smart

So now that you’ve got a solid hat and some stunner shades picked out, you’re gonna need a few more things because if you stop after part one, you’re likely to get the worst sunburn in recorded history.

A lightweight jacket is a must. If you’re wearing your coat from the winter, chances are you’re going to be sweating up a storm and stinking up the liftline. So help yourself out by picking up something like the ThirtyTwo Newcastle Shell. The 10K waterproofing will keep the slush from getting anywhere it shouldn’t be, while the 10K breathability lets a little breeze in.

Another option is a hoodie, not as functional as the lightweight jacket, but nothing will ever beat it in terms of comfort. The Nomis line is full of choices, any color or pattern you could ever desire. The Simon Hoodie sports a nice half-zip so you can air yourself out on the chair and then lock it back up for your lap.

Spring is also going to be the season to have some vents on those pants. Without a cross breeze down there you’re liable to end your day early in fear of having your legs melt. Everyone has a preference as to where the vents should be, but the knee/crotch vent is the most popular. Special Blend has a knack for good warm weather pants, and the Division Pant is an affordable option that comes with both hip and inseam vents.

Last but far from least, is one of the smallest yet most integral upgrades; the gloves. You kept your hands warm and dry all winter, so now keep them happy with a cool, thin layer with extra grip to fight that slippery slush. Grenade’s team puts a lot of work into their line of gloves and the company started out making pipe gloves, so you know their spring offerings are legit. Our recommendation…the Grenade BME Click.

This list should set you off right for Spring, and a few loose odds and ends will really make your day. Things like hot waxes and sunscreen are absolutely necessary, and do yourself a favor and bring a water bottle. Stash it in the woods so that you can stop and hydrate without having to unstrap!

Get Your Goods for Spring Break at The House

springbreak

Spring Threads and Essentials

Red Bull SnowWarz at Mammoth Mountain

Red Bull SnowWarz at Mammoth Mountain

Spring is rapidly approaching many resorts across the nation. With warmer weather there is the regretful realization that the season is winding down. On the other hand, it also means that you gotta lose the down puff coat and cable knit beanie and instead start padding the bag of tricks for contest season. You’re on your own for trick selection, but we can help you choose an outfit to optimize your output.

Starting at the top. If it’s really nice out, exercise some fashion and toss on something with a brim. This, when coupled with sunglasses helps keep you in the shade and keeps your gaper gap from turning into a gaper sunburn. There are so many styles to choose from right here at The House, from thugged out flat brims to trendy quilts.

Mind your ears with the cap choice though, because if it’s sunny out then the top of your ears will burn to a painful crisp. Apply some sunscreen or steal a page outta Bradshaw’s book and toss a beanie over that brim. Endless combos await your creativity!

When you’re lapping through your slushy local park you want to feel as much breeze as possible to keep your cool. This puts goggles out of the question as they become a like a swamp for your eyes and generally fog up between each feature. Discover the unmatched comfort of shredding in shades. Although, if you’re working on some new spins in the park or pipe, make sure you get a hairband or a sunglass leash to hold onto those puppies.

Sunscreen and bandana are essential for the spring months, too. Look for a lightweight fabric, or something you can cut a few slits into for extra breathability.

Finally, get your head right before you venture out to the slopes with some fresh footage. Nothing beats a new DVD to watch while you suit up, you know you’ve been watching the same handful of parts from the one or two videos you picked up earlier in the season, so expand that library.

That’s it for today, keep checking back to The House Blog for the unveiling of the rest of the Spring Essentials.

Uvex put together a great little poem for the IOC and Lindsey Vonn

Vonnnnn
Associated Press

Uvex apparently received a cease and desist for simply using Lindsey Vonn’s name during the Olympics from the IOC. Since she rides for Uvex they wanted to congratulate her on her gold that she won on Wednesday for women’s downhill skiing, so they put together this carefully worded poem:

There once was a lawyer from the IOC,
who called us to protect “intellectual property.”

“During the Olympics”, she said with a sneer
“your site can’t use an Olympian’s name even if they use your gear.”

“No pictures, no video, no blog posts can be used…”
Even if they are old? “No!”, she enthused.

While Olympians chase gold the IOC pursues green.
Cough up millions, or your logo cannot be seen.

Except there it is, on top of countless heads!
Tax free endorsements the IOC dreads.

And so it is with a wink and a nudge
that we would like to congratulate a skier whose name we must fudge.

Her hair is long and blonde
Last name rhymes with the German city of Bonn.

Congratulations Women’s Downhill winner –
from all of us here at UVEX (no longer an IOC sinner).

Check it out at their web site too HERE