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Should I rent Powder Skis ? (jackson hole)

post #1 of 40
2/2/08 at 12:05pm
Thread Starter 
hello bears,

So I'm heading to jackson in 3 weeks and I was wondering that IF I'm lucky enough to be there during a large dump should I demo powder skis ?

I'm an ADVANCED/EXPERT SKIER

my normal skis are all mountain Salomons Scramber's (121/75/109) 165cm.

I know Salomon's are not popular on this site, but contrary to popular belief I love them.

they are a Dream on Groomers/packed pow and I've had them out on a foot of heavy powder in lake tahoe..(they were great)


My main concern is that the powder in jackson is alot lighter (or so I heard), so IF i happen to catch a powder week should I rent powder skis (100cm + underfoot) or do you guys think I'm ok ??


I'm 170lbs 5'9" and very light on my skis.. I think I should be ok due to gigantic size of the Plow of my skis but i wanted to hear your comments..


thank you,
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post #2 of 40
2/2/08 at 12:10pm
rent some fatties. you won't be sorry.
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post #3 of 40
2/2/08 at 12:16pm

Yes!!

If you're in JH, and you get a large dump, you'll spank yourself forever if you don't rent some fat boys.

JH's terrain is absolutely awesome. I prefer it over any resort I've ever skied.

With the steeps available at JH, almost unlimited top-to-bottom runs, and propensity for dumps of dry, light pow, you should have a ski with more than 75 mm underfoot.

Sure, any decent skier can snake under the snow at 75 mm. But, if you want to SURF that precious pow, and tackle some of the more challenging terrain, grab yourself a pair of 100 MM underfoot.

If your regular skis were mid-fats (80 to 90 mm), you'd probably be fine, regardless. But, at 75 mm, it's not even a question. Go for the biggies.
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post #4 of 40
2/2/08 at 12:17pm
Thread Starter 
is 5 mm really that big of difference ??
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post #5 of 40
2/2/08 at 12:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xtremity View Post
is 5 mm really that big of difference ??
80 mm is at the low end of what I'd want in JH on a big snow day. My Atomic M:EX's are 84 mm underfoot, and they're great in boot-deep fluff or crud.

But, if you're talking about a 10" to 12" dump, and you're headed for some bad-ass terrain, 75 mm just doesn't cut it - not for me. Even my M:EX's are a bit light for that.

Here in Colorado, most of the hard-core skiers are on 90 mm + as their everyday skies (lots of Gotamas and Mantras).

On a big mountain, you don't want to get caught short and thin. It's like going into battle with a water pistol.
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post #6 of 40
2/2/08 at 12:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain_Strato View Post
Sure, any decent skier can snake under the snow at 75 mm. But, if you want to SURF that precious pow, and tackle some of the more challenging terrain, grab yourself a pair of 100 MM underfoot.
Who wants to Surf the pow? Only people who can't ski. I want to be in it, feelin' it and floating ' in it not surfin on top.

If you can ski heavy snow at Squaw then the light snow at JH will be easy.

As far as challenging terrain, the steeper it is the easier it is in powder, you need less ski not more.

Now my comments assume that you can ski, if you're one of these "High Speed Drifters" or can't ski then you prob need a fat ski.
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post #7 of 40
2/2/08 at 1:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by volklskier1 View Post
Who wants to Surf the pow? Only people who can't ski. I want to be in it, feelin' it and floating ' in it not surfin on top.

If you can ski heavy snow at Squaw then the light snow at JH will be easy.

As far as challenging terrain, the steeper it is the easier it is in powder, you need less ski not more.

Now my comments assume that you can ski, if you're one of these "High Speed Drifters" or can't ski then you prob need a fat ski.
So, all the locals here in Colorado, who boot-pack into the BC and ski 120 days are year are "Drifters"?

You rarely see see any of these dudes on skis less than 90 mm. And, yes, they can ski.

Perhaps not as well as you, though.

You're probably right; big-mountain skis are just for posers. It's a short-term fad that will fade.
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post #8 of 40
2/2/08 at 2:04pm
It not just a width issue but length, flex, and camber. On a powder day rental a powder ski and you will know why it was a good idea.

True, if it is steep enough, and you are good enough, you can get around with anything. But it will be more work.
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post #9 of 40
2/2/08 at 2:18pm
I don't think you can rent powder skis anywhere.

You can rent fat skis, probably up to something as wide as katanas maybe, but true powder skis are things like volkl sumos, moment comis or comikazis, k2 pontoons, dp lotus 138s or 120s. You really can't rent skis like that anywhere.


But to answer your question, yes, rent something fatter.
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post #10 of 40
2/2/08 at 3:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MAGGOT View Post
I don't think you can rent powder skis anywhere.

You can rent fat skis, probably up to something as wide as katanas maybe, but true powder skis are things like volkl sumos, moment comis or comikazis, k2 pontoons, dp lotus 138s or 120s. You really can't rent skis like that anywhere.


But to answer your question, yes, rent something fatter.

i saw plenty of folks on rental pontoons at alta in the last month.
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post #11 of 40
2/2/08 at 5:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dgudaitis View Post
It not just a width issue but length, flex, and camber. On a powder day rental a powder ski and you will know why it was a good idea.

True, if it is steep enough, and you are good enough, you can get around with anything. But it will be more work.
So true. Last year I rented an Atomic Powder ski cant remember what it was now but it was night and day in knee to thigh deep Pow over my GS skis. It wasnt that I thought i was haveing any trouble in powder ever. my friend thats all he skis sugested it one day and man I had the best powderday ive had since last week! I would look for a nicely shaped ski for powder. Something like a 130/90/115 . Some real shape and a 85-95 waist. I find the skis ive tried since with less side cut even in powder are harder to turn when its deep. I think it was the Atomic Crimson i tryed what a ski!!
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post #12 of 40
2/2/08 at 8:56pm
It is a must.

You need to rent a:

Volkl Mantra @ 96 mm under the foot
Rossi B94 @ 94 mm under the foot

or the Grand Jackson Ski (a dime a dozen here in JH & my personal fav):

the Volkl Gotama @ 105 under the foot.

We are having a wonderful powder year. You need at fat ski.

Shoot me a PM.
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post #13 of 40
2/2/08 at 9:05pm
Edit & clarification:

Quote:
Originally Posted by MAGGOT View Post
I don't think you can rent powder skis anywhere.

You really can't rent skis like that anywhere.
There are a few shops that rent Pontoons, Salo Rockers(& similar ilk) here in JH, but IMHO is is counter productive. Those skis, far from the conventional thought that hey make powder skiing easier are difficult to manage for legs not used to them. Heck, the Salomon Rocker has a 127 under the foot and a turning radius of 48.5 meters :.

Plenty of times I've rented out sumos & rockers & others to people who think they can handle them. They can't.

My advice get a ski in the 100mm under the foot range. It will be much easier to handle and you'll have a better time.

Hint: Demo a Volkl Gotama- any size- and ski it every day you're here. You won't be disappointed.
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post #14 of 40
2/3/08 at 7:41am
I'll just add the Watea94 to your list.
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post #15 of 40
2/3/08 at 4:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by volklskier1 View Post
Who wants to Surf the pow? Only people who can't ski. I want to be in it, feelin' it and floating ' in it not surfin on top.


Now my comments assume that you can ski, if you're one of these "High Speed Drifters" or can't ski then you prob need a fat ski.
Cool. Another bozo who has obviously a) never skied on anything approaching 100mm at the waist and b) has never actually skied real powder. Like I've said a million times before: unless you're skiing with two surf boards strapped to your feet, you will not be "surfing on top" of any powder. I used my Sanouks last Wed. and Fri. and the only time I saw my skis was when I was carrying them to and from my truck. I was "feelin' it" plenty. Then again, I probably don't actually know how to ski because I wasn't using a 75mm skinny like you do. But, then again, I still own (and even occasionally ski) some old 208 GS race skis (62mm waist) from 1992, so I guess you're the gaper using crutch skis.

Now that that's done with - to the OP - of course you should demo some 100mm + skis. I suggest a Gotama in a 183. What have you got to lose? And unless you're some db egomaniac who's trying to prove how great he is to everybody, you'll probably have much more fun on them than on skinny skis. And that's really what it's all about isn't it? Having fun? As opposed to proving how great you are to all the people on the lifts?
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post #16 of 40
2/3/08 at 4:37pm
I've missed you Jer!
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post #17 of 40
2/3/08 at 7:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by epl View Post
i saw plenty of folks on rental pontoons at alta in the last month.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Skiing-in-Jackson View Post
There are a few shops that rent Pontoons, Salo Rockers(& similar ilk) here in JH, but IMHO is is counter productive. Those skis, far from the conventional thought that hey make powder skiing easier are difficult to manage for legs not used to them. Heck, the Salomon Rocker has a 127 under the foot and a turning radius of 48.5 meters :.

Plenty of times I've rented out sumos & rockers & others to people who think they can handle them. They can't.
I stand corrected, and that is very cool that some shops are doing that.

I'm not sure about the whole can or can't handle them thing, to me it seems like such skis allow you to got faster with less effort, but maybe its just me.
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post #18 of 40
2/3/08 at 7:21pm
I've spent at least 3 weeks a year for the last 10 years at two of the best heli operations in the world. That doesn't count what I get regular skiing at the Big One everyday. I am quite positive I have more vertical in deep untracked than you ever will.

I understand that you are but one of many many that have bought the ski machine marketing hook line and sinker. So ski your 100+'s to your hearts content. It's nice that they have opened up a lot of terrain and conditions that previously most could not ski.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Jer View Post
Cool. Another bozo who has obviously a) never skied on anything approaching 100mm at the waist and b) has never actually skied real powder. Like I've said a million times before: unless you're skiing with two surf boards strapped to your feet, you will not be "surfing on top" of any powder. I used my Sanouks last Wed. and Fri. and the only time I saw my skis was when I was carrying them to and from my truck. I was "feelin' it" plenty. Then again, I probably don't actually know how to ski because I wasn't using a 75mm skinny like you do. But, then again, I still own (and even occasionally ski) some old 208 GS race skis (62mm waist) from 1992, so I guess you're the gaper using crutch skis.

Now that that's done with - to the OP - of course you should demo some 100mm + skis. I suggest a Gotama in a 183. What have you got to lose? And unless you're some db egomaniac who's trying to prove how great he is to everybody, you'll probably have much more fun on them than on skinny skis. And that's really what it's all about isn't it? Having fun? As opposed to proving how great you are to all the people on the lifts?
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post #19 of 40
2/3/08 at 7:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by volklskier1 View Post
I've spent at least 3 weeks a year for the last 10 years at two of the best heli operations in the world. That doesn't count what I get regular skiing at the Big One everyday. I am quite positive I have more vertical in deep untracked than you ever will.

I understand that you are but one of many many that have bought the ski machine marketing hook line and sinker. So ski your 100+'s to your hearts content. It's nice that they have opened up a lot of terrain and conditions that previously most could not ski.
Have you considered running for public office?
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post #20 of 40
2/3/08 at 9:25pm
I wouldn't vote for him. He's afraid of change and accuses those who change as falling for marketing hype.
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post #21 of 40
2/3/08 at 9:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by volklskier1 View Post
I've spent at least 3 weeks a year for the last 10 years at two of the best heli operations in the world. That doesn't count what I get regular skiing at the Big One everyday. I am quite positive I have more vertical in deep untracked than you ever will.

I understand that you are but one of many many that have bought the ski machine marketing hook line and sinker. So ski your 100+'s to your hearts content. It's nice that they have opened up a lot of terrain and conditions that previously most could not ski.
I'm looking for a Messiah, would you be so kind as to enlighten me with your wisdom oh Great One?
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post #22 of 40
2/3/08 at 9:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xtremity View Post
hello bears,

So I'm heading to jackson in 3 weeks and I was wondering that IF I'm lucky enough to be there during a large dump should I demo powder skis ?

I'm an ADVANCED/EXPERT SKIER

my normal skis are all mountain Salomons Scramber's (121/75/109) 165cm.

I know Salomon's are not popular on this site, but contrary to popular belief I love them.

they are a Dream on Groomers/packed pow and I've had them out on a foot of heavy powder in lake tahoe..(they were great)


My main concern is that the powder in jackson is alot lighter (or so I heard), so IF i happen to catch a powder week should I rent powder skis (100cm + underfoot) or do you guys think I'm ok ??


I'm 170lbs 5'9" and very light on my skis.. I think I should be ok due to gigantic size of the Plow of my skis but i wanted to hear your comments..


thank you,
If we get any new snow at all while you're here, rent some bigger skis.

THere's sense in spending your VACATION in a drudge-fest of trying to learn to ski powder with skinny skis when there are easily available and enormously simpler ways of enjoying the powder.

Teton Village Sports
Pepi Stiegler Sports
Wilderness Sports
Jack Dennis Sports
Jackson Hole Mountain Sports

All are in Teton Village. All will have big skis that will make your life easier.
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post #23 of 40
2/4/08 at 4:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xtremity View Post
hello bears,


I'm an ADVANCED/EXPERT SKIER

they are a Dream on Groomers/packed pow and I've had them out on a foot of heavy powder in lake tahoe..(they were great)
Let's not bother to read what the OP wrote, let's just go with our own predisposition of what works. He had a great time in a foot of Sierra Cement on HIS skis.

::::
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post #24 of 40
2/4/08 at 5:42am
Hey, JH airforce dude- what you riding?

I'm growing convinced that your sig is fake... and that you know not of what you preach.
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post #25 of 40
2/4/08 at 6:01am
Thread Starter 

Fight Club.

ok, first and foremost thank you all for your input. I LOVE THIS SITE.

I think I'm start to start a ski fight club because every post I make brings forth at least 3 or more people fighting

Rule 1 of ski fight club ===> no one knows more than you about skiing
Rule 2 of ski fight club ===> there are no other rules..


seriously I'm just going to do the logical thing guys... I"m going to use MY skis the first day and If I'm having no problems I'm sticking to them otherwise I'll go rent some fatties.. I think that's the easiest solution....


hehe
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post #26 of 40
2/4/08 at 6:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by volklskier1 View Post
Who wants to Surf the pow? Only people who can't ski. I want to be in it, feelin' it and floating ' in it not surfin on top.

If you can ski heavy snow at Squaw then the light snow at JH will be easy.

As far as challenging terrain, the steeper it is the easier it is in powder, you need less ski not more.

Now my comments assume that you can ski, if you're one of these "High Speed Drifters" or can't ski then you prob need a fat ski.
I must respectfully disagree with you Volklskier. Right now I have 2 pair of skis, Volkl AC4 in a 177 and Volkl Gotamas in a 183.

This last week it has been deep here. I skied with 2 of my friends who were also on AC4's. I was on Gotamas. A lot of times it was a job for them to make it down the hill doing a straight line. They actually got to the point where they were hunting for cut up stuff so they could get up a bit of speed. Needless to say the Gotamas cut through it like a hot knife through butter. I was still skinking to my waist at times, so who had the better day??

If it's boot deep or even knee deep the AC4's rock, but when it's really deep FAT IS WHERE IT IS AT!
As always JMHO.
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post #27 of 40
2/4/08 at 6:11am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ferniefreeheels View Post
I must respectfully disagree with you Volklskier. Right now I have 2 pair of skis, Volkl AC4 in a 177 and Volkl Gotamas in a 183.

This last week it has been deep here. I skied with 2 of my friends who were also on AC4's. I was on Gotamas. A lot of times it was a job for them to make it down the hill doing a straight line. They actually got to the point where they were hunting for cut up stuff so they could get up a bit of speed. Needless to say the Gotamas cut through it like a hot knife through butter. I was still skinking to my waist at times, so who had the better day??

If it's boot deep or even knee deep the AC4's rock, but when it's really deep FAT IS WHERE IT IS AT!
As always JMHO.


I think the ac40's and mine would handle powder about the same (maybe the ac is a lil better) and going with what you said, what are the chances that I'll be in waist deep ??

I'll be happy with knee deep if it's waist deep i'm renting that's for sure
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post #28 of 40
2/4/08 at 6:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by samurai View Post
I wouldn't vote for him. He's afraid of change and accuses those who change as falling for marketing hype.
It's got nothing to do with fear of change. It has to do with reading what the OP wrote and giving him appropriate advice based on his experience not yours.

Quote:
Originally Posted by samurai View Post
Hey, JH airforce dude- what you riding?

I'm growing convinced that your sig is fake... and that you know not of what you preach.
I could care less what you are convinced of. I've read enough of your posts to have a clear understanding of your experience.

Last spring I received the TS 12 PS, Mantra and Gotama. I ended up selling the Gotama. Not sure what I'll be sent of the '09's but I'll let you know late Feb.

I've been skiing the TS in deep powder on the soft setting and it's phenomenal.
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post #29 of 40
2/4/08 at 12:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by samurai View Post

I'm growing convinced that your sig is fake... and that you know not of what you preach.
I'm with ya there. Plus, if he's not using some early 90's GS skis, he's obviously a flailing gaper. Never heard of a flailing gaper in the Airforce.

Volklgaper - the OP asked if he should try a fat ski, not if he should immediately sell every ski he owns and buy a quiver of 120mm+ skis. You're posting here not to offer any help to the OP, but to show everybody what a great gnarstar you are because you don't have to stoop to using fat crutch skis. Goodonya, mate. I can do that too, but I usually don't because fat skis are so much better. I've got a rigid mountain bike too, but I don't use it for the US Open DH.:
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post #30 of 40
2/4/08 at 1:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jer View Post
You're posting here not to offer any help to the OP, but to show everybody what a great gnarstar you are

ROTLMAO
This post is classic projection
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