Snow Parks and Terrain Parks of Austria and France

The Snow Parks and Terrain Parks of Austria and France

by Annelies Van de Velde, for SnowboardSecrets.com

New! Be sure to check out SnowboardSecrets.TV for the World's First and Only
hosted Snowboard Interview Show on the Internet. Hosted by Lauren Traub Teton

Snow Park Heaven

Whether you’re a rubber-bodied gnarly kicker-god or a trembling-at-the-knees snow park rookie with a keen spirit; if you’re planning a ski holiday in Austria or fancy a bit of snowboarding in France and are looking to hurl yourself off silly obstacles, we’ve highlighted a couple of snow park gems to meet all your freestyle needs.

Mayrhofen - Austria’s best playground in the snow

Voted by snowparks.com as one of Europe’s best snow parks, the Vans Penken Park in Mayrhofen is simply sublime and is regularly home to Austrian and international pros who like to strut their stuff on its huge amount of obstacles. Newly opened in 2008, the park is now bigger, better and still fresh from new ideas and improvements. This includes the newly named Funjet lift which runs the whole length of the park and is the ideal place to sit back and watch all the fun. See what they did there?

Four separate lines neatly divide the boys from the men, so everyone can go their own pace. The easiest Fun line contains some cute mini-kickers, wall rides, boxes and banks, while the Public line steps it up a notch adding longer rails and bigger kickers. The Pro line does what it says on the tin, boasting some big air opportunities in the form of tables a quarter pipe and massive jumps including a 19m biggie.

With a half pipe and a Jib line containing a 12m rainbow box and 7m wall ride as the cherries on top of this snowy cake, the Vans Penken Park is a freestylers dream!

Website: www.vans-penken-park.com

Snow Park Event: Snowbombing, 29^th March – 4^th April 2009

Avoriaz - A French freestyle bonanza!

World renowned for being the first French resort to embrace snowboarding, Avoriaz is a haven for those looking to shred some snow and widely known as the French hub of freestyle. No less than four snow parks plus a competition-worthy half pipe nestle amongst its snowy banks, with more freestyle fun on offer in the surrounding Portes Du Soleil area.

Newest addition to this already inspired playground is The Stash: Europe’s first ecological snow park designed by Jake Burton. This park makes use of the natural terrain to create a mixture of freestyle and freeride, with a great mix of log jibs, road gaps and hidden powder slashes in un-groomed snow, with something to please all levels.

Another new area suited to the more advanced rider is Biotop. This jib-tastic space is home to the 30m long jib-monster that is the Golden Gate and the whole area has been designed with the environment in mind using only snow and wood.

For those who really want to step up the adrenaline, the ever changing Arare is Avoriaz’ advanced park with 800x80 meters of rails, kickers and corner jumps. You’ll often find quarters, step-ups or spines there too, as well as the daily maintained, super smooth Superpipe half pipe. Its huge vertical walls stretch 120m long and 5.6 wide and have serviced many pro riders in some awesome competitions.

And finally, if you’re feeling a bit knock-kneed after reading all this, La Chapelle is the perfect place to gently easy you into the bigger jumps, with forgiving jumps rails and boxes for the budding freestyler.

Website: www.snowzone.fr/index_2.htm

Snow Park Event: Burton AM, 21^st-22^nd March

Annelies adds:

Has this got you itching to shred some snow? Crystal Ski provides some great package deals to Avoriaz and Mayrhofen, so you don’t need to worry about food shopping and can get on with the more important things like shredding! Let’s hope it just carries on dumping till the end of the season …

Stratton Mountain Vermont Report, December 2008

The Winter Season is ON in the Mountains!

Stratton Mountain Report, December 3, 2008

by Lauren Traub Teton
editor SnowboardSecrets.com

If you're waiting for more terrain to open before you have your first on-snow mountain experience this winter, you are missing OUT!! I rode Stratton Monday and Tuesday this week. They claim the highest percentage of open terrain now and we did not feel the least bit deprived. The ratio of skiers and riders on the hill to acreage was strongly in our favor. The late session Monday found me nearly alone on the mountain. You would have to wait a while for a chair mate if you didn't want to ride Ursa chair alone.

Having the mountain to yourself is the dream of every slider, and yet it’s so easily attainable by going before Christmas on a weekday or many other off-peak times. Play hooky! Spend a vacation day. You’d stay home if you were contagious, why not skip work for your health before you get sick?

Tuesday we got to experience an afternoon snow shower; the trails were fast and natural, not corduroy, as snow flakes pelted our eyes accelerated by our speed and the wind. The riding was challenging and exhilarating as I rode with my pack of locals who get to ride Stratton Mountain almost every day because of their work. They even know how to hit two different terrain parks on one run down, by doing a bit of extreme trail crossing. Beware the natural roller coaster of ice that leads into the smaller terrain park trail, it's a feature all on its own.

We heard in the Stratton Snow Phone Report, done on Tuesdays with style and gusto by our friend Will Risely, that the way to get the SES Park Pass now is to watch the safety video here and take the test at home, instead of in the cozy igloo at the top by the park as in days of old. We were amazed and admiring when Stratton started the SES terrain park safety certification a few years ago, and we wrote about it on our main website www.SnowboardSecrets.com where you can browse our original articles and photos about our favorite subject - snowboarding! - for hours.

The Stratton Mountain Inn is being spruced up nicely, starting with the far wing past the sauna and spa. We always like checking out the sauna there for some after-riding relaxation and stretching. We pray to see new carpeting on the stairs leading to the spa area soon. The Stratton Mountain Inn has such nice kind employees. They made sure I got my cell phone back when I left it on the table in front of the lobby fireplace (it helps that my name and contact info were pasted on it). And they even heated up my soup for my thermos as a special favor.

Nice new green carpeting was installed at the Stratton Mountain Welcome Center at the base on Monday. Our friends in Central Reservations tell us the Lift Line Lodge is popular with budget-conscious travelers because it is the closest motel to the mountain and also the least expensive. It’s just across the street from the Welcome Center and the base. Mulligan's pub seems to have a new trimmed down one-page list of offerings instead of the 2 fold menu. Their apple sundae went down smooth and delicious after a shared steak dinner. We hear that the old Foggy Goggle has re-opened recently as the Three Peaks Inn, with reasonably priced rooms, and good food.

The shops in Stratton Mountain's walking Village at the base are chock full of styly clothes, gear, jewelry, and there is a new outdoor barbecue and chairs outside restaurant wine/bar Domaine where the food is prepared by Perfect Wife (Manchester) chef Amy Chamberlin. We also hear there is a Monday snowboarders bbq of burgers and fun in a glade between trails, arranged by some savvy fun-seeking Stratton employees.

Back in Stratton Village, we did a fashion video shoot there (which you can see soon) outside the new Burton Store which takes the spot where Syd and Dusty's used to dwell. Syd and Dusty's is across the walkway a little closer to the Clock Tower. Shout out to Joe and Nicole at the Burton Store who helped us out with the shoot. Watch for SnowboboardSecrets.com Snow Fashion video to see what peeps are really wearing out there this season.

Jim Cardenali’s race camp for skiers is going on at Stratton again this week. Things are done seriously right, to yield quick results for motivated ski racer adults at this camp, starting with the fitting of the proper boots and skis. The Carving Arena by Reliable Racing uses short colored brushes as gates for some of the carving exercises at the camp. Jim Cardenali’s Race Camps are filled each session by word of mouth of past happy campers. One of his mottos is "if you're thinking, you're not skiing. Let the skis do their job."

If you would like to try out the Carving Arena and improve your riding or skiing on your own equipment so that you can face any trail in the East under just about any conditions, the newly formed American Carving Assn (ACA) is for you. Come learn the East Coast Survival Carve and take it up a notch on the hill Three weekend camps are scheduled. You will have fun and improve your skills and confidence. Grown-ups and Twifties welcome! Dates and locations are:
Jan 23 - 25 at Killington Resort, VT
March 6 - 8 Sugarbush Ski Resort, VT
March 27- 29 Stratton Mountain Ski Resort, VT Info at http://www.radxsports.com/ACA.htm

As I travel home on Route 91 South, I have found that Greenfield MA, Exit 26 at Route 2 west fulfills all of my traveling needs in the first 1/4 mile off the Interstate. There you can find gas, two budget motels if you need to break up you trip north or south, a 99 Restaurant, which is Massachusetts own home-grown steak chain, (I spent a summer working at one of the original 99s in Sudbury. MA). And Friendly’s, also of MA from Wilbraham. This particular Friendly's is one of the nicest units you will visit. Clean, with a pleasant ambience and nice people. They prepare me a super healthy steamed veg and mashed potato platter for $5.64. When I'm hungry I sometimes eat two plates of these perfectly cooked colorful vegetables, after a day of snowboarding.

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Snowboarders Trip - Annual All America Snowboard Trip to Winter Park, CO

Come Ride with Us! This ground package for Winter Park, Colorado take place February 11-15, 2009 and includes 4 lodging nights, at a motel convenient by free shuttle bus to the slopes, a 3-day lift ticket, several meals, and parties.

Organizer Lauren Traub Teton concocted the idea for this trip after signing up for ski trips and finding herself the only snowboarder in the group. "I love riding with skiers, but I want to have a trip where I can hang out and have fun with snowboarders, who share the same snow culture as me!" says Teton.

The trip is open to snowboarders of all ages and levels, including absolute beginners. Twifties, the fun people in their 50’s and up are specifically invited. The trip is a great way for first-timers to start out in a supportive atmosphere, and parents to try snowboarding. Also great for people who want to travel to snowboard but whose friends or family can't accompany them. Skiers are of course welcome but will be a minority.

Info and sign-up at http://www.snowboardsecrets.com/trips2008.htm

Ms.Teton, editor of SnowboardSecrets.com says "we had a great time last year and rode some steeps, and some powdery glades. I think two of our guests who met in WP got engaged after the trip." Photos here.


Info and sign-up at http://www.snowboardsecrets.com/trips2008.htm

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TGR's New York City Film Premiere 2008

TGR's New York City Film Premiere 2008, and other Snowboard News

by Lauren Traub Teton

Teton Gravity Research's latest snow film “Under the Influence” premiered in NYC on Saturday, November 15 at Club Prime to a packed house of hundreds: mostly skiers and some snowboarders. The raffle stoked the crowd and the movie hushed them with awe. Big mountain riding is the order with TGR movies and the first scene is absolutely sick, with athletes being dropped by heli onto a wedge of mountain top that looks like the little sharp pointy curl at the top of your soft ice cream cone, then riding down.

We waited patiently and finally half way through we saw our first snowboarder part with Gigi Ruf. Victoria Jealouse rode like the star she is and looked lovely to boot. Why such a teensy part for the only fem rep in this film? Jeremy Jones, Big Mountain Rider is inspiring as one of the fathers of this genre and says in the film that the first time he rode Alaska he KNEW he had to make it part of his life. Not to be confused with the rail rider of the same name, this JJ rides for Rossignol and is brother of TGR founders Todd and Steve Jones. Jeremy has changed his color scheme this time around from his classic red jacket to yellow green. We like the red, so we can always spot him.

Kudos to Jeremy as founder of POW – Protect Our Winters, a united front for winter sports enthusiasts to raise awareness and funds to protect the environment from warming To see his million dollar smile, which you don't see in the movie, click here.

Back to the film, 18 year old skier Sammy Carlson amused us with his twin tip antics as much as any snowboarding rail rider. We love when he rode UP the stair rail and roof instead of cooperating with gravity the usual way.

After the flick, non-dancers filtered out and the late night crowd filtered in for dancing with smoke and lights. The TGR road crew under fearless leader (and former East Coaster) Dave Hudackso packed up the movie screens and gear in 5 minutes flat.

Models Made

Shout out to our pals at Emilio's Ski and Snowboard Shop in Queens, the oldest (and hippest) snow shop in the Boroughs for their work on this party. We worked with them last year for the successful Blur Tour Snowboard Film Premiere Party we threw down…town. Emilio's put on a rocking snowboard fashion show for us with special guest models Yale Cousino and his sister Amber Rood who have both since started successful modeling careers after that auspicious start!

New East Coast Film in the Works from Never Enough Entertainment

The East Coast film we showed last year at the party: ' Blur", by young Maestro Tom Vayianos will be followed by a new offering next season, tentatively titled "Breathe.” Tom's Huckfest Productions has a fresh new name too: Never Enough Entertainment. Watch for big things from them.

Kevin Corcoran now at Rossignol Snowboards

In other related news, our good bud Kevin Corcoran has landed a great gig for all concerned, working with Rossignol Snowboards and is excited to bring them together with activities and promotions he is currently working on. Such as his TV segments for the Weekly Events Report on The Mountain Report which is seen nationwide on Fox Sports, NY and NESN. Kevin will be creating a new grassroots campaign in New England to support and promote the retail sales of Rossignol Snowboards in shops.

Video Parks, Crotched Mountain and Mount Snow

Rossi will be a sponsor for Kevin’s brainchild – the Video Parks at Crotched Mountain, NH and new this year, one at Mount Snow, VT. Both Peak Resorts who are mad for making snow! If you don’t know about Video Park, you should because it’s been one of the coolest (in EVERY way!) under-the-radar local pro events for the last 2 winters. The mountains make a park with wild features including oil tanks and fire, and invite riders and their film crews to film the craziness under the lights. Crotched will be open to the public ‘til 3am that night as part of their seasonal Midnight Madness. Though I can tell you that if you’re out riding past 2am like I was, you can have the hill to yourself.

Video Park dates will be posted on www.SnowboardEventsCalendar.com and www.crotchedmountain.com/ and www.mountsnow.com/calendar.html.

Crotched Mountain’s site says Crotched Mountain is operated with love by Peak Resorts and if you know the crew there like we do, you know it’s true! Hey Chris and Craig. With a name like “Crotched” you gotta love it!

Winter Dew Tour

We’re all excited about the brand new Winter Dew Tour which will be the biggest East Coast Event this season with a total purse of $1.5 over three events. Jan 8-11 at Mount Snow. More to come on that…

Learn to Carve This Winter!
New organization formed to teach carving to snowboarders and skiers.

Snowboarders can wear soft boots or hard. Learn the East Coast Carve. with elbow on the snow, as performed by Ron "the Carvefather" Maita.

American Carving Association weekend events are scheduled so far for

Jan 23 - 25 at Killington Resort, VT
March 6 - 9 Sugarbush Ski Resort, VT
March 27- 29 Stratton Mountain Ski Resort, VT

We expect to have day clinics at Belleayre Mountain, NY.
Discounts on workshops if you sign up before Dec. 1 at http://radxsports.com/ACA.htm

Props to Reliable Racing of Queensbury, NY for donating the Carving Arena slalom set-up, and to the other sponsors: RadxSports, SnowboardEventsCalendar.com, EvilSports.com, Xocai Chocolates, and Flexmeters.com Snowboard & Sport Wrist Guards,

For More Info Contact:

Lauren Traub Teton, Director of Public Relations
American Carving Association
Lauren@SnowboardSecrets.com

Burton Movie Tour - Burton Party - Boston

Burton Movie Tour - Burton Party - Boston October 2008

by Lauren Traub Teton

It's Always Snowing Somewhere

Boston - Saturday night October 18, 2008 saw the kick-off of Burton's new snowboard movie "It's Always Snowing Somewhere” in Boston, at uber entertainment club Jillian's near Fenway Park. The third floor was commandeered to hold hundreds of guests for the party and the space had plenty of room for bowling, couch-sitting and mingling in the front. Pool shooting and dancing went down in the back room under the steady party vibes of renowned Vermont DJ Russell from Lotus Entertainment in Burlington.

The underage part of the crowd was welcomed for an early autograph signing session with Burton Global Team riders including the Swiss crew of Nicolas Mueller and Fredi Kalbermatten. Other Global riders in attendance who are rarely seen on the East were Heikki Sorsa of Finland, and Natasza Zurek, and Mikey Rencz, both of British Columbia.

Holding it down with his usual East Coast stee-ehz was suave rail rider Yale Cousino. We hear Yale's doing some modeling and it's all in the family as his gorgeous sister Amber Rood is also breaking into the biz in LV, AND Yale's girlfriend Brooke Werner is appearing in a 2 page Burton ad featuring Nico M. inside the cover of the new December TWS. We wish a healthy and successful season to all these riders and models.

People actually did get to bowl with the snowboard stars, like in some new wacky but cool television reality series. Nicolas Muller is a pretty serious bowler it turns out, having grown up in Zurich. When I said "hey, you were snowboarder of the year" to him, he pointed out that he garnered that title TWICE, in 2006 and 2008! I really have to catch up on reading my snowboard mags. I guess I thought both those issues were from the same year. Btw, you pronounce his first name the French way, with no "s" on the end - Nicola. And his last name has an umlaut (2 dots) over the “u” but when the software doesn’t have an umlaut sometimes you’ll see his name spelled “Mueller.”

Fredi Kalbermatten hails from Saas Fee where I was privileged to see him ride way back in Sumer 2003 when someone pointed him out to me with local pride as I attended Nitro Snowboard Camp in the Pearl of the Alps. This tour was his FIRST time bowling and he was a game sport about it. Jillian's Lucky Lanes have auto scoring so that part's a snap. They'll even serve you food and drink right at the lanes. Hey wipe those greasy chicken nugget and french fry fingers next time before you pick up the red bowling ball, huh?

Liam Griffin who runs the events for Burton is a mad bowler, very serious about it. Yale Cousino has bowled a lot in the past and once he found out that the scoreboard posts radar bowling ball speed, he was intent on setting the lane speed record for a bowling ball. He’s so competitive. Check out his 29.25 mph speed

in the photo! And notice the pink bowling ball with the crack in it that resulted. It's actually a malted milkball inside there, just as you always suspected. And notice who won the game! Tom Vayianos of Huckfest Productions and director of last year’s “Blurred” bowled with us. He’s doing great at Emerson College. Josh Hudson and Erin, the Eco Architect rounded out our team.

Swag and raffle prizes were flying heavy and often under the capable bestowment of MC and Burton rep sans egal Brandon Halberstadt. Don't let that NH address fool you, he's from Massachusetts, like this reporter. In fact he spent early years living in the town that hosts one of the funnest little snowboard and ski hills outside of Boston, Nashoba Valley. I spent many sunny weekday afternoons learning to snowboard here, just a short ride from my ancestral home of Framingham. Brandon's bio bro/brah Billy Halberstadt was in attendance. He's a ski racer and was hanging with the crew from East Coast Alpine who were a very fun bunch to hang and dance with by the pool tables. Shoutout to Matt Beck, also on the Burton rep team – we missed you.

Behind all those that are behind this bash are the brains behind it all - Chris Copley. Known to every snowboard shop and shop kid in New England past and present, Chris is the guy that makes it all happen for Burton in the Northeast. Thanks Chris and all for a great party!

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Lauren at the Burton Party -------------------------------------Danny Kass wears Flexmeters!

Grenade FilmTour for "The Boned Age"

Snowboard Film Party Season is Back!

by Lauren Traub Teton

The Grenade Film Premiere Tour for "The Boned Age" hit Boston last Wed. night, September 24, 2008 at Revolution Rock Bar on High St. With little local advance notice the turnout was on the light side, but it just made for more face time with Danny Kass, The Dingo, Sketchy D., and Lucas "Gooner" Magoon, as they mingled before and after the film in and near the land of their roots.

We somehow missed one of the first parties of the season in the East, the Rome Party in Boston last week. Their 2 outdoor parties at Timber Ridge in Vermont last season were extreme, and we an vouch for the fact that they know how to throw a party. (Rome Londonderry Pop Festival
and Rome World Quarter Pipe Comp 2008

Check out SnowboardEventsCalendar.com regularly, where we post the parties and events as we hear about them so you don't miss a thing.

The Boned Age

The latest Grenade film, named as homage to another film, "The Stoned Age" actually contained more liquor references, and had a cute goofy plot line that was written by Danny Kass and his friends as an excuse for them to try out some acting and have guest cameo performances, between awesome snowboard tricks.

First scene, Danny driving with Scotty Lago who is seen wearing a long bad women's red wig for some reason, (maybe he's playing the role of Danny's date? No, he says he's his brother) while they try to figure out what to do that night. This scene has been played out millions of times with young people all over America and the world. Maybe even by you back in the day! Or now!

Dave England dominates as the page-boyed blond liquor store employee, dancing and diving behind the counter and totally chewing the scenery. The Dingo looks marvelous and happy in his green dress and glasses playing Gabe Taylor's mom, encouraging Gabe to get out of the house and go hang with wild Lucas Magoon.

The film's snowboard shots all occur on the most beautiful bluebird days. Featured in the film besides Danny and Sketchy D are : Benji Ritchie, Gabe Taylor, Zack Leach, Kyle Clancy, Chad Otterstrom, Lane Knaack and Travis Rice.

Lucas Magoon gets my Best Trick Award for riding a long wooden stair rail and cleanly jumping across to the opposite rail mid-ride. It was one of those surprises that makes the audience gasp. Watch carefully because if you blink you'll miss it.

Synchronized halfpipe riding is shown, and causes fantasies of a new Olympic sport that we'd love to see! Scotty Lago had the wrap-up starring role at the end of the film with heavy beats and is also seen chasing a herd of elk on foot, fortunately without a weapon.

The East Coast tour continues with one more stop this Tuesday at Santo's Party House in NYC Tuesday night (Sept. 30). Then the crew is off to the UK, Korea, and Japan, where they are met at the airport by screaming teens, like in the old days of the Beatles (if you know who they are.) Danny Kass's fashion forecast for this season and next include "Mad Plaids" and a little denim this year, with a lot more denim to come next season.

"The Adventures of Danny and The Dingo”

Tuesday Sept. 30 day is also the kickoff of the new TV show on Fuel called “The Adventures of Danny and The Dingo," shot a couple of seasons back on the Grenade Strikes Back Tour, and since Danny and his crew are always lots of fun to watch we're re-upping our Fuel TV subscription for this.

The series begins at the X Games, as Danny, The Dingo and the rest of the Grenade crew cram themselves into a 30’ RV for the “Grenade Strikes Back” Tour. They head for the mountains in search of riders, inviting only the freshest talent to compete in the Grenade Games. When they’re not on their boards, the team manages to get into all kinds of trouble. Cameras are rolling as they drive a hotel manager over the edge, attempt to eat nothing but frozen pizza rolls, and play a practical joke with a permanent punch line at the tattoo parlor. The season finale wraps up at the Grenade Games, as the team judges the finalists they met on the road and awards the winner with a spot on the Grenade Team and his own signature piece of Grenade gloves.

NYC Grenade Party Update

October 1, 2008

The Grenade "Boned Age" film premiere took place last night at Santo's Party House on Lafayette in the NYC. It was a veritable Who's Who of pre-season East Coast stoke. Shayne Pospisil, Michael Cohen, Randy Hoose of Hunter Mountain, Jon Callahan of Launch Snowboards, and our two most arty stylish snowboard pals: Justin Maury and Luke Love (no lie!) were among those present.

Representing Grenade were Danny Kass, The Dingo, Sketchy D, Lucas Magoon, and Kevin Casillo who held it down at the door. Danny was seen sporting his brand new Flexmeter wrist guard for skating (they're designed by a doctor!) on his right arm, and a black cast on his left arm. Let's hope the new Flexmeter prevents any more need for casts!

Check out SnowboardEventsCalendar.com regularly, where we post the parties and events as we hear about them so you don't miss a thing.

Flexmeter Wrist Guards and gloves for snowboard, skateboard, longboard, Trikke, horseback riding, tennis, baseball, roller derby, and other activities where you need to protect your wrists.
Designed by a doctor and proven to reduce snowboard wrist injuries.

And visit SnowboardSecrets.com and use the "Search Site" button in the top logo bar to search your favorite pro-snowboarder and snowboard subjects.

Gathering of the Vibes Festival August 2008

Gathering of the Vibes Festival held July 31 to August 3, 2008

Seaside Park, Bridgeport, CT

Reported by Dusty, special guest journalist

As is the case with any good trip, set and setting are critical, and there’s no better setting for a festival than Bridgeport’s Seaside Park, home of this year’s Gathering of the Vibes (GOV) festival.

The beautiful location on the bay lends a bit of a Monterey Pop feel to the event. At night, dimly lit private boats line the bay behind the stage – not a bad way to spend an evening. An endless passagiatta of strollers walk the beach and boardwalk, simultaneously entertaining and being entertained.

Saturday’s torrential downpour, and Wavy Gravy’s spectacular job as emcee and house jester, lent a Woodstock feeling to the event. Wavy was in fine form this year, as always, entertaining the masses with stories from his five decades as hippie Icon Emeritus.

The music started Thursday night, highlighted by an awesome set from the Dark Star Orchestra. With me, what’s important is not necessarily which music was on Thursday night, which was outstanding, but the fact that there’s any music at all. The promoters could have easily stuck with the three-day format, but no…they want to give you an extra party day and for you to be aurally entertained even when arriving and getting comfortable on Thursday, and when leaving.

On a personal note, nighttime, pre-festival music always brings fond memories for me of having had the good fortune to have been front and center at Watkins Glen ‘73 for “the greatest sound check of all time,” when the Grateful Dead, the Allman Brothers and the Band took a look at the crowd estimated at 600,000, and played an improvised all night set that was considered the high point of the entire weekend..

Early Saturday morning at GOV, it appeared we were in for another beautiful day…not! We got hit with a late-morning storm complete with lots of thunder, wind, and dangerously close lightning strikes. Of course, this was soon followed by the obligatory dance of the mud people, mud-grooving to Taj Mahal.

Despite the inclement weather, people come to GOV to have a great time, and they’re not likely to let a little (or a lot) of rain interfere with that mission. We can’t remember a GOV in the last 4 years that didn’t have some rain. In fact we can’t remember any multi-day music fest around NY state since we’ve been going to them that hasn’t had a bit of rain.

The site is ringed by a circle of eclectic merchandise and food vendors, so there’s plenty of opportunities for hippie retail therapy during breaks in the performances. I swear the promoters must interview the food vendors as carefully as they choose the musical lineup. On Friday night, after a hot day of grooving, I lustfully and with great anticipation perused the multitudinous culinary offerings, before settling down to a masterfully prepared steak kabob pita and well-done, hand-cut French fries done to perfection, which tasted as good as they sound, particularly with background music provided the Black Crowes.

I could easily fill this space with reviews of the performers, each of whom put on an inspired show. How could you not play a great set in this magnificent location, at a gig called the Gathering of the Vibes.

The Bridgeport locals seem to be having as good a time as any of the concertgoers. On my nightly walk through the surrounding neighborhood back to my car, I passed dozens of homes where the occupants were out on their porches grooving to the music live and as broadcast on WPKN.

While I would have driven a few hundred miles to attend this event, it doesn’t hurt that it takes place a few miles from my Westchester county abode. I can’t wait till next year. Regardless of where GOV is held, I’ll be there for sure.

Stomp Pad Question

Question to SnowboardSecrets.com

Q. My name is Dan and I'm looking to get a used snowboard off craigs list. But it doesn't have a stomp pad. If you do need one on a ski lift, how much is it? Thanks
Daniel J.

A. A stomp pad is $10 to $15 and is a convenience to help prevent slipping of your back foot when you get off the lift and the back foot it isn't buckled into the board. It should be placed so when your back foot is on the stomp pad it's right up against the inside of your back binding, so you're solid. Lots of more "hard core" riders don't use them.
I think they are handy and good. Stomp pads online here.

Lauren
Editor SnowboardSecrets.com

By the way, you might enjoy subscribing to the Snowboard Szine, where I write about...
Snowboarding!!
You can sign up on any page of http://www.snowboardsecrets.com/ in the bar at the top right.
best regards,
Lauren