Sunday, December 27, 2009

I'd Rather Be Working

Christmas has passed for another year and even though it has turned out to be an incredible day I have passed up a chance to head to the slopes to stay in to work.

I realize most of you will say I am nuts but I really DO enjoy what I do and frankly with all the holiday craziness I have not been able to get to all of those things I have wanted to do work wise.

Most of you know that I work for Willi's Ski Shop...what I do there is wear many hats and like most people who wear many hats I do not give everything the attention I should. What often falls by the wayside when things get busy is the communication with our cyber community. When things are nuts I don't get to chat with other enthusiasts, I don't get to write about the things I love about the outdoors in winter, the great new products or how great the slopes or the competitions are, and I miss it. To me communicating about it is what makes the whole 'mountains-in-winter' thing fun - the sharing. I just happen to be in the lucky position of being paid for doing it!

So - even though the slopes here at Seven Springs are incredible today, don't think me too odd for choosing to work; instead, find me on twitter and tell me all about your most recent day on the slopes, post some pictures on our facebook pages or make a comment here because for me, that is work, and today, I'd rather be working!

See ya on the slopes! - (but not today)


Kjerstin

Monday, December 21, 2009

Seven Springs Season Starts on a High Note

I am looking out the window as I am writing this. It is still snowing - has been for most of the day and I know the snow up at Seven Springs is nothing short of amazing. I was disappointed that I could not make it up this past weekend due to work and other commitments here in the city. A winter weekend in the city, however, has made me all that much more grateful for the incredible weekend I had in the mountains the weekend before.

Seven Springs hosted the Rome SDS Premature Jibulation and while neither Willi's Ski Shop nor The Jib Shop had anything directly to do with the comp we happily joined in the festive atmosphere and loved helping competitors get their boards ready for the early season rail jam.

I'd love to say I got some great shots with the new shop camera but...as you might be able to tell from the lack of a picture at the top of the post - I didn't. Frankly I'm just not sure I've gotten the hang of all the buttons and knobs but the park crew has tons of great footage so I encourage you to visit their site.

If any of you out there have any good footage we'd love to see it - you can post it to our The Jib Shop Facebook page or send me the link and I will get it up there.

The great weather and awesome rail jam has really started the Seven Springs season off on a high note - I've got a good feeling the snow gods will be smiling on us all season long :)

See ya on the slopes!

Kjerstin

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Seven Springs Begins the 2009-10 Season Tomorrow



You may wonder what skiers and snowboarders do in the winter before the season starts...well, we wait...


and wait...


and wait...


We try to entertain ourselves the best we can. On this particular, near summer day in late November, we enjoyed a day at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. With the weather cool enough to enjoy, the animals came out to play and it was truly an amazing day (click here for the full web album).

The waiting is now over...
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and as of tomorrow the 2009-10 season is in full swing at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. We have some amazing events planned so I hope you will come to join us!

See ya on the slopes!

Kjerstin

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Nordica Unveils the New Park Boot

As I am writing this entry the count down on the unveiling of the new, top secret Nordica Park Boot is at 4 Days, 21 Hours and a little over 6 Minutes. Greg Klein, my awsome husband and wonderful boss is heading over to Europe in a little over 21 Hours for the big unveiling party and has promised to provide me with up-to-the-minute, insider information.

He will be posting on Twitter and Facebook throughout the wine-and-dine trip so be sure to follow him on our The Jib Shop page on Facebook and at @thejibshop on Twitter for all the saucey details!

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Kicking Off the Season: Day 2 of the Pre Season Sale

It is Day 2 of our annual Labor Day Pre Season Ski and Snowboard sale. For me it is like Homecoming - I see so many of my favorite people in one weekend and it really gets me excited for the upcoming season.

One of the best parts this year is that our Monroeville sale is in the new Monroeville Convention Center. It is a great facility and moving in was really easy because of how it is set up. I have to admit I was a bit worried about people finding us in the new location but given how busy we were yesterday I guess there was no problem.

I love unpacking the merchandise - it is kind of like unwrapping holiday decorations "Oh, I love this jacket!" or "This is one of my favorite sweatshirts".



Loading the skis and snowboards into the Convention Center I thought of how great each one of them performed when we were out testing them.

I am always amazed at what we are able to find to bring to the sale and the great prices we put on the merchandise. The snowsport industry is one of the last great places for true craftsmanship and quality so when something is on sale like this it is truly a great deal - not a mark down of previously overpriced merchandise.

Even though it is Day 2 and we were really busy yesterday there is still great merchandise left.

We have racks of great t-shirts and hoodies.



Pants and jackets from some great snowboard lines,



even great fashion merchandise.



Accessories are one of the best reasons to hit the sale - hats, thermals, socks and gloves are at their lowest prices of the season. Even if you don't ski or snowboard - in Pittsburgh EVERYONE needs warm gear.

So whether it is for yourself or gifts for this Holiday Season or just to say Hi, we still have two days left today and tomorrow, Sunday and Monday 10am to 5pm.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Hall of Fame Class Of 2008 - Ambassadors For Local Resorts

Saturday night was the Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame Induction Dinner held at Deer Valley resort in Park City Utah. I was lucky enough to be among some of the biggest names in the ski industry to witness the Class of 2008 enter into the annals of ski and snowboard history.

What struck me the most was not all of the numerous and amazing accomplishments the four inductees, Cary Adgate, Nelson Carmichael, Liz McIntyre and Bill Brigs are responsible for but the fact that each one of them had their beginnings at humble local hills.

Whether it was passion or circumstances that brought them to the big mountains each of them maintained a link to their roots in the east and I was impressed by how this apparently factored into each of their lives. These people have had experiences that few have ever had the chance to even dream of yet the place it all started for them is accessible to all.

Small, local resorts often act as if they have an inferiority complex when compared to the big mountain resorts yet it was clear at the induction dinner that every resort has its role to play. Reaching out to local youth and offering the opportunity to be part of this wonderful industry is only one of their roles.

It was wonderful to see that an event like this can help to bring big and small mountains onto a level playing field. Whether the Class of 2008 knows it or not they can add one more accomplishment to their list of accolades, ambassadors for the small local resorts – and for that we thank them!

See ya on the slopes – big and small :)

Kjerstin

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The Monster Weekend Comes To a Close





What an amazing weekend - It is Tuesday already and I'm barely recovered! So much happened during the Monster Homecoming Invitational at Seven Springs that it could probably fill several blog entries. I'll try not to get off on a tangent, however, and give you the real news worthy stuff.


Practice on Friday was a bit of a challenge. Warm weather coming in created a strong headwind but the girls were able to get a good feeling for the course. Thanks to the design of the course and its excellent maintenance by the park crew the landings were kept smooth and safe. Unfortunately Kaya Turski separated her shoulder but that didn't keep her from the the comp. Not only did she tear it up with corked 720s, switch 900s, and large switch-to-switch straight airs called zero spins she walked away with the Homecoming crown for the skiers. Grete Eliassen took second and the Monster hostess with the mostest Kristi Leskinen found herself a spot on the podium with a corked 720 mute grab.


Chanelle Sladics took the snowboard crown with her strong performance on the rails backed up by her outstanding cab 360 and cab 540. My fav, sweetie Silvia Mittermuller, took 2nd on the snowboard side followed by Maribeth Swetkoff.


While the tricks were big they are tougher to pull than usual. The girls were fighting soft, wet snow that reduced their speed forcing them to fight for every inch of air. Willi's sent up a box of Swix rub on wax that the girls used before each run which seemed to help but the warm March air continued to be a factor throughout the weekend.


The girls celebrated the event Saturday night in Seven Springs' night club, the Matterhorn and seemed to enjoy cutting loose. Sunday morning found them hosting local kids who had stuck around after the event to ride with them. The soggy conditions did not dampen the kids enthusiasm as they worked on their skills at the different park areas of Seven Springs.


The coaching the kids were given seemed to pay off because there was some amazing stuff being thrown down at the Amateur Rail Jam Sunday afternoon. Over 65 kids showed up to show off in front of the girls who cheered them on and tossed out some great prizes for everything from the best crash to the biggest air.


"I think the ride-with-a-pro and the Amateur Rail Jam was a great part of the weekend," said Greg Klein from Willi's Ski and Board Shop. "It really gave the locals a chance to connect with the girls and I think it was fun for the girls to see that there is some real talent coming out of Seven Springs"


There is no doubt that this event was a huge success and will continue to grow in the years to come. Thanks and a big shout out to Kristi and all of the sponsors who made this great event happen - Seven Springs, Monster Energy Drink, Rome Snowboards, Oakley, Willi's Ski and Board Shop and media partner Freeskier Magazine.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Girls Gone Wild


Great Picture Evan!

Tell me what Western PA men like better than hot girls with guns? Today the competitors for the Monster Homecoming Kristi Leskinen Invitational, some of the worlds top ski and snowboard girls, saw the grandeur of Seven Springs Mountain Resort.

The girls recuperated from their busy schedules and long travels with some practice on the specially designed course before heading out to shoot trap.

When they finished turning the clay pigeons into small chips they regrouped for a great dinner and presentation from Women's Sports Foundation.

The real fun starts for the rest of us tomorrow when the competition starts at 12:00 pm. Don't forget that 10 to 16 year olds can join these girls on the slopes Sunday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Registration is from 8:00-9:30 am and space is limited. While this event is free the Women's Sports Foundation will be on hand to accept donations.

It is going to be a great weekend!

See ya on the slopes!

Kjerstin

Thursday, March 5, 2009

A Monster Event



This is going to be a MONSTER event - I mean that figuratively and literally! The Kristi Leskinen Homecoming Invitational is an amazing all-girl slopestyle event sponsored by Monster Energy Drink. The girls that are coming to compete in Saturdays main event starting at 12:00 pm, are some of the biggest names in skiing and snowboarding today.

It is going to be an incredible 3 days with fireworks, big media coverage and girls tearing up the slopes. Girls and boys ages 10-16 can spend time with the pros on Sunday at the Ride-With-A-Pro event from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm - registration is from 8:00 am to 9:30 am at the Yurt and space is limited so get there early. This is a free event but the Women's Sports Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of healthy, active lifestyles for women, will be on hand accepting donations.

After these girls show you what they know you may want to compete in the Amateur Rail Jam from 1:00 - 2:00 on Sunday and stick around for the Pro Rail Jam at 2:30.

To kick this entire weekend of fun off Kristi will be in the Willi's Castle Shanon store signing autographs from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Willi's has coupons for a $20 lift ticket at Seven Springs so you can bring the whole family to ski, snowboard and be part of a MONSTER event!

Hope to see you there and...See ya on the slopes!

Kjerstin

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

The Kristi Leskinen Monster Homecoming Invitational 2009



I'm not exactly letting the cat out of the bag since we have been working on this for weeks now but I finally have some details to share for the Kristi Leskinen Monster Homecoming Invitational being held at Seven Springs March 13th-15th, 2009.


We at Willi's are excited to be part of this world class event as it is a chance to showcase our region to some of today's top female names in ski and snowboard slopestyle.


Kristi Leskinen, a pioneer in women's freeskiing conceived of this one-of-a-kind event to raise the profile of women in skiing and snowboarding. To date this is the only All Girl, Ski and Snowboard, Slopestyle Event and Rail Jam.


The event is actually 3 days worth of on and off the slope fun, complete with a professional, cash prize slopestyle event, interactive opportunities for the fans and an amateur rail jam.


As fun as it all will be it would never have come together with out the enthusiastic support of Seven Springs Park Manager Joel Rerko and the commitment Seven Springs has made to the project. The excitement is building and more details will be posted as we nail the schedule down but for now here is a list of the confirmed competitors.





This will be a really great event – come out and watch the girls compete on Saturday March 14th, get autographs and join them for the Ride-With-A-Pro for those 16 years old and under on Sunday March 15th.



See ya on the slopes!





Kjerstin

Saturday, February 21, 2009

This Is Why I Do What I Do


Today was supposed to be my catch up day. I've been feeling so behind in every aspect of my home and work life that I figured I'd send the kids out to ski, husband to mind Willi's and I would lock myself away and work.


In my defense it is a blue-bird day here and the slopes were calling - no singing my name. The last ounce of my concentration slipped away and I gave into it. I rushed down to the slopes to get a few runs in instead of eating lunch and was immediately rewarded by an Anna sighting. She rushed into my arms, gave me a big hug and then took off back to her WPRC ski team mates. It was then that I knew I'd made the right decision.


It was beautiful out on the hill - Greg even came with me for a few runs and now I'm back at 'work' doing what I love to do. I honestly believe my heading out to the slopes was not a work avoidance technique but the vital mental floss I needed to remind me of why I do what I do.


See ya on the slopes!


Kjerstin

Monday, February 16, 2009

Mid Season Maintenance

If you are having the season I have had it is time to take a quick look at your gear. The season here at Seven Springs started in early November so I've already had to do some work on my gear.

The basic rule of thumb for your skis and snowboards is to edge and wax them every 10 days on the hill. A stone grind will touch up the bases, take out small nicks and scratches and re-texture the material for a better glide. For deeper cuts P-tex or a base weld may be necessary. A ceramic cup grind, if available in your area, is a great way to treat your gear right - it polishes and hardens the edges back to factory condition and is the best way to get the most performance out of your equipment.

Mid season is also a good time to have your bindings looked over just to make sure everything is working properly.

For your apparel I am hopeful that you wash your socks, thermals, fleece and neck gaiter on a regular basis but your outerwear could use some attention too.

Many people avoid laundering their outerwear for fear of damaging it. With rare exceptions ski and snowboard performance outerwear is not only easy to launder but will perform better for it as well. The reason for this is that the process will redistribute and re-loft the garments insulation making it warmer. It will improve the breathability of the garment by removing dirt and oils that clog the pores in the fabric and it will bring the waterproofing sprays and coatings back to the surface re-establishing the DWR (Durable Water Resistance) component of the garments weather protection.

Keep in mind that it is best to launder performance wear in suds that are specifically designed for the task. Follow directions on the label and it is helpful to add a tennis ball to the drier to bring the original softness, drapability and loft back to the garment.

See ya on the slopes!


Kjerstin

Monday, February 9, 2009

Willi's Salomon Jib Academy Rocks Seven Springs



Seven Springs was jumping with activity this weekend but it was the Salomon Jib Academy that finally blew the doors off.


Riders and coaches from the Salomon Team swooped down to coach over 70 10-16 year olds all day on Saturday, February 7th, 2009. The kids learned slope style tricks and jumps then wowed the crowd with an amazing competition to determine who would win the big trip to live like a rock star with the big dawgs at Mammoth Mountain for a week in May.

Since there are only 3 Jib Academy events in the USA the Seven Springs kick off event drew kids from as far as Colorado, Michigan and North Carolina. As to be expected it was the local crew that made up the bulk of the kids and the WPRC Freestyle team showed up in force and now will be a force to be reckoned with at their next comp at Seven Springs on March 7th and 8th. After competing in Rails and Air it was local hero Noah Killen who took home the big prize but there isn't a kid who came that didn't leave with a great memory and a few new tricks up their sleeve.

It was an incredible day for everyone involved. The amazing thing was how easily the kids, pros and coaches mixed. There was a lot of camaraderie and on the slopes it appeared as if they were all just a bunch of friends doing what they love to do.

Of course none of this could happen without the team effort of Salomon, Willi's and Seven Springs - Special kudos goes out to the park crew for creating the most amazing park on the East Coast bar none.

There are tons of pix and videos to be seen so check them out at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Willisski/TheSalomonJibAcademy200902?feat=email#
http://www.7springs.com/page/category.detail/nav/5348/Community.html





So until next time - See ya on the slopes!

Kjerstin

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Viva Las Vegas

What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas - good place to have the SIA (Snowsports Industries of America) Buying show! Or at least it was. Next year the show will move to Denver and some feel it will never be the same. The final SIA Buying Show is in winding down and when it closes it will mark the passing of an era.

The ski industry was just gaining national momentum when the buying show was moved from New York to Las Vegas. The entire industry seemed to be as golden as the coins spilling out of the slot machines. The vendors spent more and more money trying to woo and wow buyers. Each year the booths got bigger and crazier. They added music, dancers and it was all about selling the sizzle. Buying for a ski and snowboard shop was much more exciting in a two story tiki bar. Everyone in the industry was having fun.

The sobering fact is though that over the past few years the industry has been changing - changing so fast that we barely have time to analyse and evaluate how to move with it, how to stay in business and it is tough to foresee how things will all shake out in the end.

With the show moving from Las Vegas it is a chance for everyone in the industry to wake up from the party, figure out where we are and find a cab to take us home - and hope that we haven't been locked out.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

What A Winter!


When I took Dylan to his GS race two weeks ago the temp in my car read 18 degrees below zero. We have had several school delays and today school has been canceled due to the huge snow and ice storm that is hitting the East Coast. It was my original intention to throw the kids in the car and head to the mountain but at this point the drive would be too hairy.

The kids have another race this weekend and while I'm hoping it won't be as cold this time I have to admit I'm enjoying having a 'real' winter after so many warm ones. All in all it has been a fun winter - wild extremes but tons of fun. Here's to hot drinks and cold nights!

See ya on the slopes!

Kjerstin

Monday, January 26, 2009

Rockin' and Rollin' At Seven Springs



It has been an amazing 10 days at Seven Springs! There has been so much going on I couldn't get to it all!

Last Saturday WPRC held the Snow Capitol GS and when I got up to get my racers to the hill it was -18 degrees! President Ken Fedorek was contacted by many of the parents to find out if the race would still be held - his answer? "Well, it is a winter sport."

It turned out to be an incredible race with racers coming from Ohio, Maryland and all over Pennsylvania.

The weather only warmed up a little by mid week when Willi's hosted the annual Head Women's Day. Lisa Densmore signed autographs as the ladies gathered to head out for a day on the hill.



Starting with a wine and cheese party the night before and closing with coctails Apres Ski the event was focused on the lifestyle of skiing as much as skiing itself. The ladies were treated to lessons with the Seven Springs instructors and worked in groups with Lisa throughout the day. As cold as it was everyone had a blast.

By Friday night the temperature was back down below zero but that didn't stop all of the weekend events. WPRC Alpine Team hosted a two day PA Cup slalom race on Saturday and Sunday while the Freestyle Team tore it up with a two day, UPMC sponsored Mogul Challenge.

Sandwiched in between was the kick off of the Red Bull Buttercup - a new contest series on the East Coast. The lights were on and the tricks were hot.

This next weekend WPRC will hold the CTR GS so hold on to your hat - there's is more to come!

See ya on the slopes!

Kjerstin

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Wine, Cheese, Fashion and Skis!

Last night's wine and cheese party and fashion show kicked off the 2009 Willi's Head Women's Day at Springs Springs. The ladies were treated to a fabulous day of skiing today and will be joining each other for Apres Ski in the Maple room shortly.

Many of the participants skiied on demos from Head's '08-'09 women's ski collection and everyone enjoyed their lessons with th Seven Springs instructors and skiing sensation Lisa Densmore.

This years event was completely booked so if you missed it make sure to get in on it next year!

Thanks to everyone who joined us and check back here for pictures - I'll have them posted soon!

See ya on the slopes!

Kjerstin

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Willi's Line Rail Jam At Seven Springs




Here is a little taste of the few pix I took at the Willi's Line Rail Jam held at Seven Springs outside of the Foggy Goggle on Decembe 20th, 2008.
Check out the rest of the photos
Willi's Line Rail Jam At Seven Springs and leave me some comments - I'd love for someone to enter the names of the competitors as I did not get a chance to personally meet them all!
Thanks to everyone who came out to compete that day and hope to see you at the Salomon Jib Academy!
See ya on the slopes!
Kjerstin
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Saturday, January 3, 2009

Taking A Breather!


I am finally taking a second to catch my breath. With the mountain opening in mid November and the busy holiday season I feel like I have been running Mach Schnell. I’m lucky that the lines between work and play are so blurred because I have been at it hard for 6 weeks now and it is beginning to take its toll – it would be nice if things could slow down just a tad for a few days.

It feels good to be sitting to write at my computer for a few minutes – both the sitting part and the writing part! Oddly enough the best place for me to get an internet connection here at Seven Springs is up here in the Foggy Goggle Bar – but as I said the lines between work and play are blurred – often VERY blurred!

So I have yet to post the pictures from the Line Rail Jam on December 20, 2008. I am having some technical difficulties. That is the smooth way of saying that I forgot my cables in the city when I packed and my computer won’t read the card from the ‘good’ camera that I used for the day. I have some good shots and it was a great day so I will get them up as soon as possible.

The mountain has been fantastic – even those four lousy days we had right over Christmas were better than some of the mid season days we had last year. I chalk that up to the excellent job the snow making and grooming team did – those boys have the hardest job on the mountain. You know I can tell they have the most fun though – I am usually here in the Goggle working in the morning when they come down each day – they are in their jump suits riding their shovels like sleds cheering each other on. They get such a good ride that I think maybe I’ll trade in my skis for a shovel!

I’ve been lucky enough to be up on the hill for at least part of everyday. We spent most of the day in the park yesterday as the kids didn’t have race training due to the holiday. I am taking a few minutes off just to do some catching up but it is so beautiful out there I am feeling a bit sorry for myself. I’ll be out there later though as we have our consumer demo here today. Just pop into the store and pay the $10 demo fee and you will get a sheet for the reps to record all of your demos and comments on. Drop the sheet and a photo id at the tents and you can spend the day on new product from Head, Nordica, K2, Rossignol, Atomic, Volkl, Salomon and Line . I’m hoping the weather will hold since tomorrow, Sunday, I’ll be helping out with the WPRC Ohiopyle Slalom Race and cheering my son Dylan on in his first race of the season.

It has been a great holiday break and I want to make the best of what is left of it so…

See ya on the slopes!

Kjerstin