tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19785084062176616632023-11-16T02:59:03.022-05:00Snow DevaForum geared to the winter enthusiast - get technical and fashion information, training ideas, Seven Springs event information and travel reviews for your favorite winter activities.Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-2969615098702358512011-03-28T08:49:00.005-04:002015-03-13T18:41:44.767-04:00Basic Foot Series<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is an updated version of the Foot Series I have posted in the past... now 1 and 2 are combined and the pictures are visible!</div>
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This is based on work I have done with Sara Azarius from <a href="http://www.yogaoncentre.com/">Yoga on Centre</a> - she is a wonderful resource and is an amazing yoga instructor.</div>
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I presented an abbreviated version of this work at the final 2010-2011 <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Winter-Divas/312168500472">Winter Diva's</a> Wednesday. It is wonderful to treat your feet after having them in a pair of ski boots all day :)<br />
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Let me also take a second to thank my wonderful sister <a href="http://www.soaringmountain.com/">Kimm Viebrock</a> who is not only the model but took the time to type up the handwritten notes I scrawled for her to follow :)</div>
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Enjoy! Let me know if you have questions or comments.</div>
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See ya on the slopes!</div>
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Kjerstin Klein</div>
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Snow Deva<br />
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<b>Basic Foot Series</b><br />
This series is designed to open up the joints and stretch the muscles of the lower leg and foot. This is a critical component of re-adjusting after being in ski boots or other footwear that is rough on the feet. It will also help to build the muscle of the lower leg feet while improving its resilience in order to absorb impact and support the rest of your body effectively.<br />
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<b>Retraining and Building Awareness in the Lower Leg and Foot</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQou-A9Q8rX9isxZhopvhzapAhUE4Lphf8yWZVsZNosFWsAICmKGDD5SJauichFtG_OH6h4UQsUrqCyBaaUB_YOReLJSrHFKHUNaGSMgJ61LJ0UbtUYvISnxiMvWUp0csWRIpzUN1FfRk/s1600/Foot+Series+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQou-A9Q8rX9isxZhopvhzapAhUE4Lphf8yWZVsZNosFWsAICmKGDD5SJauichFtG_OH6h4UQsUrqCyBaaUB_YOReLJSrHFKHUNaGSMgJ61LJ0UbtUYvISnxiMvWUp0csWRIpzUN1FfRk/s1600/Foot+Series+1.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a>Start by standing with feet together.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNkTlQcTDtabYqLjcR_ffICfCKzaO1OFtQ5DBWsnpQjt3QhGTCRFLNIFOpnlazIUhpW4A6s8DdycjM_itHtFR14osHjI2t3LkMoYRyBV82nI_TQdZPxXCZiCUw-oNmnhpzp0_UHdaGjI/s1600/Foot+Series+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNkTlQcTDtabYqLjcR_ffICfCKzaO1OFtQ5DBWsnpQjt3QhGTCRFLNIFOpnlazIUhpW4A6s8DdycjM_itHtFR14osHjI2t3LkMoYRyBV82nI_TQdZPxXCZiCUw-oNmnhpzp0_UHdaGjI/s1600/Foot+Series+2.jpg" height="320" width="253" /></a><br />
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Re-position heels so that outside edges of feet are parallel.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Lift toes while pressing ball of the foot behind the big toe and also behind the small toes into the floor. Work at spreading all toes wide and lifting the arch from the bottom of the foot rather than from the top of the foot. This means do not use your ankle to move your arch further from the floor - it means use the muscles of your foot to actually contract your arch lifting it from the floor.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSzWcAJG4dzp97zn4ED0ygtDHNIjq2rK81ABuaXBEXPn0FrZyhvisNnTCcSa1VWpz9DOgN_NWUphhuHzXeZWmmHGSVYzUoL6WjBSFg7CQtwsK4opt_4lFGBCQRHEDNRGadIdcrXLVLK0/s1600/Foot+Series+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSzWcAJG4dzp97zn4ED0ygtDHNIjq2rK81ABuaXBEXPn0FrZyhvisNnTCcSa1VWpz9DOgN_NWUphhuHzXeZWmmHGSVYzUoL6WjBSFg7CQtwsK4opt_4lFGBCQRHEDNRGadIdcrXLVLK0/s1600/Foot+Series+12.jpg" height="118" width="320" /></a><br />
<b>Opening the Ankle with Lateral Movement</b><br />
Widen stance to beyond shoulder width, keeping outside edges of feet parallel. Ankles will be bent to accommodate stance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuoqGXUtIjjo9Nw9Pt7ky9aJ-rA5jjIIJWPXgVT7nTN3Sl5-RCxn6WXzeTB0ISKMHyo9NXUfW1zLGrEz41ftol65YdKev5-T3pk9gYwLEpzGxcBQ5wWEGoc6EtSNm63gsKh6AOhN-HQc/s1600/Foot+Series+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuoqGXUtIjjo9Nw9Pt7ky9aJ-rA5jjIIJWPXgVT7nTN3Sl5-RCxn6WXzeTB0ISKMHyo9NXUfW1zLGrEz41ftol65YdKev5-T3pk9gYwLEpzGxcBQ5wWEGoc6EtSNm63gsKh6AOhN-HQc/s1600/Foot+Series+13.jpg" height="101" width="320" /></a>Rotate onto inside edges of feet to straighten ankle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ68EjbnhayqAG3Vni41z-4az7zC1L_0-b5y7Zi46Kg_Fq4iW39yEebziqS0D36tNgCnxAvl0-Rgu4hGHKOgPImZeHuIJKPugz_p6ZTp7UTjKPQkM1qfOmMKWYYmJeUdyi6e0E10DeAP4/s1600/Foot+Series+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ68EjbnhayqAG3Vni41z-4az7zC1L_0-b5y7Zi46Kg_Fq4iW39yEebziqS0D36tNgCnxAvl0-Rgu4hGHKOgPImZeHuIJKPugz_p6ZTp7UTjKPQkM1qfOmMKWYYmJeUdyi6e0E10DeAP4/s1600/Foot+Series+14.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a><br />
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With ankle straightened, begin working to flatten outside of foot back toward the floor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenWAcjl8QcU4VbAniNPriHDk20KyoAJQCF8CmFhVQVTWCahf3XtBT7lO2s0FY2nspioztW9ZYwHKvZSw-dVlPOb5YeEZRVLTWvqiWLOgVQamREm4wDO90QSA25ZUkrbMdinx0ihSwrcg/s1600/Foot+Series+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenWAcjl8QcU4VbAniNPriHDk20KyoAJQCF8CmFhVQVTWCahf3XtBT7lO2s0FY2nspioztW9ZYwHKvZSw-dVlPOb5YeEZRVLTWvqiWLOgVQamREm4wDO90QSA25ZUkrbMdinx0ihSwrcg/s1600/Foot+Series+16.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a><br />
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Keeping all other elements in place, lift the big toe.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73ppSYDroqR04y8z6iYxeI7Rl-ApY30IacvSmdDfBKy6q0tx3xJTioBhu75oiJe7z1F0M5XkoosVQsrCfUP-yAdDyebN-hrqJAhHG6wFSXeJIHO-UPeDGKLaUPcMgfONnfC-acL0gTt8/s1600/Foot+Series+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73ppSYDroqR04y8z6iYxeI7Rl-ApY30IacvSmdDfBKy6q0tx3xJTioBhu75oiJe7z1F0M5XkoosVQsrCfUP-yAdDyebN-hrqJAhHG6wFSXeJIHO-UPeDGKLaUPcMgfONnfC-acL0gTt8/s1600/Foot+Series+15.jpg" height="185" width="320" /></a><br />
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Keep stretching toes outward while lifting big toe and lifting arch from beneath the foot. This means do not use your ankle to move your arch further from the floor - it means use the muscles of your foot to actually contract your arch lifting it from the floor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFh_TDpHti58L7EPXouYvLTTwgde2jw8sJE2lwAJofpbs8stYC37SlCnqT_LZZlgj5qvunVG-pN3xeQEg0z0x4N7tSiUtc1Dl5RcL1We9p3woTNCGVqH5xHApc2jHBs1IEYBtw3y37XI/s1600/Foot+Series+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFh_TDpHti58L7EPXouYvLTTwgde2jw8sJE2lwAJofpbs8stYC37SlCnqT_LZZlgj5qvunVG-pN3xeQEg0z0x4N7tSiUtc1Dl5RcL1We9p3woTNCGVqH5xHApc2jHBs1IEYBtw3y37XI/s1600/Foot+Series+17.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a><br />
<b>Opening the Knee with Flexion</b><br />
Place a cushion on the floor and kneel on the cushion. Prior to settling all the way to a sitting kneel, adjust the knees upward and place a rolled up blanket or yoga mat as far into the bend of the knees as possible. Settle back into a sitting position as far as possible, using a yoga block for support where needed.</div>
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Repeat, moving the blanket/mat to mid-calf .</div>
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Repeat again, moving the blanket to where the calf muscle ends just above the ankle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEzvb9fbzpk2wNvmQrYy0XCtoqAfra1r6dQHyA9_57dQd0naZMHFdm16o9Pz_GLZTS2IzpCB-L-Q2-i5PdAFBspYr1wL7Udn3LmCoWH_HUfQji1H1AuFAl4GdFpR5Bvu0O8EOiSojYHY/s1600/Foot+Series+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEzvb9fbzpk2wNvmQrYy0XCtoqAfra1r6dQHyA9_57dQd0naZMHFdm16o9Pz_GLZTS2IzpCB-L-Q2-i5PdAFBspYr1wL7Udn3LmCoWH_HUfQji1H1AuFAl4GdFpR5Bvu0O8EOiSojYHY/s1600/Foot+Series+5.jpg" height="320" width="309" /></a><br />
<b>Opening the Ankle with Flexion</b><br />
Hold onto a door for bracing and place the foot flat upon the door, bending knees and body as needed to make this possible.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHX7nu7JQ01CdUGHYuIhIOhLc68-zUhVG35vHeW5116c8v0jL4klkNfvIx__V9Xqjz8m_bIV6O703IahBXfuzMQO33g_fhEaI4MUwx2xgseOLU_5GTncjjmk7xYoluKpi-rv3e6Wy_wc/s1600/Foot+Series+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHX7nu7JQ01CdUGHYuIhIOhLc68-zUhVG35vHeW5116c8v0jL4klkNfvIx__V9Xqjz8m_bIV6O703IahBXfuzMQO33g_fhEaI4MUwx2xgseOLU_5GTncjjmk7xYoluKpi-rv3e6Wy_wc/s1600/Foot+Series+6.jpg" height="185" width="320" /></a></div>
Continuing to brace against the door, slide the foot slowly downward until the heel touches the floor (The white paper you see is because she kept sticking to the door - we needed to create a surface she could slide on to move her foot :).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoM-bCjNlM-gfureKaVmzFM29e0RHNM8VCTNKbVwzKmvh67PcmDl0LBOnMJSU6iQ8hjCbQaO55rHeYclnW4EvqOOoiVt-xGkvUew8m0z3aBRp2mSW4X2o4CNE4BezCdQl-Mrl5uPCj38/s1600/Foot+Series+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoM-bCjNlM-gfureKaVmzFM29e0RHNM8VCTNKbVwzKmvh67PcmDl0LBOnMJSU6iQ8hjCbQaO55rHeYclnW4EvqOOoiVt-xGkvUew8m0z3aBRp2mSW4X2o4CNE4BezCdQl-Mrl5uPCj38/s1600/Foot+Series+7.jpg" height="265" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: justify;">Begin re-positioning body to a vertical position close to the door, allowing heel to move outward.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqa1T2YBR_LIToDcAuhYIVgzOhNfZn2CF6jZcgPqjF_Ixa9Ydi29HCCF5uGdHjGndx_gdqO5uPoAXYwG9Z7JPAfOfY-zvqIONh5csmx-Qh9T8l-5TGUMVbp41fFpjuPLupL0BQHn-5vI/s1600/Foot+Series+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqa1T2YBR_LIToDcAuhYIVgzOhNfZn2CF6jZcgPqjF_Ixa9Ydi29HCCF5uGdHjGndx_gdqO5uPoAXYwG9Z7JPAfOfY-zvqIONh5csmx-Qh9T8l-5TGUMVbp41fFpjuPLupL0BQHn-5vI/s1600/Foot+Series+8.jpg" height="299" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Continue re-positioning the body and the foot until foot is flat on the floor with only the toes still in vertical position against the door.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliyM-OEJ7xsXJgbUd0k_VXGiXuPMPn9n_xjyexCsTHoBpl4R5eFg3ch_DTGJgkM5KiTpBvFicHul9BL1P2hRd72c-Grr4twk5O_n1BVg4SthczFNLm5ThOe-lo0glLpcGaDCuPAezWpA/s1600/Foot+Series+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliyM-OEJ7xsXJgbUd0k_VXGiXuPMPn9n_xjyexCsTHoBpl4R5eFg3ch_DTGJgkM5KiTpBvFicHul9BL1P2hRd72c-Grr4twk5O_n1BVg4SthczFNLm5ThOe-lo0glLpcGaDCuPAezWpA/s1600/Foot+Series+4.jpg" height="185" width="320" /></a><b>Opening the Big Toe Joint with Traction</b><br />
Begin toe traction by placing the weight of the heel of one foot onto the large toe of the other foot. Shift the body weight to the balls of both feet, allowing the back foot to raise the heel while keeping the big toe in place.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbx-nouyJsrHr_HHqYTnp6whfVlvNPRnvS2lV2QC5W9aMZOdj6jzdC-scqx2yGJkUSpua8qqjCHa2RnbfZNa3z6VXwXjKXUSGhs6kUnbzv38cvjgGRweOq6mc2zhVdz3560NE_j1PzOo/s1600/Foot+Series+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbx-nouyJsrHr_HHqYTnp6whfVlvNPRnvS2lV2QC5W9aMZOdj6jzdC-scqx2yGJkUSpua8qqjCHa2RnbfZNa3z6VXwXjKXUSGhs6kUnbzv38cvjgGRweOq6mc2zhVdz3560NE_j1PzOo/s1600/Foot+Series+3.jpg" height="172" width="320" /></a>Bring the heel of the rear foot down and back while keeping the large toe in place with the weight of the front foot. As the rear foot is lowered, it will be stretched slightly with that tension.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRO5ySXKQhYcW4uTOl-n3VO6qTN8FmPGr_ImfNv3KDQ4Fc66hJSH2sR8hxcXeQJQ3ytvMUnSHQOQFwYxV0iPr86aWzT2tiFhkLpyjSmJ4Tl5xHTPAhtBAO4uMIE07yMngltT8Pp4BsiWI/s1600/Foot+Series+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRO5ySXKQhYcW4uTOl-n3VO6qTN8FmPGr_ImfNv3KDQ4Fc66hJSH2sR8hxcXeQJQ3ytvMUnSHQOQFwYxV0iPr86aWzT2tiFhkLpyjSmJ4Tl5xHTPAhtBAO4uMIE07yMngltT8Pp4BsiWI/s1600/Foot+Series+11.jpg" height="182" width="320" /></a><b>Opening the Forefoot and Aligning the Big Toe</b><br />
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Sit on a chair with heels approximately a yoga block-width apart while angling toes towards one another (pigeon toed). Slide a yoga block between your feet and loop a yoga strap around the big toes, bringing it snug. Slide the yoga block slightly forward into place with the front edge ending at the big toe joint. Narrow the heels so the entire length of your foot makes contact with the block introducing some tension at the toes. Stand up from chair if possible.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUB4PpIFlPW8ix04z4GLbzUcYYL8FZNFs7w4fYu0Je-h2pxWnihyphenhyphenSb6F_D-NbbcRkLJF01VCLuigxalbDH5W8GhhPVFmjadA_nWcjOrcRuXzgnVzvyWUAJvibABwar1euDuLLqgqOhbg/s1600/Foot+Series+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUB4PpIFlPW8ix04z4GLbzUcYYL8FZNFs7w4fYu0Je-h2pxWnihyphenhyphenSb6F_D-NbbcRkLJF01VCLuigxalbDH5W8GhhPVFmjadA_nWcjOrcRuXzgnVzvyWUAJvibABwar1euDuLLqgqOhbg/s1600/Foot+Series+10.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a><b>Stretching Muscles, Tendons and Fascia From Ankle to Toes</b><br />
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Wrap or tie a yoga strap snugly around the ankles, then gently lower into a kneeling position on a cushion. Before settling, adjust knees upward then sit on heels with toes forward, flat on the floor. To 'adjust knees upward' simply reach below your knee cap and draw the skin of the knee back towards you - this will help to relieve some of the tension on the knee making the position more comfortable.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_p_DZuGCPq8R2Ocjes86ljoS21o6eD0R4xvqHRlEAmHyXzw4mQqlzJi_gHZYyPDZ7hC1IvvdHBJ3i1CTkCaQXycf5NA6z8EtMecBI9Qek0Du5VTP9d0LqMJZMOnOm7veRkpyMzZarRIA/s1600/Foot+Series+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_p_DZuGCPq8R2Ocjes86ljoS21o6eD0R4xvqHRlEAmHyXzw4mQqlzJi_gHZYyPDZ7hC1IvvdHBJ3i1CTkCaQXycf5NA6z8EtMecBI9Qek0Du5VTP9d0LqMJZMOnOm7veRkpyMzZarRIA/s1600/Foot+Series+9.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a><br />
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Repeat with feet and toes pointing directly backward so that the tops of the feet are on the floor. Support body weight with hands as necessary.</div>
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<b>Stretching the Muscles, Tendons and Fascia of the Lower Leg with Extension</b><br />
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Kneel on a blanket on the floor, manually re-positioning calf muscles outward and adjusting knees upward, then settle down into a sitting position between the legs, with feet pointing directly backward. Tops of the the feet will be on the floor. Have a rolled up blanket and/or yoga mat (or two) positioned lengthwise directly behind along with a yoga block positioned for a headrest.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxDgaCZ_5fzJz5-5G2YV9IvZOYH7RPihe7-IybwW10-_NPWns08j0qm2M0_io87KefFxVuOIMZcJiV2-8nc9sdJPLWjstV8C-eI6KpbAaq9zTHLQg7VLz5ZwjHfqOuuthMtnGU7HSmDg/s1600/Foot+Series+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxDgaCZ_5fzJz5-5G2YV9IvZOYH7RPihe7-IybwW10-_NPWns08j0qm2M0_io87KefFxVuOIMZcJiV2-8nc9sdJPLWjstV8C-eI6KpbAaq9zTHLQg7VLz5ZwjHfqOuuthMtnGU7HSmDg/s1600/Foot+Series+18.jpg" height="147" width="320" /></a><br />
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Lie backward onto the blanket, using a yoga block for a headrest if needed, allowing the upper legs to stretch and the chest to open up.</div>
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<b>REST</b><br />
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Rest and assimilate all of the previous work in Savasana with a rolled up blanket supporting the knees and another rolled up blanket as a headrest.</div>
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It may be difficult to achieve benefit from these poses without knowledgeable help. Please feel free to contact me at any time should you require clarification. Please do not attempt any of these poses if they cause pain in anyway, As always, use common sense, this post, and all others on this site are not meant as medical advice.<br />
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Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-58769495233175992822010-12-20T15:06:00.008-05:002010-12-27T10:37:08.810-05:00Packed, Stacked and Jacked 2010-2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpgkTCyxFyJxSRPWpT4C9fQHBe6XZ1MeDRR_xAAeSihJLg_MrwiJG9lruxtwK47pupZ7T3FpvQ9OvXxjalVHBntgt5-WfNbp0Fqz_NUQGrud3qAOzGIPtmaFz4MRzQxYBpcsbAglBz4E/s1600/PSJ+2010+Ride+and+Line+Rail+Jam+big+money+picture.jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpgkTCyxFyJxSRPWpT4C9fQHBe6XZ1MeDRR_xAAeSihJLg_MrwiJG9lruxtwK47pupZ7T3FpvQ9OvXxjalVHBntgt5-WfNbp0Fqz_NUQGrud3qAOzGIPtmaFz4MRzQxYBpcsbAglBz4E/s320/PSJ+2010+Ride+and+Line+Rail+Jam+big+money+picture.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554245624432078418" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">The <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Packed-Stacked-and-Jacked/138223304118">Packed, Stacked and Jacked</a> 2010-2011 season kicked off last night in the Goggle Bowl at Seven Springs. The Seven Springs Terrain Park Crew created an amazing set up for the event – and with the Goggle rockin’ the competitors put on quite a show.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sponsored by <a href="http://ridesnowboards.com/">Ride Snowboards</a> and <a href="http://lineskis.com/">Line Skis</a> this first event in the PSJ Freestyle Ski and Snowboard Series was set in a rail jam format with Amateur Ski, Amateur Snowboard, Amateur Women’s Ski and Amateur Women’s Snowboard as well as Open divisions for both ski and snowboard. This division format came as a direct result of the successful inaugural 2009-2010 season and will continue throughout the series.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Packed, Jacked and Stacked, brainchild of <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/">Willi’s Ski Shop</a> owner <a href="http://www.shayboarder.com/2009/06/industry-profile-jibshopwillis-ski-snowboard-shop-owner-greg-klein.html">Greg Klein</a>, kicked off in January of 2010 with a 5 event series that gained national recognition and sponsorships to some of the areas great talent. “Our goal”, says Klein, “is to spotlight Seven Springs and the athletes that are coming out of this area. We want it to be a fun series that celebrates the fun and camaraderie of competing.” With that goal in mind <a href="http://willisevents.blogspot.com/2010/12/best-job-in-world-my-holiday-reflection.html">Events Manager, Katy Rullo</a>, has designed a competitive series with events that focus on the key ski and snowboard freestyle skills allowing everyone to show off their particular talent.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For the 2010-2011 season the PSJ series has been cut to 4 events and the prize structure has been altered. The competitive field has been split into an Amateur division for both men and women, ski and snowboard and an Open division in which the sponsored athletes must compete. This allows for more of the up-coming athletes to gain more than just competitive experience and throws and added level of excitement into the event.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Using the power of social media the PSJ event series, has developed a life of its own. The <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Packed-Stacked-and-Jacked/138223304118">Packed, Stacked and Jacked Facebook page</a> is a place where event coordinators, athletes, spectators and sponsors talk, share pictures, pass critical event information or just chat about life, the mountain and the series itself.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 2010-2011 PSJ season-opening, Ride Snowboards and Line Skis rail jam was an incredible show. It brought some old favorites and some new faces together on an artisitically designed set up by the award winning <a href="http://www.7springs.com/page/category.detail/nav/5313/Terrain-Parks.html">Seven Springs Terrain Park Crew</a>. Rail jams are fun, spectator-friendly events because there is so much going on all the time…very little waiting around. Goggle Bowl is the prefect place for such an event because people can watch from the lift, from the trail-side, from the <a href="http://www.7springs.com/page/category.detail/nav/5049/Bars---Lounges.html">Foggy Goggle</a> bar and from the bottom of the venue. With the lights on and the music jamin’ the tricks look impressive and this crew gave the crowd plenty to cheer about. Results were tough to determine but in the end the Open Division winners for snowboard were 1st <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=727776535">Tristan Sadler</a> 2nd Cooper Thomas and 3rd <a href="http://www.facebook.com/zackary.yourd">Zack Yourd</a>. For Ski 1st <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1460910120">Tyler Pence</a> 2nd<a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1487252942"> Justin Petricko</a> and 3rd <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=523205550">Eric Taylor</a>. The first place ski and snowboard winners walked away with $300 in cash from the <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com">Jib Shop</a> thanks to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/vitaminwater">vitaminwater</a>, and the 2nd and 3rd place finishers walked away with goggles, t-shirts, hats etc. from <a href="http://www.smithoptics.com/">Smith</a> and some of the other PSJ sponsors. All of the Open division competitors are fighting for points collected through all four events that to determine the grand prize winner that includes a trip to <a href="http://campofchampions.com/">Camp of Champions</a> and $1,000 in spending money. These points are collected during each event based on the FIS point system and will be posted on the Packed, Stacked and Jacked Facebook page after each event.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Amateur division was a new addition for the 2010-2011 PSJ to help bring more of a grassroots approach to the competition. Everyone likes to compete just for the sake of experience. Younger competitors understand that it is as much for the experience as it is for the fun of being a competitor rather than a spectator…but it is nice to know you have a chance at winning something – and thanks to our sponsors there are some fantastic things to win. At the end of the night the some great talent found the podium. For the men's Ameture Snowboard division it was 1st Chris Poe, 2nd <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1120564854">Spencer Strayer</a> and 3rd <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000982887820">Trevor Eichelberger</a>. In the men's Amateur Ski division, 1st <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000178335740">Jimmy Leslie</a>, 2nd <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=775067651">Max Goldstein</a> and 3rd <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=782014594">Kyle Scheth</a>. Places for the women’s Amateur Snowboard division were… 1st Ashley Vander Meer, 2nd <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=673994253">Brooke Finney</a> and 3rd Haley Milac; and for the women’s Amateur Ski division it was 1st <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1556438500">Elle Pappas</a> 2nd <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1364694758">Alessa Conner</a> 3rd <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1807253356">Andrea Dinderman</a>. Amateur division athletes are competing for sponsorship opportunities and other prizes…so they too can be Packed, Stacked and Jacked!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All in all it was an amazing event. While fewer snowboarders showed up to throw down more women came to this event – many of them new to the competitive scene. The youngest athlete of the night was only 8 years old but already an experienced competitor as she participated in PSJ last year and is a member of the local <a href="http://www.wprcskiteam.org/">WPRC ski team</a> registered with <a href="http://www.ussa.org/">USSA</a> as both a Freestyle and an Alpine competitor.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Packed, Jacked and Stacked brings out all levels of competitors so it is an easy way for anyone interested in freestyle skiing and snowboarding to get in the game. There are three more great events the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=107477652658864&index=1">Salomon Ski and Forum Snowboard Big Air Challenge</a> on January 29th, the B<a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=167831306590650&index=1">urton and Armada Halfpipe Competition</a> on February 20th and the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171196942900814&index=1">vitaminwater, Camp of Champions Finals</a> on March 4th – whether it is as a spectator or a competitor….you really should be there!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">See ya on the slopes!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kjerstin</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-71933833815247735692010-11-03T12:34:00.006-04:002010-11-03T13:10:26.449-04:00Warren Miller Brings His Wintervention to Pittsburgh<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoZrd_neR1wzk4_e3wjRGhJLSAquWCEgX5MsptKsUGmUAjBkE9vhl01JIVFXFhavWWEnA6YaDDfJyieFFrG_P8XKsNmxxIQ6C_cfRqDWY5HqylZyLQvOnDqUbjfqkh8Vo12CS-6L-Aec/s1600/41647_5214335_6347583_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoZrd_neR1wzk4_e3wjRGhJLSAquWCEgX5MsptKsUGmUAjBkE9vhl01JIVFXFhavWWEnA6YaDDfJyieFFrG_P8XKsNmxxIQ6C_cfRqDWY5HqylZyLQvOnDqUbjfqkh8Vo12CS-6L-Aec/s400/41647_5214335_6347583_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535367073647805842" /></a><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0in; ">With snow in the <a href="http://www.weather.com/outlook/driving/interstate/wxdetail/15228?dayNum=3&&%22=">forecast for Saturday</a> there is no better way for the snow-obsesed to kick off the winter then with a little <a href="http://www.skinet.com/warrenmiller/">Wintervention</a>!</p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0in; "><br /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0in; ">Wintervention is the 61<sup>st</sup> film for industry icon <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Miller_(director)">Warren Miller</a>. His films have a cult-like following because his films celebrate seasons past and set the stage for the season to come. This edition tackles the tough issues of snow-diction. Narrated by Olympic celebrity <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonny_Moseley">Jonny Moseley</a> it features <a href="http://www.skinet.com/warrenmiller/athletes">26 athletes</a> as they travel from <a href="http://www.skinet.com/warrenmiller/film-locations">Argentina to Antarctica</a> chasing epic moments in terrain parks, on lift-access slopes and exotic descents in the far corners of the globe.</p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0in; "><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0in; ">Catch <a href="http://www.warrenmillerpgh.com/">Wintervention in Pittsburgh</a><a href="http://www.skinet.com/warrenmiller/events/carnegie-library-music-hall"> at the Carnegie Library Music Hall November 6th, 2010 at 7:00 pm.</a></p>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-48200710501654696682010-11-01T10:05:00.009-04:002010-11-17T12:43:25.648-05:00Get to Know Your Reps: Terri Apple<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEKOZLMceO1WUOq5RAoPRZ8jDXBtFkvDSnCIiSQhDfmjKe9Y7-30cZTi2E5Aej0-4pp1mpzsBoRbPJKg0IchSfwvyIzxUaeSIY0No5RDzb49U0e6RjffU8P7r5AQAAOr7siF3njMso7Q/s1600/2010Nils.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEKOZLMceO1WUOq5RAoPRZ8jDXBtFkvDSnCIiSQhDfmjKe9Y7-30cZTi2E5Aej0-4pp1mpzsBoRbPJKg0IchSfwvyIzxUaeSIY0No5RDzb49U0e6RjffU8P7r5AQAAOr7siF3njMso7Q/s400/2010Nils.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540572525765109474" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; color:black ">Terri Apple, a veteran rep for Nils Skiwear has been with the company for 28 years covering <st1:city st="on">New York</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">New Jersey</st1:state> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Pennsylvania</st1:state></st1:place>.</span></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; color:black ">Terri took to the slopes early as an enthusiastic toddler and her growing passion lead her to race in college as well as a year well-spent ski bumming in Alta.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Her life’s travels have taken her to the mountains from coast to coast and she has remained passionate about the outdoors in both her work and private life.<br /></span><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:Georgia; color:black">Her life in the ski industry started at age 16 when she began working in a ski shop. Her expertise and great work ethic took her to a buying position by age 21 which lead to her first sales rep position with Karhu-Titan shortly thereafter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Two years later, she partnered with Nils Skiwear where she is still an integral part of the sales team.</span><br /></span><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:Georgia; color:black">While Terri counts any day spent on the mountain in her amazing Nils togs she counts among her most memorable those blue bird days with fresh, dry powder in <st1:place st="on">Sun Valley</st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She loves to be able to let the skis fly with big GS turns as a treat from the more confining east coast skiing.</span><br /></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:black"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:black">Terri is one of those people you immediately like – and because of that she has made many friends throughout the industry. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In fact her favorite thing about the ski industry is the people. From all of the buyers to the sales staff in the stores to most importantly, she says, the wonderful consumers that support their local ski shops and love the winter sports world like she does.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She is full of funny stories about skiing over the years and the Willi’s crew but one of her favorite stories is a perfect example of the close friends she has made in the industry…as a young rep </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; color:black ">she claims she was “little intimidated” to travel to downtown Pittsburgh to a hockey specialty store, Willi’s owner and caretaker-to-all, Linda Klein, jumped in Terri’s van, went downtown with her and even took her dog for a walk while she called on the store!<br /></span><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:Georgia; color:black">Her home life is deeply affected by the ski industry not only because of her passion for the outdoors and her job with Nils but also because her charming husband of 31 years is also a veteran personality in the ski industry and together they are handing that passion down to their three children, one of which works in the industry as well.</span><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "> </span><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:Georgia; color:black">While Terri can be found on both Facebook and Twitter she uses these primarily to communicate with her family.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To follow what Terri is passionate about in her work life try following <a href="http://www.nilsskiwear.com/">Nils Skiwear</a> on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/NILS/164376070010?ref=ts">Facebook</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-41394546874379602462010-10-27T13:26:00.009-04:002010-10-28T21:09:51.748-04:00Get to Know Your Reps: Pete Seminara<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0F0JK6Siy3Ayxj5E6YHJws5Y74_xBhiqJI5eRfJYTIxoxhRhDU9_PAmMtTkzL4xh1l4c03e2EuM_TMGtf7UZQv2p5R-aC__GyHSoN6l9TzfMfSgQIppkNTXBcs4YgjY6YW0ibl0u0Ek/s1600/IMG_1124.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0F0JK6Siy3Ayxj5E6YHJws5Y74_xBhiqJI5eRfJYTIxoxhRhDU9_PAmMtTkzL4xh1l4c03e2EuM_TMGtf7UZQv2p5R-aC__GyHSoN6l9TzfMfSgQIppkNTXBcs4YgjY6YW0ibl0u0Ek/s400/IMG_1124.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532789067716502290" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Reps have near-celebrity status here in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pittsburgh</st1:city></st1:place> and no one embodies that more than Peter Seminara, better known as Pizza Peter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His personality is as big as the brands he carries and he brings that vitality to skiers and snowboarders where ever they can be found.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />This season he helped us kick off the season at the Willi’s Pre Season Ski and Snowboard Sale in the South Hills at <a href="http://gtsplex.com/">Greentree Sportsplex</a> by bringing his amazing, pizza-oven-on-wheels and making pizza for all of the sale customers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />Peter is the <a href="http://www.spyder.com/home.html">Spyder</a> company representative for the Mid Atlantic region and has been in the business, helping <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/">Willi’s Ski Shop</a> customers for years.<span> </span>He got his start in the industry by working on the sales floor at Ski Market in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Buffalo</st1:place></st1:city> in 1984 and has been passionate about the business ever since; He truly enjoys working in sales for an industry and lifestyle that he believes in.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />Pizza Peter has enjoyed the industry from all angles. <span></span>Whether it is Heli Skiing with the <a href="http://www.lastfrontierheli.com/index.php">Last Frontier Guides</a> in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeena_Mountains">Skeena Mountain Range</a> in Northern BC or trying to talk the Willi’s Buyers into carrying snowboards at a time when only <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><a href="http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/parks/bpfac.aspx">Boyce</a></st1:placename><a href="http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/parks/bpfac.aspx"> <st1:placetype st="on">Park</st1:placetype></a></st1:place> allowed snowboards on the hill, Peter has jumped in with enthusiasm and passion. <span> </span>As a rep he is one of the most committed individuals and the industry is lucky to have him.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />When he’s not reliving his childhood through the eyes of his kids you can catch this fun-loving family man behind his newly-acquired Mobil Brick Pizza Oven spreading Pizza Love at Spyder promotional events or find him on Facebook (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/petersem">Peter Seminara</a>) and Twitter (<a href="http://twitter.com/#!/tweeeterpeeeter">@TweeeterPeeeter</a>).</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-34830264781635417012010-10-27T09:59:00.004-04:002010-10-27T11:36:45.044-04:00Get to Know Your Reps<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-DxgGndD1-YkDc4UuAe8JAGGr-9KUGM3BTbzkxW3MYxw2iRNHmggq-spwys8dVFVyQcbWE_by3WhUQJ10mLV_otNtTd0tt15TUIExOn-6yyiNxYi0kJ-rzuqpmi_l9q10HNR7AZwTZc/s1600/December+2008+112.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-DxgGndD1-YkDc4UuAe8JAGGr-9KUGM3BTbzkxW3MYxw2iRNHmggq-spwys8dVFVyQcbWE_by3WhUQJ10mLV_otNtTd0tt15TUIExOn-6yyiNxYi0kJ-rzuqpmi_l9q10HNR7AZwTZc/s200/December+2008+112.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532749455478966450" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">As amazing as the ski and snowboard industry is it wouldn't work with out the hard work of the company representatives - the Reps.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Reps are more than just the sales people that shuffle orders for merchandise - they are an integral part of the industry, the key link between the shops and their customers and the vendors who manufacture the merchandise. Reps are critical because they are directly involved with the product as it is being sold and used so they hear from the consumer what works, what doesn't work as well as what consumers are truly looking for on the slopes. They work with the manufactures to help bring the best products to the market place while communicating with the shop owners and buyers to ensure that the right products and the right amount of product is available when it is needed. They are involved with the product from inception to fruition and work hard to balance the needs of all parties involved through the entire process.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is hard for some people to believe how small the ski and snowboard industry really is and at times it seems cold (no pun intended :) and impersonal. It is my intention to help you get to know the industry reps that cover the Pittsburgh area to give you a bit of an insiders-look into the industry. I think it makes it more fun to have a personal connection to the products you use on the slopes and to put a name and face to the larger image of the companies that service the industry. Our Reps are some of the most interesting, hardest working people I know and great friends. I hope you enjoy Getting to Know Your Reps!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">See ya on the slopes!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kjerstin</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Snow Deva</div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-31126498521063228592010-06-24T13:38:00.008-04:002010-06-24T14:18:05.922-04:00Jungle Creek Trail: Dryland Training at its Best<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2dc8nAfuyJiFk4PSV6bXzjkhGXG-UotWs8Es_I6EAgUPCwkmGKFUsG8ZwIQ1NVol3bmje4uNAOTj-hbe8vz2O7OiTsJp6JhlBLU4jDJiMCJvoYPGRKHGlshFxHrHZctJl0Y4WSZe0_Y/s1600/Naguay+and+Dylan+on+Jungle+Creek.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486401428652940882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2dc8nAfuyJiFk4PSV6bXzjkhGXG-UotWs8Es_I6EAgUPCwkmGKFUsG8ZwIQ1NVol3bmje4uNAOTj-hbe8vz2O7OiTsJp6JhlBLU4jDJiMCJvoYPGRKHGlshFxHrHZctJl0Y4WSZe0_Y/s320/Naguay+and+Dylan+on+Jungle+Creek.jpg" border="0" /></a>Winter is not the only time you will find us in the mountains. Summer months are an equally great time...we call it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Dry land</span> Training instead of skiing.<br /></div><br /><div align="justify">This past weekend found us in the <a href="http://www.placenames.com/us/p1526962/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Teanaway</span></a> outside of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cle</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Elum</span> in Washington. We were lucky enough to catch a break in the unseasonably cold weather and had a beautiful day on the <a href="http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report.2010-06-13.9889022179">Jungle Creek Trail</a>.<br /></div><br /><div align="justify">As it was intended to be a short day we simply trekked up to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ridge line</span> just past the <a href="http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/tripreport-2007061007">Way Creek Trail</a> junction and were rewarded with a through-the-pines view of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart_Range">Stuarts</a>, which are still snow-covered.<br /></div><br /><div align="justify">While the trail itself was not long it was varied in terrain. It was steep in places and made its way over the Jungle Creek several times, skirted past a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">bank side</span> washout and scrabbled over scree patches so it provided plenty of opportunity for aerobic and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">proprioception</span> training.<br /></div><br /><div align="justify">Not all training is physical - the wildflowers were in the early stages of their summer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIhlrawPFPcLg2zOLsxyM26Ad5obKqhd-a2h7ilz1ZlUOkgvTDDViG28hHt19fvk99K1aOcuN-dFHKjFDlB7Mi1ylbumFdrThgnwyqQV8k-711rUngponKdGLIL8Sc9CzNGQTfsRRh1Q/s1600/Wild+Flower+on+Jungle+Creek+Trail.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486402910822912226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 163px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIhlrawPFPcLg2zOLsxyM26Ad5obKqhd-a2h7ilz1ZlUOkgvTDDViG28hHt19fvk99K1aOcuN-dFHKjFDlB7Mi1ylbumFdrThgnwyqQV8k-711rUngponKdGLIL8Sc9CzNGQTfsRRh1Q/s200/Wild+Flower+on+Jungle+Creek+Trail.jpg" border="0" /></a> blooming cycle and provided an added dimension to the hike. Beautiful weather, wonderful views, dynamic trail and amazing wildflowers...this is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">dry land</span> training at it's best!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIhlrawPFPcLg2zOLsxyM26Ad5obKqhd-a2h7ilz1ZlUOkgvTDDViG28hHt19fvk99K1aOcuN-dFHKjFDlB7Mi1ylbumFdrThgnwyqQV8k-711rUngponKdGLIL8Sc9CzNGQTfsRRh1Q/s1600/Wild+Flower+on+Jungle+Creek+Trail.jpg"></a></div><div><br /></div><div align="justify">Whether there is snow or not...See Ya o<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnWl8RZu-fkqpAh3u44HW48eWKnAnli-atui7Hqns2j9_b3_WmnfCZVcZwVQOmZbampWPDgId900cK3W7QGutwbMPx5bIzLbpGrzzgIIBLqIQdgLtsokBxmBnM2YzfGbIuKyD8ir_iz4/s1600/Wild+Flower+on+Jungle+Creek+Trail.jpg"></a>n the Slopes!</div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-60565678299401700882010-03-12T17:55:00.003-05:002010-03-12T18:31:24.598-05:00Packed, Stacked and Jacked: Nordica, Monster, Gnu Wrap Up EventWell it appears Mother Nature still has a few tricks up her sleeve. The Mid Atlantic region is expected to have a "<a href="http://voap.weather.com/newscenter/stormwatch/">major, slow moving storm front</a>" coming through this weekend which may affect our final <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=186933454568&index=1">PSJ event</a>. This wrap-up event of the 5 event series is sponsored by Nordica, <a href="http://www.monsterenergy.com/web/guest/home">Monster Energy Drink</a> and <a href="http://gnu.com/">Gnu Snowboards</a> and promises to be a nail biter to the end. <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/Leader%20Board.htm">Point totals</a> that the competitors have collected throughout the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Packed-Stacked-and-Jacked/138223304118?ref=ts">series </a>remain close and the weather only throws more excitement into the mix.<br /><br />"At this point it's hard to say what's going to happen", says event host, Greg Klein, owner of <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/">Willi's Ski Shop</a> and their on-line freestyle shop <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/">The Jib Shop</a>. "We can only hope that Mother Nature will cooperate and help us pull off tomorrow's event", but contingency plans for how to reschedule are already being batted around.<br /><br />"It's important to have a back up plan", says event coordinator Katy Rullo, "but if we have to reschedule there isn't one solution that will make everyone happy."<br /><br />In the end it is up to the expert <a href="http://www.ride7springs.com/page/category.detail/nav/5313/Terrain-Parks.html">Seven Springs Terrain Park</a> <a href="http://www.ride7springs.com/page/category.detail/nav/5322/Park-Crew-All-Stars.html">staff</a> to make the call. They are the best judges of whether the event can be run safely and fairly - we should know by the time registration starts at 9:00 AM in the lobby outside of Willi's Ski Shop up at Seven Springs.<br /><br />Until then See ya on the slopes!<br /><br />Kjerstin<br />Snow DevaKjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-82602714083154730472010-03-01T09:21:00.005-05:002010-03-03T16:53:27.582-05:00PA J IV Derby<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2zvqBUGwO1Huh-NNT_eFiL1Rza58gOWvZnqETeUpNBXR5FYzqZnS9BfzQXp7o0ZADn3s1ip6L0v20TqNJm7iEK3FDZktzbSwK2H2yzjNQakWEu6Rwe7Twi8N6VAEsKWmMExGPj9Snj0/s1600-h/J4+2010+WPRC+State+Team.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444172049204902786" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 240px; height: 312px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2zvqBUGwO1Huh-NNT_eFiL1Rza58gOWvZnqETeUpNBXR5FYzqZnS9BfzQXp7o0ZADn3s1ip6L0v20TqNJm7iEK3FDZktzbSwK2H2yzjNQakWEu6Rwe7Twi8N6VAEsKWmMExGPj9Snj0/s320/J4+2010+WPRC+State+Team.jpg" border="0" /></a>I'm taking a short break from unloading my car - trying to recuperate from an intense weekend of ski racing.<br /><br />This past weekend was the PA State J4-J5 Derby at <a href="http://www.skiroundtop.com/">Ski Round Top</a> and I was the lucky parent to accompany my son to the event.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">We spent all day Thursday making sure that all the loads of gear were packed into the car. Helmet, check; shin guards, check; padded gloves, check; straight poles, bent poles, check, check; speed suit, check; skis and boots, check; On and on...thank goodness I have a good list or I'm sure we would have left without some important, necessary-can't race-without-it thing. Some how we were able to find it all, collect it all and get it all in the car.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">We left at 6:00 AM Friday morning to make it to the training session that started at noon. The drive there was horrible as Western PA was in the midst of receiving another Snowlapalooza-like storm and we made it to Ski Round Top just at the stroke of noon - I bought him his ticket and threw him out on the slopes with the coaches while I got him registered for the weekend.<br /></div><br />I hiked the hill rather than ski for the few short hours they were on the hill and was able to watch as the visiting coaches from <a href="http://www.gmvs.org/">Green Mountain Valley School,</a> a race-specific academy in Vermont, looked on. My son looked nervous practicing in front of coaches from his father's alma mater but the snow was good and he seemed to relax the more he skied.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">That night at the hotel I felt like a Sherpa as we lugged all the gear into the room, tuned skis in the stair well, went to the racer meeting and did homework at the small desk in the room. It wasn't <span style="font-style: italic;">all </span>work, the mom's talked while the team swam in the pool before dinner and the kids played and had a good time before it was time to call it a night.<br /><br />In the morning all the gear we'd hauled <span style="font-style: italic;">into</span> the hotel had to be hauled back to the car - off to the mountain where all of that same gear had to be hauled into the lodge...get tickets, get race bib, get out on the hill.<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Then there is the race itself. As 'support staff' I want to be available to my racer without hovering - Heaven knows I don't want to be like the dreaded stage moms!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">After the post-race debriefing it was time to haul all the stuff back to the car, back to the hotel, into the room, tune the skis, ready the gear for the next day and take a bit of a break before the festivities of the evening began.<br /><br />I was thrilled to have the chance to meet some of the other Pennsylvania racers and their families. It was exciting to have a former <a href="http://www.usskiteam.com/">US Ski Team</a> coach speak about ski racing and how a racer moves up in the race scene - he even made is seem like an attainable goal. Fun as it all was though, I was acutely aware of the need to get my racer back to the hotel for the next day of racing.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Checking out of the hotel the next morning was easy since I was already used to loading and unloading the car several times a day. We headed to the mountain and went through the now familiar routine again - then I waited along the side of the race course with my cowbell app ready on my iphone.<br /><br />We worked our way through the well choreographed day then ate pizza with the other racers as we waited for the final results, trophies and the announcement of the PA team that would move on to regionals. We already knew that my son would not be part of the regional team but wanted to cheer the other kids on and see things through to the end - it allows for an easier transition back to the 'real' world. When all of the awards were given out, all of the cheering was done, we hauled all of our gear back to the car one final time and drove the 4 1/2 hours home...ready to face the 6th grade, work and other aspects of home life once again.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ski racing is not an easy sport. It is intense and challenging on the physical, mental and emotional level for all parties involved. I have to admit - playing the role of Sherpa/Mom has been a lot more rewarding after all of the Go Mom commercials during the Olympics. I'm not saying my kid will ever be Olympic-bound but when I see those snowflake-covered eyelashes and the big smile at the bottom of the hill I know he appreciates all it has taken to get him to where he is and for me it is worth every ounce of effort.<br /><br /><br />I'll see the rest of you Sherpa/Mom's on the slopes!</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Kjerstin Klein<br />Snow Deva</div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-57295737062704953242010-02-18T07:17:00.013-05:002010-02-18T12:06:27.929-05:00Spending a Weekend at Seven Springs With Top PSIA Ski Instructor, Michael Rogan<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNB8ppBHcoCfcKFnDzLEbq7bW6STySULcTwdmsBjjaMh1zJcDLAg7m-x6fvtQeHzR4OJDN2su-wRFz0atcmoUJBO-GUhe_BBCZPeRR3Idjs6GFhK97AqsjwLS2djUnmOg8wC4JCFqXU74/s1600-h/Rogan+WTAE+spot.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439625567910210962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNB8ppBHcoCfcKFnDzLEbq7bW6STySULcTwdmsBjjaMh1zJcDLAg7m-x6fvtQeHzR4OJDN2su-wRFz0atcmoUJBO-GUhe_BBCZPeRR3Idjs6GFhK97AqsjwLS2djUnmOg8wC4JCFqXU74/s320/Rogan+WTAE+spot.jpg" border="0" /></a>I am busy in the city wrapping up another week. I'm finding it hard to keep my mind on my ToDo list because I keep getting distracted by the piles of snow outside my window.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/snowlapalooza/">Snowlapalooza</a> has been a blessing to those of us who ski or snowboard and I just can't wait to get up to <a href="http://www.7springs.com/">Seven Springs </a>this weekend. I'm excited to get on snow to work on the tips and techniques I received this past weekend from top <a href="http://www.thesnowpros.org/">PSIA</a> ski instructor <a href="http://www.thesnowpros.org/index.php/PSIA-AASI/profiles/michael-rogan/alpine">Michael Rogan</a>.<br /><br />I was in the lucky position to spend nearly the entire weekend with Rogan as <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/">Willi's</a> hosted his <a href="http://www.nordica.com/">Nordica</a> sponsored trip here to Seven Springs. We were incredibly lucky, as I understand, because aparently Seven Springs was the only North American resort on Michael's schedule this season other than his home base, <a href="http://www.skiheavenly.com/ski-and-ride-school/instructor-profile.aspx">Heavenly Ski Resort</a> - we really made the most of it.<br /><br />It was <a href="http://www.7springs.com/page/calendars.detail/date/2692/event/623.html">Wintefest</a> for Pittsburgh's local TV station <a href="http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/entertainment/1857536/detail.html">WTAE</a>, Seven Springs was buried in snow and it couldn't be a better time to showcase Rogan's on-snow talents.<br /><br />Having arrived Thursday evening Rogan worked early on Friday with the <a href="http://www.7springs.com/page/category.detail/nav/5004/Snowsports-School.html">Seven Springs Snowsport School</a>. Iwan Fuchs, Seven Springs Snowsport School Director, was grateful he and his staff had the chance to work with Rogan - remember he is the Top Dog in their world :)<br /><br />Seven Springs Snowsport school is already recognized as one of the greats in the East and adding on-snow training with Michael Rogan helps them to stand out just that much more. They felt the time spent with Michael was immensely helpful and they continued to learn from him as they shadowed the 'civilian' groups that worked with him on Friday afternoon and Saturday after he did a quick live spot on WTAE.<br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Rogan has a light air and good sense of humor. When asked if he prefered 'Mike' or 'Michael' he smiled as he answered, "If your asking, it's 'Michael', but not because <em>I</em> care - my mom does." At dinner Friday evening Michael talked about developing his passion for skiing in his early years at a local resort with his younger brother. In 1985 he turned that passion for skiing into a passion for <em>teaching</em> skiing. That passion was shining brightly when he worked with approximately 30 people, in 3 two-hour sessions. Each of the groups that went out with Rogan came back all smiles - many felt working with Michael gave them the critical breakthrough they'd been hoping for. Rogan is incredibly kind and personable with a gentle demenor that immediately puts people at ease. His great communication skills makes him incredibly easy to understand and he is able to explain concepts well enough for his students to truly understand complex concepts and then translate those ideas to on-snow performance. The ski instructors that shadowed the civilian workshops were a huge help and in turn they enjoyed listening to Michael work with the group and learned a great deal about how to integrate those skills into their teaching style by helping students utilize that knowledge on the hill.<br /><br />This amazing event gained much attention in the Twitterverse and the entire mountain has been a-buzz with talk of how great working with Michael Rogan was. I can only hope we will be so lucky to have him back next year!</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Until then I'll see ya on the slopes!</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Kjerstin</div><div align="justify">Snow Deva</div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-58610896144892759392010-02-16T12:57:00.004-05:002010-02-16T14:12:55.911-05:00Packed, Stacked and Jacked: Double Header Evens the Field<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeV-YevkCAxWkIDC1OibQ9XYflBb8823ulsOoMmNxNtbd_sDC2S2jNQHkVN9LbGMVoUDOHnNYE-4hhopZMGrbFzxOOV5R2zJRVz-JPNR3f7IYHkfcZXyB_EkYOltnv34WREAaVtjtUhpA/s1600-h/%23PSJ+Oakley+Event+Grometz+competitors.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438912141428321570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeV-YevkCAxWkIDC1OibQ9XYflBb8823ulsOoMmNxNtbd_sDC2S2jNQHkVN9LbGMVoUDOHnNYE-4hhopZMGrbFzxOOV5R2zJRVz-JPNR3f7IYHkfcZXyB_EkYOltnv34WREAaVtjtUhpA/s320/%23PSJ+Oakley+Event+Grometz+competitors.JPG" border="0" /></a>This has been a winter for the record books - the snow just keeps coming and the conditions at <a href="http://www.7springs.com/">Seven Springs</a> have been amazing.<br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify">Seven Springs had a wild weekend - after most of the Pittsburgh area schools had the week off due to weather conditions Seven Springs kicked off Winter Fest, held the <a href="http://www.wprcskiteam.org/">USSA J3 State Ski Racing Derby</a>, hosted <a href="http://snowdevatas.blogspot.com/2010/02/willis-ski-shop-welcomes-mike-rogan-to.html">Michael Rogan</a>, top PSIA ski instructor and a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Packed-Stacked-and-Jacked/138223304118?ref=ts">Packed, Stacked and Jacked</a> Double header - all of this on top of the Presidents Day weekend which happened to coincide with Valentines Day.</div><div align="justify"><br />There was so much going on that the mountain literally hummed with frenetic energy.</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">All of the events on the mountain show the enthusiasm of the ski crowd - none more than the back-to-back PSJ freestyle ski and snowboard events. The PSJ weekend started on a high note when Joe Green, our <a href="http://www.oakley.com/">Oakley</a> rep, showed up with basketball t's with bib numbers that the competitors got to keep. The weather caused a slight change of plans for the <a href="http://cu.7springs.com/galleries/index.php?id=299771">Oakley Big Hit</a> comp on Saturday and it was shifted to a modified slope style event - everyone of the competitors loved the format so I expect we will see more of this type of set up in next years PSJ events. It was an exciting day and brought out some great new competitors we have not seen in previous PSJ events. The winners for the day were:</div><div align="justify"><br /><strong>Lds Ski:<br /></strong>1st Julia Schwartz</div><div align="justify">2nd Elle Pappas</div><div align="justify">3rd Emily Cocco</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong>Lds Snb:</strong></div><div align="justify">1st Ashley Vander Meer</div><div align="justify">2nd Shelby Layman</div><div align="justify">3rd Shannon Branthoover</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong>Men's Ski:</strong></div><div align="justify">1st James Rullo</div><div align="justify">2nd Freddy Brideweser</div><div align="justify">3rd Tyler Pence</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong>Men's Snb:</strong></div><div align="justify">1st Chuck Lengle</div><div align="justify">2nd Cory Cissel</div><div align="justify">3rd Clint Cooper</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Day two of the Double header was the make up day for the <a href="http://www.k2sports.com/">K2</a> Big Air comp that was postponed last weekend due to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/snowlapalooza/">Snowlapalooza</a>. The make up day turned out to be tough - the expert <a href="http://www.7springs.com/page/category.detail/nav/5322/Park-Crew-All-Stars.html">park crew</a> was sent out to do a final evaluation to determine if conditions were safe enough to send competitors over a 70 foot jump. The night before a 30 footer was built in anticipation of the nasty conditions and it proved to be the saving grace of the comp. The light was flat and the snow was heavy but it paid off big for those competitors who hung in there and has proven to be the great leveler in the over-all point spread for the entire Packed, Jacked and Stacked series.</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The winners for the K2 Big Air contest include:</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong>Lds Snb:</strong></div><div align="justify">1st Ashley Vander Meer</div><div align="justify">2nd Shannon Branthoover</div><div align="justify">3rd Shelby Layman</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><strong>Snb Men:</strong></div><div align="justify">1st Chuck Lengle</div><div align="justify">2nd Zack Yourd</div><div align="justify">3rd Chris Poe</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong>Lds Ski:</strong></div><div align="justify">1st Emily Cocco</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong>Men Ski:</strong></div><div align="justify">1st Justin Petriko</div><div align="justify">2nd James Rullo</div><div align="justify">3rd Jimmy Hill</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Now, due to the shortened field competing on Sunday the <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/Leader%20Board.htm">point spread</a> is <em>far</em> closer now than it was at the end of Saturday's Oakley event. As of now Chuck Lengle is still out front but not as many of his snowboard buddies came out to support him - more skier guys showed up, girl skiers bailed for the most part and girl snowboarders stayed fairly consistent - gaining the girl snowboarders some much needed points.</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">As of now the over-all standings are as follows:</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Chuck Lengle - 90 Points</div><div align="justify">Justin Petriko - 84 Points</div><div align="justify">James Rullo - 80 Points</div><div align="justify">Zack Yourd - 76 Points</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">At this point in the game Justin and Zack are leading for the 16 and under points and Ashley Vander Meer is leading the ladies with 32 points with Shannon Branthoover close behind with 26!</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">This tight of a point spread means that <em>Anything </em>can happen at the final <a href="http://www.nordica.com/">Nordica</a>, <a href="http://www.monsterenergy.com/">Monster Energy Drink</a>, <a href="http://www.gnu.com/">Gnu Snowboards</a> wrap-up event on March 13th so it should be very exciting for everyone<em>.</em></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><em></em></div><div align="justify">Keep in mind there will be tons of prizes and sponsorships being handed out on that final day as well as the grand, Packed, Stacked and Jacked prize package going to the top skier or snowboard - this years Seven Springs King of the Hill!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">See ya on the Slopes!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Kjerstin Klein</div><div align="justify">Snow Deva</div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-43460963632744683072010-02-11T17:35:00.003-05:002010-02-11T17:40:31.764-05:00Willi's Ski Shop Welcomes Mike Rogan to Seven Springs<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSN5LvB66F2DjcsYFp2OvqNfFlgvbG6ugbfI_wkfhTjgAeex5WtvhX2Svy7NnPh6guEnH5CQlFZOc3YnqCHgIrBrKgtXbPP6Qg89ZFj8wjpXyvlfxKTEp7hbuO8U6hkV5XB8C1IuSrt9U/s1600-h/MichaelRogan.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437119009627910722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 164px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSN5LvB66F2DjcsYFp2OvqNfFlgvbG6ugbfI_wkfhTjgAeex5WtvhX2Svy7NnPh6guEnH5CQlFZOc3YnqCHgIrBrKgtXbPP6Qg89ZFj8wjpXyvlfxKTEp7hbuO8U6hkV5XB8C1IuSrt9U/s400/MichaelRogan.bmp" border="0" /></a>Willi's Ski Shop is pleased to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">welcome</span> Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Rogan</span>, one of the Country's top 100 ski instructors to conduct lessons at Seven Springs <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">February</span> 12<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> and 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span>.<br /><br /><a id="i25v" title="Willi's Home Page" href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/" goog_docs_charindex="330">Willi's Ski and Board Shops</a> announced today that some local skiers will be fortunate enough to learn from Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rogan</span>, one of the country's top ski instructors. <a id="ja2z" title="Articles by Mike Rogan in SKI Magazine" href="http://www.skinet.com/ski/keyword/michael-rogan" goog_docs_charindex="492">Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Rogan</span></a> is the Director of Instruction for Ski Magazine and is listed as one of the top 100 ski <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">instructors</span> by that publication. Mike is a member of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">PSIA</span> National Alpine Team and Past Ski Director at Hotel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Portillo</span>, Chile.<br /></div><div align="justify"><br />Mike will begin his visit and tour of the area by spending Friday morning with the talented instructors from <a id="bsrf" title="direct link to 7 Springs Snowsport School page" href="http://www.7springs.com/page/category.detail/nav/5004/Snowsports-School.html" goog_docs_charindex="834">Seven <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Spring's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Snowsports</span> School</a>. He plans on conducting small group lessons at Seven Springs Mountain Resort from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. on Friday, February 12<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">th</span> and Saturday, February 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">th</span>. Thanks to the folks at Willi's Ski Shop and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Nordica</span>, these lessons are being offered to to select Willi's customers. They are free but each session is limited to eight students.<br /><br />“We’re thrilled to be able to offer this level of instruction to our valued customers" said Greg Klein, Owner of Willi's and a former <a id="of:h" title="Wikipedia info on FIS/World Cup ski racing" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIS_Alpine_Ski_World_Cup" goog_docs_charindex="1348"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">FIS</span></a> ski racer himself. “This winter has been one for the record books in our area. Conditions are perfect, we have plenty of snow, and we can offer a level of instruction that is typically reserved for destination resorts out west, so this is something special." Klein hopes to continue to offer unique opportunities like this to his customers.<br /></div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-32016254736800111792010-02-11T14:04:00.006-05:002010-02-11T17:42:54.932-05:00Packed, Stacked and Jacked: Double Header Weekend!<div align="justify"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Packed-Stacked-and-Jacked/138223304118?ref=ts"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437064388457076722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5CncwmwbVvRfqugtd0C0fct3QaWG_MKcu9vS8SspZLwg2UidDN-EqA59D3NnXGOwjUHsFXySqqu-9KSq2o5qFWIhAkbyG1CdcrDF8T4fM0JJ6Lk7sfk0OLM3Id6FS71lzhvIaKbqoQc/s400/Digging+out+from+the+storm+2-7-10.JPG" border="0" />Packed, Stacked and Jacked</a> ran into a little hiccup last weekend, <a href="http://www.7springs.com/">7 Springs</a> was hit with Snowlapaloza as some are calling the Blizzard of 2010. The <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=486444265380">K2 Big Air event</a> had to be canceled due to the 30+ inches of snow that closed the slopes until 10:00 AM Saturday. While it is clearly the storm of the decade there appears to be no end in sight as scattered snow showers are expected through next week. Schools all over the district have been canceled and since the Governor has declared it a state of emergency schools are not obligated to make up the lost days.<br /><br />At this point we are planning to go ahead with the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=486444265380#!/event.php?eid=146269501066&index=1">Oakley PSJ</a> event as planned on Saturday. As it currently stands it will be a double header weekend as we have scheduled the postponed K2 Big Air event for Sunday. We are, however, aware that Mother Nature may have other plans so keep tuned into the Packed, Stacked and Jacked Facebook page for details, updates and discussions.<br /><br />Competitors and spectators alike had a chance to provide input for how to reschedule the <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/K2-C298.aspx">K2</a> event and as it turns out there is no easy way to make everyone happy. The fact of the matter is that <a href="http://www.7springs.com/page/category.detail/nav/5313/Terrain-Parks.html">The SPOT</a> has a busy winter schedule which has left us with few options. The big thing is that we have prizes and we want to give them away – so we didn’t want to just cancel the K2 event all together – having back-to-back events will benefit some, hurt others and may be the great equalizer in the whole series. The fun part of that is that it will make the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=486444265380#!/event.php?eid=186933454568&index=1">Wrap Up Event</a> that much more intense and fun.<br /><br />It is exciting to see that the PSJ is gaining momentum. It has been so successful that it is garnering national attention and this is good for everyone. It means that individual competitors are getting more of the spotlight, The Spot is getting the attention a #1 ranked park should get and the sponsors are getting more attention for the part they are playing…which means more prizes for everyone. For the remaining events this year we are getting sponsors begging to be involved and sending some great stuff our way. The more people that show up to compete and spectate, the better the competitors throw down the bigger and the better the event will be next year. So bring your friends to compete or just cheer you on – it will be a great weekend with tons of snow, prizes and fun!</div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-45407011103889271132010-02-02T17:12:00.007-05:002010-02-04T17:40:59.336-05:00Packed, Stacked and Jacked: K2 Big Air Event<div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434468373990692002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 284px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9T5FNcB54yIY_5at8dkkWC1HqIqeS8p0BEgY_bohb8uQNg9RqMKoA_1C2hpA_PRc3inJ7ZmjL5wRFq4PZwi8E48gw3-hA2XTlzH04cluxumlKmLtGa65vSKjx7Zui6R7KBaYdG-_kV4/s400/%23PSJ+Salomon+Super+Pipe+006.jpg" border="0" />The <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/Packed-Stacked-and-Jacked.htm?utm_source=Snow%2BDeva&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Packed%2C%2BStacked%20and%20Jacked">Packed, Stacked and Jacked</a> event series is continuing with an amazing momentum. Last weekend’s <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/Salomon-C309.aspx?utm_source=Snow%2BDeva&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Packed%2BStacked%20and%20Jacked">Salomon</a> <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/Salomon%20Super%20Pipe.htm?utm_source=Snow%2BDeva&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Packed%2BStacked%20and%20Jacked">Super Pipe Event</a> was smokin’. The pipe walls were a bit icy but from the looks of the tricks they were popin' no one seemed to be holding back.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><br />The results for the pipe event, Ski Men's: 1st Justin Petriko, 2nd James Rullo, 3rd Jimmy Leslie; Ladies: 1st Danielle Mulkern, 2nd Elle Pappas, 3rd Emily Cocco; Snowboard Men's: 1st Chuck Lengle, 2nd Dan Genditzki, 3rd Mike Anderson; Ladies: 1st Ashley Vander Meer, 2nd Shannon Branthoover, 3rd Sara Godish, brought about some interesting over-all <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/Leader%20Board.htm?utm_source=Snow%2BDeva&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Packed%2BStacked%20and%20Jacked">point leaders</a> – at this point in the series snowboarders have out-gunned skiers with more competitors and now take the top 3 slots.</div><div align="justify"><br />Brother’s Chuck and Chris Lengle sit at the top of the leader board with 49 and 40 points respectively with Zack Yourd nipping at their heals with 39 points. Justin Petriko, with 38 points and Brandon Stark with 37 points are the two top skiers and snowboarder Ashley Vander Meer is the top female competitor with 12 points.</div><div align="justify"><br />Seems to me that the girls have started to figure out that the more women that compete the more points they get. The <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/Salomon%20Super%20Pipe.htm?utm_source=Snow%2BDeva&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Packed%2BStacked%20and%20Jacked">Salomon event</a> saw a precipitous drop in competitors but there was an increase in the percentage of female competitors – way to go ladies! Bring your friends, you get more points – they have a good time!</div><div align="justify"><br />The good news is that the high level of talent we are seeing in the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Packed-Stacked-and-Jacked/138223304118?ref=ts">Packed, Stacked and Jacked</a> series is catching national attention. Because of this companies are clamoring to get on board - Skull Candy, for instance, will be providing 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes for the 16 and Under’s in both the <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/Oakley%20Super%20Hit.htm?utm_source=Snow%2BDeva&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Packed%2BStacked%20and%20Jacked">Oakley event</a> (Feb. 13) and the <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/Nordica%20Monster%20Gnu%20Finals.html?utm_source=Snow%2BDeva&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Packed%2BStacked%20and%20Jacked">wrap-up event</a> (March 13) and prizes for the overall winners 16 and under ski and snowboard categories, as well as something special for the Grand Prize winner! <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/Oakely-C301.aspx?utm_source=Snow%2BDeva&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Packed%2BStacked%20and%20Jacked">Oakley</a> is also adding a regional sponsorship to the mix so there are more and more reasons to come out and compete.</div><div align="justify"><br />It is important to keep in mind that this is a cumulative point series so the more events you compete in the better chance you have to gain points – even if that event isn’t your best event. Just by showing up you have a chance to win points as there are points available all the way down to 25th place.</div><div align="justify"><br />The next event is the <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/K2%20Big%20Air%20Contest.htm?utm_source=Snow%2BDeva&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Packed%2BStacked%20and%20Jacked">K2 Big Air Contest</a> this weekend, Saturday February 6th, 2010 12:00 PM at <a href="http://www.7springs.com/page/category.detail/nav/5316.html">The Spot</a>. Registration is from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM outside of <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/index.htm?utm_source=Snow%2BDeva&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Packed%2BStacked%20and%20Jacked">Willi’s Ski Shop</a> at Seven Springs. The cost is $10 and HELMETS ARE MANDATORY. We also require a waiver signed by someone over 18 years old – a parent preferably, but you only need one waiver for all of the Packed, Stacked and Jacked events. So, if you have competed in one of the #PSJ events already we already have your waiver on file and you don’t need to have another signed. You still need to come by and register though so we pull your papers and give you a bib number – no bib, you won’t be judged – if you’re not judged you can’t win or even get any points…so, register!</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />K2 has provided some amazing prizes for this weekend’s affair. </div><div align="justify"><br />Men's Ski:</div><div align="justify">1st place wins a pair of <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/thejibshop/K2-Silencer-Skis-09-10-P7347.aspx?utm_source=Snow%2BDeva&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Packed%2BStacked%20and%20Jacked">K2 Silencer Twin Tips</a></div><div align="justify">2nd place wins a pair of 4 Speed Composite Poles</div><div align="justify">3rd place wins a Rant Helmet</div><br /><br /><div align="justify">Men's SNB:</div><div align="justify">1st place wins a <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/thejibshop/K2-Parkstar-Rocker-Snowboard-09-10-P6329.aspx?utm_source=Snow%2BDeva&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Packed%2BStacked%20and%20Jacked">Parkstar Board</a></div><div align="justify">2nd place wins a Helmet</div><div align="justify">3rd place wins a Hoodie</div><div align="justify"><br />Ladies Ski:</div><div align="justify">1st place wins a pair of <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/thejibshop/K2-MissConduct-Skis-09-10-P7444.aspx?utm_source=Snow%2BDeva&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Packed%2BStacked%20and%20Jacked">K2 Misconduct Twin Tips</a></div><div align="justify">2nd place wins a pair of K2 4 Karat Poles</div><div align="justify">3rd place wins a K2 Edge Helmet</div><br /><br /><div align="justify">Ladies SNB:</div><div align="justify">1st place wins a <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/thejibshop/K2-Luna-Snowboard-Womens-09-10-P7588.aspx?utm_source=Snow%2BDeva&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Packed%2BStacked%20and%20Jacked">Luna Board</a></div><div align="justify">2nd place wins a Helmet</div><div align="justify">3rd wins a Hoodie</div><br /><br /><div align="justify">The good news is it looks like we will be getting some snow this weekend so the landings will be soft – Joel and the park crew are ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at us and will be doing their best to groom and maintain the jumps so they are in top condition. Whether it is to compete or to spectate – come out and join us at 12:00 PM at THE SPOT! </div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-79145362989360452042010-01-28T16:26:00.005-05:002010-01-29T14:27:23.586-05:00Packed, Stacked and Jacked Rally's On: The Salomon/DC Super Pipe Event<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGgoTCzzknRhvB2LHcmgnJqF_YRVz92GewUsYxk9fwHDgXLwhJJ6fRP3xjWD1gmQIxyWCg67pD3gNFNN6t108EfvPszAgN0A75pr2ErEa0afWorYZHbvV1_d5qgJnGNI7YwMpTeSHFxQ/s1600-h/Packed+Stacked+and+Jacked+2010+Line+Ride+snb1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431906676664401826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGgoTCzzknRhvB2LHcmgnJqF_YRVz92GewUsYxk9fwHDgXLwhJJ6fRP3xjWD1gmQIxyWCg67pD3gNFNN6t108EfvPszAgN0A75pr2ErEa0afWorYZHbvV1_d5qgJnGNI7YwMpTeSHFxQ/s400/Packed+Stacked+and+Jacked+2010+Line+Ride+snb1.jpg" border="0" /></a>The kick off of the 2010 <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3154984&id=138223304118&fbid=270216594118#/pages/Packed-Stacked-and-Jacked/138223304118?ref=ts">Packed, Stacked and Jacked Series</a> was amazing. The small issue of a completely packed field of excellent competitors forced the event to be a bit delayed but no one appeared to mind. The weather was good, snow was cold and the rails were hot!</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">For the guys on two sticks, Eric Taylor took first and took home an amazing pair of <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/thejibshop/search.aspx?m=15">Line Skis</a>, Brandon came in second winning a pair of poles and Tyler Pence was third and left with a much coveted Line Hoody!</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The snowboarders were lead by Cooper Thomas in first for a dynomite <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/thejibshop/SNOWBOARD-C260.aspx">Ride Snowboard</a>, Chuck Lengle took second for a pair of Ride boots and Zack Yourd was in third for a equally awsome Ride Hoody.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">The girls looked strong and Elle Pappas came out on top for the skiers winning herself a great pair of Line skis, Emily Cocco took second for a pair of poles and Alyse Duskar was in third for a Line Hoody...I'm sure she was rockin' it at school on Monday.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The snowboard girls put on a good show and Ashley Vander Meer was the best of them taking home a Ride snowboard. Shelby Layman took second for a pair of Ride boots and Shannon Brauthoover came in third for a Ride Hoody.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The next #PSJ event is this Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at <a href="http://www.7springs.com/">Seven Springs</a>. It is the <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/Salomon%20Super%20Pipe.htm">Salomon Super Pipe Event</a>. Registration outside <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/">Willi's Ski Shop</a> at Seven Springs will begin at 9:00 AM untill 11:00 AM and the comp starts at 12:00 PM. Cost for the event is $10, you may bring your bib # from the last event if its your lucky number but you still have to pay the $10 - if you don't, you won't be on the judges sheet and will not be judged...so you can't win :(</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">As a reminder <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/ACCESSORIES-C261.aspx">HELMETS</a> ARE MANDATORY....our insurance guy has a stroke every time he sees what you all do...helmets make it a bit easier for him to swallow!</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">The points for the <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/Line%20Ride%20Rail%20Jam.html">Line and Ride Rail Jam</a> event can be found on the Willi's website on the <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/Leader%20Board.htm">Events/Leader Board page</a>. The cumulative points will not be posted until after the Salomon Super Pipe Event...we should have those up by Wednesday at the latest. For those of you who are wondering why the girls received fewer points than the guys it is becuase the guys had to compete against so many other people - there have been fewer girl competitors and the point structure is based on a 'full field' which consists of at least 20 competitors - so the key here girls is to get your friends to show up - competing is fun and who knows....you just might go home Packed, Stacked and Jacked!</div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-66140906381235563122010-01-21T13:05:00.007-05:002010-01-23T10:12:12.363-05:00Packed, Stacked and Jacked Kicks Off: The Line and Ride Rail Jam<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9g5w73RCDhhkyHPVyw-0aCFkr2lVC5EHcRI-rmpijSj0bfESETd2HOVFgx0tcJQWI6LRs3MbM7iFtRQhoiXBpbqyPzzwS_VZie_Uv9_VTC79Hvq2KRc8g2RKgZfMhhepReOSgmsbMAWY/s1600-h/Ride.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429256117790219874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 76px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9g5w73RCDhhkyHPVyw-0aCFkr2lVC5EHcRI-rmpijSj0bfESETd2HOVFgx0tcJQWI6LRs3MbM7iFtRQhoiXBpbqyPzzwS_VZie_Uv9_VTC79Hvq2KRc8g2RKgZfMhhepReOSgmsbMAWY/s400/Ride.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHKz9bc88mxtQePCTv3KnMX0I6Zm1WZFISYd86-ETj5cgyb_-kH-K8YtOAQT8suYSFlenEJiHbiwUNw803rKyNi5hh1FWGz_E2nOj8IlzsnC4vrlWz-Gk9eahREd5PH2Mg-wM3K7xiQI/s1600-h/Line+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429255970554504290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 369px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 61px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHKz9bc88mxtQePCTv3KnMX0I6Zm1WZFISYd86-ETj5cgyb_-kH-K8YtOAQT8suYSFlenEJiHbiwUNw803rKyNi5hh1FWGz_E2nOj8IlzsnC4vrlWz-Gk9eahREd5PH2Mg-wM3K7xiQI/s400/Line+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">This Saturday, January 23rd, 2010 kicks of the <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/Packed-Stacked-and-Jacked.htm">Packed, Stacked and Jacked Contest Series</a> for freestyle <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/SKI-C259.aspx">ski</a> and <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/SNOWBOARD-C260.aspx">snowboarders</a>. This amazing event series, conceived by <a href="http://www.shayboarder.com/2009/06/industry-profile-jibshopwillis-ski-snowboard-shop-owner-greg-klein.html">Greg Klein</a> and held at <a href="http://www.7springs.com/">Seven Springs Mountain Resort</a> starts with a <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=rail%20jam">rail jam</a> format event sponsored by <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/thejibshop/search.aspx?m=15">Line Skis</a> and <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/thejibshop/search.aspx?m=9">Ride Snowboards</a>.</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Thanks to Line representative <a href="http://www.ewsra.org/?q=node/26&action=1&recnum=16">Rene Knudsen</a> and Ride rep <a href="http://twitter.com/plbigdaddy">Patrick Lawrence</a> there are some awesome <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/Line%20Ride%20Rail%20Jam.html">prizes</a> to be given away this weekend. There are categories in both Ski and Snowboard for both Men and Women with great 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes for each division - first prize for men's ski is a <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/thejibshop/Line-AfterBang-Skis-09-10-P7349.aspx">Line Afterbang ski</a>, men's snowboard 1st prize is a <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/thejibshop/Ride-Machete-Snowboard-09-10-P6325.aspx">Ride Machete</a> and the top women are going home with a <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/thejibshop/Line-Shadow-Skis-09-10-P7445.aspx">Line Shadow ski </a>and a <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/thejibshop/Ride-Compact-Snowboard-09-10-P7569.aspx">Ride Compact snowboard</a>.</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">This event alone is a killer event but it is just one in a series of five awesome events that include the <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/Salomon%20Super%20Pipe.htm">Salomon Super Pipe Event</a>, the <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/K2%20Big%20Air%20Contest.htm">K2 Big Air Event</a>, the <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/Oakley%20Super%20Hit.htm">Oakley Super Hit Event </a>and will end March 13th with the <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/Nordica%20Monster%20Gnu%20Finals.html">Nordica, Monster Energy Drink, Gnu Wrap-Up Event</a>. The goal is simple - end the series with the <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/PJS%20Points%20System.htm">most over-all points</a> and you get <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=411864005602#/pages/Packed-Stacked-and-Jacked/138223304118?ref=ts">Packed, Stacked and Jacked</a> with a ton of <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/PSJ%20Prizes.htm">prizes</a>.</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">There are sponsorship opportunities and tons of great prizes so the level of competition will be high even if outside talent is not part of the equation - Seven Springs has produced some amazing athletes including <a href="http://www.freeskier.com/profiles/profile.php?user_id=19424">Tom Wallisch</a> and <a href="http://kristileskinen.com/">Kristi Leskinen</a> and the kids here now are throwin' it down big time. Local hero, <a href="http://www.7springs.com/page/category.detail/nav/5426/html">Brandon Stark</a>, ended last season's March Radness with a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUbXirM5QlI">double back and double front flip</a> and rumor has it that he will be rockin' and rollin' again this year!</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Should be fun! Remember it all starts in the Goggle Bowl at 5:30 January 23, 2010. Registration will be in front of the Willi's store from 3:00 - 5:00. Cost is $10 and HELMETS ARE MANDATORY FOR ALL EVENTS!</div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-30582624086813542892010-01-09T12:44:00.005-05:002010-01-09T14:15:09.641-05:00Waist Deep Powder<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0760oG8DO0mzT3SND5WRCO5M7XzWdMkcRl19bM2iB4W2a-M7ao-In3TOUmALbYnIQ1rVron_Ss9B7UYgBe4hsIRHNPINFTeMLbeWPU6L-mRKAgvhmllIWeYr9VVwc-hPz_IvkIhEhG8/s1600-h/Christmas+%2709+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424797743598236850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 282px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0760oG8DO0mzT3SND5WRCO5M7XzWdMkcRl19bM2iB4W2a-M7ao-In3TOUmALbYnIQ1rVron_Ss9B7UYgBe4hsIRHNPINFTeMLbeWPU6L-mRKAgvhmllIWeYr9VVwc-hPz_IvkIhEhG8/s400/Christmas+%2709+027.jpg" border="0" /></a> This has been one of the most entertaining ski and snowboard seasons we have had in years. I know that 'years' is a nebulous term and you have no idea what I mean by 'entertaining' so let me clarify - I haven't seen this much snow since the winter of '93-'94!</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Now I realize we have had snowy winters. I realize we have had cold winters but it has been since I moved here from Colorado that I have seen one of those 'perfect storm' winters.</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Pittsburgh sits in just the right place for the most bizarre weather patterns. I have seen it hit 70 degrees in January some years...and I have seen it hit 18 below...there was one year when a week in June had the same temperatures as a week in January. My very intelligent, meteorologist sister, <a href="http://www.soaringmountain.com/">Kimm Viebrock</a> could explain better than me <em>why</em> this happens in the 'Burgh, I just know it is all about location, location, location. There are rare years, however, where fates conspire and we get just the right temperatures with just the right amount of moisture and whala! Waist Deep Powder!</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The first winter I moved here I was sure I would miss the intensity of Colorado winters. I was blessed, however, with a Pittsburgh 'perfect storm' winter and was thrilled with how my new city looked covered in a blanket of snow from November until March. "I can live with this" I remember thinking....we haven't had a winter like that since. Don't get me wrong, we've had snow but we haven't had this constant, steady stream of light storms punctuated by a few heavy snow falls and the hope that it will continue this way until March. It's beautiful. This time, knowing that we may not see a winter like this for another 16 years I'm going to do my best to enjoy it!</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">See ya on the slopes!</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Kjerstin </div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-56302801715578211912010-01-05T06:16:00.005-05:002010-01-05T13:37:03.310-05:00Keeping Warm Skiing and Snowboarding<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBrZ75VChgAReNjYdPI27HtNoQqqpVmHWvSeQTz89rSurSk8zCk4xeocwLqHLqYAbgpBDak_cpW-OO0cTc2q1HL6rOCuWSWtgopCfCoxPdx82WLkr_faV5S7pZjYSXdkhbpGRx8uItQ0/s1600-h/WPRC+First+Day+of+Training+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423325399753829026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 295px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBrZ75VChgAReNjYdPI27HtNoQqqpVmHWvSeQTz89rSurSk8zCk4xeocwLqHLqYAbgpBDak_cpW-OO0cTc2q1HL6rOCuWSWtgopCfCoxPdx82WLkr_faV5S7pZjYSXdkhbpGRx8uItQ0/s400/WPRC+First+Day+of+Training+002.jpg" border="0" /></a>We had a great holiday week at <a href="http://www.7springs.com/">Seven Springs</a>. It was amazing winter weather...most people wouldn't describe it as <em>good</em> winter weather...but amazing just the same. It was cold, snowy and blowy - the likes we haven't seen in years. Not over the holiday break anyway.<br /><br />Somehow, since it has been so long since we have had a long period of such blustery weather, people seemed to have forgotten how to dress for it. I can't tell you how many frozen people came stumbling into the <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/">shop</a> hoping to find some piece of magic to keep them warm. No offence but it isn't magic...just physics.<br /><br />The human body is an amazing furnace and will produce more than enough heat to keep the average person comfortable - the trick is to <em>save</em> that heat and keep it close to your body. Heat is drawn away from your body by low temperatures (most people get that one), wind (we all recognize windchill) and moisture (not everyone gets that one so we'll talk about that later). The trick to keeping cozy is to stop those elements from robbing your body of the heat it has produced.<br /><br />Layering is the biggest trick for combating low temperatures. The key is to layer effectively. I can not tell you how many of the people who came in from the slopes this week complaining of the cold had layered with cotton...their layers consisted of a cotton T-shirt, often a short sleeved t-shirt at that, and a bulky hoody under their jacket and honestly believed that they would be warm in sub-freezing temperatures.<br /><br />Three fatal errors here. 1) Cotton has no thermal capacity - We wear cotton in the summer to <em>dissipate</em> heat. 2)Cotton holds moisture that will rob your body of heat and 3) Bulky garments cause constriction that reduce blood flow and pockets of air that are too big to warm effectively.<br /><br />So if you are one of the hoody-clad, cotton-wearing masses you may be trying to defend yourself right now..."I was never cold before," "I always wear my sweatshirts to class and I'm fine"...I've heard it all before. This is physics, I'm sure you 'felt' cozy but that is different than being 'warm'.<br /><br />The fact of the matter is that cotton simply does not have the fiber structure or material content to retain heat. It doesn't, there is no thermal quality to cotton - end of story. Cotton does, however, retain moisture, and a lot of it. Not only does cotton absorb moisture it is exposed to - it holds on to it. The bulkier the cotton garment is the more moisture it will hold - think of how long it takes for your hoody to dry in the dryer versus a thin pair of boxer shorts. If you are layering with cotton all of the sweat is absorbed by that cotton and held there near your body, robbing your body of precious heat. You will be at least 30% colder when you are wet - think of how cold you are when you get out of the shower-you dry off and you are warmer. In this shower example the temperature of the room didn't change, you didn't change what you were wearing...just wet, then dry, cold, then warm. If this example is lost on you try it next time you shower.<br /><br />Some people have tried to argue with me that they don't really sweat, or that they only sweat when they are over heated...um, hate to break it to you, we <em>all</em> sweat and we sweat a lot. The average person sweats anywhere from .5 to 1.7 liters an hour depending on activity level. Skiing and snowboarding rank quite high on the activity charts so to help you with the visual try this exercise for yourself - take that cotton hoody you think is so warm, take one of those typical bottles of 'Natural Spring Water' you have sitting at your desk and dump it on your sweatshirt - then put it on and tell me how warm you are...cozy, right? The next problem is that it doesn't dry very fast - and each hour you have to dump another bottle of water on it. Not dry, not warm, not cozy.<br /><br />Now the fact that most hoodies don't fit comfortably under your typical ski or snowboard jacket seems like it might be a giveaway for some people...none-the-less I see people do it all the time. Hoody hoods stick out and collect snow or even better, are crammed into the jacket making the wearer look like the Hunch Back of Notre Dame. Rolled up sleeves often stick out past the jacket cuffs and the hoody hem and extra fabric bunches all out under the bottom of the jacket...It is quiet the fashion statement-but beyond that it has created pockets of dead air that the body simply cannot warm up. The idea behind layering is to create small pockets of air that are easy for the body to warm up creating a buffer zone of warm air that protects you from the cold elements. Each of these layers holds heat long enough for you to produce more - it helps you keep ahead of the power curve. Sure heat is lost to the elements but it is done at such a rate that you can produce enough to replace what is lost so as to keep you warm. Large, open pockets of air can't do this.<br /><br />In addition, those bulky garments will constrict in other areas often reducing blood flow causing certain areas of your body to be cold. One of the best examples of this is the big open sleeve of a hoody crammed into the sleeve of a ski or snowboard jacket. Typically the hoody will bunch up at the upper part of the sleeve, particularly on the inside of the arm, closest to the body. This just happens to be the place where the major artery to your lower arm happens to be and <em>any</em> pressure on that artery will reduce the blood flow to the hands enough to freeze those little fingers to the bone faster than you can say "Does this run take me back to the lodge?"<br /><br />So now that I have let the cat out of the bag, yes, the ultimate warmth of your fingers, and your toes for that matter, is directly related to what you wear on your body. I'm not talking about <em>just</em> the artery deal - I'm talking about the whole layering-and-keeping-your-body-warm deal. Keep in mind that in a survival situation your body thinks of your fingers and toes as expendable. Your body doesn't realize that you have <em>chosen</em> to go out in sub-freezing temperatures and expose yourself to the adrenaline rush of skiing and snowboarding to have a little fun - it thinks this is serious business and unless your core body is warm it will not, I repeat, will <em>not</em> allow one ounce of extra warmth to head to the fingers or the toes. Blood flow will be restricted to the rest of the body and saved for the head and the core of the body until such time that it feels there is heat to be spared. So while good gloves are important, your body layers are even more so.<br /><br />So please, no cotton layers, no jeans, no sweat pants, no hoodies, no gym socks-you'll freeze and then I'll feel bad because I'm the one who is supposed to make sure you are warm so you can have fun.<br /><br />Keep warm so I can see ya on the slopes!<br /><br />Kjerstin</div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-28644241980153970012009-12-27T11:36:00.004-05:002009-12-27T12:05:04.870-05:00I'd Rather Be Working<div align="justify">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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Most of you know that I work for <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/">Willi's Ski Shop</a>...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 <em>communicating</em> 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!<br /><br />So - even though the slopes here at <a href="http://www.7springs.com/">Seven Springs</a> are incredible today, don't think me too odd for choosing to work; instead, find me on <a href="http://twitter.com/kjerstinklein">twitter</a> and tell me all about <em>your</em> most recent day on the slopes, post some pictures on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Willis-Ski-Shop/113984597667?ref=ts">facebook</a> pages or make a comment here because for me, that is work, and today, I'd rather be working!</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">See ya on the slopes! - (but not today)</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Kjerstin</div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-22838393542942785352009-12-21T22:02:00.003-05:002009-12-21T22:50:49.292-05:00Seven Springs Season Starts on a High Note<div align="justify">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 <a href="http://www.7springs.com/">Seven Springs</a> 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.</div><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Seven Springs hosted the <a href="http://www.romesnowboards.com/">Rome SDS</a> Premature Jibulation and while neither <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/">Willi's Ski Shop</a> nor <a href="http://www.thejibshop.com/">The Jib Shop</a> 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.</div><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">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 <a href="http://www.7springs.com/page/category.detail/nav/5313/Terrain-Parks.html">their site</a>.</div><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">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.</div><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">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 :)</div><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">See ya on the slopes!</div><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Kjerstin</div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-79331627717879367492009-12-09T13:55:00.010-05:002009-12-09T14:29:04.735-05:00Seven Springs Begins the 2009-10 Season Tomorrow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwAigeUNnvRcvJBImRduPc1q8y3tB_Trdx9SgFF_zjwWzBGBmrOdvww6NM12Fmsnq7-shYGq9URoImB14gIxe2D22FV3DsnGWd_EDowxoikfk3Td2Jfy3VYKtN7D71ip8pJg_mKzVkBw/s1600-h/IMG_3985.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwAigeUNnvRcvJBImRduPc1q8y3tB_Trdx9SgFF_zjwWzBGBmrOdvww6NM12Fmsnq7-shYGq9URoImB14gIxe2D22FV3DsnGWd_EDowxoikfk3Td2Jfy3VYKtN7D71ip8pJg_mKzVkBw/s320/IMG_3985.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div></div><div>You may wonder what skiers and snowboarders do in the winter before the season starts...well, we wait...</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3uFav9cJRgBQ6sZH7WILELEQJ6oY_OC5L9O03DtvPNBhyphenhyphenZ5nosiE1kjHdAJQiSrLOTuw5xoT_uTu-MeZxNvowzyOU3UtJseRRf2s3tRR971_UL2JzlQIAaX-YFMpoBro6zNrVShsNv8/s1600-h/IMG_4003.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3uFav9cJRgBQ6sZH7WILELEQJ6oY_OC5L9O03DtvPNBhyphenhyphenZ5nosiE1kjHdAJQiSrLOTuw5xoT_uTu-MeZxNvowzyOU3UtJseRRf2s3tRR971_UL2JzlQIAaX-YFMpoBro6zNrVShsNv8/s320/IMG_4003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div>and wait...</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptcJpgROyVWJt-aM3Ci0_QnQi3GaoP35nUzfjs9VW-sB-G94oaFvlCkqBvVb_YZ-jxU7PYp4mkV2B0MNEWD6OJe44qbft0fx2LF44wMs79gGF77WOUTt9A-LjhdLF445dgJO4RqVGWqI/s1600-h/IMG_4014.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptcJpgROyVWJt-aM3Ci0_QnQi3GaoP35nUzfjs9VW-sB-G94oaFvlCkqBvVb_YZ-jxU7PYp4mkV2B0MNEWD6OJe44qbft0fx2LF44wMs79gGF77WOUTt9A-LjhdLF445dgJO4RqVGWqI/s320/IMG_4014.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div>and wait...</div><br /><div><br />We try to entertain ourselves the best we can. On this particular, near summer day in late November, we enjoyed a day at the <a href="http://www.pittsburghzoo.org/">Pittsburgh Zoo and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">PPG</span> Aquarium</a>. With the weather cool enough to enjoy, the animals came out to play and it was truly an amazing day (click <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/KjerstinKlein/PittsburghZooAndAquariumFall2009#">here</a> for the full web album).<br /><br /></div><div>The waiting is now over...<br /><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" alt="Posted by Picasa" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" align="middle" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="CLEAR: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVszIkleXAil-SGvT8dBBMRNYHA4Vf8XkczQe4OCUnVFCKlqY7eFlqaMYydxi-ge1Y04dn5BJhRYhheGhx4W-ss4ac2EPvRyISMeRV5dWYRY7NT8ji_VBe9U4dJt4EPwqq16jCuY4Q8I/s1600-h/IMG_4032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413315243841320594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 337px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVszIkleXAil-SGvT8dBBMRNYHA4Vf8XkczQe4OCUnVFCKlqY7eFlqaMYydxi-ge1Y04dn5BJhRYhheGhx4W-ss4ac2EPvRyISMeRV5dWYRY7NT8ji_VBe9U4dJt4EPwqq16jCuY4Q8I/s400/IMG_4032.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYXuMa4AXYSy98T0XgnXYoyDy-BGm0jCYJGNeyVZS1QScIaIJx4CKlA54qKmzHWSxO3Qa8j-WBxFiGYYzgcHitvOXb9_hnJjxNapdf-6rxqogsLLpT8tOO5QFOsqe1zHkyIcpPkq0tE4/s1600-h/IMG_4031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413315623421115970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 324px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYXuMa4AXYSy98T0XgnXYoyDy-BGm0jCYJGNeyVZS1QScIaIJx4CKlA54qKmzHWSxO3Qa8j-WBxFiGYYzgcHitvOXb9_hnJjxNapdf-6rxqogsLLpT8tOO5QFOsqe1zHkyIcpPkq0tE4/s400/IMG_4031.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div><br /><br />and as of tomorrow the 2009-10 season is in full swing at <a href="http://www.7springs.com/">Seven Springs Mountain Resort</a>. We have some amazing events planned so I hope you will come to join us!<br /><br />See ya on the slopes!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kjerstin</span>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-64950062970660820642009-09-23T12:50:00.007-04:002009-10-17T00:19:37.799-04:00Nordica Unveils the New Park Boot<div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384714953573661602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 311px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUZVvem4TE3vXuiLTB0PKHsL47olb13tKCczUP0q2qHxDPw6531f7UdHz48k3rTyiPZIiViM8BooLDvT_EC0tuRL8cFmubDKGyf7pR8KOfOCuE3_UDZt0P7S4Dm1qissSGcYnAkQ6V_w/s400/Nordica+Logo.gif" border="0" />As I am writing this entry the count down on the unveiling of the new, top secret Nordica <a href="http://www.nordica.com/site/home.php?site=2&lang=12">Park Boot</a> is at <a href="http://www.nordica.com/site/home.php?site=2&lang=12">4 Days, 21 Hours and a little over 6 Minutes</a>. <a href="http://www.shayboarder.com/2009/06/industry-profile-jibshopwillis-ski-snowboard-shop-owner-greg-klein.html">Greg Klein</a>, 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.<br /></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">He will be posting on Twitter and Facebook throughout the wine-and-dine trip so be sure to follow him on our<a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/The-Jib-Shop/149968612712?ref=ts"> The Jib Shop</a> page on Facebook and at <a href="http://twitter.com/thejibshop">@thejibshop</a> on Twitter for all the saucey details!</div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-73753034270516381552009-09-06T09:01:00.010-04:002009-09-06T09:58:29.942-04:00Kicking Off the Season: Day 2 of the Pre Season Sale<div align="justify">It is Day 2 of our annual <a href="http://www.willisskiandsnowboard.com/">Labor Day <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pre</span> Season Ski and Snowboard sale</a>. 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.<br /><br />One of the best parts this year is that our <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/Wil/pages/Willis_Monroeville.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Monroeville</span></a> sale is in the new <a href="http://www.mcc-pa.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Monroeville</span> Convention Center</a>. 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.<br /><br />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".<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntNQ2X6RCJc8xq9hnjnNAQaaI4SgzXNrwa1oe7pGeTfQZHPfs7Z2EFXPGAkSy-VM4WSGCLd685F8OvniIQk_Qh9xagN0WDmv_gzMlj-eOnayUuZ0MCS520onogXlh57AKybOtEGrKoHU/s1600-h/IMG_0264.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntNQ2X6RCJc8xq9hnjnNAQaaI4SgzXNrwa1oe7pGeTfQZHPfs7Z2EFXPGAkSy-VM4WSGCLd685F8OvniIQk_Qh9xagN0WDmv_gzMlj-eOnayUuZ0MCS520onogXlh57AKybOtEGrKoHU/s320/IMG_0264.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify">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.<br /><br />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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">snowsport</span> 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.<br /><br />Even though it is Day 2 and we were really busy yesterday there is still great merchandise left.<br /></div><div style="CLEAR: both" align="justify"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"></a></div><div align="justify"><br />We have racks of great t-shirts and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">hoodies</span>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGmY1ZgZWWcBhOvgfNe58OyM6S6Ks1yV1r36n0bGajQwucnoSqpuNqyRNy7LdpgUpkwZ7Y7SKLNLXwDaYC3JK7jMa6Zt6A4uCgeWdVnmyyRQI-kT9nGmwpSJ3WCRCjHA7M_I-JIiCoWY/s1600-h/IMG_0265.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGmY1ZgZWWcBhOvgfNe58OyM6S6Ks1yV1r36n0bGajQwucnoSqpuNqyRNy7LdpgUpkwZ7Y7SKLNLXwDaYC3JK7jMa6Zt6A4uCgeWdVnmyyRQI-kT9nGmwpSJ3WCRCjHA7M_I-JIiCoWY/s320/IMG_0265.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pants and jackets from some great snowboard lines,<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cOHd53tcryOcP6ggQgiwYHv6_ZmhaAFbMPeAjsTuxWGgoI_TKquHHcCf9vP39a_7MBVrPMYEfo_EWx9_qcIjeZvVfNM-xBXDDgIGadAR3mvdTO13EE7uQgt7QKCOSFa-3RiVIxLPB1w/s1600-h/IMG_0267.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cOHd53tcryOcP6ggQgiwYHv6_ZmhaAFbMPeAjsTuxWGgoI_TKquHHcCf9vP39a_7MBVrPMYEfo_EWx9_qcIjeZvVfNM-xBXDDgIGadAR3mvdTO13EE7uQgt7QKCOSFa-3RiVIxLPB1w/s320/IMG_0267.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />even great fashion merchandise.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EmqL6MpIj-9ezrs5WRw2KCj7QDbk0ShN6DNlgN0Dqd_OJ2gOpjTm9fy5TiDlht3C-EWf-VwcVt0iMPtuGrDtEL_9nlrJy3Rdj-axdmPmjOMHz_DTswfBzOpFgr4Sjia3PZbgwKCLcwo/s1600-h/IMG_0266.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EmqL6MpIj-9ezrs5WRw2KCj7QDbk0ShN6DNlgN0Dqd_OJ2gOpjTm9fy5TiDlht3C-EWf-VwcVt0iMPtuGrDtEL_9nlrJy3Rdj-axdmPmjOMHz_DTswfBzOpFgr4Sjia3PZbgwKCLcwo/s320/IMG_0266.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. </div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-32955538659027735002009-04-06T20:15:00.004-04:002009-04-06T20:38:59.135-04:00Hall of Fame Class Of 2008 - Ambassadors For Local ResortsSaturday night was the<a href="http://www.skihall.com/"> Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame</a> Induction Dinner held at <a href="http://www.deervalley.com/">Deer Valley</a> 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.<br /><br />What struck me the most was not all of the numerous and amazing accomplishments the four inductees, <a href="http://www.boyne.com/Winter/Ski_Ambassador.html">Cary Adgate,</a> <a href="http://www.nelsoncarmichael.com/">Nelson Carmichael</a>, <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/olympics/events/1998/nagano/athletes/183.htm">Liz McIntyre</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Briggs">Bill Brigs</a> are responsible for but the fact that each one of them had their beginnings at humble local hills.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />See ya on the slopes – big and small :)<br /><br />KjerstinKjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978508406217661663.post-49414624131227053242009-03-17T05:59:00.006-04:002009-03-17T14:34:26.704-04:00The Monster Weekend Comes To a Close<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqf_gNZAya-6K0GLjlLIX1aGlWSeLNF-fliOvBmxAPnJq_F05dz2rF0n-96PurRypNSKhDsO0ATx_dqsKn_oDojao9LsAKe6Fy_8NoED0djSVM3hz_rjFaYMIznNLR0aCl8E4S6wbVtPQ/s1600-h/Kristi+Leskinen+Homecoming+winners+circle.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314095019028585058" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqf_gNZAya-6K0GLjlLIX1aGlWSeLNF-fliOvBmxAPnJq_F05dz2rF0n-96PurRypNSKhDsO0ATx_dqsKn_oDojao9LsAKe6Fy_8NoED0djSVM3hz_rjFaYMIznNLR0aCl8E4S6wbVtPQ/s400/Kristi+Leskinen+Homecoming+winners+circle.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">What an amazing weekend - It is Tuesday already and I'm barely recovered! So much happened during the <a href="http://www.7springs.com/page/calendars.detail/date/2626/event/596.html">Monster Homecoming Invitational</a> at <a href="http://www.7springs.com/">Seven Springs </a>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.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">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 <a href="http://www.bulabula.com/team/team_id=1&rider_id=11">Kaya Turski</a> 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. <a href="http://oakley.com/women/uniquely/grete">Grete Eliassen</a> took second and the Monster hostess with the mostest <a href="http://www.kristileskinen.com/">Kristi Leskinen</a> found herself a spot on the podium with a corked 720 mute grab.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://oakley.com/sports/tdh/athletes/234">Chanelle Sladics </a>took the snowboard crown with her strong performance on the rails backed up by her outstanding cab 360 and cab 540. My fav, sweetie <a href="http://oakley.com/sports/snowboard/athletes/126">Silvia Mittermuller</a>, took 2nd on the snowboard side followed by <a href="http://powderworld.f5sports.com/taxonomy/term/40482">Maribeth Swetkoff</a>.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">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 <a href="http://www.swixsport.com/eway/default.aspx?pid=278">Swix</a> 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.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">The girls celebrated the event Saturday night in Seven Springs' night club, the <a href="http://www.7springs.com/page/category.detail/nav/5049/Nightlife.html">Matterhorn</a> 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.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">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.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">"I think the ride-with-a-pro and the Amateur Rail Jam was a great part of the weekend," said Greg Klein from <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/">Willi's Ski and Board Shop</a>. "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"</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">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 - <a href="http://www.7springs.com/">Seven Springs</a>, <a href="http://www.monsterenergy.com/">Monster Energy Drink</a>, <a href="http://www.romesnowboards.com/">Rome Snowboards</a>, <a href="http://oakley.com/">Oakley</a>, <a href="http://www.willisskiandboard.com/">Willi's Ski and Board Shop</a> and media partner <a href="http://www.freeskier.com/">Freeskier Magazine</a>.</div>Kjerstin Kleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757366141827058795noreply@blogger.com0