Women's SNB SP Finals 1. Queralt Castellet 2. Elena Hight 3. Kaitlyn Farrington

Men's SNB SP Finals 1. Louie Vito 2. Matt Ladley 3. Greg Bretz

The snow storm conditions made the pipe pretty slow, so the tricks were difficult to really throw them down. To add to that, the sound system totally broke down for about 10 minutes, so everyone was scrambling around to get things going. With an odd silence, you don't realize how much the music and announcers add to the event, so be greatful for them. The Toyota Yeti took a run down the halfpipe to keep spectators entertained. And Kevin Pearce made a visit to cheer on and congratulate the riders (he was the one that got the severe brain injury just before the Olympics). Last year's champ, Danny Davis, was also out of the game today due to an injury.

Tomorrow brings the Slopestyle Finals, so there's more to come! I'll try to fit another blog in, in between riding all the new powder...

With Loveland being almost always the first ski resort to open, I wanted to check out why it's so popular even though a small area. I found out the three reasons: closest ski area to Denver, cheap lift tickets, and a nice variety of terrain.

I happened to go to Loveland on Thanksgiving day, which, surprisingly, wasn't too crowded, but it was awfully cold throughout Colorado. With the wind chill, it was well below 0. So unless you were covered from head to toe (including all those tiny spaces exposed on your face), you weren't protected from the elements and joined the crowds inside the lodge for a few hours.

Taking the lift up the south side, we rode the bowls (try Lift 1 to 6 to 2). The views were amazing - you'd never think these open spaces would be so close to Denver. It was pretty awesome. The wide areas are good for beginners, but riding in and out of the trees and through a park area made for more advance skills. If you want to get out the wind, take Lift 1 straight up. If you're looking for more of a challenge, when it's open, head over ridge up top.

The terrain is cool, but the people can be a little strange (think old Star Wars bar scene). You've got a little bit of everything at Loveland, including a lot of old school and hippie types. It makes for great people watching in the lodge. Whodathunk there are still people skiing and boarding in jeans? or a leather jacket! The thing is that they really think they're are "IT". So yeah, take it all in as you enjoy the great outdoors!

Because Loveland is first resort open, several ski teams come to practice up here. When I was there, the French Ski Team was rolling in. If you need lessons, there's a great program. And best idea yet is that Loveland has a special rental deal that sets you up with everything you need to wear and ride for one price. Great for visitors who didn't plan on riding.

Because Loveland is a smaller resort, they don't have lodging right by the mountain. If you choose to want to stay as close as possible, you'd be in a nearby town (check out www.SkiLoveland.com for more info), or if you plan on checking out more ski areas in the vicinity, stay centrally in Summit County.

So overall, for the price and location, by all means ride at Loveland! You've got to experience it at least once and soon enough you'll be slapping on their bumper stickers like everyone else! Easy and fast to get to mean more ride time.

Previously I had wrote a blog about my dislike for spring (Corn) snow. Well Yesterday I had the opportunity to change my view. Although I am still not entirely found of wet hills and puddle filled bases, I really enjoyed cutting through some of the best corn filled slopes of my life. The highly moveable snow had formed some excellent elements on most of the slopes. Which I took full advantage of. I rode the mountain like I owned it and I do not regret my choice to go during spring conditions. Contrary to my other spring boarding sessions, I did not end up injured. This was a contributng factor to me changing my mind.

SO I leave this season a happy and extremely wet boarder. Yes with all the melting yesterday and me using the mountain to the fullest I absorbed at least 95% of the water on the slopes. It was worth it. I will return next year to as many slopes I can and still try to do it for a budget. I think next years challenge will be 20 mountains under $200 in lift licket prices.The quest is on again.

So here it is at last, Spring has made it to New England. With one of the best Skiing/Riding seasons we've seen in years, New Englanders have been tearing up the slopes.That is about to a lot more literal meaning to it. With Spring comes Corn snow. What is corn snow I am asked every spring. Obviously by a non Skier/Rider.
Dictionary.com provides the folowing Definition.

CORN SNOW

–noun Skiing

Also called corn, spring snow.
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Origin: 1930–35 Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.

I fall on the side of hating corn snow. Most other people I know really love it. They say it's part of New England Skiing/Riding. I am mostly a just freeride snowboader and I find that the corn snow makes for a slow and rather wet day. Everytime I ride corn snow I tend to get hurt. Call it a curse, back luck or whatever you want I know it has to do with the snow. I will take -20*F and icy slopes over corn snow.

The other thing that drives me insane about corn snow is how easily bare spots pop up. I have damaged my board on many occassions while riding corn. I know,I know, it is just the natural effect of spring melting away our winter playground. None the less it is depressing. Knowing with the coming of corn snow my winter fun will be coming to an end shortly just takes the beauty out of spring for me.

Sorry I had to go on this rant but I needed to get it out. Maybe with time I will come to like corn snow. Nah, I doubt it! I will however still ride it because God put it there for our enjoyment, and I guess corn Snow is better than no snow!!!