Here in the BOYNE Web office we do a lot of traveling, but not in the usual sense. We travel pretty far and wide on the Web researching new trends, seeing what our neighboring resorts are up to and sometimes we stumble upon things too good not to share. The video below is one such example- hot on the heels of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Some of you may have seen the picture to the right before. It's Stein Eriksen, Wayne Wong long-time friend of BOYNE doing one of his famous flips at Boyne Mountain. 

-Dan

(source)

Have you noticed all the helmets on the slopes lately? Visit the hills or peruse the rest of the BOYNE website and you’ll see them everywhere. Boyne Country Sports listed their Facebook topic of the week as “Helmet or No Helmet?”.  The responses were plenty and all but one (who was going for a laugh) were HELMET!

Not too long ago, even hats were considered too constricting.  People went sans hats, or wore little headbands so they could let their mullets and feathered do's fly free. 

Helmets were out of the question. They were heavy, limited your field of vision, made it tough to hear. Plus, they looked really dorky.  Not exactly a winning combination- unless you were getting shot out of a cannon.

So what changed?  Are we a new generation of sissies and dweebs with no hair pride?

Try one of these new lids on for yourself and it will quickly be clear that a lot has changed. Helmets are the way to go.

Like Wearing Nothing
The first thing you’ll notice is that there isn’t much to notice. Snow helmets are lightweight and have well-designed fitting systems that make it is easy to forget you’re wearing anything. Field of vision is completely unobstructed and you can hear clear as a bell.

Warm But Not Stuffy
Wind-tunnel design and improved venting systems give you a range of climate control options other than just “put it on/take it off”. Modern snow helmets cycle air through the helmet, keeping everything comfy and fresh. Open some vents and it’s cool as a bike helmet. Close them and everything is toasty warm.

Accessory Containment
Clips for goggle straps help keep the “most lost snow accessory” from disappearing as easily.  Some models come equipped with audio hookups built directly into the ear pads. Just plug in your MP3 and go.  For the seriously digital, blue tooth models eliminate wires.

Statement Maker
Now, looking in the mirror you’ll notice the palette of styles and colors makes helmets the newest fashion statement.  Black, white, pink, nuclear lime, patterned, brimmed, brimless, take your pick. It’s also the ultimate billboard for expressing individuality and personal freedom. Where better to put your favorite stickers?

A Growing Trend
The move to helmets is only going to grow. Some resorts are beginning to mandate helmets for all children in ski school programs.  (BOYNE doesn’t require them, but strongly encourages helmet use and rents them for $10/Day.) Lawmakers are increasingly proposing ski helmet bills. Fortunately, no ski helmet laws exist in the U.S. and for good reason.

Laws and policies may soon turn out to be moot points. Word is getting out that helmets are the most comfortable and sensible headwear option on the slopes.  Bigger still, helmets have assumed cool status. 

Ready for one of your own?  Visit any Boyne Country Sports location or hit SkiGolf.com today. If not, consider this a good stock tip from your friend at the shop.

-JJ

Start with a crisp, clear, calm, and cold northern Michigan morning. Add a manmade snowstorm from dozens of snowmaking Low E guns on the southern ridges of the resort. Finish off with a remarkable temperature inversion.

What you get is a scene right out of the Alps or the Sierras: skiing and riding above clouds which fill the valley below like soup in a tureen.

It all happened on Tuesday morning, December 22, 2009, and it provided the very real illusion that we measure our vertical in the thousands and not the hundreds – and it certainly showed that humans can control the weather, at least on a local scale. The pictures tell the story – scroll down to see them all. A magical holiday season it will be . . .

 Cary Adgate, BOYNE Ambassador of Skiing 

Big flakes pouring from the sky. Low-E Fan guns pouring it right back. Man and nature teamed up today – and for the last week – to create a virtual snow factory. Everywhere you look…white. I cannot remember ever seeing snow pile up this fast in Michigan.

 It was the first day of skiing for Boyne Mountain today, and together with Boyne Highlands, it's now open for the season.

 Today was a neck gaiter day – pretty brisk out – but I was cozy in my new DNA outer gear. I quit only because I had to get home to plow out my captive family – not because I was cold.

OK, skiing was fun in the 60's, I remember that. But it's the stuff today, like snowmaking, modern fabrics and insulation, skis, goggles, you name it – it's the stuff that makes it so much easier to have fun.

I do love this sport.

Cary Adgate, BOYNE Ambassador of Skiing 

I don't often type while wearing ski boots. But after checking out this aerial photo my friend snapped with her cell phone a few hours ago - and looking at the forecast from Accuweather.com -   I figured I'd better start getting my feet used to the dark.

 Yeah, I'm one of those who might be caught in flip-flops when it's 35° out. In my book, they're three-season footwear. But, no longer – it's WINTER, and baby, it's cold outside!

Notice that beautiful little cloud of a snowstorm hanging over the Mountain? 

 I live five miles from Boyne Mountain and I've heard the guns roaring around the clock for a couple days. Looking at the forecast, I'd say the snowmaking crew will be piling up some serious overtime between now and the holidays. Low to mid twenties in the day and mid-teens at night for a far as the eye can see (or the meteorologist's eye, to be sure). Our patience with Mother Nature in November seems to be paying off . . .

 This will be one of those Decembers not to miss.

 Cary Adgate, BOYNE Ambassador of Skiing

photo credit: Deanne Jackson              pilot: Eric Jarema 

In case you've been thinking that it's too early to start thinking about skiing, take a look at what those of us who live near BOYNE are thinking. First, what we're going to do with all the stuff when it comes. And then about how we're going to play in it.

 And if you need more reasons to start thinking snow, check out what's going on this weekend in the Boyne Mountain Village. The first-ever Skitoberfest is going to be the party of the season - and there are dozens of reasons why you, your family, and your friends shouldn't miss it. For the whole scoop check it out HERE - but here are the top four things that interest me:

1) Fall food and drink. Brats, cider, and, for the adults in the crowd - beer! Some of Michigan's top micro brewers will be showing off their handiwork.

2) Snowsports Summit. Two presentations by recently retired U.S. Ski Team coach Greg Needell. Greg is 'the man' behind 'THE MAN', Olympic Gold medalist Ted Ligety, and Ted's rise to become one of the best technical ski racers in the world - find out how he did it, and what's the next trend in technique at the highest levels. Oh, and then there's this Simon Dumont guy who will be there. I'm told that the kid gets air like Tiger Woods plays a little golf. Find out how he does it. Find out WHY he does it!

3) New gear. This is a rare chance for consumers to be able to meet and talk with the manufacturers reps for the top snow sports equipment companies. Bend the skis, see what's new, and get the straight story on what it can do for you.

4) All the other stuff. OK this is a favorite because it means I don't have to cajole the rest of my family to come and spend the weekend with me. This time, it's the other way around. Artists, dancers, kids, and kids who are artists and dancers. A parade with golf carts that includes secret surprises? Makes me wonder what could be more surprising than a golf cart parade. MSU/UM on the big screen. Four (4), did I say FOUR, bands. Uh, well, so much other stuff that I won't even try to list it.

So pack up the car and come settle in for a fabulous weekend in the Village. Oh, and plan to sign up for your BOYNE Pass now - because a lot of the Skitoberfest offerings are free to passholders! Again, read all about it HERE.

Cary Adgate, BOYNE Ambassador of Skiing

Ski and golf on the same day? Sounds fun. How about teaming up with a buddy to compete in both sports against other teams made up of equally unique individuals? Naw, that's crazy talk.

Exactly. 

I read over the rules (a very short document indeed), and I see that helmets are required. I assume that just means for the ski racing part – but if they let me on the golf course, a person might be well advised to keep their helmet on all day. 

UPDATE: Unfortunately (or fortunately if you're ready for summer activities), the recent warm weather and rains have diminished the snowpack so much that a safe ski race isn't possible. Read about it here. Hopefully, the weather next spring will cooperate.

 Thanks to the entire Boyne snowsports community for an awesome ski/ride season. I am off on the mountain bike to scout morels. 

Cary Adgate - BOYNE SnowSports Ambassador 

Boyne Mountain.

The carpet is laid.

The lift is ready.

One more weekend.

Be there!