Here at Local Freshies®, we thought it would be cool to join in with the holiday spirit and give thanks. Of course, there are real world issues that trump (no pun intended) the things below, but here’s our fun snow-specific list.
Locally Made Skis/Snowboards
Up until the early 2000’s, the idea of buying a pair of skis or snowboard made in your home ski-town was going extinct. This extended from Burton moving the majority of their manufacturing over-seas to smaller brands making boards in the Middle East. That’s thousands of miles from the nearest real ski slope. It didn’t even seem possible to buy snowboards and skis made by locals for locals anymore.
But, the tide has changed. You can now buy from companies like Venture, Smokin, and Sego that actually manufacture in North America. Even some of the big boys like Sims are bringing back their manufacturing state-side to be more flexible AND have higher quality control. It’s exciting to see that bindings such as Spark along with clothing brands are also starting to find their niche again.
Splitboards
Up until the mid-90’s, accessing the backcountry terrain for snowboarders was a difficult and arduous task. It meant either investing in a snowmobile or using snowshoes to get to the goods. We are truly thankful to Voile for putting out the first DIY Split Kit in 1994 and the pioneers Brett “Cowboy” Kobenik and Mark “Wally” Wariakois for bringing it to them.
The gear keeps getting better and better. It can be seen from the tried and true Karakoram to the Spark R&D bindings that brings innovative technology allowing you to travel uphill. Looking for more information or to try splitboarding yourself? Click here for a quick introduction.
The Resurgence Of The Local Ski Hill
With the behemoth ski resorts dominating the market, the small ski hill seemed to be going the way of the dinosaur. Then suddenly in the past few years, many in the ski and snowboard industry realized that these small ski areas are fundamental to introduce people to the sport and get them hooked. There’s even an Indy Pass that gives you access to more than 100+ of them across the continent.
From Littleton’s Mount Eustis re-opening due to community involvement to the city operated Mt. Ashland Ski Oregon in Oregon and even Granlibakken in Tahoe, these resorts are an affordable way for families to enjoy the sport. If it wasn’t for these small ski areas, a lot of the people you see on the mountain wouldn’t be seen skiing or snowboarding today.
As they say “There is proof in the pudding.” Tyrol Basin is one of those small local spots that is renowned in the industry to pump out lots of professional high caliber riders. Even if they don’t come from there, many industry professionals can’t wait to go check it out. Learn why the time is right for you to try here too.
The Craft Brewery Boom In A Ski-Town Near You
Each one of these towns has it’s own atmosphere and attitude. Over the past few years, there has been a boom in the form of micro and nano-breweries. There’s nothing better after a long day on the mountain to grab a cold one and discuss the day’s adventure. Not to mention that each brewery is like an artist with a canvas concocting a pint that you can’t get anywhere else in the world. Here are a few examples that come to mind:
Face Plant Winter Ale
Nelson Brewing Company – Nelson, BC
Coconut Porter
Alibi Ale Works – Incline Village, NV / Truckee (Lake Tahoe)
Le Serpent Cerise
Snake River Brewery – Jackson Hole, WY
Fuego Rojo Hot Red Ale
Boneyard Brewery – Bend, Oregon
Finally, we are thankful for you! Over the last eight years we have gathered quite the following and can’t thank you enough for reading our content. With your support and interest, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Stay tuned, stay safe and expect much more from us in the years to come. We hope you have a fun-filled Happy Thanksgiving with your friends and family and enjoy the upcoming holiday (and snowy) season!
