REAL Salt Lake takes 2009 MLS Cup Championship!

As Major League Soccer goes, it was an underdog story all the way. In the MLS Cup Final it was the LA Galaxy versus REAL Salt Lake. The fabled David Beckham and Landon Donovan were playing for the LA Galaxy soccer club, by far the favorite over captain Kyle Beckerman and his REAL Salt Lake team. RSL was the last club to make the MLS playoffs, and had arguably not been as strong during the regular season as previous years. But soccer basically has two seasons: regular and playoffs. And it is in post-season play that underdogs can turn out to be a serious threat. In 2009 RSL proved that to be the case. The final against LA did not start well for Salt Lake. They were strong, but after Beckham fouled star RSL player Javier Morales (who was sent to the bench with an injured left leg as a result) things looked a little shaky for REAL. Morales was heart-broken, and his injury kept him from ever returning to the match. The Galaxy then went on to score with Donovan and Beckham setting up Magee for a point right before the half, making it 1-0 in LA's favor as the teams headed to the locker room. But the tide shifted slightly when, not long into the second half, there was a three-way collision between RSL's Findley, and the Galaxy's Gonzalez and Ricketts (goalkeeper). In the collision, Gonzalez's cleated foot appeared to slam into his own keeper's right hand, and Ricketts sustained a serious contusion on his 4th and 5th fingers. Ricketts stayed in the game, but shortly thereafter Findley attacked and got one past Ricketts on a pass from RSL teammate Yura Movsisyan (who unfortunately has now played his last match for RSL and will be moving to Europe to play in Denmark). This tied up the game and breathed that underdog life into the REAL team. Ricketts left the game and was replaced by rookie keeper for the Galaxy, Josh Saunders, who immediately surprised everyone with some great saves and poise for such a big game with high consequences. The score remained tied 1-1 for the remainder of regular play (the full 90 minutes plus 7 minutes of stoppage time). It then went into two 15 minute sessions of overtime. But even after the 30 minutes of extra play it remained tied, with all players absolutely exhausted - especially RSL star Andy Williams, whose aggressiveness is always surprising. Both LA and Salt Lake had used all their substitutions, and seeing Andy and others lag told the entire tale of how taxing this long and hard-fought final had been on both teams. The championship would be decided by penalty kicks. At the end of 5 PKs, the teams were even at 3 each. But when it came time for LA's Edson Buddle to face RSL's star goalkeeper Nick Rimando, in this author's opinion it was obvious that Buddle wished he were ANYWHERE but on the field at that moment. The results showed it. Rimando owned Buddle's attempt, leaving RSL's Robbie Russell a chance to win the cup for Salt Lake. Robbie had started in the final to replace the fluid and tenacious Tony Beltran, who suffered a quadricep injury in the semis. Russell promptly stepped up to the PK and buried it in the lower-left corner past Saunders. The deed was done - the REAL Salt Lake club had won the MLS Championship for the first time in the franchise's history! This Salt Lake "brotherhood of a team" is the real star here, and coach Jason Kreis is now the youngest coach to ever have won the cup. Here's to RSL's captain Kyle Beckerman, MVP goalkeeper Nick Rimando, Robbie Findley, Robbie Russell, and all the rest of the RSL team! Thank you for bringing the MLS Cup to Salt Lake!...

Columbia’s New Winter Jacket Line – 80′s Style

Well this came out of no where. Who would have thought Columbia would jump on the 80's bandwagon of colors to ring in the 2009-2010 ski season? I mean we are talking some crazy colors that will soon be flaunted downtown and on the slopes. My first ski jacket was actually a Columbia. I would post a link to the model but it was before Al Gore invented the Internet. Let's just say it was bright yellow, had this fluffy insert, and was as waterproof as a sponge. I've had the chance to look at a handful of Columbia jackets out this year and overall I think the style is right on. I mean. It's all about the colors anyway, who cares how they perform? Sorry, its Tuesday and my sarcasm is over flowing. Columbia boasts the Omni-Tech and Titanium construction to be waterproof and breathable. Even if Arcteryx and eVent are screaming the same claims I have to get outside and use this stuff before I can say they can actually walk the walk. Some of the jackets I've been able to use in the moisture but not all of them. Rodeo Magic II Shell - $200 First on the docket is the el Magic Shell. The inner lining has the micro fleece which is nice for throwing on real quick to go shovel the walk way. The arms are quite bulky which for me a treehugger telemark skier isn't cool. If telemarkers had it their way, we would all be back in those tight spandex and snug racer jackets. The pockets on the Magic are fleece lined which, if your not lining your pockets with fleece then designers need to wake up to the cries of ladies who complain about cold hands. Haven't been able to test in the snow but from the feel of it I think it will do fine. You knuckle-draggers might need something a bit more waterproof in the bum area since your sitting quite a bit. The Ice Ice Jacket - $120 I can't help it! I have to make a Vanilla Ice joke! "too cold, too cold...Kick it one time, BOOOY!!" Ok I'm good now. Has a more slimmed feel with also more water proofing, being seam sealed and all. I took this camping and luckily it rained. Popped up the hood and cooked my soup for about 40 min. and it kept me dry. To me, if a jacket can perform in the rain then your set. Also has fleece body paneling which I first saw from Mountain Hardwear using their Pimp Chimp fleece. The collar comes up a little high if you ask me, how am I suppose to breath with jacket in my face? You know us telemarkers, huffing and puffing to keep up with our uber cool alpine friends. Git Down Puffy Jacket - $170 If your considering shoplifting during the winter the Git Down is a stellar choice. Careful running after you snag a Blu-Ray player though because you'll overheat in this puffy really quick, just like any down filled piece. For an around the town jacket this would make sense. I wouldn't take it winter hiking or skiing, way to bulky and low water-resistance. Not sure how much 'Git'n Down' your going to get with the Git Down, but hey the colors are crazy. I see mostly casual use for this jackets future. Mahagony Ridge Parka - $200 For those 'save the Earth' types, the Ridge offers 57% recycled polyester along with a completely seam-sealed shell. I don't care for the removable hood. I mean, honestly anytime something comes completely detached; its gone. I like when companies tuck the hood in the collar a lot more. The zip in liner cranks up the price a bit more than the other models. The fit is quite baggy, only snowboarders need apply. Fleece-lined pockets are a plus and should be standard in all jackets in my opinion. The Ice Ice jacket is by far my favorite jacket. It fits the best and I can tell it will resist moisture really well. It really is nice to see Columbia up the ante with cool styles. Hopefully the quality performs well this season. But hey, for the price, you get into a solid jacket that meshes well with the 80's scene. Check out the Columbia line to stay warm and in style this winter. ...

The Utah Nordic Alliance (TUNA) Mountain Challenge 2009

Wanting to test your legs against other nordic skiers before the trails open this year? Every year The Utah Nordic Alliance (TUNA) throws a bit of a fitness test for everyone prior to the ski season. The TUNA Mountain Challenge 2009 will be held this weekend, Sunday October 11, at world-famous cross-country ski resort Soldier Hollow in beautiful Midway, Utah. Or as I like to call it, New Switzerland. Every nordic nut wants to test whether his body is ready for the x-country skiing season, and this is the perfect venue. The Mountain Challenge is an off-road duathlon (bike and run). It consists of a 5k run and a 10k bike portion. See TUNA's announcement below for more details:

Join us at Soldier Hollow on Sunday, Oct. 11, for the annual TUNA Mountain Challenge, our traditional early-season fitness check. The race is an off-road duathlon, a 5k trail run followed by 10k on the bike. You can race as a two-person team or do the race solo. Don't have a team? We'll set you up on race morning. No one will be turned away, even if you only want to do the run or the ride. This is a low-key, fun event, and all are welcome. Registration is day-of only, from 9a to 9.45a. Race starts at 10a. There will be a shorter loop option for those under 14. For Tuna members, entry fees are $10 for those over 14 and $5 for those 14 and under. Add $5 for non-Tuna members. Entry fee is the same whether you are doing the race solo or as part of a team. Every dollar of the entry fees will go to help TUNA Mountain Dell groomer Jesse Stewart, who is facing some serious medical issues. The bike portion is not technical, and is cyclocross friendly. A road bike will not work. Helmets are mandatory. Our white elephant prize table is one of the race highlights. Each racer is expected to bring an item for the prize table. The most common items are leftovers from the sporto closet, clean and in good shape. Past items have included roller skis, jackets, wax, gloves, fresh-baked pies and breads, concert tickets .... NO t-shirts or water bottles, please. A few volunteers are needed to make this race happen. If you can help (or bring a friend as a volunteer), please contact Chris Magerl. Questions? Call Chris, 801.595.8293.

Rossignol and Dynastar sponsor ‘The Edge Of Never’ documentary film about Kye Petersen

I grew up poring over magazines filled with photos of Trevor Petersen's skiing, and reading articles about the ski mountaineering exploits of him and his best bud Eric Pehota. Tragically, several years ago Trevor was killed in a coulior in the Alps of Chamonix, France. The entire ski community mourned, not unlike with Shane McConkey's death earlier this year. But a few years ago skiing icon Glen Plake helped young Kye come to Chamonix and see the coulior where his dad died. When skiing conditions happened to be good, it became apparent that if young Kye ever wanted to ski the coulior then now would be a good time. So he did, with all of his dad's old skiing friends. The documentary film 'The Edge of Never' follows Kye and his dad's friends on this journey. I was very pleased to see Rossignol and Dynastar step up as proud sponsors of 'The Edge of Never.' See the press release below from these companies about their support of the film.

Park City, October 6, 2009: The Edge of Never is a documentary feature film set in the world of big mountain skiing. It is a real-life coming of age saga about the tribe of skiers who challenge the biggest, most dangerous mountains in the world. In 1996 extreme-skiing legend Trevor Petersen, a long time Rossignol athlete, was killed in Chamonix, France. Nine years later, skiing icon Glen Plake decides it’s time for Trevor’s 15-year-old son, Kye, one of Rossignol’s top athletes, to ski the route that killed his father and join the tribe of big-mountain skiers. In this thrilling film, three generations of skiers mentor Kye as he attempts to finish his father’s final run. One of the mentors is long time Chamonix Guide and Dynastar athlete, Stephen ‘FanFan’ Dan. FanFan plays an integral role in Kye’s journey and sets off on a terrifying journey of his own. A ripping adventure tale of a young man coming of age, The Edge of Never is also a rich and subtle portrait of men and women who live big in the face of their greatest fears. This film is rich with Rossignol and Dynastar heritage and we are proud to support this inspiring documentary, “The Edge of Never captures and communicates the best of skiing in so many ways – travel, terrain, family, challenge and conquest – that we, at Rossignol and Dynastar are honored to be a part of it. I strongly urge anyone who’s ever shared the inspiration of the mountains with family, or anyone who’s ever been curious about the most challenging mountains in the world, to go see The Edge of Never,” says Tait Wardlaw, VP of Brands, Marketing and Communications for The Rossignol Group. THE EDGE OF NEVER begins where ski films leave off, or never dared to go. While these movies rely on action and loud music to provide a momentary rush that quickly melts away, THE EDGE OF NEVER combines those elements with mythic storytelling to produce a film experience that’s fun, but also meaningful and memorable.

Erik Seo’s First Powder Magazine Cover Shot

Seattle just keeps churning out creative geniuses. Its latest fortunate son? Erik Seo, the skiing world's hottest photographer. Originally from Seattle, he is now based in the Rocky Mountains of Utah. If you want evidence of his craft just take a look at his latest magazine cover, the October 2009 issue of none other than Powder Magazine -- for decades widely recognized as the world's finest skiing publication. World's hottest ski photographer and world's finest ski mag...match made in heaven. I hope Powder makes Seo covers a regular habit. See his commentary about how the shot happened. While he has captured cover shots across the globe and enjoys an international reputation, this was his first cover shot on a major US-based magazine. Reading his comments below you realize how far today's photographers are pushing it to capture the ultimate shot. And the results are clearly ground-breaking.

It feels very good to get my first U.S. cover, especially since it’s the cover of Powder. I grew up reading Powder. Every time it came, I read it cover to cover. They’re all still sitting around in boxes. I think I have as old as ’89. I look back through occasionally this time of the year to see if there’s something that inspires me. Some of those photos are timeless. Some things aren’t gonna change; there’s still gonna be that ridiculously deep pow shot with 7 a.m. light. As for the shoot, it was the most elaborate setup for lights that I’ve seen go into a photo shoot. The PoorBoyz crew brought in these five lights that were the size of high school stadium lighting. As far as my lighting goes, I brought everything I had plus another lighting kit from a friend of mine. The plan was to spend the late afternoon getting set up, but it was a lot more work than we expected. It was really cold. It got below zero overnight while we were there. By the time we actually got going it was about 10 p.m. The pipe didn’t even get cut till 8 p.m. Tanner was chilling out for a while, then, I don’t know where he went. We were all in our own little world getting set up. Hopefully he went to warm up. I had my two big lights on each side of the pipe. To get the green effect you put gels in front of the lights. The gels are colored plastic sheets and they require a lot more power. I was shooting with my Nikon D3. I switched over to Nikon about a year ago, so I was pretty new with the camera.

Riel Carol Places 2nd in Gobi March Ultra Marathon – Gobi Desert, China

After a relaxing long weekend in Park City enjoying the July 4th parade, fireworks, and burgers, I was digging through emails at work and ran across one from our CTO congratulating one of our colleagues for placing 2nd in the Gobi March Ultramarathon. Whaaaa?? He placed 2nd in THE Gobi March? This amazing individual is Riel Carol based out of Fitzroy Square, London. The Gobi March is fast becoming a huge event for ultra marathoners the world over. These are the sorts of events that trash the skin on the soles of runners' feet, make them lose their toenails, and basically wreak havoc on the human body. The race is over 155 miles long, and takes six days. Riel has been training for 14 months and has logged more than 4,000 miles in preparation for the event. “I even managed to enjoy about half an hour of it, so it wasn’t ALL pain," said Riel. Riel had one stage win, and four podium finishes throughout the race. Here are his full results: Day 1 (38 km): 04:17:30 - finished 2nd Day 2 (40 km): 04:21:53 - finished 4th Day 3 (40 km): 04:19:29 - finished 2nd Day 4 (42 km): 05:21:33 - finished 3rd Day 5 (78 km): 08:50:29 - finished 1st Day 6 (10 km): 00:43:30 - finished 2nd Overall time: 27:54:34 As quoted by a UK paper, the Wandsworth Guardian, Riel also said: “It is not so much the physical side of things that is difficult. It is the mental aspect that is difficult to over come. “You spend so much time on your own you have to be mentally strong to keep yourself going and get yourself out of bed in the morning. “It was an amazing feeling to finish and very emotional. You forget the pain and remember the great moments and that is probably why I’d do something like it again.” Hats off to Riel --- amazing achievement! We'll be cheering for you next year, if you decide to have another go at it. BUY NOW: Click here to shop for top running gear, including shoes and wrist-top computers from brands like Nike, Saucony, and Suunto. ...

Traveling to Melbourne, Australia

I just got back from Melbourne, Australia and if you like the outdoors (but still want to be near a large city with excellent work prospects, large companies, and great food and culture) then I think Melbourne is probably the place for you in the Southern Hemisphere. On top of that, when I was there just a few weeks ago the exchange rate was almost 2 AUD for 1 USD. Not bad at all... Melbourne is located on the southern coast of Australia, not far across the sea from Tasmania and Antarctica. The saying in Melbourne is that if you don't like the weather, hang out for a few minutes because it is bound to change. When you are on the coast, it can be 120 degrees Fahrenheit and then within 5 minutes you feel a cold front come up from Antarctica and it drops to 70 degrees in a moment. It just hits your back and you feel a 50 degree swing in 5 minutes! The ski resorts aren't far from Melbourne either, so you can see why the outdoorsy folks might prefer it to Sydney, which is out on the Eastern coast. I arrived in Melbourne and was greeted by my friend David, a semi-professional Australian Football League player who had a knee injury last year and called it quits. He said that when AFL is on (April - September) Melbourne is the place to be --- it is all that anyone in Melbourne (even all the girls) talk about during those months! Rugby Union and Rugby League are also huge --- I was in heaven with 2 or 3 channels playing nothing but rugby 24x7. Melbourne also regularly hosts Formula 1 Grand Prix races right in downtown, and is teeming with traveling fans during that time. I checked in at the hotel ----- "Oaks on Lonsdale" which was only $150/night AUD (wow...$80USD!). The Oaks on Lonsdale is a high-rise hotel in the heart of Melbourne, walking distance to all the main attractions of the city. The hotel is located on Lonsdale Ave in downtown and has large, very recently-renovated and stylishly-decorated apartments -- each with their own kitchen and washer/dryer. See my picture at right, that I snapped when sitting down for dinner my first night. There is an IGA grocery store right next door, so you really are set once you settle in. The washer/dryer helps a LOT because then you can pack much lighter (jeans, one pair of shoes, and a few shirts) and then just do laundry at night. I went down under for more than 2 weeks and just took a carry-on --- no checked baggage going through customs! Just up the street from the hotel is St. Peters ---- a gorgeous Catholic cathedral built during colonial times. The outside is blackish-brown stone (other buildings are also that reddish-brown sandstone that is so prevalent in Australia...very reminiscent of Utah red rock). Inside it is the traditional cross in floorplan, with a raised central altar area. The roof and rafters are a gorgeous dark wood, and the detail throughout was very impressive. About a block from St. Peters Cathedral is the free Melbourne trolley system, which you can catch to take you around sort of a belt route of Melbourne. Next stop was the Melbourne Museum, and then down to Victoria Markets (aka, Vic Markets) which are very much similar to Pike Place Market in Seattle. A little ways away from the Vic Markets you'll run into the old Bath House which is where the outdoor sports shops are located. There is a high-end climbing gym called Hard Rock Climbing Gym and it rivals the downtown REI in Seattle for exceptional indoor climbing (see pics at right). A few blocks away is the office of Melbourne International Backpackers too --- a great place to grab a guide and go do some camping in the outback, or along the beach. Unfortunately my itinerary did not include a few days' excursion into the outback. Instead I gave a speech at Melbourne City Hall, with a great brunch-and-mingle out on the old pillared deck high above the street (see pic at right). And the rest of the week was meetings and good food...though my flight left just as the rest of the guys were treated as members guests to the Presidential Room of the colonial-era old-boys club called "The Kelvin Club." Before I left, however, I did have the chance to have a delicious wagyu steak and some roasted kangaroo at The Meat & Wine Co. -- a great restaurant alongside the river in town. But you'll feel like an anaconda after that --- too full to eat for 3 days! All in all, it was enough to get me to want to go back during their winter (our summer) and try out the ski resorts, take in more of the water, and hit up the Melbourne International Backpackers for a camping trip into the outback. Oh yeah, and catch a few Aussie Rules football matches while I'm at it too!...

World Famous skier Shane McConkey dies March 26, 2009, ski BASE jumping in Italy

I logged onto facebook tonight and there was shocked by ski photographer Erik Seo's heart-breaking status post: "RIP Shane McConkey". After a flurry of calls, it was confirmed. Shane McConkey died today in Italy attempting a ski-BASE jump --- a sport he has been a leader in for years. Ski-BASE is when a skier jumps off an enormous cliff, then pulls a parachute. While all facts cannot be confirmed yet, it appears that one of his skis did not release when expected and may have gotten caught in his chute. For those of you unfamiliar with Shane (and if you are really into skiing -- from extreme skiing to park skiing to ski racing -- he has had an impact on you), he was one of the world's most accomplished skiers. 'Extreme skier' the mainstream media would call him, but he refused to be bounded by labels. He was a professional mogul skier in the mid-90s, and he even rode park and halfpipe competitively back in 1999, 2000, and 2001. But then he returned to his favorite focus which was big mountain skiing (usually via helicopter in Alaska, with his cohort JT Holmes, and with Matchstick Productions camera crews documenting his every move). He revolutionized big mountain skiing, ski-BASE, and was the first person I know of to do a switch front flip in the terrain park on twintip skis. Regarding ski-BASE, he truly was one of a kind. I have added a video clip here from one of his movie segments, and you can see just how revolutionary. The Shane McConkey death is definitely a hard blow for the industry to take. Shane was also extremely funny, self-effacing, and a tremendously bright and smiling personality in the industry. Though I didn't know him closely, my encounters with him at various industry events and at competitions where we were fellow competitors will always be cherished memories. So with a very sad heart, I echo Seo: RIP Shane McConkey....

Lindsey Vonn: First US Woman to Take FIS World Cup Super G Title

Fresh from a sweep of two races on the Audi FIS World Cup in Germany, the U.S. Ski Team's Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) charged to her first World Championship title, winning the super G at the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in Val d'Isere. The Minnesota native won by .34 seconds over French skier Marie Marchand-Arvier.

"I feel like I've worked my whole life for this moment. I've always dreamed of being a World Champion," Vonn said. " Coming through the finish today I just couldn't believe it. I'm so thrilled and so excited. There was so much emotion. You work so hard and to finally have something that you worked hard for, words can't describe it. It's an incredible feeling and I'm just so thankful."

"Today it was really tough conditions and I didn't know if I was even going to be able to be on the podium, but I skied with my heart. I gave it everything I could and I'm just so thankful and so happy that I was able to come away with a gold medal," Vonn said. "It takes a lot of hard work, not only for myself, but for my coaches, for my husband, for my serviceman, for everyone to make today happen and I'm so thankful that everything fit together perfectly and I was able to win the gold medal."

"Now that I have a gold medal, that was essentially my goal for the entire World Championships, so I this is going to allow me to ski a little bit more relaxed and take a little bit of the pressure off," Vonn said. "I think it's a great thing and hopefully I am able to keep going with this momentum."

"I really hope that I am able to win a medal in the downhill. That, it think, is my biggest goal because it's my favorite discipline. I love it so much and it just would mean a lot to me if I could be able to succeed in that discipline," Vonn said. "I also have the super combined and the slalom, so I have a few more events left that are medal possibilities.

"I have thought about Vancouver and the 2010 Olympics quite a bit. I feel like these World Championships are going to be good preparation for me to get used to the press and expectations and pressure," Vonn said. "I feel like things have changed a lot since the last Olympics and I think people expect me to do well now. For me I'm going to remember the feeling I had today. I'm going to remember mentally how I was in the start and hopefully I will be able to do the same thing in 2010."

"I'm just going to keep fighting, keep working hard and hopefully carry this momentum throughout the World Championships," Vonn said.

2009 Lowrance GPS Handhelds

Have you ever gotten lost? Have you ever admitted it? If you are banging your head on the keyboard because you own a GPS and got lost with it on your dashboard you might want to check Lowrance GPS navigators. Out of the box these puppies pride themselves in ease of use and come with all the extras your looking for in a GPS unit. The Endura series is keeping up with the Apple iPhone and Blackberry Storm craze with having a touchscreen interface to buzz trails or find that POI everyone on the blog is raving about. Pre-loaded maps and SD expansions slots to cram your MP3's and pics are just a few of the treats you get with the Lowrance Endura series.

ENDURA SIERRA - $549 (Blue)

ENDURA SAFARI - $384.99 (Gray)

ENDURA OUTBACK - $229.99 (Yellow)

Backcountry.com Prime Agnello Top Review

Getting the best of both worlds only comes once in a long while. You know how you love your merino top and all its benefits? How about your old fleece that you can't throw away? Stop cutting and trying to sew your clothing together, the Backcountry.com Agnello top takes care of it for you. I love my Mountain Hardwear Powerstretch Zip but it can get a bit hot in the chest. The Agnello has merino where it needs to be and then does a powerstretch fleece in the arms. I've taken this skiing a couple times already and it works. Keeping your arms warm is key and after working hard your chest is most likely over heating. Thumb holes. I share Claire's excitement about thumb holes which the Agnello also provides. Cold morning and your typing away at work? Slip on those thumb holes and enjoy. And of course the other 364 days a year your going to need those thumb holes for skiing and running around in the outdoors. I have dubbed this a solid winter piece but I am not ruling it out for backpacking. Sizing is true to size. I am 165lbs. and 5"7' and the medium works great, which is what I normally wear in everything else. Another cool feature is there is powerstretch fleece up the sides of the back placed to keep you plenty warm all around. For camping I used this shirt as a pillow and it worked very nicely, multi-featured, I like it! From what I have seen with Backcountry.com logo wear, I would buy 2-3 of these because you never know if they're going to come back or not. This piece is definitely worth getting a couple of, you never know what tragedy can befall your gear. BUY NOW: The Backcountry.com Prime Agnello Top at Backcountry.com. ...

Askel Lund Svindal Wins 2008 Audi Birds of Prey Dowhnill

Norway's Aksel Lund Svindal had a heroic finish, winning the Audi Birds of Prey downhill one year after he had an incredible crash during a training run at Beaver Creek. Steven Nyman (Provo, UT) took the lead for U.S. racers Friday as he finished seventh in the downhill after Bode Miller crashed hard coming into the Screech Owl jump. The men's downhill will air on NBC, the Olympic network, Sunday at 2 p.m. ET.

"It's special. This whole week has been special. I knew it was going to be mentally challenging to get back here and be able to get after it because it's for sure in the back of my head what happened here," Svindal said. "I've put energy into not thinking about the wrong things and thinking about the right things like how to ski. I don't think about not crashing because that's going to get you nowhere."

"You've got to charge to win and I was going for it and I had a little mistake and got dragged pretty wide. It didn't allow me to carry my speed where I wanted to, but I carried my speed everywhere else," Nyman said. "I'm seventh, which is a good rebound from Lake Louise, so I'm stoked."

"It's incredible what these guys do here. I'm really proud for the way Beaver Creek handled this whole deal," Nyman said. "Every year it seems to just dump here and they prep this hill tremendously. It's awesome and I'm really excited with the way it always comes out."

"I was a little bummed out that the run got canceled yesterday because I was going to use the downhill portion to practice since I crashed in the training run," Lanning said. "It was a pretty good run. There were a few places that I didn't ski the other day where I lost some speed, but overall I went out and skied and it went pretty good."

Crashes Hinder U.S. Results

"I made a really nice turn coming out of the pitch and was carrying good heat, I just got too early on my left foot and got pinched off by the gate, which sent me low," Sullivan explained. "Headed into the next turn, I put pressure right on top of a little roll and it just high-sided me and I shot out toward the fence."

"I was going all out and I just hit a rut wrong and got shot over a roller and that was it. All I remember is seeing the fence upside down," Weibrecht said. "I'm doing OK, though. Everything is working right and I'm going to try to get my courage up and get back on it for tomorrow."

Mac Makes Strides

"I was pretty happy with how I skied. I needed to get a little more aggressive on the top," Macartney said. "It's coming along and it was another step up from how I was in training and overall I was pretty happy. It's another good step for me."

The Perfect Day

Introducing TREW Technical Outdoor Gear

A love for the mountains, passion for the sport, and a need for technical, yet stylish outerwear set three guys on a mission to create the ultimate outerwear collection for the true rider. The true rider being the person who loves first tracks, knows the meaning of earning their turns, and has fun “gettin’ ‘er done” on and off the mountain. Tripp Frey, John and Chris Pew are proud to announce the creation of TREW and its inaugural TREW Tour.

TREW Technical Outerwear to Launch

KJUS Skiwear: 2008-2009 Collection

Many of you may not have heard of KJUS Skiwear (pronounced 'shoos'; visit gear.com/kjus for more info about the company and its products). And if you don't follow World Cup ski racing you may not know of KJUS's founder: Norwegian ski racing phenom, Lasse Kjus. His ski racing achievements are amazing (including several Olympic medals), and many young racers have grown up idolizing him right along with Bode Miller. But, not unlike Willy Bogner, Lasse may ultimately end up more well known for his skiwear than for the undeniable stamp he has left on the ski racing world. Founded in 2000, KJUS Skiwear takes its designs seriously --- with a clean, sleek aesthetic. And then lays supreme technology over the top, because no one takes their gear quite as seriously as racers and KJUS Skiwear is no different. KJUS Skiwear has gained much-deserved praise, and is now available in dozens of countries worldwide. They were even approached by --- you guessed it --- Bode Miller to strike up a partnership, and several of this year's KJUS items carry the Bode badge. And Bode is working with KJUS on the Bode line, which will be available in the near future as well. Attached to this post are several men's and women's items from the 2008-2009 KJUS Skiwear collection, but to get the most complete view of the KJUS brand and products (including video clips and product details) visit the brand page that we have built and dedicated to KJUS Skiwear: gear.com/kjus ...

The North Face Apex Bionic Softshell Jacket

Are you in a softshell yet? Take the dive, you won't need much push and shove after feasting your eyes on the Apex Bionic by The North Face. First off, go to your closet and pull out that old duct taped jacket. Now stick it into a picture frame and proceed to hang it on the wall. Use that extra space for your new softshell. Results may vary. My favorite part about this jacket is putting it on over a t-shirt and feeling the nice soft micro-fleece lining for a cold night on the town. Mixed with an athletic fit and a DWR treated outer softshell, this thing will replace quite a few of your old fleeces and shells alike. I also like wearing my softshell with a down vest underneath for skiing, does wonders for blocking wind. This jacket repels snow super well and even kept me dry while walking through the rain. I also like how the Apex looks on the ladies compared to a fleece, makes them look thin and sporty. Do you and your closet a favor; go with the softshell this season. BUY NOW: The North Face Apex Bionic at Moosejaw....

KJUS Skiwear – 2007 Movie

The skiwear company that Norwegian ski racer Lasse Kjus founded, KJUS, is a premium performance brand. It has its roots in Norway, and is made by racers for those types of skiers who take their gear seriously, and who like a sleek design. KJUS also creates movies and magazines around their brand, and here for you we are publishing the 2007 KJUS Movie. Enjoy! For more info, see: gear.com/kjus ...

KJUS Skiwear Partners with Downhill Ski Racing Champion Bode Miller

In September of 2007 it was announced that downhill ski racing champion Bode Miller would partner with the KJUS Skiwear company, founded by famous Norwegian ski racer Lasse Kjus. Below are some of the details, as reported by First Tracks Online (http://www.firsttracksonline.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2887): "World ski racing champion Bode Miller has chosen KJUS Systems skiwear as his official uniform supplier for his new independent race team through at least the 2010 Olympic Winter games in Vancouver, Canada. The news was announced Wednesday by LK International, producer of the Swiss skiwear KJUS Systems. American Bode Miller, now an independent World Cup ski racer, has signed a multi-year agreement with KJUS Systems skiwear. (photo: KJUS Systems) “Bode is an impressive personality,” said Didi Serena, the CEO of KJUS. “He is an absolute individualist and a guy who loves to win, which suits us perfectly.” As an independent racer, now racing and training separately from the U.S. Ski Team, Miller for the first time had the opportunity to select his own skiwear partner. He will wear KJUS skiwear beyond the boundaries of the FIS infield and during training. Miller, who is poised to eclipse Phil Mahre’s record for most World Cup wins by a U.S. skier this season if his winning ways continue, created his independent race team consisting of his own team of staff and trainers to support his World Cup campaign. He created the team following his split from the U.S. Ski Team earlier this year. “I'm pleased that now, at last, I can work with a partner who takes on problems and challenges and overcomes them. That gives more than 100 percent. Because what really matters is the functionality,” said Miller. In support of the partnership, KJUS skiwear is planning a Bode Miller line for future seasons. Miller will provide his expertise and input in the design of his signature line as well as for the development of the entire KJUS collection. At the age of almost 30, Miller has recorded 25 World Cup victories in all five alpine skiing disciplines, an accomplishment shared by only a very few athletes. Highlights of Miller’s accomplishments include World Championship gold in four different disciplines, two Olympic silver medals, a World Cup overall championship, and three additional World Cup crystal globes in two different disciplines."...

Worried about luggage fees on your ski vacation?

If you've got a ski vacation planned this winter, are you wondering how much extra it will cost you to bring along all your gear? Man, I sure am. Though these fees may likely increase business at local ski rental shops, since it may make even more sense to rent, it will definitely increase the frustration level for ski travelers. I remember the good ol' days when you could bring two checked bags, a ski bag and a boot bag for free. Then, they cut things down recently to just one bag plus skis. Now, I have no idea what the costs are going to be should I choose to travel to Whistler or home to Seattle for a ski trip. I just saw this news report out of Vail that they are offering an extra bag fee refund by staying at their resorts. Sounds like a great short-term fix that's worth looking into.  Here are the details:

Broomfield, Colo., Oct. 6, 2008—To help offset added airline fees, Vail Resorts is offering a “Baggage Bailout” for skiers and snowboarders staying at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly this winter. Guests will receive a $50 credit when they book a stay of least four days and nights by Dec. 1 through Vail Resorts reservations system. Children may also receive a $25 baggage credit, if at least four days of children’s lift tickets are purchased. “We have decided to help carry the load for our guests by addressing airline baggage fees,” said Rob Katz, chief executive officer. It is not necessary for travelers to actually carry their own bags to earn the credit: the offer applies even to fliers who are not checking bags or who are traveling on an airline that does not charge baggage fees (such as Southwest Airlines).

Rugby.com by Ralph Lauren – ivy league fashions for rugby

Rugby is a gritty sport. Full contact, no face masks or plastic body armor, and the games are continuous play without stopping for huddles and such. Some have speculated that those are all factors that work against rugby becoming more popular in the states. They think we should wrap everyone in pads and blow the whistle whenever someone falls down. Oh wait....America already has that sport..... ;-) But seriously, rugby is gritty but it is definitely a gentleman's sport. You may think it is a game of the rough and uneducated masses, but actually soccer (aka, football) is the sport of the common man in England. The preppies are the ones who play rugby. And no one knows this better than clothing mogul Ralph Lauren. From the mind of Ralph Lauren, who brought you the line of sportswear named Polo and sold on Polo.com, comes a line of exclusive youth clothing dubbed simply Rugby which is aimed at the college-aged young adult and is sold in exclusive high-end stores and on Rugby.com. Polo and rugby --- both preppy sports, but both are dangerous and can seriously mess you up. I've been feeling collegiate lately, so I stopped by the Rugby Ralph Lauren store in University Village in Seattle. I've been yearning for my alma mater. Well, both alma maters actually. At 32, it's been 5 years since grad school at Washington and almost 10 years since my undergrad at Brigham Young. So I've been getting messages about reunions and get-togethers, and autumn always makes me think about heading back to school anyway. The leaves, the grass, and rainy football games waiting for the first snows and the signs that ski season is approaching. So when I stopped in at the Rugby Ralph Lauren store, I was already feeling nostalgic. Then I saw all the rugby jerseys --- real quality rugby jerseys --- and I knew I'd have to pick one up for old times' sake. I played a bit in college and for clubs, and I've had brothers & friends that have won national rugby championships and played for the US team. It's always had a really special spot for me. So I looked with a discerning eye, and yes these rugby jerseys are play-able ----- not just fashion pieces. Sure, they are lined up right next to wool sweaters and pique polo shirts. But the rugby jerseys really are solid. Never mind that many of the big teams now play in non-collared, fitted jerseys. I suppose Rugby by Ralph Lauren is more about the whole ivy league vibe, of which Rugby is a big part --- so I guess that vibe & nostalgia are the reasons they went with the classic rugby jersey style. And I guess I'm just glad that this is one more small step to making rugby more mainstream in the US. The only downfall to all of this: some of the models in the Rugby by Ralph Lauren ads don't know how to get in a scrum. So it's a little embarrassing to watch the promo videos where they are trying so seriously, but then pretend to get in a huddle and act like it's a scrum (obviously influenced by American football). But oh well --- in America most rugby players come from a football or soccer background and have to re-learn some things anyway....so the embarrassment is minimal and it's a small price to pay to have rugby become just that much more mainstream in the public eye. I hope that Rugby by Ralph Lauren just crushes all the Abercrombie-type stores out there, because at least Rugby by Ralph Lauren is trying to be true to the strong heritage of all the great prep sports like rugby, field hockey, and lacrosse. They are getting it right, in my opinion --- not just image-conscious youngsters who are wearing Abercrombie and pretending to be cool. Real athletes are always cooler than pretend athletes....

Forever Strong – Rugby finally hits the big screen

I've got a brother, two brothers-in-law, and countless friends who have played for the legendary Highland High School rugby team. That's one reason I am thrilled about the upcoming fall premiere of the Hollywood film highlighting that rugby team: Forever Strong. I've added one of my favorite clips about the film to this post, but click here to view more trailers/teasers/clips from Forever Strong the movie. You can also just go to the site at www.rugbymovie.com. The movie stars Sean Faris, who is a young kid that many call the next Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt. He plays the role of a troubled teen who loves rugby and ends up on the Highland High School rugby team where his life is forever shaped by his teammates and by Coach Gelwix (played by Gary Cole from 'Office Space'). The film also stars Sean Astin (from 'Lord of the Rings') and Neal McDonough (from 'Flags of our Fathers' and 'Boomtown'). The film appears to be a real ground-breaking film for rugby fans who have been waiting for a good movie a la "Friday Night Lights" to highlight the game of rugby. What's more, it has several local heroes -- like a cameo from the University of Utah rugby team's head coach, Mark Numbers. And lots of great stunt work by Utah's own Matt Griff. The latest release date we have heard is September 26, 2008 --- but we'll try to keep you posted if we hear an update. Please post comments below if you have anything to add. Here's to a killer movie all US rugby fans are dying for!...

Matt Griff – Rugby, Skeleton, and Stuntman

Some people are just a natural at anything they pick up, and it's just a matter of time before one of their interests makes the world stand up and take notice. Matt Griff is one of those guys. I first met Matt when I was running with the Haggis rugby team in Salt Lake (now called the Park City Haggis team). I was a little runt, who happened to be slow -- not a good combination for a rugby player. If you aren't big, you better darn well be quick. Griff would give me tips & run drills with me -- a couple of times a week we would meet at the Highland High School track at 5:30am with some of the other guys and run ladders or stairs in the stadium. It was extremely helpful, and by the end of the season I was my fastest ever. I can even boast of having chased down and caught the star winger of the team a couple of times - Jason Pye (Jason now plays for the US rugby team). And while I'm sure those happened to be moments when Jason just wasn't trying too hard, it never could have come close to happening without the encouragement of someone like Griff. But Matt's athleticism doesn't end with rugby, where he is a high scorer in every game he plays. He also plays on the Utah Jazz demonstration basketball team -- you know, the guys who do flipping dunks off of a trampoline at half time? Crazy! He is a guy with a natural body awareness that he has honed over years and years of eager practice. You can tell there's nothing he loves more than to analyze a movement until it is dialed-in perfectly. This body awareness and analytical approach to motion is what has now landed him stuntman roles in several recent and upcoming films, including Eleventh Hour and this fall's big Hollywood release about the Highland High School rugby team: Forever Strong starring the next Tom Cruise -- Sean Faris. It also stars Gary Cole ('Office Space'), Neal McDonough ('Flags of our Fathers'), and Sean Astin ('Lord of the Rings'). Click here to watch the movie clips for Forever Strong. All those stunts you see where a guy is getting hit and doing a flip? That's Griff. You'd think that would be enough to tire a guy out. But not Matt. He is also shooting for Olympic glory at the Winter Olympics in the Skeleton event ---- which is like luge, but face-first. And he is making people stand up and take notice at the times he's throwing down in skeleton: placing 2nd in the US Western Regional Championships, and 2nd in the Utah Winter Games. So keep your eye peeled for Matt Griff -- he has talent that is undeniable. And the next time you're wondering why you are such a talentless clutz, it's just because God gave Griff a little extra....

Jimmy Chin is one fast man

It's amazing to me when I consider the various speed records that exist in the outdoors, specifically those of climbing mountains. A couple that immediately come to mind are Pemba Dorje Sherpa with the fastest Everest climb of 8 hours and 10 minutes followed by Rolando Garibotti with his Grand Traverse record from 2000 that stands at six hours, 49 minutes! (The Grand Traverse is a 9 peak, 14 mile, 12K vertical enchainment of the high peaks in the Tetons that includes the Grand Teton) Then there's photographer, skier, climber and adventurer Jimmy Chin, who is also sponsored by The North Face. This past week he managed to climb and ski the three Tetons (Grand, Middle and South) in a record 10 hours and 55 minutes car-to-car! If you've ever summited the Grand Teton, Middle Teton or South Teton, you'll know just how amazing this feat is. Heck, it took me and a climbing partner 14 hours to climb the Grand Teton car-to-car. Granted, skiing down is a lot faster than walking/rappelling but HUGE props to you Mr. Chin. Nice work! ---Get the details of his record including a map showing the route at TetonAT.com --photo of Jimmy courtesy of The North Face...

More Mountain Biking Events in Utah – Spring/Summer 2008

Okay -- here are a few more key mountain biking events in and around Utah for the Spring/Summer 2008 season. I assume you'll be spectating at the NORBA event at Deer Valley on June 26-29, but after that it gets HOT in Utah. No worries -- these rides will have you sucking wind, but at least you'll be doing it on a high alpine trail with (hopefully) a mountain breeze to cool you. Get your SPEED going on at the White Pine Downhill Race on July 5-6. It is a DH/Super-D event held at White Pine Resort in Palmdale, Wyoming and you can get more details by calling 801-375-3231. For the more svelt riders out there who like the climb as much as the downhill ride, hit the XC mountain biking race held in Monticello, UT on July 12 called the Blue Mountain Bike Chase. Details at 435-587-2029. If you are located closer to Park City you could opt instead to hit the Park City Perfect 10 Endurance MTB Race on the same day (July 12). And when they say endurance, they mean it. Race is from 7am to 5pm and is a team event at Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort. Solo, Duo, and 3-person teams are welcome. Call 435-659-118 for more info. Don't forget the Snowbird Mountain Bout on July 19, in its 21st year. WOW! Can you believe it has been that long since 1987?? I'll bet they were rocking modified road bikes back then! I remember seeing some of the original mountain bike racers rocking rams horn handlebars. NUTS! Call Ed Chauner at 801-942-3498 for all the details, and to see if he'll let you ride your Cervelo up there. Another speed event (cuz we know you love 'em): the Bald Mountain Challenge Downhill at Deer Valley Resort on July 19-20. It will feature DH and Super-D and more info is available about the event at go-ride.com. Ready for another endurance event? I'm sure your legs are still burning from the 12 hours of the E100, but you can't stop now! On July 26 is The Endurance 100/Mind Over Mountains event in Park City. 100 mile team relay and 50 mile solo (info: thee100.com). But get ready for indecision: That same day is the Taming the Tetons Intermountain Cup event (#11) up in Jackson Hole (info: intermountaincup.com). Pick your poison. That wraps up July for us, but stay tuned..... There are several good DH events in August/September and we'll be bringing those to you as well. And we all set our sights on the perennial favorite wrapup to the season, 24 Hours of Moab, in October. More details on those events to come......

Some Notes from Utah’s Mountain Biking Calendar of Events

Welcome to Spring in Utah! As I'm writing this, it is actually snowing outside at the end of March. But no matter -- spring is on its way. So I figured I would post a few key cycling events in and around Utah for those who are so inclined. We'll start with some of the mountaing biking events. First let me tell you about the Solitude Full Throttle Midweek Mountain Bike Race Series for people who can make the evening race thing happen. Hey -- if you can't dawn patrol on skis, why not end the day on a mountain bike? In fact, with the way it has been snowing in Utah this winter the two may overlap! Throw on your mountain bike gear and get out there. Races start at Solitude Mountain Resort, Entry 1 (the Moonbeam lot). Show up at 5:45 for registration, and the race is at 6:30. There are 4-, 8-, and 12-mile options. At this time the races are set for June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 29, and August 5. Go to SkiSolitude.com for more info, or ask for Nick Jay at 801-536-5784. Next is the Soldier Hollow Training Series which runs Wednesdays, May 7, 14, June 4, 18, July 2, 16, 30, August 13, 27. The race is at 6pm each time, and just call 801-358-1145 for more info. For all you folks in Utah County, set your sights on the Showdown at Five Mile Pass, which is an XC mountain bike race in its 14th year and takes place in Lehi, UT on May 3rd. It is the 3rd event in the Intermountain Cup and is a cross-country mountain bike race. There's also event #2 for the Intermountain Cup on April 12th, which takes place in Hurricane, UT. For more info, go to IntermountainCup.com. May 10 is the Wimmer's Bicycle Race XC, the 4th stop for the Intermountain Cup. It takes place in Logan, UT at Sherwood Hills Resort. Again, go to IntermountainCup.com for more info. Event #5 for the Intermountain Cup is on May 17 at Soldier Hollow in Midway, UT and is called the Hammerfest at the Hollow. Ed Chauner has more details (801-942-3498), and go to the Intermountain Cup website for the remaining events in the year. A killer event for spectating (whether it's the view or just the incredible riding to be witnessed) is the Sundance/Parks Sportsman Super-D Downhill Race at Sundance Resort on May 24. The event is at 9am so come with your cowbells! You are bound to be blown away. Go to SundanceResort.com for more details, or to book a little getaway at the cottages there. Hey -- this would be a great way to impress the wife AND take in some great event biking! Snag a getaway package in a cottage with a view of the backside of Mount Timpanogos, set her up in the spa with a Four Winds massage, and then you can cheer on the riders! Call Sundance Resort for more details: 801-223-4849. There is also another Super-D event at Sundance on June 21st at 9am, and another on July 19th. Another event for big speed and big air is the Bountiful Bomber Downhill Race on June 1. It is part of the Utah DH series and takes place (obviously) in Bountiful, UT. Visit Go-Ride.com to get the full skinny, or call 801-375-3231. For those of you with oversized lungs, check out The 12 Hours of the E100 on June 21 in unbeatable Park City, UT. It is a 12 hour endurance race for charity, and takes teams of differing sizes. Get your fellow freaks of nature together for an oxygen fest. Visit thee100.com for details. Don't forget the NORBA National Mountain Bike Series on stop #4 at Deer Valley, UT on June 26-29. It is THE biking event of the summer in Utah, in this writer's opinion. No better place to gawk at your mountain biking heroes. mtbnationals.com. More to come, but this should get you going for now. Get out there & start training now if you are planning on hitting any of these races! See you out there!...

Steven Nyman Rocks – US Ski Team hero is Utah favorite

Now, on GEAR.com we are all about the gear we love. But sometimes it's tough to separate the gear we love from the sports, athletes, and activities we love. So this article is about Steven Nyman, ski racer for Fischer Skis and an amazing athlete on the US Ski Team. Steven Nyman is a rising US Ski Team star, and even if he never had another podium finish we would still be stoked to call him a real Utah hero. And as it stands, he already has succeeded in getting a lot of folks thrilled with ski racing again. But it doesn't stop there -- there is a BIG runway in front of him in ski racing. Steven Nyman grew up skiing Utah's snowy mountains at Sundance Ski Resort. Steven's parents Scott & Becky ran the ski school at this boutique Utah resort owned by actor Robert Redford. I count my slow butt lucky to have spent some training time on Mt. Hood's racing lanes with Steven, his parents, siblings, and friends when I skied in college. He was a young kid, but he kicked my butt decidedly. And ever since then I have been quite in awe of the Nyman family expertise that has shaped some great American ski racers like Skip Merrick and others. Steven's career has seen a terrific rise over the past few years. He was picked for the Junior Worlds in Italy in 2002 and immediately had two podium finishes (won slalom, 2nd in combined). That got him going on the US Ski Team, and then in 2007 he had his first World Cup win (1st in Downhill, Gardena/Groden). That DH win got EVERYONE's attention in the racing world, and this year he is not disappointing. In the 2007/2008 season Steven has finished in the top 20 in 3 key races -- including a 2nd place finish at the Birds of Prey Downhill in Colorado. Not only that, he is consistent across 4 or 5 different racing disciplines. Many would say that he is a real threat to capture the Overall World Cup Globe in the future. Wow...that would be an amazing achievement for any skier. History-making for a US skier. There is a lot you can say about ski racing for good and for bad. And there is certainly controversy, ego, and some prickly personalities. But one thing I love about Steven Nyman is that he appears to be turning into a real hero that a parent can feel good about his kids emulating. He has been involved in many charitable efforts including A Child's Hope Foundation and has traveled to Haiti to support the charity. He also is a great influence on young children right at home in Utah, and does it all with apparent sincerity. That's a real hero. Since this is GEAR.com, let me list out his main gear sponsors below: - Fischer Skis - POC (optics, armour, and other ski race gear) - Spyder ski gear - Swix...