Killington Goes Super
After last year's X Games and US Open, it has been proven that the east coast not only has enough snow, but the know-how to build Superpipes. While you might only expect to find them at Breckenridge and Mammoth, Stratton and Mt. Snow both managed to pull it off, so it's not hard to beleive that some of the other area mountains have follwed suit. Okemo opened their yellow ice super pipe early, to facilitate the first Grand Prix. However, this story isn't about that, because it was Killington that comp-ed me some passes to check out their supersized facitilies.
So Killington saw the other mountains stepping up and got themselves a new "grinder," (I guess they don't call them dragons anymore), the HPG R-17, which means about as much to me as it does to you. Thanks to the first decent snow year in several seasons, the machine had already gotten plenty of use when I showed up right after Christmas, and is yet to break, (perhaps you remember the old Dragod that sat, unusable in a swap for the majority of a season.) There was a problem though, everytime I went up to check out the new u jump, it was snowing. Snowing too readily for even the most hardcore east coaster to justify hiking halfpipe, so I went freeriding.
I did make it down through the halfpipe a few times though, during the run out of tree runs through the Highline woods. Once I got over the fear of going a thousand miles per hour (a repercussion of 18 foot walls I suppose), the pipe, snow drifts and all, did prove to be quite super. At least, the thing is fricking huge.
Now because I didn't really analyze the pipe as I should have, I'm going to have to do some guessing as to what the new pipe will really have in store for the season, but I think it will be something to the effect of the photos below:
Jason Ware in the Killington pipe last year. |
Jason Ware in the Killington Superpipe. 2001 and 4eva. |
Killington Goes Super: Superpipe aside, new snow makes for good freeriding, but this story isn't about that.
Conspiracy Theory: This time it's personal.
There's a lump in my boot: A disturbing tale of an evil pussy and one man's first time.
Props: Giving thanks is cool, here are ours.
Pro Skater 2: The ultimate cheater's guide.
Y2K Snowboard Videos: A brief review of how to rot your mind until it snows.
Alphanumerics: A letter from a "real" extreme sports journalist.
ACG Indoor: Snow in LA. What will they think of next?
The Downfall of a Dot Com: Bluetorch bites the dust.
Britney Spears: Live in Concert: You're so jealous.
The Wildcats' Revenge: The greeks fight back.
The Stimilon Motocross Challenge and Hessian Session: Jolly Rodger in NH.
What I Do Every Day:: I’m so boring. Also, suggestions of office chair rebellion. by Rachel
Things that I Think are Lame: A heartfelt list of everything that needs to stop now.
Fun with Animation: These computer things are really amazing. See animations of Gabe Taylor & Brian Richardson.
Obligatory (not so Good) Mt. Hood Coverage: Yo Beat was there, find out who you can be too.
Another Luke Wynen Interview: This time it's on AOL, sweet.
EQX Games 2000: Warm weather, alternative rock and snowboarding.
Ride The White Heat: See the premiere, read the review.
Aye Matey: Skater Island is finally done. Exclusive photos and more.
The Yo Beat East Coast Skateboard Tour: 1 Car, 1 pro, 1400 miles.
Snowboard Marketing Gone Bad: Every wonder where those really lame ads come from? Cavan is on it.
Nationals vs. Nationals: Find out which one is the coolest.