In addition to my story in today’s Out There on ski trends, we also had a sider from Scott on great ski fads that have come and gone.

When we first talked about that story, we were all, “Ski fads, hi-larious.” But when it came time to actually think of fads… it was a little harder to pin them down. Monoskis? Sure. But were stretch pants really a fad? I dunno. The hot pink accents I had on my boots in the ’80s were certainly a fashion faux pas, but I’m not sure they were a fad.

Scott’s actual list was monoskis, bota bags (?), ski blades (which I still see at Keystone all the time), speed skiing (which was probably more of a novelty than a fad, per se), skiing in blue jeans, and the two-person chairlift (which was more a technological waypoint, right? I mean, were 8-tracks a fad, or just a dead-end?).

So can you guys think of faddier fads than what Scotty came up with? Is reverse-camber a fad? Soft-shell boots? Groomer skis with 105mm waists? Racing poles? Swallowtails? Weigh in.

Post from: Out There

Awesome story about a quest to uncover the legendary lost whiskey of Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton.

That said, can I heartily disagree with this comment? “Fastier said he did not want to sample the contents. ‘It’s better to imagine it than to taste it,’ he said. ‘That way it keeps its mystery.’”

Post from: Out There

The wizards at the 10th Mountain Huts system have done it - there is a yurt on the flank of Resolution Mountain where the Fowler-Hilliard hut once stood. You can read the whole story here, but the key thing is that the yurt is there and accepting reservations (although, unless a huge number of people with reservations cancel, you’ll be limited to midweek or Sunday night trips and the max group size has been reduced to 12).

As I’ve said before, Fowler-Hilliard probably has the best combination of views and front-door skiing of any hut in the system. Totally worth a trip, especially if you’ve done huts before, but never stayed in a yurt. They’re planning to rebuild the hut next summer, so this may be your only chance.

Post from: Out There

Dave was stringing together some unholy Columbine/Captain Jack’s/Zipline/Section 16/Red Rocks combination.

I think Scott went to the beer fest.

And you, our dear online (but not on Facebook) friends? What’d you do this weekend?

Post from: Out There

Let’s see… record temperatures today and sunny through the weekend. Probably not the best time to run a story on how tough it is to get outside in November.

It seemed like a funny idea while I was shivering next to the furnace a week ago… when my story on fall mountain biking ran.

I won’t complain about the injustice of Mother Nature to those with early deadlines. I’m just going to enjoy it while it lasts.

Post from: Out There

At least if having its own Olympic team is any indication: Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert took over as lead sponsor of the US Speedskating team.

Technically, he took over as sponsor on behalf of his loyal fans in the Colbert Nation - he won’t be fronting any money himself. But the Colbert Nation logo really will, apparently, be plastered on Apolo Anton Ohno and company in Vancouver next year. Which is just weird enough to be awesome.

Ohno, by the way, says he’s a fan and thinks it’s a great idea (but he has to say that now that Stephen is his boss).

If you’re moved by the ridiculousness of the stunt, you can donate here. Or you can watch the episode here.

Post from: Out There

Even with this week’s warm weather, they should at least have a pretty good base by then.

Post from: Out There

Ski Country USA sent out photos from the winter storm. This one’s from Sunlight.

Post from: Out There

Here’s the fine print:

Winter Park will provide free lift tickets when guests book a minimum of two nights of lodging between Opening Day and Christmas Day. Skiers and riders will get one free lift ticket per night booked, regardless of the size of the unit or number of people in the party. The “Ski Free at Winter Park” lodging package* is available at http://www.playwinterpark.com or by calling 800-979-9874.

It’s not a bad deal if the snow is good and you’re looking to get away for a weekend.

Post from: Out There

Minus the snowboards. Got a news release today on the “Second Annual Colorado Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Season Kick-Off,” taking place Dec. 19-20. They’re giving away $10 coupons for rentals or passes at participating Colorado Cross Country Ski Association Nordic centers (available at www.coloradocrosscountry.com and www.snowshoemag.com).

Paying to cross country ski always seemed a little weird to me. However, in my limited experience, there’s a real dearth of track-set cross country trails in Colorado, so if you’re really into classic XC, maybe it makes sense.

If you are not really into classic XC, but don’t want to pay for the privilege, head up to Leadville and do the Mineral Belt Trail (once there’s a smidge more snow). It’s even better on skis than it is as a summer bike ride. The golf course up there is also a good XC area.

Post from: Out There