Although some may think the Eugene rain is a pure nuisance, Oregon club snowsport teams are looking merrily toward the Oregon high country, where snow is accumulating at a satisfying rate.
First out were the alpine skiers, who have already practiced systematically in preparation for the snow season.
During the fall term, they practice three times per week, working on general strength, games, plyometrics, sprints and cardiovascular conditioning.
The alpine ski team fields 13 female and 18 male team members this season. Their backgrounds range from seasoned racers to those who are completely new to the sport. There is no requirement to race, but the Ducks do compete in intercollegiate races.
The team hardly lost any members during the summer, which leaves coordinator Chuck Leavitt optimistic about the upcoming racing season.
“I think we could go to nationals this year,” he said. We’ll definitely go to regionals.”
The Ducks sent a women’s and a men’s team to regionals last year for the first time. That is also the goal for this season, Leavitt said. Last year, the men’s team was only one spot away from a berth at nationals.
During winter term, the alpine skiers practice at Willamette Pass all day Tuesday and Thursday.
Heading to the mountains is also the business of more than 75 students who have registered their interest in snowboarding with the club snowboard team. About half of these are female riders.
“It’s mostly for fun, but there is also a club and a team aspect,” said Doug Hentges, who is the co-coordinator and coach.
At the club level, there is no skill or experience required, he said. All team members are invited to join the five-day team camp Dec. 9 and the team trip to Whistler/ Blackcomb in British Columbia.
“Traditionally, 10 to 15 people volunteer for the competition team,” Hentges said.
They attend big air, half pipe, slope style and extreme competitions. There is no collegiate league, but the Oregon riders compete in already established competitions, Hentges said.
Starting winter term, the snowboarders plan on heading to Willamette Pass at least once during the week and once during the weekend to practice and ride. Ideally, there will be three days each week, but this has not been determined yet, Hentges said.
For those who are interested in Nordic skiing, a small team will embark on various collegiate races throughout the winter term. Coordinator Christian Martin organizes the team and has the schedule of collegiate and citizen races for the upcoming season.
The cross country team lost one of two female skiers to graduation, and needs at least two more to field a women’s team, but there is a men’s team in place.
For the time being, the Nordic team joins the club running team for practices. The runners meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m.
As teams and snow-lovers reach toward the back of their garages and closets to pull out the gear, it makes sense to take a look at current equipment trends. With each new snow season comes new gear from manufacturers.
Some of the hottest alpine equipment this year is the twin-tippers, said Patrick Sullivan of the Mount Bachelor Ski Shop.
“Kids do whatever tricks they can think up on the twin-tippers,” he said.
The twin-tippers have tips on both ends, much like skateboards. That makes them versatile like few skis before them, as they can go on powder, ice and groomed trails, according to Sullivan. There are also the new Salomon Pilots, which come with the bindings already mounted.
“You can just slap them on and go,” Sullivan said.
The price of them may come as a slap in the face as well: They chime in at $900 on sale, excluding poles and boots.
Around $400 will get most beginners and intermediate skiers far in acquiring boots, bindings, skis and poles, Sullivan said. Advanced skiers’ packages typically start at $600.
Snowboarders can enjoy lighter, stronger boards that last longer and are more comfortable to ride, and new boots generally fit better and are more comfortable too, according to Kirk Weatherby of the Mount Bachelor Ski Shop.
A snowboard package starts at $500, he said. However, many large sporting goods chain stores sell packages for less.
The snowboarding industry also caters more toward female riders, Weatherby said.
“There is specific clothing that’s cut differently, and women’s snowboard boots are lower and more open to fit ergonomically correct,” he said.
In Nordic equipment, manufacturers also discovered the female market. Salomon just came out with a whole line of women’s boots that are narrower in the heel and forefoot.
“This makes a huge difference for those they fit,” said Gary Bonacker of Sunnyside Sports in Bend, one of only 12 retail stores in the United States that specialize in Nordic equipment.
In terms of skis, Fischer skis are in the process of re-inventing the full-length ski, Bonacker said. The new Short Cut ski is still shorter than the traditional full-length ski, giving the beginning and intermediate skier more control and easier maneuvering, but at the same time offering more glide and stability, he said.
Newer skis also offer a wider range of weights they will support, making sizing an easier deal, which seems to be the trend within all the major ski producers.
The key in cross country skiing is to spend a little more money on boots and skis and then skimp on the poles. Decent cross country ski packages will run just shy of $300, he estimated.
Sound too expensive? If so, used equipment is abundant at garage sales and second-hand stores. Cross country packages usually go for $75-$120, snowboard packages for $150 and up and alpine deals start at $100-$150, according to Kevin Gabriel of Play It Again Sports.