Fiesta of Life - Hot Chillys

Southern Hemisphere Skiing

noreply@blogger.com (Brook) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:27:00 +0000

Portillo, Chile ski area map

With such an embarrassing wealth of riches in terms of ski resorts and mountain ranges, we northerners often completely discount the Southern hemisphere. But with world class resorts in Argentina, Chile, Australia and New Zealand, we should take another look and realize that we can get our fix year-round!

Photo of the Remarkables, New Zealand. Taken today.

In South America the season usually starts in late June and winds down in September. Whakapapa, in New Zealand, is planning to open this Saturday. Perhaps owing directly to lower populations, the skiing/snowboarding communities in the Southern hemisphere tend to be tightly-knit, at least for those who work at the resorts. Everyone who follows the dream of endless winter has a bucket of stories about being blissfully trapped at the Valle Nevado hotel due to a storm, or wearing a trash bag as a matter of uniform to handle the occasional monsoon rains that run through New Zealand. And yet, stories always come with a laugh and a smile, because when you get to ski or snowboard for a living - how can you possibly complain?

The Dog Days of Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Brook) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:27:00 +0000

Even though it was snowing in Southwest Colorado last weekend, it seems as though winter has finally given up its grasp. In a mere 19 days we'll celebrate summer solstice. For a bit of random trivia, the word solstice is derived from two latin words. "Sol" means sun and "sistere" means "to stand." It's quite the visual reference, the sun stands as high as it will reach in the sky for the year.

For over 20 years, we've been known as the leading brand of wintersports base layers. But, Hot Chillys embraces every season with equal enthusiasm. Most of our long-sleeved tops have a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 30+ and our lighter fabrics are perfect for a brisk summer morning. A friend of mine favored his Hot Chillys Geo-tek crew while surfing (something about overly-snug rash guards not meshing with his intense appreciation of chilled cervezas).

We don't really market any of our fabric lines as summer-weight, but reviewer after reviewer tells us they love their Chillys year-round. Check out the Hot Chillys Product-Find-O-Matic to find the lightest weight line for your chosen activity: surfing, hiking or barbecuing.

Checkin' in on Chilly

noreply@blogger.com (Brook) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 22:30:00 +0000

Our erstwhile protagonist.... Okay, our adopted sea turtle has been out the news, but not out of our hearts. I just returned from a surfing trip to Mexico, where a few compatriots were lucky enough to witness a baby sea turtle making its way to the ocean. A spectacular site. The witnesses opted to stay back and let the little guy make it through the surf on his own.

Apparently, sea turtles hatch all year-round, but predominantly in the summer. There are different schools of thought on whether or not humans should intervene and help a baby sea turtle make its way to the ocean after hatching. One source says humans should not disturb the turtle in anyway, since the treacherous walk into the ocean imprints it with the knowledge it will need to return and lay eggs later in life. Others believe that humans should at least intervene to protect the eggs.

The mystery surrounding these prehistoric animals is part of what makes them so interesting. (As if being cute weren't enough!) Through our affiliation with ProPeninsula and Grupo Tortuguero, Hot Chillys supports efforts to protect sea turtles and their habitats.

Taos Ski Valley Finally Welcomes Snowboarders

noreply@blogger.com (MyChelle Dermaceuticals) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:45:00 +0000

Wow, talk about being off the back on this one. For years, I skied the Toas Ski Valley with my family as a kid; but have not been back in a long time. I finally picked up my first snowboard in 1998 and have been a sort of ambidextrous skier ever since; sometimes skiing, sometimes snowboarding.

But I always thought Taos had it bass ackward with not letting snowboarders mingle on its slopes with its catered skiers. How weird is it to ban a certain type of skier from the slopes? I mean, did they allow telemark skiers, even though that is technically different too?

Well, finally I think Taos got the hint and will be opening its runs to snowboarders and skiers alike starting on March 19, 2008. What took them so long? Who knows, but it will be interesting to see their privied skiers react to the first snowboarders on the slope.

You can check out some new options for snowboarders on their website (even their website is skitaos.org), and check out this article that has more information about the big change for this Northern NM "ski" resort.

Bode Miller - Doin' It His Way

noreply@blogger.com (Brook) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:03:00 +0000

Bode Miller broke ties with the US Ski Team at the beginning of the 2007-08 season. The independent athlete is now dominating the World Cup and is on track to win not only the combined medal, but also the overall. (Of course, it's a long season. I don't want to jinx him.)

In true Miller style (which I'm nearly certain is a phrase he's completely sick of), he's posted a video to YouTube about his new ... ahem ... non-US Ski Team training regime.

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58AOloYB7t4

The Flying Tomato aka Shaun White Sees Double Gold At Winter X Games 2008

noreply@blogger.com (MyChelle Dermaceuticals) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 23:07:00 +0000

This guy knows no limits and doesn't know how to take it easy on the snowboard. After taking gold at the Olympics, it is not a surprise that he is seeing gold again, in double vision, at this year's Winter X Games.

Rocking it in superpipe and slopestyle, The Flying Tomato, or some would prefer Shaun White, blows away his competition and nabs gold in both styles. Flying refers to his ability to fly through the air, regardless of the weather or the competition, and tomato conveniently refers to the stark red hue of his curly hair.

Going commando style, check out Shaun ripping it up in the Superpipe...

Check out more about what's happening at the Winter X Games at ESPN.com.

Fiesta! At SIA 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Chad) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:28:00 +0000

Hello from SIA, our annual buying show held at The Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas. This is the place to see all the new and hot products from all the top names in the industry, including Hot Chillys! Our model, Wendy, is wearing one of our new pieces from the Salsa Plush line. Pictured Left: Wendy, Jaimie, and Jamie.

We are excited to offer our customers a new Hot Chillys line for the 2008-2009 season! We are introducing anti-microbial properties in products like Peach Skins, MTF 4000, and La Montana to add the the already popular Micro-Elite Chamois, Geo-Thermal, and Seamless fabrics. We are doing this using Bio Del Mar, Bio-Carbon, and Bio-Silver. We are also introducing our Eco Moisture Fibers that are made with recycled polyester fibers. Along with all of our great new products and anti-microbial properties, we are happy to introduce new packaging made from recycled paperboard and printed with recycled inks. We are trying to keep things green!

For those of you not attending SIA '08, you missed out on our yearly Fiesta! Usually, this is held the first night of SIA. If you are here next year you have to attend! Please enjoy The video of the Mariachi Band at Fiesta SIA 2008...

You can follow everything that happens here in Vegas by watching "The Goods" on RSN.

Pray for more snow!

Permite Piedra!....LET'S ROCK!

Score One for the Turtles!

noreply@blogger.com (Brook) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:21:00 +0000

According to Reuters News Service, Cuba has placed an official ban on hunting hawksbill turtles in its Caribbean waters. Traditionally, Cuba allowed 500 hawksbill sea turtles to be hunted each year.

The Caribbean hawksbill sea turtles are endangered due to habitat loss and the hunting for purveyance of turtle shells. Cuba's decision to ban the hunt has been supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). "This far-sighted decision represents an outstanding outcome for Cuba, for the wider Caribbean and for conservation," said the WWF species program director, Dr. Susan Lieberman.

The two, Cuban fishing communities that had been actively hunting hawksbills, will receive funding to find alternative sources of income and improve their fishing fleets. The Cuban fishing ministry maintains the ban will remain in effect until the species shows a solid return to healthy numbers.

This effort is one in a long line of progressive environmental initiatives for Cuba.

(Hot Chillys supports the Grupo Tortuguero in its efforts to protect endangered sea turtles in Baja California.)

OnBoard FREE Snowboard Mag

noreply@blogger.com (Brook) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:42:00 +0000

Short and sweet post today:

This is not only the coolest concept, but it's executed well, has great pictures, and makes me feel young just to read it.

http://freemag.onboardsnowboarding.com/

Did I mention that it's FREE!

Where in the World is Steve Lee?

noreply@blogger.com (Brook) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:30:00 +0000

Northeast Looking At Another Storm!

noreply@blogger.com (Chad) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:01:00 +0000

Hello from the Northeast again!

After two weeks of warmer weather and spring skiing conditions, we have received another dump! A Nor'easter tore through the region, dropping up to 14 inches of snow. Gunstock received 14", while Wachusett Mountain, Pats Peak, and Crotched Mountain all received 12 inches.

According to all the local weather reports, the weather is going to get progressively colder all week. We will be in the single digits by the weekend. That means that EVERYONE will need to put on their Hot Chillys, or pick up some more! There is a "big game" (GO PATS!) coming up on Sunday, and I hope to see a everyone wearing Hot Chillys at the stadium. Going for 18-0!

In other news, our curling team, TEAM WALKER, has qualified for the Junior Nationals! Congrats girls! The team will be competing in Portage, WI February 2nd-9th. Dressed in their quality Hot Chillys gear, the girls are sure to dominate the competition (and stay stylish and warm)! Look for pictures in upcoming postings! They also have a blog at Good Luck in Portage!

X-Games Rapidly Approaching

noreply@blogger.com (Brook) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:49:00 +0000

Who would have thought that a ski area with a name like Buttermilk would be the longest-standing host of one of the most intense winter sports competitions? The X-Games are back at the little-area-that-could for the seventh year! Word on the street is that the contract goes until 2010.

We'll have people on the ground to report how this year's event will outshine all others. It's a killer event with a great energy: people, music, snow machines flying over your head and athletes defying gravity at every turn. Last year's Skiing SuperPipe Competition was far and away one of the best throw-downs I've ever witnessed. The favorite going in, Tanner Hall, was on the top of the podium. Much to the dismay of the Aspenites who were supporting local-boy Peter Olenick. Olenick came in third, behind Hall and Simon Dumont.

Check out this video of the 2007 event by Gabriel Loukeris, posted on ifilm.com:

http://www.ifilm.com/video/2817509

Greeting From Team Walker!

noreply@blogger.com (Chad) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 18:18:00 +0000

We’ve had a great season so far – with two tournaments (or “bonspiel” in curling terms) and one in Wisconsin which included a game against the Men’s Olympic Team, we feel fully prepared to compete at the USA Junior National Curling Championship in Portage, Wisconsin, which we qualified for last weekend in Utica, New York.
Because each member of a curling team fulfills different roles, each player has different needs to perform at the highest level. Chad, our local rep, has been willing and eager to help in outfitting us with the proper Hot Chillys products to fulfill these specific needs. The sweepers require an undergarment that will keep their muscles warm on the cold ice but also breathe when they build up heat while sweeping. The Micro-Elite Chamois Ankle Tight and Solid Zip-T fulfill these necessities very well and they look great too! The skip doesn’t move as much on the ice and needs warmer undergarments during the long game. The Salsa Micro-Elite Brushed Solid Zip-T and Tight have kept Monica toasty during our competitions. The support we’ve received from Hot Chillys has surely contributed to our successes this season.
In November, Chilly visited us at the Broomstones Curling Club in Wayland, Massachusetts. Here is a picture from the ice!

Below In order from Left to right is Laura, Nikki, and Monica. On the Ice is Chilly the Turtle!

Chilly Spotted In Colorado Mountains

noreply@blogger.com (Brook) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:59:00 +0000

Chilly, Hot Chillys "adopted" black sea turtle, has been laying low recently. She was recently spotted in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, apparently trying her flippers at snowboarding. It appears she has learned how to drive. After years of enduring jokes about her cousin, the tortoise, Chilly's out to prove the term "speed limit" doesn't apply to her. Watch your children on the roads. My only question about Chilly on a snowboard is: shouldn't she be wearing a helmet?

Chilly is obviously taking a season off to follow an endless winter. If she were in her traditional migration pattern, she would be celebrating the holidays somewhere off Pacific coast - anywhere from Baja California to Peru. I send it out to the blogging world: does anyone know the migratory path of a black sea turtle? Help appreciated!

Google Alert: Hot Chillys

noreply@blogger.com (Brook) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:32:00 +0000

It's not a stretch to realize that we, at Hot Chillys blog, have a Hot Chillys google alert. The shopping opportunities and the media coverage are sweet and massively appreciated. What's so cool to see, in addition, is the number of chat rooms and forums in which people talk about the brand. We offer thanks to our loyal retailers and consumers that have shown such ardent support. Just in the past month, unsolicited mentions have popped up forums from a Ducati Motorcycle group, to a walking group in England to a New England Ski Forum. We're proud to make high-quality base layers and ridiculously pleased that so many consumers believe in the product enough to spread the word. Thanks!

Beaver Creek Hosts World Cup Skiing

noreply@blogger.com (Brook) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 04:50:00 +0000

The Birds of Prey has nothing to do with feathered, flying creatures. It's a downhill course on the FIS world cup skiing circuit that is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated races of each season. The Birds of Prey Downhill was held last weekend with three Americans placing in the top ten. Steve Nyman placed second. Bode Miller, the charismatic bad boy of American skiing placed sixth. The surprise of the day was "C" team member, Andrew Weibrecht throwing down a crazy run to pull in at tenth place. The total lack of surprise came with the continuing domination of the Austrian machine. Michael Walchhofer beat Nyman by five one hundredths of a second.

World Cup Skiing doesn't translate quite as well on television. Live and in person, it is one of the most awe-inspiring athletic feats: raw power and incredible finesse at once. If you missed Beaver Creek, check out Women's World Cup action in Aspen Dec. 7-9, 2007. They used to call it "Glutes, Guts and Glory". Now, its just called cool.

Snowboarding: A History

noreply@blogger.com (MyChelle Dermaceuticals) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:08:00 +0000

Ever wonder how it all got started, when and by whom? Well, with the internet their is a slew of information available at your fingertips, with a click of a mouse etc. etc. But we happened upon a website that really does a nice job of providing a historical look at snowboarding.

The site is conveniently called "Snowboarding History." Here you can learn about the first snowboards to hit the slopes in the 1920s, who the pioneers of the sport were and how it has evolved over the decades.

Anyone here ever heard of snurfboards? Oh yea, then you need to get your reading on!

Snowboarding: A History.

Northern Vermont is getting off to a GREAT start!

noreply@blogger.com (Chad) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 02:11:00 +0000

I should introduce myself. My name is Chad, and I work with a fine gentleman named Fred and the Hot Chillys Team. We are the Northeast Hot Chillys Representatives. We cover Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. We drive all over New England spreading the Hot Chillys Cheer and Warmth. Since this is my first Blog I will start with this week.

Well, the snow is really falling in Stowe, VT this week. While driving up to Jay Peak on Tuesday afternoon in pouring rain, I pray that there is still snow left from the previous storm. All of a sudden it starts to change from rain to snow, while watching the temperature dropping on the dash of the Hot Chillys car. Then the snow is getting deeper and the roads are becoming harder to see. I finally arrive at Jay Peak, and there is snow everywhere. As I look around there are huge snow piles on the edges of the parking lot, but for Jay Peak this is child’s play. They are used to massive snow mounds and bairly being abe to get in the doors. I continue to drive down to Snow Job in Jay Vermont and they are extremely optimistic for the upcoming seasons snowfall amounts. As they should be considering last year at this time they were praying for snow.
Smugglers Notch Resort and Stowe Mountain Resort continued to receive 4 to 5 inches of snow on Tuesday night into the morning. I will have to follow this up with some pictures later. This is the first time I have had to scrape snow off my carthis year. I was not quite prepared. I did not bring gloves or hat, not to mention that I did not have a scraper.
As I continue to visit shop after shop in the Stowe Area there is a definite buzz for the coming year. I keep telling myself to knock on wood, as to not jinx myself . I have never been so happy to walk around with wet sneakers and a cold chill running up my jacket. As for the rest of the week I will be heading down to southern Vermont into Massachusetts, and then I will continue next week into New Hampshire.
When I head home on Friday I will load some pictures for all to see. Have a great week and prey for snow New England!

Plastic Snow in Texas?

noreply@blogger.com (MyChelle Dermaceuticals) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:26:00 +0000

Now what? Well, it looks like Texans are sick of the long drives to Colorado to enjoy snow and all the activities that comes with it, as they are now resorting to a fake, plastic snow substance to create a new winter wonderland attraction. Although it is unclear where in Texas they are constructing the fake mountain and snow, this strange resort will offer Texans a cool destination that is up to 20 degrees cooler than its surrounding environment.

Yes... it looks like they are now using plastic snow. Apparently there will be caves that feature the real white stuff, but by far and large the plastic-composite snow will make-up the resort.

Treehugger wrote the original story and provides more links to information about the fake snow and the resort (although without further explanation they claim the materials are eco-friendly).

What will they try next, fake beaches in North Dakota?

Elk Season Wrap-Up in Colorado

noreply@blogger.com (Brook) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 17:55:00 +0000

Tough year for hunting in Colorado. The warm dry weather definitely kept it a challenge. Whether you're a hunter or not, though, just being in the woods for a week ( ... or two .. or three) is great way to wrap up fall and get ready for winter. Most of the hunters I know hunt not for sport or trophy, but to fill their freezers. They all seem to look forward to living in the woods for that week, just as much as the actual chase. My sister has been a hunting guide for a dozen years and it doesn't really matter to her whether or not she gets an animal (when hunting for herself, of course). As long as she's comfortable, she's happy. I just spent Thanksgiving with her and found out that she's been wearing one specific Hot Chillys' top her entire career. I'm not gonna lie - the thing was a little ragged - but as soft and as well loved as a baby blanket! Apparently it still keeps her warm. Let's just say that Christmas shopping for her just got a lot easier - one new Hot Chillys top.

Turkeys Skiing?

noreply@blogger.com (KCO) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 13:49:00 +0000

After an exhaustive search trying to find evidence of a skiing or snowboarding turkey in honor of the Thanksgiving Holiday, it was determined that no evidence of a skiing or riding feathered fowl exists.
The research was not all for naught, as we are now semi-experts in skiing or riding in Turkey.
While it’s easy to assume that Turkey is all about cobalt blue oceans and men in Speedo’s on the Riviera (notice, there was no link to a picture here?), there are multiple snowsports resorts in Turkey. … Who knew?
This blog is a resource, so we had to offer a way for our loyal readers hoping to explore this untapped source of powder. Here’s how you get your own piece of the bird (Turkey, the country, that is).

A Spicy Topping for Those Turkey Leftovers

noreply@blogger.com (Brook) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 04:43:00 +0000

After the traditional feast of Thanksgiving, spice up the white meat with Bonnie Hyde's yummy, Jalapeno Pepper Jelly.

Jalapeno Pepper Jelly

1 C chopped red bell pepper
1/2 C chopped jalapeno peppers (approximately 5)
5 C sugar
1 1/2 C apple cider vinegar
1-3oz packet liquid pectin (prefer Certo brand)

Remove stems, veins and seeds from peppers (leaving seeds in 3 of the jalapeno peppers) chop in food processor.
In 5 qt pot over high heat, combine all ingredients except pectin. Bring to rolling boil and boil for 3 minutes. Remove and stir in pectin let cool for 5 minutes. Let cool 2 minutes and stir for 1 more minute then put in sterilized jars and lids, let seal. (I was a little concerned with this process so I followed the instructions on the pectin package which required using more pectin and different processing times).

Bonnie Hyde is a longtime member of the Hot Chillys' family, and one darn good cook. Thanks for sharing your recipe, Bonnie!

The Curse of La Nina - Overcome with this!

noreply@blogger.com (KCO) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 20:47:00 +0000

We’ve found a great site featuring global snow forecasting.

For those of us with private jets and a staff of servants (including a ski or snowboard tuner and waxer of course), this sort of information comes in handy when planning the weekend.

The fall has been conspicuously dry so far, especially in the Southwest corner of Colorado. Rumors of snow in the Crested Butte area abound, and we should have a first-hand report filed to this blog on Monday after the holiday.

First Turns of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Brook) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:25:00 +0000

I’ve just returned from my annual pilgrimage to Breckenridge for the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) Fall Training Event. Kudos to Breckenridge for defying the big, fat high-pressure system that has been sitting over the greater American West. One run was open with surprisingly great snow. There was no shortage of sliders, either. Sure – terrifying at times, but reassuring nonetheless – that the ski/board/tele bum mentality is not only alive, but kicking. Damn the crowds and the limited terrain, we all just wanted to be out there – goofy grins and all.

PSIA put on a great event this year. Fall Training is for the upper level Education Staff and the Trainer Accredited members. I had the honor of skiing with someone I’d never met, Charlie Stocker from Vail. He rips - downright inspiring. The entire PSIA organization is really indicative of the greater outdoor industry - a group of talented people whose dedication to the sport they love drives their pursuit of excellence. It wouldn’t work without the detail-oriented folks, the visionaries, and the beer. (The latter may be debatable in some circles.)

(Note: Due to the compromising nature of the photos taken in Breck, I must overtly steal from the internet. Special thanks to the fabulous Wayne Wong.)

Full Circle: What's Old is New Once Again

noreply@blogger.com (KCO) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:33:00 +0000

A new riding movie showcases what Future Snowboarding magazine touts as an “evolutionary backstep” in snowboarding: a rider on self-shaped board with no bindings (read the full story: www.FutureSnowboarding.com).

The article reads:
“So why the attention on Wolle, and why now? In Absinthe’s new film Optimistic, the super-stylish Wolle has a segment where he makes snowsurfing look hard to resist. “The terrain gets bigger again,” he says, “like places where you did one turn with your snowboard you do four with the ‘Powsurfer.’ Your eye for a line changes and you see the mountain differently—little pillows become huge, runs you did as a kid become so sick again. It’s pretty much rediscovering those old feelings.”
The Powsurfer flies in the face of riding’s ‘Made in China’ product culture.
Wolle’s “do-it-yourself creation is inspiring … I started pressing my own decks because the regular decks were just too short and narrow,” he says.