vivir: to live, to be alive

Second World Cup- Onwards toward North America

2012-01-15T14:38:00.000-08:00

The second World Cup of the season for me was held at Mont Gabriel Canada on January 14. The course was excellent and the recent snow made conditions ideal for competition. Unfortunately these ideal conditions didn't equate to satisfactory results and I finished 22nd. Keeping a tighter position throughout my run and better execution of my bottom jump would have most likely put me into the finals-live and learn. A big congratulations for teammates Hannah Kearney (1), Jeremy Cota (2), Sho Kashima (4)!!

We have arrived in Lake Placid NY where we stay at the Olympic Training Center. The competition is Thursday, January 19 at Whiteface Mountain, the event will be a single mogul competition. This area has seen some new snow and the temperatures have remained very cold, should make for great course conditions.

Planes, trains, and automobiles-Off to France

2011-12-14T09:37:00.000-08:00

In an unfortunate turn of events, Ryan Dyer, my teammate, has suffered a broken collar bone while training in Finland. With Ryan sidelined for the next event, I received a phone call yesterday from my coach. It was plane (no pun intended) and simple, if you can get to France, a World Cup start is waiting. Well, for some that sounds easy enough, but with a 72 hour notice and holiday season travel, getting there is not easy. First you look at the logistics of even getting a ticket, connections, times etc. When you have determined your arrival and departure times (keeping in mind that you must meet your team for further travel) then you can start pricing a ticket.

The first ticket came back at around $1,900 which is actually not that absurd of a price considering the fact that it is over the pond, on short notice AND holiday season. I put that on hold as it matched up 'relatively' close to my needed travel times and then moved to pricing out a Delta Sky Miles ticket, which alleviates the need to use cash. This would prove to be a very difficult task and I will spare you most of the details. In short, I researched departing and arriving at a total of ten DIFFERENT airports to try and satisfy my travel dates and times while trying to use the least amount of miles.

In the end, I settled on departing out of Great Falls MT, which is a three hour drive from where I will begin my travel in Missoula MT. On the return however, I will be flying back into Missoula. Rather than fly in and out of Geneva CH where the rest of my Team is traveling in and out of, I was able to save a large amount of miles and streamline my itinerary by flying in and out of Zurich CH. I will use Switzerland's advanced train system to get me from the Zurich airport to Geneva, eventually meeting up with the rest of the Team. One thing is 'almost' certain, the Swiss train system is always on time, making for sound travel planning.

The train ride from Zurich to Geneva is just over three hours and my flights match up 'relatively' close to my Teams travel arrangements. One other caveat to traveling on this itinerary is that I must depart a day later than everyone else, which actually worked out for the better, saving me 27,500 miles!! I canceled the full price, revenue ticket and settled on this Sky Miles ticket below...

I am looking forward to the opportunity of skiing in France, this will be my first competition since my injury in 2009. I have given my mind and body plenty of rest since my knee injury in December 2009, which sidelined me in my bid for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. I have learned so many things in the long road to recovery, some good, some bad, but all teaching me valuable lessons along the way. I am at a point in time where I know I have prepared myself both mentally and physically for my return to competition and I cannot express in words how excited I am to be getting back in the gate!! Be sure and visit my Facebook page for a little game/giveaway about my upcoming trip to France. I will be giving away a prize to whomever guesses the closest number of Sky Miles I used in booking my trip.

Working my way through the seasons...

2011-12-12T17:46:00.000-08:00

Today was another ordinary December day here in Missoula MT except for a one thing... unordinary dry winter conditions (at least for my liking). During an afternoon of being behind my computer screen I had realized the time, 4:15pm. The sun was still out but slowly making its way down for another awesomely cold, dark Montana evening. The skiing here in Western Montana has not been very good (putting it lightly), in fact, if you were to compare it to last year, I think it would look more like October rather than mid-December at the moment. With the reality of the poor early season snowpack setting in, I have found other outlets for my recreation. As I again noticed the time and caught a glimpse of the orange glow of the setting sun, I jumped from my chair, put on a few layers, grabbed my biking gear, let out some air in my mountain bike tires and loaded up.

and started climbing...

There was literally no ice on the trail making for relatively 'normal' biking conditions.

The lower PSI in my tires made for easy climbing...

A good place to stop and see what's around me-above the Missoula valley.

The sun sets with Lolo Peak in the back...

Prepared for the sunset and the cold descent.

A van, some hiking, skiing, a desert, a ski resort, some hot springs, more skiing and some adventure...

2011-12-05T08:10:00.001-08:00

Here is a little timeline of the last five weeks, starting with the most recent activity-getting ready for competition season!!

Montana Snowbowl was finally able to open up the top lift this weekend, 12-4-11. While the conditions certainly don't match last year at this time, I still remain optimistic that winter will soon be arriving with the much anticipated moisture of another La Nina.

A view from Grizzly chair over to the cliff area of Montana Snowbowl, everything is starting to fill in, slowly...

Spending more time in Missoula as of late has lead me to new places I didn't know existed, I think I have found my new favorite coffee shop, Zootown Brew-killer Americano...

The day after Thanksgiving I made it to Lookout Pass, they have seen some of the higher snowfalls in this region. Also, with the drive time from Missoula at less than 1.5 hours, it makes for a great day trip.

While at our U.S. Ski Team training camp in Wolf Creek Colorado we were able to soak at the Springs Resort, which is not far from the ski area and right in town at Pagosa Springs. The springs has a reported depth of over 2,500 feet and a source temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit-feels good!!

During our camp I was able to get in a little afternoon touring out the gates at Wolf Creek. Teammate Joe Discoe and I were able to take advantage of the recent snowfall and stable snow conditions to ski this gem below.

The hitch hike back to the resort was awesome. Someone going down the pass actually turned around and drove us back to the resort, where he had just came from, super nice dude, thanks John!!

A view with the highway below.

Welcome to Wolf Creek Ski Area!!

The first drive up to Wolf Creek.

Over the years I have been lucky enough to visit so many great ski destinations, towns and the like. I can easily say that the folks in Pagosa Springs and at Wolf Creek Ski Area are some of the nicest most accommodating people I have met. A big thanks to everyone that helped make our training camp a success!!

A quick stop in Ridgway Colorado to break up the drive from Montana to Colorado brought me to this mogul skiing museum, compliments of the Discoe family!!

With my road trip taking me right through Moab, I thought it would be a tragedy not to make a stop. With the low temperatures below freezing it was easy to find a camp site right at the Fisher Towers campground. Here is a picture at the end of the Fisher Towers hike, a short 2.2 mile jaunt to several amazing views.

A drive south through Utah wouldn't be complete without a stop in Park City. I came in around dinner time and met up with a good friend that insisted upon sushi. We made the quick drive to Salt Lake and grabbed a seat at the Takashi Sushi bar and ate until we couldn't eat anymore...

Before the trip I had to do a little maintenance on the new van, thanks for the help Sam-new axel seal.

Double bed...

Single bed-made the van road worthy today.

2004 Chevy Astro AWD

Before the adventures to Utah and Colorado began I took a quick day trip to Lucifer Lake.

(News) Landon Gardner helps Killington Rebuild

2011-11-15T21:53:00.001-08:00

The Hurricane Irene Relief Effort, follow this link for the story...

Two days in the Bitterroot Range

2011-10-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

My first day was spent just below St. Mary's Peak.

I was looking for a place to do some skiing next week.

Day two was spent a little further south near Trapper Peak.

And I did some skiing...

Six days off...

2011-10-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

We have been struggling with weather here in Zermatt for the past week, what was supposed to be two days off, turned into six. A winter storm followed by wind and ice has closed the glacier for training. We are optimistic that the weather will change, it seems as if the front is passing and normal conditions will resume. What have I been doing you might ask? Besides heading to Chamonix and a few gym sessions, I made two videos out of boredom...

Maybe by thinking about summer the weather will break?

Zermatt-Chamonix

2011-10-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

This was the scene in Zermatt a few days ago. We have seen nothing but blue skys for the first nine days of training, couldn't ask for much more. We had a two day break from training which gave me an opportunity to take a detour from the usual rest day activities...

I have always wanted to visit Chamonix France while in Europe but never put a trip together, that all changed when we had a few days off from training. Just a few short hours in a few trains and buses and I arrived in Chamonix. The bus driver 'supposedly' dropped me off in a good location to find my hostel, shorter walking distance apparently. I would have hated to see where he was going to drop me as the walk ended up being 25 minutes. I made it to my hostel, dropped my gear and went to the village center and grabbed dinner. The next day I went early to the Aiguille du Midi station and made the first tram ride of the morning. The weather couldn't have been better and the sights were absolutely amazing from that vantage point. Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains are insane! More pics here...

After getting down from the Aiguille du Midi I wanted to check out Mer de Glace. Unfortunately it was running on two hour intervals and I didn't have enough time before I had to leave. I settled for a good lunch and a few beers at Elevation 1904. I also had a chance to walk around Chamonix a bit, it is larger than Zermatt and the valley walls are basically vertical walls on both sides, this place is beautiful! More pics here...

I made it back to Zermatt and the weather has surely changed. They aren't really calling for that much snow up high but is sounds like the visibility and winds are pretty nasty. We are supposed to be on snow tomorrow, weather pending.

Day two in Zermatt!!

2011-09-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

A quick video from day one and two here in Zermatt. More will be added soon!

Zermatt 2011-Training Camp

2011-09-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

After a day of travel I have made it to Switzerland! I haven't been here since 2009, and it is great being back, such a place of beauty. We had our first day of training today, the weather was excellent and the course looks to be in great shape. I took this picture on the download today, wish I had a serious panoramic camera for the insane scenery here. Three weeks of training on the glacier so check back for more pictures...

Benefit auction is LIVE!!

2011-09-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

I have put together ten items, all U.S. Ski Team related and listed them on eBay. These items range from new ski bindings, goggles, gloves, an old Under Armour uniform and more!! Follow this link eBay-VermontSkiRelief and check out the auctions. 100% of the final selling price after shipping and eBay fees will be given to the Killington Community Fund. This fund will help flood victims that have lost their homes, been misplaced or are in financial need in the wake of Irene. Please share link, thanks.

Killington Vermont benefit auction- Hurricane Irene

2011-09-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

Visit my 'News' tab on the left side of my Facebook fan page to find out about the benefit auction I will be conducting via eBay. I will be auctioning off things from my sponsors, U.S. Ski Team gear as well as a U.S. Freestyle Ski Team uniform!! All proceeds will be going to the reconstruction efforts for the town of Killington Vermont, which suffered many forms of damage due to Hurricane Irene. Auction will be live next week, stay tuned for details!!

A wrap on summer...

2011-09-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

NOT! Summer is not over yet and as temperatures climb back towards 90F, I will still be enjoying summer activities. It has been a really productive summer so far, I apologize for the the lack of blog posts, but with Facebook and Twitter feeds at the top of the page I figured that was sufficient.

I am currently in Montana getting ready for our three week training camp in Zermatt Switzerland, departing on September 23. I am really looking forward to spending a good amount of time back on snow with the Team, after I get home from Swiss, winter will soon be arriving.

Hope everyone has had an awesome summer!!

The Original Freeskier, Scot Schmidt, at 50 | Powder Magazine

2011-07-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

The Original Freeskier, Scot Schmidt, at 50 | Powder Magazine

A nice welcome back to Utah

2011-06-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

Headed to Park City tonight for a few days of training and coaching. Caught this gem on the way up Parley's Pass!

Red Lodge Montana

2011-06-20T09:28:00.000-07:00

My trip to Red Lodge last week was a success, six days of camping and skiing, doesn't get much better than that! I was coaching for Missoula Freestyle and doing a little skiing myself. Click on the above picture to view the trip, video coming soon. I'm now planning my next trip to Park City at the end of this week... more skiing?

533 Days

2011-05-29T23:31:00.000-07:00

First day back at the COE-Park City

2011-05-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

I have made it back to Park City Utah... its been almost six months since I was last here, it sure feels that way!! I arrived Sunday and had class Monday, this is a picture of the quad at Westminster College in Salt Lake where I am attending. I am taking what is called Maymester, which is a condensed 3.5 week block of school, eight class periods, pretty sweet! I am taking a History and Business Writing class.

Today was my first day back in the gym here at the COE in Park City. With school yesterday and a gym session today that consisted of Coach Nap kicking my ass, my eyes are wide open as I get back on the horse and begin my road back to competition. Here we go!!

A change of seasons...

2011-04-25T08:34:00.000-07:00

A trip to my brothers garage-it's obvious he is ready for a change in recreational activities. I'll be in Montana for six more days before heading south to Utah for a five week stretch. School, training with the U.S. Ski Team and some recreation will take up my time while in Park City. Snowbird is still getting snow!! 671" YTD snowfall, are you kidding me, see you at the Bird!!

Now on facebook!!

2011-04-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

Click the picture above or this link and hit LIKE!!

This winter-Got it!!

2011-04-19T14:26:00.001-07:00

It's over

2011-04-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the closing of Montana Snowbowl. A record snow year led to an even greater record crowd on hand for the last day of the year. Everyone from Pac Man to Jesus was skiing on Sunday. With only a week and a half left here in Missoula before my departure back to Park City I'm trying to get in as many awesome activities as possible. Yes, walking a dog might classify as an awesome activity, maybe... hence the picture above. A blinding blizzard hit Missoula yesterday evening for about three minutes, this picture was taken just as the sun made its way back out. Check back to see what other awesome activities take place before I leave!!

A little touring

2011-04-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

Sun in and out all day and an appointment with the gym led to some late afternoon touring around Missoula instead. Above 5,500 feet its definitely still winter. Montana Snowbowl stops turning its lifts this weekend... Chance for a powder day?

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Missoula

2011-04-12T11:48:00.001-07:00

A little fly fishing this morning. The historical skwala hatch is on its way here in western Montana. Heading up to Flathead Lake this afternoon to check on the Air Chair conditions.

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2011 Coleman Open-Montana Snowbowl

2011-04-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

We had a great mogul event this past weekend at Montana Snowbowl. This event brought competitors from Utah, Idaho and Montana. Although we didn't see typical warm spring temperatures the conditions were awesome for the competitors. Thanks to coach Power and the rest of the Missoula Freestyle contingency for putting on this rad event.

Keeping the Montana Mustache Militia alive!!

We had a DJ on the hill all weekend putting together sounds that I'm sure nobody had ever heard before. Big thanks Lane!!

Preparation for...

Hot dogs for hot dogs!!