In this edition of Douguss Amonguss, Trikke Trainer Douglass Weymouth shares his thoughts on the National Trikke Skki Inn, which begins this year on January 30th in Oregon.
Gina Alo racing at the 2010 Skki Inn.
I first became aware of the National Trikke Skki Inn in 2009, when I really, really wanted to go, but all the spaces were filled by the time I asked about it. My next opportunity: Skki Inn 2010. I watched for the announcement and signed up right away. I missed Skki Inn 2011, but I made Skki Inn 2012 and plan to carve up the 2013 edition. Whereas previous Skki Inn’s were held in Utah; this year it’ll be in Oregon at Hoodoo Mountain Resort located near Sisters, Oregon.
Going to a Skki Inn is a different experience for the average Trikke rider. First off, you’re on snow. Secondly, you’re free to carve up the mountain and go anywhere your abilities allow you to go. As long as there is snow to ride on, you can go there. It’s wide open and you aren’t constrained to a path, street or trail that limits your ability to move across the slope. Thirdly, there’s the nice ride up the slope on a chairlift or gondola, making the going down easy to do over and over.
At Skki Inn 2012, we had different weather each day, so you need to prepare and have the proper clothing to keep dry and warm. The Skki will perform in almost every condition of snow. Everyone prefers powder and freshly groomed trails, but the Skki likes just about any condition as long as there is coverage.
At Skki Inn 2010, I tried my first Black Diamond. I made it most of the way down before I had a small crash. Here’s a clip of Roger Wildermuth, Gina Alo, Darrick Bruyn and me from that day:
I also made a video for Gina Alo. using a song called “Gina” by The Mother Truckers.
One of the great things about Skki Inn is that there are lots of knowledgable Trikke Trainers to help you and give you the confidence to perform as best you can. Learning at a smaller resort like Wolf Mountain or Hoodoo Skki Area is nice because you see all the trainers and beginners and get tips and pointers on how to carve it up. My video titled Riding Through the Aspens at Powder Mountain was the result of having more confidence and control, and this slideshow gives an overview of the folks who came to Skki Inn 2012.
Darrick Bruyn and I have been lobbying for Skki Inn to be held at Hoodoo for a few years now in part because Hoodoo and their management has embraced the Trikke Skki as a legitimate vehicle to carve up the slopes. They have been allowing us to participate in Spring Fling, along with the Ski Bikes and have been kind enough to allow us to race, as well. One of the Hoodoo employees, Jason Default, has won the overall Trikke Skki Championship the last two years. This year at the Skki Inn, racing will take place once again with a Trikke Skki Cross race and a Giant Slalom, which is run for time.
I’ve found that each Trikke model shows you new and different ways to carve your way to health and happiness. I’m an extreme enthusiast and would love for more folks to enjoy the passion and fun that is Trikke. Whether it be on pavement or snow, Trikke is the way to go!
I’ll see you on the Carving Edge, Trikke
About Douglass Weymouth
