Song: Foster the People – Houdini RAC Remix

SPOILER: This video contains no huge tricks or deep powder.

Stratton Mtn GoPro Jan 22, 2012 from WhoaSnow on Vimeo.

Cannon Mtn GoPro Powder Day Jan20th 2012 from WhoaSnow on Vimeo.

We are experiencing a serious lack of deep powder here in NH this year so far, so this video just shows off some packed powder trails and smooth runs. Either way, it’s still good to be on the mountain.

Cannon Mtn GoPro Top to Bottom from WhoaSnow on Vimeo.

Song: Pretty Lights – Out of Time

The pole I used was from an aluminum towel rack that we had removed from our bathroom. Yes, kind of unique, but it worked for me and hopefully it will give you some ideas of your own!

Items I used to Construct My GoPro Pole Mount

One of the supplied GoPro pivot arms, I used the larger one.

24″ Aluminum Towel Rod, square & hollow.

A Power Drill (not shown)
11/64″ Drill Bit
#10 1″ Machine Screws & Nuts
2 Washers that fit the Screws

Construction

I took the pics below after construction was complete. Assuming you are somewhat “handy” you should be able to see what is done in the pic itself, but just in case you can’t here is a breakdown. You’re basically going to drill a hole through the rod and insert one screw through both the rod and the pivot arm. Aligning the holes on the pivot arm to the holes you’re going to drill is very important. I was even slightly off and had to insert small spacers to remove any wiggle room (see below).

1. Assuming you have the holes you’re going to drill marked and aligned properly, Use your 11/64″ drill bit and drill a hole through the rod on two parallel sides.
2. Slide bottom of GoPro pivot arm into the hollow rod so the holes you drilled and the holes on the pivot arm match up. The rod I used happen to fit the pivot arm almost flush.
3. Insert a screw through the rod & pivot arm, I recommend using washers on both sides to avoid damaging the aluminum from over-tightening.
4. Tighten screw down using a nut on the opposite side.

The green stuff you see on my pic is actually just small pieces of a plastic zip-tie I cut and inserted into the gaps. This helped remove any “wiggle” from the attached mount.

Using plumbers silicon Rescue Tape, I secured all seams (and my inserted zip-tie spacers) by wrapping the tape around the mount a few times. I love Rescue Tape because it’s made from silicon, stretchy, and self-adhering. However, you could use Gorilla tape, Duct tape, or whatever works best for you.

For the handle I stole a foam grip from an old dust broom I had lying around and just zip-tied it on. Worked fine however you could also simply wrap electrical tape, hockey tape, or whatever else you find works best for you.

That’s It!

Sample Video

GoPro Bretton Woods 1-2-2012 from whoasnow on Vimeo.

The conditions we’re horrible, it had rained the night before. I made this video just to see how well the pole mount would work.

That’s right, all you have to do is submit a past photo or video of your worst digger, wipe-out, face-plant, what have you, that took place during any action sport. All entries are publicly voted upon and the winner gets an entire week heli-boarding at Crescent Spur, see photo below for emphasis on what’s in store.

Regardless if you’re going to enter or not, I recommend taking a moment to view some of the entries for some genuine entertainment. No one likes to be caught on film or photo while not performing their best, but I see nothing wrong with laughing over other people doing it. Hey, whatever makes me look good on the slopes

Honestly though, with phone cameras and what not being more than abundant these days, I’m sure there are plenty of people out there with some great photos or video of some hilarious moments of shame, so here’s your chance to cash in those gems.

Check out Crescent Spur: Shame for Gain, and good luck!

A Tiny Day in the Jackson Hole Backcountry from Tristan Greszko on Vimeo.

It’s All Relative

Every situation is different. For some, moving is no big deal. You have no ties, no mortgage, not much family, nothing to lose. While others have the complete opposite. So obviously moving is all relative to your lifestyle. But whats the limit? Let’s take employment as an example. Would you sacrifice a well paying and reliable job for easy access to powder. While it’s true that money can’t buy happiness, it can buy new equipment, lift tickets and vacations to more desirable boarding locations. Although if you live near the base of a mountain, or better yet, work for a mountain, who needs a lot of money when you’re there every day and can board for free? The life of a “ski-bum” is a desirable one for many.

Balance is Important

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my life, it’s about finding a good balance of doing what you enjoy vs. doing what is right. It’s easy to pack up everything and move to the mountains, but it’s a lot harder to realize you hate it there leaving everything you knew behind for some fresh snow.

Living in New Hampshire, we don’t get the same powder and early seasons as many do out west or in other countries. But we also do get some amazing conditions when the seasons are good. In all honesty, its not the best location for boarding, but it is definitely not that bad either. Unexpectedly having my first child at a young age threw a curve ball into a lot of aspects of my life, snowboarding included. I made the tough decision to lay down roots near family and friends rather than chase the snow. Although I have that burning inside me for fresh powder as many of you, I also know taking care of my family plays a more important role and have come to terms with the idea of boarding the east coast with occasional trips out west when the timing is right.

Work Towards a Goal

Whether your planning to move or it’s just not possible, make the best of your situation by creating a goal and working towards it. If you create a plan you have a greater chance of succeeding rather than either letting yourself down or making bad decisions.

If you move, set up a place to stay and a new job. Don’t risk ruining your entire goal by not planning accordingly. If moving just isnt an option figure out what you need to do in your life to be able to get more days in the powder. Plan and work towards those goals and you could be seeing the trails more often if things go right.

In my case, instead of dwelling on that fact that I may be boarding the East Coast most of my life, I laid down a plan to simply be on the good mountains more while also keeping everything else in my life at a happy and healthy level. My plan was to remove myself from the 9-5 work week so many of us “suffer” from. I finally began being self-employment after working towards it for a few years and now am able to go boarding mid-week with no lift lines and more powder for way less money.

To me, staying close to family & friends while also being able to board when I want for an affordable price is the perfect balance. I reached my goal and am glad to say it’s working and I’m loving it.

What Do You Think?

It’s no surprise that this question can be answered a million different ways and is entirely individualistic. So what’s your situation or plans for snowboarding in the next couple of years. Are you going to pack it up and chase the powder, or are you happy where you are already? Could things be better? If so, what are you doing right now to work towards that goal?

JP Auclair Street Segment (from All.I.Can.) from Sherpas Cinema on Vimeo.