Michiganders where you at-

 

Yeah chips, that's the way we do it, discounted equipment  I've never paid full retail for anything. 

 

We do need some snow, this rain just ain't right.  I was hoping to have the park open when my brothers are in town for xmas, but now I don't know about that.  And just when I got the balls to learn me a new trick.

 

If you're just making enough for a run, you can make that in a few hours. Run it when you go to bed, wake up to snow.

The plans are here- http://www.snowathome.com/free_plans/SAH-SG2-combo_internal_mix.php

 

nozzles are here- http://www.snowathome.com/our_products/Internal_Design_Nozzle_Kit.php

 

The nozzles are a bit pricey, but they get the job done.  I had to use brass for the gun cuz I couldn't find 1/4" in galvanized.  Which I guess is for the best since I don't have to worry about it rusting out.

 

 

Worth the trip, but I'd say if you're driving all that way go an extra half hour and hit the highlands or nubs.  And Yes, it's crazy buzy around the holidays.  We did it a few years back and will never do that one again.  It was fun, but the lift ticket is like 10 bucks more and you don't get nearly as many runs in as a regular day.

 

i went last year the day after christmas and it was soooooo mellow. i got so many runs in and i was just by myself meeting new people.  

i got some great news that you all are going to hate me when i say it, but i just found out this afternoon lol. my moms boyfriend who i get to meet at christmas works for boyne mt and he told her that hell get me free passes whenever and i can get like 30% off at BCS(the shop) lol so im happier than a pig in shiz right now. haha. might go up a day or two early just to ride

how do you figure metal is going to be so expensive?  depending on the material you can get it for anywhere from 2-5 bucks a foot. so a for like 75 bucks max you could get enough to make a 10ft rail that is at least 1 foot off the ground.  just depends on the wall thickness and diameter.  i get 1-5/8 X .083 chromoly for around 5 bucks a foot. And thats way stronger than you need.  you could get a stick of 1-1/2 X.095 ERW or DOM for a lot cheaper. and could get a couple feet of 3/4" x .083 to make gussets if youre worried about strength. and that all will be pretty cheap.

 

Chips- I'm soooooo jealous.  I've been wanting to move north for years now just so I can work the boynes or nubs and ride for free.  You've got something even better, all the ridin' without all the workin' part  

Day 3, Boyne Mountain:  Roughly 25% of the runs and lifts open.  Grey skies and a bit windy.  South, Center and North McClouth were a combination of fluffy and chunky (strange, I know), lost an edge a few times and ate some chunky ice.  Victor and Aurora were okay, cut through Deer Run a few times to hit a couple of small features in Funland.  My buddy and I were dragging ass most of the day, I think our legs were shot from the previous 2 days of riding.  Boyne's Mountain Express lift got crowded as the morning changed to afternoon, saw a few skiers decked out in hunting jackets and hats.  Spotted a Sierra Crew on the slopes today, 2nd Sierra board spotting in 2 days.

Overall it was a great opening weekend.  Day 2 at Boyne Highlands was the highlight of the weekend, great weather and the best conditions of the 3 hills.  I am worn out, tired and sore.  Back to work and reality tomorrow.

 

Yeah, I've lived in the downriver/south Detroit area my whole life.  I've spent some time north as a kid and more when I moved out.  I can't get enough of the north.  When I was younger I did like the faster pace/convenience of the city.  My wife lived in the middle of nowhere, seriously northern MI is crowded compared to where she grew up.   She hated it growing up in the middle of nowhere.  She feels she missed out on a lot of culture not living in the city (especially when I talk about my old punk days and connection to the city).  I wish I would have  grown up somewhere around a good hill, I feel I missed out on a lot not having that upbringing.  We must always want what we didn't/dont' have.  The grass is always greener...