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Katos open

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mntelebumper
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 10
kato opened today, no park yet, but they have one decently set up box. other than that, it was a beautiful day and the snow was awesome.
Nov 22 2008 7:22PM
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shitty
Posts: 242 - Karma: 46
yeah allen.

the rails at kato are quite nice and enjoyable. but when it comes to jumps, it may result in dropping more money on gas and lift tickets to hyland and spirit.

When the guys who build the jumps, (which majority don't even hit them??), and seem to completely base their decision on how "cool" the jump looks(from how they've talked to me) without regards shape or physics, it worries me.

I love mount kato, been there since like 4th grade(so like 10 years) and will continue to ride and support the mountain, and I'm not going to give up on them. But things like they're "park crew," which amounts to management sending up some ski school kids(idk what they do) to rake the jumps to "give them something to do" without seeming to know the purpose of what they're doing it just really stinks. "our" crew was out there and we all basically had to "ask" them to stop doing what they're doing for the sake of saving the lips.

--Werts--, I want to thank you for being on here to listen/tolerate our opinions that we rant about on here. If I ever meet you out on the hill, I want to say thanks man, I appreciate you giving your time.

Dec 27 2008 1:38AM
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shitty
Posts: 242 - Karma: 46
and dbeck, as far as your comment about jeff reading this, i dont think he'd care man. cause whats the demographic at mt kato: 5 or 6 "twin tip" skiers that one can say actually do tricks --we don't matter. not nearly the base that any other hill in MN, except buck?, has.

on another note, my girlfriend, who really doesnt know much about the ski world, got me a jiberish checkers crew neck for christmas, stoked.
Dec 27 2008 1:46AM
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DBeck
Posts: 1275 - Karma: 63
you've got a good point, but at the same time i feel for the kids that are out there and still learning basic tricks and even straight airs. cuz its probably even more dangerous from them. like i was out there the yesterday with my little brother simon he's 13 its his second year skiing and first year on twintips. there was really only one or two boxes i even felt somewhat comfortable around. and there were no jumps for kids at his ability, the smallest jump the had was about 12-15 feet with a distinct knuckle and stepdown style with about a 5 foot drop. so kids would just take it slow and land at about 5 feet on flat then just ride over the knuckle. but when they got adventurous and just went for it they would case the knuckle and just die, i'm not to sure if any of this stuff is safe for any level of ability.
Dec 27 2008 3:32PM
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sneaky_pete
Posts: 543 - Karma: 47
no matter how much we complain and bicker about it, we all know that nothing is going to change. we'll just have to make it work like we have in the past.
Dec 27 2008 5:12PM
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mntelebumper
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 10
guys thank you for your patience with the park. the park is honestly the best it has been in years, and i think with a few minor changes it will be really awesome.

so first let me address the jumps.
the line has potential. i honestly like the first jump, its really mellow and a good pumper for the middle jump.
the middle jump needs a little tender loving care but then it will be super smooth.

1. the take off needs to be mellowed out a little, its slightly abrupt and puts riders into the back seat, adding a little snow and making the jump a little bigger will smooth out the transition and make the jump flow super well.
2. the landing needs to be pushed in and made about a 20 footer instead of a 30 (or what ever it is im not sure of the length) i my self and about 7 other skiers and snowboarders came up short the other day in a row, and that included bombing the run. shortening the gap should have us landing in the sweet spot of the landing.
3. the length of the landing is  awesome. it just needs to be steeper. Jeff and i had a talk the other day and if i remember right he said the landing was about 20 degrees which is just a little too flat. some were in the 28-35 degree range would be spot on. because personally if i crash i like a landing steep enough that i just slide out on, instead of completely falling over on, like is the current set up.

the third jump just simply needs redone, landings too flat, and because of the current casing issue on the middle jump, getting speed to clear the gap  is a sever issue.

the rails are awesome and have a lot of flow, no changes need to be made there. its early in the season and we have time to make changes. i think this park is going to be good.

when i get the chance i will talk to Jeff and Kyle about possibly making some of these changes.
 remember, if features are bamboed. stay off they are closed for a reason.

and finally the management does care about your opinion on the terrain park. if  you have concerns with the park feel free to talk to Jeff or Kyle. they will listen.

once again thanks for your patience.

Tim
Dec 29 2008 6:41PM
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shitty
Posts: 242 - Karma: 46
Thanks Tim and Werts. After doing some more thinking you are right. There's so much potential there, and for you guys taking the time to give things a tweak or two rather than just calling it a day, I thank you for it!


Dec 29 2008 7:38PM
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mntelebumper
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 10
dude, tim and werts are the same person. tim + werts = tim werts
Dec 29 2008 7:51PM
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shitty
Posts: 242 - Karma: 46
oh i thought tim, tim the manager guy wrote that through your account...my bad
Dec 29 2008 8:00PM
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mntelebumper
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 10
na dude its cool. if you have input on the park though, feel free to approach me or the managment, im usually out on some broke ass rossi slalom skis, or my old head mad trix, and on occasion the teles, so if you see an instructor in the park on teles feel free to approach me and voice your concerns if your not comfortable approaching jeff or the rest of the management.
Dec 29 2008 8:12PM
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DBeck
Posts: 1275 - Karma: 63
i finally met werts yesterday! i'm glad you got to talk to jeff not to many people get that privlage. thanks for your efforts werts!
Dec 29 2008 8:18PM
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[bryan]
Posts: 483 - Karma: 26

PUT THE BATTLESHIP UP!!!

Dec 29 2008 9:30PM
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DBeck
Posts: 1275 - Karma: 63
the second, or big jump. has gotten better. unfortunately i don't think its from anything kato did. just from people just riding the lip for the past few weeks its pretty worn down so the pop on it was mellowed out. i just got a few 180's and a three, didn't try anything too cool. but petey stomped a pretty big five on it. he also almost missed the landing and fell off the side a few times.
Jan 3 2009 5:06PM
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[bryan]
Posts: 483 - Karma: 26
anything sweet been going down at mt kato lately?  it's been like a week since the last post...
Jan 10 2009 11:02PM
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DBeck
Posts: 1275 - Karma: 63
well i went today, the lips the best its been. but landing was still flat alot of compresion on the landing. petey fell off the landing legitimately today like one ski was totally off the jump and he just took it hard but took it like a champ. other than that everythings exactly the same pretty much- and oh petey and i now have a fan club, these two little kids like 10-11 followed us around for like 3 hours and gave us a running commentary on our day, they just cracked me up
Jan 11 2009 2:52AM
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shitty
Posts: 242 - Karma: 46
watch for the "lucas and zach show" edit to drop soon, they're great coaches. "you almost did a 360 onto that rail, but not quite!!"
Jan 11 2009 10:51PM
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DBeck
Posts: 1275 - Karma: 63
yep, they're quite knowledgeable, and the best part is they follow us all day and to critique us and give running commentary. Best coaches you could ever ask for! "START THIS WAY, THEN TURN THAT WAY AND SPIN THIS WAY!!!!"
Jan 12 2009 12:11AM
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awsomecoolguy
Posts: 3536 - Karma: 13
I'm back at kato for second semester and ready to ride!
Jan 12 2009 12:32AM
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shouts
Posts: 2 - Karma: 10
Mount kato was actually pretty good to day, I saw the park crew work for about 15 minutes on each of the 3 jumps in the back. Just enough time to say they worked on it. Overall it was decent.
Jan 17 2009 7:24PM
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DBeck
Posts: 1275 - Karma: 63
Just a little edit jason and I made from a little footy we got on saturday.
Jan 19 2009 11:57AM
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mntelebumper
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 10
nice, ill be out there from 3-7 working. so if you want to ride after 7 ill be there.
Jan 19 2009 12:10PM
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DBeck
Posts: 1275 - Karma: 63
i'm typically not able to ride nights unfortunately..
Jan 19 2009 12:19PM
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mntelebumper
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 10
dam too bad. cause i want to progress my rail skills so we can go hit some urban.
Jan 19 2009 12:58PM
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DBeck
Posts: 1275 - Karma: 63
tele urban?! that would be sick
Jan 19 2009 1:00PM
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mntelebumper
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 10
thats why i need to work on my rail skills
Jan 19 2009 2:35PM
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shitty
Posts: 242 - Karma: 46
mmm we need a sunny day and pretzels to be filmed
Jan 19 2009 4:07PM
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DBeck
Posts: 1275 - Karma: 63
thats why its in the kato thread, cuz nobody else looks here
Jan 19 2009 6:52PM
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mntelebumper
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 10
ARGH  looks like im going full time tele. i broke my FKS. FUCK!!!!
Jan 19 2009 7:47PM
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mntelebumper
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 10
front parks getting changed up, its gonna be sick

- battle ship
-2nd c box /transition
Jan 21 2009 12:31AM
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sneaky_pete
Posts: 543 - Karma: 47

i just got my new 4frnt stl's mounted with new jester's, i'm pretty stoked to try them out, should be a killer setup.

also, props to shitty and dbeck on that mini edit. keep them coming.

Jan 21 2009 6:02PM
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DBeck
Posts: 1275 - Karma: 63
just got back from a nice morning sesh with jason and pete. front park is probably the best its been, flat box on top, trap looked kinda iffy, rainbow C is sooo sick, they got a little quater pipe up to it for stalls and what not, fruit by the foot is nice unless you don't make it to the landing then you're gonna be hurtin. But over all definitely heading in the right direction.
Jan 22 2009 2:41PM
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sneaky_pete
Posts: 543 - Karma: 47
yeah i agree. this is definantly the best ive ever seen it set up, i have to give them  props, they did a good job. it's just really fun to ride. i would like it though if next year they put a couple big kink boxes or rails, cause most of the features are seeming pretty small.
Jan 23 2009 10:03PM
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[bryan]
Posts: 483 - Karma: 26
nothing going down at kato anymore?
Feb 4 2009 8:30AM
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mntelebumper
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 10
park seems to be im place for the season, its good so get out and ride.
Feb 4 2009 12:16PM
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sneaky_pete
Posts: 543 - Karma: 47
the other day tyler fitzpatrick said that next year kato wants to model their park after Buck's, i thought it sounded kind of strange. and they plan to make the jump landings gynormas. any body else hear/know anything about this?
Feb 8 2009 8:25PM
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mtkatoguy
Posts: 10 - Karma: 10

Hi Guys

First of all thank you for all your comments, they are all read and appreciated.

First of I would just like to remind you not to put too much stock in rumors that you hear.  If you want to know something, please ask.  Stop in the office and ask for a manager.  Write an email.  Send a letter.  All of these are viable options and very much welcome. 

As for rumours about next year's setup they are exactly that, rumours, and are not worth the time it takes to read them.  As it is there is still work to be done for this year, and next year is a long way off.

On that note,  Mount Kato's spring fling is Saturday March 7, and will include terrain park contests, the exact nature of which is yet to be finalized.  I will tell you there is an 80's theme for the day, and at least one contest will be inspired by that theme.  For example, the snowboarders will be having a "method air" contest.  I will get a new thread up in the next day or so for discussions about this, so start thinking about the trick you guys want to showcase from yesteryear.  So far the majority opinion is that a "daffy" or "Iron Cross" will be the trick.  By like I said nothing has been absolutely finalized.

Thank you everybody for your time.

mtkatoguy

Feb 8 2009 9:02PM
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sneaky_pete
Posts: 543 - Karma: 47

^ thats what i was thinking, def wouldn't be one of my top choices anyway

Feb 8 2009 9:05PM
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DBeck
Posts: 1275 - Karma: 63
OOO someone from mt kato is here! fitzy talks alot of shit, he told me that he wants it like bucks park. two things are going on there- he's not smart and has no say in the park set-up from what i understand (and if he does that needs to be changed) second- he thinks bucks park is sweet cuz the only time he skis other places is when he goes to races so he's pretty sheltered.

spark notes: don't listen to tyler fitzpatrick.
Feb 8 2009 9:23PM
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mtkatoguy
Posts: 10 - Karma: 10

Yes, someone from Kato is here.  We've been reading all year, but finally decided to respond, but only in order to squash the rumours.  And like I said, we DO value your comments and feedback, and don't hesitate to contact us either in person or electronically.

One thing to keep in mind if you do wish to contact us:  Do so respectfully.  If the First thing out of your mouth is about how something sucks, or profantity, or other negative/brash/harsh language, then generally your voice will not be well heard.  On the other hand, if you want to talk to somebody in management, just go into the office and let them know, respectfully, that you would like a few minutes of time to discuss the terrain park(s).  Start off the conversation by introducing yourself and shaking the hand of the person your are talking to, and then address the issue you have.

Remember guys; respect earns respect.

mtkatoguy

Feb 8 2009 9:36PM
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sneaky_pete
Posts: 543 - Karma: 47
hahaha. sorry but that was really funny, thanks for clearing things up
Feb 8 2009 9:42PM
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mntelebumper
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 10
the out back were super smooth today. so much fun.
Feb 8 2009 10:59PM
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mntelebumper
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 10
hmm yea apparently i for got to mention the word rails.

the rails out back were super smooth today. apparently thats what my dumb ass ment to say.
Feb 8 2009 11:50PM
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DBeck
Posts: 1275 - Karma: 63
mtkatoguy- I would like to respectfully say that i think your park would improve %100 if you implemented platforms. Platforms-hence landings-that stretch the width of the trail i.e. hylands. I have talked to Dupont multiple times and the one thing he brings up everytime is that the groomers need to be able to groom on both sides of the features so thats why things aren't up on platforms. The platforms wouldn't have to be huge at all, like on the fruit by the foot, right now its set level and the end is only like 4-5 feet off the slope of the hill- not big at all, but big enough to make a legit platform for all kinds of features. I know it takes snow. but it would make a huge difference. also i would like to say that you should make the 35 footer in the back into a nice tall 20 footer. A small jump line consisting of like 4-6 jumps that are any where from 5-10 feet would make a huge difference as well- from being in the park al the time i would say that maybe 3/4 of the people that hit jumps never even make the landing, not the second or third jump but on the first jump (15 footer i would say, smallest jump you guys have) These people are by far your biggest crowd and I'm assuming also biggest moneymaker so a small jump line for them would probably be your best use of snow you guys could invest in. It would make upkeep on the bigger jumps much easier, be more fun for everyone of all abilities but most of all make a safer experience for everyone- easy style it or smart style it- start small and work your way up- as posted on the terrain park signs. kids won't be taking the harsh flat landings on the deck anymore- hence less traffic build up from people crashing/yard saleing on and right after jumps, and people will be able to progess much much faster with features size suitable for their ability level. Okay i know this is alot but i know you'll have to reset you park soon anyways because things are melting out from this warm weather. I would just like you guys to keep all this in mind because in my opinion these things would be the first steps to take in improving your park experience for everyone from peoples first time on a jump to seasoned veterans. I hope this didn't come out as demanding or crabby, i would just like help because you guys have alot of potential to make a legit, fun and safe as possible park, but i feel the potential has yet to be tapped in too.
Feb 9 2009 12:51AM
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DBeck
Posts: 1275 - Karma: 63
what ever happened to the mailbox rail? that thing would be so trickable if set up right.
Feb 10 2009 5:56PM
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[bryan]
Posts: 483 - Karma: 26
whatever happened to the garbage can?
Feb 10 2009 6:08PM
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mtkatoguy
Posts: 10 - Karma: 10

The garbage can is coming back, and so is (I hope) his brother other garbage can.

Otherwise, yes the rain wreaked some havoc on the parks, so we got work to do tomorrow.  Check the back starting Thursday.

Feb 10 2009 6:15PM
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shitty
Posts: 242 - Karma: 46
Mt. Kato,

leave the lip of jump #2 alone, cut the deck to 25 feet in length, let's have a party.


Sincerely,
me.
Feb 10 2009 7:03PM
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mntelebumper
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 10
man that rain did do some havoc at least the flat down, froot by the foot, and flat rail were in good hitable shape tonight.

and i agree with shitty, leave the lip alone and make it a 25 footer with a nice steep landing, it would be so  smooth.
Feb 10 2009 11:13PM
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sneaky_pete
Posts: 543 - Karma: 47
does mount kato still have that big flat-down rail?they had it set up in the back last year, but i haven't seen it at all this season. if you redoing some of the park, you should set that up.
Feb 11 2009 5:28PM
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mntelebumper
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 10
the rail is still there, and its been changed. i cant wait till its up. the flat has been lengthened, and the angle of the down has been decreased. so it should be super trick able, as in 250 on, switch up, 450 out. not that i can do that, but you get the idea.
Feb 11 2009 5:31PM
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