definately In Flames gets me pumped the most, such a fast pace insane band. Thrice, Rise Against, Unwritten Law, Boysetsfire etc also gets me in the mood.
It must be nice to be able to affoard ski's that can only be used for the most extreme powder days, those ski's will probably only be seen by few and worn by fewer.
I've never had to chase a ski, I have breaks but they only ever come off if I slam them against the ground on a crash and usually come off sideways anyway.