Katos open

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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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!

 
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.
 
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!
 
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.
 
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
 
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!!"
 
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!!!!"
 
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.
 
Just a little edit jason and I made from a little footy we got on saturday.
Saturday at Mt Kato from david beck on Vimeo.
flash_video_placeholder.png

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

Sincerely,me.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
yeah as much as i loved that rail before it sounds like it'll be pretty trickable. if ya can pull any strings you should try to have it set up mid-low height i know they like to set stuff up tall and on a riser sometimes.. (i'm scared of tall rails...) and the risk factor goes way down! :)
 
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