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Letters from 1998

Climb Again (December 23, 1998)

I just surfed in.... what a wonderful web site. I want to start ice climbing again like......right now.

Chimes

Too Late (December 23, 1998)

I should have, I wish I, I could have and I would have, are the saddest words in the english language. I sometimes think I go to this site just to punish myself. Life is an adventure or nothing at all. In each of us is the dreamer and the realist, life is a trip, try to share the ride. To me the thrill is fear turned upside down by success thus fear becomes adventure. These are quotes from somebody else, I have never forgot them, every one of you who climb, you take a bit of me with you, Thank you!

Happy holidays....
Frank Bollard

What a Site! (December 22, 1998)

I just wanted to write and say that I think your site is the best all around outdoor site on the web. It's very informative and well-written, and the format is easy to use. I have a suggestion, though. How about selling all The North Face gear for 50% off the list price?! Thanks for such a great place to visit.

Matt Lybbert

One Sick Site (December 21, 1998)

First let me start out by saying you guys are the sickest web sight out there. I can hardly get any work done, because I'm going through your sight. I have a question slash comment. I was looking at the snow report for Utah resorts today and it isn't updated. It snowed all day yesterday, but there's no mention of it on your sight. Also the pricing is off a little. In particular for Brighton. I'm sure you love getting mail from anal people like myself. I don' t know if you guys respond to the freaks out in the field. If you do could you simply tell me how often the site is updated. Thanks from a loser that has time to write E-mails, rather that hitting the slopes.

Stacie Arthur

Hey Sup Lekie Here (December 17, 1998)

I truly think what yall are doing is tres fly .
You are so right about the boards, and since I'm a petite girl I need a board just like 'Harmony'.
You girls are da bomb, Keep up the good work.

Later,
Leckie

Climb Every Mountain (December 12, 1998)

A man named Dick Bass once said "climb every moutain" and I fully intend to do that, and more. I am 16-year-old-girl from the small town of Canton, NY. I really dont know much about mountain climbing, but I do know how to fly fish, and whitewater raft. In fact, my dream is to own an outdoor guide service in Colorado, Idaho, or Montana. I am not an avid moutain climber at all actually, because I don't have the money, and the fact that I am only 16, and my parents probably wouldn't hand me over the 60 grand to let me fly halfway across the world, with the notion that I might never come back, and the idea of my corpse frozen solid in a snow drift some where 20,000 feet above them. For some weird reason, I have to agree with them. But, I can tell that when I get the chance, I am going to climb. And I know, it will be my passion, because the one thing I love is intensity and the feeling that your body can't go on, but then it does and you feel like God. (I row varsity crew, the feeling comes with the territory) So, I will climb Mt. Everest, and the rest of the seven summits, I will climb K2, and I will win the Eco-Challenge. Probably not with any grace, but the sheer love of hard work and intensity. I will send you a picture in 10 years.

Sincerely,
Jessica Smith

Road Trip (December 10, 1998)

It's that time of year again, and I've begun hitting mountainzone for skiing/riding info to get in the mood, as if I'm not all the time anyway. Anyway, I noticed the archived section of links and saw Roadtrip 98'. I can't wait to see the coverage of Roadtrip 99' this coming winter. Evans, Miller and the crew on that messed up rig had me laughing every time I checked on their progress. Bring it on.

Arkestra

Hard Winter (December 9, 1998)

Its December 8th and I am no longer expecting a hard winter. All the predictions are false.....
Everyone (except the Pacific N.W.) is struggling to open. Im going to VT for the week of the 13th and its not looking natural. I think Im going to quit riding. Michigan sucks. Its boring anyway...

Mike B.

Mera Peak (December 7, 1998)

I have just read your report on the attempt to climb Mera Peak. It brought back a flood of memories to me. In November 1978, at age 59, my brother and I arranged our own trek to Mera Peak. We ascended Kala Patar as a warm-up, then started for Mera. Unfortunately, my brother had HAMS en route and we aborted. That was twenty years ago and this is the first time I have had the opportunity to find what we missed. Many thanks!

George De Kay
Lafayette, CA

Keep it goin'! (December 2, 1998)

Hi Zone HQ folks,

I just wanted to check in and let you all know that the MZ is my favorite Internet site. It covers a wide range of outdoor activities with unflagging zeal and well-written reports, keeps abreast of the news like no other outdoor site, runs great auctions and offers can't-beat-'em deals on stuff for confessed "gear whores" such as myself. There's something new every day, and your Mountain Mail e-update is timely, to-the-point, and full of great clickable links. This terrific package tied off with a bow of good humor makes one attractive package. Keep up the excellent work. Really enjoyed Dave Hahn's piece on the trip through the Alps. That guy needs to write a book-he's hilarious!

Best to all of you,
Scot Hillman
Tulare, CA

Great Everest Site (November 29, 1998)

Hello from Montreal,

Just wanted to congratulate on your great site. My girlfriend is presently away in Nepal and is probably just about now coming back from a trek to Everest base camp. Just looking at your Photo Gallery of the Khumbu trek has brought me a little bit into this magnificient trip. And made me wish I could have gone too!!!:-)

Thank you
Daniel Villeneuve, csc
Montreal, Canada

Flagstaff (November 30,1998)

Hey Ski Bums and Bunnies,
I found a great place to ski! Flagstaff, AZ. A great mountain with a little bit for everyone. I like the way town looks and the night life. Kind of like Aspen 30 years ago. Cool!

Imax Everest Film (November 25, 1998)

I cannot agree with David Potterfiled's [sic] assessment of the IMAX Everest film which is currently being shown in large screen format around the world. I saw this film with great expectations, and was very disappointed in the lack of IMAX size views. If it were not for the "Into Thin Air" tragedy which unfolded during the filming, there would have been very little to marvel about.

The best shot was the aerial view flying up the valley towards the Everest staging area following the large Russian helicopter. The views of Ama Dablam were unbelievable. There were, however very few other shots worth the billing. I am convinced that the IMAX camera was not taken above camp IV on the south col, as the climbing shots were stills taken with a 35-mm camera. The summit photos were staged, as alluded to in the credits where "some scenes were recreated". If I took a heavy camera all the way to the top of Everest, I would at least do a pan. There is nothing written anywhere that I have read that has explicitly stated that the camera was taken to the top of the mountain. The producers allude and hint at this, but it did not happen. If they did take the camera to the top, who was the person that forgot to get the money shot??

The shots of that arrogant Dallas pathologist in the hot tub were a waste of film and my time, and had nothing to do with what I paid to see. I think it was fantastic what the IMAX crew did for those climbers, and were real hero's.

The best footage I have ever seen of Everest was the Brian Gumble show this year showing the climb of Whitaker, who had a prostheses for one of his legs. This was clear, dramatic footage all the way to the top!!!

I felt ripped off by this film, in that there were very few panoramic views of what is one of the world's most photogenic areas.

Kevin Shannon
Redondo Beach, CA

The Mountain Zone has not reviewed the IMAX movie Everest, only reported on its success. Filmmaker David Brashears has been open about the fact that the film is not a climbers' movie, but a film for the general population. He makes no apology for the fact that some of the climbing sequences and close ups were taken later in other locations, and emphasized that Everest is a piece of entertainment, not a documentary in the strictest sense. On the other hand, they did get that big camera to the top of Everest, which is no mean feat, and they did film on the summit for the first time in history. Breashears is sensitive to the fact that some climbers are offended, but defends them by saying they were making a movie, not an historical record.
--Peter Potterfield, Ed.

Greetings from Mountian Zoner in Tehachapi (November 24, 1998)

Hello people,

Yes it's that season again, you know, when the last place on the planet you want to be is at work. Gotta ski. Your site makes the waiting bearable. Been checking the ski reports, we need snow and lots of it!!!!!

By the way, the last email I received you asked "Where is Tehachapi". Tehachapi is in the Southern Sierra Mnts approx. 121 miles north of L.A. and 280 miles south of Mammoth (CALIFORNIA). Tehachapi's elevation is @ 4000' to 9000' with annual snowfall @ 6" to 20" in the lower elevations. Living here in Tehachapi is O.K. only because it's centrally located and at any given time I can be on the beach in Malibu or hiking up Mt.Whitney or down in San Diego maybe do a little surfing in La Jolla or down in Rosarita Beach. If you need more info. let me know. Keep up the good work, Love Mountainzone!!!!!

Love you guys!!

p.s. Warren Miller is a cool dude, Freeriders is awesome ! ! ! !

Great Site (November 23, 1998)

Great site - lots of eye candy and gear hype. Buy more stuff. Drive a big gas hogging 4X4 because you'll climb better with a lighter wallet. Better yet, keep buying more stuff so we will use all of our resources, pollute all of the wild places so no one will want to go there and then we can just surf on the web about doing it and they'll see more of our ads and buy more stuff. Yea, this is great. Consumption rules.

Marquess Lewis

Question for Mr. Potterfield... (November 23, 1998)

Mr. Potterfield...

I'm sorry to bother you, but I enjoyed immensely your journey to base camp at Mt. Everest . The reason I'm writing is that I'll be following in your footsteps next May and June!!

I've scoured the Web for stories and gear lists and suggestions, but no one has been able to answer one of the questions I have and I'm hoping you wouldn't mind responding to it...

I live in Florida...flat, hot and wet! (I think the warmest thing I own is a London Fog raincoat!) I know that walking to base camp involves a variety of climates: wet, hot, cold, dry, in various combinations! When I leave the states, would it be better to have 2 jackets...one waterproof and the other for warmth...or should I splurge and get an all-in-one jacket that has multiple/removable layers?

Thanks bunches for your time. And again, thanks for sharing your journey. Now I know what to look forward to and how to prepare for the trip.

All the best...
Bill Moede

Subject: Re: Question for Mr. Potterfield...

Bill:
I get this question a lot. I'm going to send you the list I emailed to a USA Today reporter who went on the trek last year and asked for similar advice. I've included what I took, what I wished I had taken, and stuff I didn't need. It's a list you can belive.

Have a great trip.
Peter Potterfield.

Khumbu Gear: What to take on a trek to Everest
Things I took, and a few things I wish I had taken, on the 1997 trek to the mountain. Specific brands are noted when they performed especially well.

These items are for the trek only, and are obviously not to be considered for climbing above 18,000 feet. In fact, while this gear is chosen for its utility from Lukla and back again, and will see you comfortably to base camp, some of it begins to reach the end of its temperature/hardiness range upon arrival at base camp.

Clothes
Outer Layer:
Down jacket with hood, light- or mid-duty
Waterproof/breatheable parka or anorak, light- or mid-duty
-(I prefer pullovers; lighter but do the job just as well)
Waterproof/breathable full zip pants

Inner Layer:
Light-weight polypro or polyester zip turtle neck (Capilene)
Light-weight polypro or polyester long johns (Capilene)

Main Layer:
Mid-weight polypro or polyester shirt, crew or henley neck
-(You wear this everyday, so consider taking two)
Light-weight, loose fit polyester trousers (North Face Tek-Wear guide pants)
Mid-weight Polarfleece trousers, lower-leg zip optional
Mid-weight Polarfleece jacket or pullover
Polyester or cotton hiking shorts, optional
-(These can be handy or useless depending on weather)

Hats & Gloves, etc:
Light-weight polyester glove liners
Mid-weight polyester gloves (Patagonia) or pile mittens (OR)
Coated nylon over mits (OR)
-(That may seem like a lot of gloves, but you want to have exactly what conditions call for, and a spare pair is prudent)
Baseball hat or cotton sun hat
Pile hat with ear-flaps

Socks & Underwear, etc:
Bandanas (3)
Cotton knit underwear, boxers or long leg briefs (4)
Cotton socks (3)
Wool socks (3)
Synthetic liner socks (3)
Long sleeve cotton T-shirt to sleep in
-(Cotton makes no sense on the trail, it gets wet and is slow to dry, but I think synthetics such as Capilene or polypro get clammy in a sleeping bag)

Footwear, etc:
Light-weight hiking boots (low-cut okay) as far as Lobuche or Gorak Shep
Beefier leather or Gore Tex hiking boots suitable for light snow for higher
-(Some people like to take Sorrel pak boots, but that only makes sense if you're hanging at base camp).
Light duty gaiters
Down or Polarguard booties, optional for those whose feet get cold Sneakers, optional but very useful in lodges, in Kathmandu, etc,
-(Note: Know your feet before you go; I saw people trek the whole route in sneakers, and saw others trek the whole route in heavy hiking boots. My suggestion is to go as light as you can on footwear without hurting your feet, so low-cut but somewhat supportive hiking or walking shoes work best below Pheriche, you need something beefier higher up.)

For Pre-Trek and Post Trek in Kathmandu:
Comfortable long sleeve cotton knit shirts (2)
Jeans or loose fitting cotton trousers (old Dockers)

Gear
Sleeping bag, 0-degree to -20 degree, down or synthetic
Sleeping pad, full length
-(RidgeRest Deluxe or Thermarest or both)
Pack, 1500 cubic inches minimum
Duffle bags with PVC bottoms & sides (1 huge or 2 medium)
Trekking poles (1 or 2)
Headlamp (Petzl)

Small flashlight (MiniMag)
Water bottles, 2
Water bottle for use as pee bottle
Toiletries bag or small ditty bag for toothbrush, soap, comb, floss, etc.
First aid kit, small, or small ditty bag for vitamins, aspirin, prescriptions meds, Diamox, sterile hypodermics, etc.
Repair kit w/ few feet of duct tape, needle & thread, etc.
Extra pair prescription glasses in hard case
Sun glasses in hard case
Glacier goggles in hard case
Towels, two small
Double-A batteries (24)

Miscellaneous
Passport, travel documents and extra passports photos, 6 sets
Camera & film, etc. to suit
Walkman/Discman in a padded case
CDs/tapes (12)
Paperback books
Take a lot and don't get attached to them, they are useful for trading.
Small belt pack for documents, tickets, money: essential for trek
-(I hate these things and think they are totally dorky, but they are really useful on the trek; I carried my documents and valuables in a zippered case in my pack, which meant I either had to dig around for it everytime we stopped, or had to bring my pack with me; the belt packs are the way to go.)
Notebook, spiral bound, 5X7 or smaller, for journal and notes
Nepal guidebooks
Schneider map of Khumbu region
Small padlock or combination lock for duffle bags, 1 or 2
Medium padlock for tea-lodge cubicle doors
Plastic bags (6 large Zip Locks, 3 waste basket size, 1 garbage size)
stuff sacks and ditty bags as needed

Wash 'n Dri's, 100, for handwashing before meals, etc.
Throat lozenges
Cold medicines
Prescription medicines
Diarhea medicines
-(lomotil and Cipro used to work well but those Khumbu bugs are getting resistant)

Your Web Site (November 23, 1998)

Hi Guys,

I came across your web site by accident, and I think it's great.

Regards
Wal
(England)

Environmental Cleanup (November 23, 1998)

As climbing the truly challenging mountains becomes more popular, we should perhaps redouble our efforts to remove the bodies of climbers who have died and been left where they were, or given quick burials where their bodies will be visible to our children, should they decide to take up the challenges.

Sincerely yours,
Peter Jensen
Palos Verdes Estates, CA

YO (November 22, 1998)

You people all of you are great and the Mountain Zone is the best site I have read constantly! There is a lot of reading material out there but nothing beats the zone. For years I have read daily reports from everest. g even went to the city to see the movie. I am an original style ski bum for a long time now and I have sent everyone I know and even more people than that your site too check out, and why not its so cool. The new zap point system is for the newbies I guess but anyway.

Little cotton wood canyon has got the best powder man hells gate! Have a great Thanksgiving and a very Jerry new year.

Your site is the BOMB!! (November 22, 1998)

MountainZone,

I am sure I am not the first to tell you that your site kicks!!! It kicks that you guys put the snow reports up for all resorts! I live in GJ, Colorado and have been skiing since I was 6 years old, it helps me out to check out how much snow is on the mountain before I pick one to ski. I also like the pics you guys post and I loved the article on Barrett Christy, I think she rips it up on a board and I wish I could be like her. One suggestion maybe, do a report on ski boards!! I have a pair and I am always ripping it up on the mountain with those things they are awesome! Peace out!

TaPpA

Great Site (November 20, 1998)

I can't be how awesome this site is! I didn't know that it could be this much fun! I just wanted to express my amazement in this site. Great Job! How did you do it? Now if I could only win one of those prizes...
Thanks for stimulating my mind!

Kim

Greetings from Outdoor Hell (November 19, 1998)

You guys have created an exceptional site. I work for a web company that puts up the Daily Oklahoman in OKC, we are in a content hole when it comes to outdoor activities. This has led me to spending copious amounts of time on your site. Thank you for the great escape from work. From my desk, I can now vicariously go to the mountains with just a click of my mouse.

Hank Pantier
Internet Marketing Consultant
Connect Oklahoma

Saw you on ProLaunch (November 15, 1998)

I was just surfing around on the net when I came up onto your cool homepage. You have done a very good job. I really enjoyed how you laid out your graphics and your use of color. There are so many bad sites out on the internet that is is a true joy to surf up to a really nice one like yours! I liked the links that you had chosen as well as the actual content of your own homepage as well. Keep up the good work, it is appreciated!

I am the Webmaster of WD9GNG's German/American Homepage. I have been trying to get out and look at as many homepages as I can in order to see what other folks are doing. You have given me some good ideas on how a good site should be laid out!!

Onkel_Ken
Webmeister
WD9GNG's German/American Homepage

Greg Child Takes You There (November 13, 1998)

I've read the article "Greg Child Takes You There", and I really liked it.
My friends and I are fond of climbing and hiking, and we want to get acquainted with other like-minded people. From your article we found that Greg Child is an unordinary personality and we would like to know him better. Will you be so kind to write us Greg Child's e-mail or home address. We will be very grateful to you.

Please, contact us.
Sincerely,
Olya Melnyk

Where's Tehachapi? (July 24, 1998)

Hey people, a few words to let you know I zone in daily and your site is the best out there! From Everest to Mammoth, you guys cover it all. Keep up the good work!!

tehach@lightspeed.net
City Hall
City of Tehachapi

Part of a Complete Breakfast (July 24, 1998)

People at Mountain Zone,

I am a 17 yr. old girl who is climbing her first "real" mountain in 2 weeks. I live by Eugene, Oregon,...so I am fortunate to be living in the Cascades. With the Riverhouse group I will be climbing the Three Sisters. Mountain Zone has fostered my passion for climbing, and provided me with every bit of "nutrition" possible. When I get your mail, I end up spending at least a couple hours "hanging out" at your site.

My faves? Everest '98. Rescue on Denali. Bits about K2. Basically everything...

I love your site.
Nicole

Job? You Mean It's a JOB?? (July 13, 1998)

You guys did a great job on your web page!! There is so much information and the pictures are breathtaking. Keep up the good work.

JandJT2@aol.com

No, But Don't Wait Anyway (June 25, 1998)

Thanks for a great site! I'm a mom and journalist whose family thinks it's bizarre that I have developed a passion for reading about climbing. (But they think it's bizarre in a good way.) I can only read about climbing because I am mortally, knee-knockingly, stomach-churningly terrified of heights. Checking out your site helps me learn about climbing and enjoy the experiences of others. What's more, after I read Mountain Zone stories, I can ponder the possibility that after my daughter goes to college, I might just take up climbing. Is 41 too old to start? Keep up the great work!

Kate

A Death on Denali (June 17, 1998)

I had heard about the accident on Denali last week, but just now read with horror that it was Chris [Hooyman] who fell to his death from the Buttress.

Chris was the assistant guide on my 5-day expedition on Mt. Rainier in 1995. Having climbed with RMI twice on Rainier, and once on Denali, Chris has always stood out in my mind as one of the best. While possessing the strength and skills which made him a great climber, he also quickly became our good friend. He didn't only treat us like clients, but rather enjoyed sitting down to just "hang out" with us at the end of a hard day.

As I look at our group picture from that climb, the memory of Chris for me will be that quiet, unassuming pride he portrayed as he smiles with his new group of friends.

My deepest sympathy go out to his family and friends at RMI. My prayer is that he is now climbing mountains greater than the Himalaya.

Keith Guinta

It's All About Muddy Pics (June 16, 1998)

Just wanted the staff there to know what a great site you guys have. I've been visiting daily for well over the year and have found your site to be the best for up-to-date info! I especially appreciate your mountain bike race coverage... You guys provide much more detail and GREAT pics!!! Keep up the great work!

Steve Faull
Online System Administrator
Getty Images / PhotoDisc, Inc.

Office View from the Same Neighborhood (June 13, 1998)

Just surfing through and found your site. I was an air rescue pilot in Washington with 54th Med Det. out of Ft Lewis and Yakima and had the opportunity to see many of the sites shown in Mr. Nelson's photographs from the air. Thank you for the fond memories and beautiful images. My hats off to Mr. Nelson.

Sincerely:
F. Thomas
Formerly: Dust Off 18

News from Denali (May 28, 1998)

Please keep the information coming on the Denali troubles. My brother, Dean Giampietro, of Telluride Co., is one of the volunteer search and rescue people currently on the mountain, and as such I am VERY interested in keeping up with the events as they transpire. I was able to speak with him briefly via Cell phone on Tuesday, but I am relying on MOUNTAIN ZONE to keep me informed via posted updates. Please keep them coming.

Thank you,
Dick Giampietro
Cape Cod, Ma.

Hooked On A Feeling (May 18, 1998)

Dear Mountain Zone,
I love the site! I've become addicted to the Everest dispatches. I visit your site at least once a day. I'm sure that I will continue to visit your site even after the Everest coverage ends. Also, I love the Mountain Zone signature shot of the climber looking out over the clouds in the Cascade range. I visited my Aunt in Bend Oregon many years ago and was impressed by the mountains and the trees. I even visited Mt. Saint Helens. Pretty scary stuff. See ya later.

Devoted web site visitor,
Alan Hills
slackboy@javanet.com

Fully (May 13, 1998)

I just stumbled across your site when another persons page linked to some of the video footage on ya site. well i looked around your site for about an hours and it fully rocks. there is a lot of cool stuff there and more complete coverage than any other site...

love it.

thanks for the hot site
mark collister
mark@jimbeam.gen.nz
new zealand

Ya, Ya, Ya. Where's the Biscuit? (May 7, 1998)

Thanks for putting a designated link to Hasty's retirement! Animals like Hasty deserve a lot more praise then they receive. My hat goes off to Hasty, owner, & mountain zone for recognizing excellence.

Thanks,
Jeff
jeff.lambert@intel.com

No No, Stay Away From The Thin Ice. Thin Air Is Ok... (May 1, 1998)

To whom it may concern. This is the very best site I have ever visited. You folks have done a truly outstanding job putting this site together. I have spent over 2 hours read and listen and viewing the footage available to me. The photo gallery is absolutely fantastic. The articles about "into thin ice" were truly incredible. The raw emotion that is felt and the subsequent death of some the people involved in this incident makes it a truly sad.

Thank you very much. It has been a pleasure to visit your site and I will tell all my friends to visit. I will also recommend it to my friends, who are teachers, so the kid's can learn about Mount Everest and the struggles of man against life, and man against the mountain, first hand.

Kindest Regards
Darren Irvine
dirvine@neptune.on.ca
Ontario,Canada

His Life Touched Many (April 25, 1998)

Dear Mountain Zone:

I happened upon the story of Anatoli Boukreev quite by accident. I was listening to the radio and he was being interviewed for his book tour and would be making an appearance at a local bookstore. I am not a high altitude mountaineer, but the human story of Everest in 96 was of some interest to me. I went and was immensely impressed by Boukreev and his demeanor. It was with great sadness I have only just learned of his death. Thank you for covering it so I could find out more. His life touched mine deeply though I only shook his hand one time.

Sincerely,
Peter Byrne
behti@email.msn.com
Salt Lake City, UT

-- ed: Anatoli Boukreev's death generated impassioned responses from all over the world. Click for the world-wide forum on Boukreev.

Thanks, Man. (April 22, 1998)

I just wanted to congratulate you on your site.

I remember when it launched, have seen it progress over time and feel that it has developed wonderfully. Quality all the way round and incredibly well focused. I wish you continued success.

Andrew Fry
andrew@freerange.com
Free Range Media

The Dog Judges Prefer Bribing To Sucking Up (April 17, 1998)

I just wanted to write to you guys and tell you that I was just on your site for the first time and it kicks so much ass that I didn't leave for like an hour and a half. You guys have totally cool contests and gear reviews. I love those dogs! Please pick me for your contests! I have to use all money to support my dying grandmother......well that last part was a lie but please pick me!

How can I be as cool as you guys?

Matt Howe
matty420@hotmail.com

So, It's Not Just In Our Own Minds? (April 1, 1998)

Hey guys...

I think your snowboarding home page is LEGENDARY!! Even though I've never actually been snow boarding before, which of course would be cool fun, I still love watching it. I've even recently hired out a few videos which were good, and I also collect some pictures and calendars of snow boarders. Anyway, nice chatting to ya, 'cause I think youse guys are cool!

Happy Snow Boarding!!

From Phoebes!
surfratz@bigpond.com

Awwww (March 31, 1998)

Many thanks for this great web site -- It really brightens my day

SLETREK@aol.com

We're Here For You Sistah (March 27, 1998)

Got to say, love the work you do.

As part of the 'new rising' of chick riders in Australia I have to thank you for the cred you give us (as female boarders). It's amazing how many males you meet who think that snowboarding is still a male orientated sport. These are the very same who can be found pissing on trees and humping peoples' legs (had a brush with aforesaid species on a chairlift in Whistler, luckily it wasn't a very big drop down). No offense intended to the luverly competition judges of course.

Your site is one of my fave places to visit... It's Rad!! Keep up the good work, you guys rock!!

If you care so much, publish my stinkin' letter...

Marney Shepherd
marneys@ambridge.com.au

The Film (March 26, 1998)

Hello all, I'm not a mountaineer but just a simple girl who loves mountains, especially the Himalayas. I've seen the film twice now & it's simply magnificent. Here in Singapore, the film will run for few months so i'll have plenty of time to see it again & again & again... Anyway, I've been waiting for its release since Sep'97 & I'm glad it didn't disappoint me. I only think it's too short (45min). Well, I guess it's already a privilege for me to be able to see the mountaineers on the climb, especially on the Everest...

Regards,
Sandy
sandywmh@mbox2.singnet.com.sg

You Can Crash On Our Couch (March 19, 1998)

Dear Mountain Zone,

Just wanted to say I'm stoked on your sight, I have always lived by the beach, but you make me want to move to the mountains. Keep it coming!

Thanks, Manny from Fluid9.
viasat@gte.net

For The Climbers By The Climbers (April 22, 1998)

i wanted to let you know i have spent the last few hours going through your everest 97 part of your website and it is incredible. it is by far the best set up website i have ever seen and it is awesome. i am an avid climber and i will be doing cho-oyo in october. its things like your website that keeps me going and hopefully make it on everest someday. maybe someday i will climb with you guys. i just got off of Aconcagua in dec.97.

take care,
cherilla@asu.edu

The Bravery To Do What No One Else Could (Feb. 22, 1998)

I am a 12 year old girl whose only experience with climbing has beein in an indoor rock gym yet somehow my dad and I became interested in the '96 Everest disaster. I have read Jon Krakaur's book on the event and the National Geographic account of the Everest rescue and Anatoli's heroic actions have fascinated me. I discovered his death after a lecture that he was teaching and I was going to attend was canceled. Using your web site I became informed of his death. Boukreev should not have died at such a young age as he had the will for the mountains and the heroism inside of him to blossom for longer than a lifetime. If not for this man 3 people would have perished on the South Col on the night of May 10, 1996 but he had the bravery to do what no one else could, he left the boundaries of Camp IV to enter the dangerous and deadly night. The only consolation offered to me, his family, and the rest of the world is that Anatoli died where he loved most.

Pst, That's "Add Bookmark" (Jan. 22, 1998)

Great web site. Great content. My first time there, as I was until recently an Internet virgin (at age 50). I haven't figured out how to put it on my list of favorite places, but I certainly will.

I thought the article on the controversy at Jackson Hole was well done. It highlights the difficulty in setting limits on monstrously talented and popular people. I think ski racers are often immature prima donnas and children of any age need and do not like limits. Certainly ski racers are not alone in this regard.

Sincerely yours,
George J. Geis
GJG41047@aol.com

You Don't Love Us For Our Minds?? (Jan. 21, 1998)

I love this page, your info is the best. I love the layout. Keep up the good work guys. I especially like the nude crit section of the page nice touch to an already kick ass page.

Gord Smellie
drmcatch@csolve.net

Fun and Mountains. That's What We Do. (Jan. 15, 1998)

Congratulations!

Finally a site worthy of its title. You provide everything you need to have some fun in the mountains. Bullseye.

Keep up the great job,
BLAKDMND@aol.com
Incline Village, NV

Later, Doug. Where's the Snow?? (January 13, 1998)

I just finished reading The Eviction of Doug Coombs. I've been skiing Jackson Hole for nine years now, and following the most incredible winter in recent history, the mountain won't suffer much from the loss of Mr. Coombs... It is clear that what this mountain really needs is NOT Doug Coombs, but rather a huge low pressure system willing to deposit an additional four feet of snow!

Signed,
Roxanne Cruddy Winblown

They Sure Do (Jan. 8, 1998)

Your bloopers rock man!!!!

The Marana's
stortron@uslink.net

Boukreev (Jan. 8, 1998)

Thankyou for your coverage of the climbing world. I check your page every day. I am glad that Anatoli got his story out before his death.

Robert Sagerman
nrsager@capecod.net nrsager@capecod.net

Da Best (Jan. 4, 1998)

I've just stumbled onto your site and I think it is one of the best I've come across yet.

keep it up

Jonathan Bradley
jonna@mcmail.com

You're Welcome. What's a Wodge? (Jan. 4, 1998)

Hi guys and especially Martin Volken - a big THANK YOU for a most useful, readable and clear wodge of info on ski tuning — just in time for my seasonal tune-up! I'm off to Sella Nevea in Northern Italy in five weeks... You fellers over there don't know how lucky you are with all those wonderful snowsure mountains! Envy. COOL site, great to find so much good stuff in one place. Best wishes to you all for 1998.

Dai (Yeah, I know, weird name. It's Welsh for David)
dai.dcenc@mcmail.com



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