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2011 GEAR TEST
DAY 1: EARLY BUZZ | DAY 2: SNOW DAY | DAY 3: SNOW DAY | DAY 4: STANDOUTS | DAY 5: WRAP UP
At Powder Mountain the snow is deep and the conditions are great. The morning started out snowy and it would have been tough to top yesterday’s entertaining bluebird powder day with Sassy Prentiss falling off the chairlift, the girls comparing skis to bad dates and men accidentally testing women’s skis. But day two turned out to be another fantastic one.
 Willie Kern lays in deep. [Photo] Simon Peterson High winds, cold temperatures and falling snow didn’t deter testers—they headed out from first chair to last as the powder piled up.
“We’re all a little biased toward powder skis today,” said Gavin Cooper a ski patroller from Big Sky, Montana. “These conditions are ideal for testing; there’s a little powder, and chop and crust from yesterday.”
 Soggy gloves and dry forms at lunch. [Photo] Simon Peterson Jeremy “Shaggy” Bailey and Gavin agree that so far, the 4FRNT CRJ—Editors’ Choice from last year—is still at hot telemark ski. They also raved about the Faction Agent, a remake of last winter’s award-winning Alias.
The lunchroom was bustling today, as testers filled out forms and refueled on chips, sandwiches and hot drinks. Wet balaclavas, soggy gloves and foggy goggles cluttered the tables and testers chattered about their favorite boots and skis so far.
 Eli Moore in Paradise. [Photo] Simon Peterson “These are the most ridiculous boots I have ever worn,” said veteran tester Gregg Davis of the Dynafit TLT5s he wore while walking into the lunchroom. “They feel like slippers!”
 Teo Campbell takes flight. [Photo] Simon Peterson “I’m so much happier with everything I tested today,” Gregg continued. “Yesterday I skied a bunch of stuff that I was really excited to get on, but ended up disappointed. Today I skied some amazing stuff—everything has been great.”
After a quick lunch, testers headed back out to more snow and more skis. Throughout the day, snow fell sideways, straight down and at one point, almost cleared, but enough accumulated for an afternoon session of freshies on an empty mountain.
 Chairlift smiles. [Photo] Simon Peterson Testing continues through Sunday. Stay tuned for updates, and check out a rundown from day one, here.
2011 GEAR TEST
DAY 1: EARLY BUZZ | DAY 2: SNOW DAY | DAY 3: SNOW DAY | DAY 4: STANDOUTS | DAY 5: WRAP UP
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