Honk Honk Honk! Corn bran (his favorite) for everybody.

Glad you enjoyed. His pool is in the green house on the right side.

He appreciates it I'm sure. But, as you can guess. It's never long enough. Thanks for the sentiment.

The lower section of this video (after the switchbacks) mimics the new road above at 10%. Length from the last switchback (in the video) to parking lots is 1.6 miles. I did not include stats because it's all exploratory. Off the ski use corridor, the spring crust was not hard enough. BUT, I have done the whole Old Pass Rd. (OPR) by Rollenrodel (see video). Total length 4-3/4 miles parking lot to parking lot. Gradient mostly 8-10% with hair-raising sections of 14-18% in the switchback area. I drove this road in the 1960s with a VW microbus. It is nothing more than a paved horse and buggy (wagon) road that has nothing to do with modern concepts of road design. An 18-wheeler would not manage the tight curves. The tiny microbus struggled. If the whole OPR was groomed for Rodeling it would be THE premier Rodelbahn in the USA, rivaling almost anything Europe has to offer. Over the years I have contacted the managing NFS and local bike/hike/xc path advocates. The NFS does not want to cooperate and the rest have no interest, because it is not their sport. It's frustrating and a shame, since the road (like Europe Rodelbahns) already exists. We need more Rodelers in the USA. Thanks for the questions and Happy Rodeling.

@@Turboganz gradient is really interesting. It is a pity that nobody groom it. Of course also a lift would be appreciate , but , I understand, is almost impossible. Is the new road opened in the winter m? In this case it is enough a taxi service. In Dolomiti, the roads built close to WWI have been built with a gradient around 6/8% to let bring up guns. Only roads only recently paved after being roads for cows have a gradient around 10%(average)

@@Federico-vb7xs The new Teton Pass Rd was built in the 1970s. It is a major connection between Idaho and the town of Jackson in Wyoming. It is kept open in the winter with great difficulty, but demand is increasing. It is subject to avalanches. I used to commute over The Pass to work. It required considerable concentration, properly equipped vehicle and skill in driving snow and ice. But that's snow country driving in general. I was marooned in Jackson, unable to drive home several times. The biggest problem is not the snow and ice, but the unskilled poorly equipped drivers. I am told that there was a home-built ski lift on the OPR in the 1940-50s, but of course it is gone. Now, the backcountry skiers yo-yo the pass by car. There are parking lots at the top and bottom. The parking would work for Rodelers too. Some say that would cause crowding. I tell them that Rodelers want firm snow. The backcountry skiers want powder. When the powder is skied out, the skiers stay home. No crowding problem.

As a kid we used old candles. It's all paraffin. Your solution would have been more colorful though. Happy sledding.

Super! It made my day to read that. Which model and size Torggler did you buy?. I'm very pleased to know of someone in Michigan having a Rodel, let alone two. Where are you? Just in case you don't know, the Rodels (especially the Sportrodel) will work on ice. Just make sure you have some sort of footwear like micro-spikes on the boots for braking and make sure to set the heel down first to prevent a twisted ankle. Feel free to let me know of your experiences. I'm sure that others would like to know too. You have an "ear" here, so don't be afraid to write.

@@Turboganz We are outside Pleasant Valley in the upper peninsula. We got the same Torggler S model that everybody else has been getting. Have only ridden it once at night at the luge club. Thinking about letting our Gasser go and getting something different. Our hills are small but we have a little community that gets together for a barn party and sledding a few times a year. Are you riding now?

@cw8582 Very limited. We had a really fine start. We stomped the Rodelbahn and anticipated more. But weather became unusually warm. We had an overall 18". Now down to 10-12" at my altitude 6500'. When that happens, altitude and north slopes are your friend. The club sounds like Lucy Hill, but GE shows Pleasant Valley a long way from there. Long way to drive for a slide. However, you guys are more likely to know what real sledding is. Is that where you are sliding? I'm really glad to know that the Sportrodel S is getting around. Very good sled. I'd like to have a cohesive group of Rodelers out here for get togethers, but the population is very fluid here since it's a resort area. It comes and goes in waves. From what I read in the German-speaking forums, Gasser has had its day. I've never had one, but the structure in the drawings and photos seemed a little ponderous. I believe you will find the Torggler very nimble. Good to hear from you.

@@Turboganz Great you got in some rodeling early, with the weather the way it has been these recent years. A few hours isn’t so far with our limited access to hills! Gary is involved with both the luge clubs and we were there for the meeting with Boyne about putting in a rodel track at several of their resorts. We are so excited and fingers crossed! When the luge team is back from the competitions in Europe they are putting on a demonstration for resort management. - Janet

Super! Best of luck. Keep me posted. It's appreciated.@@cw8582

So it would seem. BUT! The Flyer is fragile, stubborn to turn and very difficult to stop. The Rodel is very tough, (mine is heading into its 11th season) turns on a dime (once you learn how of course) and braking with two feet forward is solid and predictable, even on ice. That's why my Flyer hangs in a place of honor, but is no longer used. Cost is relative. Ever figure out how much it costs to buy skis, bindings, boots, poles and the necessary clothing? Snowboarding is not much less. Buy a Rodel and you are done. No fancy, costly, trendy gear to mess with. Chances are you have everything for a good slide right now except the Rodel. Put another way. If your sliding is to hike a short hill and slide straight down (American slide and scream) the Rodel is overkill. Rodels can cruise at speed and carve fast turns gracefully. If you want the challenge of steep snowmobile trails (for example) that twist, turn and dive or slalom bushes and trees like we do, the Rodel will be the one for you. The limit is your skill and imaginative pathfinding. You can go places that no other sled has gone before, literally. Further, with feet forward it's safer and easier on your body. I don't know where you live, so I don't know your terrain. If you were within the "neighborhood" I'd say drop on by for a test slide. I've taught dozens. Currently, the Rodelbahn is soft, but useable for learning. One guy came as far away as PA. to try it. I'd be glad to answer any more questions you may have. It's worth it. BTW, thanks for watching and commenting.

Thank you for the feedback. I'll start saving up for one. I live in New Hampshire. I just bought Flexable fliers for my grandkids and tuned them as you recommended. I never knew about Rodels until your video. Thanks for the ride and try offer. It's probably not in the cards but a very thoughtful offer. Thanks again, happy sliding and Happy holidays! @@Turboganz

Glad to hear back from you. I was in Vermont decades ago (road trip). Very pretty place with some decent hills. Lincoln Gap has the big reputation for sledding of any length. I'm sure there are others because VT roads can be very steep (exceeding 8% grade) and surely are closed in winter. I'm sure snowmobile trails exist there too. What you are looking for is what skiers would call soft pack, hard pack or boilerplate on at least an 8% grade or more (depending upon snow hardness). If groomed snowmobile trails exist, you might want to do some scouting. Around here what we call short is 3/4 mile, just a thought. Have fun with the kids and don't forget adults can have fun too.@@steveolsted6378

I say it's for the grandkids, but it's for me too (I'm thinking Lindauer swift 115 for me) Your thoughts/recommendation@@Turboganz

Please do NOT go anywhere near Lindauer. It's WAY over-priced and Lindauer will not sell to the USA anyway. There is one USA source for that brand. It's untrustworthy. The Swift is not what you want in this country. The running surface, unless changed, is UHMWPE (the main component of P-tex) with no metal edges and therefore, no control. PLEASE begin your Rodel experience with racing stainless steel running surfaces. As a beginner you will hit rocks and gravel. The stainless steel can take it. The UHMWPE and the plastic with metal edges (aka Belagschienen) are faster, but damage easier. Also, in my video about stainless vs plastic I also mention how Belagschienen does NOT carve as good in the turns as stainless steel. I back this up with guys with whom I have emailed in Germany and Switzerland. As a beginner, you want turns to be as solid and predictable as possible. Length of Rodel matters. That's often left out of the sales pitch. If you are not taller than 68" (my height) a 115cm will fit. Anyone taller needs a 120cm. Torggler Rodelbau makes this very clear. Torggler has been very reliable in the 10yrs. I've dealt with them. With shipping, to this day you should be able to buy a top of the line Torggler Sportrodel S for under $700. That's what I ride and in the Grand Teton area that's what everyone else rides. There must be about two dozen in the area. Might be happy with the Touring Sport as an alternative. The difference between the two is the kufen angle (angle of contact with the snow) Sportrodels 25°, Touring Sport 22°. The Sportrodel will turn sharper. I looked at the Torggler site (if you have not, just type in Torggler Rodelbau). They are out of stock in many items, including the Sportrodel S. They must be having an exceptional sales year. However there is still hope. We should continue this talk via email. @@steveolsted6378

You seriously had me laughing out loud. Compliment appreciated. It was quite the experience. You are right about other equipment trying to carve the bottom turn. But, I did find one that will take it even faster. The Rodel. Check it out on other videos on this channel. I love gliding on ice. Thanks again, you made my day.

Thanks for the question, but please read the info under the video window.

Super! Many happy miles to you.

And dignified. Honk!

Crysta (the address leads to the Crysta Wolfe page), you sank your own ship in the first sentence, if the above is a trolling effort. This IS after all a Rodeling Channel and has been for over ten years. During that time I have been (and still am) identified as the Rodelmeister. My enthusiasm for Rodeling and Rollenrodeling grows ever stronger, as does my joy in teaching the sport. Yes, I DO know how to save my allowance. In the economy of today, it's a valuable skill. If someone wants to send money, that's their decision, not mine. Happy Rodeling.

You're very welcome. Don't let the kids be the only ones having fun!

Snow conditions will almost always be the determining factor. But I will also add, the skill of the Rodeler. All of my Torggler Sportrodels and my one T115 (the one I used for the Table Mt. descent) are equipped with Torggler's racing stainless steel. Of the estimated 20-25 Torggler Sportrodels in the Basin all have the stainless steel. Easy to verify, my 25 lb. magnet is not attracted to them. If it is ferrous metal (steel) a magnet will be attracted. The hardness is considerable and makes sharpening more challenging. Chrome is a very hard component of the stainless steel alloy. So called carbon steel (such as on my Davoser Schlitten) is a piece of cake to sharpen and a magnet is attracted. As I have said elsewhere, I noticed that the Belagchienen are less precise in edge-holding in our conditions. The difference was apparent right away. I'm not alone on that observation. It's not horrible, it's just a characteristic that should be noted and adjustments made. A big guess in the difference in snow conditions between us is our lack of sophisticated tracks (groomed roads). Most (not all) of the snow surfaces here are very hard, ice and what we call boilerplate (compressed and re-frozen snow). Then there is Spring crust which may or may not be impregnated with frozen rain and wind slab. We are take-what-we-can-get, wild and woolly here. We tend to make very tight, quick turns to get around obstacles which you don't have. It's a little like skiing an Aspen glade in the backcountry. My videos don't show it too well because usually I'm following someone to keep them in sight of the helmet cam. That tends to compromise my own turns. There is more of a rock threat here because often we are running on a surface (roads) that is only 2-3 cm. thick. In your conditions, Belagschienen would definitely be the choice. But here, as I have said in the videos, stainless steel is the best option for beginners. Very little maintenance worries. Threat of damage is less. The edges are so tough and wide that it's a lo-o-ong time before the edges must be sharpened. Though Belagschienen are also stainless steel (it appears), structurally there is less of it for stiffness. There is a lot of stress been placed on a very narrow area. It's only a theory, I can't prove it, but it would seem there may be more on snow-contact flex in Belagschienen which could also contribute to a difference in handling. The flex difference (especially, laterally) is obvious when installing them, compared to the racing stainless steel. I'm not saying any of this is good or bad, just different. Good to read your observations. Questions?

Thank you. I was mistaken as i thought stainless steel would mean that it doesent rust. And Torggler schienen rust very fast. Crazy how many snow conditions there are. Im from the Netherlands and when it snows here snow is very heavy and wet in comparison to the Alps. The conditions you have we dont get here. I made a video on my channel where im on steel an my friends on Tiplex belag on the Astberg rodel track wich is very curvy and fast wich give you view of alpine conditions with fresh snow. Would be nice if i only got the chance to test your conditions for myself. Regards (servus) Marco

@@marcovandeneinden I thought there might be a translation or definition problem. I try to be accurate. Yes, where you are, I wonder if there is a little salt in the air, even far inland. We are very dry here compared to most of Europe and much of the USA, but I'm only referring to my immediate area. Here it's also a matter of altitude. It's quite variable (snow). In the 40+ years I have been here. I've made sure to learn as much about snow forms as I can, the crystal types and how they will change. Even Karen is learning to identify certain snow types and she's no geologist. It all helps with wax choices. Around here I keep telling people, if the snow is right, don't wait for a more convenient time. Snow waits for no one. We don't have the luxury of freshly maintained and rejuvenated snow surfaces. Count yourself fortunate. Happy Rodeling.

Grindelwald is a nifty place to learn. Three of us have tried (and still are) over the years including this 22/23 season for ski resort acceptance. The usual lame excuse is insurance. That's just a brush-off. Bear Mt. managed to have insurance (spoke with one of the administrators). Bear Mt. has been at it for six years as of this season, I was told. We have used increased revenue, being first in a particular state as incentives. We spoke of NOT having open slope sliding and the already existing cat-tracks. We even showed that the best parts of the ski areas for Rodeling were usually the peripheral tracks, away from the main traffic. As I have said in this video, powder (advertised as if it's eternal) is worthless to us. When the powder is gone, Rodelers come out. That's an obvious ticket-sale advantage. However, to make this work for the Rodeler, the price has to be reasonable. We use only a very small part of the resort and the ticket should be priced accordingly. Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy do it. What's our problem? Good to hear from you AND Happy Rodeling.

@@Turboganzthe ticket for rodeling is not so cheap in Europe comparing with ski ticket. When you are lucky is 50% less. When number of available kilometers are between 1% and 10%. Sometimes is not existing at all, sometimes you pay only single run on a specific lift , that usually , repeated many time gives a cost higher than daily ski ticket. No new video this year?

@@Federico-vb7xs Good to hear from you. Thanks for the observation. 50% less than a ski ticket is still significant. Yes, comparative K's are less than skiing, that's obvious. But at least Europeans have the options. Here in the USA there is only one commercial Rodelbahn and it's not that great for the experienced Rodeler. Having to pay per run would be (and is) expensive. That's what is done at the Rodelbahn just mentioned. The uphill service is by snowcat and very slow, only once (maybe twice) a day and reservation only. I think that I understand your reasoning. If you slide only 1% of the terrain, the cost should be 1% of a ski ticket. The resort would argue that you would then occupy a seat that a full ticket buyer would ride and lower the "take" for the day. The local resort has a run that I have rodeled (during off-season) about 2-1/4 miles long. Not bad. But I would NOT pay the standard ticket price of $120, if it became available, for the same reason, we use a very small percent of the mountain. It would be a rip-off. For most of us out here, the fun is in the following of a challenging path. We don't belong on the open slope, skis do it better. It's boring. That's why you see us playing with the trees and bushes in the videos. Open slope is just a larger version of the typical American straight down the hill slide and scream. It's not looking good for a winter video so far. The weather has shifted to providing deep snow closer to March rather than beginning in Nov. and Dec. Without compacting equipment the Rodelbahn cannot be set by snowshoe in a timely fashion after each snow storm. The warmer temperatures make it difficult. Some of the roads have been lost to more people moving in to the area, making them dangerous. We have to go much farther to slide now. Also, this winter I crashed while piloting (this is embarrassing) my kicksled on the way to the mailbox, 4/10 mile away. Broke a rib or two. That put me out of Rodeling for 6 weeks to recover. The weather was so poor it was no big loss anyway. I'm picky about video subject matter. If it is the same old, same old, I don't shoot it because I don't want to bore the viewer. I don't put up a video just to put up a video. Might have to look forward to Rollenrodel season now. There is another pass that looks interesting. We have thought about it for years, but a landslide keeps causing road construction obstacles. Maybe this year. Happy Rodeling.

@@Turboganz of course nobody can think to pay in the same proportion of the number of kilometers between rodelbahnen and ski tracks. But it is not normal that in most of the cases is not existing at all a dedicated sled ticket. We are lucky if is available morning ticket , due to the fact that it is impossible and boring sled for a full day on one single rodelbahn. Then , of course, tickets in Europe are 4/5 times less than in USA. Nobody would pay here for rodeling 250 euro, but even for skiing with 200 km of slopes. But it is difficult to compare prices between different countries without considering all variables. Then, also here winter shifted in advance, and start snowing more in March. But warm December and January means that we move from wet and slow snow (December/Janury) to pure ice February /March because of the different temperature between day and night and the fact that usually , not all, Rodelbahnen are in the lower levers of a ski resort.

@@Federico-vb7xs Interesting. Your weather has shifted similar to here in USA. I agree, all day on one track IS boring. I notice, via Christian Fischer, that the tracks seriously degrade by noon anyway. As for the shift to ice, we welcome that. Ice is nice! I had checked the prices of only a few resorts by internet. They did offer Rodelbahn tickets (so they said). But I only checked three. Obviously, there is a lot of variation. Also, I DID notice that many of the resorts placed the Rodelbahns lower in elevation. I wondered why the snow cat tracks from the summits could not be used. Here we definitely have the terrain. It's just a matter of grooming. There is the Old Pass Road that parallels the new Teton Pass Rd. It works only at the bottom because backcountry skiers use it as an exit. If the top were groomed (wonderful switchbacks) it would match almost anything in Europe. But the Forest Service will not even consider it. There is more to it than that, but I don't want to make this reply too long. The "big thing" now is Tubing Parks. Lift serviced of course. Absolutely mindless. Oh, well, that's the good old USA.

Despite the pseudonym, it's obvious who you are. Why you insist on attempting to bully and belittle others, with a taste of age-ism, to make yourself feel taller is a puzzle. But, it's a path you have chosen and you must live with it, Grasshopper. We certainly differ in our definition of adult. My adult view is to overcome obstacles with skill, knowledge, strategy, experience and (of course) proper equipment. Challenge brings growth. To always seek the smooth, wide pavement and the smoothly groomed, wide ski slopes is taking the easy, lazy, Homer Simpson approach. I see no spirit of play with that approach. Since we are on Teton Pass, let's compare. The new Pass has 18-20 ft wide lanes. The Old Pass Rd (OPR) had 8 ft wide patched areas at the time of this descent. Gradient of the New Rd. is 10% maximum according to WYDOT. The OPR slopes have 10, 17 and 20 percent grades with a very short 30%. The New Rd has long sweeping turns, The OPR has a collection of delightfully tight hairpins. Not exactly 18-wheeler country. The Rodeler must be skilled at making tight turns without dragging a foot on the pavement. Just look at the two roads on Google Earth. The difference and hence, challenge, is obvious. Heading straight down the fall line at maximum speed can be exhilarating but, "Is that all yuh got?" THAT is boring. It reduces your Rodeling experiences to that of a one-trick-pony and supports the ridiculous American Slide and Scream sledding habit. Your choice. You'll also notice that most of my routes are hiked to gain altitude. No lift rides. No big shiny pickup. This channel began in 2012 to educate the USA about the fun to be had on the Rodel and how versatile it is. It's a direct counter to the American Slide and Scream nonsense. It does not require great expense if ordered directly from the Rodelbau. There are roads to be explored and trails to be conquered. Rodeling is for everyone No Red Bull moments here.

You're welcome. No worries. I understood what you were saying.

Thanks! I was reluctant to try them past years because of lack of snow cover here. But this has been a super snow season. Belagschiene have been around for a few years. I think the construction has matured somewhat so gave them a try. I don't agree with one guy in the USA who thinks they should be for everything. We still don't have groomed Rodelbahns, accept my own. Rocks and other hazards are a major problem. The racing stainless steel can take the abuse. I still advise beginners here to start with stainless steel unless they enjoy filling scrapes in the p-tex. Better to focus on learning the skills and not be distracted by possible p-tex damage.

@@Turboganz Yes they are quite sensitive to rocks an so on and most of the times you do not have as much grip as with steel. I normaly start and finisch the season with steal as it is unceartain how the condition of the track may be. But during the season when there is enough snow I normaly use Belagschienen because they are good in all conditions. the colder it is the faster steel is usually, but new snow is deadly for steal.

@@christianfischer7132 Your observations match my own. I appreciate the back-up. Yes, the sharp, new snow crystals cause lower speeds on the stainless steel. It's like sliding on sand. The best I can do to counter that is a harder wax to lower the friction. Regarding the carving ability, as I remarked in the video, the Belagschienen appear to not hold an edge as good as the stainless steel. Nice to see that you came to the same conclusion. BTW I do have to correct myself. The USA does have one commercial Rodelbahn served by snowcat. It is expensive, owned by a non-profit and not exactly challenging, but it's a start.

Good to see you back in action as well. I don't video every time we Rodel unless it's a new situation. We head out every snow season. I did miss one occasion last year though. I was following a gutsy beginner on a 14% slope. He went into a hairpin turn completely under control, but failed to see a snow boulder frozen to the inside corner. It threw him right off of the Rodel. No one hurt. No damage. I managed to push the empty Rodel bulldozer-style with my feet while still moving at speed. Would have made great video if I had been wearing the helmet cam. Oh, well, can't get them all.

The old gummis seemed to be natural (or convincing synthetic) rubber. They remind me of crepe soles. The problem of ozone deterioration is similar to what used to happen to natural rubber (latex) sew-up bicycle racing tires. The new gummis look and feel different. I don't know what the composition is, but it appears to be an improvement. Urethane and I are old friends. It might be worth consideration because of how the durometer can be varied. I don't know if changing the durometer of gummis would have much of an effect in varying Rodel performance such as on long boards. There is probably an optimal resistance that is best for response and durability and that's that. The old gummis lasted 11yrs. at an altitude of 6000 ft. and higher. Lots of UV up here! Thanks for the interesting thought and keep on pumpin".

Excellent! Glad you enjoyed and still feel the spirit of play. Keep on truckin"!

By all means do so! Fellow Rodelers and I are always on the look out for scenic and hairpin turn-laden roads. We have one lined up for the coming summer if the weather cooperates. The challenge is only part of the fun. BTW, do you have a Rollenrodel or Rodel that can be converted?

Thanks, and you're welcome! I'm glad that the sentiment plays through. We are in the Big Holes just west of the Tetons. We have spare Rodels for those that want to try. I've taught many and keep refining my technique.

Thanks for noticing! It's common in the Alps, but unknown in the USA. That's why I started promoting it on this channel in 2012. It's a recreational sport worth your time. Any questions?

Swix downhill has been my go-to. You want a wax made for alpine/downhill speed. Here in the Teton Basin, Idaho I have found that green and violet pretty much cover most conditions. Happy tobogganing!

Definitely still sledding! The challenges are even greater and more fun now, but I'm using a Rodel (check other videos on the channel). My Flyer is retired now. It is too fragile for what the Rodel can do. If you were here, I'd let you try one. Keep it going! And thanks for the compliments.

O, ganderdir. Kişi.

@@Turboganz thanks you 🙂

@@aqil9245 Buyurun

Idk if this person is speaking Turkish or Finnish or something, but the translate function is having a hard time.

i don't know your location, but don't be too stubborn about wood choices. Obviously you need a hard wood, not a conifer-type. Well-chosen ash wood (pun) work too. It's very tough and is the wood of choice for European Rodels from small to huge. Either that or gently remove the slats and glue them with "waterproof" wood glue. Another way to preserve the original look on top, but not the bottom, is to glue and clamp artfully applied 1/4" plywood under the cracked area after squirting some expanding wood glue into the crack (non-expanding on the plywood patch). The cracked strut on mine is still holding. Don't give up. You and the sled deserve to play again!

We look at it as recon. It tells us where the fastest track is and where the rocks lurk. Also, some of the prettiest rainbows on hoar frost can be seen on the uphill as well as animal tracks. It's a matter of seeing the positive.

Exactly .

@@markcantemail8018 It's all a matter of attitude and altitude.

Thanks! He and the geese before him deserved it because they taught me so much.

Thanks. It's nice to see that 3R brought this one back. I needed a REAL example of where Rodeling came from. It illustrates why the flexible frame Rodel was such a breakthrough. All I have to do is put someone on the Davoser Schlitten and then on a Torggler Sportodel. The difference is almost shocking (in a good way). However, here in snow country, for general hauling, I'll take the Schlitten every time. Of course I encourage you to try a Rodel, if you haven't already. I'm here to help. Just let me know. I'm reasonably certain that your frequency-of-sledding would go up.

Yes, it will work on thin snow so long as the slope is covered with short thick grass. We used to do this in central Illinois because that was all that we had. Any snow depth past 2" is just snow in your face. It works best on hard or soft pack. Ice works great, but there had better be a runout and your edges should be sharp if you expect to turn at all. Face forward sleds have no brakes. Trying to brake with your toes is a joke. These do not turn sharply. Keep your weight wa-a-y forward out over the steering handles. For those reasons, that's why I changed to riding a Rodel, just check the videos on my channel. But if Flexible Flyer is your choice, have fun and remember that they are a bit fragile. The braces can crack, that's why I had to repair mine. Keep on slidin'.

Thanks!

Yes he is!

Yup. Unfortunately, you can't go cheap, at least, not for long. That's how I convinced myself to use the Poppys and why I put this video together. I know they will work to 180 lbs. I have seen 200 lb. guys use them. I'm reasonably aggressive on those trucks and they have held up. The biggest wear problems are the urethane parts (bushings and pivot tube). I hope you find your personal solution. Hang in there and thanks for watching.

Etymology is fun, isn't it? Your contribution is appreciated. What I'm trying to do is help people here in the USA understand what word applies to what sled and why. Don't worry about your Google English. I understood you. If you want a good laugh, you should see my Schuldeutsch.

@@Turboganz I don't want to correct you, I'm trying to complement

@@Pussyshaver2 I did not feel that you were correcting me. As I said, the information that you presented is appreciated and new to me. I like to learn. Sometimes, what we mean to say is literally lost in the translation between languages. It is very good to hear from you. Do you ride a Rollenrodel in the summer?

You're welcome. I've encountered too much misinformation produced by others to let the subject go unanswered. I would very much like the sport to be more understood and to proliferate. It's tremendous fun and far less expensive than skiing. Glad to help! No lift ticket, no problem.

Many thanks and a big HONK from Scoop. He's quite the guy and long-time best friend. He patiently taught me goose-speak as well as many other insights.

Glad that we made you happy. We wanted to share that.

Little known fact: He was the stunt-gander.

You are very welcome. Glad that it was helpful.

No sarcasm intended here, but ever been kept awake by a barking dog? Ever have to clean up what a dog "leaves behind"? Certain breeds, such as white chinese have the reputation for being very vocal. That's why they are used as watch geese. Other breeds such Embden and Toulouse are very quiet unless they have something to honk about ie: intruders, someone too close to a nest or goslings. Other than that their conversations consist of quiet little murmuring sounds of contentment that are low pitched and a delight to hear. Geese have a broader vocabulary than most people realize. Canada geese make sounds very similar to them. As for what geese "leave behind", (we euphemistically call them splats). I've had up to eight geese at one time. In warm weather (this is snow country) I could simultaneously water, fertilize and clean the grass with a hose after the guys were in for the night. It accomplished three jobs at once and made walking around the yard a fearless proposition (no surprise squish). (They also cut (ate) the grass to golf green height. No need for the mower.) Their splats quickly dissociate and disappear into the grass because of their vegetal diet. I can't say that about dogs and don't get me started about cats. It's all about what you expect from them. I took the "I want to learn what it is to be a goose" approach. The biggest mistake I think people make is to try to make them people. I did my best to adapt to them and in turn, they adapted to me. Neither became the other, but it was a blissful compromise. We both learned much.

Yes they are and very intelligent. HONK!

I definitely empathize. You are being very responsible. Geese are special creatures as apparently, so are you.

@@Turboganz That's very sweet of you! I understand the unique specialness of birds most particularly as I was surprised a few years ago with the gift of a young rescue Cockatoo, the neediest and most labor-intensive, if not at the close to the top, of all birds. Though she has been a great companion and has made me laugh a thousand times, I often wonder how anyone who is supposedly an intelligent animal lover would gift such a precious and complicated creature to a disabled old gal like me! My Sugar turned 22 this year on my 70th birthday! Taken good care of, she should live to be at least 80. With no one suitable to take her and properly love her, I will soon be impelled to relinquish her to a parrot rescue where I know she'll be properly cared for. But the thought of doing so just breaks my heart! It's like contemplating giving up your toddler! Just venting! There are so many of these shoved away to enclosed garages or outside, alone, the heartbreaking stories are simply unending. Your courageous little friend is such a fine example of the big hearts birds have and just kind of set me off. I"m so glad she found such a loving friend she could live her life out with!

Scoop and I thank you. HONK!

It is a chuckle. It was very difficult for Karen to hold still.

There are people in the Alps that have tried this, but I am not impressed. My fellow Rodelers and I ride Torggler sportrodels with racing stainless steel running surfaces, very durable and wax able for rough and tumble U.S. Rodeling. Lindauer makes a high-end version of the same, but has a p-tex metal-edge option. The difference in width is 31mm (Torggler) and 41mm (Lindauer). Not much advantage to the Lindauer in the conditions you saw here. The problem was not soft snow, but the breakable crust and 4" or more of unconsolidated snow. Had the pitches been steeper, there would have been no difficulty. Torggler cost before shipping-$482 usd, Lindauer-$1003 usd. I HAVE shown that that the Torgglers can be used successfully in the deep backcountry (check my videos). Rodels must have a solid base from soft pack to glare-ice boiler plate. Wind slab and spring crust at altitude are a special treat. If you can hike on it, you can slide it. As a side note, Torggler will sell to the USA. Shipping has varied from $135-$145. Not bad. Their Rodels can also be converted to summer Rollenrodels to keep the fun rolling (har). Lindauer will not sell to the U.S., not do they have the Rollenrodel option. Their is a company in the U.S. that just started 12/2021 that goes to Switzerland and ships Lindauers to sell here. That will cost you $2000-$2300, obviously a markup of 100%. Contrary to marketing claims, they are not any better, just fancier, such as contrasting laminations and cowhide seats. I won't recommend the company because they miss-represent and miss-inform. They claim $500 to ship one Lindauer, yet the max I have had to spend is $145 (receipts to prove it) and Torggler takes PayPal. If you have more questions, feel free to ask.

Glad hear from a fellow LDP-er. I started this channel as a means to promote Rodeling. When I discovered it, a whole new world of winter fun and challenge opened. Then I added rollers (made by Torggler) to the Torggler Sportrodels and the WOW! longer runs became available (so far, up to 5-1/2 miles). Back on snow, the cattleguard was part of the challenge. We (Karen and I) knew it was coming. That's the advantage of hike and slide. You get a preview. That's what I like about Rodels. They can be very precise.

@@Turboganz I've historically followed your LDP videos, but I've been digging into the rodel ones lately. Looks like a real blast! Will we be seeing some rollenrodel action this summer? Did I spell that right?

@@erich1394 Yes, you did. Thanks for following! It IS a blast, winter and summer. Rollenrodel is in the works for this summer. I have had some more ambitious and sometimes longer routes in mind for years, but they are hours away from here and at an altitude where weather is a factor. The scenery is quite spectacular. One route is about 10 miles long (let alone the elevation drop) so I need back up transportation to factor in. It's also more interesting if someone is in front of me for the viewer to watch. However, sometimes I just have to go for the first descent and try to produce a better video later. It's all a matter of logistics. BTW, where do you live (state, town)? If you are close enough, I invite you to give it a try. On easier terrain of course. Location here is in the Big Hole Mts. of Idaho, west and in sight of, the Grand Teton Range.

Yes. He's one heck of a Gander.

Here's the bummer, no one sells them in the U.S. Currently, there is no market, because few people know about them. That's why I started this channel. But, ordering one from Torggler Rodelbau (I have for nine years) is ALMOST as easy as ordering on Amazon or Ebay. If you really want one, I strongly advise you to let me help. There are different models and different lengths relative to your height. Once prices are established with Torggler and payment sent, the usual wait is about two weeks. I'm not a business. I can answer all of your questions by email [email protected] (not a link, you will have to copy.)

@@Terry-1973 Thanks Terry. Hope the fun continues. Would have replied sooner, but computer quit and it took forever to get a new one. You have my envy. Rodeling was not that good this year in the USA.