The 2007-2008 season reflected the biggest turn out for Hood Series in years. We especially saw an increase in freestyle skiers! My favorite part of being the Series Director is watching competitors make friends, increase their confidence, and improve their skills all throughout the season.

Throughout the entire season, Next Adventure has been kicking down schwag. At our last competition, Jacob Riddell was awarded goggles. At the beginning of the season he was telling me how bad he needed new goggles...well by the end of the season, he actually got two new pairs! Also that day, Adam Kays scooped up a snow shovel! Perfect for Adam. I can see him now hiking to some sweet spot, building a kicker with is dad and friends! Finally to top off an awesome season, Kent Callister went home with a Technine jib-board. Kent lives up to the saying "Attitude is Everything!" He had a great attitude no matter the conditions and always encouraged other competitors.

I could never run Hood Series by myself. It takes the support of volunteers, judges, course setters, time keepers and many more. Even though many events were rescheduled due to too much snow, the groomers came through for us providing 15 safe, fun, professional snow venues. Last but not least...I want to thank Deek, Bryan, Ginnette and the rest of the amazing staff at Next Adventure for all your support. Thank you for believing in Hood Series and encouraging us in our adventures on the snow!

~Paula Matosin
USASA Hood Series Director

[Hood Series 2008 Photos]
[Hood Series 2008 Video Clips]

Now is as good a time as any to get a pair of skis that will really make a difference in your performance. Check out some of the latest to arrive:

From top to bottom (left to right):

Rossignol "Scratch Scream In" Twins- $299 (reg. $549)

Elan "Rever" Twins- $349 (reg. $549)

Dynastar "Mythic River"- $419 (reg. $860)

Rossignol "Girl Scratch" Twins- $299 (reg. $430)

Head "Monster" IM82- $499 (reg. $879)

Salomon Gloves: Various models, many featuring Goretex . $27.99-$39.99.

Thanks to all who participated and helped out with the USASA events this weekend. Saturday was the BoarderX and Sunday was the Halfpipe. Next Adventure was up on Sunday to lend a hand and show our support. Pipe is one of those events that really gets people pumped. "Easy Rider" lift-line runs parallel to the Pipe for a short distance and, standing on the lip of the pipe, listening to onlookers in their chairs: "Wow- did you see that!"..."Whoa!"- people were really impressed. It was a reminder of what a privilege its been to share in this experience with so many talented, up-and -coming athletes. Hope you guys are having a great time and enjoying the kick downs. On behalf of all of us here at Next Adventure, thanks for rip'n it up out there. It's been fun and we'll see you next weekend for the grand finale of this 2008 Hood Series.

Here are links to video clips on Google Video thanks to Paul Kays and more photos of Hood Series 2008, also thanks to Paul Kays as well as Kris Goodwillie and Dawn Stender. Thanks to all the volunteers that help to make this series a success: Mt. Hood Meadow's Park Crew, participants and their parents- what a great group! And, of course, thank you Paula, Hood Series Director- no one can do it like you do!

More snow is on the way to the cascades and, just in time, Next Adventure got a sweet deal on some closeout goggles and helmets. Zeal goggles originally $140, now only $49 and $59, Uvex goggles for as little as $14.99 (youth) and $19.99 (adult). Scott goggles for as little as $29.99. Protec helmets for as low as $44 with audio and Giro helmets for as low as $19.99!

It has been an amazing winter on Mt. Hood! Even the most seasoned veterans will tell you they haven't seen snow like this in years. These are the kind of days that many of us Next Adventure employees live for. With work, school, family and other obligations it can be tough to get to the mountain and ride as often as we want to- for some of us, that is everyday. One thing that makes it possible is night skiing at Ski Bowl. Ski Bowl is our nation's largest night ski area, open every day of the week as late as 10pm (11pm on weekends), and is just a little closer than the rest so, perfect for those evenings after work or school. Oh, and don't forget Ladies Night on Tuesdays- ladies ski for only $13 bucks! Click the Ski Bowl logo to see their hours of operation and explore their site.

This weekend, Sunday February 10th, was another Slopestlye event of the USASA Hood Series at Mt. Hood Meadows.

Saturday evening before the Slopestyle Paula, Hood Series director and all-around-awesome lady, sent out emails to let everyone know "The Slopestyle [was] on!!" thanks to Mt. Hood Meadow's park crew and groomers who reshaped the snow-saturated course that night.

The extra effort of Meadow's staff, officials and volunteers has been crucial to the success of this series. The number of participants is steady in the 40's and 50's with a wide range of competitors- guys, gals, young and young at heart. If you are interested in participating, contact Paula for details.

Stay tuned for pictures from this Slopestyle and updates on upcoming events.

Check out Hood Series '08 photos cnotributed by Kris Goodwillie and Paul Kays and Video coverage also courtesy of Paul Kays.

This ski training kit by Lucky Bums is a new item and a popular request with a grab handle so you can lift your little one onto the chair lift or off of the snow. It also includes a tip connection system that makes that "snowplow" easy. 

$46.95

The last few events of the USASA "Hood Series" have been sweet success. The turn out for the Half Pipe and Slopestyle was really impressive with the number of participants reaching the 40'-50's.

The BoarderX, scheduled to take place Sunday Feb.3, was cancelled due to the epic amount of snowfall. So much that the groomers have to focus all their attention on the runs- and who can complain about that. Stay tuned for more details on upcoming events or contact Paula Matosin, Hood Series Director.

Check out this year's photos from the Slalom, Giant Slalom, Half Pipe and Slopestyle - thanks to Paul Kays and Kris Goodwillie- and don't miss out on the video clips uploaded to Google video- also courtesy of Paul Kays.

Have you noticed the nifty "Package Deals" menu in the left-hand column? We've updated it for the winter season. Packages make shopping easy and include everything you need to get started in a new activity. Its great for kids and families and also makes it reasonable to update old equipment all at once. How long has it been since you got new equipment...

Snowboard Packages
Ski Packages: Down Hill
Ski Packages: Cross Country

Imagine a day of riding without the lifts and crowds. Here's a few things that will help.

An article in the September 6th Oregonian Newspaper highlighted Next Adventure as a resource for Baby Boomers gearing up to hit the great outdoors. NA's own Special Ops Manager Seth was quoted: "A lot of folks may have camped in their late teens and 20s. They did the whole kids-and-job thing. Now they're coming back, and they're blown away by the newer gear."

Next Adventure caters to adventurers of all ages. Have a question about what equipment is right for you? Come on in and let our knowledgeable and friendly staff help you get out there!

To read the full Oregonian article, click here.

We now offer Wintersteigen Hot Wax for your skis or board. Now you can protect your base and get more performance out of your equipment.

It's only $5, and we can do it while you wait! What are you waiting for?

We now carry Back Country Access, including an assortment of skins, probes, shovels and packs for all your backcountry needs!

Come check it out!