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Marker Völkl Bavarian Adventure

Win a trip for two to Germany! You and a lucky friend will fly to Munich, tour the Völkl factory and pick up your new skis and bindings. The next day, head to Garmisch and take in the excitement of the 2011 World Alpine Ski Championships while making turns on the world famous big mountain terrain of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Wrap it up with a day in Munich before flying home. First runner-up will receive equipment packages from Marker and Völkl – ski and binding of your choice. Second runner up will receive a Völkl luggage package with a ski and boot bag.

Entries must consist of a paragraph containing 200 words or less explaining why you are a ‘Völkl Zealot,’ and deserve to win. You may also submit a representative photo to enhance your entry.

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445 Entries

  • So last summer after a long bike tour, almost home, I'm ornery, hot and exhausted, when the neighbor’s dog comes barking and growling and nipping at my feet as I pedal up our hill. I'm instantly enflamed and I jump off the bike and chase after that dog while cursing and trying to land a kick, all-the-while knowing that dogs are way too athletic to get caught by a biker’s foot. Incidentally, biker shoes have no traction, and in my rush to attack I slip and fall in the street, which infuriates me even more, so I jump back up and go after that dog once more, dropping f-bombs like chocolate kisses at a fat-farm. By the time I reach the neighbors stoop, no dog in sight, I finally realize the whole neighbor-family is outside BBQ-ing and watching ME in horror as I scream and stumble like a drunken sailor on shore-leave. The last thought that comes to mind, before slinking away totally embarassed: "I wish it were January and I was skiing Snowbird on my Vokls.

    OM Reeder (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am the Volkl Zealot my 2009 Gotama's are long and strong. I have yet to find a Volkl that could not put a huge smile on my face. Zebra's to P50's, AC's on Mammoth's chutes, or Blackcomb's glaciers have been the superior tool. Whether it's steep, deep or set to challenge a Volkl strapped to your feet will make the control of gravity so much better. It would be great to get a new pair from the factory to keep my Gotama's company ,and break them in at Garmisch. This truly would be an Ultimate Adventure in the country of my ancestors. Thank you.

    Bob Kaczmarek (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • Why should I win ???? Everywhere I travel I always always rent Volkl's, These days unless I ski locally on my old Volkl p40's, because of airline fees, I always rent Volks. I am a VOLKL SKIER. Here is a photo of me in Cortina , Italy- with my rented Volkls. I can really use a new setup !!! Thanks

    Richard Silver (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • I live in the PNW. Sometimes it rains, often the wind blows hard, and it pukes snow. I don't ski for the conditions, I ski because its damn fun. I could care less about the water content of our snow, its made some damn good skiers (Ingrid, Arne). So whether its baker, apental, or crystal, I'm first on the scene, taking the access road like an Formula 1 driver. So you can keep your champagne powder, 700 annual inches, and "rugged" mountain, cause I'll take my PNW snow, and people, any day. If you want to pay me a visit bring some water proof gear and a fair amount of testicular fortitude and lets shred. I'm a PNW boy, and I'm a Zealot.

    Patrick Smith (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • I live in the tropics. I've been snowboarding for 15 years and I still don't have my own equipment. The best snowboard I've ever ridden was a Volkl that I rented in Utah in 2002. I was riding with my friend Brian, who is much better than I, and it is always a challenge to keep up with him. My Volkl snowboard was just perfect for covering up my weaknesses and allowed me to plow through the pow, and hold stable on speed runs. I was able to enjoy my annual winter vacation more. Since then I've been a Volkl zealot, telling everyone about my experience. If I win this contest, I told my wife that I'm taking Brian to the factory in Germany so we can get fitted by the experts, and the vacation of a lifetime!

    Bob Tanner (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • So I recently came to the conclusion that I am going to try for my dream job. I am a film major at the University of Iowa and I have been skiing a since age two. I am planning on getting into the ski film production business when I get out of school. I spend my days and nights wishing for some decent snow in order to build up some features around where I live. I own an old pair of twin tips that I bought off Ebay in my sophomore year of highschool. Volkl makes some sick skis that I watch hucking cliffs in TGR flicks. This would be the great start to a hopefully long lasting dream. I intend to falsify the idea that Iowans can't ski. Cornfed and born to shred. <-I just made that up.

    Scott Lahn (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • Hey Volkl, Here it is- I am 29 and live in VT because i love to ski and i love my family. Oh wait, and it's great here. Pow doesn't happen often, but when we get it, we LOVE and WORSHIP it. I'm sure you hear this a lot, but you guys make a great product. Your skis make me proud to be skier even though I work for a snowboard design shop (read: no ski hookup). Thanks for pushing the enevlope and for designing the most versatile skis around. They've made me a better skier and if I could only afford a new pair, I'm 100% sure I will continue to make snowboarders eat my dust.

    Joanna Pawluk (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have never gotten the chance to ski a Volkl. We don't have any available for sale locally, so I've barely even seen them in person. What better way to convert me to a zealous Volkl supporter than by helping me choose the perfect ski straight from the factory?!

    Jenny March (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • I could not believe my eyes when I saw this contest on your website. I was born in Bayreuth, Bavaria, and moved to Canada when I was 10 years old. You have no idea what it would mean to me to have the opportunity to go back and visit where I come from... I have been skiing for the past 3 years with the same Völkl skis... I spent most of last winter in Revelstoke, BC, and Banff, so they got pretty used up (the photo is from Lake Louise, Alberta)! I love them, but I wish I could afford new ones... Going to my birthcountry to get new Völkl skis and try them in the Alps? AWESOME!

    Melanie Rioux (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • Cuz it's Völkl!

    Brandon Silwester (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • Before moving to Montana, I snowboarded in PA. IT SUCKED. I switched sides and have now been skiing for 3 years. I love droppin' cliffs and hucking it just like the TGR boys. I have never skied outside of Montana :( I want to have the chance to go where the pro's go so i can REALLY test my wits. Thanks TGR!

    Will Windham (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • i should win because if i win im pretty sure it will cure cancer if it doesnt cure cancer than it will at least cure world hunger and it might give me the confidence to run for mr america dont mind the spelling im a ski bum not a professor

    josh madsen (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • i think i should win because i believe i am an up and coming back country skiier just trying to get noticed. I do not have very much money to spend on ski trips and competitions. I would just like to be able to show someone my stuff and i think this would be a great chance to get me on the map. thank you

    Dallin Casperson (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • I think i deserve to win this contest because i always shred it up on the mountain and volkl skis are the only ones that can handle it. I've never owned a pair of volkl skis personally but i have rode on them on numerous occations. Volkl skis are the best and always will be the best. I also i think i deserve it because if were going to Germany thats a bonus because i'm part German and i speak some German too.

    alex hipp (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • i pick up broken people. On the snow. I am a patroller. I only work on Volkls. Why? Because they are bomber skis - i beat the heck out of them on ice, rocks, crud and dirt. I have to go where others won't dare because I have to help out those who have found themselves in trouble. And once I have them packaged up and hauled away, I rip my Volkls - despite the gouges, scratches and dings. Simply put, they take it and ask for more. So why ski anything else?

    Ted Forbes (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • At one time we were flush with Volkls - race skis, powder boards, even a few relics of the past (those pink P9's ROCK). But college tuition, race fees, rep swag, and the economy sucked us dry and the garage is void of Volkl zen. Help! Volkl Zealot to the core, stock me up, mom deserves new sticks!

    tt (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • I love skiing. Not only am I a true Volkl Zealot; I have the best story which includes Bavaria, Volkl skis and the meaning of being a Volkl Zealot. - At a local ski shop, the owner Hans used to yodel and dream of the motherland. I believe his favorite pastime would be to educate young would-be Volkl Zealots. When you came to visit his shop he would always comment on how “Volkl’s are the pursuit of excellence. Nothing else mattered (in an old German accent of course). I think he meant that if you truly love and appreciate the sport of skiing; why waste your time, money and effort on any other ski. Simply, no other ski will compare. Because of Hans’ guidance and nurturing I am today a true Volkl Zealot. My ski of choice this moment is the Gotama. I hope my story will pass on the meaning of what a Volkl Zealot should be.

    Owen T. Shackleton (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • Wow! Those package Targa's were the start of the love affair. Fastest bases no screw in edges and stripes on top. I was the coolest kid doing tip rolls at our 95 ft vert home area Fox Trails. Really upped the cool factor with Jet Stix and Rentigers doing windshield wiper turns and trying to perfect my worm turn (thanks Wayne). Discovered that going fast and skiing pow was better than hot bdog stuff so the P9's began creaping into my life. Tip rolls on those 207 Sl's sure got tougher but man were they fast. Pink tinted bases just rolled. P10's were even more shapely and lengths were comming down making it easier for the old man to turn. Now I just pay for the 19 year old to go to school and ski so I think he should take his old man to Europe for some new boards. Thanks, Tim

    TIM SNYDER (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm a mighty mites coach at squaw valley that loves teaching the joy of skiing to little kids! I'm in the military and am trying to catch up on all the skiing i've missed out on in the past years! Myself, my mother, and my stepfather have all spent time overseas and I would love the opportunity to see Germany and ski some European snow! Also, My old Volkl Explosiv's with the wizard graphics are some of my favorite skis! I'd love a new pair of Volkl's to shred on!

    Bryan Emerson (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • Years ago I skied Volkl my first shaped ski. I bent them and moved on to other brands. So I guess I'm not a Volkl Zealot. But I would like to be. I have always wanted to ski and see Europe with my wife but it is unrealistic,$:-( I have never been to a World Alpine Race which would be exciting as well. It sounds like a wonderful time and thanks for making this possible for some lucky skiers.

    Marshall White (17 months ago )   View Entry

  • I’ve seen a lot of joy and I’ve seen a lot of pain, and through everything skiing has been my anchor. The best times of my life have been spent on Volkl’s, and I have recovered through the worst of times and found solace while on them as well. When losing a best friend in an avalanche several years ago, and losing my father suddenly a year ago -the one who immersed me head first into the skiing culture when I was a young child- I found my resolve with the support of family, friends and the mind clearing powder skiing that roots my soul. Volkl makes the best skis, and I have been a dedicated patron since I have been a patron of skis; but what makes me a Zealot is knowing that the true mountain experience is sharing good times with friends, while also clearing the mind of the distractions that cloud our lives of excess and privilege in order to truly live in the moment. Volkl’s are what take me to the Zen-like place where worries and desires melt away.

    Billy Grimes (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • The relationship started years ago when I demoed my first pair of P50s at Mt. Hood. I instantly bought the skis and at that point my commitment to Volkl became less of a hobby and more of a lifestyle. I started racing for Volkl at age 13 and from then on my commitment to Volkl only grew stronger. I still remember the first time I sent in for a sticker package and in the return mail came Volkl's Freeski team movie On Fire. I played that video over and over again until I knew each trick by heart. As I grew older and more involved in ski racing, reps changed and coaches encouraged me to move away from the company but I could never give up my love for the greatest skis in the world. The commitment paid off and because of that I was able to stay with the most legitimate and down to earth company in the ski industry. The racing is over but my passion for Volkl is no different than it has been in the past, to this day I still help the reps as much as possible. I am a true Volkl Zealot. Helping at the...

    Sam J Prescott (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • The relationship started years ago when I demoed my first pair of P50s at Mt. Hood. I instantly bought the skis and at that point my commitment to Volkl became less of a hobby and more of a lifestyle. I started racing for Volkl at age 13 and from then on my commitment to Volkl only grew stronger. I still remember the first time I sent in for a sticker package and in the return mail came Volkl's Freeski team movie On Fire. I played that video over and over again until I knew each trick by heart. As I grew older and more involved in ski racing, reps changed and coaches encouraged me to move away from the company but I could never give up my love for the greatest skis in the world. The commitment paid off and because of that I was able to stay with the most legitimate and down to earth company in the ski industry. The racing is over but my passion for Volkl is no different than it has been in the past, to this day I still help the reps as much as possible. I am a true Volkl Zealot. Helping at the...

    Essex Prescott (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have been a huge supporter of both Volkl and Marker my whole life. I have always used and currently use both for all skiing. I am currently upfitting my kids for ski equipment and lean hard towards botth your products. I feel safety and dependablility is formost for my kids, both now and when they teach my grandchildren to skit. I feel stong that quality pproducts live generation to generation and your products have been living strong yesterday,today and tomorrow. My family would feel honored to share your time and see how you accomplish what you do. Thanks for the oppurtunity but even more thank you for your dedication to the sport.

    Kevin McElligott (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Matthew Davis. He deserves to win this thing. I have been skiing with him all my life. Rock hard days at Liberty and Roundtop to bottomless storm skiing at Alta. Alta was the first thing Matt was ever Zealous about. Ever since we started skiing there in the mid 80s all he could talk about was Alta. Talk to him about HIgh Boy, Eagles Nest or 3rds and he gets this look in his eye. Since he became a Zealot in 2009 he gets that same look in his eye when skiing on or talking about his Katana's. I understand how he feels about Alta and this season i will understand how he feels about the Katana's - he (and a couple of turns on his Katana's) has convinced me to pull the trigger. - Adam Davis. the newest Volkl Zealot...

    Adam Davis (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I must confess, for most of my 50+ years of skiing, I was not Volkl Zealot. However, I've always used Marker bindings starting with a Simplex toe and longthong. So, when Volkl integrated Marker bindings, I noticed, and thought, a friend of Marker must be a friend of mine. I purchased a pair. First time out, they allowed this old schooler to carve as never before. I was hooked and purchased a 2nd pair for my wife. Now we are both zealots, just like every other contest entrant, except I'm the only one retiring next month and skiing the Alps with my wife would be most fitting. Nicht Wahr?

    Bill Hayman (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • In my Salad Days, I skied other brands, which were always Subject to Change. That was until I found The Big One and now I never Mind the Addiction to brand V! V?lkl skis take my skiing Further, letting me live the High Life no matter what! V?lkl kills it along the whole Continuum from park to race and even summer jumping in pools; I only swim with V?lkls, and Markers keep my V?lkls from becoming Lost and Found in the deep end. I’m a third generation skier, responsible for the Uprising of my fourth generation boys on V?lkl right from the start. My V?lkls are a family affair and are never complete with-out a picture of my wife and boys. The model year of each ski is told by the age of my sons in the pictures, right down to the old ultra-sound pictures. It’s my Tangerine Dream to roll into the V?lkl factory and sneak a picture of the fam onto a new V?lkl ski; help me fulfill the Prophecy! Plus, it’s the vacation my wife would kill for. So Light the Wick and let us get Explosiv on...

    Doug Stewart (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • It was an easy transition to Volkl zealotry living and skiing at Sugarloaf USA in Maine. We enjoy some of the best terrain in the east, but also have our share of sub zero weather with prevailing frost bite producing northwest winds. This results in our classic eastern hardpack on which I learned to only trust my Volkl skis especially on days when the lifts must close and only a cat ride can get you on the hill. My favorites of the moment are the slalom side cut power house, the Tiger Shark 10’, along with the new all mountain freestyler, the Bridge. Given my Volkl addiction and the number of friends I convince to buy them, they would find me deserving of adding another Volkl to my quiver.

    John (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • My skiing goes back to 1964 at beaver mt utah, I now live most my winter ski season at snow bird utah. was a real stick in the mud when came to changing equipment with the new styles. Always 204s and up. always straight cuts, Fisher, hart, head, dynamic, dynastar, ski hard on and off trail, moguls and trees. 5 years ago I broke down an purchased a shorter high end ski. rented a bunch demos and bought 175s the volkl supersport allstars. Never knew busting the mountain could be so easy. bought Mantras last season, thought I gone to heaven, first day at the bird in 30"s new powder . My 5 kids are now all on volkls, unlimited series and tiger sharks. I sold my inlaws in California on trying them . all owners now. wont buy anything else.

    kevin m godfrey (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I grew up ski racing in VT, moved to Jackson in '95 and lived on Ramen till 2000 when I unknowingly made a bad decision to move to PA and go to college. I spent tens of thousands on an education that I don't use and regret being so stupid. Should have stayed in Jackson...or at least stayed in the mountains. Now I'm surrounded by a bunch of stupid hoity-toity flatlanders who don;t know their heads from their arses!!! Give ma a break from this madness and send me to Deutchland mit Volkl und schnee!

    Jason (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I've had Volkl's all my life, from P20s to Mantras, and my devotion to the brand has been borderline obsessive; going so far as to make my wife jealous on a regular basis. My zealotry peaked last season when I was kidnapped by aliens. I had just finished laying down some mean turns at Beech Mountain when I was greeted by a bright light in the parking lot. After being beamed up, I was relieved they had no interest in me; only my skis. The fact aliens wanted to gank my skis mean Volkl is the best in the Universe, and they just had to pick ME for a reason; my zealotry.

    sam (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • First off, I would like to define ZEALOT for everyone----Meaning: [count] often disapproving : a person who has very strong feelings about something (such as religion or politics) and who wants other people to have those feelings : a zealous person ? religious zealots [=fanatics] ? Her father is an exercise zealot. [=he is very serious about exercising] —zeal·ot·ry /'z?l?tri/ noun [noncount] ? religious zealotry After Defining zealot, i would like to tell and show you this seasons set up for tele and alpine. I have always liked Volkl Skis, from the old hand me down p50 skis, to ac50s to Gotamas over and over again..... Still one of the best skis on the market, since its conception. My new gotamas are my favorite!!! The kuros rock!, and so did the badass Katanas. oh yeah, and the sumos, and uhhhh everything volkl has produced. Awesomeness in a great little two plank package.. Volkl- you are awesome!!!!!!! i love you.

    Vince Coleman (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have been skiing on Volkls since I first put the Rentigger R's, the neon yellow ones, on my feet. I love the way Volkl skis put me in the driver seat, rather than make me a passenger. This German Jew needs to visit his families former homeland and appreciate the good qualities of Munich and Garmisch. Plus, I need another pair of Mantras, my pair I have now have over 100 days on them.... One hundred beautiful days.

    David Rubin (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I’ve been an ardent fan of Volkl ever since my first pair and my first trip to Europe where another first occurred, the day I became a man. I packed my brand new Explosivs for my trip to the Alps and my whole world changed. I left a 16 year old boy, who hadn’t had a whole lot of luck with the ladies and returned a man. Waiting for a chair in Verbier, a beautiful young Swiss girl skied up next to me on an equally rockin pair of Volkl skis and struck up a conversation about my skis. She was somewhat of a local and offered to show me around. I spent the whole day chasing the most gorgeous girl through the most amazing terrain I had ever experienced and I got my first taste of the scale and size of skiing in the Alps. It also didn’t hurt that we were skiing about a foot of fresh powder. That night we went out and let’s just say that I fell in love for the first time. I have no doubt that my Explosivs are what started it all. Thank you Volkl!

    Wooderson (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Matthew Davis. Skiing Zealot since 1981. Volkl Zealot since 2009. I used to ski on Rossignols: the 7X, the 9X, and then the Bandit XXX. That changed in 2009 when my Bandits needed replacing and I thought I would open my mind to something outside the Rossignol family. I spent two days at Alta and one day at Snowbasin trying anything wider than the Bandits that the ski shops had mounted as a demo. It was a bluebird day at Snowbasin when I clicked into the Katanas for the first time and knew that any further demoing would be pointless. They railed. They floated. They flew. Two days later I bought a pair and have not ceased singing their praises to anyone who will listen. I’ve skied the Katanas on east coast boilerplate and in west coast fluff. They literally do it all. Whether I’m cranking GS turns on the groomers, snowplowing behind my kids through the trees on Crooked Mile, or following my brothers down High Boy as the sun sets behind Superior, you can be sure that my Katanas will be strapped to my feet. Photo...

    Matthew Davis (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • The sweepstakes should go to me because; since I went to Crested Butte to work in '79-'80, I've loved your skiis. They're stable at speed, yet still great in crud. They do what I ask, and that just makes a person that much more confident. I've probably sold dozens of pairs just talking to people on lifts asking what kind of ski I use. On top of that, Marker makes the best binding. What a combination! When I first went out to the Butte; I blew out a plate type binding, spent a month skiing on one ski waiting for a replacement, and busted those. I've skiied on nothing but Markers since. Just enough latitude to let it hang out, but not release. Perfect. Oh, and all of my boards and equipment was stolen out of storage, and I REALLY need to resupply. Thanks. Ski fast and have fun, Al

    Al Clark (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Ever since i was a little grom my older brother always had the latest and greatest volkl skis and that made me so jealous but now that im older i can buy my own volkl gear. Now he is the jealous one cause he is married and living in the city and im living the dream up in the mountains, shredding on my latest and greatest volkl gear. so i guess that makes me the zealot. thanx love DEWY

    jeff dewhurst (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a Völkl Zealöt because I can not wipe the smile off my face after skiing Völkl skis!!! I have skied quite a few top end demo skis where I felt like I was going to fall, they didn’t perform, just nonresponsive, unstable, and they were hard work to ski on and not fun. Völkl skis are excellent at speed, busting through crud, and literally floating through powder with total effortless control. I am part of the fanatical sect because when you ride a Völkl you become a true believer. Words don’t describe how nice these skis are. “Skiing” is believing!!! I should win because the charismatic energy and confidence Völkl skis give you, will draw attention on the chairlift. Everyone will want to know how my skis are…my smile will be a dead giveaway, their envy watching me elegantly carving down the mountain will be the proof. Questions???

    John Bocquet (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have only owned Völkl skis as long as I have been skiing. I own them for one simple reason: they are hands down, the best skis on the market. Last year I demoed 8 different types of skis and nothing else even came close to the Katana/Gotama/Mantras in terms of performance. It is amazing how two skis with nearly exactly the same dimensions can perform so differently. I'm hoping to fill out my quiver with another pair of Völkl powder skis (hopefully with some Duke bindings) and visit charming the charming burg of Straubing again! I speak German fluently and have been to Gäubodenvolksfest in Straubing before if that helps. :)

    Nathan Gretzinger (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Germany, thats next to Canada right?

    Sandy flint (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Thank you Volkl for what you do! I’ve been skiing Volkl from the days of my childhood skiing the deep snows of the Pacific Northwest to my “adult” life in the sun of northern Arizona and Volkl has always pulled through. You make a ski with cutting-edge technology and amazing durability. My skis have always brought a smile to my face especially on big trips like vacations to Austria and Montana when conditions changed quickly. I’ve seen one day bring ice with a sheen, the next day bottomless powder. My Volkl’s have taken it all in stride. For that I declare myself a Volkl Zealot!

    Thomas Parker (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have skied for over 30 years of my life. Its not common in my family to be a skier but there are a few of us. I grew up in Sun Valley and lived there for over 20 years so it wasn't hard to catch the fever. Skiing the western states and Canada has been a reality for some to come. I did demo Volkls in the early 90s when they still had the signature look to them and I really liked them. (They may've been like P9s but Im not sure they were Lime green and long) I have used various different types of skis over the years when you come to know people in the biz sometimes you use what ever someone gives you. Of all the brands of skis Volkl always stood out above the rest. If I won a new pair of boards I'd be the perfect poster child for your brand and I'd live up to that name in every respect. When Skiing like it is with me it comes naturally. The pic was taken at Lake Louise, Alberta Cheers!

    Rob Bozzuto (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • As a former on-mountain Demo ski shop manager, I became a Volkl Zealot! After all, I got to ski the best, and hands down Volkl has more finesse, more stability and more style than all the rest. Need to make a turn? Think about it and its done. Crud underfoot? No worries, plow right through. Big Pow? WOW! I'm floating. Trouble ahead? My Volkl's have saved me more then once. Need more proof of my LOVE for VOLKL's - photo attached.

    Donna Weidner (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • My Volkls are mountain slayers, vicious and mean, carrying me from the heights of the summit to the depths of the white room. They’re sweeter than frosted sugar cookies being hand fed by an angelic supermodel. I yearn to spend time on my Volkls, unrepentant that I’ve forsaken all else. The taste of euphoria is fresh on my palate. They’re built just right, delivering stick the landing, laying it all out confidence, relying on unattainably perfect curves. They make me so fast I need a sticker that says “I’m not flying I’m skiing on Volkls.” They make me so sure on my feet that the synapses in my brain fire! More! Harder! Faster! When I’m on my Volkls clouds dump snow and mountains stand at attention and salute. My Volkls make me so confident that I stand tall, ride hard and am packing my Bavarian undies tonight. When I’m skiing I rely on Volkl. Why am I “the” Volkl zealot? Ya’ll will have to tune back in after my Bavarian adventure to hear more!!!!

    Seth Walsh (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I recently purchased a pair of Volkl skis. I wanted to keep up with my 17 year old son, Joshua. Skiing is one of the activities our family has in common. After fighting cancer with my son, who is now cancer free for two years, skiing is an activity he holds high on his list of things to do. It is great seeing the smile on his face when he is looking at the latest snow reports. Living in the "Great Northwet" we do not have epic conditions. Since my son has taken three years of German, I thought this trip would be a great way for him to practice speaking German and ski in the best snow around.

    GayLynne Ullerich (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • VISION or NOT! My name is Wade Kuntz. I started skiing at Turner Mountain at age 9 and back in those days we did not have groomed runs! The first time I stepped into skis, it was love at first sight and I never looked back. At age 16, I was diagnosed with a rare eye condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa. When my doctor first announced that I was going blind, I was scared to death. I had terrible visions of not being capable of skiing, and I was haunted with the notion that blindness meant giving up living an active life. It was hard for me to imagine I would still be able to do much of anything that I loved once I lost my sight. With the incredible support network of family and friends, I found that there were actually only a few things that blindness could keep me from doing. Now at 39, I still truly enjoy outdoor recreation. I am an avid skier. I ski various resorts and love taking on the challenge that each mountain offers; by using hand held radios with headset and having a trusted guide that pushes my limit to the...

    Wade Kuntz (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Zealot (defined)* One who is zealous, especially excessively so. A fanatically committed person. I have skied Völkl since 1990. I have “Volkl” plates on my truck (sorry, no umlauts on the license plates, and I hope this does not lead to a cease and desist letter from your trademark attorneys), a Völkl jacket, hoodies, t-shirts, hats, belts, etc. (a walking billboard)! I purchased 80 cm Völkl G3’s eight years ago for possible future offspring. In the interim, they were proudly displayed on my wall as art. My oldest is now 3, and the skis will be under his feet this season. A guy driving his truck with Völkl plates, and wearing all Völkl gear on his way to a ski weekend, can only be considered zealous, especially excessively so. A single guy, with limited prospects of marriage or even a girlfriend, buying Völkl skis for a yet-to-be conceived child is a sign of fanatical commitment to Völkl. I believe in and promote Völkl to anyone who will listen. I am the best unpaid salesman and a true believer in Völkl products! Am I a Völkl Zealot? Gladly so! *freedictionary.com

    John Grosenick (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • A year younger than the sanctioned age, I was ushered through the door to the Mountain Sports School by my mom. Lying about my age on the waiver, she iterated that I was to tell the ski instructor that I was 4, not 3. After deciding that I didn’t care for the bunny slopes or magic carpet, I told the overwhelmed instructor that I had lied about my age and wanted to go home. 18 years later and probably as many pairs of skis, I am trying to find ways to get out of Economics class and back to ski school. Nothing cuts through blower powder quite like my Mantras. Steeped in legend, any Volkl is a simple but elegant ski. Its Bavarian birthplace speaks to a line of skis that are sharp and battle tested, keeping with the Visigoth tradition. I ride Volkl, most good skiers do. And the best skiers know that the Alps are the ultimate testing grounds for solid technical skiers. I deserve the chance to test myself on the best skis possible in their most natural setting. Ich glaube, ich kann damit umgehen.

    Landon Wyatt (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I will use my Volkls. I’m going out on a Ledge. My Mantra is simple: Gotama’s your mama when you’re feeling sick. Poke your Chopsticks where the sun don’t shine. The Geisha makes the complex simple. Kuro is the colour within snow. Passion Bridges obstacles. The Kendo cuts through all. There is no Wall when all is one.

    Ryan Kuhn (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • My first pair of parabolics were purple Volkls 185 cm that I bought in high school. Now I find myself living in Lake Tahoe and needing a wider, shorter ski for powder days. I ski Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley on the regular and see Volkls everywhere. Please let me win a new pair; I promise to put them to good use. If I win them, I can work less and ski more. As I am naturally chatty, I'll be sure to tell every new person I ride with that I won the skis and bindings. I'll even cover my car in Volkl stickers if I win.

    Molly MacGregor (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • stuck here in traffic in colorado while waiting to ski flat, hard pack with millions of my gaper friends. a week off to germany skiing the big lines of garmisch with the latest in volkl skis (have gotamas now...luv them), riding the trains, trams....the apres ski ...ohmy

    JEFF JOHNSON (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I should win because Volkl's rock harder than I do and that is saying something!

    James Keig (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • In a dim church basement, seven of us sit in folding chairs in a semi circle. A table with stale coffee and donuts rests against a wall. The only sound is the creaking of the metal chairs. Finally, I have the courage to stand. “Hi, I'm Chris – and I'm addicted to carving,” I say, staring down at the pale-green linoleum. “It was March when I last laid down a good set of tracks on corduroy. The snow surface had frozen overnight, not yet softened by the sun. Fast – mind-blowing fast. Not a day that goes by that I don't think about it. This summer, during work hours, I sneaked to my truck daily, holding my Racetiger SL170’s, feeling the cool steel edges. For a moment, I got that feeling back. Last week, my friends – who are Volkl 'users' like me – and I were in my garage. I waxed my Racetiger GS185’s as they watched, silently. My wife caught us, and tears streamed down her cheeks. It was then that I knew I needed help – not with my carving addiction – but with making my wife understand that while I still love her,...

    Christopher Radvanyi (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Being from California I skied when I was young, quitting in college. I was never great but I've owned Rossignol, K2, and Atomic skis. Since then I moved to Hawaii for work and married a local. She turned out to be an obsessive snowboarder, so I took up skiing again. In 2008 I tore my Achilles, had surgery, and rehabbed for about 9 months before our ski trip to Utah came around. I decided to rent short and easy skis. Instead, the fitters at Lift House in SLC handed me a pair of Gotamas. I was taken aback by these big wide powder skis. I repeated my concerns and need for something easy because of my recent surgery but they said they were the best skis in SLC. I agreed to try them for a day, but fell in love! I skied better than I ever had before, especially in the powder and crud. I never was able to enjoy the powder with my snowboarding wife but now we can enjoy together. Since then I ask for/demand Gotamas and tell everyone about my new found revelation...

    Peter Ono (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a ski instructor at a small resort in Ohio. I dedicate most of my time to the sport and absolutely love to get people to at least try to ski. The only ski i ride when i'm teaching are my volkl's and hands down it's the best ski I've ridden. I also would love the chance to ski a big mountain in Europe and watch the world championships.

    Timothy Arthur (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Skiing is without a doubt my favorite thing in the world; it’s why I get out of bed in the morning. Nothing compares to the freedom and satisfaction skiing has given me. Nothing compares to Volkl. I have been skiing since I could walk, and have skied on many different skis. Your skis stand alone. No matter the terrain or condition, never have I felt so confident. If I had to pick favorites, the Gotama and the Bridge have given me unsurpassed performance and versatility. Two years ago I had the opportunity to move to Breckenridge, and I left everything I knew in the Midwest. I found work in a little ski shop, and skied every ski in the place; without question your skis were paramount. It was easy to spread the good word and recommend Volkl; I never had an unsatisfied customer with your skis. I skied nearly every day, respectfully hitting 102, and 126 days on my pass. I even hiked up the mountain during the summer to build a shack. Skiing is my passion and I hope to continue skiing for the rest of my life, I know there...

    Lorin Skoglund (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Well it started with the Renntiger in the '80s and that's when the love affair began. My Explosiv's both SL & RS and over 150 days on each(still have camber and still ski great!) Have had P9's, P50gs and currently rippin on SuperSpeeds and Matras. Volkl is the holiest of companies. They have made the best product always! The so called competitors will always be chasing the know how, construction and design that makes Volkl the pinnacle of skiing. Not to mention I rock Volkl Golf clubs from the '90s and 2 recent Volkl Tennis rackets. Late last season I was lucky enough to ski on the new RaceTiger Speedwall and once again I was amazed. Skiing on these skis made me a better skier! Whatever Volkl builds, I will own them! How do you explain rheostat like predictability and confidence on snow, Volkl does it better than the rest. Volkl is my passion for skiing and I share the love! I have skied with many Volkl Zealot past and present and I don't have to become one, I AM A VOLKL ZEALOT!

    Gregg Eisenstein (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • The voice of skiing comes from putting in turns on the slopes, not from the desks of the marketing department. The opportunity to experience a new ski culture in a timeless location will let me speak even more passionately about the sport we love. From setting firm edges on course boilerplate to dropping in on bottomless pow, skiing has a language all it’s own. Get Völkl.

    Tom Zysk (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Because I started at 2 on wood skis+leather boots so I know how far Volkl has taken us. I've skied 120+ days for the last 18 years as an instructor,director and BC enthusiast and only owned Volkls. I've flirted with others on demo days; pointless. I enjoy taking a 6 yr old for their first run off the summit as much as dropping Tuckerman's. Every chairlift ride I'm asked if I like my skis, : ). In VT,UT,CO+AK traversing blue ice waterfalls, 3ft fresh, AK shale, whatever Volkls always bring me home- making my wife a Zealot too. Win or lose I'll be on Volkls but I'd love to met the craftsmen. My family is from Kitzbuhel and I've dreamed of skiing Europe. Aloha! frm HI; in VT12/14 on new Grizzlys ye-haa!...

    Christopher Sailer (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • If you're not skiing on Volkl's, then you're not skiing! :)

    John Mostoller (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Oh my Lord, let me count the ways - Imagine Garmisch 1976 a young corporal off-loading the train at Garmisch Bahnhof. Orders for try outs for AFRC Ski Team or Ski Patrol. Needless to say I luckily made it (no tank manuevers in Grafenwoer for me). I had been racing for my highschool on Rossi 105's, and did well. And then the Lord spake unto me in Garmisch and I tried my first set of Volkl schis mit Marker schibindungen (I was skiing with Bella und Ursula also the Marker twins). This was a dream come true a young American patroller on fast yellow Volkls eating up the piste on the Zugspitz, Hausberg and oh Lordy, Lordy the Kahndahar. Hopefully you can see the Volkls I am skiing on in the picture. If you would be so kind to also contact me there is the 37th Annual AFRC reunion in Tahoe this year with all manner of Patrollers and Racers waiting to tell you all our Volkl stories! We loved this company!!!sincerely Geoff Godfrey-AFRC Garmisch-P 1976 - 80

    Geoff Godfrey (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • When I was in 6th grade my brother was on the ski patrol in Garmisch and he was my hero. My Mom and I went to visit him for a month and I shadowed him every available moment. The crazy thing is that he let me! He showed me off to all of his friends and my Mom and I basically became everyone else's little sister and mother for that month. I couldn't wait to take the Army bus to his barracks and hang out with him and his buddies. I wanted to be just like him- the great skier, the great funny friend. He let me tag along on kayak expeditions and I eagerly folllowed. I was a bit disappointed because we were there during the summer and all I wanted to do was ski with him. But to make up for it he gave me 3 of his ski posters. I got to have his Ingemar Stenmark, Franz Klammer (both for Marker) and his Volkl! I STILL have the Marker ones but believe it or not someone swiped the Volkl years ago. You know, that's ok because I always KNEW they were great from my brother -he had...

    Meredith Godfrey (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • me and my godson at Mt. Hutt, New Zealand. Volkl is the best ski made today. Lots of companies focus on ski racing but Volkl's wide range has been great for me. I really enjoy both pair of Mantras but I bought a pair of Mauja ski touring skis last winter and they rock. Keep up the good work.

    Steve Schreiber (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • MY BOYFRIEND, EVAN BRAUN, IS THE WORLDS MOST DEVOTED VOLKL FAN. PERIOD. Don't believe me? We both ski on Volkls (Evan-supersport/gotama), he works out in his Volkl ski t-shirts at the gym, he wears his Volkl golf shirt to work, his luggage is Volkl... I spend most of the holiday season searching for NEW Volkl gear to buy him for Christmas (please make more!) It's almost as if, this contest was designed for him. He is so passionate about his skiing, that as soon as November 1st hits, he starts doing "wobble board" exercises to improve his skiing proprioception in front of a big screen running classic ski movies. His life revolves around skiing--enough that he received his undergraduate from University of Utah--just so he could ski between class. Does it also help that he speaks German and Munich is our FAVORITE city in the world? If Evan were to win this contest, it would be the greatest gift that I could give a "ski bum stuck in the East" EVER.

    Angela Dy (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm a life long skier. I started when I was 10 years of age.At the age of 11, I was a member of chicopee Ski cllub in Kitchener Ontario. Skied at Chicopee. Blue Montain in Collingwood Alpine ski club in Craiglieth, Georgian Peaks. Devils Glenn. Tremblant and Bromont in Quebes . Int the U.S. I have been to White Face in Lake Placid and Ellicotville in New York State. Last year I was with an organization call Trek 3. Teaching disable Children how to ski. I love to ski. My wife is from Germany and I would love to meet her family while I was there. My wife and I are with many Oktoberfest commitees with Kitchener Ontario Canada. Ein Prosit

    William G. Oliver (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • My ancestors are German and I studied the German language for 4 years and love it! Although I've not been Bavaria, I would really like to go! I just got a new job at The Canyons Ski Resort in Park City, UT and need a new pair of skis. I would be honored to be selected in your contest because I know how nice Volkl skis are. My Volkl ski of choice would be Volkl Attiva Sol. Not only would the skis look good on me, but I'm sure the skis would make my (lack of) skills look better!! Everybody luvs a redheaded snow bunny, right?!

    Julie Harris (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I LOVE my Volkl skis! I have two pair, 2006 Volkl Gotama for the steep and deep! And a pair of the 2009 Volkl Supersport Allstars for the all-mountain experience. My next pair of Volkl: Mantra! I've been to Germany, but have never skied there. I would luv the opportunity to ski in Germany and tour the Volkl factory. I'm an avid skier who has shared his passion with his wife, nieces, nephews, & friends of all ages. I know Volkl skis are top-of-the-line and I would be honored to be chosen in your contest.

    Trenton Harris (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Dear all, last spring I stupidly missed the opportunity to buy an eagerly anticipated pair of Grizzlys from Harods in London. To make things even worst, they were supposed to be a present for my girlfriend birthday and every effort made from Snow and Rock staff here was to no avail-there were no Grizzlys left in the UK whatsoever.Then I've started ebay searches and discovered a few pair in US, but none of the sellers delivered to the UK. I end up asking a friend from Pitsburg to buy these ski on my behalf and another friend to carry them on a transatlantic flight too Heathrow...and they live happily ever after

    Dimitar Tonev (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I love to ski. Been seeking the steep and deep every year for the last 30+. Problem is I've been upgrading the Fam with sweet fat skis, but I've been left without. Add to my insult, when I went to Europe years ago my boards got stolen in Amsterdam before we even crossed into Germany. I ended up skiing on bogus rentals. Add further, I bought my daughters Gotama Juniors and they instantly became the hottest powder teens in the backcountry. I mean it's time for me to feel the love. I really hope for some fatty rockers and a Euro venture to fire me up. Powder Steeps are calling me and I so want to float the on some sweet new Volkls. Put me in Coach, I'm ready to play.

    Ken Vanatta (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • "It's not a question of what brand of ski, it's which MODEL! V¨ølkl Zealot YAH! I deserve to participate in becoming a winner., as I have a German Exchange student who will be my "pinch hitter" with these superb skis in her home country. Cultural exchange, family blending , skiing and promotion of the finest skis available to the discriminating buyer today, YAH!

    David Blair (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I deserve these skis because I ski like I ride, a complete stooge, but that's O K because the Volkl's make me look good in spite of my abilities. I am a Volkl zealot because I won't quit on myelf and Volkl skis won't quit on me, they are the perfect ski for all abilities, and plus I need the Volkls to keep up with my kids.

    Steve Munoz (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • In my past, I started skiing and tumbling at age 16. I obtained level 10 tumbler status with a double-full at 22 years old, and was part of the cheer team for CU and easrned a varsity letter with a degree in computer science and electrical engineering. Also during my last year of school I started freestyle at 23 with Chuck and KB Martin in moguls for CU, and qualified back and front flips for competition last summer at only 26 years old. I also been in competitions since 2007 and want to compete on the US Ski Team in 3 years. Not only I am an engineer and a freeskier, but also a model and actor. Last year, I won fitness model of the year 2009 and tv commercials at an international competition through my modeling agent. I am very happy to help you in anyway possible, in more customers and more exposure, and use my persistence, hard work, and faith to make you the BEST ski company out there. Persitence and focusing what you want is KEY to suceess regardless of impossible contraries are thrown at you constantly or little at a time....

    Scott Kaveny (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Just got my second pair of Volkl skis and can't wait for Wisconsin snow. I'm re-introducing my girlfriend to skiing this winter, and she doesn't have ski's yet. However, she is saving for a trip to Germany to visit friends and this would be the ultimate merger of our goals to get her skiing again, and the trip of a lifetime! Best of luck to all the entrants!

    Dave Sullivan (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • At 80, how many years do I get to ski on my awesome AC30 skis? They make me look like Stein Erickson. Yes, after 60 years of looking for that perfect ski, I finally found them two years ago. They make me feel great in every kind of snow. I am truly a Volkl Zealot. Hey, what the heck, I've skied with two buddies, one 85, and the other 90. So, if you give me a new pair, I'll bet they last at least ten years. How about it? Don't old guys rule?!!!

    John C. Hall (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Zealot since 1986! How do you sum up an obsession spanning 24 years in less than 200 words? Not easy, but here I go. The seed was planted in the late 70's when I was just a child. I would watch the Ski Patrol cruise the hill on their Volkl's. I finally got my first pair in 1986, when I saved all the money I made over the summer to buy a pair of Explosiv SL's. When I arrived at the shop to get them I found a couple pairs of P9 SL's that the owner had brought back from the factory in Germany! These were not available in the states yet and they had the old Renntiger graphics on them; the yellow ones with the red and black stripes. I was in love, and have skied Volkl every year since. Over all those years I've had 6 pairs and have instructed on them, raced on them, coached on them, and dreamed about them! Now I'm living in San Francisco and skiing in Tahoe whenever I can. I'm still on an old pair of Supersport's, but how I lust after a new pair of Mantra's or Gotama's!

    Don Jost (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am the Volkl Zealot. However, that was not always the case. Several years ago a ski shop in Ogden Utah called Alpine Sports set me on my path to becoming the Volkl Zealot. Alpine recommended I purchase a pair of Volkl Gotamas. I was a groomed run skier and reluctant to purchase a powder ski over all-mountain skis as my only pair. My Gotama skis launched me from an intermediate level skier to an all-mountain confident double-black diamond skier virtually overnight. Last year when my binding mount failed, I did not cry or whine I went out and bought another pair of Gotamas. A zealot is defined as a person with enthusiastic diligence, and I am that person. The grand prize of touring the Volkl factory, skiing at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and witnessing the 2011 World Alpine Ski Championships is a once in a lifetime opportunity. However, I want to be the first runner-up. Because I am a true Zealot, I want to start another person on her journey to becoming a Volkl Zealot. I want to give the prize of Kiku skis and bindings to my daughter...

    Jim Redmond (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm from Ireland we've NO snow the only slope we do have is 180m dendix artificial slope, powder is but a dream. This would be my only chance this season to put down some proper turns and to catch the world Chmps would be a amazing. My country is falling apart, I ski on dendix a trip like this would put a smile on my face for a very long time.

    Declan Smith (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a ski-loving mum of 3 boys and i try to keep up with my mad ski husband on and off piste. On my old skis (that i had for 6 years) anything harder than a groomer would make me puff and swear and moan about the conditions. i know the old rule about 'the craftman never blames his tools'... until i demo'd some volkyls and ... LAAAA suddenly I can access everywhere and everything, pushing my husband to new limits and I am raving to everyone about the Volkyls like i work for the company. Fly me to Munich and I'll keep on raving. Gotta keep ahead of those boys!

    Emma Wilson (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Ive been a ski racer fornow 6 years, and since the beginning ive been with volkl. Now I go to KIllington Mountain School and race on 2 sl. volkl skis and 2 gs. volkl skies. This sums up how comited i am to the company, Im fit to win this contest because i live for volkl, i take care of my skies like they are my baby's, tune them and wax them every single day. But it's worth it, because thats how the next day i get on the hill and win. Please pick me to win this, i comit my life to the sport of skiing and this would be a huge part of my life, to beable to explore a place ive never been before and have great experiences.

    Johnny Schwartz (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a Canadian so we have long winters .During over 70 years of Alpine skiing, 22 years as a patroller at home ,in the US and Europe I have had just about every make of ski that reached the market place including a full range of Volkls starting with the old Zebras. Every ski you ever made has been a pleasure to use,but with the advent of the shaped ski the Volkl in my view just took off leaving all other marques behind. .Above all they are durable and easily outlive any of their competitors. Win or not I offer this endorsement of the ski which I first skied over 40 years ago as a young soldier on the slopes of Bertesgarten, Garmisch and the Zuggspitze. In a week or two I will be backon my beloved 5 Stars for my 71st [ or is it 72nd ] ski season.

    Robert T Hall (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have worked for three years in the rental shop at Grand Targhee, a very small resort on the border of Idaho and Wyoming (Wydaho). We primarily carry Volkl skis and i love and know alot about all of them. In this tiny town being a girl means that i don't know a rocker ski from a rocking chair. Let me show them! I am tired of all these guys thinkin that I can't hang! Mädchenkraft!!!

    Ness Outhet (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Skiing is my favorite thing to do in my holidays. I have had the same pair of skiis since i was 11 and now they are way too small. Getting a new pair of skiis would make my ski adcentures much better and i would be able to do the kind f skiing i want to with a new pair.

    Iben Østergaard (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have been at this sport for many years. My Explosives RS P9 were great skis. Ich wuerde sehr gerne nach Deutschland kommen!!!

    Henry C. Parker (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • For the last 21 yrs. I've rocked Volkls.Last 12 yrs. Vertigo Motions,now looking at a new set of AC 50's.course at 65 ,rocked is probably the right choice of descriptive words.PLUS, winning's the only way I'll get to Bavaria!Think Snow,Think Volkl!

    James Sargent (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Alas my boyfriend is a snow bunny with no money; the corners of his bedroom are filled with skis, a ski stop sign taken as some sort of totem pole to the ski gods when he was younger and wilder and ski boots longing to strut their stuff. For the last year I’ve had to listen to him go on and on and on about whether to buy a blue one piece ski suit or a green one…but they are soooo pricey. I’ve watched him agonise over whether a white helmet was too much or cool? Admittedly I am worried about finding him with the laptop in bed late at night looking at …not the usual stuff but U tube ski clips. I think I have a snow junky on my hands and need your help; this prize would be such a buzz for both of us. It would probably be the only time he’ll get to be better than me at something or allow us to settle the which is better- snowboarding or skiing argument. Please help make a very funny guy who sometimes sounds silly using the word awesome very happy this Christmas.

    Katie (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am not only common skier from Slovakia, I am Völkl Zealot, who not only rides on the old edges of Volkl, but also licks edges, because I really love them. And because I would like to ride over the limit I need to win new Volkl edges. I want to enjoy my ride, I want to feel a new Volkl edges, I am Völkl Zealot.

    Marek Michálek (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • It was 1976 at Schweitzer Mountain Idaho and I was given a pair of Volkl test skis by my friends at the ski shop. Those skis were very much ahead of their time. They were carbon fiber foam core skis and they were bright orange. So of course I took some black electricians tape and turned the word "Test" on the back of the skis into "Testicles". The text on the back of the skis looked real and the double takes from the peeps standing in the lift line were great fun for me and the posse I skied with. There have been lots of Volkl skis since including a pair of 2011 Grizzly’s and a pair of 2010 Gotamas that are part of my current tool kit (see photo of me in deep on a pair). I still ski hard and fast but it was those bright orange Volkls in 1976 that literally gave me the cojones to seek the steep and deep with passion!

    Bill Strauss (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I started skiing when I was 5 on a pair of my sister's kick-down burgundy world cups. They were awesome, even if they had a girls name engraved on them. At ski lessons at Paskipoo in Calgary (now called Canada Olympic Park), they had snake day, where rubber snakes were hidden all over the hill. The instructor found one of the snakes and skied off. Well, I was in grade 6 at the time and I skied that fucker down. He was stealing one of the rubber snakes, which at that time to me were like magic creatures nestled in the snow. He turned uphill and started skating/herringbone, but I wanted that snake so bad. And I caught that asshole. It was awesome, and I always will remember how shocked he was that some ugly little kid on a pair of world cups kicked his ass. PS: I live in BC, not Alabama.

    Todd (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I purchased my Volkl Grizzles 2 years ago and thanks to my Lovely Bride decieding that she no longer wanted to be married.I have had very little chance to get out and use them.I am raising my two sons and we could all use a week vacation it has been a long time.Those Volkl Grizzles certainly can use a new companion ski to hang out with.I think it would help them to get over their lack of going out on the weekends

    Ray Stefanik (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I deserve to win because I'm a DIE HARD Volkl fan! I grew up snowboarding in Salt Lake City, and when I moved to Seattle I tried skiing for the first time on a pair of Mantra's and LOVED IT! And thanks to Volkl, I'm a converted skiier now! Plus I've worked at ski shops since I was out of high school, and sell your product everyday with lots of confindence! Not to mention my Subaru is covered in Volkl stickers.. ;) I LOVE YOU DUDES! From a big ex-snowboarder fan- Josh

    joshua dillman (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I was born in Bavaria. I drive cars from Bavaria. My wife, sons, and I all ski Vokl skis, (Mantras and Aura). Winning would be a dream come true.

    Ignas Labanauskas (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Hey Volkl, i think me and my buddy deserve to win because weve never left the country to go skiing, my buddy just bought you Volkl edges i think is what they are called and he would love if you guys sent us there, i also have family ive never seen in my life in germany and to just hit up the slopes that germany has to offer, We cant wait for the snow to fall and its driving us nuts. His birthday is december 23rd and mines january 13th so that would be a great, well , birthday present. I truly think we deserve to win this contest becuase its a chance for us to experience new hills and new people and meet other Volkl skiers, hopefully you'll consider us and give us a great Opportunity. thx, gavin

    gavin benner (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Because This little girl in the photo is america's greatest skier. She would just love this trip she needs deep deep powder to float on top of.............please pick me!!!!

    Monti (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Love volkl skis

    Thomas Graff (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I love VOLKL skis!! And I should win because If I do I will ski the crap out of the skis :). As a skier all my life, I think of one thing when the snow flys, bombing down a fresh butter just as the sun comes up. I have always dreamed that someday I could go to germany and ski the Awesome slopes over there and this is my chance. VOLKL skis are the world's best skis ever!

    Matt Burrus (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Because I slice and dice the slope, because I put a zipper in the fresh, because my AC30s put wings on my heels. Because I'm hungry to put your lovechild through its paces in Garmisch. Because Parisians visiting the Alps will want what I'm having.

    Inga Gilchrist (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Have German heritage, last name Nixdorff. Have never been to Germany. Would put new skis to good use.

    Don Nixdorff (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Because i love to Ski, I love the Volkls and i love Germans and Germany... What more could you ask for in a representative really??? Danke...

    Zoe Kilsby (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a ski fanatic and I would love to go to Germany to see were my ancestors came from. We ski the rockie mt. all of the time and would love to see new terrain. We have VOLK ski's jsut so we can support our family's ancestors along with German cars. Pick me and I will make you proud that you did.

    Andy Muheim (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Too much time at the beach is makin me soft! Gotta get back on dem SLOPES. Get a little more VOLKL up in ze hills!

    Joseph King (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Why Aussie Anna is a "Völkl Zealöt": Because I am always telling ladies to get on the Attiva range! No, I don't work in a shop or have any connection with the ski/snow industries. I am always letting people know why they want to ski Volkl and not Rossi (I know, bad, aren't I!?!). If the ladies say, “Those frontside skis are not what I want,” I say, "Try a pair of Kenjas!". The graphics are GREAT on all the Volkl skis. LOVE LOVE LOVE. The very first time I slipped on a current set of Sols I connected IMMEDIATELY – OMG! So GOOD! But you know the REAL reason I should win???: I can't afford to buy any new Volkls of my own. The earliest I can save / plan to get to a BIG mountain, not our little hills, is Feb/Mar 2014. Why? Husband: unemployed, and I am also almost unemployed - mid Jan 2011. We are suffering mortgage stress as a result. AARRGGHHHHH!!!! So, apart from the fact I am obsessed with skiing and I LOVE Volkl, a holiday right about now would be PERFECT – plus I hold a UK/EU passport! = EASY!!! You would make...

    Anna Law (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • As a volunteer ski patroller I like ski that can do many things well. My patrol skies are the Mantras. Groomed, powder, crud, slush the Mantras are great --a true one-ski quiver. Why should I win? My family heritage is German and know all the runs at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. My German is pretty good, albeit rusty. With good snow the Alpspitze's Kandahar is a classic run. Of course the Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany is famous and the alpine setting is the best. Add a dunkel bier at the end of the day with home made schnitzel and one can say they had a great day. I know my way around Munchen and would love to see the Volkl factory. I'm ready to return to the home of my family. Gruess Got!

    Roger B Bertsch (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am an old fart who works hard at skiing and selling your products.

    TOM DOYLE (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I've skied Volkls for ever. Unfortunately my last pair, 6 stars, burned in the fire that took our home. I've tried, unsuccessfully, to buy a pair of Supersport Allstar Titaniums (2006) - the best ski I've ever skied - for 3 years. Still trying but I'd love a new pair with similar attributes.

    TIm Cowing (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I was working in a ski shop and Franz Volkl came to the shop to market Volkls'. One year later I was in the army stationed in West Germany. I wrote Mr. Volkl and asked him if I could come to the factory and see how his skis were made. Not only did he give me a tour but he sold me a pair of skis. I took them to Garmish, Lech/Zurs and Kitzbuhel and then badk to Colorado. That was 45 years ago. Today I ski on a pair of AC 30's and have never skied anything but Volkl's. The quality and performance of Volkl skis has made me a lifetime fan. Thank you Franz. Keith Skytta, Steamboat Springs, Co.

    Keith Skytta (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • My daughters went from middle of the pack racers to winners in one season with Volkls - and as a parent seeing the instilled confidence in my children is a thrill that far outweighs any of my personal accomplishments. I have managed a Buddy Werner team of 60 and league of 500+ racers, and I always recommend Volkls!

    Davis Barnett (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have been skiing since I was 2. The first pair of skis that I ever owned was a pair of Volkls. I have not looked back since. I have never skied on anything other than a Volkl. I have grown up in the White Mountains and eastern skiing is a tough area to learn how to ski in. I am a ski patroller and I love the all mountain skis Volkl produces. I am currently using a pair of bridges that I bought last year.

    Josh MacMillan (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I love volkl skis so very much and have been skiing them for at least 10 years and would love to go see them being made.

    Michael Pavel (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • My sis and I kill it every time we go out skiing and every time we go out we're on Volkls, living up to our Schwab German heritage. Whether its ski racing or free skiing the boards are all there and always on top of their game. The Race Tigers are an unreal race ski boasting of stability and raw performance. I've been on Mantras for the past two seasons and just re-ordered a new pair, god I love 96mm under foot. My little sis just moved out to CO for her first year of school and I've got her on the Aura train. A trip to Europe to see the world champs is something we've dreamed of doing since we new what a world cup was. We need this trip like we need your skis!

    Burton Schwab (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Because I'm a winner and can shred two planks like a stud muffin. I rock The gotamas and the Kuros probably the Two best ski Designs ever mads For my style of charging the CO terrain! Volkl's are heaven sent! Ski you when I win:) Andrew

    Andrew DAquanni (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Volkl, What can I say, "Simply the Best". My wife and I just love our Volkl skiis and we are proud to show them off as you can see in the picture of us in Tahoe. Two seasons back we purchased all new equipment and there was no doubt in our minds that we were going Volkl all the way. I had a hard time deciding what model to purchase only because I wanted them all. I finally went with the TigerShark 10ft since it met my overall criteria of innovation, craftsmanship and overall ability to carve and hit the slopes aggressively. The TigerSharks are hot and I proudly show them off. I knock off the snow in the ski lines so all the other skiers can clearly see the Volkl logo and know that I mean business on the mountain. My wife wanted to become a more aggessive skier and so we purchased the Fuego's. She loves the graphics and now has the confidence to rip and carve down the black diamond trails. German engineering and innovation such as the sensorwood core, wide ride and the power switch just...

    Sean Bandy (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • My love for the German power of Volkl started when I bought a pair of G41 then I went to the AC3 and finally to the great Gotama. To me a Volkl ski has great energy; what you put in to them they will gladly give back and you can always feel the race heritage they they are bred from. I have sold Volkls, pronouced (Folklee) in German, for over ten years now and continue to preach the great characteristics of edge control, power, energy and variable turn radius. Thanks for everything your doing for skiing. Please continue to push the envelope and considering me for your great prizes.

    Chad West (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Volkl Zealot, the ever lasting love affair. Late 70’s, being a University student, money was parse, but skiing was a passion, my escape to dream land. In 1978, my father passed me down his Volkl skis as he replaced his skis every 2 years and I needed a pair of good skis being part of the University ski team. Since my introduction to Volkl style and performance, I have been hooked. I bought my first new pair of Volkl in 1981 and to this date still skiing, having coached kids, been part of the Masters, but most of all, having enjoyed skiing different styles of mountains and conditions. I now ski on Volkl 165cm RaceTiger SL World Cup. Absolutely without question, the best skis, for moguls, powder and hard packed snow. You can turn these skis on a dime effortlessly, they are hyper quick yet forgivable. These skis want to be pushed and they give you ecstasy in return. They become you, the ultimate ski experience!!! These words not only come from the heart, as every chance I get, I try competing products to warrant my claim on Volkl. Never defeated, Volkl, truly a...

    Jean Lachance (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • If a Völkl Zealöt is defined as one who has been skiing on Volkl skis for over forty years, one who has moved to Colorado for a good “job opportunity” (when he really just wanted to try out his Volkl skis on some big mountains), and one who has now raised a family on Volkl products and skis, then yes, yes I am a Völkl Zealöt. I remember as a young kid skiing on 150cm Volkl Easy Short skis on Sugar Loaf Mountain in North Carolina. Since then I moved up to some P9 slaloms, Volkl G4s, and now the Mantras. My kids have each progressed through several sizes of Volkl Tiger Sharks, and now one is on the amazing Volkl Bridge, a ski that allows him to beat me down almost every type of slope. Now, after wearing out my 2008 Mantras, I am in the market for a new pair of skis that are both high quality and will not upset my wife with the exorbitant price (especially as we try to pay for my son’s college education). A free pair of Kendo Alpine skis would solve these problems!

    Gordon Van Dusen (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Well love Volkl skis,just bought new Gotamo's for 2011. And love the outdoors.

    Michael Constants (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have been skiing exclusively on Volkl skis for the last 11 years. I have had every model of race ski since then as well as a large variety of the all mountain skis, my favorite being to Gotama. In addition I work in at Ski Center in Washington, DC and whenever anyone asks my opinion on skis I always answer, Volkl (and Marker). The fact is Volkl skis are the best, they perform the best in races, they are the most stable on the hardpack and they are the most fun in the powder. I just can't wait til I have enough money saved up to buy my next pair of Volkl sticks.

    Sebastiaan Groenhuijsen (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • At my age I am still a good skier and have been a Volkl poster child for to many years to remember. I have skied all around Europe and the US. Getting to see the Volkl factory and getting new ski's would be beyond my wildest dreams. Hears for the dream of winning. Keep young!!!!

    Craig Bullington (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Joined the military in 2001 and was deployed to Rhein Main Air Base, Germany in 2003! Had a blast outside Frankfurt and got the chance to head south towards the Garmisch area. Toured around Neuschwanstein Castle and then headed to Munich to get a glimpse at the KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau Concentration camp. Very devastating place that innocent humans were gassed and killed. Unfortunately I happened to be there in the late-summer and didn't have the chance to "SHRED DA GNAR!" Another chance to get back over and ski would be inspiring!

    Jake Larson (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have worked in the business for over 15 years in ohio at a small local resort and have yet to expierianced a real ride !!! Thanks !!

    Bryce Boetger (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • My sister pretty much said it all except she failed to mention one thing. We love this sport so much that we wanted to spread that passion to others. We both started teaching skiing to kids not only because it was fun but it helped with aspects that could be applied to other things. When we headed out West, her with her Volkl Tierras and my Volkl Pearls, we were in a whole new playground. We were transported back to that youthful joy that we had always grown up with. That's something we want everyone to enjoy. In Japanese "to like" is "suki". So all I really have to say is "Ski suki" and I always will.

    Sumiko Tanaka (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I retired in 2006 and have the time to take the trip and continue to embrace the world of skiing each winter during my 1 -3 trips to Colorado. I started skiing at age ten, so 51 years ago, man that's hard to believe now said. I was a member of the US National from 1971 through the 1988 season and the director of a patrol for 3 of those 18 years. During that period I was fortunate enough to receive at least 1 new pair of skies a year but never got the Volkl. After resigning from the NSP due to a carrier relocation, I skied on the last pair I received until they broke down at the end of the following year. A Ski Shop in Aspen, CO recommended I move up to Volkl. The P19 was my first set, following I bought my whole family Volkl and have been recomending them to friends ever since. In my opinion it's the very best engineered and built ski in the market. PICK ME and I will bring my brother as my guest who also started to ski at the same time I...

    Gregory Yung (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Both my sister and I have been skiing since we can pretty much walk on our two feet. Our mother was a skier and her father was as well. It runs in the blood. Every winter we would hit the slopes in good ole' North Cackalacky and it wasn't till a couple of seasons ago that my sister and I had the chance to attack the slopes of the Western domain. It was then that we both realized the sheer power, versatility and potential that our Volkls carried. The East Coast skiing didn't do them justice. We thank the steeper lines, the blood the runs in our veins and the top of the line gear for enhancing that experience and only intensifying our passion for this sport. Not to mention ruining East Coast skiing for life...

    Reiko Tanaka (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I. Love. To. Ski.

    Kelly Wasserbach (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • With the snow FLY'N it's time to ripe up the mountains ( : And that's what I LOVE to do!!! In the true form of the "VOLKL ZEALOT" I live for SPEED and DEEP POW !!! I'm FANATICAL about chasing the GOODS from our local stashs to BC and AK ( : SO PLEASE PICK ME !!! I NEED TO RIDE THE "WORLD FAMOUS BIG MOUNTAIN TERRAIN ON GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN" !!!

    David Friedman (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I've been skiing on Volkl skis for 20 years and along the way have tried many of the proven skis. Volkl is the best and I don't see this changing anytime soon

    Henry Forster (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • For years I skied the other brands, falling for their new technologies of “piezo chips”, “pro-link” arms, and “wave” construction – believing that these gimmicks made them superior skis. Then I tried the Volkl Supersport 5 Star. It was an epiphany, an awakening, a freaking light bulb going off in my head. These skis were fast and damp. They carved with surgical precision, and held on ice like Flick’s tongue in “A Christmas Story”! There were no gimmicks or sketchy science applied to the ski. Volkl created this ski with excellent engineering and solid construction. That was just the beginning. I’m now on my second season with my AC 50’s, and still in awe of how an 85mm waisted ski can feel like it’s much narrower. I can tear up the Michigan “packed powder”(ice), and float in the Utah clouds (real powder). And I can do it all at any speed. I am a Volkl Zealot.

    Rick Prins (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I’ve been skiing since I was 3, my brother dragged me to the ski hill as soon as I could jump down 2 stairs at home, I’m now 40, still an old-school, hard -ass Kamikaze skier, most people only get a good look at the back of my coat… yes still today at 40 I still arrive alive... Home-grown Quebec Canada skier, learnt how to ski on Ice, snow is a piece of cake, I have two girls, Twins and both of them I’ll put up against most (wanna-be tough guy) skiers any day, just like their old man, hard pack lean forward and carve hard, and in the deep let-her ride… : D I’ve two pairs of Volkls, a short pair of Supersport 4’s, and a pair of Volkl Mantras (183) love-em !, and the only description I have for them is (Rippin!), crunch threw the crud and slam everything else. But buying them was not a good experience at all… The Mantra’s, when the vendor mounted the bindings they mounted “the wrong ones” , I bought and paid for the marker griffon schizo, and they mounted the Jestor’s… I was furious… even...

    Ben Tie (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I love Volkl, I even have a Vokl hat. I ski the ft10 Tiger Sharks' and they go every where and snap in and out of every turn. From the groomers to the un-groomed woods they are super performers. Even at my age they rock! I should win because I spent all my money on the skis and can't afford to take my wife a=on a nice ski trip.

    Marsh Sorber (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Hallo Völkl, Because I was born in Germany and have never had the opportunity or the means to go home! My only connection to home has been the love of my Völkl skis. Even my 8 year old, "Isabella Sophia" loves her Völkl's. Of course she would be going home with me! Auf Wiedersehen! David

    David Bürrell (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • My name is Bruce, I have been skiing since 1970. I was raised in Boise ID skiing our local ski hill Bogus Basin. As I got older I really got into skiing and got a job working in the ski shop up at Bogus. I have never stopped. It is now 2010/11 season and I am still working at the same ski shop, only difference is my son now has the winter bug and is a HUGE ski fanatic. I think it would be an awesome thing for the two of us to come to the Volkl factory and show him how the best skis are built. I know how to tune a Volkl ski to ride to peak performance and tearing up a Mtn on a pair with the perfect tune , you feel connected to your ski and become a Volkl Zealot.

    Bruce Rolfe (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • My name is JC and I am a Zealöt. No, I am not waging a campaign to draw attention to the homeless, the underprivileged, the needy or any other well-deserving group. I am selfishly calling attention to myself as one who cannot live without deep snow, panoramic alpine vistas and awe-inspiring heights. I am a creative person in all aspects of my life, both professionally and otherwise. I am an artist and a perfectionist. Which, of course, is what fuels my Völkl addiction. A garage full of SuperSports, P50s, Mantras, Katanas, Sumos and the like serves merely to whet my insatiable appetite for more. Thankfully, there are outlets such as this contest for me to express and announce my addiction ... and seek ways to deal with it. Without an intervention such as this Bavarian Völkl excursion, I am destined to while away my days in despair, standing in front of the open freezer door, pining for that first cold day on my hot new Kuros. Please help me! Ich bin ein Zealöt!

    JC Estensen (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • i would like to win this trip because this year i don't have money to go skiing somewhere and this would be a wonderful gift.also i have your skis,model tigershark and they are excellent and i would like to give one pair to my sister as a birthday present.i'm from croatia,i didn't write it above cause i could't find the abbreviation.as you probably know,is the country of the best skier of all times,janica kostelic and her brother ivica,which will have some great results this season.and my hometown is rijeka,the one of ana jelusic,also a good skier,especially in slalom.what else can i say?i love the snow and skiing but unfortunately it's a hobby not so cheap,and that's why i have to save money during the year to afford 5 or 6 days of fun and excitement.another good reason is that i've never been in germany and this would be a nice opportunity to see a piece of your country and taste the snow there! hi to all volkl fans... :)

    adriana (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have been skiing on Volkls my entire life, my first pair were the zebras

    Martin Olson (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • My passion is skiing and traveling, unfortunately I am a broke college student that is about to graduate. I have student loans to pay back and no income to buy my next pair of Volkl's. I've been skiing on Volkl skiis ever since I was able to start saving up to buy my own. I'm currently ripping it up on AC4's. Shane McConkey is one of my idols and I strive to have a positive outlook on life. When he passed, I decided to make a bucket list. I've been able to do a lot of the stuff on my bucket list such as ride a bull and skydive, but one of them costs too much money for me. I've always had a dream to big mountain ski in the Alps. Please let me mark this off of my bucket list and please send me on a graduation trip of a lifetime!

    Alex Caskey (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I was born and grew up in Germany. Lerned to Ski in Illinois on my first Voelkl skies in Jan. 1970 and looked at other brands and always bought Voelkl. German quality and performance is what I expect and get. Tomorrow I will be skiieng in Vail on my brand new TigerShark with Power Switch and retiring the Supersport. I would love to ski the Zugspitze again. My son bought the AC 50 last year and is hooked on them. I ski approx. 30 days per year.

    Helga Redweik (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I just bought a pair of Grizzlys after agonizing between them and the Kendo! Now I hear that the Kendo garnered all these outstanding reviews. I would really like to have both skis. I love Volkls and just talked my nephew into a new pair of Gotamas.

    Steve Brennan (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Why I should win? Are you kidding me? I started skiing again the last 10 years after convincing my wife. Been skiing since 6 and love speed and precision. Hate the new ski shape which are fun at low speed but ugly fast. After much recommendations to try Volkls, I've not only seen the light but cannot go to any resort that doesn't rent them. After renting them, it seems the choice lies on a few skis. I am now ready to own my very own pair. I can tell you that at 45 if you do not do moguls as much anymore, but you certainly enjoy a fast out of track route back down. Why would I "deserve" to win one? After being faithful to another brand for two decades, finding nothing that fir the past 10, I can see Volkl will satisfy my skiing needs for the next two decades. It has been a long and fruitless search. And if nothing, thank you for doing such a great job. People like me still by high-quality specific items when it's been well developed. Your skis have. Thank you, Nick Zart

    Nicolas Zart (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • As I have been getting older (now 66) I became worried that my skill level would not make up for my diminishing fitness. Three years ago, on the recommendation of a stranger in a lift queue, I bought a pair of Volkl AC30 skis. I immediately felt at home and am now skiing better than 20 years ago - although admitedly for shorter periods. Volkl skis have extended my sking life by a huge number of years. My wife (aged 64) also skis & I look forward to seeing her perform on Volkls as well.

    Reg Golin (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • When it's a pow day, my wife and I are the first in line with our Gotamas and Auras. We both rip it up and keep the pressure on the group representing the "V" brand - cause their aint no friends on a powder day. I also sell the crap out of them as well.

    jack walzer (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • My outlook on skiing, on equipment, on snow, pretty much my outlook on life, changed that spring day at Snowbird in ’07. After an 18”+ dump, I had to step my game up from the toothpicks I had in my quiver, and I rented some fat boards from the demo shop. Beautiful black Volkl Gotamas (The stealths as I call them). This ski changed everything for me, and has left a taste in my mouth ever since. I’ve been holding out for years to purchase my own pair, and what a better way to fill the void, than to personally thank the people who made this, and continue to make, the best skiis in the world. Still probably the most memorable powder day I have ever had, simply because of the tools I had to slay it. Prost!

    Matt Hussey (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I graduated law school in May. I have tons of debt. I haven't the money to buy a new pair of skis or get any further than Vermont/Maine to get some days in. Send me to Germany.

    Sy (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Love my Volkl's! Great for skiing with my family, but sure could use a new pair!

    Pat Underburger (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am the mouli and I need a new pair of Volkls to slice and dice at the World Alpine Championships.

    John Nelson (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • When I first saw this contest, I couldn’t believe my eyes! They got so big, they were the size of saucer boy's ride Ill tell you why I am the best choice And it isn’t because I have the loudest voice, It isn’t because I’m a true zealot in hiding, Or because I spend all of my free time riding It isn’t because I have never been to ze motherland Or because I will always rep the best brands It isn’t because I yearn to walk the volkl factory tour Even if my friends say I am the most mature It isn’t because I would love to see the world championships, Or the fact that this is actually roundtrip! It isn’t because I'm lacking world class skis, Although some do say I rock the dopest steeze It isn’t because this would be a trip of a lifetime It’s the fact that while I was supposed to be working, I made this thing rhyme!

    Glenn Gowland (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I had an old pair of skis that were heavy and in need of updating. I looked around and found a pair of Volkl AC30's and tried them. They were fantastic. I like them so much that the next year when Volkl came out with the AC50's I sold my AC30's and got the new ones. I have been skiing 30+ days a year and love them. They are the best skis I have.

    Darrin (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • because i'm poor, i hit a rock close to the end of last season and ripped the edge out of my katanas. i fixed them but they will never live up to their former glory. now you see why it is so imperatively obvious that i must win the contest. thanks for the skis and the trip Mark Houston

    mark houston (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Though i may only recently began skiing i am a huge fan of volkl and plan to be. However as i am a colege student i lack the funds to actually get volkls and have been left dreaming. Regardless i see volkl as the best skis you can buy and support the at any event i'm at.

    Maris Bateman (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I grew up on a pair of skis. My grandparents taught me how to ski the winter I turned 4 and i have been hitting the mountain ever since. I managed to get my first pair of volkls, ( after lots of praying and hard work) years ago and have never looked back. Being a college Student i have not always had time or money to go on the trips i dream of but that doesnt keep me from sporting my volkl logos and skis all over the east coast.

    Mason Roalsvig (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Volkl skis simply rule on New England Hardpack/Ice. I have three pairs of Volkl skis for varying conditions though my Mantra skis will do anyything. Whenever someone asks for a ski recommendation I always say "You can do no better than Volkl."

    Kenny Ziedman (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • started skiing at Holiday Mountain in Estherville Iowa in 1968. (All 100' of it) I bought my first pair of Volkls in 1970 and headed to the rockies. As the photo shows proud of my Volkls then and I'm still proud of them now. Can't wait for my new kendos to come in. Thank you for engineering such a great ride. As exciting as a trip to Germany would be just ripping down the mountain on my Volkls is all I need. Zealot for 40 years.

    daver (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • In March of 2003, just weeks before the beginning of Operation Iraqi Liberation (OIL), I quit the ultimate ski-bum job. I was working for the military in Garmisch Partenkirchen and, despite good pay, good benefits, and a job that allowed me to ski every day, I quit. I quit because I could no longer support the actions of my employer, and it was the hardest decision that I have ever had to make. After living in Bavaria for 5 years, I felt (and still feel) that a part of me belonged there, in die Oberbayerische Alpen. I had learned the local dialect and made the best friends of my life. I had skied many of the classic lines and been shown them by real Bavarian locals. I felt like part of a community. Not the community of Americans who couldn't be bothered to learn German, or who did their shopping at the Kaserne, but the local community of carpenters, bakers, climbers and skiers. I learned how to make steep, Euro kick-turns and to peel my skins without taking off my skis. I learned to ski powder during the carving craze, I learned how to use a Pieps, and escaped my...

    Matt Archibald (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Snow. Skiing. It's simple, really. There are only two things that matter, snow and skiing. Snow existed before skiing, but without snow you cannot ski. And without skiing, life becomes less meaningful. Skiing is an outlet, a freeform mode of expression. Snow is the canvas upon which our tracks are painted, tracks that reflect who we are. These tracks tell a story, that of a deep, powder filled day, or an icy, refrozen death cookie kind of day. Certainly, the former is preferable to the latter, yet both enrich our existence; they provide experiences and lessons we can draw upon, memories to pull up during the stifling heat of summer. Memories which will last a lifetime, a lifetime filled with snow and skiing.

    Mike Mayne (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Volkl is the only ski worth skiing! I've skied a a lot of skis in the 45 years of skiing but nothing like the Volkl. My good friend and skiing pal turned me on to the brand several years ago. It change my skiing forever. I liked them so much that I bought my wife of 27 years a pair too. She has never skied better. Now she keeps up with the "big boys!" All of us are former ski instructors from the old days of long skis and Volkl just keeps us skiing better with every turn. Skiing in Germany would top off a life time of skiing with a trip of a life time! But it doesn't matter. I'll be skiing on a new pair of Volkls that i'm buying this week, Happy skiing. And remember, you don't stop skiing because your old, you get old because you stop skiing! (Read that somewhere, but it's true!)

    Terry Taylor (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • As a patroller I relly day in and day out on my equipment and so do the people I help. I remmber my first pair of karmas that lasted about 7 years and countless days on the slopes. I loved those skis and did not hesitate to pick a pair of gotamas when the opportunity came around. I have been a Volkl zelot ever since.

    Andrei Axenov (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a student that gets just enough hours working at a Starbucks in Oregon. My job barely puts lift tickets on the table. Mostly earning my turns, skinning one step at a time. What better reward for all my sacrifice and hard work than receiving a trip to the land of half my people. Also, my buddy that would accompany me is half german as well, together we make one dynamic uber-german super skiing duo. That could really show those Germans how to party at the World Cup. Thank you.

    Anthony Monteleone (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Sooooo......many reasons why..... but words are not enough to describe my Volkl Skiing Zealot Smile!!

    Ed Button (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • When I was a ski rat , I had this neighbor who always had the awesome ski gear. One day while i was in my backyard he said "hey clay do you want these". They where a pair of volkl p9 tigers and they where 205's. I was skiing on 175 at the time, since I was only 12 years old. I put my marker MR racing on them and skied them. They where way to long for me, but they where freakin rad fast awesome. I used them many seasons with chunks and holes in them. I loved those skis they hang on my wall. Now I ride the Mantra. It is a different world up their now, the new fat skis are so easy to ski it makes it dumb. Volkl makes killer skis , and i wont ride anything else.-ratman

    clay murdach (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am of German heritage but have not had the priviledge to live in my "home" country. I love Germany and all it has to offer! At the top of the list are the beautiful and majestic mountains and the awesome skiing. I grew up skiing, and always dreamt of skiing on Volkls. It would be a dream come true to ski in Germany on a new pair of the best skis and bindings made today!

    Thomas Stahlke (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I think I should win because I could use a new set of skis and I found this great shot of me with a handmade hat after I first arrived in Vermont in 2009. I love Volkls and have always wanted a pair. It would be great if I could just win the skis and not even the trip (because I would have to find a dog sitter). I would love to learn how to telemark and have learned two phrases in German off a language CD I purchased from the internet. "Ich verste" and "Est ist weivel heir?" (sorry about the spelling). I have already been to Austria and have to say that it was beautiul. I was able to watch a hockey game in Innsbruk and skied at Stubai Glasier and Ishgel. It was an unforgettable experience and I feel as though someone who has never had that opportunity should benefit from this trip like the one I have already been fortunate enough to enjoy. Good luck everyone and whomever wins, enjoy the journey of a lifetime. You will never forget it.

    Adrienne Camfield (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I should win because I embody the Volkl/Marker paradigm. My last name is Kindt, really german, so are Volkl's. I'll live and die in the good 'ol USofA, so will Marker. I just can't deny the similarity between this unholy partnership. the picture I enclosed shows me making my last couple step to conquer the Conundrum Peak couloir the past Fourth of July. I should win this contest because I'll Live in Die in Volkl/Marker Products and am so poor I would never get this opportunity otherwise. I'm also an assistant coach for the Challenge Aspen Competition Team, offshoot of US disabled team, and would love to see the races. Send me to ski overseas!!!

    Brian Urquhart Kindt (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • After 20 years of snowboarding I have decided to go back to skiing and what better way that to start with the best skiing equipment on the market.

    Fredrik Broberg (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • The adrenaline! This is what we dream about..........rippin' threw the white on some new boards...the brand that's been under my feet for 9 years! There's no question about it. Volkl, you step in them, you start vibrating, you focus, you feel confident, you point them down..........turn after turn...WOW..........smiling you slow to a stop. You're still vibrating and the adrenaline says........lets go turn it up again! Volkl Zealot since 2001.

    Glen Oya (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • My family is OBSESSED with your skis. My sister shreds on the Kikus and, her favorite, the Auras. My brother kills it in the deep snow with the Kuros, blows through the crud with the Gotamas, and lays some nice trench with the Mantras on those nice icy east coast days. My mom floats in the fresh power with the Kikus. My dad busts through the bumps with his Gotamas and is waiting to try out his new Gotamas. Even though we all know they will still not help him keep up, he is just too far behind. I, myself, spin hard in the park with the Walls, drop cliffs with the Chopsticks (use the actual chopsticks, that came with the skis, on some Chinese food), and for anything else I bring out the Gotamas. As you can clearly see we need your skis. I have been skiing since I was two and I have found the skis that are on top of every other ski, my family has too.

    Drew Gilmore (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Well, It looks like that I'm the first entry to confess my respect and admiration for the grizzly. I live in Glenwood Springs, CO and use them at Sunlight Mt. two days a week in various conditions and terrains. When my life is on the line, I trust my "Grizzlys" for strength and reliability. I only use and recommend Volkl products.

    Cooper Douglas (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I should win because when people think skiing Ohio isn't on top the list if its lucky enough to even make the list. I ski despite where I live and skiing in Germany would be the greatest trip ever.

    Jonathan Jetter (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Started skiing at 7 still loving the sport been using your products for 3 decades 30 years +, now my son is advocate of your kind skis "11 years old", I grew up in the ski industry nick named Scooter, 20+ years working and living in the life style, If I win I would bring my son and document our experience. Ordered new Mantra's fingers crossed they will show up!

    Richard Scott (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Skiing is the feeling that humans have been searching for for eons. We want to fly fueled by adrenaline and fear. And since I first linked turns everyday has been about trying to get that next turn. I chose a place to go to school where I can tour world class mountains in Colorado. Now I basically live for skiing and class. And I could really use this break from my engineering classes to shred the gnar. I am a huge fan of Volkl stuff and would love to tear it up in Germany! Please pick a desperate college student!

    Andrew Drennan (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I bin aus Bayern und hab Hoamweih.

    twoturn (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Volkl AC50. Great grip while carving hard. Fast response to weight shifts for all-terrain usability. Long radius for controlled turning at high speeds. Everything my boyfriend needs to bomb down the groomers and beyond in typical New England ski conditions. Volkl Tiera. Forgiveness, ease, and versatility in all conditions. Incomparable edge grip. Control and high performance at any speed. Everything I need to keep up with him.

    Sarah (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • the reason why i should win is you never see some guy from ontario winning a big contest like this , i ve skied all over the rockies and make sure that every year i get out as many times as i can . would love to own a pair of your skies but just not enough cash in the bank for them and a season pass!

    norm soulliere (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • My coworker at the local ski shop tells customers I have changed my middle name to Volkl. I became a Volkl zealot by demoing from the competition in our small town. I bought them that day. On the Volkl Queen, mounted with the Naxo Princess. Nothing could stop me from ruling my large white palace stretching from Whitefish to Glacier National Park. When the shop had to close its doors, my store picked up Volkl. I felt we became a real ski shop. For the last two years, demo days with Toby (our rep) hit the top of my list for best resort days. What could be better than cruising around the mountain with your buds on all of the best engineered skis in the world? The rocker concept that Volkl has developed is pure brilliance. That they dare to change classic, well selling skis like the Gotama and Bridge is inspiring, That the skis are actually better than before is mindblowing. That they address any quality issues immediately is commendable. They make a ski for every skier, from powder hounds to groomer maniacs, to park rats, they...

    Ashley Lohr (MightyQuinn) (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm sure you guys have already gotten allot of sob stories about how it's tough being a ski bum, being poor, and giving up female contact to ski regularly. Well here in Montana I'm use to the lack of females and have accepted my location choice. Because I am a Vokl Zealot because I love every day I get to ski, and appreciate how hard I have to work to support my lifestyle. Whether its skiing on ice in Minnesota or powder in Montana, or maybe powder in Germany, I LOVE TO SKI. I Enjoy every second of it. By sending me on this once in a lifetime trip Ill share that love internationally with skiers everywhere. Because it's the love of every moment of skiing that keeps us doing it, and keep's companies like Vokl in business. So please please send me on this once in a lifetime experience not only for myself, but for every person who loves to ski. Plus if selected Vokl will have a life long customer, as well as a clever Vokl tattoo somewhere on my body. So once again please send me and spread...

    Brendan Miller-O'Neil (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'll be honest, I don't ski near as much as most other people that are going to enter this contest. I'm from a town of 130 people northern Alberta, Canada. It is flat, VERY flat. There are no mountains for hundreds of miles. Ever since I was 4 years old though, my family has been going on ski trips, and skiing has evolved into a PASSION for me. It absolutely consumes my life. I go to university in Edmonton, Alberta, and as soon as ski season approaches, my GPA drops accordingly. I plan on moving to British Columbia as soon as I finish school to start my skiing career. I play university volleyball as well, partly as a way to pay for school, so I have next to know time to ski except for Christmas, and once the season is over (March). I can assure you that there are VERY few people who would appreciate this more than me.

    Mark Rayment (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I started skiing at Holiday Mountain in Estherville Iowa in 1968. (All 100' of it) I bought my first pair of Volkls in 1970 and headed to the rockies. As the photo shows proud of my Volkls then and I'm still proud of them now. Can't wait for my new kendos to come in. Thank you for engineering such a great ride. As exciting as a trip to Germany would be just ripping down the mountain on my Volkls is all I need. Zealot for 40 years.

    Dave Rosenbrook (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • First off, I am a college student that needs a break. Usually the only snow/ice I see is in the bottom of a drink on a friday or saturday night. I figured that if I won it would be a change and a chance to take some sweet pictures. Also the stories I could tell my kids if I have any. O Well.

    Brent SoRelle (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I've been skiing Volkl skiis since 1992. I love how they deliver the ultimate in stability with super energy. I even started mounting Volkls with telemark bindings when I took that up in 1994. East coast ice on my P40's and the Skillet Glacier on my Gotama's- they always rock! I recently switched back to alpine skiing and I have loved my Marker Baron's as well. I ski 50 days a year on and off piste and have always tried to turn other people on to my Volkl's. My wife skiis nothing but Volkls and is just as psyched on their performance as I am. Attached is a picture of my wife Kelly at our high camp in the Cascades after a huge May storm last spring. The Mantras are standing tall! If we win this contest, you guys will have two good skiers that are on the slopes all the time promoting your skiis like, well, ZEALOTS!

    DAVID ALTIZER (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have been working in a ski shop selling volkl/ marker for about four years now. I have been loyal to volkl ever since i started working there. I have always been interested in visiting the factory so see the process of making skis first hand. I have been skiing since i was about 6 years old and love to travel. It would be great to be able to experience the making of Volkls and it would be a very helpful selling point for the ski shop i work in, which has been selling volkl for nearly 20 years. It would be very knowledgeable and a great privilege to experience this trip.

    Ashley Butts (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I love to ski!! Is there anything else I have to say? I love the idea of this trip. Fine German skis & bindings & Bier!! My new wife and I couldn't take a honeymoon after we got married back in August. This trip would be an amazing gift to her and I. We both ski, race, ski patrol at our local hill (BuckHill, MN). We started an adaptive ski program this year and teach in our program. Being skiers is a lifestyle and passion!! We have both! Hope to see you in Germany!

    Brian Foley (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • My true and faithful mountain ski, My Volkl Gots, they’re good to me, On the trail or in the woods, My Volkl Gots, they get the goods. Powder, crud, all kinds of snow, My Volkl Gots, they gots the go. Me thinks my Gots have got to me, My Volkl Gots, I got my ski. I finally tied the knot this time, My Volkl Gots, I made them mine. We’d love to get to travel soon, In Germany to honeymoon. And get a newborn, baby ski, A Volkl from the factory. Then ride the lift up from afar, And ski the famous Kandahar. Am I crazy? Am I nuts? I love my Gots. A Gots, Zealot.

    J. Young (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • This is a picture of me at the top of a sic pillow stack in fish creek falls canyon in steamboat on my sweet 07 karma's. I spray painted them rasta. I have skied these skis like 350 days and they are my favorite. We were actually separated back in 07 when i first got them. I was skiing this chute in that was due to open and I cliped a rock and tumbled double ejecting. Much to my dismay when the smoke cleared I only had one of my new Vokils in sight. After looking I skied down the backside on one foot. About 5 days later I rolled up to the bottom of storm peak and Ryan the liftie was like HAM we got something for you... NO Way you guest it my missing Karma. This guy Roundhouse had hucked a cliff tumbled into a tree well and there it was. It still even had wax on it and because the custom paint everyone knew it was mine. I still have those skis and there still my favorite. Its probaly been 325 days since...

    Mike Ham (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I skied/snowboarded for 14 years, took a ten year pause and then started skiing again last year. After lots of study, the ski I selected to be reborn with was the Tigershark 10ft. I couldn't be happier with this ski. Last year my wife and I spent our honeymoon traveling throughout Bavaria where I was carefully reminiscing my skiing days over a few mountain resorts. I believe this is what gave me the initiative to start skiing again. Therefore, I would love to go back to Germany and ski the mountains.

    Mark (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Self taught big mountain skiing. Only skiing when on break from serving in the army.

    Collin Russell (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I LOVE my Volkl skis! My Gotamas have their own Facebook profile, http://www.facebook.com/#!/volklgotama And yes, by "open" that means I am free to ride my new Mantras I got for this upcoming season. My "Goats" handle the deep fluffy pow at Vail and Beaver Creek like a champ. Solid wood core, twin-tip if there is a need to go switch. "Locals on Volkls" means when the snow is deep and the Texans are staying inside, we can go charge the mountain and not have to be concerned about our gear. Last season, I had a business meeting in Vancouver, which turned into an impromptu day trip to Whistler. Not having my gear, I had to rent...Strapping into a pair of Gotamas and knowing what my skis would do, gave me the confidence to go after a new mountain with 8 inches of freshie. Winning this trip would be a chance to go to Ski Mecca and fully appreciate the "Made in Germany" sticker on my Goats.

    Chris Ochs (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have an addiction. Ever since my first high, I was hooked. I couldn't focus on anything else, and I had to go back again and again. Even though it was affecting my physical body and my school work, the only thing I could think of was when my next high would come. That high, of course, was being on the slopes. I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, where I learned to love the snow from a very young age. Since before I can remember, I was on skis, hitting the slopes and wishing I never had to stop. Every time I see the snow now, I get giddy and my heart starts to race. I saved up my money, and soon bought my first skis - Volkl Carver Motions. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. Foolishly, I decided to pursue an education in a region with no good skiing nearby. Now, I'm stuck wishing all winter I could hit the slopes, and use a little break from the monotony of classes. Help me out with some new skis and a trip to Europe!

    Bartholomew Grabman (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I should win because I am an underpaid educator who loves skiing and could never in my wildest dreams afford this on my own.

    John Trombly (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm a 15 years old freeskier coming from Italy. Unfortunately i'm not very near to the alps ( I live in Milan) but i go skiing every week end to increase my ability and my tircks. Skiing is always in my mind. I love this sport because you are in the midst of nature with your friend and you feel free from all problems and thoughts. I would like to win because i put all my commitment in this passion and i have not enought money to buy a good set of skis as VOLKL skis are.

    Giorgio Caizzi (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am an old fart. Worse than that I have three teenage daughters who treat me like an ATM. Evidence of said carnage attached. I haven't had a new pair of skis in about 20 years. If I had a new pair of skis, there is no doubt I could be in the olympics. Please help.

    Kenny Hale (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I work in a local Ski shop and i mount Volkl skis all day at work... i have always wanted a pair and mounting up a couple pairs a day makes me really jealous of the customers. Also i used to race on Volkl skis growing up and always loved them. Now that racing is over for me i would like to get an amazing new pair of free skiing skis for my trips to the mountains.

    Sean Moore (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am 66 been skiing and Ski Patrolling for over 35 years. I would like to return to Europe where I first skied. The year after getting out of the Marines in 1966 I used money I saved for a car to go to Switzerland on a ski adventure - having never skied before. Not knowing much I wound up in St. Moritz one week and St. Anton the next. Traveling alone, the 1st day in ST. Moritz I rented skies, boots and polls, dressed in genes and sweat shirt I took the gondola to the top, got off and headed down. I would like to return to the Alps with my wife for 38 years whom I meet skiing at Killington. I would be using my great Volkls to actually ski the Alps. I have been patrolling on Volkl's at Sugarbush for the last 10 years and they're greatest for Eastern skiing.

    Gene Bifano (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • My dad skiied Volkl, and when he passed on the passion for skiing, Volkl came along with it. Being a University student doesn't leave too much budget for skiing, and my Volkl planks are looking a little ragged, they spent a week in the French Alps while I was on study abroad in England, and I would love to spend more time there. I'm sure there are probably others who deserve more than I do, but I know that I'll still have a passion for skiing, and Volkl will still be along for the ride.

    Patrick Gaudet (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • My girlfriend Jill and have a passion for travel and are taking up skiing again from a 20 year hiatus. And what a better place to ski than the Alps. We also just bought a house and could use a break on a vacation. Thanks. A

    Andrew Westphal (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • You ask why... And i deliver. Just like your product. I've been Skiing for about 6 years and no skis have taken me to so many great places that provide great memories. From the Idaho back country to Urban handrails in Montana Volkl Skis have Giving me the best times I could ask for. No other product has be able to handle the hell i put it through then my volkls. My volkls have allowed me to just be free and block out the world around me. Icy chutes, Deep Powder, Fresh Corduroy , Any Condition I can Rely On my skis to take me to the next level and provide a great time no matter what the situation is. I deserve to win because I the Ultimate Zealot. Looking Back On the times with my skis we have commandeered get places and areas of land. Without them I would Be nothing. Thank you

    Peter Caprio (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a ski insrtrutor and ski about 150 days a year. I absolutely love Volkl Skis. When i was younger, my Step-Father taught me how to ski and i learned on Rossignols'. I know, I know, didn't know any better. One Day My Step-Father handed me the Volkl AC4's and told me to try them. i haven't looked back since. I swear by Volkl and recommend them to everyone. A Trip to Munich would just further my obsession for Volkl and Skiing. This would be an experience of a life time and I want in!! Where do I sign up??

    Shawn Berger (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Volkl is rad, I ski and wear plaid. How fast can I go? Go ask the snow! But seriously who really doesn't like Volkl? They are sick skis, high quality, high performance, a true cornerstone of the ski industry. Honestly I do not own Volkls, but many of my friends do, and with them many side country, back country, inbound, spring slush and carpeted stair summer turns have been had, with many more to come. All the time volkl was there to turn up the shradical shredding and lead us on with the calm assurance of quality and craftsmanship. And going to Bavaria would be FUCKING RAD!

    Jake Merrill (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Ich liebe pulverschnee und lachele solange als scheefahren, I smile when i think about skiing, I smile when i watch other people skiing, and I always smile for the camera. (And I don't speak very good deutsch). A wide open slope looks like a dance floor to me and I like to sing and dance all the way down. A job is a means to the mountain. I ski with my mates, on dates, I ski alone, on the phone, I ski with my dog, in the fog, I ski ice, powder is nice, I ski alpine, and telemark just fine, I ski in a wig, or leaf of a fig ... And I want to do it all on VOLKL skis! I have been a ski zealot since I was four, I have been a VOLKL zealot since I got my first pair; P10s that changed my life. Also, returning to Garmisch where I was once a ski instructor would be ausgezeichnet!!!!

    Kristina Smith (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • When I think of a zealot, I think about someone who is passionate about their beliefs, sometimes too much so, even pushing the boundaries as one who is fanatical about their passion and, to be honest, I'm pretty passionate about my love for one thing, skiing. Would I be considered a zealot though? Perhaps, compared to some who don't understand what it feels like to be waist deep in powder, picking out a great line and shredding it like you'll never get to do it again, then maybe. Whether in the French Alps where i learnt, or the Wasatch Mtns where i live now, I think i deserve to work on my zealousness, with the help of Volkl and the town of Garmisch.

    Nick Lumby (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Ever since I began riding Volkl skis I quit asking if the skis would be able to handle what I wanted to ride, and began asking if I could handle all these skis can dish out! I discovered Volkl about 10 years ago and that's all I've ridden ever sense. I now ride 177 Mantras and keep a pair of RaceTiger GS skis around for those hard and fast days. I love to ski, and I only ski when I'm on my Volkl's. Now, if only the snowfall was as predictable!

    Jon Micah Sumrall (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • … after cutting my teeth on Rendezvous Bowl in the early 80’s and making the pilgrimage across Togwotee Pass for nearly a decade to ski in the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods, I was banished to the wilderness (Kansas) for nearly 18 years where I wept and gnashed my teeth… and dreamt of my eminent return to the land of milk and honey – the Rocky Mountains. The gods were good and allowed my recent return to the Promised Land. It was the last day of the 2009-10 ski season that my life was transformed. I demo’d a pair Volkl Mantras. It was in turn three of the first run that my spirit left my body and reality was painted anew as the heavens opened, the stars aligned, and the angels sang. I fear that demons will appear if I return to my 1992 long skinny slalom skis. Only you can prevent cosmic demise. I am the Mountain Prophet… MY mantra: I am THE volkl zealot… I Am THE Volkl Zealot… I AM THE VOLKL ZEALOT!!! There is more to the story… but we’ll leave that for a German Pub…

    Mark Calhoun (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • What is a Volkl Zealot? In no uncertain terms it’s me! I have been skiing on Volkl’s since I was 16. They are the only skis I use, especially when paired with Marker bindings. My quiver has included Vertigo’s, Six Star’s, Tiger Shark’s, All Star’s, Bridge’s & Mantra’s. Volkl skis and Marker bindings have never let me down. Also, I think that skiing in Garmisch will be pretty amazing and the partying in Munich won’t disappoint. Hopefully my mad skills, as shown on the slopes, will impress the German ladies enough to out weigh the fact that I don’t speak German and there’s a good chance they have beaten me to the bar. So when given the task of choosing a Zealot, I hope I have made your choice easy, just say done! This guy is it!

    Ted Slee (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I live to ski, Bavarian Alps!!! I love beer, Bavarian Hops & Beer!!! Volkl Volkl Volkl!!!! Ever since my very first pair of G4's my skiing life has never been the same. I have yet to stray from the "Tried & True" Volkl lineup!! From the Racers I used for speed to the Fattys that allow me walk on water like Jesus himself!!! VOLKL ZELOT 4 LIFE!!

    Eli Mrak (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • January 8th, 2010 my first day on skis. Short stubby little rentals, but I AM HOOKED!! Since that day I have been living and breathing skiing. Dreaming of hucking cliffs and deep powder days. November 6, 2010 purchased Volkl Kenja with Marker Griffon bindings after endless hours of research, comparisons, and dreaming. November 26th, 2010 first day of the ski season on my banging Kenjas!!! CAN'T WAIT! This season my Kenjas will experience a powder packed whirlwind tour, with stops in Utah, Colorado, Japan, and hopefully BAVARIA!!. This maybe the most Epic first ski season EVER!! To be chosen the winner of this amazing contest, and get to experience the artistry and commitment to excellence in person at the Volkl Factory would be the Cherry on my first official Ski Season. Fingers, toes, and skis crossed!!

    Carla Hoade (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I should win because I love to ski, I ski hard, and I ski well. I should be skiing some righteous lines at Garmisch-Partenkirchen not stuck behind this desk or dragging my 7 year old down some steep bump run. (The bumps keep him from sliding to the bottom on his butt.) Put me on some big skis, on a big mountain and let me run!

    john small (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • love the mountains, the snow, the cold, thew skiing, the adventure, drinking beers, climb high and breath less !!!! love the altitude, rocks and blue skys...... my favorite is to ski in a snowstorm going down the rantevou mountain!!!!!!!! steep and deep!!!

    ioannis kiskinis (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I started skiing before my second birthday, fourtyfive years later I am still at it. I have spent a great deal of that time on Volkl's. I am am instructor and now live in Alaska. I have yet to ski Europe, and this would be a great opportunity to see where my favorite skis come from. On the eve of twenty years as a ski instructor it would be make my decade(s) to actually win a drawing for once in my life. This one would be sooo KOOL. THX SP

    Sean Porter (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Why should I get to go to Bavaria? Because I’m a lifelong skier, now raising two daughters and inspiring them to become skiers. I’ve also encouraged others to do the same through my book, Outdoor Parents, Outdoor Kids, whose skiing chapter walks parents through the plights of getting your brood out on the slopes. From my own parents cleaning throw-up off car seats to my mom stuffing her five kids under lobby couches and behind drapes when we accidentally showed up a night too early for our reservation at Aspen’s Continental Hotel, I’ve been through it all as a kid, and am now doing it all again as a parent, from wiping snotty noses to sticking their toes in my armpits in the lodge. In short, I NEED A BREAK! What better way to inspire them, and save my sanity, than tour the Volkl factory, a ski I’ve been on for years that symbolizes the best the sport has to offer, and throw back a few Bavarian brews while I’m at it? I guarantee I’ll return re-charged to schlep their skis, poles, helmets and mittens across parking lots again while continuing to build the next generation of rippers.

    Eugene Buchanan (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Skiing is my most favorite thing in the world. I would rather be skiing than anything else. I also don't get to travel a lot and this would be the most UNREAL experience. Volkl ski's are the sickest skis in the world and it would be an absolute dream come true to have a pair. This sounds like the most amazing opportunity and I would be forever grateful if I won this!! Skiing is the only thing that makes me truly happy and this trip would be frickin sweet! SO PLEASE CHOSE ME, YOU WON'T REGRET IT. I am certain I would be the luckiest grade 10 ever and it would change my whole life. I got a job this year just to save up for some new skis, and getting them for free would mean that I can spend that money on ski tickets! If i won this, I would be the happiest human being on the planet. So please, do the right thing and chose the most determined, appreciative and volkl's biggest fan, MADDY PIGOTT!

    Maddy Pigott (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Skiing is a huge part of my life. No matter the circumstances being in skis makes my day. Not only do I have the best days of my life skiing powder, but even love the days with of hiking crappy snow or 40 below temperatures. With the expenses of a college student and the price of skis today I can’t afford to buy new skis and only get to look and dream about them. Winning skis and a ski trip would be two of my best dreams coming true. As a 100+ day, year round skier I would only be a good representative for your company. I appreciate the consideration. Let it snow.

    Todd Stoner (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • because I am a snowboarder and my husband is trying to convert me to skiing so we can go touring... what a better way

    Kelly Obermiller (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Völkl Skis!!! I finally treated myself to a pair of P19s - a special edition back in the days - when I grew out from under my father´s very traditional influence. He was old school all around. Sticking to what he knew, teaching me on a pair of wooden boards with cable bindings and, the even back then, old school leather boots, which served as winter footwear as well. Naturally we were the last ones to convert to the new world plastic and step in system. The P19s opened up a new world of speed and skiing to me. First in the Alps and later in the US, and they even made me, look good when taking my PSIA Level II. Ever since my first pair, I´ve been trying to keep up with the newest technology Völkl has to offer to people who are seeking an outer world experience in the wild, vast, white winter playgrounds around the world. My dad, to this day, still holds on to his own traditions, while I - the Völkl Zealot - roam the range true to my very own tradition: Völkl Skis!

    Karin Kean (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Winning a new pair of skis would be wonderful because I rent them as it is now. Plus I can have many adventures all over meet new people have great times. My renewed love for skiing brings me back to life and just makes me feel more alive! I was looking at a trip to Innsbruck Austria. Winning the trip to Garmisch Would be the Ski experience of a lifetime. Another good reason for why I should win would fall under the category of well... Make all the grumpy sulky people at work jealous as hell! Yea! Volkl skis with Marker bindings has to be one of the hottest setups around. Last year my sister took me on a ski trip to Deer Valley. We stayed at the Sein Ericsen lodge. Well The ski shop at Sein Ericsen had Volkl/Marker setups in the rentals and for sale. Yes, going to Germany will be a fantastic experience in life that wont be taken for granted. I'm sure I will meet many interesting fun people and take many pictures. I hope I will meet some nice european ladies. Who knows I may even get a relationship going! Super good...

    Jon Shiel (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I live to ski. Like most people entering this contest, skiing is my focused passion. Like any dedicated skier I would do anything to make it to Europe, and especially to ski Garmisch during a WC race. I truly only go to work with the idea that doing so will enable me to buy ski gear, passes, sled gas, anything that will help me get those good turns we all cherish. I realize I also measure the attachment I have to most of my friends by their level of devotion to the sport. Winter is what I live for, and sliding down hills is my main purpose and goal. I've always known this, but an injury I sustained during this last ski season really confirmed it. I guess I was due since I hadn't had many, but this was a bad one. I took a high speed cartwheel while straightlineing and broke my tib/fib, plus my tib plat., tore my ACL, and suffered compartment syndrome. I came very, very close to losing my right leg entirely due...

    Fritz Renner (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • It was a dark and cloudy day in Snowmass, Colorado, but no one complaining because it was deep, I mean really deep. That's the day I fell in love. They were Volkl Chopsticks and on this day they caused a revelation for me. After one day of cutting trenches in knee deep powder and stomping pillows, I now knew I would never ride another ski again. They were perfect, floated like a dream, solid on landings, and carve like a true Volkl, despite the massive foot print and the ELP rocker. I went on to ski everyday for the rest of the season on them, yes even days without powder. I'm now the proud owner of Chopsticks and Mantras. I will never look anywhere else for my skis. We were a match made in heaven.

    John Adams (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I should win because I am a 64 year old with not too many years left to ski who quit a high paying position so that I could take most of the winter off in order to make up for the lost years having started skiing at age 40.Why am I a Volkl zealot. It's as simple as they make ski better. When I am working out I look at my 6 pairs of volkls and feel good; almost like looking at your young daughter while she,s sleeping. PS I asked my wife to take a picture of me with my skis . Whwn she found out it was for a trip to Germany with a ski buddy she got pissed off.

    john giangola (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • well i grew up in north conway nh, been skiing cranmore since i was a little guy. now i am at school at western state in gunnison co. i deserve to win because some people devote their winters, i picked up and moved cross country to shred. skiing has always been in my life and it will continue to be in one way or another, its not a hobby for me but a path to be followed. thanks Owen Tulip

    owen tulip (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a Volkl Zealot quite simply because no other skis hold like Volkls in high-speed turns... and NOTHING compares to the feeling of high-speed turns. Well, there is one thing, but this is a family site, and you can't wear skis while doing it, so we'll leave that aside for now.

    Andy Knight (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I've been skiing on Volkl Tigershark's for the past two seasons. I'm now a Volkl zealot because they take me places and its cheaper than flying there. There's nothing like shreading the slopes on them. Best, Tim

    Tim Fossa (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I think I should win because skiing is my life. I've been on the slopes every winter for as long as I can remember and I wouldn't have it any other way. The thrill I get out of skiing is great whether its a powder day in the backcountry or dropping in the park. I love skiing

    Ryan Campbell (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Because Volkls rock the mountain! They don't wait around to see what's up, I can hear them purring, ready to pounce on any line I point them down. They say skiing is the ultimate dance, so why not grab the sweetest partner?

    Patrick J. Kozeluh (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Grüß Gott geliebte Deutschern. Zuerst lassen Sie mir sagen dass ich bin einer von den Amerikanern die eigentlich weisst wie man Völkl ausspricht. Dazu... FC Bayern ist am besten!! But that's all besides the point. The truth is I was a Völkl zealot before I even knew that I was one. It was only as I was looking through my quiver a few years ago that every single ski was marked with that beautiful golden V. An interesting pattern to say the least, but it wasn't until the following winter that I also noticed that every ski I weighed, flexed, and whose price list I drooled over was a Völkl. It was then that I realized that I wasn't so much a Völkl zealot as Völkl was that first girl you kiss Jr. High Romance that turns into a 60 year marriage. It's not there I won't choose any other ski.. it's simply that there is NO other ski. If you don't believe me, try and name some faults and I'll help you pick up your teeth. If you think I*m all words and not enough mettle... well.. just give me the skis and I'll fly myself to...

    Seth Thomas (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • because volkl kicks it

    tracy D. Christensen (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • The heart of a mountain can be found in every skier. That same heart can also be found in most skis and Volkl has a lot of it. The Zealot is a great big mountain ski with lots of heart . You float on powder, cut the crud, stomp it hard and climb right back to the top for more. With a heart for the mountains and a passion for skiing the prize will be put to good use. Never have I thrown out a good ski, always have I skied them into the ground. These are just a few of the reasons I deserve to take these stick on a heartfelt ride.

    Loren (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am entering for my husband Mike who is one of the top (if not the top) requested ski instructors at our mountain. He will only ski on Volkl skis and has turned many of his fellow ski instructors and students into Volkl fans and owners as well. If he wins, he might be so excited and proud he might be hard to live with afterwards, but I think you could not find a better on mountain Volkl promoter! Thank you.

    Mike Furgal (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • LOOKING FOR REVENGE !!

    Sergio Conte (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I weighed over 320lbs for more than a decade. I still skied but was very limited on where i could ski and would be toast after an hour or two. I have now lost over 125lbs and I am back to tearing up the black diamonds! I have skied volkls since high school on my p10rs and still love them. I would be honored to see the company and the place where my favorite skis are made! Choose me and make me a happy...much smaller man!

    Dave hannant (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Volkl skis are my ideal pick for deep powder blasting! Whoooooooppppeeeee!!!! Not to mention smoothing out the rest of the mountain.

    Arthur Ling (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm a second generation Patroller, surrounded by Volkl Zealots! It seems like I'm the only one on the patrol with no Volkls in my quiver. I've been dreaming of owning a pair of Gotamas, then to add insult to serious injury - I went to the showing of TGRs' "Light the Wick" in San Francisco and got to watch an 11 year old girl win a pair of Gotamas. OUCH!!! I am the definitinon of Zealot when it comes to skiing. I go to all the ski shows and ski movies. I have 4 different weather sites bookmarked on my computer, so I know exactly when, where, and how much snow is coming. Make me your Volkl Zealot, and I'll make 40 more!

    Rob Lemen (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • because i ski alot

    James (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I would love to take my Dad with me and pick up some new skis for him as he is always the one buying them for me. My parents rock! They are ski instructors and work back to back winters between NZ and USA taking me with them - I love my Volkls but they are almost too short for me now and how cool would it be to see them actually made? please please please pick me and my Dad!

    Baxter Thomas (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I get a warm feeling in by belly when I handle a new Völkl. It's like that every time! I drool over them as I caress and flex them. The teams that design each series are innovative and deliver just what I want and need in a ski. ! When I ride them, the vibrations titillate my feet... well actually, they don't vibrate, they sing... well actually that's me singing with joy! I get excited watching others on Völkl; knowing that we share a special bond, as indicated by those furtive glances and knowing smiles in the lift line. Though we get a new pair each year to add to our quiver, we keep the old; knowing that, when we get nostalgic and bring an old pair to the slopes, they will be just as crisp, smooth, and lively as the day we got them. My basement overflows with Völkls because I have made sure that my spouse, and each of our children, have the latest technology each year. It's nice that Völkls turn skiers into rock stars and me into a Völkl Zealot.

    Suzy Chase-Motzkin (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • zealot haiku: retired ski bum sits behind a computer Völkl please help me

    Keith (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Since I ski only in Quebec where the ski resorts are compared to small hills that you an ride in 2 minutes, I have never really skied. This is why I believe I derseve to win this contest and do some real ski in Europe

    Samuel Letellier-Duchesne (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Hi, my name is Erik and I am a recovering high school principal feeling the effects of the recession after moving back into the classroom. I have always found a way to ski for free through ski clubs, even finding skis for free or low cost. People ask if I am an avid skier, I reply,” No, actually a rabid skier.” Volkl Zealot? - I’ve always been pretty happy with my quiver until my neighbor ruined me with two pair of Volkls – a 175 5 star T50 and 188 G4 Vertigo (mean green) a couple of years ago. The salivating occurs at first snowflake. The shakes started happening again with the appearance of green grass in the spring. Last week I sold my G4s in hopes of buying the Mantra. I am now in the third stage of grief at the loss of part of my identity. Zealot, you say. I don’t need the promise of 72 virgins, just the chance to ski on a new pair of Baron mounted Mantras to go with my season pass at Targhee this year. Nothing shreds, nothing rails, nothing smokes like a Volkl. I need my Volkl fix.

    Erik Strom (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • We spent our honeymoon in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and immediately fell in love with the mountains. On our second day, we hiked to the top of Mount Wank to take in the view. It was sitting atop the Wank, overlooking that magical valley that we decided once and for all that the flat lands were no place for us. Despite never having skied before, I vowed then and there to return to Garmisch and conquer the green slopes across the valley. The following spring we packed up, moved to Colorado….and it was there that I purchased my first pair of Völkl’s. Since that long ago fall day at the Wankhaus in Garmisch, my pair of Volkl Attiva’s have brought me from my first chair, all the way to the back side and headlong into a full on love affair with Skiing. Send this Völkl Zealot on a triumphant return to the origin of her loves….her Mountains…her Völkl’s…oh and that guy she married can come too. P.S. I even named my dog "Garmisch" :O)

    Stacy Timlin (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm not a zealot....I'm a freak. In 1987 I moved to Munich Germany. I was assigned to the Paulaner Brau brewery to complete my one year apprenticeship for Braumeister (brewmaster). Few American brewers attempt this. I did, but I knew, that just 1 hour a way by train is Garmish-Partenkirchen. I left SFO with a rank and file assortment of clothes. A pait of Lange Boots, and my only pair of skis at the time; 210 cm Renntiger Volkls. "That's alot of ski, young man", one ski shop owner told me, when I had them tuned up. "I know" I replied. "that's why I bought 'em". On weekends, free from my brewing duties I'd hop the train from the Munchen Hauptbahnhof in the early A.M. With skis over shoulder, boots in back pack, I'd take the train to Garmish, ride the clog up to the Zugspitze and unleash a whole weeks worth of pent up fury. Back then, 210cm was the shiz. I would charge all day. To the closing bell. My Volkls helped Me deliver the goods. And You know what? I...

    Heckler Hilken (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Yes, I am your Völkl Zealot. I have been chasing powder since my first ski day in 1967. The stack of skis in my garage attest to my quest. I started Fat with Axiom's and XXX's, then discovered Völkl. My Mantra swords slice and dice like a vege-matic. The Goats, well I am still discovering their versatility. They hold the tightest traverse track, they cross sketchy entrances with ease, they will float over any snow, they love to jump, and with the Baron's, will go Anywhere. I deserve to be your Zealot because I will be a great ambassador for Völkl. I will continue to spread praise for Völkl with even more Zeal than I do now. You want to expand your marketing to the "experienced" riders, those skiers that are on antique equipment to match their age. Those with disposable income. Thank you very much for your consideration. Let it Snow! powdrhound Turlock, CA

    John Holm (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I've been an official Volkl Zealot since 1972. I was 5 and the first pair of skis I had were a pair of orange and white Tiger's my dad got me. I was hooked! It was a love not just of skiing, but the connection I had with those beautiful skis under my feet. Since that first day I've won Junior titles, State and Regional titles and been a Master's National medalist close to ten times. All on Volkl! I made sure my two boys first skis were Racetiger's. They're now Zealots in training. I met my wife on a chairlift 9 years ago, and guess what? She was on Volkl too, still is! I could list all the models I've skied on over the years and all I've got in my quiver now, but ultimately it's not just a few models that I've loved. It's every Volkl I've been on for 38 years. My name is David and I am a Volkl Zealot, always have been, always will be.

    David Elliott (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • snowlove, mountainlove, skiinglove....love is everywhere!

    anitrami (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Hey jake here staight from whistler can. me and my roomie are poor and in need of new boards,, we zelot so much man! chopsticking it in the pow man wassup?! ya know we the small axe man ready for these trees dude yeah!! the mountain is our heaven, snow be the bread, keep us healthy (we are seriously poor, whistler is an expensive place) dear lord oh mighty! Zealot alot Man! oh father bring down this heaven pow!

    Jacob Demers (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I grew up on the east coast cross country skiing with my family before I could even walk. Through the years my parents have remained true to their cross country roots and have even gotten my little sis into xc racing. However, as I went through adolescence I like any other young boy got a kick out of "sending it big", "hucking the gnar", or "shredding". Horrified by my downhill conversion my parents cast me out of the house shaking their heads claiming "i had gone to the darkside". with my life on my back and 200$ I purchased my first pair of gotamas with shitty marker bindings(no offense marker). With the open road before me I made my way to whistler BC. Here years later I reside, an outcast of my previous cross country roots, truly a zealot alone on a uncompromising quest to find that hidden stash of powdery gnar weeks after a dump.

    Josh (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • my boots are over 15 years old and I cannot afford to buy new ones. my skiis are 10 years old

    david pramiki (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a Volkl Zealot because I Ze a lot. My wife is constantly saying, "stop being such a Ze," and I'm like "no, I was born to Ze, a lot." You see it's not about why you Ze or if you only Ze on the weekends, but it is how dedicated to the Ze you are and if you are willing to put it all on the line to Ze, a lot. So that is why I am a Volkl Zealot, a lot. Thanks for considering my Ze. And I promise that my Ze will not disappoint anyone at Marker or Volkl.

    Anthony Lascola (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Moved to Breckenridge, CO in 1990 and Skied occasionally, by the time I finished working I was too tired to ski. I found out that I had MS, which made me tired and have been in treatment for it for thirteen years. I'd look at the mountain wanting to ski but my body would not let me, one of my problems was that my right leg would become fatigued and I would limp. The medication also made me gain weight and was too heavy to ski comfortably. I had tried to ski five years ago and it was a total disaster. I kept falling & could not get up my muscles did not have control. It was the most humiliating thing for me to have to do. I had to go to the lift and ask for a ride back down. It was the longest ride I had ever taken on a lift , coming down defeated. That ride made me more motivated to be able to get back up on my own two legs and that I would ski again. It was a promise I made to myself...

    susan caggiano (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I love volkl! I have have a old (2007) pair of volkl gotamas (176) which I got for a graduation gift for my 8th gread year. When I turned 16 I didn't want a car like my sister, I wanted and new pair of skies. I got a pair of 2009 volkl AC50 (176), and I was happy I didn't get a car. My best memory of skiing is waiting in line back in Blue Sky Basin (Vail), for some guy who got caught on the lift and fell off and had his junk in everyones face. Now I'am trying to find a replacement for my beat up gotama's, and it would be the cool if I can be skiing on these next year.

    Ryan Sheridan (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • Booten & Volkl Skis - Jahre nach Jahre, immer die besten !!

    Martin Hansen (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have been wearing the same boots my parents bought me when I was a junior in HS which was 1997! They have one ratchet strap and some thing that twist to push down on my toes. I love to ski and It would be awesome to go see the factory of the best ski gear made on earth! It would be killer to see pick some sweet ski's out and to see some awesome skier's rip up the slopes in the Alpine Championships! Pick me! Thanks!

    Doug Ness (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have been a Zealot since 2004. Tried some Mantras at Targhee after a 20" dump and I was hooked. My powder skiing improved dramatically and now I crave the deep stuff. My Mantras are very durable - I have been through 2 sets of bindings and the skis are still going strong. I have demo'ed some of the newer Volkls recently and will for sure replace the old Mantras with some new ones some day. Thanks, TB

    Tom Boomer (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I recently applied for a job at the new Cosmopolitan Hotel Casino in LV, Nv. At the interview they described their intent to develop a new "brand" for the hotel. They then asked us, what brand best describe you? I proudly said"Volkl skis!, they are agressive and always out in front, they are a leader in the industry with new technology, and they adjust with market conditions and demands.Yes! I got the job! I currently own a pair of AC40's, and have been skiing on Volkls for over 10 years and will never change brands again. Here's a pic from the backside of Mammoth, where I demo my first pair of Mantra's. I would love a pair of new skiis with the ELP rocker , so I can stay out in front and continue to lead the way!

    James Russo (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I should win new boots because I have spent several years and tens of thousands of dollars to protect our winters and maintain a healthy ski industry. Now that I have misled you, please let me elaborate: I am an unemployed lawyer with student loans. I have a additional masters degree in Environmental Law, which I pursued because the mountains are the only thing that motivates me, and I wanted a career saving them. Well guess what -- nobody wants to pay me to do that!! I'm staying positive and keeping my head up, but a new pair of boots could afford me an extra day or two on the hill, which is really what its all about. I've skiied lots of volkls --- 188 (black) & 198 (green) G4s, 178 AC4, 184 AC 50, and even the Wall (good tree ski). If I win this contest I will donate my old gear to children to get them skiing sooner. I am a never-summer man living in a four seasons world. I wear my ski boots in the summer for fun. My girlfriends thinks I am insane.

    Justin Birzon (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I don't need new boots. I don't even need new Volkls because I love the ones I have (well I do need new pow boards). I own 3 pairs of Explosive's, my husband owns 7 pairs. I wish you still made Explosives, they are by far the best ski I've ever owned. I think you guys make ripping skis and I love skiing on them. I always have. Collectively, my family owns over 14 pairs of Volkl's (that's a family of 3). I've never won a trip before and I'd love to win this one but if I don't, that's cool too (although I'd make you proud over there. I'm a good skier - just ask Hudak, I used to coach her). My 30th birthday gift is powder skis of my choice. I think I am about to add Chopsticks to my quiver. My two year old son's first pair of pow skis will be cut down explosives. We've already got a proto-type in the works. Rock on Volkl. Think snow.

    Danielle Lillard (18 months ago )   View Entry

  • I've been skiing Volkls since 1984. P9's, P19s, Renntigers, Crossrangers, Mantras- I've had a bunch of 'em and they just keep on giving me the ride I love- solid, stable and alive! No other ski I've been on has provided that combination and held up to whatever I could throw at them. I broke 7 pair of skis the season before I switched to Volkl- and I haven't busted a pair since. Zealot? Nearly 30 years of skiing nothing else must surely qualify me for the title, no?!

    Jeff Lefebvre (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • skilaufen ist so spass and meine fussen brauchen die schnelles boots ja!! deutschland is nummer eins

    peter (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • My son is the orginal Volkl zealot. He has been on Volkls for years and loved them. He talked me into trying some last season. I loved them! I tell everybody about my Volkls. I usually start the season on some old rock skis. I just want to get on my Volkls this season.

    Scott Dillman (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I've got a new pair of Kendo's on layaway. I also have a pair of Mantra's, AC 50's and a pair of Supersport Superspeeds. My old boots are shot from skiing roughly 120 days on them the last two years. New boots are the way to go to make the best of this season.

    william a gent (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I need new boots so bad because every time I am shredding the gnar my big toes get so destroyed in the toe box that I end up with in-grown, black, "root beer" toe so bad that I can barely walk. Through all the misery I still charge full-bore until the lifts are shut down. I just block out the pain and four through because no POW should be left in-cut. It would be nice to straight line the cold smoke in a new pair of fulltilts.

    douglas pethe (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I've skiing in the same Lange boots for 8 years. I've gone through 3 liners and the soles on the shell are so worn down, I pop out of my bindings. I deperately could use a new pair of boots but would prefer the super amazing euro trip. Anywho, I started Tele skiing a few years ago and have no intention of going back to alpine anytime soon. FYI: the Gotoma is one hell of a tele ski. I ride the 176.

    Jeffrey Sallen (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • As a member of the fantatic sect of followers of the tribe Volkl since moving to Colorado, it would behoove me to tour the factory that produces it all and pick up my next new favorite pair of skis. For I am a Volkl Zealot.

    Robert Witherell (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Being only fifteen years old and going to high school, this should be a cinch! I right reports, essays, and things of that nature all the time. So why do I actually deserve some new Volkl skis? I deserve them because that's just what I need right now! I'm tired of having to always use the hand-me-down skis that I can find. The used skis work, however a new pair of some Volkl skis would be so nice. I love to surf the internet and observe the grand collection of skis that Volkl has to offer on their website. Something that makes Volkl stand out to me is that whether you need quality, style, or just awesomeness, they have it all! And to make it better; they have a great team of skiers such as Ian McIntosh, Dash Longe, or Ingrid Backstrom. So another reason as to why I am worthy of a new pair of Volkl skis is… I live in Utah! I would definitely be able to put the new skis through the ultimate test (which they would pass) by skiing throughout all...

    Logan Rogers (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I manage a volunteer run kids ski program with 2000 kids blasting all over our own ski resort. Got a pair of used Matras last year that let me keep up with kids in the trees. Made a huge difference in my ability. Now need something that gives me a fighting chance on the rest of the mountain. Please! Hate getting run over by 10 year olds.

    bill henderson (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • i have never had a pair of Volkl's. i have friends that have loved them. it would be a great chance to change a very loyal Rossi guy to be a Volkl skier.

    Peter Martin (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have skied on Volkl skis since returning to skiing some 25 years ago. I fell in love with every pair I have owned. I introduced my wife to them and she will not ski anything else. My current ski is a 5 Star, and my wife has the Carver for women. I have since bought a pair of Super Sports for my daughter. My wife and I have not skied for 4 1/2 season. I think we deserve the right to win and put our heads in the clouds once again with a new pair skies from the greatest ski make of all times.

    Joe Metzger (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • To be perfectly honest, I used to be a "Volkl Zealot", but that's no longer the case. My first 3 pairs of skis were Volkls. The Vertigo, Karma, and Gotama in that order were the skis I chose to ride. Unfortunately I had a binding rip from my Karma in a high speed crash. Despite this unacceptable circumstance I still decided on the Gotama for my new everyday ski in Jackson. Needless to say I was disappointed. It simply did not hold up to the daily beatings like a ski from a company as 'well known' as Volkl. Edges pulled out and sidewalls delaminated. A rock strike on the edge wouldnt just result in a compressed edge but rather a compressed edge with a de-laminated sidewall. Since that ski I have moved on to Dynastar and found a much more durable and better made product. I'll always have a spot in my heart for Volkls given the fact they got me on the snow for the first time, however, until you can prove your product quality has improved since outsourcing many models to China, I'll continue to buy more superior brands

    Michael MacDonald (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Volkls rip! Das all I know.

    Bryce Powell (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Until I clicked in to a pair of VÖLKL’s, I didn't know what skiing was. I thought I was a skier. I thought I knew what skiing was supposed to "feel" like. How the ski was supposed to react to the slope and to the powder, corduroy, and crud. That first day opened my eyes to a new world. Suddenly, I was in control and on the offensive. I've been a zealöt ever since. My Mantras have traveled with me to Utah, Austria, Tahoe and all over New England. They're my go-to ski for everyday, from powder to boilerplate. There are a few core shots, battle scars from rough use and bad judgment, but they slide as sweet today as ever. If I had my way, I’d add a few more pairs of “V-twin magic” to my quiver. Maybe next year, a pair of Katanas will find their way into my bag. But for now, I’ll relish every day and every run with my favorite sticks. I’ll ski Völkl until they break… or I do.

    Courtney Dean (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Simply put: I want a pair of AMARUQs! There's something to be said for confidence in one's equipment when you are running off-piste. In order to perform at one's best and focus on safety not to mention the beauty of one's surroundings one must know he is equipped with the everything that will get him home safely to ski another day.

    Glenn Robins (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • When I started telemarking five years I started using brands of skis that are more geared towards the telemark skiing market.As my turns improved I wanted skis that would reward me with better performance as I push them harder.I went back to the brand that always did that for me during my alpine days.I mounted my tele bindings on a 194 Mantra and havn't looked back since.Now it up to me again how fast I can carve my turns.This year I want to put my girlfriend on some Kenjas so she can experience that confidence that comes with a ski that keeps up and enhances your skiing abilities.A trip with her to where you make those amazing skis and skiing Europe where I grew up would be a dream come true.Sincerely dani scherrer

    Dani Scherrer (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a Volkl Zealot. I come from a Volkl family. I have AC3's and my husband has AC4's. And yes, they are many years old now! My AC3's have given me 160+ days of thrills. I eagerly await each year's new line-up and could see retiring the AC3's for something a little fatter. The Aura, Kiku, or even the Mantra? It would be an honor to see the birthplace of our skis not to mention a kick-ass fun time in Bavaria!! *subliminal message* Pick Me Pick Me! *subliminal message* Pick Me Pick Me!

    G. Roxanne Bybee (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I would love to win this wonderful trip, I'm a ski bum that decided to go to Veterinary School in Alabama, which is a long, long way from the mountains and because of this I do not get back as much as I need too. I'm 28, married and just found out that we have a kid on the way and I couldn't imagine a better way to celebrate the ending of my old life right before the little one gets here and life kicks me in the teeth with graduation. Plus I have a pair of Volkl skis which I love and could always use another pair.

    Rob Sobolewski (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I just want everyone to know that I need this trip I am originally from the great white north (canada) and an avid skier, but I am currently living in florida and only have one ski week vacation that I can afford this year. This trip would make my year and my life. So please let me go to germany and ski my brains out.

    breandon barnett (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Ever since my mom taught me how to ski when I was 4, my favorite memories just about always involve standing atop a snow covered mountain with waxed boards attached to my feet and how sweet the journey down said snow covered mountain could be. My first pair of Volkl's were the 01 Vertigo's and they truly made me feel like I was flying and i still have been unable to get rid of them. Now i'm a poor college student and could definitely use some new gear and some good German beer.

    Liz (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I would feel so blessed to win a new pair of boots. I had to give up skiing for 25 years ...until this coming 2010/2011 winter year. I had both knees replaced & I am now able to go back to my love of the snow and PA slopes! I would be HONORED to win a set of Volkl trip! I have had much HEARTACHE in my life the last few years & felt many times like giving up. BUT I HAVE REMAINED STANDING...and can only move ahead....I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT GERMANY! CARS, WINE, BEER, WATCHES, AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST SNOW!

    Loretta Delgado (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Why? Every time I saw someone riding Volkl's when I was younger they were one of three things: a super hot chic who was shredding, a guy with a super hot chic who was shredding, or an older guy who was carving sweet, slow and strong. Volkl has always held that mystique for me. When I could afford them I bought them. Now I represent two out of three.

    christopher stewart (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • At 30, I turned a corner. I decided to get back outdoors and skiing topped the list. I bought some 5 Stars at a chicagoland area shop and promptly headed to Jackson Hole to start my re-education. Since then, I have added AC-3's; and 2 years ago, Mantras, economy be damned! Those 3 pairs have seen the west and europe, but my boots have remained. They are now torn and battered after trying to put them on as frozen rocks too many times. I can't ever invision a time when my quiver will ever go outside the family. There will always be room for a Volkl addition. If volkl made boots, I'm in!

    Tim Lloyd (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • My parents first proposed the idea of skiing to me at the age of 3. I had no idea what this skiing thing was, but after my first downhill ascent on those little plastic red skis you get when you're little, I was hooked. I wanted to go every weekend, but because I lived on the Front Range of Colorado I was hours from any decent sized hills. My parents decided that if I could teach myself how to go pee in the "big boy" toilet, I was guaranteed that season pass and unlimited lessons from my dad. So...I poddy trained myself and 20 years later I am still charging the mountain as hard I did when I was 3. My dad's 90's free skiing mogul style has worn deep into my bones and I always thank him for teaching me something that is now my life.

    Patrick O'Leary (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm 'peakingly' astonished to be able to share my story as well as so easily top the list as a volkl zealot. Garmisch-Partinkirchen & Volkl teamed up over 20 years ago to shape my thought processes to celebrate my able body and the love for each and every snowflake and gravity. Being exceedingly lucky enough to place myself in quite possibly one of the most beautiful mountian towns in all the world, an awesome buddy and I took advantage of the 1st 'to the valley snows' of the fall of 1989. We schlogged to the top of the Hausberg. I was on all borrowed gear, totally hammered P-9's. These babies were race stock and holy crap stiff. We were go getters in our hiking boots and alpine boots in our packs. This was my absolute first 'ski tour'! We post holed for what seemed like a dozen hours. My mentor guided us safely to the top. Down he ripped, I followed ass over tea kettle most of the way. My life was forever touched. I'm now a Volkl ripfester. Peace to all Peakers!

    Bob Wood (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm an 18 year old kid who has been paying for my addiction to skiing since I was 14. How many kids do you know would pay for ski racing, and the equipment to go with it? I am now a poor college student that could really use some new gear. I haven't had a new pair of big mountain skis in years, and I have always loved Volkl, I still take my dad's old Volkl 191 Carvers out for a good time. I have a passion for skiing, do you?

    Matthew Bennett (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • My progression to becoming a Volkl Zealot was a slow evolution over the last few season. Skiing on a pair of Armada ARVs, I got the chance to rip at Crystal Mountain with a few zealots, who left me in their tracks on tier Mantras. I wanted to demo a pair, but the two convinced me that it wasn't necessary. Just buy a pair, and you'll never look back. Took the advice and purchased a pair of Volkl Bridges to start the next season. Not only do I now agree, but have sent them thank yous for the advice. I became a zealot on my first run (at Schweitzer Mtn). On my first run I was skiing better than I've ever skied in my lift. The performance was unbelievable and I found myself scared shitless trying to 'top out' the ski. Needless to say I pulled back before I could make them chatter. I am a total Zealot now and urge every coworker, friend, family member, and random ski bum I encounter to get a pair. Volkls truly are the end all for elite skis. I've never been...

    Kyle Twohig (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • On behalf of my nine-year-old daughter: "Choose me because I am a true Zealot, as well as the next Julia Mancuso -- at least I want to be! Racetigers have been my ski of choice ever since I started racing 2 years ago, and my dad has promised me a pair of Gems this year for freeskiing days to go along with his Bridges. My brother has junior Goats! My mom has Auras! I speak fluent German! (OK, that's a lie, but I promise to take it in high school.) "

    John Kim (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm a volkl zealot because I work to damn hard and don't play hard enough! This is supposed to be a stellar year. So, regardless of the outcome of this contest I'll be shredding the hills like the a young boy with no responsability! Plus with all the nasty bills that won't stop. I can't offord quality gear. I so badly need to make my shredding a better experience. Thanks for the opportunity to win fresh gear. Sincerly, Rafael mares

    Rafael (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • The reason I'm a Volkl Zealot is when I strap on a pair of any volkls from racing to all mountain my world becomes completely knarly. I have spent the better part of my life skiing 200ft. of high way dirt to 500ft. of farm land to steep to farm yet I have always had the time of my life when I strap volkls on. Now that I'm a bit older I have had the opportunity to ski a few places in the us but never Germany where some of my family originates from.

    Robert Parker (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Zealot-an excessively zealous person, a fanatic. This describes my feelings towards skiing. I feel like I'm just getting the first feeling of a real love of skiing after living in colorado the past couple years, rather than Iowa where I'm from. I'm finally able to go out and ski when i want and learn all about the different aspects of sport which is a truly freeing one at that. All of this is done of the first pair of skis I bought for myself; Volkl Auras. They are such a great ski but I know that Volkl has so much more to offer me as I explore this great sport and tackle more mountains. That's why I would love a chance to get new skis, boots and check out Germany and those amazing Alps!

    Anna Casady (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm the perfect Völkl Zealot as I'm talented, handsome and type with a Swedish keyboard - this means that I'm perfectly at home with letters like 'Ö', which for less experienced skiers and other nationalities would be almost impossible to handle.

    Håkan Nyberg (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I love the progressive shapes and cambers of the new Volkls and it hard to beat the edge grip of Volkls front side skis. Plus my 5 year old would be really stoked to go to Germany and check out the factory and pick out new skis and then you will have 2 Volkl Zealots for life.

    Leif Guldy (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Looking back at when i learned to ski, i can imagine certain things very vividly. I remember falling, wining, freezing, and one more thing, a nice pair of Volkl skis. I started late, around middle school, but my life long best friend was an accomplished racer at that point. One season i finally asked him if he had a pair of skis i could use and sure enough he handed me a pair of majestic red and white Volkls and skiing has been love ever since. A trip to Germany would be amazing because another one of my good friends speaks fluent German so talking and getting around would be a piece of cake! Anyway, Good luck to everyone else and good luck to me! Thanks Volkl.

    Sean Gomez (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I should win solely based on coincidence. I was reading through the entries to see what kind of competition was out there when I read an entry posted by my old roommate. Jeff Beauregard (the fella that offered to do your laundry) lived with me years ago in Boulder, Colorado. It was Jeff that sold me on my first pair of Auras so I could better keep up to him and his Gotamas. The last time we skied together was at Mary Jane on an epic powder day. Both of my big toenails died and fell off in the following week. Rather that buy new boots I still use climbing tape to wrap around my toes at the beginning of each powder day. I now live and work in Montana and Jeff is in graduate school in Massachusetts. We’ve been out of touch for months, and it’s thanks to you that we’ve finally been in touch again. We’ve promised each other that despite the complaints of our significant others (who unfortunately both snowboard) we will bring each other along to Germany. Whether you choose us or not, thanks for reminding us that ski buddies are the best friends to...

    Cassie Mason (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • i'm a Völkl Zealot because that's all i ski on!!! I'm also the biggest embassador for the skis. I believe i'm their biggest fan. Here's a list of skis i bought over the year: Volkl Supersport 6 star Volkl SuperSpeed Volkl Gotama 2007 Volkl Gotama 2008 Volkl Katana 2008 Volkl Gotama 2009 Volkl Gotama 2010 Volkl Kuro 2010 I'm waiting for my pair of this year's gotammas and kuros.

    Simon M (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Put it to you this way, my 6 month old son is named Volkl, i that tells you anything. No better ski made. A trip to their factory would be the ultimate. Volkl is crying, goota run. Please pick me!

    Michael Zazzara (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • More than a few years ago, I bought my wife a new pair of Queen Ativas - her first powder ski ever. On the last day of that season, some inexperienced kid hocky-stopped directlly on top of them, causing them to delaminate in 3 distinctly different places. She was crushed but after a half bottle of clear laminate cement, she was contented by how they looked, hoping they would perform as they had. I was not as satisified, however - as the money I had used to buy the skis had come from MY seasons pass refund (I suffered a pre-season, season-ending injury). One day when the skis were still new, she had called me from the mountain. I had just been looking at the opaque sky over Monarch pass, knowing it had been dumping all day. Excited for her I asked how the new skis were working out. "I don't know," she said, "Everytime I turn, the snow flies up and hits me in the face." I laughed, hung up the phone and limped away, knowing my wife was the ultimate Zealot (and smart ass)

    Robb Russell (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I should win the trip to Germany and new skis, because I have not been out skiing big mountains in a few years. I am stuck in Michigan and we have a hard time keep jobs and keeping money in our pockets because it is living in Michigan. I haven't been able to travel or get new skis in some time because of where I live. The money I spend is on trips to the northern end of the state for some descent mid-west skiing. Pick me and help me get another sweet trip to some sweet skiing...along with some really sweet skis.

    Joshua Schilz (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • i am a volkl zealot because i cannot let go of my volkl walls after i tore almost all of the base out of my skis dropping of a cliff...my parents said that i could earn money to buy a new pair of skis but i didnt want a new pair no one stocked the volkl wall in sydney. so i patched them up with alot of p tex and other junk so i could get them back on the slopes. my dad is off heliskiing sometime in the next two months and isnt taking me! im pitted so if i won this prize i could take me and my mum to germany and rub it in dads face! plus i need a new pair of walls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    alastair mcmurdo (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm a Volkl zealot because I cannot let go of my Volkl 2001 "Vertigo's"!!! I still love them! Mostly, I cannot let go of the memories I've had with them. I grew up skiing and spent many days with my Vertigo's on which my passion grew for the sport as well as my ski's. The feelings are hard to describe but the experiences helped me be a more positive and giving person in society. The happiness skiing I felt on my Volkl's transitioned into my off mountain world, where I treated others with dignity, respect, courtesy, and general happiness. Now, working in Manhattan...I've somewhat lost and lack that treatment toward others. I close my eyes and think of the days on my Volkl Vertigo's and it still brings a smile to my face and helps me get through the day. I will never let go of my Volkl Vertigo's, but I still look forward to new experiences with Volkl and smiling the whole way down the mountain. I miss it!

    Ross Narucki (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • After a long season of building trails in Yellowstone National Park, my best friend and I are looking to gear up for the ski season. She, a cute little black mutt that steals as much fresh powder as she can and me a a worn down traildog. Together we explore and enjoy nature in all parts of the world. Although Molly (cute little black mutt) could not join me in the trip to the Volkl factory she would be extremely jealous and wishing she could get a hold of some of the famous German sausage...and i would bring some back for her. I have been charged by grizzly bears and wolverines, climbed and skied many of the peaks in the greater Yellowstone, and have had numerous close calls while working on the trail....nothing would match the excitment of winning the trip to Germany. As for new boots. I spend all of my days hiking and my feet would certainly appreciate a new pair of boots.

    Kevin O'Reilly (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Volkl completely changed the game for me! Grew up skiing straight skis, got some g3 vertigos about ten years ago and then I learned what fast was and renewed my love of the sport. Now I kill it regularly on my Grizzly's. Unbelievable how much Volkl has changed the sport for me! I feel like I'm skiing the Porsche of skis. Insane technology, top notch stuff! Will never buy or recommend another brand. My buddies have tried other skis out only to be disappointed when I blow their friggin doors off. The best, hands down. Couldn't tell you about other ski brands because I could care less. I have been offered other skis for free and said no thanks, not interested. Rockin' the "locals on Volkls" sticker on my front bumper with pride~!

    Paul McCafferty (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have been a Volkl Zelalot since my first pair of Six Stars and wouldn't think of hitting the slopes without my Gotama's! I would love to visit Munich to pick up my new Volkl skis, visit the factory where my favorite skis are made and of drink some the best beer in the world at Munchn. It would be a huge bonus to rip the slopes of Garmish-Partenkirchen. Prost! Auf Wiedersehen

    George Ruiz (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I desperately need new boots! My old/current boots I bought off a friend 10 years ago, and who knows how long he was skiing in them. I've bought 3 new pair of skis in the interim...but have always used these same old damn boots. Would love to get a new pair for ripping this upcoming season!!

    Attila Kirjak (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a 'Völkl Zealot" because of my long standing love for stiff, responsive skis that are great all over the mountain. No matter which pair I use, I find the skis to be like an F-14 - the best, most responsive and capable of so much. From the Kiku to the Aurora to the Aura, I am never left feeling like I am skiing on sticks of soft butter. After skiing on race room Austrian skis, the switch to Völkl did not leave me disappointed. Rather, it left me wanting to expand my quiver with more Völkl's. As I am a graduate student, I don’t have a lot of extra money for the important things in life, or a new pair of skis. I would love a new pair of skis and bindings AND a trip to Bavaria to visit the factory and ski Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

    Karen Gorton (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Hola,Hello,...........Darme esas botas,que las necesitoooooooooooo,para poder esquiar este año aqui en españa,quiero emular a seth morrison saltando algun cortado en mis montañas,y necesito material para ello,acordaros de un español freerider y regalarmelas,up tgr,ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I´m a skier

    fernando (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a Volkl Zealot because I own three pais of Volkl skis, not including my kids. I am a ski patroller, plus my persoinal backcountry and side country adventures, I have diverse ski needs. The best quivers I am ever used for all the different conditons I ski in. Love the graphics on my Gotama's! My best skiing dayss have been on Volkl's. What else can I say? I do not even look at other brands.

    David Tetley (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Being the bastard son of a tryst between the Yeti (on his vacation from Nepal) and Bigfoot (just a Colorado local), I was dropped on the doorstep of some caring folks who raised me (and apparently gave me extensive electrolysis to make me look "normal"). I grew up a zealot in the mountains of SoCO ripping down the slopes of Wolf Creek and dipping my tips into their deep deep pow until it burned! Although as I grew I became enamored with the “hip” act of snowboarding, the recent return to two planks instead of one has expanded my horizons. Through years of zealotry, straight-lining like McIntosh, with Dash like flare but with grace like Backstrom, I have always worked on rented, lended, large or small gear. This may be a perfect opportunity to focus my zealous ways into amazing Volkl gear, and by the transitive property into the mountains with a new furvor! Unleash the Yeti inside!

    Jarrod Biggs (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • As an American skier of German ancestry the opportunity to visit my great-grandparents homeland and the birthplace of alpine skiing represents a reconnection to my family and the roots of my passion for skiing. At home in Oregon the volcanoes of the cascades provide a great skiing training ground with glaciers, alpine routes, and variable weather conditions. I took the uploaded photo of my friend skiing from Mt. Hood's summit ridge. However, the Oregon cascades do not provide the experience of skiing in a big mountain range with large valleys, ridge lines, and big vertical relief. It is for this reason that I would love to visit Germany, experience the food, language, and landscape of my ancestors and ski in the Alps to expand my skiing experiences.

    Mike Schuller (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm on my 3rd pair of GOTAMAs and have loved every ride. In my opinion they are the best ski ever made... I live to schlep these boards up a snow-covered ridge in anticipation skiing on the edge. There's no mountain too big in the PNW for these black bombs. Win or lose this contest... I'm still riding Volkl for the duration.

    Cody Rasmussen (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm a Volkl Zealot because Mantras are the best skis ever made.

    Rick Higgerson (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I've been skiing Volkl's (Renntiger's) since 1988 the year I spent the winter skiing in Telluride, CO. I was so impressed with the quality of the construction and the feel of the ski that I've never looked back. About 12 years later, I was on a singles ski trip to Seven Springs, PA and the best skier in the group was this girl shredding the bumps on a pair of red Volkl's. I spent the entire weekend chasing that pair of red Volkl's and can say almost 10 years later that the girl with the red Volkl's has been my wife for close to 9 years. Please keep making the best skis on earth! As the expression goes: Happy wife, happy life. And in my wife's case, Volk;s on her feet make her very happy.

    Daniel Mahr (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I should win this prize because, as you can see in the photo, something went terribly wrong with my equipment. My friends and I were taking this really cool jump over and over and getting pictures of each other. On the jump pictured, my right ski flew off as I went airborne (you can see the ski in the lower left of the picture). After crashing, I discovered that my binding had broken, but held together just long enough for me to take the jump. Whee!

    Dan Ferrell (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm old, over the hill, and need one last wonderful adventure before packing it in...

    Kim Johnson (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • From my younger years in spandex with neon orange P40s to the more recent memories of ripping corduroy, bouncing through bottomless back country pow, sending it off a rocky crag, stomping a new huck, or simply going fast and hard. My Völkl gear has been with me to three continents and over seven countries to explore far off mountains and test my limits on new descents. They generally take the place of art on my walls and are at the top of Santa's list each year. Lastly, only a Völkl Zealot could say this: When in need of snow pray to your Gotama, believe in the power of Karma, Katana is your weapon of choice on any mountain at any time, and remember adventure is your Mantra... and if all else fails... Chopsticks!!

    Erica Lynn Martling (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • For starters, I have 2 pairs of Volkl skis with Marker bindings (Gotama with Baron and Chopstick with Griffon), so I am a loyal customer and want to add to my quiver. I'll never buy any other combination of skis and bindings as I love what I am skiing on. I have Nordica Speedmachine boots that I've skied in for a few years and they pinch my right toes a bit. I've driven through Garmisch on a bus to St. Anton, Austria and it is a beautiful place. I live in Colorado, but have skied a bunch of places in Europe. I need to hit G-P!

    William Reigeluth (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I've been a Völkl Zealöt for many years and I deserve to win for many reasons. I refused to give up my worn out P40 F1s until I found a ski that I loved as much. When I picked up my RaceTigers I knew I found the skis. A couple of years ago I picked up a pair the Völkl Grizzly skis. Über Awesome! I'm such a Völkl Zealöt, that even my 6 year old had to get Völkls! I would love to buy a new pair this season, but my wife isn't a fan of me buying more skis, but telling her I can take her to Germany to pick up a free pair would work!

    Jeff Stiger (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • From my younger years in spandex with neon orange P40s to the more recent memories of ripping corduroy, bouncing through bottomless back country pow, sending it off a rocky crag, stomping a new huck, or simply going fast and hard. My Völkl gear has been with me to three continents and over seven countries to explore far off mountains and test my limits on new descents. They generally take the place of art on my walls and are at the top of Santa's list each year. Lastly, only a Völkl Zealot could say this: When in need of snow pray to your Gotama, believe in the power of Karma, and remember adventure is your Mantra... and if all else fails... Chopsticks!!

    Erica Lynn Martling (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • As you can see from the picture, my daughter and I are big time patrons of your skis. Shes on the vertigo's at age two and I'm on the tiger sharks at 34. I think the true meaning of a ZEALOT is to get others inspired to ski. My two year old asks me when we can go skiing next as opposed to me asking her! Mission accomplished. I have never been back to the country of my ancestory and this would sure be awesome to share with my brother, who introduced me to Volkls first with the Karma and Mantra models before my midwest short turns got me hooked on the TigerShark.

    C.J. Langjahr (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Honestly, having a normal relationship is kind of weird for me because it's sort of like cheating on the mountains. They are something that I really do love. I used to live in Minnesota, so it was just a bit of a long distance relationship, you know. I still made an effort to get out on the planks whenever I could, even on the icy hills in the Midwest. I raced Minnesota boilerplate on my old Volkl Energy 320's for years, and now, having moved west, I am rabid for a beefy pair of big mountain skis! I want something that I can cruise on top of the massive amount of snow that the mountains get out here, that I can float down pillows, that I can huck off “The Beast” on the Shuksan Arm at Mt. Baker someday, and something that I can take up Rainier with me when I finally make a push for a descent on it's challenging slopes. Most of all, Volkl has never disappointed me. They rock. Plus: German engineering! I know I'll be riding strong and fast with some good old Bavarian ingenuity strapped to my feet. Ich liebe Völkl! Ich liebe...

    Michael Stolp-Smith (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a Volkl Zealot because I believe in skiing, and skiing on Volkl's dogmatically. I learned to ski on Volkl's and my dad has always had a pair but never bought me any. I desperately need new skis (can we say straight edges) and I can drink, I can drink lots of beer like any good Bavarian. PROST!

    Jennifer Rutsky (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • First off, it tells me that I am entering to win new boots.. i want the trip to Germany! Last year I treated myself to my first pair of Volkl Kikus and Marker Barons (my boyfriend made me trade in my Dynastars for Volkls), and I have never been happier! I packed up my car and brought them out to Jackson, WY where they can be exposed to the challenging and deep terrain they deserve. I am obsessed with my skis (and bindings), they have brought me to new heights, both ability-wise as well as exposing me to back country terrain. I have loved everywhere my Volkl's have led me, for better (face shots) or for worse (core shots). I even convinced 3 girlfriends to buy the Volkl Kikus this year. Yes, I love them THAT much. Pick me, please?

    Alex de Sherbinin (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Me? A Volkl Zealot? You bet! I'm a YOUNG 53 year old who lives to ski and loves life! My grizzlies are about worn out and I'm chomping at the bit for a new pair! I love Volkl so much that my last 5 tennis racquets have all been Volkl. I'm currently playing with the Volkl PowerBridge 1, the BEST I've ever played with! Germany is calling my name.....!

    Louise Stark (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • What, I didn't know Volkl made boots. I don't know if I want any Volkl boots. But really. My boots were in storage and my dad couldn't make the payments. He always felt bad and so I havn't had boots since 05. I have to rent now because I can't afford new ones. I always get bloody sores because of shin bang.

    jason hartsoe (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I should win new boots because at 59 I am still an awesome skier! I live in Michigan and our big hills are a whopping 500 feet! And we still ski em and enjoy it. We love mountain skiing and make sure we get there sometime each year where we can really get our Volkl boards moving! I need to win new boots because I have great Volkl skis and boots from a garage sale. I would really get more than most out of new great boots!

    mary lou knoch (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I can smell the snow in the air like a tiger senses young prey in the jungle. I load the car, tune my gear, and pack a cooler with cheap canned beer, forced meats and a mighty arsenal of cheeses all before I lay my head to a pillow. My clothes are patterned on the floor like I’m five years old and it’s the first day of school. Coffee is pressed and brushing teeth is passed over for gum all before the sun peaks its head up. I’m ready whether the powder drops or the temperature does. It’s the ride I crave, the hard turns with knees dropped and open fingers grabbing for white fluff. So, don’t send me ski boots because they don’t fit in my telemark bindings. But keep making a ski that can handle a 215# madman chef. I am a Völkl Zealott and I ski Völkl because they perform.

    Sean Buchanan (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Last spring we got a sweat 30 inches of weekday powder in taos. Late in afternoon sitting at the top of Katchina Peak, I new there was only one way to do it. Let it run. The best feeling in the world - not up for discussion - is flying down a steep choppy chute and taking huge face shots every time you hit the piles of crud all people not skiing on Volkls made during the day. For someone who grew up both racing and competing freestyle there is only one company that makes a ski that is both stiff enough to take bumps while doing super-g turns and still soft enough at the tip to absorb the hits and not throw you into the back seat: Volkl. I distinctly remember not really knowing where i was going but seeing a cornice shape out in front of me. Might as well, right? The drop was at least 15 ft bigger that I expected. So I just hung it out there wondering if the ski would buckle in the bumps at impact. Next thing I know is i get a face full of crud and 3 or 4...

    Marcel Montoya (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have skied Volkl exclusively since 1983. I tell all my friends that if you only want one pair of skis, it has to be Volkl. One Pair of Skis, One Entire Mountain.

    Todd (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I've never been to Germany, but I hear it's nice this time of year. I've never ridden Volkls, but I hear they kick ass. I've never ridden Markers, but I hear when they're mounted on Volkls it's like... well it's like when Volkls make sweet, sweet love to Markers - and who doesn't want to be a part of that?

    Matt Hanson (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Zealot - an immoderate, fanatical, or extremely zealous adherent to a cause. I am most certainly a zealot, but do not limit my zeal or my enthusiasm to a single purpose. My causes are multiple: dedication to environmental conservation and social equality through my profession; my family, friends and those dear to me; helping those around me and striving to leave things better off for others than when I showed up; and of course the pursuit of wild, untracked powder in the backcountry on a pair of Gotamas mounted as teles. My pursuit of the Gotamas lasted nearly four years. I knew I had to have these skis, but I knew if I were to ride the Gotamas, my girlfriend would need equal satisfaction. So I put my quest on hold, and saved up for several years until I could afford a pair of the Gotamas AND a pair of the Kikus. I completed the quest this past summer, and the Gotamakus sit warming in the basement as I take on another zealous pursuit….weather watching as the first storms barrel into the Northwest this fall.

    Alex Morgan (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Because I burned myself numerous times P-texing my old Volkl Carvers and I use my old Volkl rackets as snowshoes. Because my Marker bindings saved my ACL sooo many times. Because I love snow, beer, bratwurst, and look DAMN SEXY in lederhosen. Because my 6th grade English teacher always told me not to start a sentence with 'because'. Because my skiing icon is 'Saucer Boy' (RIP) !

    Ryan Caldwell (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • well, ive owned volkls since 2001. 190 explosiv and gotama skis. they have been the best skis ive ever owned. i have had multiple pairs of other skis, some good, some bad, some broken. my touring setup on the explosiv is so much fun. they absolutely rip pow. i think about skiing so much its not even funny. i have made videos with my buddies and i riding because when we're not skiing, i want to be editing footage! i spent countless hours perfecting music to jumps, drops and just huge dumps (of snow). Now that my girlfriend and i moved to South Carolina, it will be a tough winter. i will go home to Vermont to get a little bit in, but most likely it will be filled with long lines, lots of family time (which is a good thing, but lets face it can you really "ski" with your entire family?), and not enough time on the hill. So i hope you can see I am a Volkl Zealot! SKI PULVER!! (i was told by google that means powder) --brooks bezamat

    Brooks Bezamat (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a Volkl Zealot and deserve to win a trip for because it's the first winter my fiance and I will be able to ski together, injury free, in 3 years. After 3 ACL reconstructive surgeries, we've found that our ski set-ups have become outdated, and we are waaaaay over-due for some new skis and skiing adventures together!

    Julie (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Wait? What should I write about?..This line ^^ says I should describe why I deserve new boots. The line at the top says I should write why I am a Volkl Zealot. hmm? trick question? Sooo I am a Volkl Zealot because I don't support the world dominating organizations (starts with an S, has and L in the middle-ish and ends with an N) lol.. ya I laugh at my own jokes.. AND I should win new boots because I don't really think this sweepstake is for new boots and would like a new pair of boots anyway!!! THERE.

    josh mattson (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • He did it right, my Dad. He took me up every other time he went. I died a little each time he left and was reborn each time I sat next to him in the old Dodge Dart, slipping and sliding our way to Stevens Pass, WA. You know we loved it. There were no high speed quads and we skied in the rain more than the sun. But it was us, together, challenging each other at every turn, every jump. Dad's gone and now people call me Dad. I take them every other time I go.

    Craig Fiebig (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Why am I a Volkl Zealot? Good Funk'n question. After doing a search on the definition of Zeolot, I now know the answer. I'll paraphrase the dictionary's explanation: as one that shows Zeal - a Fanatic. So if you consider moving to the Tetons with just an old P/U truck and a handful of skis to shine-on in the mountains, then yes. . . .I'm a Volkl Zeolot, I'm a fanatic about having fun in snow top mountains. These days I boogie on down with some big ol' Gotama's. So, Call me a Volkl Zealot and send me to Germany. I'll bring my own PBR.

    Chris Olsen (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • In a word, power. Volkl skis allow me to ski with confidence in all conditions I can find on the mountain on any given day.

    Colin Lantz (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Been using Volkls since 1990. Renntigers, P9's, and P10's where my early favorites. Then the G4/AX4's and Exlosivs. Quiver currently includes AX4's, Gotamas, & Mantras. Tried other brands and ALWAYS came back to Volkl. They have always performed for me and took a great beating. I've never been disappointed. Send my ass to Germany so I can thank them personally.

    Greg Bonemeyer (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Sounds like an adventure of a lifetime. Thank you for the opportunity to win. Who wouldn't want a custom Volkl package, and a trip of a lifetime? Does anyone really deserve this?

    jennifer ballard-neal (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have skiied Volkl skies for 25 years. All my friends ski Volkl. All their friends ski Volkl. All of their friends friends ski Volkl. I have skied P9slc , Snow Ranger [ wore them out!!!] P10RS, AC4, amd my last pair The Gotoma. I skied the Katana at Islandlake lodge in incredible conditions . I classify myself as a Volkl zealot way before the latest ad campaign. P.S. my daughter Abby skies the Aura and loves them!

    Tim Cain (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I need new boots because I'm still using the same Rossi boots i got when i was in college racing, in 1995!!! They're way old, way, way, way to small, they hurt like hell, and they're making me look like an old timer out on the slopes- I need new boots bad!!!!!!!!!!!11

    Nick Arienti (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Of my 200 words to explain why I’m a Volkl Zealot, the most important is “Egon.” Who? Egon was my grandfather, an Austrian skier and man of style. Egon is my 1-year old son Thatcher’s middle name, to honor his smooth, gentlemanly ancestor. It’s in Egon’s spirit that I look forward to teaching Thatcher to ski, so he can learn the peace of the mountains in winter, the thrill and joy of the schuss, and the importance of protecting our wild places. It is in Egon’s memory that I hope to take my son to the mountains of Europe, to discover his roots and learn the roots of modern skiing. There are others who ski more days, or bigger lines, but my connection to the snow-covered hills is as deep and abiding. In 2008 I skied the Volkl Mantra for the first time: Nirvana. That year I made my best turns, skied my strongest, and explored places on skies I never thought I could go. I can only imagine how Thatcher will feel when he makes his fist turns. Now, with Egon in our hearts (and boots!), Thatcher and I await winter with zealous anticipation!

    Otis Rubottom (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I became a Volkl Zealot 2 years ago. I weigh in at around 210lbs, and 2 yrs ago the brand that I had been my favorite let me down in a big way. The short of it is I was skiing the bumps at Sugarloaf, a ski(I'm not kidding) broke, and I face planted goregously! Broken nose, wrist, and sprained knee, a total train wreck. It was the first time I had ever had a serious injury skiing. After I healed up I found myself nervous at the thought of skiing again. A buddy, who also is on the heavier side, lent me a pair of his Volkl AC20s and said I should give these a try before I thought of anything else. I went to Stowe Dec of 2008 tried them out, had the best day ever, and then went home and got a pair myself. The thing that sold me was how stable they were, and how confident that made me. Since then I have been able to take my skiing to a whole other level. For me Volkl changed my life. Not only was I able to get back on the...

    James Nissi (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • As the picture clearly shows I am a gun toting Volkl Zealot!! I ski on a pair of 99 Volkl Carvers and I just can't afford to upgrade. All of my spare money goes to my 4 year old son who is diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. And the cool thing is that skiing and being on the mountain is one of the best ways to get him to focus. So poppa needs an upgrade! Oh yeah and if I don't win my cousin and I will hunt you down....look at that picture!!!

    nick johns (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Because i have been skiing with the same boots for 10 years and they were passed on to me by some random old dude that lives in a cave and he tells me that he got them from Big foot himself.

    Andrew Tschetter (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I grew up skiing in the great North East.....Going to college in NC...limmited me to sugar, beach, and wintergreen with a once in a while Snowshoe WV...Move to CA where i only got to manmouth once....A week long excrusion to Lake Louise revamped my skiing interest and recently im back in the North east with 12 yr old Lange's and 207 Atomics....I NEED modern equipment as im joining a ski club that will soon be taking groups up to NY, VT, and NH this season. I got to go to Munchen back in 2002 and LOVE every minute of it!!!! Love the berr gardens, culture, people, etc. I've never, but wanted to do a euro SKI trip!

    Neil (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • People may call me a Volkl Zealot because of my deep love of their skis. I can feel my soul drawn to the Bavarian town of Straubing, home of the original Vöstras. I have fond memories of the many World Cup wins of athletes on Volkl skis. I remember my first amazing ride on my Snow Rangers. They revelotionized the way I ski, being fat and shaped allowing for effortless skiing in all conditions. As I get older skiing is becoming even easier with the help of my new Gotamas. They have dual-layer sensorwood core and ELP rocker design that allows me to still rip the wole mountain with ease even at my progressing age. So call me a Volkl Zealot or fanatic or whatever you want, because I am.

    david nacht (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I bought Rossignol boots in 1996 when I got married. Well one divorce later and 14 years, I am still wearing those Rossignol boots. I have been thru 6 custom footbeds. This last year, the top of my boot wore out, thus causing a serious bone bruise on the top of my right foot (size of a golf ball). It won't go away and my doctor told me to "get some new boots kid". I love my boots, but I love my foot more and would appreciate some "love" from the God of Boots! I also switched from a career Rossi skier to Volkl Gotama in 2009. To sum that up.... what an amazing ski. Technology is so cool. I ski with utmost confidence and actually kick even more booty than I did without reverse camber. Thank you Shane McConkey

    Chris Culp (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • The picture of the kid on my t-shit is my son Cash who died 3 years ago and never had a chance to ski. It's now my job to ski for the both of us. My dream as a kid was to own a pair of Volkl skis and I have no doubt Cash felt the same way. If you choose us for a Volkl set up we will be diehard Volkl Zealots and Volkl will forever be a part of Team Cash!!!

    Page Phillips (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Aloha,my name is Ty and I come the land of no elevation. We skied very little on 400 vertical feet mostly man made by acutal dynamite to form steeper runs. It was near pennsylvania dutch country and the german influence is very common. I picked up skiing on my own and then forgot about it for a while. I wanted the great feeling back so I decided to try and teach skiing at a little mountain near Harrisburg PA. The next year 911 happened and I wanted out so I packed up everything and drove 2000 miles and tried out for the Aspen Skiing Company instructors. I made the team and have been enjoying and destroying equipment ever since. I no longer teach in a traditional sense but i help my company with backcountry expeditons using the 10th mountain division hut systems of Colorado. I love my job but my feet always hurt because of my boot issues and my feet. My feet were crushed when I was 5 yrs old and they have always been hard to fit in boots ever since. Anyway I do not want to convert to snowboarding over my feet and would like some comfotable...

    Ty Richards (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I like performance and comfort at the same time ! I like to feel a direct connection between my body ,my skis and the snow. Nothing sloppy or sketchy the ability to ride a powerful arc. Nothing feels better (out side the bed !).

    John Connors (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a Völkl Zealöt for a simple reason: I ski for the pure joy of it, and the way Völkl skis perform maximizes that joy. From the East Coast ice where I learned to bottomless Colorado powder where I live now, cruising groomers, bashing timber, or hucking cliffs, I just have to grab the right pair of Völkls from my quiver and I can ski all day knowing that my skis will do exactly what I ask. Having that kind of confidence in my skis allows me to get the most out of the mountain and the conditions. At the end of a day on my Völkls, my cheeks are as tired from grinning as my legs are from skiing. At the deepest level, don’t we all ski for the pure joy of it? The way Völkls perform maximizes joy delivery, and that makes me a Völkl Zealöt.

    Matt Burns (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have been a volunteer ski patroller at Big Sky Resort for 5 years. Also, I am part of the volunteer ski skills teaching team for Eagle Mount in Bozeman. It is a program for disabled participants to get a chance to use adaptive equipment in order to participate in fun active events. As a volunteer for both programs, I am on my skis most of the winter (and love it). However, the disadvantage to being an volunteer is that I have to provide my own equipment. Needless to say, my stuff gets pretty worn out. I'm sure there are tons of worthy folks out there, so no worries if I don't get chosen. But, I thought I'd give it a shot. Thanks, CK

    Chad Krezelok (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • As you can see from my picture, I'm clearly the next Glen Plake. Therefore I need some sweet gear so I can shred ze gnar and make all the Bavarian honeys take off their dirndls and give me all the beer I can drink. I also heard Bavarians are into lions so I decided to do a back flip over one. Yeah, I'm pretty hard core like that, it's no big deal. But lions and Bavarian women aside, I need to be on the best gear so I can get super steezy and bring my tricks to the gnar backcountry. Therefore I should probably get some Chopsticks or maybe some Katanas mounted up with some Dukes. With that set up, there's no doubt in my mind that I'd make Dash Longe and Ian McIntosh run home crying to their mommas. Lions, Bavarian beauties and Völkl gear, OH MY!!!!

    Mickey Wilson (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I've been a zealot since 2001. After spending the winter teaching skiing in Whistler in 1999/2000 - a notoriously terrible snow year - I headed out to Whistler with some pals in 2001. Having had little powder the previous winter, I was beyond jacked to ride all of the epic lines I couldn’t the entire previous winter. So I demoed a pair of Volkl Vertigo’s and headed straight for the Waterfall Cliffs off the Peak Chair on Whistler just below Air Jordan. I did a double ejection, but went huge of the Waterfalls. The combo of the speed and precision I got from those skis in that one demo session has made me a Volkl-for-life skier. It didn’t hurt that my first run with the Vertigo’s on I got a massive applause from the jammed Peak Chair line up after going almost 40 ft. This pick below is me hucking a small house in Vals Thorns, France in 2006 on one of the most perfect Euro ski days of my life. Me and my Vertigo G4s stomped the house perfectly. After this trip, I flew into Whistler and picked up the Mantra’s I have been skiing on ever since!

    Micah Vernon (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • As I get younger and younger I need a more advanced boot to help me keep up with my 30 days a year on the slopes.

    Greg West (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I did not start skiing until I was 31 and I have only been at it a short time but the last two seasons I have been skiing on Volkl Mantras with Marker Jester bindings. After skiing the Volkl/Marker combo I’m on now I will never buy another brand. My only change, if any, will be to go bigger. The difference Volkl skis made in my ability and confidence was immediate and tremendous. I have the good fortune/curse of skiing with a group of pretty amazing skiers that are always pushing my limits. Due largely to my new gear I’ve had many epic days skiing beside instead of behind my friends. I’m married, work full time and in graduate school and don’t often get to travel outside the northwest to ski. If selected, I would probably take my friend, a teacher that does not get many opportunities like this as well. Thankfully we have some great skiing here. I attached a picture of me at Crystal Mountain on my Volkls.

    Will Sigman (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have been a volkl "zealot" for years and swear by the brand. I own a pair of supersports, gotamas, and kuros so my quiver is full for no matter what the conditions. I live and ski in the east but travel west 2-4 times a year for the love of POW (where the kuros and "goats" thrive). I have found no other brand to be as consistently solid as Volkl and have tried many of the competitors products but subsequently sold them at a local ski swap so I could buy my next pair of Volkl's. I'd recommend Volkl skis to anyone who will listen and to people who want to RIP with confidence and have a solild ski for many years to come.

    tom campton (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Well, let me be honest...it's not for the boots - just got my brand new pair for the '11 season:) Who on earth would turn down an offer to fly to Germany, check out how awesomeness is produced at Völkl and carve some turns at the legendary slopes of Garmisch-Partenkirchen...? Seriously?

    Paris Perdikaris (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Well I could go on & on about how I need a new pair of Gotama's since my current ones are your original model & well used, or how I'm a huge Ian, Ingrid, Julia & Dash fan, or how impressive it is that Volkl has been making skis for 87 years, or how cool it is you're green & working to reduce your footprint, but I won't. Will just say that I'd really, really like to win this contest because I don't speak a lick of German & this would be the perfect way to learn! Plus I'm your friend on facebook & thats got to count for something, right? Thanks for the opportunity! Chris

    J. Chris Hendrickson (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Five years ago I purchased my first set of Volkl skis - the AC4. Gotamas, Mantras, and a used (now broken) set of Kuros followed even though I was a student and up to my eyeballs in debt. I knew then as I know now that another couple of years of Top Ramen and PP&J would totally be worth it. Volkl changed the way I ski and reinvigorated a passion that I-70 traffic nearly killed. Once those flakes start to fall on the Continental Divide I break out the wax, stretch out my skins, and stare at the mountains as I wait for my first line to fill in.

    John Stumpf (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Hi, I'm not going to try and blow myself up and dazzle you with B.S. Ok, maybe just a little. Skiing has been my life for 50+ yrs. I've skied on just about everything from wood w/ screw on edges, to metal, to today's mix of components. In 1969, I converted my Western Wood water ski to what i called a "Snow Snake". Mounted my Marker "Explod-o-matics" like water ski bindings and rocked the Sierra cement while others floundered on skinny skis. If only i would have known! I rocked the P-9's and 30's in the 80's and 90's. Was there a ski that turned and rode better? Blasphemy! They took me from the lifts of Squaw and Sierra Ski Ranch (Sierra-at-Tahoe) where i was an instructor, to the back country of Sonora Pass, and i'd ride them today if i weren't old and in need of a "better shape." I currently have a pair of AC3's in my quiver and they allow me to "own" Mott's and Killebrew at Heavenly. Except no substitute! ric <><

    ric small (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • My old skis were Volkl G31s that were stolen from outside the lodge after a day at Loon mtn in NH. Sad, yes, but a worthy excuse to the wife to justify my new Volkl Unlimited AC40s which totally rock! They are awesome for east coast crud, ice, slump, and just bomb through everything at mach speed! But it sure would be nice to add a pair of Mantras or big powder skis for those trips to powder land!!! Oh, and you asked about boots... my boots are about 8 or 9 years old now, so I definitely need to update those to go with the new skis!

    Jason Jenkins (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am not a bum!! I'm a Jerk!! My story? It was never easy for me, you see I was born a poor... sorry, wrong story, this isn't for boots, it's for skis. Volkl's saved my life, or at least my mind. In 1999, I broke my neck and back. I was told that I was paralyzed from the chest down. I didn't accept this, I set my goal to ski again. 3 years later, I skied Big Sky where my brother let me use a pair of his Volkl's, I loved them. On my next trip I demo'd some other brand, my old racing sponsor's 'Race' ski. The skis felt like car antennas under my feet. I am convinced that the quality of Volkl's gave me the confidence to pursue my recovery to the fullest. P.S. I would submit a picture, but because I now demo Volkl's whenever I ski, no cameras are fast enough to catch a picture of me.

    Patrick Ward (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • My first pair of Volkl skis were Explosivs. They were the industry standard benchmark for big mountain skis. Constructed like a race ski but with thicker edges for greater strength. For tough terrain and all snow conditions where you make the turn or risk getting hurt or worse, I felt they were the go to ski. Now, I currently use a pair of Mantras that have all the design and construction features of the Explosiv but are even better. They will float on knee-deep powder, plow through crud, are agile enough for tight tree runs, and have enough sidecut to carve like a GS ski with no speed limit. That is why I am a Volkl zealot! Ron Lund Ontario

    Ronald Lund (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • More than anything, I would love to have the opportunity to see where Volkl skis made! Why you ask? It’s because I want to see where my favorite toys are born. My Volkl skis have shown me everything from ecstasy to depression, fun to fear, pleasure to pain and more than all they are enjoyment and exhilaration on my feet. No other product in the world (ski world or not) can allow the user to experience this full range of emotions. Is it’s the way the ski accelerates into the next turn, lands off of an air, flies though powder? Yes, yes and yes, Volkl skis are a combination of all of these, they are the essence of skiing! Ever since I was a young kid racing on set of P9s I was hooked on Volkl skis. Now I ski a full quiver from Gotama to Kuro and look forward to clicking into them every day in the winter. Additionally I would like to win because I broke two sets of Gotamas last season and am now SOL for this year.

    Aaron (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • i deserve new boots because i hocked my old pair off to some kid so i could get a new pair but ended up having to move to DC a few months later where i hardley ever get to hit the slopes. renting boots from a ski shop sucks when i'm only going for a few days and i really really need a pair of my own!!! Help Me Please!?!?!

    Topher McLarty (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Over the years, my skiing has progressed from the hills of suburban Boston to the back country of the Pacific Northwest with many stops along the way; Volkl skis have been with me every step of the way. My first pair of Volkls were a pair of P20 SLs. I ripped all 325 vertical feet of Nashoba Valley on those boards from the single kicker in front of the day lodge to Chinese downwhills on the Nashoba trails and the ensuing ski patrol evasion. Years later, I stepped up to a pair of P30 gs that got me through running gates on my highschool team to the College days of bigger hills in Northern Maine. I’ll admit, when I started telemarking late in college, I veered towards some softer hippy sticks, but I knew I’d eventually find why way back to Volk and found the Gotama when I moved to Seattle. Now my ski life is full of backcountry pursuits from the Olympic Mountains, to the Cascade volcanoes to the BC coast range. Skiing has been central to my life the whole time, and though my ski focus has changed and matured, Volkl has always been my go to...

    Aaron Donohoe (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Because I like to get freaky in the snow, and good equipment is a must!

    Clay Cooksey (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Skiing has always been my passion. After graduating from MIT, I moved to Vermont to work at Mad River Glen, and was one of the founders of Green Mountain Valley School. My ski interests evolved from racing to moguls and eventually more to backcountry. Nowadays I ski a lot at Mad River, a lot of New England backcountry, and several weekends a year padded on to business trips in the Alps or Rockies. One of the things that keeps the sport fresh for me is the enormous variety of terrain and snow conditions. To cover that, over the years, I've painfully developed a quiver of 5 pairs of different brands, lengths and widths - carefully chosen to cover all the variations. (not counting rock skis - it is New England!) Several times, in very different conditions, I've borrowed a friend's Völkl Mantras and..., well..., I can't believe a quiver of ONE could replace my current 5! Okay, I may end up with two lengths but Mantras and Marker Dukes and I'm covered. Of course you don't need to give them to me, it's on the agenda anyway for this newly converted Völkl Zealot!

    John Schultz (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm a Völkl zealot because Völkl ALWAYS brings the steeze. From the bright neon Explosiv, which skied and looked so nice that its metal-heavy construction called out for a Dynafit-coupled mountaineering setup, to the Gotama which made pink cool for dudes again, to the Chopstick, elevating style above taste to put a fat man on a fat ski. Thanks for taking it to 11, Völkl!

    tucker cunningham (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Well here it goes. I am a Volkl zealot because i love to ski everything volkl. I am currently on a pair of 07 katanas in a 197 that are my full on blower powder all out rockets. The length, the stiffness, the lack of weight all work in my favor to make them the ideal "lets take 3 turns where they took 10 kinda skis. Mainly I am a Volkl Zealot because nothing else really comes close, year after year my volkls stand up to the test of time while i watch my buddies replace their skis year after year. THANKS FOR MAKING SUCH BOMBPROOF SKIS AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

    jamie storrs (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I've been skiing on Volkl's exclusively since 1983. There is no better performing ski on the market. I vividly recall uncovering a dusty pair of Volkl's in my friend's basement back in the mid-70's and even then, at age 10 or 11, could interpret that Volkl was producing something entirely different. Since that day, I haven't forgotten and knew at some point, I'd be riding the wave. It took until age 16 and I've never looked back. Through the years, I've spent over 700 days on Volkls of every variety. I've run through the retail buyer testing shows at mountains across the West and have yet to find anything that can rival the precision and comfort and predictability of the Volkl breed. I am a zealot: I bleed titanal. I roam the Black Forest in my dreams. I wait for others at the bottom of every run. And I know the truth.

    Mark Fiebig (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • As mom of 2 young boys (1 and 4), I find it hard to purchase new equipment for myself. New boots for myself, unfortunately, are not a priority. I would love to win some new ones though! It would be such a nice surprise to win.

    Erin Johns (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Sunday morning, I wake up to get to church before the populace comes and spoils the purity. I open the door and let the coolness cleanse my soul, I then proceed to pull out my worn but well waxed skis and prepare for the hike up. For you see I worship at the altar of pine trees loaded with snow, windy peak summits, and open untouched glades. I pray for hexagonal patterned frozen water molecules in the trillions. I am but one of the many who worships the snow gods, I dance and sacrifice bits of my drink in hopes of large, dark, clouds, the ones that stirs a sleepy mountain town. I am one of the millions, but as this religion converts millions of people in the late fall and entices them into packed movie theaters for “ski porn”, it loses them in the spring to sunshine, mountain bikes, and rock walls. They count down the days until sunshine just as the counted down the days until their world turned white, and as these people are sitting there looking towards summertime I find myself skiing untouched, month-old snow, and counting...

    Matt Bigler (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I work, and work, and work, and work, and always seem to miss that epic day on the snow. I work to survive, and live to ski. Until I win the lottery though, working always seems to take precedence in my life. For once, I just want to relax and enjoy a vacation geared towards what I love.

    Zach Dobrota (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Becasue my magled gnarly feet need some luvin. Hell my wife rejected my pre-enganement toe nail ring I gave her.

    Keith Selvitelli (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Volkl Kuros changed my life! Give me a chance to let your boots do the same!! I grew up skiing the ice & braving the cold of the Northeast, but have finally escaped to the powder of the west! After sinking and fighting my way through the fluffy white stuff for a WHOLE WASTED SEASON, I invested in a pair of Kuros and will never look back! Check me out now - flips, jumps, confidence out the wazoo! It changed my skiing for good. My favorite memory is, day four on the Kuros, hucking a flip right above 100 people in a lift line. They cheered me on and then hooted & hollered when they realized I was wearing pink & purple -- they wished they could ski like this girl! PS – My Kuros are the best pick up line ever. Every guy wants to know, what the heck are those skis?!?! I have gone on no less than four dates thanks to those babys. I bet those guys would like to see me in just Volkl boots too.

    Rebecca Rapple (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I deserve these boots because I currently have no skis or boots or anything for skiing. I have been saving up my money for two years to buy a set of skis, but every time I get close to having enough money, an unexpected expense comes up. I am an engineering student at West Virginia University and I am located near several ski resorts. I live for skiing and the outdoors. I have been a skier since I was 4 years old, and will continue to be a skier until I can no longer ski. And I have loved VOLKL skis since the first time I demoed a set.

    Kyle Fiest (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • From my first pair of Volkl Tigers when I was 10 years old (more than 30 years ago), to the Gotamas that I bought 2 seasons ago, I'm a Volkl fanatic. I currently have 3 pairs of Volkls in my quiver, for every possible condition. My G3s rock the powder, my P70s rip the frontside, and my Mountain Norbert Joos have taken me up and down Mt. Shasta more times than I can count. When I dream about skiing, I dream about my Volkls. My beloved skis are showing their age, so I'm currently dreaming about a new pair of Volkls - make my dreams come true!

    Ian Atlas (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Because my 3 year old daughter sees my skiis (volkl gotamas, FYI...) and says, "daddy, will you teach me to ski?" The words coming out of her mouth practically bring tears to my eyes picturing the next 10-12 years on the slopes together, until she thinks that her parents are evil incarnate. But let's be honest, this shit is expensive, and so are 3-year olds. Help a brother out! And the trip to Germany sounds awesome too (i love bavarian hops). I'll tell my daugther the story of where daddy got the goods when she's old enough to understand....

    bill (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I live to ski. I think about it every single day. Unfortunately for me, I live in Michigan where there are no mountains... just converted landfills. Every year I make a pilgrimage out west to feed my addiction with my aging Volkl skiis in tow. Due to the birth of my daughter (see photo) I was unable to do so this year and may be forced to do the same in 2011, which means waiting another year to upgrade my dated equipment. Please help me get back to the sport that taunts me in my dreams every night and give me the new equipment I need to kill it when I get the chance.

    Trevor Williamson (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • There is a simple reason why I am a Volkl zealot – Volkl makes the best skis on the planet. Why would I want to ski on anything but the best. And why do I deserve to win this contest? Well, that’s also simple. I’ve had an intimate love affair with Volkl skis for as long as I can remember. I’ve taken Volkl boards heli-skiing in BC, backcountry skiing in the Eastern Sierras in California, to the top of Mount Shasta, and down countless untracked powder runs at my home resort at Kirkwood, CA. I’ve been the proud owner of some of Volkl’s most iconic boards, including the 190 “Wizard” Explosivs, the original Gotamas, and the first generation Volkl Kuros. I love my Volkl’s and they love me back. I’d never be untrue to my Volkls!

    Jason Metzler (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • i need skis!!!!! i shredd so hard that i eat a pair for breakfast everday. a hat will be cool or even some free chapstick. thanks yours truly SHREDDIN PUSS

    jacob gash (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I've always been an 'Explosiv' man. Before my first ever day on skis, my father bought a pair of used Volkl Explosiv Slalom skis for my 10th birthday for $50 at the local ski swap. I laid my silver and blue beauties on the floor of my bedroom every night and stood in those bindings with bare feet and dreamt (complete with sound effects) about what it was going to feel like to schuss down the slopes of Snowshoe, WV in a month's time, for the first time. Fast forward 22 years of spending every last minute of spare time chasing those dreams. Having endured a 4 hour skin, I'm standing atop the Trient Glacier above Chamonix with 2,000 meters of vertical and over 10 different kinds of untouched lying in front of me with my trusty Explov 2's strapped to my feet. I take a look at the incredible scenery, push off, and start making turns. I close my eyes and hear that 'schuss.'

    Robert Alpen (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Planning on giving up the board this year and going back to skis. Looking to head back to AK, JH and a few others in search of a long powder season, courtesy of La Nina. Please save me from buying all new gear!

    Paul George (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Because my love of Knoedel, Weissbeir (Augstiner brand, course), Leberkaese, partying at the "Hausberg Lodge" and love of deep, deep PULVERSCHNEE keeps getting interupted with combat deployments to Afghanistan. Also, I could never afford a pair of Volkls when I was "taking time off" in Garmisch years ago... now that I have a "real" job, I've got a a double digit collection of Volkls. Anything less would be embaressing for a "closet" Bavarian Pulverhund....

    njord rota (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I was attending a demo day at Mammoth Mountain in the early 80s when I tried a pair of Renntigers. I became a zealot that day and have never looked back. I was working at a ski shop in Newport Beach and we did no carry Volkl but I was able to convince the rep to sell me a pair anyway. I told him, "what better selling point than to have a guy ski your skis, when he has so many other choices". There has been no other ski since. I currently have a pair of Tigersharks for the front side and a pair of Katanas for the deep. In between the Renntiger and the lastest I have skied on the awesome GS explosiv. Yes they were the pink/purple model since it was all that the pro deal could send. What a great ski! Fast and stable. I would love for my first trip to Germany to be a visit to the Volkl factory and a World Cup event. Not to mention lifting a stein of local beer to toast my host. A loyal and true Volkl zealot...

    Danny Davenport (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • When I worked in Vail for 10 years i had a pair of your competitions skis. All the mountain photographers were on the G3's, and after pushing and pushing to keep up I finally reached their level, but they were all on the same ski and I have seen them rip it up. So I got a pair and it changed everything for me. That was the start of my REAL skiing. Now I have an older pair of Gotama's and freaking love them. This winter I am in for some serious back country and alpine climbing, and an upgrade would be great. I can take lots of pictures in them too :)

    David Marks (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I sleep in sauerkraut, bathe in weissbier, and am known for leaving my love interests writhing in wienerschnitzel festooned with beets and strussel. Deep and varied arrays of Volkls litter my garage: Targas, P20s, Snow Rangers and Gotomas, all hacked and hewn with time, love and vertical feet. As I and my skis grow fat and my family thickens, my wallet and spare time thin. My boots, so worn and foetid now require an EPA certificate to remove in public places. Thus, despite my German being limited to cheap insults and names of food, I am the Volkl Zealot.

    Chester Tartsnatcher (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a Volkl zealot because each time I ski I want to ski any condition, any situation possible and have it be a great experience and memory . So that's why I need the best tools possible to ski anywhere, anytime volkl skis.

    Vladimir Scerbin (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Well I'm a newly fitted photographer in a world far from the gravyiest pow in the country. I am not too far from Vermont's heavenly doses when they get. If I had the choice I would love to be shredding in Wyoming for a couple days but those Germans can dice up some good kartoffelkloesse ! A tour of Volkl!! sweet! Count me in! Auf wiedersehen !!

    Matt "Fitz-hume" Englert (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I love Volkl skis, have skied them consistently for over 30 years and love the AC50's I am currently riding in Nor Cal (Kirkwood)! I picked up a pair of Technica boots las season that are torturing me, I need to see the boot doctor or get a new pair! The attached picture was taken in Colorado on a cold (minus 20 F) morning before heading up to ski Keystone.

    Gordon Rosenberg (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Skiing in 15 year old Rossi boots...NEED new boots NOW!

    Ronald Woolford (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have been a Volkl fan for over 40 years. I've worked and tired out at least 10 pairs of their skiis over that time. Who doesn't admire a stiff tail? Graet control, great responsiveness. Wish my bride exhibuited more of those qualities. I'm stuck on Volkl!

    Andrew Salter (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • because these tracks in this chute were made with volkl united skis and the boots are too tight and hurt my feet.

    robert pritchard (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Because I am a great skier and I should have new boots!

    Lindsey Bettendorf (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • My history with Volkl goes back to the 80’s when the Explosiv was something entirely different than the ground-breaking big-mountain ‘fat’ ski that changed everything. Someone once told me that “everyone should own at least one pair of Volkls in their life”. I didn’t know what they meant, but then I bought my first pair, and have been a devout fan ever since. I’ve raced on every Volkl SL & GS ski from the mid 80’s - today. I’ve owned three different vintages of the Explosivs, and am still always amazed when I ski my last remaining pair of “Maroon Buddhas”. I’ve owned three different vintages of the Gotamas, and have two active pair in my current quiver of 6, which is made up entirely of Volkls. My wife has skied on nothing but Volkl since we started dating. The first thing I ever bought her was a pair of Renntiger. One son is a racer, the other a bumper, and of course they both have Volkl jr race skis, and each have a pair of Walls too. So you see between the kids and wife “daddy needs a new pair of shoes” … and someplace...

    Robb Alarcon (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • When I was fourteen, my ski coach thought I’d ski better on a pair of Volkls. I got a pair and soon after placed 8th in the state Super G and earned a spot in the Junior Olympics. I finished nearly last in every event, except for the slalom where crashed right in front of a photographer. My parents bought a print of the picture in the largest size possible, a 3 by 4 foot poster, and it is the only picture I have of me in action at the peak of my ski racing career. The hot pink skis are long gone but I have continued to only ski Volkl for the last 18 years.

    Joseph Gartner (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • From the massive moist dumps of the coastal Pacific Northwest, to the crisp champange powder of the Kootenays, and north into the sparkling crisp sun of the northern Rockies, I seek the powder. Born and raised in the mountain slopes of BC, I am never happier than when dropping my knee, surfing through the life's-blood of our planet, powdering my beard with sparkling crystal. And I can imagine no better tool to cleanly carve that slice of heaven than twin Katana's beneath my feet. There would be no better way to begin my 2010 season with the promise of visiting the Fatherland and having the chance to visit the Volkl factory in Munich, followed by cheering on the world's best tear up the slopes at Garmisch (and comparing the gnar of BC with the mountains of my ancestors)! May we be blessed with Ullr's grace this winter!

    Tyson Luedtke (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Who introduced you to skiing? For me, it was my mother. She just completed her 30th year of being a National Ski Patroller, thus making skiing affordable for the family. This winter will be my first as a NSP, partially for the same reason. When you have three children under the age of seven with two of them skiing, sacrifices must be made. I could afford a pair of Mantras, but instead I have chosen to equip my sons (and my daughter in a couple of years) so that we can enjoy this wonderful sport together. My goal is to raise a family of "Skiing Zealots" that will someday have a Volkl or two in our quiver.

    alex (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Skiing...the word we love, it describes so much, epic skiing and a lifestyle. My husband taught me how to ski, with love, hate and tears, mostly love, thankfully for him I was a passionate beginner and had a natural Nordic talent. When we got married we did it in the snow, when we planned on having kids we planned around the longest season possible for me. I found out I was pregnant on New Year’s Day, we were so ecstatic; the first thing we bought was a down puffy for an infant. I skied the whole season and loved it. This story has a terrible ending at 34 weeks I had an emergency C-Section and our baby died and we can’t have natural kids. But in the light of a terrible tragedy it was and is skiing that saved us, our marriage, lively hood and passion for life. Skiing (and our family and dogs) keeps us going. We have decided just to focus on that and Carpe Diem! We moved closer to the mountains to ski and be in atmosphere that promotes this lifestyle. I am a skier.

    Andrea Cunningham (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Alaska is some of the best skiing in the world. I had to leave and head south to the states to visit friends and family. I want to ski everywhere, but especially I want to be in AK with friends. My mind is completely messed up and everyday of this especially long fall gets me one day closer to being able to take my skis and do the one thing that always clears my head. It's disheartening and great all at the same time that having your girlfriend of four years leave you for no specific reason will lead you to the mountains.

    Michael Jahrig (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • One of the greatest things my parents have done for me was throwing me on skis when I was four. Nearly every year since, Ullr has blessed me with four month of bliss as the Norse god of skiing and snow coats the mountains with a wonderful white blanket. I cannot say that I am a “Völkl Veteran” but I am most definitely a Völkl convert! Just last year it was time for new skis. Having just come off a pair of K2s, I decided to opt for a change—one that I will never regret. And so I told my parents my decision: Völkl AC50s. Something told me (Ullr?) that I needed these Völkls. By far the greatest gift I’ve ever received! After the first day of the season, I stumbled back to the car upon my jello legs with a botox-like perma smile etched on my face. I had been converted. My skis (more like extensions of my feet, really) do absolutely everything from blasting through crud to keeping me from drowning in the pow. After just one season (an amazing one at that) I can say with confidence that now I AM a Völkl Zealöt!

    Tjos Hansen (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm not going to try to fool anyone and say that I've been riding Volkls forever...I haven't. But I have been passionate about downhill skiing all my life. The fact that I could ski was the main reason my husband and I got married 31 years ago.( my advice to my son today, it makes a perfect marriage) I'm a flatlander who just wants to spend one winter in the mountains. I'm a" life zealot" and a breast cancer survivor..I'd be honored to ride your boards.

    Beth Morgan (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I vividly remember the day my Dad bought me my first pair of Volkl skis. It was a cold Saturday in December before Christmas. He drove us across town in a Jeep Cherokee to the boutique ski shop. We stopped for a coffee for my old man and a couple glazed donuts for me. I haven’t forgotten anything about the day my Dad bought me my first pair of Volkl skis, for it has been the most important day of my life. That day has influenced all of my life decisions towards the fulfillment of happiness via skiing. Skiing has aided my constant pursuit to fulfill my dreams. In the beginning I used to sleep in my rebuilt Jeep and listen to the howling winds at Sugarloaf, Maine. I spread my infectious love of the mountains into others by showing many the hidden gems of big mountain backcountry skiing. I have struggled to survive in order to aid the contagious love of big mountain skiing to others. My hope is that they will remember a special day in the mountains with me that will be ingrained positively into their soul forever. Matt Beal bealadventures.com

    Matt Beal (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Refusing a life of mediocrity, I fled my small town life the non-traditional way. I didn’t go to a big college and get an excessive ego driven job to shed myself of the Western Mountains of Maine proving I’m clever. At 29, I have worked as a dishwasher, a waitress, bartender, and a retail salesperson. Folks wonder when I am going to get a real job with my hard earned college degree, but my education lies in the risks I have taken to pursue the snow song plucking at my heart strings. Instead, I packed a little black Subaru and directed it toward the sun setting behind the Grand Teton. While all of my friends back east are marrying and raising babies, I’m sitting in chilly basement in Driggs, Idaho knowing the snow will fall tonight and propane ain’t cheap. I refused to sign on to a life of mediocrity in order to lead the life of contentment that lies in the big mountains covered in big snow where my firecracker of a heart can sleep delighted and without regret of my choices. Kikus, boots, and poles prepared, I will wake before...

    Erin Landry (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have been a Zealot since I began riding Gotamas last year. Much like the Sword of Greyskull when wielded by Prince Adam, my Volkls and I combine to form the He-Man of skiing. Not only that, but I personally introduced Volkls to the Eastern Sierras, and now Volkls are not only a one-in-every-home product, but a name to be worshiped and feared throughout the land. My reward would be if Volkl could continue producing the fnest skies with which to conquer peaks and chutes. But I also believe that a trip for me to Germany would be a sufficient reward for all the hardwork I put in last season.

    Travis Hastings (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm a lucky guy. I've skied a lot of powder at a lot of cool places, in fact in the year 2010 alone I've skied pow in 5 countries - all on my trusty Gotamas. I snapped a pair in Jackson - that story always raises an eyebrow, ripped them at Snowbird, shredded Squaw, tomahawked in Verbier & been humbled by the scale of Chamonix. Down South we’ve Heliskied and ridden the famous nutcrackers of Craigieburn, NZ, and hiked hometown Mt Buller’s Chutes on the ‘day of the season’. I snapped off a ‘Goat’ at the base of the Gunsight at Alta on a bluebird powder day, got down on one knee and asked my wife to marry me. She said yes, and bought Gotamas the next week. I’ll never forget my first run on them – Wood Run, Mt Buller, Australia on a foot of windbuffed pow – it was my first time on a 100+ mm ski and I was making Super G turns giggling like a schoolgirl. These were the skis for me. I am a Zealot.

    Richard Ross (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • My girlfriend is a Volkl Zealot. Has been since before I knew her, longer than Ingy, too. She's been teleing her Queen Attivas for a good while now, and her old AX3's are getting tired. She might not be the strongest gal in the world, but she's got a lot of tough, and she can bend a ski with the best of 'em. Problem is, she's in law school now, been in school goin' on ten years, and she ain't got time to ski nowadays. It breaks my damn heart, and hers too, if she'd just admit it. She's got a big, dumb ski bum of a boyfriend (a Zealot myself), but I'm helping her through school, and I can't afford to take her on an international tour to the site of the '36 Olympics, outfit her in top-of-the-line gear, watch her smile as she rips down the hill (and she does rip, my friends). But she deserves to go, for love of the sport, for love of the snow, and for love of some of the finest skis ever made. I mean, it is a trip for two, right?

    Zach Cooley (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Ok, so the last time I went to Sundance Resort I just read and drank wine so I would love to win a trip to Germany so I can really learn how to ski!

    Cindy Gutierrez (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I think I should win this package because I LOVE my Volkl's! My old P-10 and P-20's are still kickin, but I use my SUMO's here on the East Coast whenever I can, I LOVE THEM!! My wife and I could use a vacation from our 2 little rugrats also!! VOLKL ROCKS!!!

    Dave Levasseur (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • The winter of 2002/2003 I chased a dream – quit my normal existence and took the biggest risk of my life packing bags and moving to Chamonix, France. All I had were a pair of Volkl Explosivs and a backpack stuffed with gear to live and explore in the Alps. That was a pivotal year in skiing. Out came Seth Pistols, Spats and the Gotamas and the start of something new. Fat twins, rocker, new flex patterns, materials, top sheets, graphics. I stood by my old Explosivs though, and they stood by me for every abusive vertical foot we experienced together. I still have those skis at home mounted on the wall and every day relive that moment, those skis, and an experience that changed me forever. Thank you Volkl for bringing my dream to life. I am your zealot – I am living the dream.

    Eric Foster (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Last year i rode on a pair of volkl ledges and broke them riding in chutes which waas retarded. Even though it was half way through ski season and a quarter of the ski was missing of the back, i still rode on them for the rest of the season. They were the best pair of skis ive had so far and it would be sick to get a new pair. For doing that i think itsclear why im a volkl zealot.

    skier 123 (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • When I first moved to Steamboat, I read the review about the 1st edition Karmas in Powder Magazine and decided that they would be the skis for me. My first season on them I took them to Crested Butte and had the most amazing steep skiing experience of my life on an 8" powder day. After that day I was sold on Volkl. I skiied on those Karmas for a few seasons until I got on Ski Patrol and bought the gold Gotamas. That season we had a record breaking season @ Steamboat. Through out the season I learned how to ski powder in ways I never thought possible. Last season I was going to buy the new Gotamas, but tore my ACL five days into the season and missed the whole season. I'm a Volkl Zealot and would love to have anew pair. Thanks and hoping for another record breaking season.

    rob croslin (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have skied many brands over the year and my basement is chock full of 'em. Took years to build up that quiver, but then came along a Volkl. The Mantras! They replaced my Guns. Next came the Katanas. Bye bye Made'N Ak's. Now that quiver sits lonely and after years of hoarding, I have been convinced to clean out the basement. No, not by my wife, but by Volkl. What more do I need than my Mantras or Katanas????? Ummm, well, maybe more VOLKL's ! Oh and even while traveling, if I can bring my skis, I am renting and ummmm riding on Volk's as seen in the attached pic!

    Richard Tomlins (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I was last in Munich in 1978 while serving in the US Air Force and I had a chance to see Garmish in the summer, and I loved the beer drinkin at the Hoffbrau House in Munich. I would be honored to be selected to go on this dream trip with my son who is a soph at MSU in Bozeman. My powder boards this year are the 185 Chopsticks and in years past I've had Montras and Gotomas. these skis are far superior to the Salomons I used in years past. I could'nt upload pics for whaever reason. Thanks, Dale

    Dale E Johnson (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Hello people! I'm Andrew From Australia, as long as theres snow, i'll ski it. we dont have the tallest or the steepest terrain down here.. but it does the job. I'm confident that i would be able to fit into the place to be a Völkl Zealot. when it is summer here i can't stop craving the snow so i buy ski DVD's and magazines to calm me down, so it would help me to go to Germany! (I would take my brother with me as a late late birthday present.. i forgot to get him one) But of course i havn't forgot to like the facebook group! Völkl skis - #1 skis

    Andrew Barron (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Hi there, Can i nominate my friend Hamish for this competition? He broke his knee cap pretty badly last winter in an avalanche last winter... He has slowly recovered - and should be back on skis by the middle of this winter (maybe Mid Feb / March). But he has had a really hard time with the physio... I feel pretty responsible as I made the decision to go and ski the run on that day - but escaped with only minor injuries. So if I could win this competition for him then it would be a nice pay-back / surprise. Funny enough he actually lost a set of Gotamas in the avalanche (which we later recovered 3 weeks later) - so I guess this could be like going full circle - and putting it all behind him. Dont actually want to goto Munich myself! Will let my friend (hamish) take someone else with him! Many Thanks Picture of him attached. Doug. (scotland / UK) Scottish_skier on TGR

    Douglas Bryce (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • When I get pulled over by a cop, I let him off with a warning. I speak fluent double dutch. I have the heart of a lion, and the heart of a child - two hearts. I have only cried one time: at the end of The Notebook. When I go to jail, I do collect $200. I like my whiskey served cold and my revenge served colder. Every time a bell rings, an angel asks for my autograph. I am the man from Nantucket. I do not wait thirty minutes after eating to swim, nor do I wait for snow to ski. Waldo once double-crossed me... the rest is history. I always eat a complete breakfast, for it is completed by my presence. I can find a needle in a haystack with ease, and then kill a man with the needle... or the haystack. I am my own grandfather. I am the most interesting man in the world. I don't always ski, but when I do, I prefer Völkl.

    Joe Kelley (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I'm a teenager from Jackson, Hole Wyoming so obviously there is a lot of powder out here. Money is also tight here because the resort loves to take local money. That takes away money for skis and fat skis are a must here. I ski big mountain every possible day I can. I ski 60 + days a year and a volkl ski would help me out so much with my skiing.

    Sam Schwartz (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a 41 year old skier in Colorado, about to start my 39th season. I have skied on all manner of skis over the years, Volkl included. My son skis, as did my father and grandfather before me. There are many pairs of Volkls on my ski fence, many skied on by myself, my family, and my friends. Skiing in Europe has been a lifetime dream, please choose my zealous wife and I for the honor of making Volkl look even sweeter. I've given my whole life to this , now it can give back. I'm riding Volkls in this sweet photo of me not going under a rope. Do you have ropes in Europe?

    Andrew Petersen (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • because i use to race on k2s, then switched over to volkl. you can't turn back from that.

    chad (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I have been skiing since I was 2 years old. Shedding is something that I love to do. I have raced since I was 10 years old. I even raced D1 in college. I deserve to win this trip because I love skiing and everything that goes with it.

    Meg Howard (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I used to be an incredible pussy in the powder. I'd whine and hiss at any and everyone, while fighting through pow. I once even scratched Cat Stevens, as I struggled in the Aspen fluff. Then I discovered the cat's meow, Volkl Gotamas. With their ELP and extra wide sidecut, I could ride through the chop with ease, and just float through the fluffy stuff. Finally I was happy, purring with delight and grinning at everyone. Now I'm a well developed cougar, known throughout Aspen for my smooth skiing, and not for just for being a pussy.

    Powder Pussy (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I used to be an avid atomic skier till I shredded my last skies and was given a pair of volkls. Ever since they have been my go to brand for any type of ski I have purchased. Also being a ski coach I have influenced many youngsters to switch over and have shown them the light that Volkl shines so bright.

    adam labonte (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I love deep pow. I eat it, choke on it, smoke it, build with it, jump into it. I obsess like a long lost lover when it has gone away... "You go away for months to South America and New Zealand and far off lands and I yearn for you, I worry about when you will return, if it will be as good as it used to be. I look at the photos and videos and remember the sultry times we spent wrapped up in cold embraces melting together. Oh, to be in you again". To be deep in pow for this lasting affair on some Zealots this winter will take this relationship deeper. I have come clean. I am a Zealot.

    Iski D. Pow (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I've been skiing on the same pair of Gots since 2005 (black topsheets w/ square tails). That may not (prolly doesn't) make me a zealot, but I can't image what would be cooler than a Volkl Bavarian adventure. Maybe I should pick up some lederhosen, a stein and a plane ticket and do this anyways! The only German I know I picked up from a NJ au pair who thought it would be funny for me to be running around some oktoberfest bar asking other girls "ich bin schon?" Maybe some new Volkls and a couple steins of social lubricant would help out with round 2 - not to mention that riping some turns at Garmisch would be pretty epic.

    Tom Dugan (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • My first pair of modern shaped skis: 06/07 Supersport Allstar Titanium (got my back into the sport after a 5 year hiatus…what an awesome ski!). Next pair: 07/08 Bridge....these opened my eyes to freeskiing and got me into the sidecountry, solidifying that I really did “have the bug”. Last year I purchased a pair of Gotama's early in the year and Mantra's toward the end of the season. I am a walking quiver of Volkl excellence and still love them all!! I wear Tecnica Dragon 120's and before that Diablo’s. In addition to being a walking billboard for your products, I am constantly promoting your gear to all of my ski bum friends as well as random people in the lift line. I've been out there for 112 days the past 2 seasons on the East Coast (wasn't keeping track prior to that) while maintaining a full time job in Boston to support my ridiculous addiction to your awesome equipment and this incredibly expensive sport which I love. I should work for Volkl. Hook me up, I love you guys!!!

    PJ Santoro (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I take you back some 25 years to high school ski team at West Mountain Ski Area in Glens Falls, New York. The very moment I locked onto my Rentiger boards I will forever remember. Growing up skiing in the northeast, "it build character", the ice was always present. The Rentiger boards were so torshionally stiff, I cut through the hardest boiler plate glaze. You know you have quality edges when able to slice clear ice. Running gates was never easier with any other ski. Thank you for constructing the best boards of the mid 80's,90's and now in 2010/2011. I will forever remember those breath taking cold days at West on ice with my Volkl Rentiger Skis. Thank you for the opportunity.

    Gregg L. Matthews (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • ....Because old guys need love too. Also, I have three young children I am introducing to the sport. My 6 year old ("Daddy, PLEEEASE can we ski the trees?!") and 4 year old (June- "Daddy, is winter back yet?") and my 17 month old (he's walking now, so this will be his first year on skis of his own...) all are ripe to be indoctrinated into unshakeable brand loyalty. Just imagine, the chance to build the kind of long term zealotry the tobacco companies can only dream about!!! And for the tiny price of.....

    Jason Duquette-Hoffman (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am such a Volkl Zealot I will do Volkl's laundry for the rest of my life for the grand prize. I also will pledge my allegiance to Volkl far and wide, and spread the good word of Volkl wherever I go. Actually, I do this already because your skis are sick. I need more Volkl skis like babies need milk.

    Jeff Beauregard (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I LOVE SKIING AND MY DAD IS FROM GERMANY

    Sam shiverick (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Hi, i don't know if i have the best reason to be picked up to fly to Munich, but i guess I have a pretty good one : i will shoot a ski movie this winter ! I try to mix my two passions which are cinema and freeride. I just finished my film studies, i work as a camera assistant in the movie industry (France) and I've already put quiet a lot of money aside for my HD camera set up. So i guess if I could go out there with a new pair of Völkl skis it would be great and mean a lot to me, since it would be a way to be kinda sponsored. Plus, part of my crew (two genuine Bavarian skiers) lives in Munich (wich rocks !!) and we already planed to do a Bavarian BC part. Amongst other places, we'll shoot in : Disentis, Andermatt (CH), La Grave, Avoriaz (FR)... So okay, right now I couldn't possibly say that I'm 'Völkl Zealot', but that's up to the people selecting the winner now ! Anyway, i hope I'll be the lucky one, and if not, to the selected one I'll say : enjoy the...

    Nicolas (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • From the second I wake up, I like the smell of fresh coffee and knowing I’m probably the only one awake. I like knowing where I’m headed, starting the car and picking the first song. I especially like if I get to wipe some snow off the hood, but that rarely happens in PA. I like finding the early bird parking spot and keeping my music going EXTRA LOUD. I like hearing the clicks from the boots and the slow clunking walk to the ticket checker, finding one or two fellow nuts who know FIRST TRACKS ARE WHERE IT'S AT! I like the first push to the lift and the smooth first slide to the gate. I like riding the lift and checking out the park for new features. I like the smell of the cool air and the sight of my own breath. I like when the perfect song comes on and I’m standing at the top of the park. I like looking around and knowing there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

    Ben Harmer (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a Zealot because i love Völkl skis and in Romania (this where i am from) you really can't find any freeski Völkl products and also most online shops just don't ship to my country. Also i am a tech geek guy and i will be amazed of the ski production process.

    Vuap Irfan (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • This is definitely my destiny to become a Volkl Zealot. Hey, believe it or not, but I purchased pair of Volkls just today. I found a great deal on Chopsticks and there was no question. So, to share my amusement I sent an email to my wife showing those skis, guess what? You have to buy them was her reply. That pair is on the way to me. Ofcourse, I no longer have hundred plus days on snow. No longer wake up at 5 AM to climb that ridge and cut first lines in powder before my first morning lesson. My snow days are limited by weekends and days off. Wie ist das Leben, like our German friends are saying. And by the way, since then I m spending much more money on my skiing equipment than when I worked to ski. Nevermind, how many freeheelers are in this contest? BTW, I m Czech so my beer skills are eligible for Bavaria trip.

    Oskar (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I´m a zealöt because i´m from Iceland and there is no way of getting my hands on a pair of Volkls here on this little island in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. So please make my dream come true.

    Kristinn Magnusson (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • "Volkl Zealot Suzy Q!" Would love to show you what I can do! Put your equipment on the best, say Goodbye to all the rest! Volkl is the Holy Grail, will spend time making many rails! Racer Ready to step in & step it up! Get me to Germany my little Buttercup!

    Sue Barrette (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • The skiing experience has been generational. I started with wood skis and bear trap bindings. Wedeln hop turns. Next came step-in bindings and steel skis. The fear of ice went away. Hot dogging evolved from JetSticks. Era of Wayne Wong and jet turns. Lay back and squirt them. Skis became lighter with foam cores and livelier with fiberglass reinforcement. 215cm boards conveyed bragging rights. Who could ask for more? Then came hour glass skis - "parabolics”. Shaped skis offered better control, less effort. . . ski hard all day! Could it get better? Avid skiers owned three pairs of skis: ice/hard pack, powder, and competition screamers. That was living. Then came airline weight restrictions, ski box limitations, schlepping, looking for secure storage. Could there be a one ski quiver? Minimum qualifications: Carves ice and hardpack. Busts through crud. Floats in powder. Easy to swing through glades - without getting hung up. Soft enough to bang bumps. Oh yeah, and has to be light and lively enough to ski all day. Mighty tall order? Not for the rockeredVölkl Gotama with center mounted Schizo bindings. The absolute most outrageous setup known to folks who live and breathe this stuff. Say, “Ja, bitte”!

    Jon Meyer (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Patrick grew up in the Valley of the Sun, an unlikely place for Zealöts. However, each winter his parents would load up the family truckster and take he and his brother on Christmas ski trips to places such as Arizona Snowbowl, Sunrise Park, Purgatory, and Taos. After years of skiing 3 or 5 days a season on crappy rental gear, he purchased his first skis in 2003: Völkl Vertigo G3s. He loved Völkl because of their commitment to quality and their strong Bavarian heritage. Having studied abroad in Munich during college, Bavaria was in his blood. The G3s were spirited to yearly trips around Lake Tahoe, but unsuited for the deep. In 2006 he replaced the G3s with Völkl Mantras. They made visits to Kirkwood, Jackson Hole, Alta and Snowbird, and though they skied well, they were no match for the waist-deep Wasatch powder. In 2009, Patrick jettisoned a successful career because he couldn’t ski enough. He got a job at Alta, purchased a pair of Völkl Katanas, and skied 125 days last season. His commitment to Völkl remains unwavering, and to this day you can find him shredding the Wasatch and preaching the Zealöt...

    Patrick Testerman (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a Zealöt because I skied völkl back in the days I began to ski, I skied them as a Skiracer and my next ski will be a Völkl and my Dad is a skiteacher and uses Völkl as well because he says they have always the same quality. I am italian and would love to go to Germany to know something more about one of the oldest end best ski brand of the world and of corse for the german beer.

    Hannes (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I am a Völkl Zealot because I absolutely love skiing... on Völkl skis! There is nothing like making first tracks with the finest boards in production floating through fresh pow. From their responsive mogul models to the versatile all-mountain boards and all the way to their godlike freeride styles, Völkl produces the absolute best equipment for skiing I have ever used. It is that devotion to an excellent product that makes me excited about using Völkl products every time I head out on the mountain. And when a fellow skier seeks superior equipment, I can always confidently point them to Völkl. It’s hard not to get excited about your day when you grab a pair of Völkl skis on your way out the door, and that is why I am a Völkl Zealot.

    Greg Domashovetz (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • The words left my lips. I cringed as they dispersed into the now silent kitchen. Sticks and stones right? Wrong. The tension these words created was physical, tangible, palpable. I had just returned from work to greet my girlfriend and in ten words I was down stream sans the proverbial paddle. I had received a tip earlier in the day that the shop only had one pair of this year's Volkl Gotamas left. I had to act fast if I intended to harness volkl’s extended low profile rocker design. If I wanted to press firmly on the gotama’s three flex zones to float through the deepest pow, scream down the softest corduroy or cut through the toughest crud. With their sensual curves, luscious width and suave graphics these skis had it all. I had to have them and without hesitation I bought the last pair. Finally we were together, as it was written. Walking through the door that night, skis still in their plastic, I placed them gently in the corner of my kitchen, gazing adoringly. I thought to myself, “these skis were now the sexiest thing in my life.” Yet, unfortunately for me, I had thought it to loudly…

    Chris Welch (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I believe I am a Zealot because the only skis I've owned have been volkls. I am still one of the few that scours the internet for old explosives (still the burliest ski ever). I have two pairs now and am always on the lookout. Even for Sumo's too. Unfortunately I only have the money for older classic skis, rather than the new, technologically advanced skis you produce now. I would love the trip to 6ermany as well to see more of the history of the greatest ski brand ever.

    Devin Post (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • All my life my skis held back my riding. I always used crappy "hand me downs" that sunk like rocks when I skied deep snow. One day when I was struggling to make turns in 2 feet of pow at Stowe I finally decided that I would not let my skis hold me back anymore. As soon as got home I broke open some ski gear guides and decided to buy a pair of volkl bridges, hoping that they would provide the perfect combo of flotation, control on groomers, and ability in the park. Later that season I took a trip out to utah and put my bridges to the test in 20 inches of wasatch pow. I took one run right under the chairlift and knew I made a great choice. I effortlessly weaved through the snow, and after every run I would think to myself "that was the best run ever!", until the following run would top it. Thanks to Utah powder and my Bridges I took about 50 "best runs ever" that day. Included is a photo of one of those runs in the snowbird sidecountry.

    Mark Desmond (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I love skiing more than anything else in this world. My dream is to travel the world skiing at ski resorts all over the world. Although this is my dream, I have only ever skied Colorado and a few times in Alta, Utah. I have friends who live and ski in Germany, and It sound like both amazing skiing and unrealistically beautiful. I am both a telemark skier and alpine skier. I love to ski powder or just shred up a steep groomer. I desperately need a new pair of alpine or telemark boots, my old boots haven't fit me in years. If I were to win this trip or any of the runner-up prizes, I would be forever grateful. I dream about skiing all day everyday, and it would be a dream come true for me to ski Europe.

    Graham Sondermann (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I LOVE my Völkl Gotamas, which was the first new skis I ever owned and would love to feel like a "skilebrity" even if it's just for a day! I love the challenges skiing gives you and would like to share this price with on of my many good skier friends that have been patient enough to drag me around the mountain and challenged me to improve my skiing.

    Anna-Karin Nilsson (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • My favorite boots of all time, a pair of Tecnicas that I've had for five long seasons, are done. They've been in the shop more times than I can remember, and last spring, some jerk ran over one of them with his big SUV in the parking lot at Snowbird. It's still wearable, but it looks like, well, like a truck ran over it. I love my Volkl skis, now I need Volkl boots! The picture is of me standing at the top of Mt. Baldy at Alta a couple of years ago. Those chutes are epic!

    Kajetan Wojciechowski (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I should win these boots because I just don't have the money to buy new boots this season. I have been using the same boots all throughout college. I am graduating from UCD in December, and I really just want to have fun this season on the CO slopes with friends as a way to relax from all the hard work over the last few years of school. Skiing is one way for me to just have fun, get exercise and be outside. Since my boots are so old, I have a hard time skiing all the stuff I really want to because they have become so soft. They weren't the best boots to begin with, and now they are just duds. I actually couldn't even afford a ski pass this season, so my boyfriend bought me it and I now have to be a slave to his beckon wish for the next few months, aka I'm his driver for nights out drinking. If I could get to take him on a ski trip of his dreams, it would give me the dignity to not have to drive him around Denver to...

    JIllynn (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I've been a Volkl Zealot before I even knew there was such a thing. I got my first pair of Volkls when I was 13, and haven't looked back since. When I was 16 and everyone else my age was skiing twin tips, I skied 6 stars. And I skied them long 176, I would see adult men in the lift line, with shorter versions, and laugh to myself. Since then I own a pair of Queen Attivas that have been going strong, I could use an update though. Oh and when someone needs a pair of skis, I point them in your direction, as if there is a choice

    Nicole Stark (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • Sitting in class, I long for the mountains. When I make it to the mountains, I long for the solitude of waste deep powder in the backcountry. My Gotamas take me there. That's why I'm a Volkl Zealot.

    Daniel Mehler (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • To be 100% honest I am not yet a zealot of any ski brand. I am, however, a zealot of skiing. 5 seasons ago I had my heart set on a pair of white Volkl gotamas. That was the ski I was going to buy. By the time November rolled around and I had enough money for the skis, they were completely sold out. I went with another brand. Since then I have had fun trying skis from as many companies as possible. Some have been Volkls. Some have not. The picture I am submitting is of me in Little Cottonwood Canyon, trying out some Volkl Sumos. That ski charges hard! Maybe now is Volkl's chance to repay me for all the time I spent off of its skis when I couldn't purchase them years before.

    Josh Christensen (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • "If she can walk, she can ski," were the nurturing words of my father when I was two years old. Countless face plants and several lost toe nails later, I finally understood why my parents chose to raise me in Park City, Utah. My childhood might be considered a little abnormal for the average teenager, but it was adventurous to say the least. School was not allowed on powder days, period . Fear was not an excuse either, you either hulk yourself off the cliff, straigtline the shoot, or dodge the trees, but Papa Sowul never took the 'easy way' down. Growing up surrounded my three ski resorts less than ten minutes away, skiing became not only my biggest passion but also a life style. To me, poofing in powerdary pillows or carving on freshly groomed bombers is a form of meditation. My mind is clear and my body is occupied with dancing on the white carpet. It wasn't until four years ago I was introduced to a product that would change my skiing forever. Volkl Aura, an elegant and graceful soulmate I would never leave. We were and...

    Tori Sowul (19 months ago )   View Entry

  • I should win because I am the best skier in the world.

    Tony Fernandez (19 months ago )   View Entry