I can see snow on the White Mountains, looks like a fair amount. A buddy of mine just texted me and said he did some skinning and skiing over at Stowe this past weekend. Sunday River and Bretton Woods are both open and conditions are reported to be good.
I got the girls squared away with their seasonal rentals (Thanks Scottie and Brian)
I watched Groove twice this past weekend and Stumpy has this trailer posted.
I bought a copy of Powder magazine for the first time in years.
I'm getting excited.
Sven
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Ski Column Rehash
Rain, rain, go away, come again some other day. That verse always runs through my head every time it rains during the winter, and a feeling of gloom comes over me. Yet as I say that I also realize that rainy day skiing is often some great skiing, and rain early in the season (as long as it is falling on a bit of snow pack) can be a good thing.
Let's start with why it can be a good thing. If we start the season with a lot of light fluffy snow then the base layer that the rest of the season is built upon is weak, and will melt out easily during those first warm days of late winter. In addition, that weak base layer doesn't bode well for those who enjoy back country skiing, as it doesn't "lock" in all the small rocks, roots, branched and other miscreant pieces of Mother Nature that were lying on the forest floor last fall.
A weak base layer also means that small water crossings and the like will likely be open during the winter. When we get some snow followed by rain in the early part of the season that snow compacts down and refreezes as a very dense and durable base. We sometimes call that base ice, but it really isn't ice- as much as it is very dense snow.
This durable base layer can mean the difference between excellent spring skiing and one of those years when the snow goes from great to gone in about a week. Of course the tough part is dealing with those early season rain storms. Despite knowing it's good for later in the season there is a definite bummer feeling that comes over you when it rains during the winter, especially after some really great snow.
So what can you do to keep your chin up when it rains? Well first of all take advantage of the "hero snow" that a winter rain brings. We all know that soft snow is easier to get an edge into, easier to make turns and feel confident on our skis. Well if it is raining then you can be sure that the snow is fairly soft, meaning the skiing should be fairly good. Add to that that most people will likely pass on skiing on a rainy day and you have good snow, no lines, open slopes, and best of all- warm temperatures.
Ok, yes you are going to get wet, and if you don't bring the right gear AND the right attitude a day of skiing in the rain can be a bit of a bummer. With that in mind here is how you start your day: begin with a positive attitude. Know that you will likely have the mountain to yourself and that the snow will likely be great. Eat a good breakfast and take some time to gather a few extra things for your ski bag.
Find that ski jacket and pants that you pined for three years ago but have now been relegated to the back of the closet as you have a new jacket and pants that take center stage. Put those in your bag, along with an extra pair of gloves, socks, goggles (ideally with a bright lense, such as yellow) and depending on if you ski in a hat or helmet, an extra hat.
When you get to the mountain and have parked your car, make sure you take care in walking over to the base area. I bring this up as I'm one of those skiers who boots up at the car, and on more than one occasion I have booted up and then while walking to the lift stepped in a huge puddle, soaking my boot and socks. Now for me no amount of positive attitude will help me get past that- not only do I dislike wet feet in ski boots but I hate feeling so stupid! Let the lesson be to pick your line carefully in the parking lot.
Once you are out skiing try and get in as many runs as you can before your desire to go in forces you indoors. The reason being is we become surprisingly used to being wet, but once we are inside we quickly loose our desire to go back out- and since you've only brought one set of dry clothes you sort of only have one shot at going inside. Of course I say that and know that I've seen skiers roll up on a rainy day with a gear bag that made me wonder just how big their kitchen sink is, maybe they were bringing dry clothes for every run!
If you can stay relatively dry, and have a good attitude going into it you will find that skiing on a rainy day is a worthwhile experience. Add to that your knowledge that that rain will make for better skiing later in the season and you have a reason to not dread those days of unfrozen precipitation.
Now, I've got to go check the weather channel- I want to see when the next SNOW storm is coming.
This first ran in the Mountain Ear 12/30/08.
Let's start with why it can be a good thing. If we start the season with a lot of light fluffy snow then the base layer that the rest of the season is built upon is weak, and will melt out easily during those first warm days of late winter. In addition, that weak base layer doesn't bode well for those who enjoy back country skiing, as it doesn't "lock" in all the small rocks, roots, branched and other miscreant pieces of Mother Nature that were lying on the forest floor last fall.
A weak base layer also means that small water crossings and the like will likely be open during the winter. When we get some snow followed by rain in the early part of the season that snow compacts down and refreezes as a very dense and durable base. We sometimes call that base ice, but it really isn't ice- as much as it is very dense snow.
This durable base layer can mean the difference between excellent spring skiing and one of those years when the snow goes from great to gone in about a week. Of course the tough part is dealing with those early season rain storms. Despite knowing it's good for later in the season there is a definite bummer feeling that comes over you when it rains during the winter, especially after some really great snow.
So what can you do to keep your chin up when it rains? Well first of all take advantage of the "hero snow" that a winter rain brings. We all know that soft snow is easier to get an edge into, easier to make turns and feel confident on our skis. Well if it is raining then you can be sure that the snow is fairly soft, meaning the skiing should be fairly good. Add to that that most people will likely pass on skiing on a rainy day and you have good snow, no lines, open slopes, and best of all- warm temperatures.
Ok, yes you are going to get wet, and if you don't bring the right gear AND the right attitude a day of skiing in the rain can be a bit of a bummer. With that in mind here is how you start your day: begin with a positive attitude. Know that you will likely have the mountain to yourself and that the snow will likely be great. Eat a good breakfast and take some time to gather a few extra things for your ski bag.
Find that ski jacket and pants that you pined for three years ago but have now been relegated to the back of the closet as you have a new jacket and pants that take center stage. Put those in your bag, along with an extra pair of gloves, socks, goggles (ideally with a bright lense, such as yellow) and depending on if you ski in a hat or helmet, an extra hat.
When you get to the mountain and have parked your car, make sure you take care in walking over to the base area. I bring this up as I'm one of those skiers who boots up at the car, and on more than one occasion I have booted up and then while walking to the lift stepped in a huge puddle, soaking my boot and socks. Now for me no amount of positive attitude will help me get past that- not only do I dislike wet feet in ski boots but I hate feeling so stupid! Let the lesson be to pick your line carefully in the parking lot.
Once you are out skiing try and get in as many runs as you can before your desire to go in forces you indoors. The reason being is we become surprisingly used to being wet, but once we are inside we quickly loose our desire to go back out- and since you've only brought one set of dry clothes you sort of only have one shot at going inside. Of course I say that and know that I've seen skiers roll up on a rainy day with a gear bag that made me wonder just how big their kitchen sink is, maybe they were bringing dry clothes for every run!
If you can stay relatively dry, and have a good attitude going into it you will find that skiing on a rainy day is a worthwhile experience. Add to that your knowledge that that rain will make for better skiing later in the season and you have a reason to not dread those days of unfrozen precipitation.
Now, I've got to go check the weather channel- I want to see when the next SNOW storm is coming.
This first ran in the Mountain Ear 12/30/08.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Nordic Column Rehash Part II
"Want to go skiing?" I ask that question a lot in my house. Usually there is some interest, but often that initial interest is followed by "let me just do this first." But there are times when I don't want to wait, I just want to get out the door and start skiing. When that is the case I find that my two best ski partners are our dogs.
They never ask where their boots are. They never wonder where their other mitten is. I've never heard Molly or Jake ask me to find them their ski socks. I've never had to wax their skis or dry their ski pants. The dogs never say, "just a second." They always seem ready to go and usually are waiting for me at the door to go.
Once we are out on the trail they don't stop to fix their boot or ask me to wait up or yell at me for going the wrong way. If I choose to go explore and break trail they never ask me where we are going and if we are lost, they just follow and we have a good time.
The down side is they don't offer much in the way of conversation, granted they'll listen to me talk about my week or about where I think this line through the woods will end up, but they never have much in the way of response. From time to time they might stop and bark at a hole in the snow, in hopes that whatever critter that made the hole will come out and "play".
While the dogs don't require much from me when it comes to getting out and skiing there are a few things that do make it a better trip for them. Their paws appreciate a bit of attention during the winter. We use balm for the dogs paws that mushers suggest called Musher's Secret (you can find it at Four Your Paws Only), this helps keep their paws healthy and soft. Our little dog isn't the hairiest of dogs, so he needs a bit of help to stay warm. A fleece coat with a nylon shell keeps him warm and able to stay out on the trail for a good amount of time. The other thing I always make sure to bring- a leash of some sort, my dogs have an uncanny ability to meet and get to know porcupines, so I like to be able to hook up the dogs if I see any pointy critters. I also make sure my pockets have a few dog cookies in them, and while out on the trail I try not to confuse the dog cookies with my own energy bars!
They do make little boots for dogs as well, if your dog seems to need a bit more protection for the feet. They also make small packs that your dog can wear that would enable them to carry some food and water if you really want your dog to carry her own weight! Of course then you might find that you dog is looking for you to find their boots and pack when you are getting ready to go out and ski!
There is a bit of etiquette to keep in mind when it comes to skiing with your dogs. If you are breaking your own trail then it's your call if you want your dogs walking in your track or walking beside you. For some who have just laid in a nice track it can be a bit upsetting to see Fido running full speed post holing as he goes. The other obvious issue, where your pooch does his business, make sure it isn't right in the trail. I've skied through doggie doo before- and it's not that pleasant to clean off! Some ski areas allow you to bring your dog, such as Bear Notch Ski Touring. They ask that your bog be well behaved and to make sure that you clean up after him.
Get out and take your dog for a ski, she'll appreciate it. Just make sure to take it easy the first few times to make sure that their paws can handle being in the snow for a period of time, and also pay attention to if your dog seems warm enough, if not- just go shopping for one of those cool jackets.
Originally printed in the Mountain Ear on December 18, 2008
They never ask where their boots are. They never wonder where their other mitten is. I've never heard Molly or Jake ask me to find them their ski socks. I've never had to wax their skis or dry their ski pants. The dogs never say, "just a second." They always seem ready to go and usually are waiting for me at the door to go.
Once we are out on the trail they don't stop to fix their boot or ask me to wait up or yell at me for going the wrong way. If I choose to go explore and break trail they never ask me where we are going and if we are lost, they just follow and we have a good time.
The down side is they don't offer much in the way of conversation, granted they'll listen to me talk about my week or about where I think this line through the woods will end up, but they never have much in the way of response. From time to time they might stop and bark at a hole in the snow, in hopes that whatever critter that made the hole will come out and "play".
While the dogs don't require much from me when it comes to getting out and skiing there are a few things that do make it a better trip for them. Their paws appreciate a bit of attention during the winter. We use balm for the dogs paws that mushers suggest called Musher's Secret (you can find it at Four Your Paws Only), this helps keep their paws healthy and soft. Our little dog isn't the hairiest of dogs, so he needs a bit of help to stay warm. A fleece coat with a nylon shell keeps him warm and able to stay out on the trail for a good amount of time. The other thing I always make sure to bring- a leash of some sort, my dogs have an uncanny ability to meet and get to know porcupines, so I like to be able to hook up the dogs if I see any pointy critters. I also make sure my pockets have a few dog cookies in them, and while out on the trail I try not to confuse the dog cookies with my own energy bars!
They do make little boots for dogs as well, if your dog seems to need a bit more protection for the feet. They also make small packs that your dog can wear that would enable them to carry some food and water if you really want your dog to carry her own weight! Of course then you might find that you dog is looking for you to find their boots and pack when you are getting ready to go out and ski!
There is a bit of etiquette to keep in mind when it comes to skiing with your dogs. If you are breaking your own trail then it's your call if you want your dogs walking in your track or walking beside you. For some who have just laid in a nice track it can be a bit upsetting to see Fido running full speed post holing as he goes. The other obvious issue, where your pooch does his business, make sure it isn't right in the trail. I've skied through doggie doo before- and it's not that pleasant to clean off! Some ski areas allow you to bring your dog, such as Bear Notch Ski Touring. They ask that your bog be well behaved and to make sure that you clean up after him.
Get out and take your dog for a ski, she'll appreciate it. Just make sure to take it easy the first few times to make sure that their paws can handle being in the snow for a period of time, and also pay attention to if your dog seems warm enough, if not- just go shopping for one of those cool jackets.
Originally printed in the Mountain Ear on December 18, 2008
Ski Column Rehash Part II
When was the last time you treated yourself to a new pair of skis? It had been a couple of years for me, but the other day I couldn't take it any more and pulled the trigger on a new pair of boards for my gravity induced enjoyment. I did this without doing a demo, which I shouldn't have- but I have no patience and tend to have a very impulsive personality, so when I decided it was time for new skis that meant that I needed them right away.
I was brought up in a skiing family that stressed that it wasn't the equipment but the operator that makes all the difference, and I still believe this. But if you are in a car race and you have a choice between a Porsche 911 and a Chevy Citation, I think I know what any one of us would take.
Now the first run on a pair of skis is always interesting. There is a part of you that expects amazing things to just happen, and when they don't you wonder what all the fuss is about. Then you realize that you actually have to be moving to feel the skis do their things, so you actually push off and begin to ski.
The first few turns can be interesting, the skis do one of three things- either turn quicker, turn slower, or do nothing as you set them on edge- and in any one of these three situations you may find yourself surprised and having to re-adjust things. Especially if they did nothing and you found yourself flying into the woods at speed. Hopefully that last scenario hasn't happened to others- but it has happened to me on occasion, although I have come to grips with the fact that it has nothing to do with the skis and much more to do with the operator.
Usually within a run or two you begin to feel out the skis and understand what they want to do based on your input and how to get them to do what you want them to. Now this is when you will decide if the ski is right for you, and if you are not sure there is a simple test- ski up to the lift attendant and ask them to describe the look on your face- if they say you have this crazy smile that looks part crazed and part euphoric then you know you have a pair of skis that make you happy. If they say you're only half smiling, then go down to the shop and try another pair, and keep going until you either have frostbite or the liftie tells you that you've got the crazed look going.
The beautiful thing is that there is a perfect pair of skis for you out there somewhere, sitting in a ski shop waiting for you to take them home. You may need to try many skis to find that perfect pair, but the effort will be well worth it. The bottom line is our economy needs us to find bliss in new ski gear, and I can't think of a better way to not only feel good, but to do good- so head to your local shop and try some new skis.
This first ran in The Mountain Ear on January 22, 2009
I was brought up in a skiing family that stressed that it wasn't the equipment but the operator that makes all the difference, and I still believe this. But if you are in a car race and you have a choice between a Porsche 911 and a Chevy Citation, I think I know what any one of us would take.
Now the first run on a pair of skis is always interesting. There is a part of you that expects amazing things to just happen, and when they don't you wonder what all the fuss is about. Then you realize that you actually have to be moving to feel the skis do their things, so you actually push off and begin to ski.
The first few turns can be interesting, the skis do one of three things- either turn quicker, turn slower, or do nothing as you set them on edge- and in any one of these three situations you may find yourself surprised and having to re-adjust things. Especially if they did nothing and you found yourself flying into the woods at speed. Hopefully that last scenario hasn't happened to others- but it has happened to me on occasion, although I have come to grips with the fact that it has nothing to do with the skis and much more to do with the operator.
Usually within a run or two you begin to feel out the skis and understand what they want to do based on your input and how to get them to do what you want them to. Now this is when you will decide if the ski is right for you, and if you are not sure there is a simple test- ski up to the lift attendant and ask them to describe the look on your face- if they say you have this crazy smile that looks part crazed and part euphoric then you know you have a pair of skis that make you happy. If they say you're only half smiling, then go down to the shop and try another pair, and keep going until you either have frostbite or the liftie tells you that you've got the crazed look going.
The beautiful thing is that there is a perfect pair of skis for you out there somewhere, sitting in a ski shop waiting for you to take them home. You may need to try many skis to find that perfect pair, but the effort will be well worth it. The bottom line is our economy needs us to find bliss in new ski gear, and I can't think of a better way to not only feel good, but to do good- so head to your local shop and try some new skis.
This first ran in The Mountain Ear on January 22, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Nordic Column Rehash
I missed the Atomic Sprints up at Great Glen that took place at the beginning of December, instead I spent the day riding my bike. But while I was riding I began to realize that my mind was ready to switch gears (no pun intended) and begin to glide on snow.
As I was thinking of all of this I realized that my hands and feet were pretty much numb and for that matter my face had begun to hurt from the cold. I chalked it up to being such a tough guy and for riding when the temperatures were –0 degrees Fahrenheit. The only issue was that when I got home I looked at the temperature and it was 26 degrees! If I had been out skiing that would have seemed like a fairly warm day, I might have even been skiing without a hat and defiantly with my lightweight gloves. Instead I had been out with a heavy wind block hat, mittens and so many layers that I could hardly move. So what is the reason for being able to ski and stay so warm but riding a bike is so darn cold.
My first guess was that I was just cruising at such a high rate of speed on my bike. That thought was quickly set aside when I realized that I was riding at a very slow speed, a speed that was not that much faster then when I was skiing. So what was it? This had me baffled. So I threw on some beater cross country skis and left on my cycling gear and went for a quick cruise of the soccer field behind my house, as it had about an inch of snow- plenty for my little test. Within 20 strides I was hot, by 30 I was sweating, and by the time I hit the end of the field to begin skiing home I was unzipping layers. Interesting.
I thought it must be the fact that you use your upper body so much more in cross country skiing and the fact that both your lower and upper body are working just ramps up the engine that much more. So I tried to ski without moving my arms. I wish someone had seen this as it must have looked pretty funny- I’m guessing what a penguin would look like if it tried to cross-country ski. Aside from the fact that I had a hard time staying upright when I didn’t move my arms the experiment didn’t yield much new information. What I did realize is that my entire body was active in stabilizing me as I slid down the trail. Muscles all over were helping me keep my balance and set me up for my next stride. Unlike on my bike where I don’t need much help other then the wheels spinning to keep me balanced, on skis it is a constant and impressive effort.
Why do I point this out? Well it is good to know that cross-country skiing can keep you warm in the winter (of course oil prices have finally dropped so we may be able to actually turn the heat on this winter after all), but it is also good to know that while it is keeping you warm it is burning calories and potentially fat. Knowing that this is the time of year when most of us maybe eat a bit more then we should, and that we then make promises to ourselves based on the turning of the calendar- it is good to have a secret weapon in you back pocket. So this holiday season when you step on the scale and realize that you see a number that you’ve never been asked to count up to tell yourself that you now need to go get in a good ski (as if you needed any more reasons to want to get out on the trails!)
Now that you are all fired up to ski and can see even greater benefits to skiing, here are a couple of events that are coming up in the region. Be sure to also check in with your favorite touring center website to find out any new events that are coming up in the near future.
Originally printed in The Mountain Ear 12/18/2008
As I was thinking of all of this I realized that my hands and feet were pretty much numb and for that matter my face had begun to hurt from the cold. I chalked it up to being such a tough guy and for riding when the temperatures were –0 degrees Fahrenheit. The only issue was that when I got home I looked at the temperature and it was 26 degrees! If I had been out skiing that would have seemed like a fairly warm day, I might have even been skiing without a hat and defiantly with my lightweight gloves. Instead I had been out with a heavy wind block hat, mittens and so many layers that I could hardly move. So what is the reason for being able to ski and stay so warm but riding a bike is so darn cold.
My first guess was that I was just cruising at such a high rate of speed on my bike. That thought was quickly set aside when I realized that I was riding at a very slow speed, a speed that was not that much faster then when I was skiing. So what was it? This had me baffled. So I threw on some beater cross country skis and left on my cycling gear and went for a quick cruise of the soccer field behind my house, as it had about an inch of snow- plenty for my little test. Within 20 strides I was hot, by 30 I was sweating, and by the time I hit the end of the field to begin skiing home I was unzipping layers. Interesting.
I thought it must be the fact that you use your upper body so much more in cross country skiing and the fact that both your lower and upper body are working just ramps up the engine that much more. So I tried to ski without moving my arms. I wish someone had seen this as it must have looked pretty funny- I’m guessing what a penguin would look like if it tried to cross-country ski. Aside from the fact that I had a hard time staying upright when I didn’t move my arms the experiment didn’t yield much new information. What I did realize is that my entire body was active in stabilizing me as I slid down the trail. Muscles all over were helping me keep my balance and set me up for my next stride. Unlike on my bike where I don’t need much help other then the wheels spinning to keep me balanced, on skis it is a constant and impressive effort.
Why do I point this out? Well it is good to know that cross-country skiing can keep you warm in the winter (of course oil prices have finally dropped so we may be able to actually turn the heat on this winter after all), but it is also good to know that while it is keeping you warm it is burning calories and potentially fat. Knowing that this is the time of year when most of us maybe eat a bit more then we should, and that we then make promises to ourselves based on the turning of the calendar- it is good to have a secret weapon in you back pocket. So this holiday season when you step on the scale and realize that you see a number that you’ve never been asked to count up to tell yourself that you now need to go get in a good ski (as if you needed any more reasons to want to get out on the trails!)
Now that you are all fired up to ski and can see even greater benefits to skiing, here are a couple of events that are coming up in the region. Be sure to also check in with your favorite touring center website to find out any new events that are coming up in the near future.
Originally printed in The Mountain Ear 12/18/2008
Ski Column Rehash
With ski season fast approaching I thought I'd re-run last winters ski columns. Enjoy.
“Boots, skis, poles- everyone got their pass?” that is the conversation as we load up the truck for our first day of skiing as a family. It is always a mad scramble, do we have everything? Do the kids boots fit? Ooops, forgot to put on a summer coat of storage wax, that’s ok we’ll ski off the rust. Where are the poles? Helmets, check- what the heck happened to that pair of goggles? There is one ski sock- that doesn’t really help. Looking at my wife- remember when we just had to keep track of our own gear?
That first trip is hectic, and that is just trying to get the truck loaded so that we can get to the mountain. Once we get to the mountain the first real test begins. Can the kids remember how to walk in ski boots? Can the youngest now carry her own gear? Do we all walk from the parking spot, or do I do the nice Dad thing and drop them off over near the lift. We chance it and get a fairly close parking spot and let the kids walk. Of course I can figure out how to get all the gear carried, but then I forget my gloves in the truck- two steps forward, three back.
It’s all worth it when we finally get to the lift and start heading up the hill. As we get off all the challenges of getting to the hill are soon forgotten as we let gravity take over and we begin sliding down the hill. All of us try to find our balance and remember how to stand on our skis. Slowly we get the rhythm and we being to pick up the pace. For the girls another year of growth gives them greater strength and improved balance, for my wife and I another year means we feel even more uncoordinated and wishing we had done some pre-season conditioning. But we are all together and enjoying a great morning out in the cold December air. It is amazing to make a series of turns, being in your own world then pulling up to the side of the trail and watching your kids come down following your tracks or setting their own, and you realize that it doesn’t get much better than this.
The day comes to an end as there are Christmas cookies to be made and pre-holiday cleaning to be done, so we head down from one last run. At the bottom we all look at each other with knowing grins as we realize another ski season has arrived. Now where did I put the car keys?
Now that the season is underway and the holidays are fast approaching here are a couple quick ideas for the skier in your family.
For under $50 you can find a number of great gifts. High quality ski socks would have to be one of my top choices. I’m personally partial to a merino wool sock, but there are several synthetics out there that are equally durable and comfortable. Most good ski socks have a light padding on the bottom, with a bit more on the shin and top of the foot to help with the fit of the boot. They come up to just below the knee to make sure the sock reaches above the top of the boot. You can also pick up a good pair of goggles for under $50, and everyone can use a second pair of goggles. They can either serve as the person’s primary goggles, or as a specialty lens or a back up pair that they can leave in their gear bag. A third option, a gift certificate to their favorite shop, maybe they’ll use it for gear or to finally get their skis or board tuned!
If you are looking at over $50 the list is pretty large. Good quality ski gloves are always a welcome gift. Or maybe new pair of long underwear, or as we call them now, “base layer”. New materials that are form fitting yet unrestrictive and offer excellent wicking and insulating properties are great for anyone. A few brands to look at, Craft, Patagonia, Under Armor, to name just a few.
Looking for special deals or fun events this winter for yourself? Then make sure you spend some of that valuable office time surfing the websites of your favorite ski area and check out their deals section as well as their events page. Most ski areas offer web only deals as well as a number of packages that can save you a significant amount of money over buying your ticket at the window.
Originally printed in The Mountain Ear 12/28/08
“Boots, skis, poles- everyone got their pass?” that is the conversation as we load up the truck for our first day of skiing as a family. It is always a mad scramble, do we have everything? Do the kids boots fit? Ooops, forgot to put on a summer coat of storage wax, that’s ok we’ll ski off the rust. Where are the poles? Helmets, check- what the heck happened to that pair of goggles? There is one ski sock- that doesn’t really help. Looking at my wife- remember when we just had to keep track of our own gear?
That first trip is hectic, and that is just trying to get the truck loaded so that we can get to the mountain. Once we get to the mountain the first real test begins. Can the kids remember how to walk in ski boots? Can the youngest now carry her own gear? Do we all walk from the parking spot, or do I do the nice Dad thing and drop them off over near the lift. We chance it and get a fairly close parking spot and let the kids walk. Of course I can figure out how to get all the gear carried, but then I forget my gloves in the truck- two steps forward, three back.
It’s all worth it when we finally get to the lift and start heading up the hill. As we get off all the challenges of getting to the hill are soon forgotten as we let gravity take over and we begin sliding down the hill. All of us try to find our balance and remember how to stand on our skis. Slowly we get the rhythm and we being to pick up the pace. For the girls another year of growth gives them greater strength and improved balance, for my wife and I another year means we feel even more uncoordinated and wishing we had done some pre-season conditioning. But we are all together and enjoying a great morning out in the cold December air. It is amazing to make a series of turns, being in your own world then pulling up to the side of the trail and watching your kids come down following your tracks or setting their own, and you realize that it doesn’t get much better than this.
The day comes to an end as there are Christmas cookies to be made and pre-holiday cleaning to be done, so we head down from one last run. At the bottom we all look at each other with knowing grins as we realize another ski season has arrived. Now where did I put the car keys?
Now that the season is underway and the holidays are fast approaching here are a couple quick ideas for the skier in your family.
For under $50 you can find a number of great gifts. High quality ski socks would have to be one of my top choices. I’m personally partial to a merino wool sock, but there are several synthetics out there that are equally durable and comfortable. Most good ski socks have a light padding on the bottom, with a bit more on the shin and top of the foot to help with the fit of the boot. They come up to just below the knee to make sure the sock reaches above the top of the boot. You can also pick up a good pair of goggles for under $50, and everyone can use a second pair of goggles. They can either serve as the person’s primary goggles, or as a specialty lens or a back up pair that they can leave in their gear bag. A third option, a gift certificate to their favorite shop, maybe they’ll use it for gear or to finally get their skis or board tuned!
If you are looking at over $50 the list is pretty large. Good quality ski gloves are always a welcome gift. Or maybe new pair of long underwear, or as we call them now, “base layer”. New materials that are form fitting yet unrestrictive and offer excellent wicking and insulating properties are great for anyone. A few brands to look at, Craft, Patagonia, Under Armor, to name just a few.
Looking for special deals or fun events this winter for yourself? Then make sure you spend some of that valuable office time surfing the websites of your favorite ski area and check out their deals section as well as their events page. Most ski areas offer web only deals as well as a number of packages that can save you a significant amount of money over buying your ticket at the window.
Originally printed in The Mountain Ear 12/28/08
Monday, November 9, 2009
I've seen snow....
It is coming. The ski shops are all in sale mode. The mountains are all in last minute preparations mode. The season is coming, it brings a smile to my face.
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