"Ski Driving" is a new term I devised yesterday while driving post Sugar Bowl.
SKI DRIVE
The euphoric state of feeling like you are skiing, but you are driving.
I don't recall the last time I was operating a moving vehicle après-ski. Lately, I've been the passenger. Yesterday as I started down I-80W, it felt as if I was still on the mountain with the whispering, cool breeze rushing past me. I was physically in the car driving, but mentally carving.
I can't be the only one this has happened to, right?
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Meant for MissDemeanor
I believe many things are just meant to be. If I did not go to the prep school I did, I would not have landed my first college post-grad job thru an alumni connection, which led me to where I am now. Of course, I asked my parents if I could apply to this prep school at the now closed Charley's Crab. So, things meant to be always welcome an extra push.
This October I was meant to attend Ski Dazzle in Los Angeles. I was meant to get the assistance of Andrew (adorable by the way -- he's a skier, duh). I was meant to find my new skis, the K2 MissDemeanors. According to good-looking Andrew, he thought they sold these skis already. Meant to be.
Brand new, 2007 edition K2 MissDemeanors! As I perused some booths upon leaving, 3 separate booth people commented on how great my new beautiful weapons are. Either they have them or know someone who does. Elated excitement, meant to be.
Now, every time I enter my home, I see them and am doe-eyed. More than a kid in a candy store. Candy coated, meant to be.
This October I was meant to attend Ski Dazzle in Los Angeles. I was meant to get the assistance of Andrew (adorable by the way -- he's a skier, duh). I was meant to find my new skis, the K2 MissDemeanors. According to good-looking Andrew, he thought they sold these skis already. Meant to be.
Brand new, 2007 edition K2 MissDemeanors! As I perused some booths upon leaving, 3 separate booth people commented on how great my new beautiful weapons are. Either they have them or know someone who does. Elated excitement, meant to be.
Now, every time I enter my home, I see them and am doe-eyed. More than a kid in a candy store. Candy coated, meant to be.
One boot two boot old boot new boot? Yes, I need new boots!
I need new boots. Prepare yourself to laugh. The two pairs of boots I own are:
1. HUMANIC dynafit (circa 1970's, please take a guess). Yes, they are inherited, but not for use anymore. I think that's obvious...
2. SALOMON HTC 520 (circa 1990's). Too loose in the foot beds, but currently using them. In order for me to move from intermediate to advance, I need new boots as soon as possible.
I've been learning more in regards to alpine ski boots. For instance, boots with 150 flex are not sold to consumers and they are solely used by Olympian and World Cup athletes. Looking to get 100 flex for myself, perhaps.
I've entered the online Win double label Full Tilt x Orage ski boots contest. It ends Dec 1. Dear baby Jesus, please let me win some boots...
1. HUMANIC dynafit (circa 1970's, please take a guess). Yes, they are inherited, but not for use anymore. I think that's obvious...
2. SALOMON HTC 520 (circa 1990's). Too loose in the foot beds, but currently using them. In order for me to move from intermediate to advance, I need new boots as soon as possible.
I've been learning more in regards to alpine ski boots. For instance, boots with 150 flex are not sold to consumers and they are solely used by Olympian and World Cup athletes. Looking to get 100 flex for myself, perhaps.
I've entered the online Win double label Full Tilt x Orage ski boots contest. It ends Dec 1. Dear baby Jesus, please let me win some boots...
Monday, November 23, 2009
Call me Banana Pants, please.
Ski Sex Sells. I love alliteration. Yes, I minored in business and took advertising classes, however everyone knows sex sells. What sells more? Ski Sex. I was reminded after watching the infamous 1984 ski movie, Hot Dog...The Movie, a couple weekends ago before my first mountain trek of this season. I highly recommend it.
Missing out on this gem when I was younger (I don't know how since I was bombarded with movie and music greatness courtesy of my older brother) the ski films I constantly watched were Ski Patrol (1990) and Better off Dead (1985).
Why does skiing and sexiness go so fantastically together? My quick response is: Skiing is sexy. Really sexy. Though I'm biased since as I mentioned before, skiing is in my genes. I'm predetermined to think a guy is sexier if he skis, especially if he skis well. But why? Is it the cold weather? The rosy cheek smiles people get? The fact we are bundled up (except in places like Spain where women wear bikinis during spring skiing) and disrobe layers during après-ski? Hot tubs. It must be the hot tubs...
Missing out on this gem when I was younger (I don't know how since I was bombarded with movie and music greatness courtesy of my older brother) the ski films I constantly watched were Ski Patrol (1990) and Better off Dead (1985).
Why does skiing and sexiness go so fantastically together? My quick response is: Skiing is sexy. Really sexy. Though I'm biased since as I mentioned before, skiing is in my genes. I'm predetermined to think a guy is sexier if he skis, especially if he skis well. But why? Is it the cold weather? The rosy cheek smiles people get? The fact we are bundled up (except in places like Spain where women wear bikinis during spring skiing) and disrobe layers during après-ski? Hot tubs. It must be the hot tubs...
Talking about downhill.
I would like to make clear that I am no expert. I do not know all the proper ski terms (as of yet). Secondly, when I talk about my own skiing history and what I am intermediately skilled in, I am referring to downhill or alpine.
As a young hopper, I tried cross-country which included a fantastic cabin stay with friends. I think we were in New York somewhere but I don't remember. I do remember having a workout I will never forget!
Just last year, I finally tried snowboarding at the fun filled Sugar Bowl Ski Resort in Tahoe. Pleased to have tackled snowboarding, I only did a one-dayer due to straining my right knee. I enjoyed learning to board, however I know the old fashioned way will be the way for me. My reasons are simple:
1. No enjoyment constantly strapping/unstrapping on the board before/after the runs/chair lifts.
2. I like poles.
A friend reminded me of ski touring, free heel skiing, which he wants to get back into. Amazing to learn about all different types of skiing where you're heelloose and fancy free! Touring, cross-country, telemark skiing. Anything else?
As a young hopper, I tried cross-country which included a fantastic cabin stay with friends. I think we were in New York somewhere but I don't remember. I do remember having a workout I will never forget!
Just last year, I finally tried snowboarding at the fun filled Sugar Bowl Ski Resort in Tahoe. Pleased to have tackled snowboarding, I only did a one-dayer due to straining my right knee. I enjoyed learning to board, however I know the old fashioned way will be the way for me. My reasons are simple:
1. No enjoyment constantly strapping/unstrapping on the board before/after the runs/chair lifts.
2. I like poles.
A friend reminded me of ski touring, free heel skiing, which he wants to get back into. Amazing to learn about all different types of skiing where you're heelloose and fancy free! Touring, cross-country, telemark skiing. Anything else?
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The gene factor.
In order to look at why skiing rings such a lovely feeling in the bones, for me in particular, I will look to my genetic roots. My mother and father met skiing at Boston Mills/ Brandywine Ski Resort (Ohio), the same place I learned how to ski (we will get back to that later).
I enjoy telling people the story of how my mother (the cautious skier) initially turned down my father (the daredevil skier) after he asked her if she would like to join him for a hot cocoa in the lodge. My mother's perspective is classic, "He would race down the hill to show off..." or something to that effect. Well, she eventually gave in and said yes since they got married, had my brother, and then ten years later had me.
Below is the happy skiing couple caricature from my parent's 10 year anniversary.
My parents and brother went on many skiing adventures in the states and internationally. My brother occasionally competed in junior races in Vail, but mostly skied recreationally. I have a collection of his retro Vail, CO t-shirts he acquired when he was a teenager.
The famous saying, "A family who skis together stays together," seems to speak the truth more times than none, however, it was not the case with my family. A few years after I was born, my parents divorced and I did not get on skis until I was maybe 10 years old. My Uncle Larry (Mom's older brother) taught me how to ski at good ole Boston Mills. I vividly remember how much trouble I had, but not with the actual skiing part. No, it was the rope tow I couldn't get a handle on, literally. Once I proved worthy of control and snowplow, I advanced to the chair lift and the rest is history.
After taking a hefty ski sabbatical, I am now reclaiming my love of the sport and lifestyle which is rooted in more ways than just a love of majestic snow mountain beauty. It's a gene thing.
I enjoy telling people the story of how my mother (the cautious skier) initially turned down my father (the daredevil skier) after he asked her if she would like to join him for a hot cocoa in the lodge. My mother's perspective is classic, "He would race down the hill to show off..." or something to that effect. Well, she eventually gave in and said yes since they got married, had my brother, and then ten years later had me.
Below is the happy skiing couple caricature from my parent's 10 year anniversary.
My parents and brother went on many skiing adventures in the states and internationally. My brother occasionally competed in junior races in Vail, but mostly skied recreationally. I have a collection of his retro Vail, CO t-shirts he acquired when he was a teenager.
The famous saying, "A family who skis together stays together," seems to speak the truth more times than none, however, it was not the case with my family. A few years after I was born, my parents divorced and I did not get on skis until I was maybe 10 years old. My Uncle Larry (Mom's older brother) taught me how to ski at good ole Boston Mills. I vividly remember how much trouble I had, but not with the actual skiing part. No, it was the rope tow I couldn't get a handle on, literally. Once I proved worthy of control and snowplow, I advanced to the chair lift and the rest is history.
After taking a hefty ski sabbatical, I am now reclaiming my love of the sport and lifestyle which is rooted in more ways than just a love of majestic snow mountain beauty. It's a gene thing.
The origin. As defined.
SKI
Etymology: Mid 18th Century Norwegian, from Old Norse skith 'stick of wood, snowshoe.'
1. one of a pair of narrow strips of wood, metal, or plastic curving upward in front that are used especially for gliding over snow (noun)
2. a. To travel or glide on skis, especially as a sport (verb intr.)
b. To travel or glide over on skis (verb tr.)
Etymology: Mid 18th Century Norwegian, from Old Norse skith 'stick of wood, snowshoe.'
1. one of a pair of narrow strips of wood, metal, or plastic curving upward in front that are used especially for gliding over snow (noun)
2. a. To travel or glide on skis, especially as a sport (verb intr.)
b. To travel or glide over on skis (verb tr.)
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