Tag Archive for: realskiers.com

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

/3 Comments/in , /by

We live in what some call an attention economy. Those who attract attention – regardless of how they go about it – appear to be the victors in our narcissistic new world. The companies making skis and related gear are no exception. One of their primary ways of competing for attention is producing short videos of pro skiers using their gear in wild and wooly terrain.

Videos of people doing amazing things on skis are similar to porn: there are just so many tricks in the bag, and it’s not long before they get boring. That said, ski manufacturer lemmings invest in making videos that, in one way or another, try to outclass their competition.

The New Age of Reason is a new addition, from a company named WNDR (Wonder Alpine). It combines a soundtrack of barely audible British voices making quasi-intellectual statements, while pro skiers make deep powder turns and jump cliffs in some easy-to-watch and quickly forgettable scenes. Unlike most other short promotional videos which depend on big-name super skiers and/or pulsing rap music to appeal to their intended audience(s), this one relies on pretense. That said, WNDR appears to be a company with good policies and good products.

Will its video approach help the the company break through the rest of the promotional ski video clutter? Maybe for a few minutes while the ski marketing echo chamber resonates with email congratulations.

A few years ago, at the Winter Outdoor Retailer Show, I attended a presentation that discussed a variety of advertising and promotional investments. The activities were listed in order of their perceived effectiveness in contributing to product sales. As I recall, in-store salespeople and word-of-mouth were most effective. Way down on the list…I mean toward the very bottom…were promotional videos. They cost a lot to produce. They reach a relatively small audience. They make their sponsors feel good about their investments. But do they move the needle when it comes to sales? You know the answer.

As I finished drafting this, yet another video landed in my inbox. At 21 minutes, it’s a bit on the long side. But if you want to see what has become possible on skis in entirely impossible terrain, “Good Luck” will get you up to speed with a smile. Click here to screen.

Ski Journalist Dies Following Collision with Snowboarder

Ron LeMaster, 72, was killed earlier this week after colliding with a snowboarder on Eldora Mountain (CO). LeMaster, a ski writer and photographer, was a certified PSIA instructor. No charges were filed against the boarder. The tragedy is a reminder for older skiers/boarders to exercise extreme caution on the hill. R.I.P.

Realskiers.com: Ski Industry Is in Trouble

Jackson Hogen publishes realskiers.com, a long-established website featuring in-depth reviews of each year’s new skis and a host of observations about the sport. The self-proclaimed Pontiff of Powder periodically sends out thought pieces under the heading, “Revelations.” A few weeks back, he took a dystopic and disturbingly realistic view of the future of skiing. It’s titled, “Will the Next Generation of Skiers be the Last?”, covering, among other big issues, cost, accessibility, competing interests and climate change. To read the short essay, click here. SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers are eligible for a 50% discount off the annual realskiers.com rate of $19.95. Use Code SS21 at checkout.

Klaus Obermeyer is 102!

Klaus created the ski apparel line bearing his name. He is credited with making the first down-filled parka. When I interviewed him a few years ago, he said that he found it easier to ski than to walk.

Winter Park to Donate Uphill Ski Pass Revenue to Charities

Source: Winter Park Resort

The area will donate proceeds from sales of its uphill ski passes to local charities. The passes cost $25 each. It’s good policy, given that paying to climb on the slopes is a relatively new development that has been met with some criticism.

Aspen Bumps Minimum Wage

Aspen Skiing Co. will increase starting wages to $17 per hour, a significant bump from Colorado’s current $12.32 minimum. The company also increased employee housing to 1,000 beds.

High Tech Bandage Changes Color

DrySee is a long-lasting bandage that changes color when it needs to be changed. Cost depends on bandage size. Manufacturer of this interesting new product is offering SeniorsSkiing.com readers 20% off when they enter “Facebook 20” at checkout. Visit www.drysee.com to learn more.

Last Minute Gift for Senior Skiers

The Bootster ski boot shoehorn is ideal gift for older skiers

Get them The Bootster. It’s a clever, fit in your pocket ski boot shoehorn that is solidly made and will last many, many seasons. Handmade by company founder, Jim Cobb. At $25, it’s one of the best bargains around. Click on the adjacent ad and read the rave reviews.

Dep’t of Wretched Excess

The world’s most expensive “hotel” room costs $175,000 per night. Lover’s Deep is a luxuriously tricked-out submarine in St Lucia. Amenities include captain, cook and helicopter.

Diamonds Are Forever Martini

The world’s most expensive cocktail is now available at Tokyo’s Ritz Carlton hotel. The Diamonds Are Forever Martini costs $22,880 and is garnished with a one-carat diamond. Kampai!

New 10th Mountain Division Documentary

https://youtu.be/x6BpDQ85ZN8

“Mission to Mt. Mangart” is a new documentary exploring the famed 10th Mountain Division, whose members relied on skis. Click on the trailer (above) to see the slalom they organized in June, 1945.

Update: Jackson Hole’s Skiing Wunderkind

I wrote about Kai Jones when he was 12. Kai, now 14, is the Jackson Hole ski wunderkind whose skiing is a joy to behold. This short video was shot last season, when he was a high school freshman.

Jon Weisberg

Older Skier? Here’s a list of the Best Skis for You

/17 Comments/in , /by

When it comes to skis, buying without trying can be confusing. I prefer demo days or demo-ing from shops at or near the mountain. Reading how a ski performs can provide helpful guidance in your selection process but using those skis – especially on familiar terrain – really helps in deciding how to make the best purchase.

That said, we’ve posted the annual list of skis recommended for older skiers. They include models from Atomic, Blizzard, Dynastar, Fischer, Head, K2, Kastle, Nordica, Rossignol, Salomon, Stockli, and Volkl. 

You’ll find the list by clicking here.

Most of the recommended skis have relatively soft flex, allowing the ski’s sidecut to engage with snow with minimal exertion. This ski design component requires less physical effort to turn and, regardless of your physical condition, reduces loss of stamina. 

The recommendations come from data assembled during last Spring’s ski tests conducted by RealSkiers.com, the go-to site for in-depth ski equipment evaluations. The 45 recommended skis are organized by ski width categories, which correspond to types of terrain and snow conditions, factors considered in their design and engineering.

While many consider skis to be unisex, some women prefer skis with weight and flex more suitable to their size and physique. The list identifies 10 women’s skis.

What’s the best way to use the information on the list? First, identify the ski category you want to add to your quiver. Then work with a quality ski shop. And, as mentioned at the start of this article, if possible, demo the selections to compare before making your purchase.

BTW, SeniorsSkiers.com subscribers enjoy a 50% discount off subscriptions to realskiers.com subscriptions. Use Code SS21.

Jon Weisberg

Senior Skier? Here are the Best Skis for You.

/1 Comment/in , /by

This is the time of year when, with input from the Realskiers.com website, we publish SeniorsSkiing.com’s annual listing of the best new skis for older skiers.

Arrival of the pandemic virtually wiped out implementation of the comprehensive women’s test. But Realskiers.com was able to collect sufficient data to pick the best models for senior male skiers. 

The 2021 Best Skis for Senior Skiers listing shows men’s choices only, many of which are suitable for female skiers. It also includes  Men’s and Women’s choices from 2019-20. We did this to help readers interested in new skis as well as to help those of you who may run across previously owned boards at a Swap or Sale. 

Realskiers.com’s member reviews (see end of this article to obtain a discounted realskiers.com subscription) include narratives that go deeper into each ski’s personality. 

All of the selected skis share the characteristics of being designed and engineered to reduce the amount of energy required for turning. Generally, that means softer tip and tail and a bit of sidecut. Those designated as Women’s skis in the 2020 listing may be designed for female size and physique.

The recommended skis are grouped into five categories, each based on the ski’s width, which helps determine the terrain where its performance is optimized. 

SeniorsSkiing.com suggests that when purchasing new skis, older skiers should start by choosing the most suitable category (see following) and working with a quality ski shop where they can demo before purchasing. If you score a pair at a Ski Swap, evaluate if the savings are worth sacrificing the demo. As long as you’re in the right category and find a good length, you won’t be too far off base.

Frontside (“Carving” skis) 

–Encompasses broadest range of skier abilities from entry-level to experienced

–Use on groomed terrain. Wider models are usable off-trail 

  • Ski width: 75MM-84MM

All-Mountain East 

–Work equally well in on-trail and off-trail conditions

–“Re-entry” ski for those who have not skied in a few years 

  • Ski width: 85MM-94MM

All-Mountain West 

–For use in the West by high performance skiers

–Adapted for off-trail use but can be skied on-trail by skilled skiers

  • Ski width: 95MM-100MM      

Big Mountain 

–More maneuverable powder skis

–Inadvisable for regular on-trail use

  • Ski width: 101MM-113MM

Powder 

–Specialty skis for use in Deep Powder only 

  • Ski width: >113MM

To access the complete listing, a) click “COMMUNITY” on the dark blue menu bar at the top of the page, b) then click “SUBSCRIBER-ONLY CONTENT,” c) click on the 2021 Best Skis for Senior Skiers listing.

Detailed reviews are available at Realskiers.com. The site provides free access to equipment reviews and other information. In depth information and personal guidance from the publisher is available to SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers at a discounted annual rate of $9.95. To sign up, visit Realskiers.com. Scroll down to/click on “Subscribe Today!” Then click “Sign Up” in the “Annual Membership” box. Complete the form and enter SS20 in the field under “Coupon Code.” 

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

/8 Comments/in /by

To some extent, skiing is a fashion statement. Current trends have an impact in what we wear, the equipment we purchase, and the way we ski. 

Over the past several seasons, I’ve noticed skiers taking run-after-run using the same high speed, up-on-their-edges, race turns. It reminds me of the 60s when people were wedeling straight down the hill, or the 70s when extreme bump skiing was the rage.

Good technique is the foundation upon which we develop a well-rounded repertoire of turns; one than can evolve into your own skiing style.

I know two people who raced in college and continued to use race techniques whenever and wherever they skied. I never learned to race and admire those who have. But the need to be first to the bottom, regardless of terrain, can lead to disaster. Both had serious breaks.  

Skiing is not a one-turn-fits-all sport. Endless terrain and condition changes require us to draw from a repertoire of moves. 

Age and physical limitations are changing the way I ski. But when I’m in the groove, each run becomes a form of personal expression: Mixing short and wide turns. Playing with the fall line. Slowly descending a cascade of bumps. Entering powder for a few weightless turns.

It’s not skiing to a template or keeping up or showing off. It is personal choreography, and it feels very good.

Jon in an undated photo with more hair and less waist.

 

It Wouldn’t Hurt to Take a Lesson

That’s the title of Jackson Hogen’s most recent Realskiers.com Revelation (click here to access). He builds a strong case for improving skiing skills in order to move beyond your comfort zone.

Vermont Boomerangs Back

Following a devastating January thaw, Vermont areas had an outstanding MLK weekend. A Ski Vermont news release reported that on Sunday, Sugarbush had the biggest day in its 61-year history and Jay Peak’s 600 room capacity was 100% sold out. Some of the mountains got about 2’ and temps dropped to form ideal snow-making conditions.

Alta’s New Website

Alta’s New Website

One of the many wonderful things about Alta is that when it makes a rare change, it does so thoughtfully. The classic Utah ski resort just introduced a new web design featuring simplified navigation, an improved mobile experience and interactive weather features. Some of the old features such as Photo of the Day remain. Click here to visit.

Mt Rose (NV): Free Lessons for 50+

Mt Rose on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe offers Silver Ski Clinics designed for experienced skiers ages 50 and older at skill levels of lower-intermediate to advanced. The Monday and Friday clinics are free to season pass holders or $25 with lift tickets. Click here for details.

Aussie Crosses Antarctica on Skis

Dr Geoff Wilson Source: Facebook

Australian adventurer, Dr. Geoff Wilson, 49, skied 3,300 miles across Antarctica in 58 days. He used a kite and a sled in the historic trek, completing the journey with five weeks of rations remaining.

New Utah Training Facility

Utah Olympic Park at Kimball Junction in Park City opened the Mountain Expansion, a training facility for the state’s ski and snowboard teams. It features 5 alpine training lanes, a mogul lane, expanded terrain for freeski and board athletes, 11 acres of lighted terrain, high-efficiency snowmaking and a fixed grip quad. The facility is expected to expand in coming years.

A Different Hand Warmer Perspective

Last week, I advised placing hand warmers on top of the hands. That, on the advice of a ski shop sales person who told me that heating the hand’s blood supply would help warm the fingers. Nice concept but wrong anatomy lesson. The superficial veins on top of our hands carries blood back to the heart. Thanks to SeniorsSkiing.com subscriber, Roger Skugrud, for making the correction. A resident of frigid Minnesota, he advises positioning warmers in the palms where they’ll warm the blood feeding the hand and allow you to grasp the warmth when riding the lift.

New Pocket Instruction Guide

Bill Hernon’s Modern “A” Frame Ski Technique is a 45-page, small format paperback describing an approach to skiing based on a variety of “A” shapes. It is short and to the point and an interesting approach for self-learners. The book covers basic turns, skiing powder, bumps and Telemark turns. The author also recommends professional instruction. Click here to learn more and/or to purchase.

 

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

/2 Comments/in /by

I don’t know how it happened, but between last season and this one I lost my custom foot beds. They were made about 15 years ago when I purchased my first Surefoot customized boots and, like the boots, they were pricey. Those beds stayed with me over the course of three or four subsequent boots. Then they were gone.   

Foot beds can improve ski performance by stabilizing the feet in a way that helps maximize the ski boot’s primary role: transferring energy from body to skis. That, admittedly, is a gross oversimplification. There are master boot fitters with medical-grade knowledge of foot anatomy, especially as it relates to skiing. I plan to solicit an article or two from one of these experts about the intricacies of creating an effective foot bed.

Brannock Device

But this week I needed new foot beds and visited the Dale Boot store in Salt Lake City to have them made. The whole process took about 20 minutes. The fitter started by measuring my feet with an old-fashioned Brannock, the same device that fascinated me as a kid in my grandfather’s shoe store in Schenectady, NY.  Next, I placed my feet in a Masterfit machine that took an impression of the contours of my foot soles. He then placed Masterfit foot beds in the machine where they took on the shape of the bottoms of my feet. That was followed by cooling the beds with cold packs and trimming some excess material before placing them in the boots. 

Patrick, the boot fitter, clearly knows his stuff and approaches his job with the same quiet pride I’ve noticed among other boot fitters. Boot fitting is a craft in which many of its practitioners appropriately treat it as a profession. He attends educational workshops including Masterfit University and related courses. He mentioned the pleasure he gets sharing war stories about helping all kinds of people with and without foot problems to get the most out of their boots.

Quality ski and boot shops provide boot fitting as a service built into the boot’s cost.  Getting foot beds customized (typically a $100 – $200 add-on) or purchasing boots with the help of a professional boot fitter is clearly a smart step to greater comfort and performance. A resource for well-trained boot fitters is America’s Best Bootfitters.com.

A few months ago, Jackson Hogen of RealSkiers.com, suggested rewarding the work of these pros with a gratuity. Given the critical service provided by fitters like Patrick, I could not agree more. 

Fire Claims Aussie Ski Resort; Others Threatened

Australia’s devastating fires destroyed Selwyn Snow Resort, the country’s most northerly ski area. The New South Wales resort employed 60 during the season.  Falls Creek and Mt. Hotham  in Victoria are being evacuated. 

Bait and Switch at Northstar?

Two older skiers are suing Vail Resorts for breach of contract and fraud. The essence of their complaint is that Vail, which owns, Northstar Resort (CA), sold non-refundable season passes before announcing a parking fee. According to the claimants, the cost of parking will add thousands of dollars to their cost of skiing at Northstar. Each is seeking free parking and $200,000+ in damages.

Good News For Taos Skiers

Taos Air is now servicing the Carlsbad-San Diego and Hawthorne-Los Angeles airports, starting at $125, one way. The service is available Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays through March 29. The airline started last season with daily direct flights to Taos from Dallas Love Field and Austin-Bergstrom International. The airstrip is 30 minutes from Taos Ski Valley.

Tree Well Safety

Courtesy Ski California

Suffocating in deep snow is a concern for many Western skiers. Evergreen branches capture snow, cusing deep pits to form around the tree’s base. Skiers falling into these “tree wells” are subject to breathing in powder snow. The problem is exacerbated by landing head-down or injury. It’s extremely difficult to get out, even with help from others. I had the experience years ago catskiing in the Canadian Selkirks. Fortunately, the well wasn’t too deep and the person I was with got me out quickly. Fifteen tree well deaths have occurred in California since 2001, the most in the nation. Tree well safety advice is available from Ski California, the state’s ski area trade group. Click here for more.

Winter PrideFest Jan 30 – Feb 2

Winter PrideFest, the multi-event weekend celebrating diversity and inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, will hold its third annual gathering January 30 – February 2 in Bend, OR and Mt. Bachelor. Activities include  skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, panel discussions, and evening social functions. For information or to register, click here.

Senior Deals at Belleayre

Belleayre, the venerable Catskills ski area north of New York City has great deals for senior skiers during the second week of January, February and March. Skiers and boarders who are 65 or older get a lift ticket for $10, when they go with anyone with a paid lift ticket, and they can purchase coffee for $1 and breakfast sandwiches for $2.

Happy 80th Harriet!

Harriet Wallis, a prolific contributor to this publication, celebrated her 80th birthday at Alta earlier this week. What a silly helmet cover!!!

Alta Old Timer Celebrated in New Video

Lloyd Johnson moved to Utah for work in 1973, having never skied before. One Sunday, after an Alta church service, a friend convinced him to give skiing a shot. Now, at age 87 and almost five decades later, Lloyd is still making beautiful tele-turns at Alta,  His kids and grandkids follow his tracks. This short video tells his story, one that reflects the lives and loves of many dedicated skiers.

 

new yorker
Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

/3 Comments/in /by

Will I get hit by a boarder?

For most of my skiing life, I looked forward to next season with enthusiasm. But several years ago, I began to face the season with some anxiety. Was I in good enough shape? Will the knees continue to do what they’re supposed to do? Will I get hit by a boarder? Should I listen to my wife and go south?

Inevitably, my love for playing on snow overrides those concerns. And my impression is that most of you share the point of view. If not, there wouldn’t be as many of us still skiing. Those over 52 comprise 20% of all U.S. skiers and boarders.  

A ski through the park.

But the questions linger. For many, the older we get, the less confidence we have in our ability to return to earlier performance. Unless you’re in poor health or very poor physical condition, we should consider Bernie Weichsel’s advice. Bernie is a lifelong skier, winter sports marketing entrepreneur, past chairman of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, and member of the SeniorsSkiing.com Advisory Council.

“Everyone gets in shape for the new season differently. Some people do pre-season conditioning. Others do it on the slopes with a lot of easy gliding,” he explains. Not of the “do as I say” school, Bernie tries to ski, at the very least, the same number of days as his age — a goal he encourages all to emulate.

My first time on the snow for this season will be in January, and if things go as expected, I’ll rack up at least half my age, the most days skied in several years. 

It will be good reward for working out five days a week. A few months ago I started to work with a trainer.My goal was to improve stamina and explosive energy. The trainer introduced me to several diabolically effective routines. Diabolical, because they require major effort. Effective, because hiking and walking staircases, I feel stronger.

 

And (sometimes) I listen to my wife and go South. That’s next week’s agenda.

 

If you’re a bit anxious about returning to the hill, give it a try. Most people are back in the groove after a few runs or a few days of runs, enjoying the thrill, the fresh air, and the scenery. So if you think you’re too old, think again. Go skiing!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Vermont Nordic Ski Center Stores Last Season’s Snow

Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Northern Vermont was able to save about 6,000 cubic meters of snow from last season. Working with the University of Vermont, the 500 acre Nordic center preserved more than 60 percent of its original snow supply. It’s an important development for low-elevation Nordic centers as the globe warms. Click here for The Boston Globe’s full report.

Mt Norquay (AB) Carpool Incentive

Paid parking is used as an economic incentive to reduce traffic and encourage carpooling. Mt. Norquay Ski Resort in Alberta is trying a different approach. Once a month, the resort lets all car occupants split the cost of a single $89 lift ticket and get their own pass for the day. The area also encourages use of free shuttles from Banff with $20 tickets for the day.

Wise Counsel From The Pontiff of Powder

Jackson Hogen (aka, the Pontiff of Powder) is a reliable font of useful advice, which he conveys through RealSkiers.com, the go-to website for info on skis and other gear. A recent missive presents the case for tipping your bootfitter. It’s really about the value a good bootfitter delivers to your skiing comfort and pleasure and how that service deserves a cash reward. It’s a simple idea and a good one. If your fitter delivers good service, give him (or her) a few bucks. BTW, RealSkiers.com is available to SeniorsSkiing.com readers for half its $19.99 subscription fee. Enter SS20 on checkout. 

Last Minute Shopping?

Here are five sites for unusual and interesting ski and cold weather gifts.

The Buffalo Wool Company

This is the place to get the most wonderful socks, hats and gloves. The socks I use are made primarily of bison down and merino wool. They’re soft, comfortable and wear forever. Visit https://thebuffalowoolco.com.

BRR! Skincare

This company makes a variety of skincare products specifically for skiers and others spending time in the cold. They use botanicals to protect against the effects of cold and wind on the skin without any toxic ingredients.  Visit https://www.brrskincare.com.

Vermont Glove

This little company has been hand making gloves in Vermont since 1920. They’re full grain goat leather and last forever. I use the heavy duty Farmer model for splitting firewood and other outside chores. Wool liners make them cozy on very cold days. They also make a mitten. Visit https://vermontglove.com.

Bootster

This is one of my favorite skier gifts. It’s the effortless way to get foot into ski boot. The smart design makes this little shoe horn for ski boots easy to fit in parka pocket so it can be used after lunch.  Great $25 gift. Visit http://thebootster.com.

NW Sales Connection

Here’s a fantastic site to find reasonably priced women’s and men’s ski clothing in a wide range of sizes and styles. You’ll also find a full range of kid’s ski wear and women’s swimsuits. Enter discount code seniorski10 for 10% off. Visit https://www.nwsalesconnection.com.

The “Snow” Song

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is the 1954 musical-comedy film starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. The Crosby and Kaye become a popular song and dance team following WW II, meet Clooney and Vera-Ellen in a nightclub in Florida and accompany them by train to Vermont. The film begins and ends with the song “White Christmas” and includes classics such as “Sisters” and “Gee, I Wish I Was Back in the Army.” On the ride from Florida to Vermont they sing “Snow,” in a delightful quartet laced with references to skiing. Click on the picture for a nice treat.

Jon Weisberg

Subscribers Only: The Best 2020 Skis for Senior Skiers

/4 Comments/in /by

 

Each year, SeniorsSkiing.com collaborates with Realskiers.com to inform its readers about skis that allow older skiers to turn more easily and to ski longer without tiring. Women’s skis – sometimes engineered for female size and physique – are included. 

To find the list on the site, a) click “Community” on the menu bar, b) click “Subscriber Only Content” in the dropdown box, and c) click on “Ski Recomendations for Seniors 2020.”

The skis were identified during Realskiers.com’s annual national ski evaluation process.

Most of the selected skis have relatively soft flex, which helps them engage the snow with minimal exertion. Regardless of one’s physical condition, using skis with these characteristics allows older skiers to turn more easily and to ski longer without tiring. 

The recommended skis are grouped into five categories, each based on the ski’s width, which helps determine the terrain where its performance is optimized. 

SeniorsSkiing.com recommends that when purchasing new skis, older skiers should start by choosing the most suitable category and work with a quality ski shop where they can demo before purchasing.

The characteristics of each of the five categories follow:

Frontside (“Carving” skis) 

  • Encompasses broadest range of skier abilities from entry-level to experienced
  • For use on groomed terrain. Wider models are usable off-trail 
  • Ski width: 75MM-84MM

All-Mountain East 

  • Works equally well on- and off-trail 
  • Good “re-entry” ski for those who haven’t skied in a few years 
  • Ski width: 85MM-94MM

All-Mountain West 

  • For use in the West by high performance skiers
  • Adapted for off-trail use but can be skied on-trail by skilled skiers
  • Ski width: 95MM-100MM      

Big Mountain 

  • A more maneuverable powder ski
  • Inadvisable for regular on-trail use
  • Ski width: 101MM-113MM

Powder 

  • Specialty ski for use in Deep Powder only 
  • Ski width: >113MM

Detailed reviews are available at Realskiers.com. The site provides free access to equipment reviews and other information. In depth information and personal guidance from the publisher is available to SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers at a discounted annual rate of $9.95. To sign up, visit Realskiers.com. Scroll down to/click on “Subscribe Today!” Then click “Sign Up” in the “Annual Membership” box. Complete the form and enter SS20 in the field under “Coupon Code.” 

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

/0 Comments/in /by

Arapahoe is running its guns.

Big Sky, Alta, and Lake Tahoe are among the Western ski destinations that have received natural snow. A few areas in the Austrian and Italian Alps are already operating.

It’s all about to happen again. 

Farmer’s Almanac predicts a “Polar Coaster” with wildly swinging temps. NOAA is expected to give its prediction sometime in October. 

Source: Farmer’s Almanac

Did you see last week’s report that North America’s bird population has declined by 29% over the past 50 years? What about melting glaciers? One Swiss community recently held a formal funeral march for the loss of its Pizol glacier.

The Pizol glacier has lost up to 90% of its volume since 2006.
(Keystone / Gian Ehrenzeller)

The UN this week is holding its Global Climate  Summit. Last week school kids throughout the US and abroad demonstrated on behalf of the environment.

The ski industry is taking a stand through a variety of climate initiatives, but it’s probably too little and too late.

So what are we older skiers to do?  Groan and bemoan or go skiing? The way things are going, it’s not going to last forever. Nor are we. My idea is to do what I can to save what we can for our grandkids. But my BIG IDEA is to stay fit, make sure my ski gear is ready for the fast-approaching season, and GO SKIING. We need to enjoy it while we have it. The future is barreling our way and it may not be kind.

Do Wider Skis Lead to Knee Injury?

John Seifert, PhD, professor of exercise physiology at Montana State University, recently presented research results showing a relationship between use of wide skis and knee injury. Wide skis, he explains, force skiers to use a more upright stance, thus causing knee-supporting muscles to be in a less-than-optimal position to exert force when something called Ground Reaction Force (GRF) is at its peak.

He defines GRF  as “…the force exerted by the snow in contact with it. GRF is always present, even in deep snow, as it’s part of what makes a ski turn. GRF is influenced by skiing velocity and turn radius. On hard snow with wide skis, this is why drifting is so common or the turn radius is lengthened in order to minimize forces.”

The negative effects of GRF are minimized in deeper snow. But using a wider ski on hardpack increases risk of knee injury.

The research is interesting and complicated. Jackson Hogen at Realskiers.com wrote a good summary of Dr. Seifert’s presentation at PSIA’s 2019 National Academy. It is titled “Why Wide Skis Aren’t Good For Your Knees” and can be accessed by clicking here.

Scarpa Boot Recall

SCARPA recalled all Fall 2017 Maestrale and Maestrale RS ski boots purchased in North America. Under certain conditions, the boot shell may crack. Click here for more guidance on identifying the boots in question. Scarpa will repair recalled boots.

Solitude Introduces Paid Parking

In an effort to reduce traffic congestion in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude will charge for parking this winter. Single drivers will be hit with $20, carpoolers will pay as little as $5.

Park City’s Sunrise Rotary Club Aims For Ski Shot Record

Ski Shot Competitors on Park City’s Main Street

My friends at Park City’s Sunrise Rotary Club are shooting for the longest Shot Ski world record on October 12. They hope to break Breckenridge’s record set in January. Sunrise Rotary expects to attract 1,310 people, who will gulp a shot of High West booze from shot glasses set in old skis. Entry fees go toward the club’s grant’s program. Last year Sunrise Rotary Club granted $23,000 to community organizations.

If You’re Planning a Park City Trip This Season…

…a fascinating outdoor exhibit on the area’s early geologic history is a must see. Located in nearby Silver Creek, the idea for the exhibit came when an excavator uncovered a petrified tree trunk estimated to weight 5 to 10 tons! The Park City Sunrise Rotary Regional Geologic Park was sponsored by Rotary and several other local and regional organizations.

Aspen Swingers

Someone in Aspen has been installing old-fashioned handmade swings on hiking trails, looking out on local beauty spots. If this gives you an idea for your community, go for it.

R.I.P. Pepi Gramshammer

Pepi during his racing youth. Source: Denver Post

Austrian national ski team racer, Pepi Gramshammer, died August 17. He was 87 and had recently suffered a series of strokes. A Vail resident since 1962, he used race and sponsorship funds to start Hotel-Gasthof Gramshammer two years later. The hotel, in Downtown Vail Village, is one of the resort’s most venerable hostelries.

R.I.P   Davo Karnicar

Davo Karnicar Source: Teller Report

Slovenian adventurer Davo Karnicar was the first to ski from the summit of Mount Everest to its base camp. He and his team spent a month climbing the south face of Everest. Following a few hours’s rest he began his descent. He skied from over 29,000 feet to base camp, escaping collapsing ice walls, strong winds and crevasses. He died September 16 in a tree-cutting accident on his property in Slovenia. He was 56. Click here or his obituary in The New York Times.

What a Toy!!!!

This short video shows a skier toy from the 1970s. Anyone out there have one?

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

/5 Comments/in /by

Many thanks to each of you who has generously responded to SeniorsSkiing.com’s fund raising campaign. We soon will be sending out decals, patches and hats. The campaign will run through February.

The Things We Carry

What do we really need for a week or two on the hill? Answers will vary depending on whether we’re flying, driving, or returning to a  mountain home. Other factors are weather and whether or not skiing will be just one part of the journey.

Some of you may be familiar with Marie Kondo, whose organizing principles are presented in the new Netflix reality TV series, “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo.”  Her process involves piling everthing in one spot, sorting though, and keeping only those things that “spark joy.”

Let me admit something my wife has been telling me for years: Some things I find hard to toss. Recently, I cleaned out my boot bag. You may ask, why even bother with a boot bag? It’s an important way to keep boots and accessories organized. I found a lot of old, expired, unnecessary stuff in there. One balaclava is enough. I got rid of two. Disposable hand warmers are always handy, but several were years past their due dates. Then the miscellaneous lip coatings, expired sunscreens, etc. I have a separate bag for powder cords, and over the years have assembled quite the collection of those colorful ribbons, not because I needed more, but because they were at home when I needed them at the mountain. The boot bag now has a single set. It no longer has dried-up contact lenses; ancient pain killers, old area maps, expired passes, multiple goggle defogging products, etc. etc. My boot bag now sparks joy.

 

I also have a large, rolling duffle with many zippered compartments, including a full-length “basement.” The monster is large enough to hold multiple parkas, ski pants, more layers than a Bermuda onion, socks, shirts…wardrobes for most skiing scenarios, après ski scenarios, receptions with royals, and a quick trip to the beach. The operative word here is “rolling,” and that’s helped by both a soft handle and a hard one that extends from the frame. 

As I prepare for an upcoming, extended journey in the Alps and in big and small cities, that bag, intelligently packed and organized, will be a godsend. 

Another confession: Since I don’t have the mental discipline to anticipate every possible travel scenario, I limit travel and ski garb to combinations of black and gray. Truth be told, that pretty much defines my wardrobe, in general.

Everything else – laptop, chargers, spare glasses, things to read, meds, and toiletries – go into a backpack that stays with me on plane, train and automobile. Everything, except for credit cards and cash; I’ll need those to purchase the things I forgot to pack.

West Coast Snow Report: DEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!

Squaw Valley has received 492″+  so far. That’s 41′; eight of them in the last week. Other California areas getting similar amounts. Boreal 432″; Kirkwood, 425″; Sierra at Tahoe, 400″.  Super snow storms are creating travel and avalanche issues.

Well Worth Reading

Jackson Hogen, publisher of Realskiers.com (SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers can subscribe to Realskiers.com for $9.99) sends out weekly short essays about different aspects of the sport. His current piece, titled, “To Ski Better in All Terrain, Tweak Your Tactics,” offers sound advice on making small adjustments that render big results. Click here to read.

The One-Off Tesla Ski 

Renoun is an award-winning maker of high-end skis. Among other innovations, it uses HDT, a putty-like material that causes skis to feel stiffer as they go faster. The Burlington (VT) company says the HDT makes them ski smoothly and with greater control. Renoun recently sent Elon Musk a custom pair sporting the Tesla logo.  “The guy is a badass. He deserves badass skis,” said Renoun CEO, Cyrus Schenck.

March 2 Mont Tremblant Fund Raiser

Skiers young and old are invited to join the 6th Legends Classic, a giant slalom fundraiser where participants rub shoulders with Tremblant’s mountain legends while supporting the Canadian Hall of Fame and the Canadian Ski Museum. Racers are eligible to win prizes, and spectators and racers are welcome to compete in the Vintage Skiwear Contest held during the Awards ceremony.

Fun Vintage Cartoon

Walt Disney’s “The Art of Skiing,” features Goofy learning to ski. Produced in 1941, and seen by millions, this 90 second excerpt will bring a smile. Click here to view.

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

/2 Comments/in , /by

Twenty-seven thousand, three hundred and ninety-four days. Exactly, nine hundred months. On Wednesday I turned 75. For all but the first nine years, skiing has been my passion.

Two things about me contribute to this craziness: I love being outside in the cold, and what I lack in athleticism, I’ve made up for with persistence.

In Okemo’s early days, when I was 11 or 12, I spent the better part of a season determined to ride the Poma without falling. Eventually, I conquered that demon.

For several years, it seemed I was condemned to the stem, functional but awkward. I remember the moment at Mount Snow when a mogul inadvertently caused me to parallel turn. Before long, I had to think twice before stemming.

There were times when I was bedridden. Regardless of time of year, crumpled sheets became mountain ranges, and my mind took me places where I would ski.

In my teens and twenties, friends and I would jump-turn down Eastern trails, stopping with the occasional tip roll. We wore double leather boots wrapped with long thongs. More than once, I’d get to the bottom and realize my skis were splintered.

There were long weekend rides from Manhattan to Killington and Stowe. On the Stowe Road, the LaMarr’s provided a bunk bed and a hearty breakfast for $5.00. On one of those trips another car spun out of control and wrecked my new MG Midget. Hitchhiking that weekend put me on the road to getting hitched. One of the girls who picked me up became my bride.

Soon, skiing shifted to the West, starting in Alta in 1972. It’s been a rare season since when I haven’t
skied that magic mountain. At one point I fell in love with powder. Those of you who have been up to your knees or thighs or waist will understand. When it’s that deep, steep is your friend. It’s a joyful experience, and, like the word, “joy,” it’s ephemeral.

Over the years, I’ve learned to follow the snow.  It’s great to spend the day seeking out the best conditions. It might take you to blacks, blues, or greens. If you know how to use your equipment with the least amount of effort, and if you enjoy making graceful turns, you’ll understand this preoccupation with the physics of poetry.

These days, I’m deliberately slow. Wherever I go – and if I feel up to it – I like to play with the fall line, skiing slowly, making well-formed turns. Some kid me about getting more turns per vertical foot. Others get tired of waiting.

I view skiing as a metaphor for life. We develop and use a range of skills. Some days are bluebird; some are dark. There are times of confusion when we feel our way into clarity. Other times it can be cold, miserable, and ugly. But most of the time, skiing is an expression of love.

Legally Younger?

A 69 year old in the Netherlands tried to legally change his age to 49, which, he says, is how old he feels. The Dutch government rejected the request. He plans to appeal, based on the idea that other forms of personal transformation, such as name and gender, are gaining traction in the Netherlands. In one of the SeniorsSkiing.com reader surveys we asked about your actual age and how old you felt after a good day on the slopes. Your ages averaged about 67. How old did you feel? Twenty years younger!

Rare 20% Discount from Apex Ski Boot System

If you’ve been thinking about slipping your feet into a pair of Apex boots — they provide comfort and performance and, like the ad states, let you Ski Hard and Walk Easy — now is a good time to do it. The company is offering a 20% discount to the first 50 SeniorsSkiing.com readers who respond (shipping to the lower 48, included). Offer ends Christmas day. Go to the Apex website, make your selection, and enter  SENIOR3000 on checkout.

Ski Whiteface with an Olympian

Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid, is a lovely place to stay when visiting Whiteface Mountain and other North Country attractions. Starting this season, Andrew Weibrecht, son of the Inn’s owners and an Olympic medalist, is available to ski with Mirror Inn guests at Whiteface. It’s on the pricey side ($450 for 8:00AM to noon, lift ticket included), but for the deep-pocket set, it sounds like a fun experience.

Vermont Adaptive Honors Volunteers

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the nationally-recognized group empowering people of all abilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming, announced its Volunteers of the Year. They are Phil Crowell, of Plainfield, N.H., and Jackie Levine, Barry Whitworth, and Ryan Kennedy, all of Burlington, VT. Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports provides services regardless of ability to pay.

Stoking Your Inner-Pow

I don’t know where this video was shot, but it’s titled “First lines of 2018 – skiing some powder.” Enjoy.

More Great Holiday Gifts for Older Skiers

I just purchased a dozen GearBeasts– all different colors – as holiday gifts for my skiing friends. They’ll use and love this neat, little smartphone carrier. It fits over the neck and under the parka, keeping the phone warm, accessible, and safe. Warm, because it’s close to the body and helps keep the  charge. Accessible, because it’s always there and no need to search pockets. Safe, because the phone can be used on the lift without concern for accidental drops. GearBeast has a little built-in pocket to carry credit card, driver’s license and a few bills. When I use it – and I use it often — I leave my wallet in the car. As a holiday gift to SeniorsSkiing.com readers, the company – an advertiser – is giving 20% off its regular prices that range from $9.99 to $12.99 (I bought the $9.99 version.) Go to gearbeast.com (or click on the adjacent ad) and enter SENIORS-SKIING when checking out.

A thoughtful gift for any older skier visiting Aspen/Snowmass is a one-day Ski Younger Now session with Seth Masia: $820 with 7 day advance booking.

Other Recent Gift Giving Suggestions:

Wild West Jerky makes great-tasting, all-natural, jerky products. SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers receive a 20% discount off full retail. Enter seniorsskiing in the promo code window at checkout

The Buffalo Wool Company makes socks, gloves, hats from bison down mixed with silk, yak, wool, and cashmere. SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers get a 10% discount. Enter SeniorsSkiing in the discount code window at checkout.

Panda Poles have bamboo shafts and are beautifully hand-crafted in Idaho. SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers get a 30% discount off the regular price of $95. Enter SENIORS30 at checkout.

Orsden makes wonderful parkas and pants in great colors. They’re sold only online. Comparable products in stores sell for twice as much. SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers get a 30% discount through December 31. Enter WINTER30 at checkout.

DeBooter is a skiboot jack, that makes boot removal a breeze. SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers get a 20% discount. Enter SENIORSSKIING at checkout.

The Bootster is a compact skboot horn. It’s small enough to be carried in a pocket. $25.00

Safe Descents is emergency ski and snowboard evacuation insurance. Among other benefits, it covers ambulance or air evacuation services if injured in-bounds at any ski resort in the United States. The policy is available to residents of all but five of the lower 48. $56.99 for the season.

Join Us in the Alps

Join us the week of March 10 when we ski in the Aosta Valley with guides from Alpskitour. Each day, we’ll go to a different resort in Italy, Switzerland and France. The all-inclusive price — $4500 to $5500 per person– depends on where you fly to and whether you stay in a 3 or 5 star hotel. Orsden is a sponsor and giving a parka to each participant. If interested, email me: jon@seniorsskiing.com.

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

/7 Comments/in /by

Last evening we celebrated our fifth year of publishing with a party in New York City. The crowd that showed up had a good time. Many walked away with raffle prizes.

 

 

 

The idea for a magazine dedicated to older skiers, boarders, and snowshoers developed over several years. Living in Park City, I saw that, midweek, almost everyone on the lift was my age or older. Ski magazines, by contrast, were publishing things mostly for and about younger people.

As the concept formed, I used the lift to bounce ideas. For those of you familiar with market research, the chair ride became a series of 8-10 minute focus groups.

 

 

MikJone Maginn and I are friends from college. We both graduated when giant green animals with pea-sized brans were feeding from tree tops. Following graduation, he spent time on the editorial staff of Skiing Magazine. We stayed in touch over the years, and I suspected that despite a busy consulting practice, he might have some time. He understood the concept immediately – a growing cohort of older skiers without a core. Would he be interested in partnering? The next day he agreed, and we immediately started to plan.

SeniorsSkiing.com launched less than a year later with zero subscribers. As we enter our fifth year of publication, we have subscribers, worldwide, who, last season, generated up to 50,000 monthly page views. The numbers keep growing.

The earliest advertisers – Masterfit, DeBooter, and 70+ Ski Club – have been joined by others wanting to reach active, outdoor-oriented seniors.

SeniorsSkiing.com is a true labor of love. Contributors aren’t paid, but they like to share their experiences and stories with an ever-growing audience. We go through considerable effort to publish annual lists of areas where seniors can ski free, the best skis for seniors, and the best boots for seniors. Realskiers.com and Masterfit provide the data for the ski and boot lists.

The party last evening was terrific. Numerous attendees told us they made plans to ski with new friends they met there. Several walked away with excellent raffle prizes, including a four-day trip to Okemo Mountain in Vermont (courtesy, 70+ Ski Club), a pair of Apex ski boots, and two Orsden parkas. Others won DeBooters; Bootsters; GearBeast cell phone holders; Buffalo Wool Company bison wool socks; Safe Descents, ski and snowboard insurance, and lift tickets to Powder Mountain in Utah. The SWAG tables were heavy with materials from Skiing History Magazine, Powder Mountain, Solitude, Ski Pennsylvania, Mont Saint Anne, and Sunday River.

The person travelling the longest distance to get there was Mauro Cevolo of Alpskitour. He came from the Aosta Valley in the Italian Alps, where his company conducts weeklong guided skiing to Courmayeur, Mont Blanc, Zermatt, and other snow-covered marvels, returning each night to a classic hotel in the scenic town of Saint Vincent.

You’ve helped us get to five years. Please tell your older skiing friends about SeniorsSkiing.com. As for our part, we plan to keep you informed with relevant and timely information of interest to the older snowsports enthusiast.

News of resort openings from the mountains.

Here are a few from this week’s email:

Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows (CA) Nov. 16

Brighton (UT) Nov 15

Brianhead (UT) Nov 16

Copper Mountain (CO) Nov 16

Grand Targhee (WY) Nov 16

Okemo Mountain (VT) Nov 16

Stowe (VT) Nov 16

Sugarbush (VT) Nov 17

Crystal Mountain (MI) Nov 22

Skier vs. Drone

Salomon released this clever video of French racer, Victor Muffat-Jeandet competing on a GS course against champion drone racer, Jordan Temkin. Most resorts have no-drone policies, but Snowbird, where this was taped, must have given special permission. Short and amusing, with a surprise end: click here.

Great Holiday Gifts for Older Skiers

Over the next month, I’ll highlight unique and useful gift ideas for older skiers.. The following, which I’ve mentioned before, advertise on SeniorsSkiing.com. Simply click on the ads to reach the sites.

  • GearBeast is a $9.95 rubberized cellphone carrier, worn around the neck and with a small pocket to hold ID, a credit card and some cash.I’ve been using it for several months and consider it essential. I no longer misplace the phone. Equally important for skiers is that there’s no way you’ll drop the phone on the lift. Because it’s around the neck and under the parka, the battery doesn’t drain lie it does in a parka pocket. Mine is black, but GearBeast comes in a variety of colors. A very good item.
  • Bootster is a compact device that serves as a ski boot horn. It rolls up and fits in your pocket. Some of you have written in about DIY devices for getting boots on. One of the beauties of Bootster is that it goes where you go, making it ideal to get boots back on after lunch on the hill. $25.00
  • DeBooter is a skiboot jack.I keep mine in the car and loan to others in the lot. It works extremely well, even with stiff, cold boots. Your foot comes right out without difficulty or pain. One of my friends reports that his grandkids love his DeBooter. $39.95, less 20% SeniorsSkiing.com discount.
  • Safe Descents is emergency ski and snowboard evacuation insurance.It covers ambulance or air evacuation services if injured in-bounds at any ski resort in the United States. That’s in addition to other coverage like sending a loved one to the hospital and/or getting back home following a hospital stay. These and other benefits have a maximum of $25,000. A thoughtful gift to drop into any stocking. $56.99 for the season.
Jon Weisberg

Now Available: List of Best 2019 Skis For Seniors

/6 Comments/in , /by

We just published the list of 2019 skis identified as the best for older skiers.

The 61 selected skis generally have a softer flex, which helps them engage snow with minimal exertion, allowing older skiers to turn more easily and to ski longer without tiring. Twenty-one women’s models are included.

The skis were selected during the annual national ski evaluation process organized by the renowned ski review site, Realskiers.com.

The recommended skis are grouped into six categories, each based on the ski’s width, which helps determine the terrain where its performance is optimized.

If you’re considering a purchase, we recommend first identifying the most suitable category, then skiing the selections using a demo program. This may be accomplished by working with a quality ski shop.

The categories and their characteristics follow:

  • Frontside (aka “Carving” skis)encompass the broadest range of skier abilities from entry-level to experienced. They are for use on groomed terrain. Wider models are usable off-trail.
  • All-Mountain East are versatile skis that work equally well in on-trail and off-trail conditions. This category is suitable for those who have not skied in a few years.
  • All-Mountain West are good for use in the West by high performance skiers. They are adapted for off-trail use but can be skied on-trail by skilled skiers.
  • Big Mountainare essentially more maneuverable powder skis. They are inadvisable for regular on-trail use.
  • Powder are specialty skis for use in deep powder only.
  • Technical skishave high performance race ski characteristics and are suitable for caving turns on hard-snow.

To access the list click here.

Realskiers.com is a first rate site for any skier interested in learning about equipment and being exposed to the expert perspectives of it’s publisher, Jackson Hogen. SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers can subscribe to Realskiers.com for $9.95, half of it’s normal rate. As a subscriber, you also have direct access to Jackson and his points of view about what equipment might be best for your needs. It’s a fantastic deal. To sign up, visit Realskiers.com. Scroll down to/click on “Subscribe Today!” Then click “Sign Up” in the “Annual Membership” box. Complete the form and enter SS18 in the field under “Coupon Code.”

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

/0 Comments/in , /by

Most people who love skiing take an interest in its history. Preserving and promoting that history is the mission of the International Skiing History Association (ISHA), a volunteer and membership organization that deserves our collective support.

Among other things, ISHA publishes Skiing History, a delightful bi-monthly magazine available in digital and print versions. SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers are eligible to receive a free one-year digital subscription. Click on “Community” at the top of this page.Then click on “Subscriber Only Content” in the drop down box. Scroll to”Free One Year Subscription to Skiing History Magazine” and follow the instructions.

Earlier this week, I attended ISHA’s Skiing History evening at Hickory and Tweed, the venerable ski shop in Armonk, NY. About 60 people showed up for a nice spread and an entertaining presentation about the relatively negative but highly amusing portrayal of skiing on TV sit coms. Jeff Blumenfeld, a member of ISHA’s Board put the show together. The program started with the popular 1950’s Topper program (in which two main characters and a drunken Saint Bernard are buried in an avalanche) and continued with a variety segments from the Dick Van Dyke Show, Here’s Lucy (when Lucille Ball actually had a broken leg), The Brady Bunch, Ellen DeGeneres (on a broken chairlift with two nervous friends), Cheers, and others. ISHA intends to promote use of the presentation by ski clubs, thus building awareness of the association and increasing its membership.

If your club is interested in using the presentation, email: jeff@blumenfeldPR.com.

An article on the same topic, by Jeff, appears in the September/October 2018 issue of Skiing History.

NYC Ski Gatherings

SeniorsSkiing.com Birthday Party!! — We’re ramping up for our 5th Anniversary party, 5:00 – 8:30PM, Wednesday, November 14 in The Rumpus Room of E’s Bar (Amsterdam Avenue, between 84th and 85th Streets) in Manhattan. We’re providing the place and the food. Advertisers and others are providing raffle prizes and SWAG. Prizes include a pair of Apex Boots (courtesy Apex Boot Systems); a ski trip to Okemo in Vermont (courtesy 70+ Ski Club), two Orsden parkas (courtesy Orsden); DeBooter ski boot jacks (courtesy Outdoor Logics Solutions); Bootster ski boot horns (courtesy Bootster); discounts for a variety of Masterfit ski boot products(courtesy Masterfit), GearBeast cell phone carriers (very cool product), and superbly warm socks from The Buffalo Wool Company. Except for your bar bill, it’s all on the house. You’ll meet other older skiers. You might win a prize. You’ll certainly have fun. Add it to your calendar. Your RSVP will help us plan for the event: jon@seniorsskiing.com.

Friends of Alta is the non-profit protecting Alta’s environment, preserving its unique character and heritage; and encouraging stewardship and sustainability of Alta’s environment and community. The group ishosting an event, 6:00PM – 8:30PM, Thursday, November 15, at The Explorers Club in Manhattan. For more information, click here.

Five Minutes of Deep Powder Joy 

Icelantic Skis produced this outstanding deep powder short film on the slopes of Mt. Yotei in Japan. There’s some cliff-hucking and one scene where a skier skims off a powder-topped tree branch…the stuff of younger skiers. But the shots of deep powder turns are dreamy.

An Offer No Serious Skier Should Refuse

Realskiers.com is a website that reviews skis. The reviews are more detailed and refined than what you’ll read in one of the ski magazines. And the site is rich with opinion about the sport. Realskiers.com is a written and published by Jackson Hogen, whose irreverence is reflected in his self-proclaimed moniker, the Pontiff of Powder. For youngsters, an annual subscription is $19.95. For SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers, it is $9.95. To subscribe at the reduced rate, click here and enter SS18 for the discount code.

Jon Weisberg

This Is What You Told Us You Want

/6 Comments/in /by

A few months ago, we reported on the key finding from our Spring reader survey:

 

  • Grandparents are a significant influence getting grandkids into the sport. Once the kids have been introduced, almost 95% stay with it.

Another significant finding is that 56% of respondents reported they spent between $1000 and $5000 per person last season on skiing, boarding, and related activities. More than 10% spent $5000 or more, per person.

The survey also produced robust responses to the open-ended question about how we’re doing and how we could improve. The congratulatory messages gave us a nice feeling. The critical ones focused primarily on technical issues. The majority expressed what you, our readers, want to see covered in SeniorsSkiing.com. Those suggestions fall into six categories, which, when you think about it, reflect the general interests of older snow sports enthusiasts.

Here they are:

Travel/Resort Reviews/Ski Clubs

Readers want to know more about ski resorts outside of where they live, as well as in Canada and Europe. Many of you inquired about organized ski trips. In response, we’ll be increasing our coverage of ski clubs, and I’ll report on a variety of unusual ski programs from the Italian Alps.

Discounts and Free Skiing

These are important reader interests. This season, we’re expanding our list of resorts where seniors ski free (or virtually free) to include Canada.

Finding Other Older Skiers

So many of you want to meet up with your skiing contemporaries. The ski club system is a great way to accomplish that. Many clubs don’t require local membership to participate in their trips. For more information on ski clubs: http://skifederation.org. And the 70+ Ski Club has many regional and international offerings. When traveling in the US, look for a local chapter of the Over-The-Hill-Gang. They give free mountain tours for older skiers.

Health/Conditioning/Recovery

Readers facing joint replacement or recovering from other health issues want more guidance from those who already have been through the experience. How to prepare, how to recover, how to stay fit for the coming season. We have a good selection of those articles and welcome more. If interested, click “HEALTH” on the home page menu bar and start exploring.

Equipment and Technique

Readers want information about ski school programs with special senior offerings. We’ll report on them as we learn about them. Please let us know of your favorites. In terms of equipment, we work closely with realskiers.com to present the best ski selections for seniors and with America’s Best Bootfitters for the best boot choices.

General Editorial

Your suggestions include more articles profiling interesting older skiers. More on snow predictions and snow science. More on X-C (cross-country veteran, Roger Lohr, was recently named X-C and Snowshoe Editor). More on backcountry, snow biking, and Ebikes. Adapting to our age. Identifying good retirement places for older skiers.

Your input gives us direction and lifts us in moments of doubt. We’ll continue to do our best to inform you, to create a community of older skiers/boarders, and to heighten awareness of the importance of the older population to the sport.

 

 

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

/1 Comment/in /by

The Kindness of (Young) Strangers

Last weekend Pam and I went canyoneering in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the vast expanse of public land between Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.

Canyoneering may not be the correct term, as it generally describes the exploration of remote canyons requiring technical equipment and skills.

Leaving Peek A Boo slot canyon.

Our destination was two popular slot canyons, Peek A Boo and Spooky, cut deep in sandstone bluffs a little over a mile’s hike down a fairly steep slickrock slope and across flat desert. Reaching the parking area required driving 26 bumpy miles through a classic Western landscape of sagebrush and rolling hills; cliffs in the endless distance.

I forgot my rule about doing strenuous things in the morning. It took two hours to get there, and we didn’t leave home until 10AM.

A lot of young families were there. As it turned out, that was a very good thing.

People tend to be friendly in the wilderness: a gemütlichkeit not dissimilar to what skiers experience on snow. Different generations attached through a common thread.

Those who had been there before were happy to explain what to expect in the slots.

Yours truly slithering through Spooky.

Website references describe Peek A Boo and Spooky as among the world’s most spectacular slots. They also characterize them as relatively easy. Peek A Boo is a series of sculpted terraces, requiring use of shallow foot and handholds to heft yourself from one level to the next.

Both of us needed assistance, and the other hikers, mostly in their 20s and early 30s, were more than willing to help. Thighs became steps, strong arms became hoists. They were strangers to us and to each other, and they took the time and effort — without our asking — to help and encourage these two older adventurers.

We should not have been there. Mid-way in, I was exhausted and we decided to turn around. A few young families scrambled down the steep rocks with ease.

Not us. We struggled, and when we reached the final descent, another stranger, this time a muscular 40 year old calmly talked us down the steep face. He literally carried Pam off the cliff.

It took a few minutes to collect ourselves, before hiking to Spooky, an adjacent slot. Except for the fixed rope assisted climb at the end of Spooky — we didn’t get that far — the primary requirement to explore it is not to be too overweight. It’s a deep, narrow, sinuous fissure. Even for the thinnest person, it is navigated with front and back to the walls.

On the way home, exhausted from the experience, we made a pact: no more attempts to go beyond our physical limits. Ten years ago — which doesn’t seem that long — Peek-A-Boo would have been a breeze. As septuagenarians, it is no longer for us. That said, we both know highly-fit and agile contemporaries who would have conquered the canyons with ease.

For the future we plan to choose hikes that will not overly tax us or place us in danger. Age-appropriate hikes where, as much as we appreciate it, we won’t need to rely on the kindness of young strangers.

 

If you haven’t already done so, please complete the SeniorsSkiing.com Reader Survey. It takes 2-3 minutes.

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows topped 400″ for the season. Almost 19′ fell in March. Last day is scheduled for Memorial Day.

It’s been five months since I took a New York City public bus. Yesterday, I noticed that the signs advising younger passengers to give their seats to seniors had been replaced. The signs now advise giving some seats to those in wheelchairs and other seats to the disabled.

Jackson Hogen, realskiers.com

RealSkiers.com is the superb ski review website available to SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers for less than $10. It’s published by Jackson Hogen, ski industry raconteur and all-around good-guy. His periodic “Revelations” (sent free to those on his list) are personal insights into all things skiing. Since last Labor Day, he published 33 Revelations.

Jake Burton, of snowboarding fame, recently received a custom knee implant made with 3D printing technology. He returned to the hill 3 weeks post-op. His surgeon accompanied him for his first ride.

The lifetime National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass now costs $80, a significant increase from the $10 I paid years ago. But it’s still one of the best bargains around, providing unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks that normally charge a fee. Park entrance fees are being waived April 21, the kickoff date for National Park Week. If you’re sans Senior Pass and near a park, the visit will be free.

Jon Weisberg

The Best 2018 Skis For Senior Skiers

/8 Comments/in , /by

One Might Say You Can Never Have Enough Skis.

My wife disagrees. She skis on a relatively old pair that she loves. They’re relatively soft in shovel and heel. For her, one pair is enough.

Mine is a completely different story; too long to get into at the moment.

Jackson Hogen, publisher of the ski review site realskiers.com, has been testing skis for decades. He works with testers from around the country, gathering their observations and consolidating them into pre-season evaluations of the upcoming season’s crop.

The complete list of the recommended 2018 skis for senior skiers is available free to SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers. Click on COMMUNITY (home page menu bar), then click on SUBSCRIBERS ONLY CONTENT in the drop down box.

(Free short reviews can be found at realskiers.com. The more complete evaluations require a subscription. Details on how SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers can subscribe to realskiers.com for 50% of the normal rate are at the end of this article.)

Recognizing that certain ski characteristics are more suitable for older skiers than others, last year, realskiers.com identified the best ones for older skiers. These skis generally have a soft flex, which allows the sidecut to engage with minimal exertion. When they’re used, the skier doesn’t work as hard. They’re easier to turn. They’re forgiving. You don’t have to be in peak shape to ski better or longer. The entire experience is more enjoyable.

Recommended skis are grouped into six categories, each based on skiing preference, location, and snow conditions. They follow:

Frontside (aka “Carving” skis)

  • These skis encompass the broadest range of skier abilities from entry-level to experienced and are for general use on groomed terrain. Wider models are usable off-trail.

All-Mountain East

  • Skis that are extremely versatile and for general use on groomed terrain. They also work off-trail.
  • This category is suitable for those who have not skied in a few years. 

All-Mountain West

  • These are good for use in the West by high performance skiers and are good both for groomed trails and for powder. 

Big Mountain

  • Skis for use on big mountains with selections for strong and for less strong skiers.

Powder

  • Specialty skis for use in deep powder.

Technical

  • These have high performance race ski characteristics and are suitable for carving turns on hard-snow.

While many consider skis to be unisex, some women prefer skis with weight and flex more suitable to their size and physique. The list also identifies preferred women’s skis.

Jackson advises approaching your next ski purchase by taking these three important steps:

  1. Identify the most suitable category.
  2. Work with a quality ski shop.
  3. If possible, demo selections to compare before purchasing.

To subscribe to realskiers.com: Visit site. Scroll down to/click on “Subscribe Today!” Click “Sign Up” in the “Annual Membership” box. Complete the form and enter SS17 in the field under “Coupon Code.”

 

 

 

ski and bike
Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

/0 Comments/in /by

Bull Wheels At More Areas Have Started To Turn.

 Purgatory opened last weekend. People were lined up at 5:00AM, Saturday, Nov. 18. One report had hungry skiers cooking bacon and eggs as they waited in the dark. In what may have been a first, pass holders used Day 1 to ski and bike.

  • Lookout Pass, about 90 minute drive from Spokane or Missoula, reports 34″ on top and 20″ at the base. The area straddles Idaho and Montana and has plans to double acreage and increase vertical. It will open Thanksgiving Day.
  • Brighton Resort opened Tuesday, Nov 21 with “top to bottom” skiing serviced by two lifts. The open runs have a 10″- 20″ base.
  • Park City scheduled Thanksgiving Day to open.
  • Mont Tremblant also was scheduled to open Nov 23 with 10 trails. The Quebec resort has 12″ of fresh, natural snow.

If you have the early season itch, check web sites before going.

Thoughts on the Vanishing Ski Bum Ecosystem

Leave it to Jackson Hogen of realskiers.com for an intelligent take on all things skiing. A few weeks ago he lamented the slow but steady passing of the classic ski bum. These old timers are repositories of all kinds of useful knowledge. As resorts corporatize and workers are forced to commute longer distances, even ski shops are struggling for knowledgeable personnel. That’s especially important when shopping for new boots. His advice is to shop early when qualified fitters are available. Another option is to visit AmericasBestBootFitters.com which lists shops where personnel has been trained specifically to fit boots.

Subscriptions to real skiers.com are available to SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers at a discounted annual rate of $9.95. To sign up, visit realskiers.com. Scroll down to/click on “Subscribe Today!” Then click “Sign Up” in the “Annual Membership” box. Complete the form and enter SS17 in the field under “Coupon Code.”

Free Skiing List Update

Reader input is making the list of US resorts with free skiing privileges more complete. The list currently has 114 resorts. Those added: Bear Valley, CA; Sugar Mtn (NC), Gunstock, NH, and Okemo, VT. Those removed: Hunter Mtn (NY) and and Mad River Glen, VT. Thank you for your continued input! To access the complete list, go to the homepage, click COMMUNITY on the Menu Bar, and click SUBSCRIBER ONLY CONTENT.

Ski Insiders is Rossingol’s New Online Community

Rossingol launched the Ski Insiders website for all ski enthusiasts to express their winter sports passions. According to the company, members of the Ski Insiders community will be invited to express opinions and share ideas about brands and new products through questionnaires and discussion forums. Click here to register.

Colorado Ski Country Resorts to Host Olympic Qualifiers

Colorado resorts will host numerous qualifying events leading up to the February games in Pyeong Chang, South Korea. For details click here.

A Fine Liquid Idea

Teton Gravity Research and Melvin Brewing have teamed up to create TGR Pils-Gnar.

The birth child of two longstanding Jackson Hole entities, the new brew is described as being a German-style pilsner that is simultaneously spicy and fruity. If you collect beer cans/bottles with a ski theme, this looks like a good one. Looking forward to sipping this new brew.

A Few Ifs

If you happen to be in the vicinity of Snowbird, Sunday, Dec 3; if there are clear skies, and if you want to experience what sounds like a sensational dining experience under a full moon, get a ticket for Snowbird’s Full Moon Dinner. It will be held in the Summit Lodge at 11,000′ on Hidden Peak. Wonderful menu, musical accompaniment, SPECTACULAR VIEWS. Adults: $75; kids: $25-$45 (depending on age). Price includes aerial tram ride. Reservations: 801.933.2222.

World Ski Awards Announced

Val Thorens, in France, was named World’s Best Ski Resort. Ski Dubai (UAE) received Best Indoor Ski resort. Bella Coola Heli Sports (Canada) got World’s Best Heli-Ski Operator. In the US, Deer Valley received the top resort prize. The World Ski Awards are selected by professionals working within the ski industry and by the public. Votes are submitted online at World Ski Awards website.

Learn to Ski/Board Month Awards People Introducing Newbies

The promotion rewards those who help introduce newcomers to beginner lessons from trained instructors. Click here to learn about the program (starts Jan 5) and the generous rewards.

 

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

/0 Comments/in , /by

Snow Has Arrived Around The West.

Utah first snow. Ski Utah

Half-Price Subscription to realskiers.com: Jackson Hogen, publisher of realskiers.com, publishes short essays related to the the sport. The current one, about older skiers, is titled “Not Dead Yet.” You can sign up for the essays and receive them free. I recommend getting a paid subscription where, among other things, you’ll find intelligent and comprehensive ski reviews (including the best skis for senior skiers). Subscribers also are entitled to one-on-one consulting with Jackson. That comes in handy when considering your next equipment purchase. Youngsters pay $19.95 for a year’s subscription. SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers pay $9.95. To sign up, visit realskiers.com. Scroll down to/click on “Subscribe Today!” Then click “Sign Up” in the “Annual Membership” box. Complete the form and enter SS17 in the field under “Coupon Code.”

COLORADO

Area developments for 2017-18 follow: 

  • Arapahoe Basin: 371 acres of difficult/extreme terrain to be accessible by hiking; 4 person lift to be added next summer.
  • Aspen Snowmass: Snowmass celebrates 50thAnniversary with $6.50 lift tickets (opening day 1967 lift ticket price) on December 15, plus other activities throughout season. Aspen to host Olympic qualifying events when the U.S. Grand Prix stops in Snowmass January 10–14, 2018. Breathtaker mountain coaster opens at Snowmass in December. 
  • Cooper: Celebrates 75thAnniversary New Year’s Eve.
  • Copper Mountain: Hosts Olympic qualifying events December 6-10. New Kokomo Express Lift and Koko’s Hut serves beginner terrain in West Village. Rocky Mountain Coaster opens this Fall.
  • Eldora: New six-person high speed detachable Alpenglow Express lift ready for action.
  • Loveland Ski Area: Celebrates 80thyear of operations; adds snowcat skiing in Dry Gulch.
  • Purgatory: Expanded terrain with new intermediate and expert trails on the back- and front-sides; adding new gladed skiing; installed a mountain coaster.
  • Silverton: will celebrate 50+” powder days with area-provided snorkels.
  • Steamboat recently opened its Outlaw Mountain Coaster, the longest in North America.
  • Telluride celebrates its 45th anniversary.

 MASSACHUSETTS

BOSTON: 36thANNUAL SKI & SNOWBOARD EXPO kicks off season, NOV. 9-12, at SEAPORT WORLD TRADE CENTER. ADMISSION:$15 adults; Under 12 free. Paid admission includes one-year subscription to SKI magazine and a $10 Gift Card from GetSkiTickets.com.  Purchase tickets online at www.skisnowexpo.com/boston-expo or at door.

MICHIGAN 

Ishpeming: Eight skiing athletes/others to be inducted to U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame next April . They include freestyle icon “Airborne” Eddie Ferguson, freestyle’s somersault king Herman Goellner cross-country coach Marty Hall, ski mountaineers twin brothers Mike and Steve Marolt, and (posthumously)130 mph alpine speed skiing world record holder, Steve McKinnney. Ceremonies to be held at Squaw Valley.

MONTANA

 Big Sky reported snow above 6500′. National long-range forecasts for the 2017-18 winter season predict average temperatures and above-average precipitation in the Rocky Mountain West.

PENNSYLVANIA

 “First-Time Ski/Snowboard Program” gives beginner ticket, lesson and rentals for $59. Click here for more.

TEXAS/FLORIDA

NOAA reports that Harvey delivered 49.32″ of rain and Irma, 16″. At 30°F, 1″ of rain falls as 13″ of snow. The snow amount could be as much as 50″ dry powder under certain conditions. Using the 30°F/1″rain =13″ snow formula, the amount of rain from Harvey would produce 641.16″ snow; the amount from Irma would equal 208″.

Dick Brooks with Hurricane Harvey debris in Houston

Dick Brooks is a SeniorsSkiing subscriber who lives in Houston and Durango, Colorado where his home resort is Purgatory. He reports that his home was dry and that he and wife, Claire, have volunteered by preparing food for those impacted and by carrying damaged items to the curb. Dick sent this photo of nearby damage.

 

 

 

UTAH

Deer Valley, which Ski Magazine readers just named the #1 resort in North America, will host the 2018 Visa Freestyle International, January 10-12. The event determines the freestylers who will represent the US at the South Korean Winter Olympics in February. The event is held at night under lights. The steep slope is covered in bumps. It can get chilly, but it’s a terrific thing to see.

Opening dates for Utah resorts:

  • Alta Ski Area: November 22
  • Brian Head Resort: November 17
  • Brighton Resort: Early As Possible
  • Cherry Peak Resort: December 18
  • Deer Valley Resort: December 2
  • Eagle Point Resort: December 21
  • Nordic Valley Resort: December 9
  • Park City Mountain: November 17
  • Snowbasin Resort: November 22
  • Snowbird Resort: November 22
  • Solitude Mountain: December 2
  • Sundance Mountain Resort: December 8

VERMONT 

OOPS. Ski Vermont recently announced that Parker Riehle, e group’s head, would leave that post to lead National Ski Areas Association. Citing personal reasons, he decided not to take the new position. Long time NSAA president, MIchael Berry, will remain in post until a new replacement is identified and transitioned.

Snowmaking and grooming improvements will improve the experience this season at Bolton Valley, Burke Mountain, Mount Snow, Okemo Mountain, Stratton Mountain, Sugarbush, and Suicide Six.

Okemo Ultimate season passholders now qualify for $49 lift tickets at Stratton Mountain Resort during the 2017/2018 season. Limited to one per day, non-holiday periods only, this special offer is non-transferable, and can only be used by the passholder. Stratton Summit passholders receive this same benefit at Okemo.

 

 

 

Jackson Hogen

The Top All-Mountain Skis of All Time

/9 Comments/in /by

Excerpted with permission from realskiers.com where the full article was published March 20, 2017.

All-mountain skis — those that purport to do everything reasonably well – started appearing in the mid-90’s. 

Following, listed roughly in order of their debut, are the iconic models that emerged since the term “all-mountain” came into common usage. My picks aren’t necessarily the most innovative or game changing, but they were, for a while, the best at handling any condition the mountain might dish out.

Völkl Snow Ranger

Völkl didn’t invent the fat ski – that distinction goes to Atomic – but they were the first to make an expert powder ski using elite construction. When fat skis were first making a dent in the market, no other model was as powerful and versatile as the original Snow Ranger, which still holds its own as an all-terrain ski today.

Volant Chubb

From today’s perspective, it’s hard to believe that the Chubb, born in the first generation of fat skis, had a 90mm waist. When Shane McConkey began to straight-line steep couloirs on the Chubb, any lingering resistance to fat skis as cheater sticks evaporated. Applying the Chubb’s construction to a water ski’s shape resulted in the Spatula, creating new dimensions in ski design that endure to this day.

K2 Four

K2 wasn’t an early adopter of shaped skis, but once the brand put their marketing prowess into promoting the concept, there was no turning back. A young Bode Miller started to win races on the funky red, white and blue skis, validating the technical capabilities of the deep sidecut. America followed suit, setting the table for K2’s run of dominance in the U.S. market.

Dynastar 4×4

Shaped skis were still by and large a carving club when Dynastar debuted the 4×4 as an unabashed off-road ski, inspiring comparisons to SUV’s for their all-terrain adaptability. Although absurdly narrow by today’s standards (a shade under 68mm underfoot), the first 4×4 would later morph into the 4×4 Big, one of the most popular fat skis of its era.

Salomon X-Scream

Like the 4×4, Salomon’s X-Scream was one of the first shaped skis that wasn’t intended as an on-piste carving tool but as an all-terrain implement. The first X-Scream earned instant acclaim when it rolled out in 2001, spawning a string of successors that made the X-Scream family the most popular in Salomon’s history.

Stöckli Stormrider XL

Stöckli tends to build all-terrain skis with DNA extracted from Super G race models, making their Stormrider series among of the burliest all-mountain skis. The Stormrider XL, sporting a waist of 75mm, was an ancestor of the current crop of Stormriders, which range in width from 83mm to 115mm. The one constant has been a stout, wood and metal lay-up that takes no prisoners as it slashes through any and all snow conditions.

NOTE: This highly unscientific exercise isn’t meant to identify the very best skis, nor the most popular and not necessarily the most innovative or influential. The common thread is that they epitomized versatility in their respective eras.

Six other picks will appear next week.

Subscribe to realskiers.com and receive newsletters, commentary, and expert advice all season long. 

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

/0 Comments/in , /by

POW POW

Not every reader has experienced the joy of powder skiing. Showing skiers scribing graceful lines on blank fields of bluish white is part of our skiing media culture. As those of us who pursue the experience well know, finding untracked, especially in a resort setting, is elusive. Powder is ephemeral and eagerly sought out. When there’s a dump in the Wasatch (and there have been many this generous season), you need to arrive early to get a shot. You’re competing with those who arrived even earlier, and they’re competing with powder hounds living, vacationing and working at the resort. Outside the area are backcountry options, and places serviced by chopper or cat. Backcountry is too strenuous for me. Chopper and cat are pricey. Even when you make it to the mountain with still enough to go around, it’s doesn’t last too long (unless you ski at a place that gets the goods but not the skiers). The other day I arrived at Alta 15 minutes after the lifts opened. What I saw from the lot was already chewed up so I headed to a more remote part of the mountain. A few tracks were present but still separated by broad untouched expanses. The snow was fresh, light and about 18 inches deep. I’ve had the experience when it reached my waist, but even at 18 inches it feels bottomless. After descending a snow field, I entered the trees where it felt even deeper, then out into another snowfield, hardly tracked. The rest of the day was dedicated to finding more untracked stashes. Others were hunting for similar game. On my last run I found one—about 15 turns—where only one other skier had been. A great day. More snow is forecast for the next seven.

CALIFORNIA

With a base snowpack of 21 feet, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows plans to operate July 4th. The resort has received 565″/47′ of snow, already surpassing its annual average of 450″!

UTAH

Once its contract expires in 2018, Outdoor Industry Association will not return to Salt Lake City where it has held its twice annual Outdoor Retailer show for 20 years. The group decided not to include Utah as a bidder for its convention venue following a teleconference with Utah Governor Herbert, who is leading the state’s opposition to protecting federal lands and who is promoting development by coal and other extraction industries. The Outdoor Retailer show delivers 40,000 visitors and $45 million annually to the local economy. Conservation Colorado placed a half-page ad in Salt Lake’s two dailies urging the event to move to Denver.

VERMONT

Vail Resorts will be acquiring Stowe for $50 million. When the acquisition is completed it will be Vail’s first in the East. The deal, subject to administrative review by the State of Vermont, includes all assets related to Stowe’s mountain operations including at Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.

OTHER

International Skiing History Association’s annual Skiing History Week (Snowsport History Week) will be in Stowe, April 4-9. It’s a fun event with skiing (conditions permitting), parties, tailgates, history lectures and award banquets. More info: https://snowsporthistory.com/event/schedule/

Coming Attractions — For a peek at ski innovations starting in 2018, visit realskiers.com, where ski industry prognosticator, Jackson Hogen, shares industry intelligence in one of his frequent free postings. realskiers.com is a wealth of everything skiing, well worth the $19.95 annual subscription fee.

seniorsskiing

Where To Find Skis For Senior Recommendations

/7 Comments/in /by

Subscribers Want To Know.  Here’s Where To Find The List.

On December 15th, we simultaneously announced our new list of skis for seniors, created in collaboration with realskiers.com, on Huffington Post and SeniorsSkiing.com. Since then, we have received a number of inquiries as to where to find the list.

If you are a subscriber, simply go to the top navigation bar, click on Community.  Then select Subscriber-Only Content.  In the drop down menu, you will find SeniorsSkiing.com’s special offerings for subscribers. Click what you want to see and download.  You will be asked to confirm your email address and, bingo, the content you want will be available as a PDF download.

If you are not a subscriber, consider signing up.  It’s free, we have a lot of content in our inventory of stories, covering ski history and heroes, destination reviews, gear and clothing recommendations and lots of other senior-focused articles. You can find ski clubs near you, locate where seniors can ski for free, download a 16-page eBook of historic ski posters, and find instructions for getting serious discounts from top clothing and gear brands through Experticity.com.

Jon Weisberg

Snow Sports Leaders: Jackson Hogen, Publisher of realskiers.com

/10 Comments/in , /by

Jackson Hogen’s career encompasses many roles in the world of skiing: from freestyle competitor, instructor and extreme camp coach to ski designer, product manager, and marketing director. He has been testing skis and boots for decades. His list of best 2016-17 skis for older skiers is available free to SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers.

Jackson Hogan of realskiers.com

Jackson Hogan of realskiers.com offers in-depth reviews of ski equipment.

Your realskier.com bio indicates you’re a skiing everyman. You’ve taught, tested, written, and coached and created the site for in-depth equipment reviews. Are there other Yale grads who have devoted themselves so fully to the sport?

I believe there is an erstwhile K2 rep who is a Yale grad, Brent Mohr. As far as I know, he “only” served as a sales rep. I can’t think of anyone else with my range of background from Yale (or anywhere else).

What are your views on the role of big corporate destination entities vs independently-owned ski areas?

Corporate ownership of ski areas has helped to accelerate the flight of the middle class from the sport. I’m not a fan. No skier I’ve ever met asked for the homogenization of the ski experience. When run by families, ski areas tried to serve the public at large. As run by mega-corporations, they serve their stockholders and richest customers. The same reason why insurance-run health care in this country is an abject failure.

What more should the ski industry be doing to preserve winters?

Other than support initiatives to mitigate the effects of climate change, there’s not much they can do. They don’t mine or burn coal, and they tend to be very conscientious about water use. We should be cautious using the term, “ski industry.” There is no “ski industry,” just individual companies striving to serve their stockholders.

You are now in your 60s. What advice do you have for older skiers who want to continue in the sport as long as they can?

Don’t retreat into a shell of “I can’t do XYZ.” You certainly can’t if you start out by thinking you can’t. Like a lot of older skiers, I’m a hot mess of prior injuries, but one has to put such thoughts aside and just ski. I realize this sounds vain at best, but I’m still one of the better skiers on the hill no matter what hill I’m on. Take two Aleve, go ski as hard as you can and stop whining about your age. Here’s what you lose: explosive power. Big deal. You can ski very well without it.

We all know that the ski industry directs dollars and attention to the younger part of the market. Should executives be directing some of their budgets to older skiers, and, if so, why?

For starters, no one controls more assets in the U.S. than the population over 55. Seniors have money and are willing to spend it for a good return on investment, like a great ski experience. The focus on youth backfires in many significant ways, most importantly in diminishing on-slope safety for all. Also, catering to the youth market entails assigning a good chunk of the mountain to terrain parks (absurd on most big mountains, which ARE terrain parks) which works out fine on mountains like Mammoth that can accommodate the needed space and remove it from the basic traffic pattern. At other areas they can be at once obtrusive and largely unoccupied.

I don’t think I’m revealing any secrets when I observe that seniors are influenced by their past. They came of age when skiing was more accessible and less expensive. While they can’t continue to live in that world, they are still grounded in it. Point being, they’re committed to the sport, not just peripherally associated with it, as is often the case with America’s youth.

Any other closing nuggets of wisdom?

If you’re skiing in boots that hurt, stop. If you struggle to put your boots on, stop. If your skis seem to make every run a battle, stop.

Don’t stop skiing, for heaven’s sake, but stop putting up with the handicaps that come with lousy boot fits, cold boots and poorly maintained equipment. Yes, it will cost something to address these issues, but wouldn’t it be worth a few shillings to ski free from pain and in better control?

schusser_2_skier_491
Jon Weisberg

The Best Skis For Senior Skiers

/13 Comments/in /by

 Soft Flex. Minimal Exertion. Skis for Six Different Scenarios.

Update Dec 27, 2016:  Subscribers can now download the list of recommended skis by going to the top navigation bar, click on Community, select Subscriber-Only-Content, choose the download and reconfirm your email address.  If you are not a subscriber, consider subscribing. It’s free, lots of interesting articles for seniors who love winter sports.

Ski manufacturers have never designed a ski for senior skiers. With about one million on the slopes, there’s enough of us to justify the investment.

But don’t hold your breath.

schusser_2_skier_491There is a breakthrough this season. For the first time, an in-depth evaluation of the best skis for older skiers is available. This is good news since choosing a new pair of skis, regardless of age and ability, has never been easy, and the abundance of brands and models is always confusing.

The evaluation is the result of collaboration between SeniorsSkiing.com and realskiers.com, the go-to site for in-depth ski equipment evaluations. The free list is available to all SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers. 

Of the many 2017 skis tested, 38 were identified as suitable for senior skiers. Most have relatively soft flex, allowing the sidecut to engage with minimal exertion. The result is ease of turning and forgiveness, which, regardless of physical condition, reduces stamina loss.

In other words, using these skis, it’s easier to ski more runs and have more fun!

Working with testers from around the country, realskiers.com has been reviewing ski equipment for many years. The results are gathered each spring and published in September, where abbreviated reviews are available free and in-depth information comes with a modest, paid annual subscription.

The recommended skis are grouped into six categories, each based on skiing preference, location, and snow conditions. They are:

Frontside (aka “Carving” skis)

  • These skis encompass the broadest range of skier abilities from entry-level to experienced and are for general use on groomed terrain. Wider models are usable off-trail.

 All-Mountain East

  • Skis that are extremely versatile and for general use on groomed terrain. They also work off-trail.
  • This category is suitable for those who have not skied in a few years.

 All-Mountain West

  • These are good for use in the West by high performance skiers and are good both for groomed trails and for powder.

 Big Mountain

  • Skis for use on big mountains with selections for strong and for less strong skiers.

 Powder

  • Specialty skis for use in deep powder.

Technical

  • These have high performance race ski characteristics and are suitable for carving turns on hard-snow.

While many consider skis to be unisex, some women prefer skis with weight and flex more suitable to their size and physique. The list identifies women’s skis, as well.

When selecting skis…

  1. Identify the most suitable category.
  2. Work with a quality ski shop.
  3. If possible, demo selections to compare before purchasing.

To Access the List

SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers were emailed a link to the list. The email was sent on October 14, 2016. Check your inbox or spam folder.

If you have not yet subscribed, click on this link and sign up using the subscription form in the right column or the pop-up which will appear on the page. After confirming your subscription, you will receive and email with a link to the list of senior ski recommendations. And, as a new subscriber, you will have access to discounts and deals on gear and clothing from top brands, and a lot of info relevant to the older snow sports enthusiast!