Tag Archive for: Ski Diva

mikemaginn

On The Threshhold of Winter 2015-16

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So It Begins

WhiteMountains

The White Mountains frame Bretton Woods resort with a first dusting in mid October. Credit: Bretton Woods

We’ve been watching reports of snow in high altitude places in the West and East which makes the coming of winter seem a bit rushed this year.  There are still leaf-peepers on the roads of Vermont and New Hampshire, and snow on Halloween decorations doesn’t seem to ring true.  For those of us in New England, the snow fall brings a reflexive response conditioned by last year’s Snowmaggedon.  Yes, bring it on, but hopefully let it regress to the mean.

By now, you’ve probably heard that Killington opened on Oct 18 with a small army of zealots skiing on manufactured snow.  (BTW, Killington was the last ski area in New England to close last spring. The last run of that elongated season was in late May.)   Sunday River followed a day later with 750 season ticket holders playing hookey from work and school to record their first of presumably many days of snow sport to follow. Our friend and colleague, The Ski Diva, puts these early days of enthusiasm in perspective.  See her astute advice on surviving what she calls the White Ribbon Of Death here.

And yet, according to NOAA, this year’s El Nino has become a stronger predictor this year.  OpenSnow, our favorite snow forecaster, explains that despite the early showing, this year might be less snowy than we’d like.

Nevertheless, now is the time to:

  • Start/continue your conditioning program,
  • Bring your gear into your local shop for a tune-up,
  • Consider a season pass while early bird specials are still available,
  • Read the ski magazine reviews of new equipment and ponder your next possible purchase,
  • Think about a destination resort where you can find senior-friendly specials,
  • Re-convene your ski club and start getting excited about the season ahead,
  • Check out deals and discounts at the Snow Shows coming to your city or town,
  • Wash/dry clean last year’s contents of your stowed away ski bag.

Meanwhile, let’s remember winter is a special time for senior snow enthusiasts.  In describing winter, Robert Frost says,

It lifts existence on a plane of snow
One level higher than the earth below,
One level nearer heaven overhead
And last year’s berries shining scarlet red.
 (A Winter Eden, Robert Frost)
Let’s get ready.
mikemaginn

Women Only Skis and Boards? Yes, Says Coalition Snow

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Coalition Snow Fills Women’s Needs For Quality Equipment.

Coalition Snow has skis and boards for women only. Credit: Coalition Snow

Coalition Snow has skis and boards for women only.
Credit: Coalition Snow

Last spring, we’ve were impressed by Coalition Snow’s CEO Jen Gurecki when she talked with our friend The Ski Diva about her line of ski and boards for women only.  She recognized a niche market, defined a set of unique needs, and she put together products that are based on research. Now her challenge was getting the word out.

Last week, Jen won an entrepreneurial competition at the Nevada Governor’s Business Conference.  Her message was strong and simple:  There are a lot of women out there  (eight million) who spend a lot of money ($1-billion) on snow sports.  But their needs are not being met.  Instead of watered-down versions of men’s equipment, Jen has designed skis and boards “that don’t suck”.  She’s made a lot of progress in promoting her company since last spring; her Kick Starter campaign raised $31,000 in 31 days.

Check out her company’s elevator pitch.  Pretty sharp.  Makes us wonder:  We know there are senior-friendly ski boots and bindings.  Is there a need for senior-only skis and boards?  Your thoughts?