This misguided soul gave up on New Year’s resolutions many years ago when I accepted that I could correct my errant ways on an as-needed basis or in response to my wife’s frequent course corrections.
But it’s the start of a New Year, and I’d like to share a few ski-related resolutions that I plan to keep.
- Ski more days this season than last. Last season delivered some terrific skiing experiences in Utah, Colorado and the Alps, but when totaled up, there were too few of them. This season, I want to ski at least half my age.
- Ski more frequently with others. Historically, much of my slope time has been solo. But I enjoy the camaraderie of skiing with others. This season, I plan to make more of an effort.
- Follow the snow. There are times when I find myself in a self-imposed rut, skiing the same runs in the same sequence. Several seasons ago, I decided to spend each day following the best snow and found it liberating.
- Spend more relaxing ski days with my wife. She likes to be out on bluebird days when we cruise and enjoy leisurely lunches. It’s both relazing and non-taxing.
- Try telemarking again. Years ago I took a telemark lesson at Alta and thoroughly enjoyed it. Approached correctly, it’s not a knee-stressor. Definitely want to try it again.
- Advocate for skier safety. Accident prevention and reporting are part of the dark underside of the ski industry. Areas pay lip service to the safety issue but resist efforts to be transparent. As so many of you have reported, patrol does little to slow or control reckless skiers and boarders. Our new Incidents and Accidents feature is a step toward greater transparency. This year, Mike and I plan to do more.
Wishing you a Healthy, Snowy, and Safe 2020!
Knee Issues? Roam’s Elevate Changes Everything!
Roam’s Elevate Ski Exoskeleton is a breakthrough product that supports knees and quads and allows older skiers to ski longer and without pain. Unlike other knee assist devices, Elevate utilizes a small computer that senses body position and other factors as it signals the soft exoskeleton around the knees. This short video explains all. The company has demo locations at resorts in California, Utah, Idaho and Montana where you can give Elevate a 2-hour try for $25. Reservations required. Click here for more info.
Remarkable Avalanche Article
Last Sunday The New York Times Magazine published “What I Learned in Avalanche School.” Authored by novelist Heidi Julavits, it explores the limitations and possibilities of how we make decisions. While the context is backcountry skiing, the ideas apply to life. Superbly written! Be sure to visit the Reader Comments, as well. Click here.
Last Season’s Ski Insurance Payouts
Generali Global Assistance sells Ski and Mountain Travel Insurance. Last season, sickness, injury or death accounted for 62% of claims and weather for 27%. The average cost of ski trips protected by the company was $2,463.
Sprinter Van Service Between Boston and Ski Areas
GoSherpa provides home-to-slope transportation from Boston to 27 New England ski resorts. The vans are spiffy, the costs are reasonable, and they pick you up from and deliver you home to home! Visit the GoSherpa website for details.
“Ski For Light” Seeking Volunteers
Ski For Light is the all-volunteer, non-profit that organizes an annual cross-country skiing week for the blind and visually-impaired. The group has openings for volunteer guides for this year’s ski week, Feb 8-16 in Casper WY. Interested in volunteering? Contact Bob Civiak at [email protected] or call 603-715-0817. Click here for details on the 2020 Ski For Light International Week.
Indy Pass Adds Maine Area
Mt. Abram in Greenwood, Maine has joined the national Indy Pass. The 60-year-old family-owned area has 4 lifts and 1,150’ vertical. Indy Pass offers two days at each of 47 ski areas, 40 of which provide pass holders with unrestricted, season-long access. Current cost is $239. For details visit indyskipass.com.
New Year’s Fireworks
Since many of us didn’t celebrate at a ski resort, here’s what it looked like at a variety of places.
Kudos, Jon, for providing us with a panoply of New Year’s fireworks photos from around ski country. It’s the first time in 74 years of skiing that I’ve seen the like. Beautiful sendoff for 2020!