Double Black: A Ski Diva Mystery

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Ski shopping.

I don't know what it is, but when it comes to buying ski equipment, some women leave the whole process to someone else.

Does this make sense? We, who're known as the greatest shoppers in the world; who wouldn't dream of buying clothes without trying them on (well, we might -- but we'd sure as heck take them back if they didn't fit!).

I know; it's incomprehensible.

All the same, I can't tell you how often men take over the job of selecting skis for their wives/girlfriends/daughters. And though I'm sure many of us appreciate some help -- picking out skis can be a daunting process, given the wide variety of brands and models -- the ultimate decision-maker should always be you. After all, you're the one who's going to have to use them. So you're the one who should be happy.

What it all comes down to is this:

First, evaluate your skiing ability before you make any decision. Be honest. You're not doing yourself any favors if you're a beginner and you end up with expert skis. Or vice versa.

Second, do some research. Talk to people -- your friends who ski, people in ski shops. Consult gear reviews. There are a lot of ways to collect information about equipment (the internet discussion forum for women skiers, TheSkiDivacom, comes to mind). So take advantage of them.

And third, be sure to try before you buy. Lots of mountains offer demo days where you can try out equipment from various manufacturers. Some ski shops rent demos, and apply the cost of rental to the purchase price, if you decide to buy.

The right skis are out there waiting for you. So go in peace. And have fun shopping.

Be sure to visit TheSkiDiva.com, a new internet forum especially for women skiers, where women skiers can connect with one another to talk about everything and anything ski-related.

Friday, October 27, 2006

It's good to be a woman.

Here's why:

1. We got off the Titanic first.
2. We can scare male bosses with mysterious gynecological disorder excuses.
3. Taxis stop for us.
4. We don't look like a frog in a blender when dancing.
5. No fashion faux pas we make could ever rival the Speedo.
6. We don't have to pass gas to amuse ourselves.
7. If we forget to shave, no one has to know.
8. We can congratulate our teammate without ever touching her rear end.
9. We never have to reach down every so often to make sure our privates are still there.
10. We have the ability to dress ourselves.
11. We can talk to the opposite sex without having to picture them naked.
12. If we marry someone 20 years younger,we are aware that we will look like an idiot.
13. We will never regret piercing our ears
14. There are times when chocolate really can solve all your problems.
15. We can make comments about how silly men are in their presence because they aren't listening anyway.

Be sure to visit TheSkiDiva.com, a new internet forum especially for women skiers, where women skiers can connect with one another to talk about everything and anything ski-related.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

The buzz on women's skis.

At long last, ski manufacturers are beginning to take women skiers seriously. In recent years they've begun putting out some awesome women's skis. And as you can imagine, these are a big topic for discussion on TheSkiDiva.com, the internet discussion forum for women skiers.

Here are some of the skis that the ladies over there are buzzing about:

  • K2 Burnin' Luv, One Luv, and Lotta Luv

  • Volkl Attiva AC3

  • Dynastar Exclusive II

  • Nordica Olympia Speed

  • Atomic Balanze

  • Salomon Siam N10


  • Want to find out more? Visit the manufacturer's web sites for stats. And stop by TheSkiDiva.com for some great ski talk.

    Friday, October 20, 2006

    Ski for less (Part 2)

    The money saving tips listed in my October 13 entry were a good start. So let's continue: here are some more ways you can save money skiing. Anyone have any others?

  • Get a job at the ski resort of your choice: You'll get paid and be able to ski for free. What could be better?

  • Buy ski gear at early season sales. Or get it used. This especially makes sense for kids who grow out of things in nothing flat.

  • Join a ski club. You can get great deals on lift tickets, as well as on trips to all sorts of terrific places. Some maintain houses in or near ski towns where you can stay for very little, too.

  • Look for lift ticket discounts at ski shops, fast food chains, and grocery stores. You'll be amazed who has deals. Keep your eyes open. They're everywhere.

  • Look for special offers at your favorite mountain. Some have discount days for state residents, ski clubs, women, college students, and so on. Check your mountain's web site for details.

  • Be sure to visit TheSkiDiva.com, a new internet forum especially for women skiers, where women skiers can connect with one another to talk about everything and anything ski-related.

    Tuesday, October 17, 2006

    The difference between men's and women's skiing.

    Found a very interesting article about the differences between men's and women's skiing:

    Skimybest.com

    Basically, the article discusses the physical, anatomical, cultural, and psychological differences that make men and women ski and learn to ski differently.

    What it makes clear to me is that skiing is not a one-size-fits-all enterprise; that is, what works for one gender may not work for the other. There are critical differences that must be considered for each to have a happy and successful skiing experience.

    I also thought it interesting that the author finds women more likely to take lessons than men. Could this stem from a greater willingness to ask for assistance (for instance, why won't men ever ask for directions, when they're lost?), or is it a lack of confidence, on the woman's part? Whatever it is, lessons are a fine idea for both men and women. Don't you agree?

    Be sure to visit TheSkiDiva.com, a new internet forum especially for women skiers, where women skiers can connect with one another to talk about everything and anything ski-related.

    Friday, October 13, 2006

    Ski for less (Part 1).

    No question about it -- skiing costs money. And with just getting to the slopes costing an arm and a leg these days, it makes sense to think about ways to cut expenses.

    So here are a few ways to save. Most of them are pretty intuitive, but maybe there's something here you haven't considered:

  • Pack a lunch. Most of the food you get at ski resorts is expensive and let's face it, not especially good or healthy (you didn't really want that hog dog and fries, did you?). So bring your own, save money, and be good to your body.

  • Carpool. If you have a friend who likes to ski, sharing the cost of gas can be a big help. Plus you're keeping more cars off the road, which is better for the environment. (Remember, stop global warming!)

  • If you're on an overnight trip, don't stay slopeside. You can save a bundle by spending the night a few miles away. Granted, you'll have to drive a little, but you can save big.

  • Consider a season pass. If you ski alot, this can really pay off big time. My mid-week season pass pays for itself in just 5 visits. It's a terrific investment.


  • Be sure to visit TheSkiDiva.com, a new internet forum especially for women skiers, where women skiers can connect with one another to talk about everything and anything ski-related.

    Tuesday, October 10, 2006

    Ski season is coming!

    I know it is (in Vermont), for a few reasons:

    We had a hard frost the other night;

    Overnight temps are dipping into the 30s;

    I picked up my season pass yesterday;

    The new Warren Miller movie is making the rounds;

    The ski areas are holding their annual job fairs;

    The forecast is for snow showers by week's end.

    Not too much longer now.......

    Be sure to visit TheSkiDiva.com, a new internet forum especially for women skiers, where women skiers can connect with one another to talk about everything and anything ski-related.

    Friday, October 06, 2006

    Worst ski outfits.

    I don't mean to dis anyone's style -- and the important thing, after all, is the skiing -- but there are certain ski outfits I just don't understand.

  • One piece ski suits: I mean, isn't making a pit stop sorta inconvenient?

  • Long, long mid-calf coats: Don't they interfere with your legs?

  • Furs: Aside from being politically incorrect, isn't there a time and place?

  • White jackets: Is that you or the snow up ahead?

  • Skiing with your hood up: Doesn't that interfere with peripheral vision?

  • No hat: Makes me cold just to see it (especially when it's bald men). But I guess that's just me.

  • Anyone have any additions?

    Be sure to visit TheSkiDiva.com, a new internet forum especially for women skiers, where women skiers can connect with one another to talk about everything and anything ski-related.

    Monday, October 02, 2006

    Who do you ski with?

    Me, I mostly ski with my husband, Jon. He's a great guy, a fine skier, and lots of fun to be with.

    I'm lucky he likes to ski.

    But sometimes even he has enough, and I end up heading off by myself. Sometimes I meet someone I know, sometimes I make a new friend, and sometimes I ski alone.

    I don't mind skiing by myself. but I do enjoy company. I like to have someone to chat with on the way up, and to share the experience on the way down.

    However, many women tell me they don't ski because they can't find someone to ski with and don't like skiing alone. Or they don't like skiing with their husbands or boyfriends, because they're bombarded with too much "helpful" advice when they just want to relax and have fun.

    What about you?

    Be sure to visit TheSkiDiva.com, a new internet forum especially for women skiers, where women skiers can connect with one another to talk about everything and anything ski-related.