Double Black: A Ski Diva Mystery

Monday, July 30, 2007

Summer savings.

Here we are, deep in the heart of summer, and I'm thinking ski gear.

The reason is obvious: the prices right now are fantastic. Search around on the web, and you can get some of the best deals of the year -- up to 50% off on gear you would've paid full price for just six months ago.

Think about it -- does it make any difference if you're skiing on '07 skis during '08? They're still brand new. And they're still great.

If you're in the market for skis, take my advice. Shop now! You'll save plenty of green before the trails turn white.

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

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Kayaking the Connecticut.

As much as I love skiing, summer does have its pleasures. And one of them, to be sure, is kayaking.

My husband and I recently spent an absolutely stellar Saturday kayaking on the beautiful Connecticut River (for those who don't know, that's the river that divides Vermont from New Hampshire). The weather couldn't have been better -- 70 degrees with a light breeze, clear, sunny skies, a few puffy clouds. Thanks to recent rains the river was running at a nice clip -- 11,000 cubic feet per second. We put in at Sumners Falls, just above the town of Hartland, VT, figuring we'd paddle a couple hours, ending up at the Harpoon Brewery in Windsor. Sitting in our kayaks, we could feel the power of the river surging behind us, carrying us along without even the need to paddle.

Though paddle we did.

The Connecticut River Valley is a beautiful place. Lovely green, tree covered banks, the mountains of Vermont rising both beisde and in front of us, as the river bends. We saw a variety of bird life (alas, no eagles, though they do frequent th area. Guess we were there at a bad time,) Suprisingly enough, no one else was on the river with us -- we had it all to ourselves. A perfect way to spend a Saturday.

Thanks to the swift current, our trip was over in much less time than anticipated. All the same, a lovely day.

I guess summer isn't so bad after all.

For some great talk about ski gear, be sure to visit TheSkiDiva.com, the only internet forum especially for women skiers. Be sure to register to participate in some great discussions about skiing!

Friday, July 20, 2007

Want a peek at the new women's skis?

What better way to pass the hot, steamy days of summer than with a little ski porn?

Here's a look at some of the new skis for the '07-'08 season:

K2 Skis
Volkl Skis
Head Skis
Fischer Skis
Nordica Skis

For some great talk about ski gear, be sure to visit TheSkiDiva.com, the only internet forum especially for women skiers. Be sure to register to participate in some great discussions about skiing!

Sunday, July 15, 2007

From the Fire Tower.

Yesterday I hiked up the back of Okemo Mountain. It was a beautiful day -- clear sunny skies, not hot, humid, or windy. At the top of the mountain there's an old fire tower that was used years ago by the fire service. During the winter, you can see this tower when you off load at the top of Okemo's South Peak chair. Then it looks frozen and forbidding. But yesterday, on a picture perfect Saturday in July, it was exactly the opposite -- inviting and ready to be climbed.

From the top, you get an unmatched 360 degree view of the beautiful Green Mountains. To the north, Killington. To the south, Magic and Stratton. To the east Ascutney, Sunapee, even Mount Washington. And at your feet, the South Peak chair at Okemo. I felt like Maria von Trappe in the "Sound of Music," when the camera pans down on her singing at the top of a mountain and she's surrounded by a breath-taking, panoramic view of the Alps.

As usual, I left my camera behind (seems I never have it when I need it!), but it reminded me that in skiing, it's not just the ride down that I love so dearly, but the view from the top, as well. And with six areas spread out around me, I couldn't help but ask myself, "HOW AM I EVER GOING TO MAKE IT TIL SKI SEASON STARTS?"

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

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Summer Desperation.

I don't know about you, but I've had enough of these 90F+ degree temperatures.

This clip pretty much sums it up for me (at least the first part). Take a look. It's pretty funny.

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

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Getting back into skiing after you've had kids.

Having kids changes things a LOT, doesn't it?

I mean, used to be you could ski pretty much when the mood struck you -- and time allowed. Well, anyone who has kids knows those days are over.

So what do you do if you have kids and you want to ski?

The answer is simple: Get Them Involved!

Start talking to them about skiing well before you head to the slopes. This can give them an idea about what to expect and make the transition to the slopes a lot easier.

If they're old enough, enroll them in a ski program.. A few hours a day is sure to be enough. Planning it for when they're most receptive (i.e. not tired) would be best.

Focus on the positive. A lot of praise can make a big difference. So make a big deal when they learn a big skill. And when they want you to watch, WATCH!

Don't take them on trails they can't handle, just because you want to go there. It isn't enough to say, "Oh, I won't let them get into trouble." Things can, well, just happen. Besides, if it's beyond their ability, they won't enjoy it. Better to stick to the easier runs where they can have fun than to get them so scared they won't want to come back!

Be sure to take some time for yourself. I mean, you want to have fun, too, right? So get a sitter sometime and go by yourself (or with your friends). Or have Dad watch them, for a change. After all, you deserve it!

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