Happy 2008!

So where'd 2007 go??????

It's been an interesting year for me. Some of the highlights include:

Membership in TheSkiDiva.com surpassed 500: A terrific on-line community of women skiers. If you haven't checked it out yet, be sure you do. It's fun, informative, and free!

52 ski days, which is pretty good for me, given the less than stellar season here in the east. Hope it's better this year. We're off to a good start in Vermont; let's just hope it continues.

New gear: Always fun. I acquired two new pair of skis -- Fischer Vision 73's and Volkl Queen Attiva's -- plus a pair of boots -- Nordica Speed Machine 10's. At year end sales, too!

The publication of Finn, by Mr. Ski Diva (AKA Jon Clinch): To tremendous critical acclaim, I might add. Named one of the year's best books by the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, Amazon.com, BookSense, the Hartford Courant, and more. Plus a finalist for the John Sargeant Sr. First Novel Prize. Had to throw that in. Can you tell I'm proud?

And here's what I'm already looking forward to in 2008:

Meeting more members of TheSkiDiva.com: I met a few in 2007. It's fun to meet people you've already established a relationship with on line. If you participate in the forum, you can understand the way I feel!

A trip to Solitude: I'm heading out there the first week of March. Never been, so I'm very excited!

Finn's publication in paperback in March. Need I say more?

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.

Skiing with the kids over the holiday.

The Christmas holiday is a great time for family skiing. But high expectations can also lead to disappointments. So before you get on the slopes this week, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Know what you're in for: Things can go a lot slower when kids are involved. You may need to take a lot of bathroom and food breaks, and quit a lot earlier than you'd like. So be patient.

Don't force it: Don't take family members on slopes they're not ready to handle, just because you want to ski there. Not only is it not safe, but it's a good way to freak someone out -- and turn them off to skiing entirely.

Don't use ski instructors as baby sitters: It's not fair to the instructor not to show up on time at the end of your kids' lesson. And be sure to leave a tip!

Listen to what your kids want to do: And then do it (okay, within reason). They're not small for long. It'll make for a better relationship, and great memories in the years ahead.

Make it fun! That's what the holiday season is all about.

Have a happy, happy holiday!

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.

The year's best read!

Okay, this has nothing to do with skiing. But it has everything to do with a terrific book that's once again racking up the accolades:

Finn, by Jon Clinch (AKA Mr. Ski Diva), published by Random House.

Yep, the Washington Post, the Christian Science Monitor, the Chicago Tribune, heck, even Amazon.com have all named Finn as one of the best novels of 2007. Not only that, it was a finalist for the John Sargent, Sr., First Novel Prize, which honors the best first novel of the year.

So if you're looking for a great Christmas gift, here's one that can't go wrong. Order it today at amazon.com.

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.

Get with it, Lange!

Am I the only one who finds this distressing????

For the past 40 years, Lange has had a long standing ad campaign that features sexy, half-clad women wearing little else but its ski boots. Now Lange, along with Freeskier magazine, is sponsoring a contest to find four hot babes to represent the company at regional events.

Everyone knows that sex sells. But this campaign sets the women's movement back 40 years. Instead of relying on talent and athleticism, Lange once again takes the low road by resorting to another kind of T&A, objectifying women to sell its products. Are Lange boots so poor in quality and design that they have to resort to this? They could have done themselves credit by showing a terrific woman skier using their boots and saying why they're so wonderful. Instead, they continue to rely on an outdated mode of marketing that's crude, insulting, and demeaning to the achievements of women skiers everywhere. It's time they delivered something better.

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.

The perfect helmet for a Diva!

If this doesn't say Ski Diva, I don't know what does.

I think it's my new favorite piece of equipment.

What do you think????


BTW, for anyone who does not wear a helmet: GET ONE NOW! Your life may depend on 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.

The Skinny On Reviews.

Do you read gear reviews? All the ski mags have 'em; heck, I've even posted a few here myself. And there are loads of them on TheSkiDiva.com.

But before you rush off and buy the ski that a review says is best, here's something important to keep in mind:

Gear reviews are subjective. So much depends on the reviewers' ski level, the way they ski, their own personal likes and dislikes, snow conditions, bio-mechanics, ski length, even mood.

So please -- keep in mind that reviews are strictly the opinions of a specific skier. The best way to tell if a ski is right for you is to:

1) Learn as much as you can about the ski you're interested in -- which includes getting opinions from a variety of sources;

2) Assess you abilities honestly and fairly. You don't do yourself any favors getting a ski that's above or below your level;

3) Keep in mind the conditions under which you ordinarily ski. If you ordinarily ski under boilerplate conditions in the east, it may not do you any good to only look at powder skis;

4) Get out there and demo! You may find that a ski that gets awful reviews is one that suits you perfectly. Hey, they make tons of different skis for a reason. What's great for one person may be awful for you, and vice versa.

Reviews are a good place to start. Just keep in mind that they are only a small part of ski selection. The rest is up to you!

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.