Summer camp: It's Not Just For Making Potholders

To most people, summer camp brings to mind sing-a-longs, doing arts and crafts, and toasting marshmallows over a campfire under the stars.

Not the case for rippin' skiers. For them, summer camp means time to hone their skills at Mogul Camp.

One of the women who participates in TheSkiDiva.com just got back from the Momentum Adult Mogul Camp in Whistler, BC, where she spent a week working with some of the ski world's best coaches. The camp is run by John Smart, a 13-time World Cup medalist, 2-time Olympian, and Canadian Ski Hall of Fame member. You can read about her adventure here. But be prepared to turn green with envy -- it looks like an awfully good time, especially if you're as ski-starved as I am right now.

Mount Hood has a summer mogul camp, too. It might be too late to sign up for this year, but how about next?

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.

Women's Ski Reviews: '08/'09

Check out my articles on About.com!

There are two. The first, "Selecting Skis for Women", explores the differences between men's and women's skis and discusses things you should keep in mind about when you're looking for a new ski. The second, "Women's '08/'09 Skis," reviews some of the skis you'll see in the new season.

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.

Do you make your kids wear a helmet?

A lot of people do. Yet some of these same people refuse to wear one themselves.

I've heard all the arguments: I don't fall much, I don't ski fast, I'm very careful, It's not comfortable, etc. etc. etc..

Look, whether or not you wear a helmet is a personal choice (though in my opinion, a misguided one). But it doesn't set a good example for your child if you don't wear a helmet and you make them wear one.

This past season my husband fell in a very easy area -- he just caught an edge and went down -- and his head hit so hard that his helmet cracked. I shudder to think what would've happened if he didn't have one on.

All kids should wear helmets. All patrollers and instructors should wear helmets.

In fact, I think everyone should wear helmets.

They're not just for kids.

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.

Ski the Fourth!

The Fourth of July weekend may seem like an odd time to think about skiing, but here are some random thoughts to help you make it through the summer:

Loveland Ski Area starts making snow in just over two months. Go here for an actual countdown to the big day.

Snowbasin is celebrating the Fourth with a ski and snowboard race. You can sign up and race, if you like. Go here for more information.

You can always get your ski fix satisfied at some of the great internet ski forums, where they talk about skiing all year long. If you're a woman, try this blog's sister site, TheSkiDiva.com, the premiere internet community for women who love to ski. A terrific forum for everyone is EpicSki.com. And if you're European, try Snowheads.com.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!