A conversation with Didi Lawrence.

Didi Lawrence is an incredible woman. In March, ’07, as part of a personal spiritual quest, Didi traveled to Nepal where she skied Annapurna (26,538 ft), one of the world’s least climbed mountains.

This is an incredible feat for any skier, let alone a 52-year old recovering alcoholic who suffered a broken pelvis just a few years ago. Didi also conducts a women’s ski clinic at Aspen Highlands, as well as a Masters Extreme Clinic for women. Plus she’s a gear tester for Ski Magazine (that’s her on the cover of the 2006 Gear Guide).

From her home in Aspen, Colorado, Didi talked about her trip to Nepal, as well as about her skiing legacy and her clinics.

Q. Your mom, Andrea Mead Lawrence, is the only American to have won two gold medals at a single winter Olympics. Your dad, David Lawrence, was on the Olympic Team as a coach. And your grandparents founded Pico Mountain in Rutland County, Vermont. Has this legacy been a blessing or a curse?
A. It’s been a combination of both. I grew up under my mother’s umbrella, so there was always a certain expectation from the outside that I’d follow in her footsteps. After all, everyone has so much admiration for an extreme athlete. But it’s also been a blessing, because the gift my parents gave me was skiing. But they never pressured me about it. The only pressure they put on me was to have a great life.

Q. Why did you go to Nepal and what was the scope of the trip?
A. For me, it was more a spiritual journey than about skiing – though that was a thrill, too. I was part of a group of four Americans, and even though we only skied three days and took a total of seven runs, it was absolutely incredible. We skied the north side where probably no one had ever skied before. The rest of the time – we were in Nepal a total of three weeks -- we went hiking, sightseeing, visited temples, even went to a Maoist rally. And we went parahawking, too. That’s when you paraglide with birds of prey who are trained to show you where the thermal currents are.

Q. What did you get out of going to Nepal?
A. As I said, this was a personal journey. Everyone struggles with who they are. Even though I’ve been through a lot, the universe has given me a second chance at life, and I’m so grateful just to be alive. The trip helped me realize the enormity of life and how great the universe really is. It was also about my love for my mom and what she’s done with her life. I’ve always been her personal champion. For me, it was a spiritual awakening.

Q. What was the highlight of the trip for you?
A. There were a lot of different ones besides skiing. But here’s one of the skiing ones: On the first day, two of us plus our guide went to the top of a run that was about 100 yards wide and 3,000 vertical feet. It’d never been skied before, and there was powder up to our knees. When we got to the bottom, both of us burst into tears. It was so wonderful -- like a magic carpet. We named it Mom’s Run, in dedication to our moms.

Q. Tell us a bit about your clinic in Aspen. What are you teaching, what do you want attendees to come away with?
A. I run a local women’s clinic every weekend. As you know, there are 10 levels in PSIA. I’ve added a level 12, and it's for women who want to experience steeper, deeper terrain. I tell them how to do it in an offensive rather than a defensive way. It’s extremely empowering, and it runs every weekend, January through March.

I also run a Masters Extreme Clinic for women for four days in January. This is a huge draw for women who want to experience life and grow. I see skiing as a metaphor for life and how I approach my fears. Life is about confronting your fears and getting through them. In this clinic, we move through the fear that may be blocking their growth. I take women to experience the mountain in the same way that I do. It’s both empowering and emotional, and It really opens up the whole universe for women to ski in a way they they’ve never done before, without men or boyfriends.

Q. What are you skiing these days?
A. My boots are Nordica Doberman 130s. And my skis are Nordicas, too: the Olympia Firefox. Nordica has done a great job with its women’s program, and I feel honored to work with them.

Anyone who wants to contact Didi about her clinics may do so by emailing her at didilawrence@comcast.net.

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 Zen of Skiing.

I've been hearing from a lot of people lately how skiing is a metaphor for life. And the more I think about it, the more I think it's true.

Here are some thoughts on the subject expressed by some of the women over at TheSkiDiva.com:

You can't have fun getting down the mountain if you're down on yourself.

Skiing requires that you give up control of the things that seem obvious (leaning into the hill=safe) and surrender yourself to falling. The joy that comes with that experience is astonishing.

Forget about being in control: Be in balance and you will be able to control your response to the conditions around you.

Stop once in awhile, breathe, and enjoy the view around you.

All physical discomfort is relative: There was always a colder day, a sorer muscle, a meaner boss, a more difficult co-worker, etc.

It's important to be flexible, the best laid plans can be disrupted by unexpected events (what do you mean that chairlift is not running today?).

Falling down once in a while is part of life. So what. Get up, dust yourself off, and move on.

For every down there is an up. And vice versa.

Control takes a certain measure of self-awareness, practice, and discipline. Don't just launch yourself into something without knowing what you're doing. Have the tools at hand to handle the situation, and you'll be fine.

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.

Boot up.

It wasn't too long ago that all ski boots were built the same. You had the same boots as your brother or your husband or your son. There weren't any just for women.

Now that's changed. And it's not that they're making them in pink (thank God it hasn't come to that!). Manufacturers have finally realized that women have special needs in boots, just as they do in skis. Many now offer female-specific models. And they're worth checking out.

Women tend to have lower, thicker calf muscles than men, so the cuffs may be larger, lower, or scalloped. Our anatomy may make it harder for us to get forward, so boots may include heel lifts, spoilers, or other devices. And because we're (generally) lighter in weight than men, the shell may be softer. (Look for a boot that can provide this without any sacrifice in lateral or rear support.) Some boots may even have cushier, warmer insides to reflect our cushy, warmer insides (not really; it's just because that's something we like).

Boot shopping takes time, and it takes some real expert assistance. So be sure to visit a shop where there's an expert bootfitter on staff. Your feet will thank 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.

A few words with Gold Medalist Deb Armstrong.

Deb Armstrong is a skier's skier. Winner of the Gold Medal in the Women’s Giant Slalom at the 1984 Olympics in Sarajevo, she's been inducted into the National Ski Hall of Fame and is on the PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) National Alpine Demo team.

I caught up with Deb while she was packing for her move to Steamboat Springs, CO, from her home in Taos, NM. After eight seasons overseeing the ski school at Taos, Deb is assuming the position of Alpine Technical Director at the ski school at Steamboat.

Q: Why the move to Steamboat?
A: Ski technique is my passion, and I'll have a wonderful outlet there. I've loved working at Taos, but Steamboat is offering me what I'm looking for. There's more potential for involvement in more programs.

Q: Why did you decide to instruct?
A: I'm passionate about delivering the gift of skiing. I think I can relate well to people of all levels and deal with them as individuals. That's important.

Q. Do you have a philosphy for skiing and instructing?
A: Skiing is a life long learning process. It's a metaphor for so many things, and there's always more to learn. When I instruct, I try to be accessible and very clear. I try to get everyone excited about skiing.

Q. Is there one problem you see more than others in women skiers?
A. That's hard to say. Everyone is different, men and women. For some, it might be equipment problems. For others, it might be confidence. I much prefer to treat women as individuals rather than lump them all together in one group. I think that can be demeaning and frustrating. As a woman myself, I can be sensitive to a whole scope of things that might be going on.

Q. Do you ever get scared when you ski?
A. When I was racing there was so much adrenalin that this wasn't really an issue. Skiing can be a mental game. You have to learn quickly that if you're fearful, you'll lose the tools that can help you succeed. When you're scared you freeze up or lean back. So you have to be smart. You can't get in over your head. And you have to ski with conviction. It'll keep you over your feet.

Q. How has your skiing changed over the years?
A. The equipment has changed a lot, and that brings in technical changes. I've had to evolve my technique. I've worked hard at that.

Q. What are you skiing on these days? Skis and boots?
A. Nordica is making amazing skis these days for women of all levels. The Olympia Firefox is fantastic. It's their highest end women's ski and it's a ripper for the female ripper skier. I love it. As for boots, I'm using Nordica's Doberman 150, which are way too stiff for the average recreational skier.

Q. A few years ago you suffered from a serious illness. How's the recovery been? Was it hard to get back into skiing?
A. I'm 100% recovered. No problems at all. I took a year off and got right back into it.

Q. When you're not skiing, what do you like to do?
A. In the off season I like to read, particularly non-fiction. And I like golf, tennis, and bike riding. I'm an active person.

Deb will be offering a series of women's clinics at Steamboat Ski Resort: January 15-17, February 5-7, and March 4-6.

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.

So you're looking for new skis....

If you haven't looked at women's skis lately, maybe it's time you took another look. Because to paraphrase an old ad campaign, they've come a long way, baby.

It wasn't too long ago that manufacturers would simply take their men's skis, power them down, slap on some flowers, and call them women's skis. The technical term for this: shrink it and pink it. The result was less than satisfactory.

Today, ski manufacturers have changed their tune, offering women's skis that'd give anyone a run for their money. They're making skis that are lighter and softer to accomodate women's lower muscle mass, but giving them the strength and stability we crave. (And they don't rely on cutesy graphics so much, either. Which, by the way, I always found somewhat offensive.)

Other differences you may see in women's skis include:

Shorter tips: This keeps your boots closer to the front of your ski, for better turn initiation.

Lighter, forward mounted bindings: The heels may be raised, too. All this is done to accomodate our lower center of gravity, and make it easier for us to get our skis on edge.

Waists that are farther forward: This, too, is to accomodate our lower center of gravity, as well as our forward mounted bindings.

This year there are plenty of great choices to choose from. So take another look. I think you'll like what you see.

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 Thoren Theory.

If you don't know Jeannie Thoren, maybe you should.

Named one of the 100 Most Influential Skiers of the Century by Ski Magazine and one of the Top 25 Most Influential Skiers of the Past 50 years by Skiing Magazine, Jeannie has had an incredible influence on women's skiing.

Jeannie developed the Thoren Theory more than 30 years ago -- perhaps the main impetus behind many of the developments in women's equipment today.

What's her theory? By today's standards, it seems fairly obvious:

Women are not small men!

We're built differently, with wider hips, narrower shoulders, smaller feet, and a different stance. All this means its harder for a woman to get forward over her skis, keep her skis flat against the snow, or get enough power out of her equipment. Which means that women's skis and boots need to be engineered to accomodate the biomechanical differences that can make a world of difference in our skiing.

For years Jeannie offered ski clinics at ski areas across the country, helping women adapt equipment to their special requirements and coaching them to become better skiers. Lately she's moved on, working to develop women's boots and skis for Dynastar/Lange.

Jeannie is a great resource for women's skiing, and someone to be admired. Truly a women ahead of her time and someone who should be saluted for making a difference.

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.

I'm off to ESWA!

That's the Eastern Ski Writers Association, to you.

Today begins their pre-season meeting at Mount Snow, Vermont. It's going to be my very first event with the group, and I'm kind of excited.

Tomorrow I'm on a panel about bloggers and blogging, exploring whether bloggers should be recognized as legitimate members of the ski press or not.

This is a tough one. With the right equipment, moderate computer skills, and something to say, just about anyone can blog these days. The problem is separating the wheat from the chaff -- and there's bound to be more chaff than wheat.

I've had this blog for over a year now, and maybe it's time for a review. What do you folks think? Is it something you enjoy reading? Do you check it often? Has it proven helpful in any way?

Post your comments. I'd love to read 'em.

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 reviews are in.

Haven't seen them yet myself, but the Gear Review issues are starting to appear. Powder and Skiing are out, and Ski is sure to come, in a matter of weeks.

Gear reviews are useful. The provide a good place to start your search for new equipment. They can provide important information, like ski dimensions, point out new features, and just let you know what's new for this year and what the trends are.

All the same, it's important to remember they're exactly what their name implies: a GUIDE! View it as a source for information -- not the final word. Talk to knowledgable people in ski shops. Register at TheSkiDiva.com and take advantage of the great discussions about equipment. And more importantly, try before you buy. Hit a Demo Day at a mountain near you. Or see if you can rent it from your local shop. What's right for someone else may not be right for you.

Ski gear ain't cheap, so use all the tools you can to make the best decision possible. After all, the only review that counts is the one you make.

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 and pregnancy.

There are lots of opinions about this. Some people say if you're a good skier, then there's no reason pregnancy should interfere with your skiing -- as long as you stop before the third trimester, since your center of gravity may be off.

Me, I don't think it's worth the risk. There's never a guarantee you won't fall or someone won't collide with you. And there are a lot of worse things than missing a ski season.

Apparently I'm not alone. Three-time Olympian and four-time US slalom champion Sarah Schleper just announced that she's going to miss the 2008 World Cup season because she's expecting a baby early next year.

Granted, she skis a lot differently than just about any other woman on the planet. And even though she's giving up racing, maybe she'll still take a run or two. The reports I read didn't say.

Everyone is different. And of course, the final decision is up to you. But if you do plan to ski, discuss it with your doctor. Stay away from double black runs. And be extra careful, okay?

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 high price of skiing.

No one ever said that skiing is cheap. When you figure in the cost of equipment, clothing, day passes, food, and transportation, it's amazing that anyone other than Bill Gates is able to afford it. (Does Bill Gates ski?)

Now I see that Aspen is raising its day pass to $87. for the '07-'08 season. Granted, Aspen is not my local hill. And granted that I am not paying anywhere near that to go skiing. And granted, also, that Aspen seems to thrive, no matter how much they seem to charge. (You know how it goes -- for some people, the more you pay, the more it's worth.)

Still, last season Vail charged $85. for a day pass. And many ski areas have no problem cranking their prices up and up every year.

I know costs are going up. Improvements made by a ski area can cost millions of dollars. And this is a business, not a charity. All the same, in an industry that's been lamenting a downward trend in the number of skiers, this doesn't seem the way to correct the trend.

At least that's how it seems to me.

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.

A Half Marathon, A Complete Committment

One of my favorite people will be running a half-marathon in Philadelphia on September 16th.

My daughter, Emily, along her very good friend, Wendy Levine, will run to raise funds for The Children's Tumor Foundation—an organization whose mission is to end Neurofibromatosis (NF) through research. I don't know about Wendy, but Emily's never covered that kind of distance before. So it's a huge commitment on her part—but a commitment to acting on behalf of something she truly believes in.

NF is a progressive and debilitating genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow randomly throughout the body, along the nerves and nerve endings. It can cause brain tumors, blindness, deafness, bone abnormalities, learning disabilities, and more. NF occurs in more than one in 3,000 births and is more common than Cystic Fibrosis, hereditary Muscular Dystrophy, and Huntington’s Disease combined. Currently, there are no effective treatments and NO CURE for NF.

If you'd like to support Emily and Wendy and their commitment to NF, click on over to Active Giving.com and make a donation.

Tell 'em Ski Diva sent you.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

Staying in shape for ski season.

The summer solstice has come and gone, the days are getting shorter.

Yes, I know it's not even the Fourth of July, but ski season will be here before you know it. So if you want to be ready to tackle the slopes without doing yourself damage, it makes good sense to stay in shape during the off season.

Some suggestions:

Do something you enjoy: Whether it's cycling or swimming, running or roller blading, staying in shape is easier if it's something you like to do.

Set realistic goals: Don't try a 10k run first crack out of the box. Start small and move up in small increments, whether it's the weight you're using or the time you spend on a bike.

Make fitness a priority: One of the toughest things about staying in shape is finding time to exercise. So make an appointment with yourself to work out. If you set aside the time, it's harder to duck.

Get advice from the experts: A personal trainer, a fitness guru, someone who knows how you can make the most out of your workouts and teach you how to do them properly, without injury.

Workout with friend: More fun for you, better for you both.

Register at TheSkiDiva.com, an internet forum especially for women skiers: This is a great place to talk about skiing and fitness all year round. A great way to stay motivated!

Coming to a TV near you.

The Ski Channel, a video-on-demand channel brought you to by Time Warner and Steve Bellamy, founder and former president of The Tennis Channel.

Launching the first quarter of 2008, the Ski Channel will focus on year-round mountain activities: skiing (of course), boarding, climbing, orienteering, hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, caving, and the always indeterminate "and more."

According to Bellamy, "We’re going to create an incredible network that everyone sitting in every living room in America can watch. Serving skiers and mountain enthusiasts is going to be 100 percent of our focus – we’re going to understand their every want and need, whether it’s in our coverage of competition, destination travel, equipment insight and instruction, or those off-season, ancillary sports like hiking and mountain biking, to which we’ll also devote a significant amount of instruction. By understanding them and integrating with them at every turn, we will build a great media vehicle that will help to grow the snowsports industry."

Sounds good. Wonder if they'll have anything related to women's skiing.....

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.

Something you can do in the off season.

You can do what a friend of mine, Steve Kendra, is doing:

Cycle across America.

Steve is part of a team called "Ari's Angels" that's participating in the Race Across America. The charge of his team: to raise money for The Children's Tumor Foundation, an organization whose mission is to end Neurofibromatosis (NF) through research.

NF is a progressive and debilitating genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow randomly throughout the body, along the nerves and nerve endings. It can cause brain tumors, blindness, deafness, bone abnormalities, learning disabilities, and more. NF occurs in more than one in 3,000 births and is more common than Cystic Fibrosis, hereditary Muscular Dystrophy, and Huntington’s Disease combined. Currently, there are no effective treatments and NO CURE for NF.

Steve and his team began their journey in Oceanside, CA, on June 12, and expect to complete it in Atlantic City, NJ, on Friday, June 22. They've seen it all: From the mountains to the prairies indeed. And they've persevered with humor, strength, and dedication that are lessons to us all.

Those of us who are not along for the ride can follow Steve's journey at Ari's Angels' Blog. And you can make a donation to his team by visiting Active Giving.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.

Match Game.

Do you care if your skis/boots/jacket/pants are color coordinated?

To be honest, I really don't. Not much, anyway. I'd like my pants and jacket to match. And this is pretty easy to do; my pants are black, so they go with everything.

But as far as equipment goes, I couldn't give a rat. I go for function and fit rather than color. Years ago, however, I had a pair of purple boots, which I absolutely HATED -- then again, they were just crappy boots. Though the color didn't help any.

Despite all of this, my new boots and skis actually match -- but that's merely a happy coincidence. My skis (Fischer Vision 73's) are orange. And my boots (Nordica Speed Machines) are blue, white and orange.

Is it too girlie of me to be glad they do??????

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 non-skiing partner.

What do you do if you have a passion for skiing -- and it isn't shared by the one you have a passion for?

That's a tough one.

For me, it meant years of not skiing, until my sweetie decided to give it a try. Now he's as hooked (well, almost as hooked) as I am.

But I think it'd be difficult to balance a relationship between someone who skis and someone who doesn't. I know some women who do. Their husbands don't ski, so they just go out and do it themselves. Hey, a lot of men do that without their wives, so why not?

Trouble is, most women feel guilty about doing things that are only for them. In the interest of being the perfect wife or mother, they seem to discard the things that bring them joy -- like skiing. Call it socal conditioning, call it responsible thinking, it's hard to shake.

Finding a supportive group of like-minded women certainly helps (shameless plug for TheSkiDiva.com, the internet discussion forum for women skiers). So give us a try.

Map Quest.

Wouldn't life be easier if you could look at a trail map and actually see if a run is right for you? I mean, it isn't always apparent; something you think is a downhill trail may actually go across the mountain. Or it could be much too steep for your ability. Wouldn't it'd be nice to know before you commit?

Face it; the usual blue and black symbols just don't always tell the story.

Here are two sites that can help:

Ski.com's interactive 3D trail maps. and 3D Ski Maps.

Both can give you a better sense for the terrain than a flat, one-dimensional map, so you'll have a better idea about what you're getting in to, before you even get there.

Check 'em out.

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.

Separating Sunscreen Facts From Fiction.

When I was a kid, I used to slather on the baby oil and sit on the beach and roast. The idea, of course, was to achieve the "perfect tan." What I usually ended up with was the perfect burn, instead.

What fools we were back then.

Now, of course, we know a lot better. Sun exposure can cause all sorts of damage to your skin, not to mention contribute to skin cancer.

So when I saw this on CNN about common sunscreen "myths", I knew I had to post it here.

Myth No. 1: Sunscreen is all you need to stay safe.

Reality: "Sunscreen is only one part of the sun-protection picture," explains Francesca Fusco, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. "Just slathering it on and doing nothing else isn't going to cut it because, even with sunscreen, there's still up to a 50 percent risk that you'll burn."

You also need to seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when sunlight is strongest; cover up with clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses; do regular skin self-exams; and get a professional skin evaluation annually.

Myth No. 2: SPF measures levels of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

Reality: The SPF (sun protection factor) measures only the level of protection against UVB rays. But several of the 16 active ingredients approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in sunscreens also block or absorb UVA rays, says Warwick L. Morison, M.D., professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins Medical School and chairman of the Skin Cancer Foundation's Photobiology Committee.

Ingredients include: avobenzone (Parsol 1789), octocrylene, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide, as well as the recently approved Mexoryl SX. Make sure one of these is in your sunscreen, or look for products labeled "broad spectrum," which means they protect against UVB and UVA rays.

Myth No. 3: Some sunscreens can protect all day.

Reality: "Regardless of the SPF or what the label says, sunscreens must be reapplied every two hours," Fusco says. "The active ingredients in most products begin to break down when exposed to the sun." Only physical blockers such as zinc oxide stay potent after two hours, but not all sunscreens are made with these ingredients.

Myth No. 4: Some sunscreens are waterproof.

Reality: The FDA does not recognize the term "waterproof," so don't count on sunscreen to last through hours of swimming. The agency does recognize "water/sweat/perspiration resistant" (which means a product offers SPF protection after 40 minutes of exposure to water) and "very water/sweat/perspiration resistant" (which means it still protects after 80 minutes). To be safe, reapply sunscreen after swimming or sweating.

Myth No. 5: A sunscreen can provide "total sunblock."

Reality: "No sunscreen blocks 100 percent of UV rays," Fusco says. An SPF 15 protects against 93 percent of UV rays, SPF 30 protects against 97 percent, and SPF 50 wards off 98 percent. You should slather two tablespoons on your body a half-hour before going outside, so the sunscreen has time to absorb into your skin.

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.

Teenage girls and skiing.

Just learned of an interesting article in January's Ski Area Management magazine about teenage girls and skiing -- specifically, why they drop out and how that's being addressed -- or should be addressed -- by ski areas.

Go here


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.

Where have all the skiers gone?

According to a recent report by the National Ski Areas Association, skier visits were down 6.9 percent from last season's record-setting 58.9 million visits.

That's not much a surprise here in the northeast, where a miserable early season got things off to an especially late start. Add in a miserable storm over MLK Weekend that essentially destroyed what little snow there was, and the decline is hard to offset, even with some terrific late season storms.

Poor conditions are a mixed blessing. They can help keep the crowds down, which is great for those of us who choose to ski. But they can also translate into bad financial statements for the resorts. And when the resorts suffer, so do we all.

Here's hoping that things are better next year.

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.

Best Trail Names.

Do you choose a trail based on its name? Avoid something named "Suicide" or "Certain Death" out of fear?

Trail names can be either revelatory or completely deceiving; it can go either way. That's why it makes sense to find out about 'em, before you give 'em a try.

Here are what I think are some of the best trail names out there:

Widowmaker (Sugarloaf)
The Spin Dryer (Sun Peaks)
Jaws of Death (Mount Snow)
Goatsucker Glade (Sunshine)
Elevator Shaft (Lake Louise)
CPR Ridge (Kicking Horse)
Dead Bob's Chute (Crested Butte)
Idiot's Option and Chicken's Option (Attitash)
Agony (Sunday River)
Oh God! (Jungfrau)

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.

Here's to you, Ski Moms....

...for all you do. Making sure everyone has the hats, goggles, ski pants, boots, etc. etc. they need on the slopes. Dressing and undressing the kids. Assembling the lunches. Hauling the equipment. Harboring a secret stash of tissues/sun block/chap stick/energy bars for that unavoidable emergency. Accomodating multiple bathroom breaks and all the dressing and undressing that go with 'em. Providing encouraging words after a fall. Driving to and from the ski slopes. Attending ski races. Wiping noses. Wiping tears. Administering first aid. Putting on and removing boots/jackets/gloves/helmets. Making sure nothing gets left behind. Arranging ski lessons. Making sure the kids wear helmets.

For all you do, ski moms, for all your unwavering love, devotion, and support -- we salute you!

And to my own mom, who doesn't ski and never did, here's to you, too. Thanks for supporting my skiing when I was growing up, and for continuing to support it -- without ever asking 'why' -- now that I'm an adult.

Happy Mother's Day!

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.

Are you afraid of getting hurt?

Can't blame you. No one wants to get hurt. The problem is when the fear of injury takes over until you work yourself into such a nervous tizzy that your skiing suffers and you actually end up doing yourself some damage.

Funny thing is that you can get hurt doing just about anything. One of the women on TheSkiDiva.com posted about someone she knew who got hurt washing her car; she tripped over the hose and woke up in the hospital with a shattered femur and a number of torn ligaments. It was one of the worst injuries the therapist there had ever seen.

This doesn't mean you should take needless risks. But fear of getting hurt doesn't help your skiing. It can dampen your enjoyment of the sport and keep you from realizing your full potential.

The best advice: know your limitations, maintain your equipment, and keep yourself in shape; good balance and good core strength can go a long way in keeping you out of the emergency room.

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 boyz.

Some of the women on TheSkiDiva.com have been talking about skiing with the boys. And it's made for some interesting discussion.

Seems in some cases, a platonic skiing relationship just isn't enough; the guys want to be more than just "skiing buddies."

Which is too bad. With women who ski in the minority, sometimes the only people we have to ski with are guys. And a guy who tries to step over the line can turn a perfectly nice ski day into something considerably less than perfect.

Let's be honest -- this isn't just limited to men. I'm sure some women are looking for something else on the mountain, too. But for those of us who aren't, it'd sure be nice if we could just, well, ski without all this other stuff getting in the way.

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.

Love is a slippery slope.

I can't be the only who noticed that Prince William busted up with his long-time girlfirend while on a trip to Zermatt.

Who's to say why they broke up. It's probably something that's been coming for a while. I've known people who've found love on the slopes. But I'm sure it's also possible to lose it on a ski trip.

It's true that skiing can bring out the worst in people. Poor conditions, fear, equipment problems, crowded lift lines, etc. can cause tempers to flare and a weak relationship to fracture. Maybe it's a good way to determine how good you are for each other. Fun on the slopes equals fun everywhere else. Cranky on the slopes, with your significant other turning into the Abominable Snowman, could mean it's time to look elsewhere.

After all, I hear there's a Prince available......

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.

Don't try this at home.

A Norwegian was arrested recently after doing this in the London Underground.

I'd never get that desperate, even in the off 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.

'06-'07 Ski Goals: A Look Back.

Way back in September I had a post about my goals for the '06-'07 ski season.

How'd I do? Let's take a look:

Get through the season uninjured: Check! No injuries. Phew!

Ski more days than last season.Check! Got in 51 wonderful days, a personal record.

Try at least one new mountain. Check! Skied Jay Peak and Burke (both in VT), as well as Sunapee (NH). Loved them all.

Improve my skiing technique, particularly on moguls.This is still a work in progress. I'm okay if they're not too steep or too icy.

Make lots of new ski friends. I was fortunate enough to ski this year with some of the women who participate in TheSkiDiva.com. And what a blast it was! A fabulous time and some great skiing.

Have fun! This was the easiest one of all. Double check!

How'd you do?

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 Diva goes legit!

Yep, it had to happen. They went and made an honest woman out of me.

I'm now an official member of the Eastern Ski Writers Association (ESWA), part of the North American Snowsports Journalists Association (NASJA).

Sounds very hifalutin', doesn't it?

Well, it is. The North American Snowsports Journalists Association (NASJA) is a professional group of more than 300 writers, authors, photographers, filmmakers and broadcasters who report ski- and snowboard-related news, information and features throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, via the various media. The NASJA is an "umbrella" association of three regional affiliates that represent Eastern North America, Midwestern North America and Western North America.

So what exactly does this mean? Two things:

1) It means that people in the snow industry have recognized both this and TheSkiDiva.com as legitimate web sites, as opposed to someone who's just blogging to their grandma.

2) It means I'll have better access to information about skiing and snowsports -- information I can pass on to you.

Can a spot in the White House press corp be 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.

Better than a bra tree!

In my post of February 16, I railed (yes, railed is the word) against people who insist on descecrating the landscape along ski lifts by hurling their bras/undergarments on innocent, unsuspecting trees.

Just didn't make sense to me. Like littering, it's just plain messy.

But now there's a case where giving up your bra makes sense.

If you donate your bra to Fat Mardi's Restaurant in Tremblant's Mountain Village Square, they'll give you a credit toward dinner there, plus make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.

I understand they have a line of bras going around the bar.

A great idea. So I sent one in. You can, too. Their address is:

Fat Mardi's
3035 Ch. de le Chapelle
Mont Tremblant, Quebec J8E 1T1
Canada

You don't have to be a customer to participate.

A good idea for a great cause.

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.

Have you ever shared a pass?

Come on. 'Fess up. It's good for the soul.

Do you or have you ever "shared" a daily lift ticket?

I know people who have done this -- parents, actually, who want to ski but also need to share child care duty. They'll take turns using a jacket with a lift pass, passing it between them throughout the day. One of them skis, while the other stays in the lodge and watches the kid.

It's a dirty little secret. Because it's actually theft of service, if you think about it. Which is something I don't approve of, particularly when so many ski areas are struggling to stay afloat.

However, it also isn't right for ski areas not to have some kind of interchangeable pass for Moms and Dads to share. It fails to recognize the difficulties many families face in getting out to ski, and the harsh realities of child care.

I know this pass is possible, because Bretton Woods, Tahoe Donner, Alpine Meadows, and Northstar have it, to name a few. Mom and Dad buy identical passes, only one of which can be used at any given time.

Seems like a good business decision to me. A win/win situation all around.

What do you think?

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.

Thinking ahead.

As your season's winding down, it's never to early to start thinking about next year.

A lot of ski areas are offering season pass discounts. Buy your pass now, and you'll pay less than you would if you waited til after a certain date.

Makes sense to me. I love to ski, but I hate to spend money.

Don't think you ski enough at a single ski area to warrant a season pass? Think again. It'd take just five trips to the ticket window to pay for my mid-week season pass at Okemo. Kind of puts it in perspective, doesn't it?

Just something to keep in mind.....

The last day.

I think today might be my last ski day of the year. (sniff!)

Where did the season go?

All the same, it's going out with a bang, for two reasons:

First, it's my 50th ski day. Some people think it's obsessive to count. Me, I see it as goal oriented. My goal this year was to reach 50 days, and now I have. I can think of worse things to keep track of.

And second, I get to ski with some of the great women from TheSkiDiva.com. A few of us are meeting today at my local hill, and I can't think of better company to have on my last few runs. This has been the forum's first ski season, and I must say, it's had a tremendous impact on my life. I've connected -- and become friends with -- some fantastic women skiers. And I've learned so much from the tremendous knowledge we've all been able to share. If you've never visited the site, be sure to stop by and register. It's a blast. And we'll still be going strong in the off 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.

The end is near.

I'm afraid it's coming.

The weather is getting warmer. There's the steady drip, drip, drip of melting snow. Bare spots are beginning to appear on the slopes. As I rode the lift yesterday, I heard the sound of birds chirping. And I noticed the trees are taking on the ruddy hue that signals the emergence of budding leaves.

I don't know about you, but I find this extremely depressing.

Spring is supposed to be a season of hope. Of flowers blooming. Of the earth coming to life. It's inevitable. The natural order of life.

For me, however, it signals the end of an all-too-short winter.

Some dedicated skiers follow the snow. I know one instructor in Vermont, an Australian, who spends our summer Down Under where she works as a ski instructor. For her, it's skiing all year round. An endless winter.

I don't think I'm ready for that. I actually enjoy the warm weather.

Just wish I could ski in 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.

And now, new skis.

Once again, the end of season close outs got the better of me.

It's not that I didn't need new skis -- I did. My old skis were four years old and the mileage was beginning to show. Also, I was bored and wanted something new. And when confronted with 50% off, what woman could resist?

So what'd I end up with?

Before I tell you, let me first explain my selection process. I take picking out skis seriously. Before I plunk down my hard earned cash, I want to make sure I get the ski that matches my ability and the conditions I ski in the most. So I do research. I talk to people at forums like TheSkiDiva.com to get opinions and first hand experiences. And I check out gear reviews at places like Realskiers.com. Then I demo, because there's nothing like time on the snow to see if a ski works for you. No matter what anyone tells you about a ski, there's no better way to see if you like it.

So, after doing all those things, what'd I end up with? Fischer Vision 73's. A really fun ski. Snappy, happy, energetic, and not too heavy. I like a stiff ski, but I don't like one that'll weigh me down (I'm not very big or powerful, myself); this one fills the bill. It also holds a nice edge, a must in eastern hard pack.

With the season almost over here in the northeast, I probably won't have the chance to ski on them too many more times. But when next season comes, I am so ready!

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 Safari.

I've just returned from a bit of a skiing safari, and like the Beach Boys say in the old song (the one about the T-bird), I had "fun, fun, fun!"

I started out on Friday at Burke Mountain, a small(ish) resort in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Burke is known as a place to experience traditional New England skiing, and it doesn't disappoint. Lots of trails that follow old logging roads as well as the contour of the mountain. And on the day I was there, my friend and I owned the place. It was completely empty. Unfortunately, the conditions could've been better.

On to Jay Peak, waaaay northern Vermont by the Canadian border. That's when the snow got serious. It started coming down Friday night, and didn't stop til the end of day Sunday. The result: 40 inches of freshies. On both Saturday & Sunday I demoed fat skis in some of the best conditions I've encountered anywhere! Jay is an awesome mountain with terrific glade skiing. And to make it even better, I had the chance to share it with some of the fabulous women from TheSkiDiva.com. A terrific experience.

Then yesterday, it was Sugarbush in the lovely Mad River Valley, Vermont, truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. They'd received a ton of fresh snow as well (about 36 inches). The sky was blue, the sun was out, and the conditions were great. We hit the trees, did the bumps, and had a terrific time.

Four days, three ski areas, stellar conditions, and great company. Life is good!

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.

These boots are made for skiing!

And that's just what they'll do!

Excuse the reference to an awful pop song, but I'm pretty excited here.

I just got a new pair of ski boots. My old pair -- Lange Banshees -- was five years old and pretty packed down. My heel was lifting up and my foot was slopping all around the inside. Plus I was getting awful shin pain, also known as "shin bang." Which was highly unpleasant.

So yesterday, after a morning skiing on slushy snow, I decided to go look for boots. Not buy, just look. But with the year end sales, the temptation was too great.

I hit two ski shops -- both with excellent reps for bootfitting: Basin Ski Shop in Killington, VT, and Northern Ski Works, also in Killington and Ludlow. I went to the first to try Heads and Salomons, and to the second to try Technicas and Dalbellos.

So what did I end up with? Nordica Speed Machines. Just goes to show: you have to have an open mind.

Why the Nordicas? They seemed to do it for me in all the right places. Of course, it's hard to tell for sure til I ski on them, but I'm hoping they'll ski good, too.

Can't wait to give them a try. I'm hoping to get out on them today. Here's hoping for a snowy, snowy weekend!

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.

It's about time.

I suppose by now everyone has moved their clocks ahead ("Spring forward, fall back.") If you haven't, you've been running late all week, so get with the program!

I haven't been skiing yet this week, so I'm wondering about the effect this will have on skiing. Obviously, one more hour of daylight means better light and greater visibility in the late afternoon. And I know of at least one ski area, Crested Butte, that's running its lifts an addtional hour to take advantage of the extra hour of daylight.

All this is good. But it also means spring is coming, which marks the approach of the dreaded off season.

Better get out there now, while you can.

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.

It's the little things that count.

Yep, I'm still here at Steamboat. And the other day I had the pleasure of skiing with two men who are instructors at Copper Mountain. Great guys, fantastic skiers.

And though it wasn't a formal lesson, they did give me some valuable pointers. Just some small things I could do to make my skiing a lot better.

Which made me think: a lot of what we do in skiing is a series of small refinements -- to our balance, to our edges, to where we place our poles, and so on. Taken individually, these don't seem like much. But put them all together, and you can make some dramatic changes in the way you ski.

Tiny steps lead can lead to big improvements. True in skiing, true in life.

I'm working 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.

Steamboatin'!

So here I am in Steamboat, Colorado.

Quite a change for a New England skier. Bluebird skies, sun, soft snow, temperatures in the forties yesterday. Today it's only supposed to be 4 degrees in Vermont.

I could get used to this.

It's always good to try new places. I've been to Steamboat before, but skiing someplace you don't ordinarily get to is a lot of fun.

I'm having a blast!

I should definitely do this more often.

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.

You know your skiing has improved when.....

(this is a compilation of comments from a thread on TheSkiDiva.com)

Your friends don't wait for you because they know, without a doubt, that you can ski the terrain you're on.

You come in from skiing after your teenage son.

You start thinking that bumps are kind of fun.

Your husband is complaining about the snow spray from your twin tips because he's BEHIND YOU!

You look back up the slope and realize - hey! I just skied that!

The mountan seems smaller.

You find your skis are doing exactly what they were designed to do.

You actually seek out the gnarliest terrain and get excited about skiing it.

You're smiling!

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.

Feel the burn!

I think everyone who skis has felt the agony of quad burn, at one time or another.

Mostly, it seems to be caused to skiing too much in the backseat instead of leaning forward, the way you're supposed to.

So what can you do about it?

First, work on your form. Keep your arms out in front, make sure you can feel your shins pressing lightly against the tongues of your boots, and look DOWN the mountain, instead of across.

And second, strengthen those quads. Squats, lunges, step exercises, weights -- all these are good. Plus build up your core strength. That'll help keep you centered over your skis and give you a quieter upper body, so you won't sit back as much.

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.

Got cold feet?

I don't mean the kind you get when you're nervous and change your mind. I mean actual cold feet -- the kind you get when the temperature's below zero.

Here are some tips that might help keep your toes toasty:

Make sure your boots fit. If they're too tight, they could be cutting off circulation. And that can make your feet cold.

Use thinner sox. That's right. Seems counter-intuitive, but thick sox can 1) cramp your feet and cut off your circulation, or 2) make your feet sweat, which will cool them right down.

Spray your feet with anti-perspirant. No kidding. Because dry feet are warmer feet. (Plus they won't stink!)

Keep your core warm. The warmer your core, the better your blood can circulate to your extremities, where it can do the most good.

Use toe warmers. The little self-adhesive kind that stick to the top of your foot, inside your boot.

Look into neoprene boot covers. These can go a long way in keeping out cold air, so your feet stay toasty.

Remember, warm feet are happy feet! And happy feet love to ski!

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.

It's Finn-bruary 20th....

and that means it's the date that that much anticipated novel, Finn, hits the shelves in bookstores everywhere.

Finn was written by my husband, Jon Clinch, and it's been receiving glowing reviews from major media outlets: Newsweek, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, The Washington Post, Playboy, GQ, Men's Health, & The San Francisco Chronicle. And the list is growing longer every day.

Finn is the dark story of Huckleberry Finn's father. It's about racism, madness, alcoholism, slavery, dysfunctional relationships. love, murder, greed, & disillusionment. And I must say, it's beautifully written (really). Picture Cormac McCarthy meets William Faulkner. What's more, you don't need to have read Huckleberry Finn to enjoy it. It stands all by itself.

So get off the slopes and hit the bookstore. You're going to love 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.

Keep your (under)shirt on.

Ever see one of these on a lift ride to the top -- a tree with bras and panties dangling from its branches?

I guess skiers throw them on during the lift ride up. What do people do -- bring underwear along especially to toss? Or do they disrobe on the lift? (That'd be pretty chilly, I bet. And provide quite a show!)

I'm no prude, but to me, it's just visual pollution. I don't like it for the same reason I don't like seeing billboards when I ski. Or garbage on the trail. It's messy. Looks like someone dumped out their dresser drawer. Quite simply, it takes away from the beauty of the natural environment.

I heard about a ski area whose solution was to cut its "bra tree" down. Which I think is pretty extreme. I mean, what's to prevent people from throwing underwear onto another tree? Do you cut down a tree every time this happens? Think of where that might lead! And does it make sense to punish a tree for the careless action of someone on the lift?

So readers, please try to restrain yourself. Keep your underwear on, where it belongs. The trees will thank you. And so will I.

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 Solo.

One of the most common complaints I hear from women skiers is that they lack someone to ski with. It's a big reason why many women stop skiing. Their spouses/significant others/friends don't ski. And they don't want to go alone.

Personally, I don't mind skiing by myself. It lets me do the things I want to do, without worrying about anyone else. I enjoy the peace and serenity of being alone with the mountain. And if I want companionship, there's always the lift ride up -- a great way to meet interesting new people.

If you do ski alone, however, take some precautions. Let someone know that you've gone skiing, where you've gone, and when you expect to be back. Bring your cell phone along, in case you run into trouble. Someone on TheSkiDiva.com also recommended bringing a whistle, which is a great idea for getting attention if you need help and no one's in the immediate area.

Of course, if you don't want to ski alone, there are alternatives. Join a ski club or a racing league. Or register on TheSkiDiva.com. You might find a skiing buddy or two there!

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.

Are you competitive?

Seems like I hear a lot about how men skiers are far more competitive than women. But I'm not sure that's true.

Look at the many terrific women skiers out there: Julia Mancuso, Kit DesLaurier, Wendy Fisher, Kim Reichhelm, Picabo Steet, to name a few. They didn't get to the top of the heap by not having that competitive drive.

Okay, you say. These women are the exception. Competition is their job.

True. And though I'm not competitive with other skiers, I can't say I'm not competitive, because I am -- with myself. I constantly challenge myself to get better; to improve my technique and do better than I did in the past. I also can't say I don't get pleasure from out-skiing someone who talks bigger than he skis (note I say "he," because in my experience, it's usually men who are the big talkers).

Where competition gets a bad rap, I think, is when it gets out of control -- when you put yourself and your goals ahead of anyone else, no matter what the cost. For example, if someone got hurt on a race course and you were glad because it made you win. I think that's a good example of competition gone bad.

Still, a little competition is good for you. It forces you to push yourself just a little bit more than you ordinarily would. And there's nothing wrong with that. There are a number of women who post on TheSkiDiva.com who are involved in NASTAR racing. It's fun for them, and I'm sure it does wonders for their skiing. Who knows -- maybe one of these days I'll give it a try!

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.

BRRRRRRRRRR!!!

I hate to miss a day of skiing. But occasionally, when it gets really, really cold, I'll sit one out.

Like yesterday. The high temperature only reached 7 degrees, but the wind chill made it feel like minus 25.

I have lots of warm clothing. Technical wear. Toe and hand warmers. Loads and loads of long underwear. And with the late start the season had here in New England, it seems almost blasphemous to complain about the cold. And a sin to miss any opportunity to ski.

Still, if it ain't fun, why do it? And with temperatures as cold as they are, it sure ain't fun for me.

I know my limits.

What about you?

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

O Say Can You See?

Sometimes you can't. When it's foggy, or when it's snowing really hard, sometimes visibility can be less than ideal.

Needless to say, this isn't safe or fun, and should be avoided at all costs.

So what do you do?

Wear goggles with a high contrast lens. Amber or orange lenses are best. These can make a big difference in what you see and in providing some definition to the trail.

Consider going in. If you're not comfortable out there, go inside the lodge. There's no shame in packing it in when conditions are bad. Hey, if it ain't fun, why do it?

Stick to trails you're comfortable with. Better yet, stick to trails you know. Not a good idea to try that double black when you can't see what's ahead.

Be aware of skiers around you. Give them some personal space. They'll appreciate it.

Keep your speed under control. If you can't see well, you really need to give yourself plenty of time to react to conditions around you. So slow down.

Stick to the edge of the trail. The trees will help provide some definition to the trail. At least you'll be able to tell when it's turning and when it's headed straight ahead.

The best advice I have? Stay safe so you can ski another day!

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

Skiing steep.

Have you ever wondered how steep you favorite ski area is, and how it compares to other areas?

If so, you should really go to 3DSkiMaps.com, where you can find color coded maps that indicate the steepness of a variety of ski areas. Pretty cool!

Another site that provides a great perspective on ski areas is Ski.com. There are 3D maps of 19 resorts, and they give you a real feel for the lay of the land -- much better than a one dimensional map.

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

The sound of music.

Seems like a lot of people can't do anything without some musical accompaniment. So I probably sound like an old fart, but I don't get skiing with headphones.

For me, one of the great pleasures of skiing is the absence of noise. I enjoy the silence and the gentle whooshing sound of my skis against the snow. Besides, I need all the audio cues I can get. Without music, I can hear if there's a snowboarder coming up behind me or whether or not I'm skidding my skis. Plus, I like to be able to carry on a conversation, either with the friends I'm skiing with or with strangers on the chairlift. Maybe I'm too distractable, but I can't do this with music playing in my ear.

Some people tell me they keep the music very low so they can hear everything that's going on around them. If that works for them, fine. But as for me, I'll keep it quiet.

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

Grand Opening.

If you like to participate in TheSkiDiva.com, the internet ski discussion forum for women, then check this out:

TheSkiDiva.com on-line store.

Here you can find stuff that'll let you show your Diva pride and support the site: bumper stickers, helmet stickers, mugs, T-shirts, sweat shirts, mouse pads, hats. And more (there's always "more.")

Take a look. You might see something you absolutely have to have.

And if you're not familiar with TheSkiDiva.com, be sure to visit. It's lots of fun.

Sleepless in Seattle.

Yes, I'm going to Seattle today. First time. Never been there.

And this has nothing to do with skiing, either (give me some leeway here).

As some of you may know, my husband, Jon Clinch, is having his debut novel published by Random House, due out in stores on February 20. It's called Finn, and it's the dark story of Huckleberry Finn's father. It's about racism, madness, alcoholism, slavery, dysfunctional relationships. love, murder, greed, & disillusionment. And I must say, it's beautifully written (really). Picture Cormac McCarthy meets William Faulkner.

If you haven't read Huckleberry Finn, don't worry about it. You don't need to to enjoy this book; it stands entirely on its own.

Finn is Random House's lead title for the spring. So that's why we're headed for Seattle. Jon will be at the American Library Association Convention, where he'll be signing copies of the audio book..

You can find out more about Finn here. Or you can pre-order it on line at places like Barnes & Noble (Finn is their on-line book club pick for March) or Amazon. Or you can visit your local book store on or after February 20.

Next time I'll talk about skiing.

P.S.: Happy Birthday to me!!!!!

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

The long and short of ski length.

Life is full of great mysteries: Who built Stonehenge, is there a Loch Ness monster, and where the heck is Jimmy Hoffa.

But I think for many of us, "how long should my skis be" ranks right up there with them.

There's good reason for confusion. Ski length depends on a number of things: your height and weight, your ability, and the type of skiing you do (racing, freestyle, moguls, etc.)

In general, conventional wisdom is that shorter skis are easier to turn at slower speeds and handle the bumps better. And longer skis are better for speed (they deal with vibration better), crud, and powder. Also, the more advanced your level, the longer your skis can be, too.

Be sure to remember that your weight is more important than your height. Heavier skiers need bigger (or stiffer) skis for greater stability and surface area. Lighter skiers should think about smaller sizes as they may have less power to flex the ski.

To add to the confusion, one manufacturer's stated size may not be the same as another's. For example, Brand X skis may seem longer than Brand Y's, even though the length is supposed to be the same. Use the manufacturer's size as a rough guide, and take it from there.

So what should you do? First, be honest about your ability, how you plan to use yours skis, and how much you weigh (not always easy, I know). And second, get out there and demo. Different skis of the same length perform, well, differently. And since length can dramatically effect performance, it wouldn't be a bad idea to try the same ski in a couple different lengths.

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

Who makes what?

The ski equipment universe is a lot smaller than you might think. I found the following info on EpicSki.com, and it was a real eye opener for me:

Amer group: Atomic and Salomon share common ownership under Amer, though each brand's premium models are still made in Austria and France, respectively. US distribution of both is moving to Utah next year. Amer also owns Bonfire clothing and has an interest in Arc'Teryx clothing.

Tecnica Group: Tecnica boots, Nordica boots/skis, Dolomite boots, Rollerblade, Lowa footwear. Tecnica boots are made in Italy, Nordica boots in Hungary, and Nordica skis by Fischer in the Ukraine and Austria. Depending on which rumor you believe, US distribution of Tecnica, Nordica and Dolomite is in New Hampshire.

K2 Corp: K2, Völkl, Line and Marker bindings. All K2s and Lines are built in China. Most Völkls are still made in Germany, though a couple of models are made in China by K2. Marker bindings are made in the Czech Republic. US K2 distribution is in Seattle. Völkl and Marker USA are in New Hampshire. Also owns Red Feather/Tubbs snowshoes and Marmot clothing

Quicksilver group: Rossignol, Dynastar, Roxy, Look, Lange. Lots of production shared between these brands. Rossi makes skis in both France and Spain while I believe Dynastar is still entirely in France. US distribution of all just moved to Utah.

Elan is the OEM manufacturer for Armada. The US distribution of Elan was recently transferred from the Tecnica group to Dalbello (Andover, NH).

Head and Fischer are family run operations. And since Fischer makes skis for a number of other companies, they're the largest ski manufacturer. Many cheap "package" skis from many different brands that you see at big box stores are made by Fischer and Elan.

Also:
4Frnt and Armada skis are made by a mix of Elan and Atomic.
Rossignol bindings are made by Look.
Atomic bindings are made by Salomon.
Roxy is made by Dynastar and Rossignol.
Nordica and Blizzard bindings are made by Marker.
Elan and Fischer bindings are made by Tyrolia.
4Frnt bindings are made by VIST.

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

If you're tired of this weather....

....then join the club -- temperatures have been way above average, there hasn't been enough snow, people are playing golf, for crying out loud. Ski areas are suffering.

Ah, winter in New England!

According to the National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration, we have El Nino to thank for this. El Nino is a strong climate pattern that forms in the Pacific Ocean from time to time. This one's been in place since last summer. It's wrecking havoc in the east, while causing tons of snow to fall in the west. And they say it's going to remain in place until spring.

So what am I going to do, continue to complain?

Well -- yes. But I'm also making plans to take a trip out west this year. I'm heading to Steamboat in March. I have my tickets, my lift pass, and I'm dying to go.

Looks like that might be my best chance of getting some real solid skiing done this winter.

Curse you, El Nino!

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

How about a women's ski clinic?

There's no better way to improve your skills than with a workshop designed with the unique needs of women in mind. Women's ski clinics focus on building skills and confidence while offering the comeraderie that comes from working with highly skilled female instructors.

Here are a few you might want to check out:

Kim Reichhelm's Ski Adventures, at varying dates in Vail, Crested Butte, and Alta.
Girlz on Edge, multi-day ski excursions for intermediate to advanced skiers
Adventure Women, week ski clinic in Montana
SheSkis testing clinic, Vail, CO
Women's Alpine Adventures, Okemo Mountain Resort. Vermont
Big Mountain Women's Workshop, Big Mountain, Montana
Breckenridge Women's Program Breckenridge, Colorado
Telluride Women's Ski Weeks,, Telluride, CO
Just for Women Ski Clinic, Squaw Valley, CA
Jackson Hole Women's Clinic, Jackson Hole, WY
Steamboat Women's Ski Clinic, Steamboat Ski Resort, Steamboat, CO
Women's Winter Escape, Crystal Mountain, Michigan

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

This is either terrifying or extremely cool.

But it's something I'm certain I will never, ever do. Just missing that adventure gene, or whatever it is, I guess.

Go here and take a look.

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

2007 is here!

And I'd like to wish you all a happy, healthy, and safe 2007 with lots of great skiing.

May you have many, many powder days.

May you ski with people you love.

May you sing on the chairlift.

May your icy patches be few and far between.

May you never be too hot or too cold.

May your goggles never fog up.

May all your turns be perfectly formed S's.

May your boots be neither too tight or too loose

If you don't wear a helmet, resolve to get one.


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

Selling Julia.

It's been quite an eventful month for genuine Ski Diva, Julia Mancuso.

First she wins the World Cup in the downhill, after recovering from a stomach flu. No small achievement here.

Then she's featured half-naked in a promotional poster and video by Lange, a company with a long history of using sex to sell ski equipment.

Something is wrong with this picture.

While it's true she's a beautiful woman with a killer body -- one I'm sure she works very hard to maintain -- this sort of thing doesn't do justice to her or any other woman skier. In fact, I think it truly diminishes her talent, her athleticism, and her tremendous achievements.

Wouldn't it be nice if Lange showed her actually (gasp) using the boots instead of posing in them half-naked? Isn't the fact that she's JULIA MANCUSO enough to sell Lange boots? Doesn't her skiing speak for itself? Or is it just another case of objectifying women to sell a product? Hey, anyone can have their picture taken in their bra and panties. But who can win a gold medal?

I think Lange blew it. They have this fantastic spokeswoman they could've used to make a tremendous statement in a way that did them both credit. Instead, they just went with "sex sells." What a disappointment.

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

Happy Holidays!

Whatever you celebrate this time of year -- be it Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, or something I've left out -- I wish you joy, peace, happiness, and the very best of health.

If you plan to ski over the holidays, ski safe and with a song in your heart.

Thanks for reading Ski Diva. And catch you on the flip side.

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

What a Ski Diva wants.

Here we are, in the final ramp up to Christmas. I don't know about you, but I've been very, very good alllllll year. (Well, there was that one time......but let's forget about that.)

If you have a Ski Diva on your list, better hustle and get her something that'll have her turning cartwheels in the snow all season long.

Here are a few sites that may help with an idea or two:

Outdoor Divas: Gear and clothing designed to unleash the inner Ski Diva.

Title Nine: Women's sports and athletic apparel. A great selection.

Isis: Performance clothing designed by women for women. Beautiful things!

Or how about the gift of a women's ski clinic? There are lots of great ones around. Or something from your local ski shop -- a new boot bag, a pair of mittens, or something to keep her toesies warm?

Better get busy -- there's less than a week left!

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.

Diva Day at Stowe, Vermont!

I have to admit, I'm very excited this morning.

As you may already know, I'm the administrator for TheSkiDiva.com, an internet discussion forum for women skiers I launched back in September. And I have to say, it's been a blast. If you haven't already been there, make it a point to go. We talk about everything ski related (and then some): gear, technique, mountains, fitness, and more. And the discussions are all first rate. I'm constantly amazed by the knowledge, spirit, and character displayed in each and every post.

Anyway, today I'm finally going to get a chance to meet some of the wonderful women who participate at the site. Eight of us (including me) will be at Stowe, most for a weekend ski clinic sponsored by the Epic Ski Academy, and we'll finally have a chance to ski together. And even though the conditions here in the east have been less than stellar (make that crappy), I know it's going to be fun, fun, fun!!!

One of the great things about the internet is how it allows us to connect with one another in a way that was never before possible. Not only has it helped me make some wonderful friends who share my passion for skiing, but it's let me "talk" with women skiers from all over the US -- in fact, from all over the world. And though it's nice to communicate with them daily over the internet, nothing replaces meeting someone face to face. And that's what makes today so very special.

Gotta go now. My Divas await!

Facing fear.

Ever get scared on a ski run?

There, there -- It's okay. You can admit it. Happens to everyone.

Fear is a good self-regulator. It's what keeps us from trying something stupid that could send us to the emergency room.

But it's also a nasty head game that can make us play things a little too safe. And that can stop us from meeting new challenges that could actually be fun.

How to deal with fear? Obviously, it's best to avoid it altogether. Having a realistic assessment of your skiing ability helps. So if you're a Level 4 skier and someone wants you to go down a double-black mogul field, I'd suggest taking a pass.

That said, even on trails you should be able to handle, fear can still rear its ugly head. So here's what I do: First, I give myself a little pep talk. Then I try to get going as soon as possible. In most cases, I find that the more I stand and mull something over, the worse it gets. If it's really gnarly, I try to break whatever's ahead of me into smaller, more manageable components and concentrate on getting through those sections, one at a time.

I think everyone deals with fear differently. Some people thrive on being scared. Not me. The trick is to get good enough so you have the tools available to handle any situation; that way it isn't an issue. That could mean taking lessons and just putting in plenty of hours on the boards. And if and when it is an issue, try not to let it get the best of 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.

No jumping allowed.

Those of you who've read my blog for a while may remember my post of May 31, where I celebrated what looked like the almost certain addition of women's ski jumping to the 2010 Olympic roster.

Looks like I was a bit premature.

In its infinite wisdom, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted down the addition of the sport to the 2010 Olympic games. Seems that last year, influential IOC member and International Ski Federation (FIS) President Gian Franco Kasper told National Public Radio that ski jumping "seems not to be appropriate for ladies from a medical point of view."

Excuse me, I think I'm getting a case of the vapors. Maybe I better unlace my corset.

According to the IOC, there are not enough nations and participants to justify adding the event. However, since 1995 women ski jumpers from over a dozen nations on three continents have been competing on a women's elite competition circuit. By 2010, women's ski jumping will have held four World Junior Championships and a World Championship.

In contrast, women's Ski Cross, which was accepted by the IOC for inclusion in Vancouver 2010, has half the number of athletes, competing in less than half the number of competitions on just one continent.

Does this make any sense? Not to me. But then, I'm just a silly, addle-brained woman.

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.

Ever consider women's ski boots?

A good idea (for women, of course).

Why? It's very simple: women are built differently than men. Women typically have shorter legs, narrower ankles, lower calf muscles, less weight and a lower center of gravity than men. Which gives us less leverage over unisex boots, making them more difficult to flex.

How do you know if women's boots are right for you?

If your legs tire quickly, even though you're in good physical condition. Your legs are aligned differently than a man's. This can make it more difficult to roll your skis on and off edge, thereby making it harder to control your skis.

If your feet get cold. It's tempting to blame poor circulation, but it may be because of your instep. A woman's is narrower than a man's, which may cause you to buckle your boot more tightly in this area. This can cause the top of the boot to press down on your foot, cutting off blood flow.

If you can't flex your boot forward. Women's lower center of gravity and lower weight gives us less leverage. This can make it difficult to start a turn, throwing you off balance.

If you can't buckle the top buckle of your boot, or if the top of your boot pinches your calf muscle. A woman's calf muscle joins the ankle lower than a man's does, so this may be the problem here.

If your heel keeps coming up in your boot when you ski. Again, it's our anatomy. A woman's foot is typically narrower than a man's. A lifted heel can make your skis harder to control.

For best results, see a qualified bootfitter. They can assess your situation and come up with the solution that's best for 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.

Did you see this magazine?

Some of you may have seen the new women's skiing magazine, Women's Skiing, which was sent out to subscribers of Skiing magazine with the regular November issue.

So what did you think?

I was somewhat disappointed. I mean, it wasn't entirely off base. First, here's what's good: hey, it's about skiing! And it's for women! And there are gear reviews, and a feature on women's clinics, and an article about Fay Johnson, the ski patrol director at Bridger Bowl.

But then we move on to what's wrong: "Match the underwear" with the famous male skier. A discussion on when it's okay to "hook up" with your ski instructor. And of course, the answer to the question every female skier is dying to know, "Will skiing make my butt bigger" (the agony!).

I like to have fun as much as the next person. I don't even mind hair and make-up tips (hey, I like to look good). But it is rather insulting that the publisher seems to think that the magazine won't draw women unless he pads it with silly stuff like "match the underwear" and so on. That's like saying skis have to be flowered and pink to attract women!

There are a lot of women skiers who are looking for a good, serious source of information about skiing. Unfortunately, this has a long way to go.

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.