A Peek at the 2010's: Part 4

Nordica
Nordica has made some modifications on the Drive, increasing its waist size from 74 to 76 and giving it an integrated binding. The Mint is also 74 vs. 72. I didn't get around to skiing any of these.

They still have the Conquer, a ski I’ve demoed before and really like, but I’m not nuts about the new color scheme: black and white with chartreuse accents. Bleh.


K2
The Lotta Luv has gone up to 82 in the waist, and they’ve replaced the One Luv with the Free Luv. I took the Lottas out because I know a lot of women like them, but I couldn’t get these off my feet fast enough. I just felt like I was all over the place, forcing them into the turns and not having any fun at all.


Rossignol
Rossi has an extensive line of women’s skis. At the low end is the Harmony, with a side-cut tail that’s supposed to make it easier to come out of a turn. A new ski that I found especially interesting is the Eco(sp.?), which they say is an environmentally friendly ski. The base is made of recycled plastic, and they say they used less petroleum products in its production. 75 underfoot. They’ve also replaced the top end of the Attraxion Series, the 11, with the Attraxion 12, and done away with the arms they used last year (these were supposed to allow you adjust the ski's flex, depending on conditions and terrain. I thought they were pretty gimmicky) This is based on the men’s Classic 70.

I had to try the Eco, which turned out to be a really nice ski. Responsive, a good carver, light, quick. And I tried the Voodoo 80, which has a slightly turned up tail. I tried the Voodoo last year, but maybe in a different waist size (it comes in several). Whether it was the conditions or the waist size, I liked it this year a lot better. Very responsive, came out of the turn nicely. I’d like to get this in some off piste stuff. I liked this even better than the Eco. A very fun ski.


SO – in a nutshell, my favs of the skis I tried:

Favs of the two days I was there:

Volkl Aurora (yes, I still love these skis)
Volkl Aura
Fischer Koa 84
Rossi Voodoo 80
Elan Free Spice
Head Wild One
Rossi Ecco
Head Perfect One

Thumbs down:

Atomic Double Deck
K2 Lotta Luv (sorry)

The bottom line: there's something for everyone, and everyone's different. What appeals to me may not appeal to you. So be sure to try before you buy.

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

A Peek at the 2010's: Part 3

Fischer

Fisher has replaced its popular Vision series with the Koa. Available in a variety of widths (75, 78, and 84) the Koa has a sandwich vertical wood core instead of the glass fiber wood core found in the Visions. The rep says this makes it a lighter, stronger ski with better edge hold. The graphics of the Koa are a big departure from the Visions, too. Dark with a bold, abstract design that’s not at all girlie. I really liked it.

Fischer still has the Vapor, which I really wanted to demo, but since they only had it in a 165, I decided to pass. Instead, I took out the Koa in the 75 and 84. The 75 was nice – lively, good rebound, good edging, easy to ski. But I liked the 84 even better. For a wide waisted ski, this thing skis like a carver. I’d give this a big thumbs up.

Blizzard Skis

Blizzard has an addition to their Magnum Series: the Magnum Viva 7.4. They also plan to introduce the Viva Max in a Magnum 8.1 soon (81 underfoot), but they don’t have it yet. Some of you will also be pleased to hear that they’ve brought back the Eos this year (88 underfoot; the same ski as the men’s Chronus.)

Anyway, I took out the Magnum Viva 7.4’s, and what a nice ski! Good edging, easy to turn, nice rebound. I also took out the Viva 7.6’s just for comparison -- a more advanced, all mountain ski with a wood core and an integrated binding system. This ski wants to go, yet it’s stable and smooth with good edging.


Dynastar

Dynastar is adding two new women’s skis to its line-up: the Exclusive Eden, with an 85 waist, a wood core, and a vertical side-wall, and the Exclusive Elite, which will be a high-end groomer with a 72 waist, wood core, and a straight side wall (this’ll be above the Exclusive Fluid). Unfortunately, they didn’t have either ski at the Demo Day, so I couldn’t give them a try.

They’re also discontinuing the Exclusive Legend Powder.

All the skis have new graphics. I took out the Exclusive Legend, a carry-over ski and their top seller, It’s a very nice, maneuverable ski that’s a jack of all trades. The 2010’s have a new graphic that’s white with a weird pastel image of a woman’s face, which I really didn’t like.

(To Be Continued.....)

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

A Peek at the 2010's: Part 2

Head:

Yes, I have a weakness for Head skis, directly attributable to jealousy over my sister’s Head 360’s in 1969 or 1970. Actually, I had Head Monster IM-70’s a few years ago, and I really liked them.

In 2010, Head is offering the same line up with one new addition: the Perfect One, a carver with a 67 waist. It’s pretty bland looking, but a nice ski, nonetheless. The narrow waist makes it go from edge to edge very nicely, and it has good rebound. The other skis are carry-overs from this season, with new graphics. I also skied the Wild One and the Every One. The Wild One is the equivalent of the company’s Monster IM82. It’s a very stable, solid ski with an 81 waist and a vertical sidewall. Good energy to it, too. And I love the graphics. The Every One is white with the name available in either orange or blue. It’s a versatile, nimble ski that’s light and quick. I neglected to get the waist size on this; I think it’s in the lower to mid 70’s.


Elan

These take the prize for the most beautiful graphics. The Black Magic is gorgeous: black with little flecks of colors embedded throughout, and a little crystal embellishment. The '10 Black Magic is a little stiffer than this year’s model (they added wave technology). I skied them, and found them to be a good intermediate ski.

I also skied the Free Spice. This is a wider ski (88 waist); I wish I could’ve tried this in powder , but alas – no new snow. It has really cool new graphics -- kind of a splattered paint look. Other than that, the ski is the same as this year's. The Free Spice is based on the men’s 888 Alu, without the metal.

Lastly, I tried the Speed Magic. This is Elan’s top of the line. It's 67 or 70 underfoot (can't remember), and very fast and responsive. A fine carver and very lively and easy to turn.


Goode

When you walk by a booth where there’s a sign saying they have the lightest ski out there, you just have to give it a try. I couldn't resist. Goode Skis are made entirely of carbon fiber. And they ARE very light. You especially notice it when you go up the lift. But this lightness comes at a price: I found myself getting knocked around in the snow a bit. So no.

(To be continued.....)

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

A Peek at the 2010's: Part I

It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it. This week I spent a couple days at the Ski Industry Demo Days at Stratton, VT, to preview the 2010 skis.

I absolutely love the Demo Days. Manufacturers set up tents filled with their new equipment, and the lucky participants have three days to try them out, talk to the reps, and learn more about next season's skis. Truly, I felt like a the proverbial kid in a candy store! So many skis to try, so little time.

Two overall impressions, however: First, there didn't seem to be a lot of new models this year. I don't know if it's the economy or what, but manufacturers seem to be more focused on refining their current skis, such as upping the waist size, or giving them new graphics. I guess it's a less expensive way to freshen their product line. Second, I'd say that the manufacturers have really stepped up their graphics. There are some stunning skis out there for next season!

So here’s what I saw and tried. I didn’t take as copious notes as I did last year, with the stats for each ski. This year I was much more casual (read "lazy"). So for what it’s worth, here goes:

My vital stats:

Advanced skier, 110 pounds, 5’1”

Most of the skis I skied were either 157, 161, or 163, depending on what they had available.

Volkl:

Volkl doesn’t have any new models coming out next year. However, they’re introducing a new technology called “Bio-Logic,” which they claim puts a female skier in a more neutral stance. According to the rep I spoke with, traditional bindings have the heels jacked up. When you combine that with the higher ramp angle you typically find in a woman’s boots, you end up being tipped too far forward.This can actually cause you to crouch, pushing the calf forward and really working the quads. (It's like doing wall sits all day; your quads end up killing you.) To combat this, Volkl has raised the toe in the binding. The result is better balance of the hamstring and glutes and more efficient muscle use. They’ve also tapered the tail angle so it releases more readily at the end of a turn. The tip is a bit wider, and they gave the ski a more consistent flex pattern.

The only new model they have for the coming year is the Estrella (not sure of the spelling), which they say is suited for aspiring intermediates. I didn’t try it, but I re-tried the Aurora, Tierra, and yes, the much loved Aura. Yes, I am still in love with the Aurora. What a ski! If I were in the market, this is the one I would buy. It feels like a Cadillac under foot: smooth, stable, and strong with that great Volkl edge. A terrific all around ski (too stiff for the bumps, though). As for the Aura, they’ve changed the graphics once again. Actually, they’re very similar to this year’s, except in a different color scheme (a silvery gray background and not as much color). I think I like this year’s better.

Atomic

The new women’s ski from Atomic is the Double Deck. And it’s really lovely: a white topsheet surrounding a raised black area, all covered with thin silver hatch marks. It’s really elegant. If you went to a black-tie ski event, this is the ski you’d bring. The technology sounds way cool, too: Simply described, it has two decks which are essentially one ski on top of another. Although the two skis are produced separately and joined together, each can move freely. The lower deck (adapter deck) adjusts to the slope while the upper deck (control deck) distributes the power generated by the skier.

Sounds great, right? Well, no. I found them very, very heavy, extremely torsionally stiff, and unresponsive. Perhaps they just need a bigger, stronger skier. A man I know tried the men’s version and loved it, so maybe it’s me.

Atomic still has the Heaven’s Gate and the Cloud series. I didn’t demo any of these this year, though last year I really liked the Cloud 9’s when I skied them last year.

To be continued.....

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

Lift Ticket Deals For Ladies.

Being a woman has its privileges. Here are some lift ticket deals, just for being femaie:

Mondays
½ Off Ski Sawmill, PA
$25 Ragged Mountain, NH
$25 Saddleback, ME

Tuesdays
$39 Okemo, VT
$35 Ski Roundtop, PA
$32 Shawnee Mountain, PA
$46 Mt. Sunapee, NH
$18 Mt. Lacrosse, WI
$14 Mt. Hood Skibowl, OR (nights)
$39 Peek’n Peak, NY

Wednesdays
$10 Off Blue Mountain, PA
$53 Hunter Mountain, NY
½ Off Ski Denton, PA

Thursdays
$25 Pebble Creek, ID
$29 Mt. Rose, NV
FREE Beech Mountain, NC

Fridays
$28 Shawnee Peak, ME

Special Days
2/6: $15 Bromley, VT (mothers only)
2/2: FREE Ski Sawmill, PA
2/7: $10 Mt. Rose, NV (men dressed as women)
2/9: FREE Ski Sawmill, PA (men dressed as women)

The last two seem a little odd. What is it about having men dressed as women on the slopes????

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

How cold is too cold?

For everyone, it's different.

Take my folks who live in Florida. If the temperatures dip into the fifties, they're ready to call it a national emergency.

Here in Vermont, however, we're in for a real cold snap. The high temp over the next few days is expected to top out at 5°, with the wind chill making it feel like well below zero. Overnight, it should dip to about 20 below.

That's cold.

Will I go out to ski? Probably, at least for a while. There are ways to gear up to make it a bit more tolerable. I have boot heaters in my ski boots, Boot Gloves to wear over them, a face mask (as ugly as that is), and lots of warm base layers to pile on under my ski pants and jacket. I'll probably take more breaks than I would under ordinary circumstances (2 runs, break, 2 runs, break).

When it comes to cold temps, looking good takes a back seat. I'm all about keeping warm. I won't be pretty, but I'll be out there.

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

About Avalanches.

We've all seen the news reports about the deaths in Canada, Colorado, Utah. This is shaping up to be a terrible year for avalanches.

It's important to remember that avalanches aren't just limited to the backcountry. This season, there've been in bound avalanches at Jackson Hole, Squaw Valley, Snowbasin, and Snowbird.

What causes an avalanche? Wind, temperatures, slope angle, all play a part. Generally, avalanches occur when a weaker layer of snow is unable to support a heavier layer on top. The ensuing instability can cause snow to break away as a slab or crash down the slope in a raging torrent.

No matter what your experience, anyone can get caught in an avalanche. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk:

Heed avalanche warnings. No, you are not immune. Nor are you invincible. Check with area experts. When those in the know say that avalanche danger is high, do yourself a favor and listen.

Tell people where you're going. If you plan to head out to ski even for an hour -- especially in the backcountry -- make sure someone knows where you're heading, and when you expect to be back.

Don't travel alone. And make sure you and your companions have received avalanche training and know how to conduct a search and rescue operation.

Have proper equipment. This includes a transmitter. Make sure it's set on "transmit" rather than "receive." And make sure more than one person has a shovel.

If you get caught in an avalanche, try to stay on top of the snow. It's best if you can remain on your belly with your head pointed toward the bottom of the slope, if at all possible.

Use common sense. Don't go where you shouldn't go. If you have no avalanche training and conditions are dicey, stay away.

Stay safe out there, everyone.

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

Hello, Goodbye.

So here it is, the last day of 2008. And while I'm sitting here looking out my window at the snow coming down, I thought I'd reflect a bit on the year that's coming to a close:

Here are some of my memorable ski-related moments, from 2008:

Meeting and skiing with members of TheSkiDiva.com at Solitude during Diva Week in Utah;

Meeting and skiing with tmembers of TheSkiDiva.com during Okemo Diva Day;

Breaking a personal record of ski days, with 63 days for the '07-'08 season. This meant LOTS of fun days on the snow;

Nearly destroying my nearly new Queen Attivas at Magic Mountain (hey, it was memorable, all right!). I took a huge chunk out of the base, but was able to get it repaired;

Getting to try next year's skis at the industry demo days at Stratton in February. I felt like a kid in a candy store! You can see my reviews here and here.

Getting TheSkiDiva sign on Good Morning America, when the show came to Vermont;

Expanding the site to include an E-store for great TheSkiDiva.com gear, a directory of women's ski resources, and a new home page with ski news and member pix;

Publishing TheSkiDiva.com Cooks!, a cookbook with recipes submitted by forum members. If you'd like a copy, go here;

Getting a publisher for my ski-related mystery, tentatively called DOUBLE BLACK: A SKI DIVA MYSTERY, and coming from St. Martin's Press in January, 2010; You can find out more about it here.

Passing 1,000 members in TheSkiDiva.com.

Here's hoping that 2009 brings us all more terrific ski memories. And here's wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy new year.

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

Booting up!

To celebrate my recent book deal, I did what any self respecting Ski Diva would do: I celebrated by getting myself some new gear.

What did I get, you ask? New ski boots, of course!

My old boots were getting packed out, so I headed for my favorite local bootfitter, Shon Racicot, at Bootpro in Ludlow, VT, for some help. After making a careful examination of my feet and stance, Shon suggested the boot he felt would do the best job: the Atomic Hawx. I tried them on, and even though I really liked what I was feeling, I thought to myself, "This is far too easy. NO ONE gets boots this fast." So I set out on a "bootquest" of sorts, visiting a number of ski shops in the area to try on boots from a variety of manufacturers. But no matter how many I tried, I kept coming back to the same thing: none of them worked for me like the Atomic Hawx. So back I went to Shon.

Here's some info I found that describes the Atomic Hawx:

New concept that allows forefoot flexibility through special gills at front of boot that gives better balance, better transmission, more performance for less effort. Less pressure and force on the metatarsal area for superb comfort. The New I-Flex technology puts your stance in a more upright position and with the new Elastic I-Flex Zone it goes to absorb vibrations and unintentional forces to the skis. A new I-Flex Chassis is a mixture of flexible plastics in varying thicknesses for improved comfort, precise fit and performance. Softer components around the cuff and instep area makes the Hawx putting on/taking off easier and gives a more precise fit. .

All I can say is that I've skied on these boots seven times with zero issues. That's right -- none. Which is amazing in a new ski boot. They're actually a full size smaller than my previous boots. And while the fit is snugger -- a good thing in a ski boot -- there are no hot spots or pressure points. The snugger fit gives me a better feel for my skis and permits better response to the movements of my feet and ankles. The result: better edging, better control, better skiing.

I can't say if these boots would work for you. The important thing in a ski boot is fit, fit, and again, fit. And to get the best possible fit, don't just buy boots off the shelf from some big box store. Make sure to visit someone who really knows ski boots, like Shon. Your feet will appreciate it. I know mine do.

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

I just got a book deal!

Many of you know that my husband, Jon Clinch, is the author of the critically acclaimed, award-winning novel, Finn.

Well, he's not the only writer in the family anymore. I just sold a ski-related mystery novel, DOUBLE BLACK, to Thomas Dunne, an imprint of St. Martins Press. It'll be published in January, 2010, and it's part of a two book deal that'll include a yet-unwritten sequel to the first.

Here's a synopsis:

In DOUBLE BLACK, Boston’s twenty-something Stacey Curtis ditches her cheating fiance and heads for a Vermont ski town. She’s looking for the life she’s always dreamed about, but she stumbles instead into financial intrigue, bitter family warfare, and murder. Populated with quirky characters, loaded with New England atmosphere, and starring a young woman with nerve, spunk, and a sense of humor about it all, DOUBLE BLACK is an exciting run down some treacherous mountain trails.

Here's the first line of the book:

“When Stacey Curtis found the dead man in the bed, she knew it was time to get her own apartment.”

I am sooooo excited about this. If you don't mind my saying so, it's a fun book that I really think all of you are going to enjoy. And while it contains plenty of skiing and ski-related stuff, I think it's something that just about anyone will like.

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

The "R" Word.

Not that "R" word -- the one that has to do with precipitation. The other "R" word -- the one they've been bandying about on the news lately. Recession.

It's official. We're in one. And I don't have to tell you: skiing isn't cheap. So how can you still participate in your favorite sport, while minimizing the financial pain?

Here are some tips, suggested by members of TheSkiDiva.com:

Get a season pass: The initial outlay is large, but if you ski a lot at the same mountain, it can considerably reduce your cost per day. A season's pass can have other benefits, too. Some provide discounts on lift tickets at other resorts, nearby lodging, and on-mountain retail locations.

Bring your lunch: Food at the mountain can cost nearly as much as a pass. So bring something that costs less, tastes better, and is much healthier for you: food from your own kitchen.

Get a job: The cheapest way to ski yet. Work at the mountain, and they'll give you a season's pass. You'll even earn a few bucks in the process.

Carpool to the hill: Yes, gas prices have come down. But the last time I checked, gas still wasn't free. Drive with a friend.

Join a club: If you don't live close to a mountain, join a club that has a house or lodge. Weekend rates are far cheaper than the cost of hotel and sometimes even include meals and a cook -- which can make life very nice after a day of skiing.

Buy ahead off site: Sometimes you can get a deal on a day ticket if you buy before you go, either from the resort's web site or at designated ski and outdoor shops. It's not a huge discount, but it'll save you a few bucks.

Pick a card: Some resorts offer their own discount cards. At Mt. Snow, for example, a "Fan Fare" card costs $99, and gives you 50% off during the week, 25% off weekends and 10% off on holidays.

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

TheSkiDiva Cooks!

Tomorrow's Thanksgiving. And at the time of year when food plays such a big part in our celebrations, consider this:

TheSkiDiva Cooks, the new cookbook featuring recipes from members of TheSkiDiva.com community.

There's everything from SnowHot's Famous White Hot Chocolate to Diva Dude Chili and Face Plant Cake — more than 150 recipes. Enjoy mouthwatering appetizers, beverages, soups & salads, desserts, main dishes, and more. And of course, it makes a great holiday or hostess gift.

To order your own copy, go here.

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

WOOOO-HOOOOO!!!!

My ski season has started!!!!

Today was my very first day of the season. And even though it wasn't a full day (I was only out there for a few hours), it was great to be finally skiing.

My home mountain is Okemo, Vermont, and they always do a great job making snow. Not too much terrain was open, but the conditions were good and it snowed early in the day, which made it extra nice. Okemo is blasting its snowmaking guns like crazy, so more trails will be opening each day.

Interesting, though -- every year I have the same crazy, irrational thought: What if I've forgotten how to ski? I know it makes no sense, but there it is. Usually it's gone after just a few turns. But I wonder -- does anyone else feel this way, or is it just me?????

Here's wishing all of us a great '08/'09 season!

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

Skiing with the Girlz.

Want to spend the day with women who love skiing as much as you do, while taking your skills to a higher level?

The answer may be as simple as a women's ski clinic. Today there are women's ski clinics at just about every resort. It's a great way to gain confidence and improve your skiing in an encouraging, supportive environment, free of male machismo.

Here are a few you might want to investigate:

Okemo Women's Alpine Adventures (Okemo, VT): This well regarded women's clinic is headed by Maria Tomaselli, honored by Skiing magazine as one of "America's Best Instructors." Okemo offers five, three, and two day programs.

Copper's Wednesday Womens Program (Copper Mountain, CO): Here's a program where you can come every week, or just drop in. Held every Wednesday throughout the ski season.

Ski with Kim (Beaver Creek & Aspen, CO): Kim Reichelm’s skiing resume is impressive, with two World Extreme Skiing Championships and winnings in the U.S. Extremes and the South American Extremes. She's also skied with the U.S. Ski Team and the Women’s Pro Tour. Kim's Women’s Ski Adventures are 4-day, 5-night instructional ski vacations that are educational, informative, and lots of fun.

Jackson Hole's Women's Ski Camps: JH runs two 4-day sesssions: one in January, and one in February. Join Jackson Hole's top women instructors as they help intermediate, advanced, and expert skiers conquer the big stuff on this amazing mountain.

Women's Extreme Edge: Didi Lawrence heads up a four days session open to skiers Level 8 and up who are eager for the challenge of double-black terrain, and offers coaching in both the technical and psychological aspects of extreme skiing. Didi is an amazing instructor whose enthusiasm and expertise will have you doing things on skis you never thought possible! You can see my interview with her here.

Mermer Blakeslee's Women's Fear Clinic: If fear is holding you back, this is the clinic for you. Mermer Blakeslee, the ski industry expert on fear and author of the renowned "In The Yikes Zone," (see my interview of Mermer here), holds a four day clinic in January just for women at Windham Mountain (NY).

Snowbird's Women's Ski Camp: Held for four days in January and four days in March. The January session features guest instructor Robin Barnes, who has twice earned a spot on Ski Magazine’s Top 100 Instructors list. Snowbird also offers Women's Monday Getaways, held every Monday morning throughout the season.

Holly Flanders' 3-Day Workshops (The Canyons, UT): Sessions are held in January, February, and March, and are headed by Olympian and World Cup Champion Holly Flanders.

There are many other women's ski clinics to choose from, too. Call your favorite resort -- chances are they'll have one.

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

Ski for the Cure!

Never say that skiers are just out for a good time (though yes, that is part of it).

Recently I posted about K2's Breast Cancer Research Fundraiser. Now here's another one that's ski-related:

To raise money for the Breast Cancer Three Day and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Kitties for A Cure, an independent group, is raffling off lift tickets for a number of ski resorts in the Northeast. A single raffle ticket costs $1., or you can get a Super Ticket that covers all the areas for $5.


The following have donated tickets to the cause:

Black Mountain, NH
Bromley Mountain, VT
Pat’s Peak, MA
Ragged Mountain, NH
Saddleback, ME
Shawnee Peak, ME
Waterville Valley, NH
Whiteface/Lake Placid, NY

The drawing will be held December 9. You can go to the Kitties For A Cure website to participate or to find out more.

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

I'm not the Morals Police....

....But I do have a problem with the new "Playmate" snowboards recently introduced by Burton.

Now, I know I'm not the intended audience here. First of all, I'm not a boarder. And second, to be blunt about it, I'm no kid, either. And though I do believe that yes, the body is beautiful and yes, we should encourage artistic freedom of expression (the umbrella that Burton is hiding under), I don't think these boards were rolled out in celebration of either of these things.

My feeling is that these images are merely a shrewdly calculated marketing device designed to capture a particular market segment -- in this case, adolescent boys -- to whom graphics of naked women are very appealing. Instead, what they actually do is objectify women as sex objects -- something we've been trying to move beyond for decades -- as well as alienate a very large segment of the population.

I think Burton tries very hard to market itself as an "edgy" company. It does a lot of stuff purely for shock value. Face it, there's a certain element that likes to buy stuff because 1) it either ticks people off, or 2) it makes people do a double take. Plus it gets Burton a lot of exposure, like when they encouraged boarders to poach skiing-only resorts last year.

This type of marketing is what you do when you're completely out of ideas. The oldest trick is the book is to show an image of a naked lady. It's Neanderthal, it's juvenile, and it's just plain dumb. I think Burton should know better than that, and I'm incredibly disappointed that they don't.

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

The Pink Chase.

That's the name of K2's breast cancer fundraiser.

As many of you already know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And as part of this, the women of K2's women's development teams will ski as much vertical, or walk as many kilometers, as they can to raise money for breast cancer research.

Anyone who makes a donation or a pledge though K2 will have the opportunity to win prizes, including a complete K2 Skis package, travel luggage, Polar watch, tickets to Arapahoe Basin and more. The fundraiser runs through October 30, so there's still time to participate. Go here for more information on how you can participate.

Who among us doesn't know of someone who has been stricken by this awful disease? Here's our chance to make a difference. How incredible would it be if there was a cure for this in our lifetime!

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

I love Fall.

I really do. It's a beautiful time of year, especially here in the Green Mountain State. So I thought I'd post a couple pictures to share the beauty of the season.

Right now my local mountain is scheduled to open on  November 15, but things are going to have to change dramatically for that to happen. All the same, A-Basin is open in Colorado, as is Loveland. So the season is ramping up, and pretty soon, the leaves will be down here and everything will be covered in a blanket of white. I don't know about you, but I can't wait. 

Still, when you look at these pictures, it's nice to have such a beautiful world to look at, in the meantime.

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

Show Your Inner SkiDiva.

It's easy, when you visit the new TheSkiDiva.com store.  You'll find a wide range of apparel featuring the TheSkiDiva.com logo available in a variety of embroidery colors. There are fleeces, vests, jackets, hats, shirts, and more, perfect for the cooler weather.

To commemorate our Grand Opening, we're offering a special edition TheSkiDiva.com hoodie for only $19.99. Be sure to stop in and take a look.

While you're at it, visit TheSkiDiva.com, the online home especially for women skiers, where women skiers can connect with one another to talk about everything and anything ski-related.

The Deal on Kids.

Anyone who wants to make skiing a family affair knows how expensive it can be. But in a few states, skiing is more affordable, thanks to programs offered by various state ski associations. 

In my home state of Vermont, the Vermont Passport allows fifth graders to ski or ride free free at a number of resorts, when accompanied by a paying adult. 

Here are a few states with similar programs:

Maine: WinterKids Passport 

Michigan: Cold is Cool

New York State: 4th graders Ski and Ride Passport

Utah: Fifth Grade Passport

Colorado: 5th and 6th Grade Passport Program

Granted, requirements vary -- in some states, the program is for fourth graders, in others, for fifth graders, and so on. There are also various fees involved. And your child must be enrolled to participate.

Another way to save is to check with your ski resort.  Many offer free tickets for children up to a specific age. And virtually all offer discounts for junior skiers.

No matter how you do it, there's no denying that getting your kids out there is a great way to introduce them to a lifetime of fun.

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