Category Columns

I’ve noticed an increase in popularity of the old-style ski rack on cars. That is, the kind that clamp skis either in a single layer or in pairs. In recent years ski boxes seemed to have taken over that market… Continue Reading →

Bill McCollom was a Vermonter, a Retro-Skier, a ski racer, a coach, a teacher, a writer, and a friend. He passed away unexpectedly in June. COVID, while it didn’t cause his death, robbed the rest of us of the opportunity… Continue Reading →

So what company was the first to offer a down parka? Tim “Griff” Griffin knew that it was Eddie Bauer! Eddie Bauer, the person, started Eddie Bauer’s Tennis Shop in Seattle in 1920. Gradually he expanded what the shop carried… Continue Reading →

It’s amazing how looking at old photos can bring back so many memories. Pat and Mike Weisel who are longtime friends of mine used COVID time to go through their old photos and have some digitized. Since some of those… Continue Reading →

During the Retro-Ski days we relied on our ski magazines. There was no Internet so we looked to the magazines for what skis to buy, for what ski resorts to visit, and for tips on how to ski better. In… Continue Reading →

It was his laugh that I remember best. It was loud, raucous, raw, and unique. Whether in a busy bar or a crowded room, when you heard that laugh you knew Ken Strong was there. Ken passed away on April… Continue Reading →

I’m back for another season of skiing memories and nostalgia. When I left off last season I had shared the hope that this season might offer a closer return to “normal”. However it’s shaping up to be anything but normal… Continue Reading →

As we face a second ski season dealing with COVID-19, it’s a good time to reflect back on past seasons. Enjoy the nostalgia and memories of the way skiing was. For newcomers you’re invited to take the Retro-Skier Test! Weekly… Continue Reading →

Lots of action on last week’s trivia question! The warming hut near the top of Big Spruce was called the Lookout. Bill “Shakey” Hays was one of the first to answer. “It was variously known as “The Outlook” and “The… Continue Reading →

Last week’s trivia question asked who invented the first step-in ski binding. There are two primary contenders, Mitch Cubberley and Earl Miller. I’ve written about Cubberley and his Cubco binding in the past so this week’s column is about Earl… Continue Reading →