Category Columns

A few weeks back, a video made the rounds on social media and was even included in the video edits of the weekly Chairlift Chat put out by Ski Essentials. The title of the video was “Why Ski Resorts Are… Continue Reading →

I love my helmet! No, it hasn’t saved me from any traumatic brain injuries, but it’s the warmest headwear for skiing I’ve ever found. Like many Retro-Skiers I was late making the move to helmets for skiing. However when I… Continue Reading →

You may be surprised to learn that the first American alpine skier to be successful competing against the Europeans was born in Florida! Granted, the fact that his family moved to Garmisch, Germany, when he was thirteen played an important… Continue Reading →

Today, January 23rd, marks the start of this year’s Stowe Winter Carnival. So when was the first Stowe Winter Carnival? In all the ads for the 2020 Stowe Winter Carnival you’ll see that it’s the 46th Carnival. That would mean… Continue Reading →

What new addition to their ski boot lines have both Nordica and Atomic announced this season? I could have also asked “which of my posts have received the most comments?” The answer to both is Rear Entry Ski Boots! So… Continue Reading →

We lost a true Retro-Skier on Christmas day: Bud Kassel passed away at age 91. Bud and I were Stowe Hosts together and I had the pleasure of getting to know Bud over the past 24 years. I say I… Continue Reading →

Most ski equipment is made outside the United States. That was true during the Retro-Ski days and it’s still true today. Independent companies actually import the gear and distribute it to ski shops in the United States.  In general we… Continue Reading →

The “yellow banana” was actually the Astral Slalom model which was introduced in 1972. Its bright yellow color caught people’s eye and, of course, generated the nickname that people still recall. Nordica smartly picked up on the nickname and used… Continue Reading →

We’ve all been there. You’re skiing along in control and then something happens. Maybe it’s an icy spot; maybe it’s a bump; maybe you’re leaning too far inside; or leaning too far back; or maybe a snow snake bit you…. Continue Reading →

Last spring thanks to Ski Essential’s weekly Top 5 Fridays email blast, I came across a video entitled “The American Downhiller.” It chronicles via footage and interviews some of the history of U.S. male skiers who have dedicated themselves to… Continue Reading →