Category Columns

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 →

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! My wife and I snuck in a couple of runs Thanksgiving morning before heading off for our turkey. Speaking of turkeys, based on the abilities of the folks skiing Thanksgiving morning and where… Continue Reading →

Happy Thanksgiving! I’m back for another season of skiing history and trivia. For the second year in a row, this early winter has a “Retro” feel to it: cold weather and early snow! Hopefully it’s the harbinger for a good… Continue Reading →

First, some follow-up on a topic I wrote about a few weeks back. I had recounted our experience in Utah during January and February with traffic-related problems. On April 15th Michael Maughan, President and General Manager of the Alta Ski… Continue Reading →

I’m heading for the High Traverse at Alta. It hasn’t snowed in a while so I have a choice of several traverse lines. I take the low one since I’m going all the way to the end. The lack of… Continue Reading →

The Mount Mansfield single chair began operation in December 1940. In conjunction with the construction of the chairlift, the state of Vermont had expanded what was then known as the Nose Dive parking lot and enhanced the State Shelter which… Continue Reading →

I’ve reached the point in this ski season that marks the 50th anniversary of the first time I skied Stowe! I didn’t remember the actual date, but some deduction led me to believe that it was on March 29th. I… Continue Reading →