Category Columns

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 →

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 →