Gifting Time
As in all sports, ski racing has as many paths as players. It would be grand if we could celebrate them all.
patience
Chill Out, Re-Boot, Spring Forward
Sometimes it feels like the chilly treadmill that is winter will never end. The car will always be wet and filthy, the socks will stay stinky, the dry skin will remain stuffed under layers of fleece, and the weekends will be a blur of thawing feet and reheated leftovers. And then finally, it happens. The ice releases all the snow off the roof, spontaneous on-mountain picnics appear, parking lot tailgates pop up, the costumes come … » read more
Ten Years Down the Long Road
Championship season tweakiness is part of the all-inclusive, non-refundable, irreplaceable ski racing experience.
Homegrown Hope
I love the start of ski season for the same reason I love working the start area at races: There’s so much hope. Now, when most of us have felt the crunch of snow under our feet or seen an errant flurry, but few have actually clicked into skis, it feels like anything can happen. As the anticipation of the season builds, it’s also a time of year when access is still extremely limited, whether … » read more
What’s the Good of This?
Pandemic-proof benefits of solid technique, fitness and drive will ultimately surpass the temporary bump of massively unequal training, but only if we are patient.
Heeeere’s Tommy!
A win for Tommy Ford is a win for old style ski racing, where great skiing, a good club, community support and perseverance can be enough.
It’s a long road for a box of chocolates.
Note: I first wrote this on March 1, 2012. Since then I’ve reposted it every year in early March. Deep breaths and smiles everyone. It’s quite possibly a long, rollercoaster month ahead! It’s that time of year. March Madness. And of course I’m talking about skiing not basketball. This is when it all happens—regional champs, state champs, Junior Olympics, etc. Lofty goals and supercharged energy converge as the biggest events in a young ski racer’s … » read more