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Maine Sunday Telegram - SKIING

January 2004 Ski Columns

 

 

 

"What’s hot, and what’s not, on the slopes this winter"
Jan. 25, 2004

It is the 21st-century and a lot has changed in the sport of skiing since Swedish immigrants first introduced long wooden boards with curved tips to Maine as winter transportation 120 years ago. Here is a look at what is popular, and what is passé on the slopes of Maine’s mountains.

Terrain parks top the list of what is “in.” As a gravity-loving mother of two, this trend of huge jumps still goes against my better judgment. However, every area that wants to be on the in-list must have a designated section of hits (jumps), rails (metal railings to slide your boards over), and halfpipes. If you are not jibbing, you are not happening in the sport today.

If all things are cyclical, then this is the freestyle “hot dogger” movement of the 1970’s amped up a notch by snowboarding and resort terrain park designers.

If you want to be “in” the ski and snowboard conversation, a good grasp of geometry is essential. You should be able to identify a trapezoid rail in the terrain park. You also need to quickly calculate the number of rotations in a jump by degrees – 360, 720, 1080 – or 540 for a backwards landing after a spin and a half. Do not date yourself by referring to these stunts as helicopters and “backscratchers”– call it a “grab” for more current linguistics.

Telemark skiing is “in,” although it is anything but new. This knee-dipping, “Nordic goes Downhill” ski style dates back to the 1850’s where it originated in its namesake Telemark County, Norway. Surely you have noticed more than a few free-healed skiers on Maine’s slopes recently.

The Tele trend can be summed up in one word – versatility. Telemark combines the benefits of a cross-country binding for accessing the backcountry’s untracked powder, with a performance ski that carves like its alpine relative on hard pack. To top that off, Tele-skis are now available in twin-tips so you can transition from off-piste trailblazing to terrain park tricks without a gear glitch.

Expect to see more of the free-heal frenzy in Maine, since many converts also proclaim that the knee genuflecting sport is less strenuous on the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), the number one injury among alpine skiers.

The U.S. Ski Team is “in” the news, harkening back to the days of the medaling Mahre brothers. With performers like Sugarloaf trained Kirsten Clark and Bode Miller on the podium– we have a lot to cheer about. For too long, it was all about Austrian domination in the international race gates. Today you can tune in to a World Cup broadcast and actually see Americans competing for top spots.

Speaking of racing, the Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge is “in” Maine this winter. This multi-resort tour blows NASTAR away in the gates. The Dew Crew arrives en masse at local ski resorts for a day of sponsored fun including a free race open to everyone. Obviously the perks go beyond free soda.

The Vertical Challenge will be at Shawnee Peak Feb. 7, Sunday River Feb. 8, and Saddleback Feb. 22.Look for the energetic Dew crew to give away truckloads of prizes from hats and gloves to skis and snowboards throughout the event – not just for the fastest time. However, if you finish in the top three in your age and gender category during the day’s race – you qualify for the finals at Loon on March 27.

Day glow ski clothing is definitely not “in.” Despite its practical nature on foggy days or during those rare search and rescue efforts – the neon colors are just too much for conservative Maine eyes.

The same fashion faux pas is committed by wearing fur at Maine ski resort. While it is undoubtedly warm, you should save your fur-trimmed suit for a trip to Deer Valley or Beaver Creek. Fur in Maine says hunting season, not ski season.

Finally, wearing a cluster of lift tickets on your jacket is also not the “in” thing to do. The only thing less groovy than showing off where you skied last weekend – is displaying tickets from last year. This not only shows you do not get out enough – but also that you do not launder your ski apparel very frequently.

Events:
The Sugarloaf Charity Challenge is Saturday. Jan. 31. This fifth annual fundraiser to benefit Ronald McDonald House includes an opportunity to race against Former Governor Angus King, Red Sox Cy Young Award Winner Jim Lonborg, Steve Minich of WMTW, plus Sugarloaf mascots Amos the Moose and Blueberry the Bear. Go to www.sugarloaf.com/charitychallenge for event information.

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"Be Bold, Just Dress for the Cold"
Jan. 18, 2004

With the thermometer struggling to budge the zero degree mark, my family of four was riding the frigid quad last weekend.

“I should write a column on how to dress properly for skiing in sub-zero conditions,” I said, muffled by my facemask.

“Maybe you should write about when to ski and when to stay home,” said my ten-year-old daughter acerbically.

A quick glance at the vacant trails and empty chairs ahead of us confirmed that most skiers did stay home on this chilly day. Playoff football games on TV won out over frozen chairlifts and frostbite warnings.

But we were well prepared for our artic adventure on the slopes, thanks to several innovations that help make skiing in glacial temps quite comfortable. As my friend at Tremblant Ski Resort in Quebec (where it was –15F) Marie-Pierre Gervais said, “Skiers do not get cold.”

While that may be a stretch, skiers can dress for the elements, and have an enjoyable day when temperatures plummet.

“Layering from the inside out is key especially when it is really cold,” said Marie-Anne Ziemba of Rossignol. “Your base layer should be made of breathable material with wicking properties that pull moisture away from your skin.”

Cotton as a base layer is a no-no, according to Ziemba because it does not dry quickly. Polyester is the sought after fabric, a much-evolved material from the stiff pants your mother made you wear decades ago. Today’s polyester is treated to be soft, supple, water-hating and smell resistant – essential properties for active skiers.

“If it is super cold and you are all-layered up, you will sweat as you get warm during your ski down, then you can get a chill as you sit on the chair if you are not wearing layers that wick that moisture away from your skin,” said Ziemba.

The mid-layer, some type of fleece, should have air space to keep warm air in, according to Ziemba. The outer layer needs to be water and wind proof, ideally with taped seams to prevent moisture or blustery breezes from penetrating your shell of protection.

Do not ski with a naked noggin. I still shake my well-covered head when I see bare faces and mere headbands out in single digit temperatures. The majority of heat escapes the body through the head, unless covered by a helmet or an insulated hat.

Exposed skin on the face, ears, and neck are highly prone to frostbite. Frostbite is not a sign of machismo – it is totally preventable with a new generation facemask made of soft, moisture wicking fleece. Neoprene is no longer the desired material as it is not as comfortable against the skin, and it tends to retain moisture, according to Ken Bialorucki, manager of Joe Jones Ski and Sport in Scarborough.

Bialorucki said, “We have sold a ton of hand-warmers and toe-warmers recently. These disposable heat packets really work well to generate warmth in your gloves and your feet for the time that you are skiing. We also sold a bunch to people heading to the Patriots game in Foxboro.”

At $2 a pair, these chemical hot packets are a lifesaver on extreme days, and seem more feasible than installing a $200 electronic ski boot heating system.

Why should skiers go through all this polar preparation? Why not stay home on the cozy couch as my daughter suggested?

There are some distinct benefits to skiing in frigid weather. The crowds are minimal. Predictions of extreme cold scare away all but resort employees, the racers (who huddle on one trail), and a core group of downhill diehards.

On chilly days, you can have the trails to yourself, and never wait in a liftline. The only line you might encounter is at the hot cocoa machine in the lodge.

Snowmaking is very efficient at low temperatures. The texture of freshly made snow on frosty days makes a fun squeaking noise, and is extremely carve-able.

For those trying to keep a New Year’s fitness resolution, skiing in the cold burns extra calories – as your body works to stave of the chill in your extremities in addition to providing your muscles with the necessary power.

Lastly, people are friendlier on frosty ski days. There is a bond amongst the brave souls on the slopes. No need to exchange smiles, since your face is buried under neck gators. A twinkle from your goggle-protected eyes is enough to express your mutual love of the sport in bitter January.

You even find yourself eager to share the lift with a total stranger, in hopes they will give off a little body heat, provide a buffer from the harsh winter wind, and distract you with some witty banter during the chair lift ascent.

Events: Sunday River hosts the 2nd Annual Maine Telemark Festival Jan. 24-25 with demos, clinics and free-heal competitions.

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“A bit of friend-ly advice: Leave ski lessons to the pros”
Jan. 11, 2004

“Teaching a friend to ski can turn a friendship upside down.” That is the slogan for Sunday River’s learn to ski program.

It is a bad idea to strap your buddy on to a pair of boards and send him careening down the hill. As the saying goes, there is a thin line between love and hate.

On the other hand, encouraging a friend to take up a snow sport with professional instruction is a wonderful act of friendship.

Mark Robie, who has been in the ski teaching business for 20 years, said, “I tell women ‘If your boyfriend recommends you take a lesson – marry him. If he insists on teaching you himself – leave him.” Robie is the supervisor of Sugarloaf’s Learn to Ski and Ride program.

“The best thing you can do for most relationships is to get a lesson for your friend or loved one,” said Wendy Dodge, director of the Learning Center at Saddleback.

“You can put a lot of strain on a friendship,” said Faron Fay of Sugarloaf’s Perfect Turn program, “There is a tendency to rush to terrain that the new skier is not ready for. Ski boots are not designed for walking down the slopes after a frustrating experience on skis without proper instruction.”

“Statistically the majority of people who try skiing or snowboarding with the help of a friend do not continue,” said Robie. “Believe me, I see them out there trashing themselves, really getting hurt, trying to keep up. In our learn to ski and ride programs, we teach control first, dramatically reducing the risk of injury, and staying on appropriate terrain.”

January is a good month to introduce a friend to your favorite pastime, and Maine ski areas offer some tried and true learn to ski and snowboard programs. Because resorts are eager to lure new customers – these all-inclusive lesson packages are priced attractively.

Shawnee Peak’s “3-2-1 snow fun” is a soup to nuts program for new skiers or snowboarders. For $129, you get three days of lessons, lift tickets, and rental equipment. The instructors at The Peak guarantee you will be able to ski or snowboard from the mid-station by the end of your third lesson.

Tracie LeBlanc, now in her 14th season at Shawnee Peak’s Snow Sport School, said, “3-2-1 Snow Fun is the most economical and convenient program for people getting started. We keep all your information on file – so you can come whenever you want for your three lessons.”

“Lessons can be very successful, it depends on the individual of course. We started the 3-2-1 last year, and we have seen a lot of those people come back - and bring friends. Over the holidays, one guy returned to sign up four of his friends,” said LeBlanc.

Wendy Dodge at Saddleback said, “We have package for $65 that includes rentals, beginner lifts, and a lesson with a maximum of 3 to 4 people with one instructor. That is an important ratio for personalized attention. The goal of that first lesson is to get you comfortable, not necessarily riding the lift. We offer a boost for people needing a little more instruction – for $25 they can add the afternoon lesson.”

Sunday River and Sugarloaf will give you a free lift ticket for the day, when you bring a friend for a “First Experience” Learn to Ski or Ride clinic. The clinic includes equipment rental, a four-hour lesson and lift access (beginner terrain only) for $65. A three-day program is $150 – and you can go to any ASC resort within 12 months for your three days.

January is Learn to Ski and Ride month at ASC resorts, which means discounted lodging packages including lessons.

At Sugarloaf, you can stay in condominium midweek in January for $60 per night, per person (that rate is based on four people sharing a one-bedroom) including a free Learn to Ski or Ride lesson. If you share the condominium with experienced ski buddies, they can get a lift ticket in lieu of the lesson on this package.

Sunday River has a similar program, staying at the Snow Cap Inn for two or more nights Sun.-Thurs (except Martin Luther King holiday) for $60 per person, per night, with a free Learn to Ski or Ride package.

Share your love of skiing or snowboarding, but don’t send your friendship downhill in the process. Leave the teaching to the pros. It is far better to talk about your day on the slopes with buddies in the hot tub at ski day’s end, than to have friends cursing you for dragging them out in the cold with 20 pounds of awkward gear.

Events
Glen Plake, the famous free skier with the extreme hairdo, will be at Sunday River Jan. 18 to sign autographs and show off in the terrain park.

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“Snowboarding transforms skiing, making it cool again”
Jan. 4, 2004

“Skiing is definitely cool again,” said Ben Pugliares of No. Andover, MA. “It always has been cool but now it is getting the attention it deserves again. For a while if you wanted to be progressive in the sport, you had to be a snowboarder – that is where all the excitement was coming from, but now you can do everything on skis that you can on a snowboard and more.”

Pugliares skis on twin tip skis at Sunday River almost every weekend. He can be found in the terrain parks, doing jumps and grinds. With twin tips he can launch off jumps “switch,” which is trendy talk for taking off backwards. He can land “fakey,” hip lingo for a backwards landing. These maneuvers originated on snowboards and have crossed over to skiing thanks to equipment innovations.

Jason Levinthal designed twin tip skis in 1995, called Line, out of his garage in Vermont. He felt that skiing had not evolved in decades.

“Kids were buying snowboards over skis,” said Levinthal. “There were just those two options and snowboarding presented more excitement and versatility – something you could play with in the parks and pipes. Skiing was stagnant, so I built a ski that gave you the versatility of a snowboard, with a shorter length, and twin tips.”

“Twin tips were viewed as radical at first, now you see that innovation all over the parks and in lift lines across the country.”

Levinthal said, “Twin tips should not scare away conservative skiers. The turned up tail does not affect the performance of the ski when free skiing and carving a turn, but it does present you with more options when you progress in a terrain park.”

The snowboard influence has dramatically changed the ski industry over the past two decades, evolving it into today’s “snowsports industry.” Still skiers are the majority of the population on the slopes. At Sunday River, snowboarders comprise about 30%, according to Communications Director Susan Duplessis. Sugarloaf sees approximately 25% boarders, says Bill Swain, Sugarloaf’s Communications Director.

Despite those numbers, riding has introduced an altered dress code and a new vocabulary. An insurgence of terrain creations such as halfpipes, super-pipes, quarter-pipes, spines, rollers, tabletops, rail slides, and bank turns can now be found at most every resort.

“I still do not understand the whole snowboard mentality. They have their own language that is unintelligible,” said Ray Coyle of No. Yarmouth. “I have always preferred skiing and it seems to be more popular again.”

Coyle’s son Brad has tried both skiing and riding, but was on skis last week when I interviewed him in the American Express terrain park at Sunday River.

“I flirted with snowboarding for a while when everyone was doing it,” said Brad Coyle. “It seemed like that was the way to do jumps and cool stuff. Now I am back on skis and I find I can do all the park stuff plus I can ski anywhere on the mountain.”

Five-year-old Delaney Bartol of Newburyport, MA said, “I like skiing, I think it is cool. Snowboarding looks fun too, but they look silly pushing with their hands across the flats. They don’t get poles either and I like really my poles. I can do jumps like the snowboarders on my skis.”

Her father Mike Bartol said, “When I was your age Delaney, I was not allowed to go off jumps like that. They would take away my lift ticket. It is definitely more fun now that they build jumps and parks for both skiers and snowboarders – the sport has changed for the better.”

When asked what fakey, switch and rail mean – young Delaney said she was not sure. Many skiers still relate to “Goofy” as Mickey Mouse’s dog. In rider terminology however it refers to your binding stance, facing left verses the more traditional right. There continues to be a gap between one-plankers and two (boarders versus skiers).

“I have done both skiing and riding, I still think snowboarding is definitely the best,” said Alex Chartier of Leeds, Maine. “For one thing, snowboard boots are much more comfortable and you don’t have to worry about poles. On a snowboard you can do so much, switches, kickers, you name it.”

Chartier admitted that skiing has its advantages when it comes to traversing and skating across flat sections on the mountain. “On a board, you have to unclip and push along with your foot which is awkward. But on a board you can rip arcs.”

Chartier did not mention the difficulty riders experience balancing on one foot to clip in and out during lift loading and unloading, or sitting in the snow to re-fasten bindings.

As my chair lift interview with Chartier and his friend, Matt Jacques, concluded, Chartier did a mackerel smack on the unload ramp (rider terminology for a hard fall - hands and face first). “Dude you are looking pretty cool on your board right now,” said Jacques. “I wonder if she will put that in the paper.”

Events: Lost Valley hosts Turn Til Twelve on Friday, Jan. 9 with skiing and riding until midnight.