Outdoors
Downhill Skiing

Maine Sunday Telegram - SKIING

March 2006

"Season of Ups and Downs”
 March 26, 2006

Okay, so it hasn’t been an epic ski season. Low snowfall totals and mild temps equaled a lack of enthusiasm amongst many Maine skiers. But a ski season like this separates the fair weather wannabes from the real deal.

Tina Hewett of Kennebunkport had her best season ever. So did Seth Wescott, bringing home Olympic Gold. Wescott’s performance has been golden both on and off the snow. If only all athletes representing Maine and the U.S. were so poised, dignified and respectful of their role. Dave Digravio is another CVA grad having an impressive season; he bumped his way onto the US Freestyle mogul team in December.

Tina Hewett, general manager of the popular Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, started skiing five years ago. “I have found that skiing is a great way to get outside and feel the fresh air in winter,” said Hewett. This season was a breakthrough for Hewett. “I am in better shape physically so I ski better, I can ski longer because I don’t get as tired and I am not scared. We did pick and choose our days this winter, and when we went the snow was great.”

Dave Digravio of Farmington is having his best year; his first season on the US Freestyle Team he grabbed a World Cup bronze in moguls. The Digravio name is known around the Carrabasset Valley, Dave and his brother Ron both attended CVA competing in moguls, father Ron Digravio is CVA’s freestyle coach and assistant director of admissions while mother Maureen is school secretary. This weekend, Dave Digravio is at Killington competing in the US Freestyle Championships.

Bode Miller certainly had his ups and downs – going into the season, he was Maine’s alpine all star, New Hampshire’s freedom child, and the reigning World Cup champion.

After Torino, Bode-bashing became an unofficial post-Olympic sport. He’s a veritable lightning rod for skiing. Everyone I encounter offers overt opinions about the skier from the NH outhouse who skipped across the worldwide stage on his way to the proverbial doghouse.

His Gold in Super G and Silver in Downhill at the World Cup finals put Miller in third place overall for the World Cup season, which may resuscitate his status among loyal fans. But for mainstream Americans who only tune into skiing once every four years for the Olympics, it may be too little too late, Miller’s lack of show in Torino resembled the lackluster snow this season. Bode Miller and the rest of America’s best skiers are at Sugarloaf today through Wednesday for the US Alpine Championships.

Perhaps we should pay less attention to our magazine-cover sponsor-laden idols, and bring to light other laudable ski stories. In Fort Kent, one family turned a winter of heartbreak into a lifetime legacy. The Johnston family’s 14-year old daughter Marlee was murdered in November. Marlee’s passion for skiing inspired her family to start a scholarship fund for Kents Hill School students interested in alpine ski racing. The first annual Marlee Johnston Memorial Slalom Race was held this month at Kents Hill Ski Club. More than 60 friends and family gathered to honor Marlee’s life and her love of ski racing, and raise money. I applaud the family’s courage, and their desire to provide downhill opportunities to other children, while coping with their own tragic loss.

As most Maine resorts are closed for the season due to lack of snow and waning skier visits (Shawnee Peak closes today), Saddleback, Sugarloaf and Sunday River remain well covered with manmade snow, which they continued to churn out all season long.

American Skiing Company (ASC) resorts are already selling next season’s pass, with an earlier deadline of May 2, as the company looks to raise cash after blowing the snowmaking budget here in the East (ASC’s western resorts Steamboat and The Canyons had redeeming base depths and bottom lines).

The 2006-07 ASC pass promotion promises less passes to be sold than this season, with less blackout dates if you buy now. Based on sizeable lift lines at Sugarloaf and Sunday River on given prime (but not blackout) weekends, I would say the mission to lure lapsed skiers back to the slopes with the $300 “All for One” passes appears to be working.

Personally, my sweetest turns were out west this year, but the brightest moment for me was first tracks Dec. 3 when my family returned to the slopes after my husband’s injury last season.

Or maybe it was watching my son launch off a monster jump in the terrain park (more specifically when he landed safely - phew). Of course, following my daughter as she gracefully thread her skis through a beautiful birch glade was splendid. And there was the Gold Medal I won. That’s right I won Gold (resplendently redundant) at the annual Eastern Ski Writers’ meeting race at the Balsams this month.

That’s the thing about skiing; it’s full of surprises, plenty of ups and downs. I plan to keep riding up and skiing down through the sunny, often snowy month of April. I hope to see you out there.

"Sugarloaf hosts US best skiers  for Championships”
 March 19, 2006

Are you ready for the return of the Tall Timbers Classic? Sounds like a Maine Lumberjack event, but it actually involves skiers hurtling down Sugarloaf Mountain at 88 M.P.H. and blasting through race gates. Sugarloaf will host the country’s fastest ski racers for the US Alpine Championship, the season-finale event for our US Ski Team, March 25-29.

Sugarloaf has hosted the Alpine Championships twice before, in 1996 and ’97, plus a World Cup in 1971, which was dubbed the Tall Timbers – the name was dusted off for this 35th anniversary.

“This is an immense event for Maine,” said Greg Sweetser, Executive Director of Ski Maine. “Coming on the heels of the Winter Olympics, there will be lots of excitement when the US Men’s and Women’s Ski Team arrives at Sugarloaf to compete for a week, bringing the focus of the ski world to the slopes of Maine.”

If, like me, you did not have the fortune to fly to Italy for the Olympics, here’s your chance to see the US Ski Team race up close on our own turf. CVA Headmaster John Ritzo said, “Coming home to Sugarloaf and Narrow Gauge puts our CVA alumni, Kirsten Clark and Bode Miller, on very familiar ground and on track for great results.”

There is plenty to be said for home slope advantage. Last year’s Championships were at Mammoth, and California’s Daron Rahlves won the Super G while Bode Miller finished third. Squaw Valley’s Gold Medalist Julia Mancuso won last year’s Giant Slalom and took second in Super G, Kirsten Clark placed fourth.

With the support of loyal ‘Loaf fans, perhaps Clark and Miller can salvage a strong finish, and Miller can exit the ski season (and the ski stage) from atop the podium, versus at the bottom of the skiers’ opinion poll as a disappointment (and indifferent – for that matter).

Ted Ligety and Julia Mancuso may cast the tallest shadows at the Tall Timbers next week, as prevailing Olympic Gold medalists. Ligety-split, as he is aptly nicknamed, continued his speed streak winning his first World Cup in GS this month in South Korea. Last year in Mammoth, Ligety won the Slalom, so he’s certainly one to watch, as is the Team’s other 21-year-old tornado, Lindsey Kildow.

While Kildow did not medal in Torino, she did receive the Olympic Spirit Award for competing courageously in all four events after her horrendous downhill training crash.

How cool to have all these major ski players at Sugarloaf for this five-day event. What is unique about the Alpine Championships, versus a World Cup, is that it matches the best of our US Ski Team against up and coming racers looking for a future on the team. So while there isn’t global pressure from the amazing Austrians or the fast French, the next batch of American skiers is in speed-suited pursuit of a coveted spot on the esteemed circuit.

Sam Sweetser is one such aspiring racer. Sam grew up skiing the Loaf, graduated from CVA in 2003, and won the Junior National Champion in Downhill in 2004. Sweetser, who was racing in Austria last week, said, “I watched the 1997 Nationals at Sugarloaf as a little kid. I have dreamed about competing at the Nationals at my home hill ever since. It is also going to be great to eat Mom’s home cooking, sleep in my own bed, and race on a hill I have skied thousands of times.”

Sweetser said, “I can’t describe how excited I am to race against some of the best skiers in the world in front of my family and friends, the people who have supported me over the years allowing me to do what I love and get where I am. It’s going to be great to show the people at home how far I have come with their help.”

Sam’s father, Greg Sweetser, describes parenting a ski racer as a roller coaster ride with an 88 M.P.H. dynamic. Greg Sweetser said, “As a ski racer parent, tucked somewhere deep inside is the knowledge that Sam has the ability to join Kirsten Clark as a US Ski Team member. Sam grew up on the slopes of Saddleback and then Sugarloaf. Sugarloaf holds a special place in Sam’s heart and being able to compete on his home mountain is frosting on the cake. On the phone from races in Europe, Debby and I can hear his excitement about returning to the downhill on “Gauge” where he has had great success throughout his career.”

All four racecourses will be on Sugarloaf’s legendary Narrow Gauge trail, with varying lengths and formats from the long and speedy Downhill to the shorter, more technical slalom.

Downhill is first on the roster Saturday, March 25. Nearly 2 miles in length, the course will feature several air-inducing jumps, and a finish arena in front of the Base Lodge.

Karen Greene, Sugarloaf’s brand manager said, “Our course will be very spectator friendly so fans can truly appreciate the speed and skills of these racers from just a few feet away.”

The Opening Ceremonies will be Saturday evening at 7 pm at Sugarloaf’s Base Lodge, with awards from the day’s Downhill followed by fireworks, autograph sessions, and a free concert.

Sunday, March 26 is the Super G. Monday, March 27, is Slalom, followed by the Giant Slalom on Tuesday, March 28 for men, and Wednesday, March 29, for women. Awards for each day’s race venue will be at 4 pm on The Sugarloaf Beach in front of the Base Lodge.

So grab your clanging cowbells and head to the ‘Loaf to root for your favorite ski racers.

"Spring skiing's Maine events”
 March 12, 2006

Spring is fast approaching, so it’s time to stop asking “where’s winter?” If you haven’t been to the slopes, you could qualify this ski season as a non-event.

Those faithful, or die-hard, skiers who made the effort to make tracks have found some very good skiing, on machine made and groomed snow. An optimistic portrayal? Perhaps. But Eastern skiers need a “half full” view of surface conditions and weather, especially during seasons like this. While we have not had copious snowfall like last season (not even close), there have been many crisp corduroy carving days, and the usual camaraderie amongst the aforementioned diehards.

“The snowmakers and groomers have done a magical job keeping the slopes covered this season, said Victoria Rosenberg, Sunday River ski instructor for four years. “My hat is off to them for making it happen, working almost 24/7, during a really challenging season. Our guests have been really appreciative and pleasantly surprised when they get to Sunday River and find almost all the trails open and groomed.”

And the season is not done, my downhill friends. The best of the season could come in the rest of the season, longer brighter days, and perhaps more natural snowfall like Sugarloaf received last weekend could salvage spring skiing. There’s that skiers’ optimism again. As resorts try to make lemonade out of this rather tropical lemon ski season, the events and deals are phenomenal right now.

If you haven’t made your appearance on the slopes, you should. I challenge you to hit a few of the highlights of Maine’s Spring ski season. Grab the sunglasses and sunscreen and check out this fall line fun:

Shawnee Peak has three more drive up deals, March 13 and 20 are the last Carload Mondays where everyone in your vehicle skis or rides for $59. The Peak has added a special Carload Friday on St Patty’s March 17, also $59.

Mount Abram celebrates their 46th anniversary on March 18 with their traditional Sissy Shush Downhill Race open to all, followed by a special torchlight parade that evening.

Sunday River will host two on snow fundraisers to benefit Maine Handicapped Skiing, the 21st annual Ski A Thon on March 18 and the 16th annual Firefighters Race on March 19. If you haven’t witnessed the firefighters’ ski spectacle, you should. Teams of five firefighters thread slalom gates in full regalia while carrying a heavy hose. The firefighter race corresponds nicely with the slopeside “Eat the Heat” Chili cook-off at White Cap. Sample chili for $1 each; warm your belly, and vote for the people’s choice of best chili from area restaurants.

On March 25, Shawnee Peak’s perennial Spring Fling Beach Party will enjoy year 22 with reggae music, a slopeside barbecue, and The Slush Cup - The Peak’s version of pond skimming.

March 24 - 26, you may want to venture up to The Loaf to see our US Ski Team Olympians compete in the season finale. More on this historical Championship race in next week’s column. Reserve your space for this major race.

The River is the place to be and ski on April 1 - 2, for the 19th annual Bust n’ Burn mogul competition. This weekend is also the River’s Parrothead celebration with music and margarita sipping – which coincides interestingly with pond skimming.

Saddleback’s Smelt Run is April 1 (sounds like the race results could be fishy). Skiers and riders race through an obstacle course in the terrain park. Also that weekend is Saddleback’s second annual Cardboard Box Race (these traditions have to start somewhere).

Then you might migrate to Sugarloaf for Reggaefest April 6-9, the ‘Loaf’s sell-out spring ski and dance weekend turns 18 this year.

Saddleback’s closing date is scheduled for April 16, festivities include an Easter egg hunt for the little kids around the lodge and on the beginner terrain; older children can search the intermediate and expert trails, while grown up “kids” can look for the golden egg – location unknown – hence the hunt.

Sunday River and Sugarloaf both plan Easter sunrise services on April16. Sugarloaf’s classic season culmination, the pass holder appreciation party, is April 22, with a planned ‘Loaf closure date of April 23.

Sunday River’s tradition of free Ski Maynia will be held May 6 – but don’t wait that long to maker tracks. The River projects remaining open until April 30 (a full six weeks into Spring).

Now you have numerous opportunities to get out on the slopes for sun, fun, and snow (fingers crossed).

"If the boots don't fit...”
 March 5, 2006

I was always a believer that the skier made the equipment, not the other way around. Perhaps it was from years of being told my brothers’ hand-me-down skis and boots were “a perfect fit” for me. The light dawned, and my turns took serious shape when I got on my first pair of shaped skis at Sugarloaf six years ago. I wanted to hug the Atomic rep. at Demo Days, and I never wanted to plane on straight skis again.

If you witnessed the Bode Miller/Daron Rahlves equipment shuffle prior to the Olympic Downhill, you might conclude equipment matters. These US Ski Team favorites went to Italy with 60 pair (no typo there) of skis between them. The night prior, Miller switched to brand new Atomics delivered fresh from the factory-never tested. Apparently he thought the sticks would make the difference, but without the physical preparedness and mental focus, it was just another pair of skis.

When Bode finished the Sestrière racecourse (with a mediocre time), coaches radioed to Rahlves moments prior to his start, and he switched back to his previous boards.

I was in Steamboat, Colorado, during the Olympics and spoke with Billy Kidd, Olympic silver medalist in the 1964 Innsbruck Winter Games. Kidd said, “Rahlves’ last minute switch probably resulted in a lack of confidence in his equipment. When you are in the starting gate, you should be focused on the gates, not on whether you picked the right skis.”

The one thing ski racers don’t switch around is their ski boots. Earlier this season Miller refused a World Cup boot inspection and was fined by the FIS over $700. While that penalty did not ripple his bank account, it makes you wonder if it was just “Bode being Bode” or is there something in his boots?

“Racers know that the boot is the key, it’s the connection between them and their skis,” said Kevin Flynn of Joe Jones Ski & Sport in Scarborough.

Flynn is a “Master boot fitter,” a heady (or footy) title meaning he is specifically trained to fit ski boots. Flynn attended boot fit school in Stratton, Vermont. “It was two intense days covering everything from the anatomy of the foot to trouble shooting every imaginable scenario in fitting ski boots.” Flynn said his college biology education was helpful with the medical terminology of the complex foot.

“People will spend over $1,000 on a pair of skis,” said Flynn, “but if they skimp on their boots and they don’t fit properly - they aren’t going to get the performance out of that high-end ski.”

Flynn explained that ski boots are very different from other sport footwear. “In any other sport, your footwear is dynamic and your foot is constantly moving forward and back, side to side. A ski boot should keep your foot snug, relaxed and stable for optimum control over your skis,” Flynn said.

Anyone having foot discomfort owes it to themselves and their skiing to have a professional boot fit. Boot fitting can range from a minor tweak, expanding the boot shell to alleviate pressure points, or accommodating large or small calves, to creating a custom foot bed and addressing cant issues.

Flynn said, “The most common thing I encounter is skiers who think their boots are too small. They explain that their toes are crunching against the front of the boots, so they assume the boots are too small. In reality, it is the exact opposite - their boots are too big and their foot has room to slide back and forth – causing their toes to cram into the front of the shell.”

Ski racers actually wear ski boots a size and a half too small for ultimate control, so there is no loss of power or contact from the foot to the ski. They also tend to unbuckle their boots between runs to alleviate that intense pressure. No one said ski racing was “comfy.”

I recently brought my boots to Flynn. My heel was lifting and my foot was sliding around in the boot cavity (the three-year-old padding had lost its cushion). In lieu of setting me up with new boots, Flynn was able to refit my boots. Like my first shaped ski experience, the boot fit was a dramatic improvement in comfort and therefore control over my skis.

During the hour fitting, I learned ski boot basics 101: 1. Buckle your boots from the top down; snug your heel in first, versus tightening around the ball of your foot locking you too far forward. 2. the thinner your socks - the warmer your feet will be. 3. the power strap is not for decoration or carrying your boots, it improves the connection from your calves. 4. if your shaped skis are wavering underfoot, you need to apply more pressure to the shin of your boots.

“Boots have come along way in adaptability. There are a lot of adjustments we can make for a more precise fit,” said Flynn. “It’s nice when people call me back after a boot fitting and say that their boots feel awesome. A properly fitted boot really can improve your skiing performance, and definitely enhance your enjoyment of the sport.”
 
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