"Snowboarding a passion for kids of wild abandon”
December 18, 2005

“Kids who snowboard are absolutely passionate about it; it’s strangely addictive,” said Chris Davies, head snowboard coach at Gould Sunday River. “Parents tell me how their kids get up at 5a.m. on weekends, get dressed and are ready long before their parents, eager to go to the mountain. They become consumed by snowboarding, and are totally committed to the sport.”

Sarah Skillin of Kennebunk has that passion. While attending my daughter’s 7th grade Honor Ceremony (a parent has to brag), I read Sarah’s poem called “Snowboard Passion,” which captures the very same enthusiasm Coach Davies speaks of. Here is her poem:

“The sparkling snow glistens on my wet mitt.
Soaring though the powder, the shimmering slopes are sunlit.
A strong gust of wind flows through our hair.
My friends and I jump, and float in mid-air.
A smile on my face, a 360 I spin.
I ride on the rails, and weave through the wind.
My friends and I laugh, and laugh again.
I love to board freestyle and weave through the glades, songs from my iPod, wearing cool shades.
The hum of the snow-cat relaxes my muscles, as it grooms the mountain people hustle and bustle.
I ride a trail called Memory Lane and stop to thank Santa, who threw me a candy cane.
It is Christmas Eve and the slopes are chaotic,
listening to tunes that are crazy and melodic.
After a long day boarding, hot chocolate tastes great.
A big storm is coming. I can’t wait!”
-By Sarah Skillin

Sarah said it was a day at Sunday River that inspired her poem. She admits there is no trail called Memory Lane at The River, but it made a better rhyme. At age 12, Sarah is enrolled in her first season in the weekend freestyle snowboard program at Gould Sunday River.

Sarah’s mother, Penny Skillin, said, “Sarah just loves snowboarding and she also likes to write, it is nice to see her put the two together. She is really excited about her first year at G.S.R. We have skied around at different areas in past winters but this year we have committed to Sunday River’s season-long program so that she can focus on her snowboarding at G.S.R.”

Coach Davies said, “After her first weekend with G.S.R., the coaches all commented that Sarah is eager and driven. Even though she has never competed, she is very coach-able and pretty aggressive. She is looking to compete in slopestyle, halfpipe, and boardercross – which is an aggressive format. Her goal will be to qualify for nationals which are held this season at Northstar-at-Tahoe, Calif.”

“At G.S.R.,” Davis added, “we take kids from 8 to 18, they must try out; it is a competitive program and we make that very clear. We meet every weekend and during holiday weeks for a total of about 40 days in the season. We start at 8a.m. and go straight through till 2p.m., so there is a serious commitment and the kids need to be passionate. Winter kids in our program are learning life skills beyond snowboarding. They learn self-reliance like remembering their gear; after a day with cold hands - you won’t forget your gloves again.”

Davies, a Sunday River instructor since 1996 and Gould coach since ‘99, commented that snowboarding has had a bad rap in the past. “Our kids are straight A students, they are considerate of one another, they work really hard. Our mantra is safety, learning and fun. We talk a lot about safety since we are doing things in the park that are potentially dangerous.”

For many kids in Maine, like Sarah, snowboarding will teach them skills far beyond 360s in the parks and pipes. Whether participating in a seasonal program at C.V.A., Lost Valley, Mt Abram, or a school team, snowboarding fuels kids’ dreams. They learn that with hard work and determination they can do well academically, be fit and healthy athletically, and that translates into results on the hill. Inevitably their passion for snowboarding and the success they achieve on the slopes permeates into other aspects of their lives.

Sarah’s words are a reminder that when kids pursue a passion, anything is possible. There are plenty of Maine trained athletes to prove this point like Farmington-raised snowboarder and U.S. Snowboard Team champ Seth Wescott - headed for the Torino Olympics this February. Best of luck to all the Maine talent riding toward their goals this season.

"Skeeing author was vertical visionary”
December 11, 2005

“Skeeing is indeed a glorious sport; it never grows tame or uninteresting; and the exhilarating joy of it is a delight beyond all comparison.” Theodore Johnsen wrote these timeless words a century ago. Portland-based carpenter, boat builder, ski designer and author, Johnsen wrote America’s first book on skiing, “The Winter Sport of Skeeing,” in 1905. The book sold for $0.10.

Johnsen immigrated to Maine from England in 1878. He worked as a cabinetmaker, with his father, carving pews at Portland’s Lutheran Church. He learned to ski with Swedish friends, and became immediately excited about the sport of sliding on snow.

Johnsen detailed his passion for the snow sport, “Any skier, novice or expert, will tell you that skeeing is the most exhilarating, most fascinating, most healthful and most delightful of all the winter sports and that indulged in sensibly and not to excess, is indeed an ideal outdoor pastime for everybody, young and old.”

At age 48, he wrote, “The excitement and exhilaration of skeeing down a hill is well worth all the labor it costs to mount the height.” Ironic that Johnsen was referring to the physical toll of hiking up the hill, not the monetary costs that pain today’s skiers buying a lift ticket to ride a speedy summit lift.

Johnsen’s 54-page book, “The Winter Sport of Skeeing,” provided step-by-step instructions on how to ski, how to turn and stop, what to wear, finding the perfect slope, and techniques for mastering variable snow conditions. He even detailed how to construct a proper jump.

Johnson was a visionary and his passion for ski jumping has come full circle in a century. Imagine Johnson time traveling to see today’s terrain parks, and the sophisticated pipe dragons and Zuaggs that build huge hits and halfpipes.

Johnson’s book included a sales catalogue for his handmade “Tajco” (his witty acronym for Theodore A. Johnsen’s Co.) ski equipment. Times have changed, along with ski length and price. Of his 12 ash constructed models, his most popular was No. 69 designed for all snow conditions. These skis were 7- 8 feet long, costing a whopping $3, with men’s, ladies’ and youth models. Leather strap bindings were an extra $1.00.

His most expensive skis were $18.00, called the No. 17 (okay he was an inventor –not a marketing genius with these brand names), which he described as “a thing of beauty” at 10-feet in length. Johnsen also made snowshoes, push sticks (predecessor of the ski pole), sleds, stockings, boots and toques (the old fashioned beanie–another century old trend revitalized).

By December of 1905, Johnsen had 31 people working in his Portland factory, where he had previously designed and built a first generation of gas-powered pleasure boats. He placed advertisements in local papers and magazines announcing “America’s greatest winter sport.”

Tajco’s sales were disappointing. At season end, inventory from shops as far as Utah was returned unsold. Ultimately his factory closed in 1907, after selling off leftover skis at deeply reduced prices.

With the exception of the Scandinavian community in northern Maine, Americans’ did not yet share Johnsen’s enthusiasm for sliding downhill on wooden planks.

Glenn Parkinson, ski historian, author of “First Tracks,” and President of New England Ski Museum, said, “Johnsen was way ahead of his time. The front page of the Portland paper in December 1905 was all about the big snowstorm, but there was no mention of skiing. It is too bad Johnsen did not live 20 years later, to get the recognition he deserved.”

The Maine Ski Hall of Fame recognized Johnsen this year, 100 years after the publication of his ski book. His fame is entirely posthumous. He never made it big. In fact, he died in Nov. 1911 at age 54 due to kidney trouble, in Boston where he was employed as a factory woodcarver. He was truly a vertical visionary, as much as three decades before the sport of skiing became popular.

You can get your own copy of Theo Johnsen’s book, pick up some classic tips and learn to build a jump, on sale at the New England Ski Museum at Cannon Mountain, N.H. or at skimuseum.org. The Maine State Museum in Augusta has a pair of Tajco poles and skis on display. If you find a pair of Tajco’s in your grandparents’ attic, well – now you know.

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“Skis off the wall, outfits off the runway”
December 4, 2005

Selecting a pair of skis from the wall of equipment at most ski shops is like ordering a coffee in a busy NYC café. So many “specials,” so much pressure to choose just the right combo (when you have not a clue except to go with what looks good, or what the guy in front of you ordered.). Add to that the underlying fear of sounding amateurish to the salesperson and blundering the whole transaction.

It’s no wonder that finding the right ski, or board, is confusing. According to Matt Beck of Burton Snowboards, the company that once offered four boards in two sizes now manufactures 185 different models. Alpine skis range from race to carve, all-mountain to adventure, and just plain “fun.” How are you to know the right stick to pick?

“The good news, there are some really great products now that make the sport so much easier and more fun at every level,” said Eric Cheney of Rossignol. “But we need to know what kind of skier you are, so we can match the ski or board to your style.”

“We find out where you like to ski, whether you spend time in the trees, moguls, hard pack or powder, then we can get you into the specific ski that is the best fit,” said Mike Davies, manager at Rodgers Ski and Sport. “We are also seeing the demand for the one-quiver ski like the Atomic Metron, a wide ski that is versatile for all-mountain skiing.”

Ken Bialorucki, manager of Joe Jones Ski and Sport, said, “We have many more options today. For example, in the past, if a really strong woman skier came in, we would put her into an expert men’s ski. Manufacturers are finally making upper end women’s skis that aren’t just cosmetic. The women’s lines perform just as well as the men’s but are designed for a woman’s build, size and style.” Atomic now has a Diva line to rival K-2s Luv women’s series.

Bialorucki also noted that twin tips, originally designed for terrain parks, are now in demand as much as conventional skis. “Twin tips are hot, now they offer more torsional stiffness for all-mountain skiing, plus they are fun in the parks and great in the bumps because they are still relatively soft.”

Author’s note: If you are still on straight skis, you are way behind the curve, time to shape up.

Bialorucki commented that although skis continue to evolve, the bindings are where he sees the most technological advancement. “Bindings today are extremely well designed. In the past, bindings were designed primarily for heel release, but today 99% of releases are from the toe piece and the new generation of bindings address that and therefore prevent injuries.”

Skiers on dated equipment are not taking advantage of the new safe technology. That being said, it is critical to have your bindings checked annually by a certified technician to verify your DIN settings are appropriate for your height, weight and ability (all of which can change from season to season). One turn too many on your bindings can result in one bad turn and the end of your ski season.

Ski boots continue to become more comfortable. Although the soft boot trend has stepped aside, boots now come with better adjustability and more luxurious fabrics in the lining – resulting in an easier entry at the cuff, plus better wicking and warmth inside.

Fashion forward on the slopes
Selecting soft goods (ski and snowboard clothing) is far less taxing on the brain than buying “hardware.” It should be about functionality (warmth, comfort and versatility) and then eye appeal, or for the snow bunny set – eye appeal is the only criteria. In a reverse trend, skiers are sporting boarder-style loose fitting pants and hooded shells, while snowboarders are adopting technical aspects and tapered, form fitting attire from ski wardrobes.

Ski and snowboard wear now comes in water-resistant corduroy and wind-stopping denim. Plaids, pinstripes and checks are abundant, and clothing colors range from powdery pastels and earth tones to camouflage. “The stuff you see in the shops you can wear on the streets, or on the slopes, its very comfortable, functional and its fun,” said James Krams of the B-Side Snowboard Shop.

“This season, the fashion is really wild,” said Krams. “Burton is going to fashion shows in Milan, and adapting styles from the Italian runways into their snowboard line.”

Similar street styles are prominent for skiers as well. Obermeyer ski pants resemble cargo pants in plaid and paisley with big outer pockets, clad with oversize leather belts and embroidery, a serious departure from the standard black ski pant with suspenders.

Another huge trend, skiwear is more gadget-oriented. Spyder sells a jacket equipped with an Ipod stowed in an inner pocket; the integrated touch pad is on the outside sleeve. Sounds very James Bond, doesn’t it? Even the popular shells have pockets specifically sized for MP3 players and phones.

Helmets are wired for sound too. In fact, helmets have evolved from the bulky brain buckets of a decade ago to a lighter, warmer, and better-ventilated material. If you want to spend the big bucks, an audio package will integrate your lid with MP3, two-way radio or phone. Davies of Rodgers Ski and Sport said, “7 out of 10 adults are now wearing helmets, and 9 out of 10 kids, that’s a lot more than even two years ago. I think the improved comfort and style of today’s helmets has a lot to do with that.”

It’s time to head to your favorite shop, at least have your gear inspected. You might be tempted into a new set of sticks or some outrageous off-the-runway duds.
 

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November 2005

“Maine Ski Legends in Hall of Fame”
November 27, 2005

There was not a flake of snow in sight, but the enthusiasm in the air rivaled a powder morning as 350 skiers gathered at Lost Valley this fall. This is the 3rd year that the Maine Ski Hall of Fame has honored 10 deserving Maine skiers for their unique contributions to the sport.

John Christie, former President of Sugarloaf/USA, said during his introduction, “Back in the 60’s when I was pretending to run Sugarloaf, there were a few constants. Amos Winter didn’t give free lift tickets, the wind blew out of the Northeast, and there was always one volunteer patrol that showed up at 7:00am, and he had been doing it for years, and he’s still doing it today. That’s Pat Murphy.”

Richard “Pat” Murphy of Auburn was inducted for his decades of ski patrolling at Sugarloaf, since 1959, and 12 years volunteering at Sunday River’s Maine Handicap Skiing. Those accomplishments are Hall of Fame caliber, but Murphy’s ski resume reads on, to include patrolling weeknights at Lost Valley, and serving as a key volunteer at Maine’s Special Olympics held at Sugarloaf since 1982. Murphy and his wife Murielle, affectionately referred to as “Mum,” have done everything from fundraising for new patrol equipment to Mum making 1,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on Special Olympic mornings.

Murphy, age 83, accepted his award with humorous tales from the trails. “I have done about a million hours as a patrol. Two years ago I was part of a team that brought a man back to life, that was really something,” said Murphy. “But my worst wreck (that’s what we call a code 1080) was in the terrain park. I radioed to bring a backboard and look 20-feet into the woods, and bring all the volunteers you can find because this is quite a scene, and oh by the way, it’s me.”

Betty Anne Listowich of Sugarloaf, a former patroller, said, “Pat is amazing. He is tireless in his dedication, and his wife Mum is like the mother of the patrol, always bringing home baked goodies into the patrol room.”

Other amazing 2005 inductees include James Jones who founded the first ski patrol in Maine at Pleasant Mountain in 1938. Presenting his award, Hall of Fame Chairman Dave Irons said, “Today, we take for granted that the ski patrol will be there to assist us and provide aid. There was a time when that was not the case, because of Jimmy Jones we have a fine patrol in the state of Maine today.”

Five Hall of Famers were chosen for as outstanding competitors and coaches. Robert Morse was recognized for coaching both Nordic and Alpine ski teams at Yarmouth High School since 1970.

Richard “Dick” Osgood was honored as a top cross-country competitor and for his four decades of coaching at Edward Little. Osgood’s boys’ ski team won 10 state titles and three New England championships, plus his girls’ team won five state titles.

Robert Remington was inducted for his multiple skiing accomplishments including Nordic and jumping at Gould Academy and University of Maine, followed by his coaching career at Telstar High School in Bethel in the 1960’s and 70’s, winning six boys’ state titles and five girls’ titles.

Richard and Mary Kendall were honored as the husband/wife team that trained eight of their own ski racing children, four of whom became national champions, plus countless other Auburn kids. The Kendalls fondly told stories of driving their station wagon full of kids and skis, and sharing one hotel room with a dozen young racers. They both taught skiing at Lost Valley, organized races from the local to the national level, and officiated at the 1980 and 2002 Olympics.

Robert Pidacks was the second Olympic skier from Maine; he skied in the 1952 Oslo Games, despite an eye injury from his ski pole that occurred while competing at Gould Academy in 1946. Pidacks was a three-letter man and ski team captain at the University of Maine.

Inductee Franklin Emery has been skiing since 1924, he was a 20-year Pleasant Mountain ski patrol, and longtime race chairman for the Downeast Ski Club where he is revered for his race organizing, trip leading, and fundraising. But Emery may be best noted for his legendary Ski Spree Wax.

Karl Anderson of Bangor is named a Hall of Famer as the first Alpine Olympian from Maine. Karl skied in the 1976 and ‘80 Olympics, and won the 1978 US Downhill title. Anderson said upon acceptance of his award, “Being in this room of skiers, I feel that camaraderie, like old home week. When I was on the World Cup tour I was fortunate to be with people who share a passion – and esprit de Coeur. Skiing was not about the money then, it was about our bond with the sport.”

As for the tenth member of the class of 2005 Maine Ski Hall of Famer, his accomplishments date back to 1905 when he wrote the first book on skiing in America. I will have more on Theo Johnsen in December, the centennial of his Portland ski-manufacturing debut.

Congratulations to these 10 deserving honorees of the Maine Ski Hall of Fame, individuals who shaped the sport of skiing in Maine, which now represents a $300 million dollar industry.