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This season Alpine World cup has now reached fever pitch. The male contingent will, after the Swiss tour, stop in Kitzbühel, Austria, for the 71st Hahnenkamm Cup, while its female counterpart will be visiting the cosmopolitan Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy. These races attract each year millions of television viewers, but also bring a huge number of spectators to the tracks themselves. This year would be no exception if it wasn’t for the weather that has been disrupting the competition for the 3rd week in a row.

For my part, I have noticed for the past few years that New Year is often followed by a sharp rise in temperature. The Föhn, a warm wind as it is called in the ski world has of late regularly threatened to disrupt the races taking place in the Bernese Alps, in Switzerland. Adelboden, and Wengen, have had huge problems in recent seasons, and managed only with strenuous effort to bring the competition to completion. This year, the Swiss have been lucky to get enough snow and consequently had ample snow cover to proceed with the races, despite the spring-like temperatures.
Of course, the preparation of the competitive tracks in these conditions becomes a much bigger challenge. The organisers resorted in this instance to salt and artificial PTX. First, a layer of snow is removed from the track, by a snow groomer, which is then covered with a synthetic material that is sprayed with water before being covered again with the final layer of snow. This operation is repeated just before the race, albeit without the use of the snow groomer. Thus not spelling the best prospects for the competition or competitors for that matter! A bleaker prospect awaits the skiers placed higher up in the starting line-up. They will find it much harder to achieve any kind of good results. In the past, the Swiss have also had troubles with environmentalists who would not allow the use the PTX. But that threat has been removed as the State implemented a law that empowers ski race officials to do whatever they see fit in order to salvage a race.
It all seemed that the matter would be settled before the week end, and that winter temperatures would be greeting racers. But as it happened, the drop has failed to materialise on time and not all downhill trainings could be completed on the famous Streif track as it was still raining in the lower segment of the track only last Wednesday.
Workers were toiling day and night, trying to consolidate the snow on time for the first race. Later, on Wednesday night, the rain turned to snow. However, bad weather has now been forecast for the week end. Fog should also join the party. Let us not forget that, in the past, fog has already forced a few races to be cancelled at the foot of the Hahnenkamm Mountain.
No matter what, Günther Hujara, one of the judges in the men’s world cup competition, will be working overtime. Everyone is piling up pressure on him; the organizers, the media, the athletes and the coaches. Ultimately, he will be the one switching the red or green lights on to competitors at the starting line. Meteorologists too will be trying their very best to provide “to the minute” predictions about the changes in the Kitzbühel skies. Incidently, some world cup organisers have in recent years invested a lot of money towards state of the art meteorological equipment. However nature once again shows that it transcends man.
Kitzbühel is now faced with a tough ordeal, since the rules state that at least one downhill training session must take place before the actual race. If that fails, then the prospect of having to sacrifice Friday’s super G is well and truly alive. Downhill in Kitzbühel is the alpha and omega. The Super-G race can be moved to another location, but the downhill in Streif is irreplaceable. It is already clear that the race cannot be moved to the Monday and Sunday has specifically been scheduled to host the Slalom race. In the end, it seems that the weather will be the one to decide the next course of events.

Original text by Urban Lavrenčič translated from the Slovene by Christian Ngalikpima.

Swiss Alpine skiing finds itself troubled waters. Last season’s results were extremely successful, however, this turn around, the Swiss team didn’t come close to their past achievements. The biggest loser so far, being Carlo Janka. Indeed, last World Cup’s aggregate winner is exhausted. This could be the result from the lack of training this summer, as a mysterious virus cut short the preparations. Furthermore, he also missed the traditional pre New Year’s downhill race in Bormio.
The next issue is Silvan Zurbriggen. The Swiss champion is currently giving his coach Martin Rufener some serious headaches. In Lake Louise, he was thrown out of the hotel he was staying in for harassing the cleaning lady. He reportedly walked about his room wearing nothing but his birthday suit. A horrified maid filed a complaint; and out of the luxurious premises was Zurbriggen thrown.
For as long as they could, the Swiss team tried to keep the lid on the “scandal”, and they did for some time. But then Silvan won the race in Val Gardena and tongues unleashed. Not a rosy prospect for Zurbriggen, who is in a serious relationship, especially when one considers the fact that he found himself into similar waters a few years back in Alta Badia. That time, he allegedly exposed his manhood to an old lady, who resorted to denounce him to the local authorities. His line of defence then was that he was just responding to nature’s call.
To cap it all up, there’s Lara Gut. She will undoubtedly drive the Swiss team coach Mauro Pini off the wall. Let us remind ourselves that Pini was in Gut’s team only a while ago, and that their subsequent separation didn’t happen in the friendliest of manners. Lara, on several occasions, criticised in public the work of the Swiss A team. She did not agree with the team’s training methods. That’s not all! In the summer, she opted to join the Swedish team rather than her own. It all went too far that time, and the ski federation decided to ban her from the Semmering events. To miss an event in Alpine skiing represents a severe penalty, as competition seasons are pretty short.
Lara Gut has threatened to compete for another country. Should she do so, then the Swiss team could render her life a real misery. Lawyers have been brought in to resolve the matter so as to satisfy both parties. On top of all this, her own sponsors are now also suing the Swiss champion for conflict of interest.
Regardless, the Swiss have this year accumulated so many problems off the track that it could easily make for a repeat of last year’s results. Heads are simply not cool enough and thoughts are erring in the wrong direction. The season is now in full swing and the other teams are already rubbing their hands in expectation.

Original text by Urban Lavrenčič translated from the Slovene by Christian Ngalikpima.

I remember how Matjaž Vrhovnik and I traveled to report the World Championship in 2009. In Garmisch - Partenkirchen, we commentated on the slalom races, which came to an end at around the fourteenth hour and thirtieth minutes. We then hastily slurped down a soup in the press room and off we were on our journey. A journey that took us through Austria and Switzerland. Soon enough, it began to snow and although we both love snowflakes, they actually made the task a little harder for our old Toyota. We drove for almost twelve hours. And if my memory serves me well, I was always behind the wheel, for I couldn’t catch a minute’s sleep. I kept a vigilant eye on the slippery road surface, followed other vehicles, at times battling with bands of fog and counting the miles left to our destination, deep in the heart of the Savoy Alps.

I love traveling with Matjaž. Through our cooperation, we have woven a solid friendship, which goes now beyond the usual levels of business and courtesy. Our acquaintance back in 2004 began quite timidly as we were still figuring each other out. Five years later, we were on our way to our third World Cup together and acted like an old married couple. In France we took along on our trip some readymade meals and cans that we heated up in our apartment, saving ourselves a few Euros in the process. Food prices in Val d’Isère are indeed several times higher than those we are used to in our grocery stores.

Our discussions in the car were pretty relaxed, even though we struggled to stick to the ski topic. As it was, we often also switched to regular everyday topics. Hours go by so quickly.As we started off on our journey from Geneva towards the south, the snow abated and I could now press a tad more on the gas. I must say that I’m not afraid to set the speed radar detector, since the registration plate on Slovenian RTV business car were very dirty anyway, as well as snowed and iced up. Although I got flashed once, I never actually received the penalty.

As we arrived in Albertville we knew that much of the road was already behind us. The only thing that was left for us to do was to reach 1850 from where Val d’Isere dominates the surrounding peaks. I was thinking about this road trip the previous Sunday on my way home from work. Earlier that day, the Austrian Marcel Hirscher won his first slalom race in a World Cup. On that same day, I commentated in the national TV’s studios in Ljubljana and then wandered home. Taking a walk after commentating always reinvigorates me. I get to sort my thoughts together, clear my mind, and I actually exercise.

This Championship has not been one that I have reported with pleasure. First we mostly had bad weather, then, the race schedule was constantly altered and the temperatures were extremely low. But what will, above all, remain in my memory is when I first stepped at the foot of the Bellevarde track. I had never seen such high and steep walls at any of the previous championships.

On top of it all, the organisers had put a large amount of water into the snow, a technique used to give the ice plates some semblance of ominous glittering through a blend of scarce sun rays and artificial lights.
It just happened that there is a particular type of terrain apt for all, and not only the favourites. There are skiers, who, because of their special techniques, are more adapted than others to a steeper type of slopes.

Marcel Hirscher was 19 years old then. In the giant slalom, he ended up fourth and only just missed the medals. Two years later, the doubt was cast away. Bellevarde now belongs to him.

Original text by Urban Lavrenčič translated from the Slovene by Christian Ngalikpima.

Members of the Executive Committee of the International Ski Federation decided during the summer congress in Antalya to make Vail the host of the 2015 World Cup. This fancy little Colorado village from the U.S. has twice already entertained this kind of competition . The first such occasion dates back in 1989 while the second one took place a decade later. Skiers previously underwent the speed disciplines in the nearby Beaver Creek back in 1999. Indeed Bernhard Russi has already downed the famous Bird of Preys track. As a matter of fact, this spectacular terrain was first tested with two downhill races a while ago, at the December 1997 World Cup.
While the Italian Kristian Ghedina won the first race, the Austrian Andreas Schifferer imposed himself a day later on a very demanding track. The most extraordinary story that got to me while watching this World Cup was fortuitously also the most interesting. Ever since he retired from racing in March 2006, Schifferer no longer tops the headlines. Although, one could go as far as saying that he has totally disappeared from the public eye!
Until this year in Sölden, the venue where in October, this year’s World Cup season kicked off, the news that Andreas Schifferer had to leave this little cosmopolitan Austrian village prematurely resounded as a huge surprise. The boy had arrived at the weekend, but that seemingly didn’t work out as that same boy stole the snowboard he had used to compete. Obviously he didn’t have his stealing skills well honed, as the stealth bore all the marks of the amateur thief. A shortcoming that landed him straight into the hands of the Austrian constabulary force, which is known to be pretty unforgiving in this type of instances. Even with eight times world cup Champions.
What in the world went through Andy’s head that day? He probably doesn’t have a clue himself. But according to some insiders, his erratic behaviour began showing when he started collaborating with Martin Weber, a man known for practicing esoteric, hypnosis as well as other disputable techniques.
At some point, it got him so confused that he left his wife and kids, and asked his sponsor Atomic to devise a pair of skis for him that would slide on the nose, stating proper energy flow as the reason behind the request. Upon this, Atomic immediately terminated the contract with the now suspicious skier, who resumed his antics at team Rossignol, claiming a use of “negative” colours. As a result, his career suddenly grinded to a halt.
Incidentally, the infamous German newspaper Bild had recently sent a journalist to interview Weber in order to investigate his genuinity, but he quickly gave up fearing for his own mental well being, as he commented to the editor upon his return. Still the real motive for Shifferer’s action is yet to come to light. Why he stole the snowboard remains to this day a mystery, especially when one considers that his financial situation at the time appeared to be in the positive? He could easily have purchased one. Or could it be that the colour was so damn positive that the esoteric/hypnotic state he was in left him with no other choice but to acquire it there and then? Although not on his credit Card…

Original text by Urban Lavrenčič translated from the Slovene by Christian Ngalikpima.

Last year in Beaver Creek, Jean-Baptiste Grange injured himself. The ruptured anterior cruciate ligament he suffered meant that the Vancouver Olympics were to proceed without its star performer. The Frenchman was 25 at the time, and to have to bid farewell to the Olympic season came as a severe blow to him.

The veil overshadowing the men standings in this year’s alpine skiing world cup has now been lifted. The 45^th edition was officially opened in Sölden a month ago with the women’s giant slalom competition. A thick fog greeted the men on the Rettenbach Glacier, forcing the opening of the new season to be moved to the previous week-end in Levi, Finland.

This time around, little comparison has been made between competitors. Instead, after last year’s Olympics, many have decided to concentrate their efforts on the team’s form, and with the arrival of new coaches, hope to outperform their rivals. The southern hemisphere provides during the summer months the scene for professional skiing. Argentina, Chile and New Zealand are the most common stops for world class skiers.

France is at the moment dominating the rankings. They stand one step ahead of the competition in both technical disciplines. The already established skiers have been joined by some younger athletes. To be noted though, is the return of the recently injured stars, such as Thomas Fanara and Jean-Baptiste Grange. The French man having previously won the 08/09 Slalom Crystal Globe top accolade. A discipline he came close to winning the previous year, but that he had to concede to the Italian Manfred Moelgg due to a mistake in the final race of the season in Bormio.

Injuries in Alpine Skiing highlight the differences that exist between bigger and lesser teams, the same way it does highlight the discrepancies between champions and less performing skiers. The former finding themselves in a really enviable position, as the contrast amplifies at the time of rehabilitation. The bigger teams or athletes, who have earned more, thus have access to treatments that are a far reach from the lesser protagonists who cannot afford the over costly insurances.   This in turn might also lead to a loss of income.

Furthermore, some athletes and teams are totally left to fare for themselves, as trainers and physiotherapists limit themselves to prescribing exercises with absolutely no follow up, leaving In effect, those struggling competitors to bank solely on their determination and willingness to get through the hard times. Too many questions are left unanswered that renders it difficult for the athlete to get back to the team training, where opportunities are very few anyway. Which physiotherapist will they visit? How will they pay for the treatment or how will they train? Which diet will they implement, how much muscle mass will be lost?

This leaves a large number of athletes to forcibly abandon the sport of their dream and find other of objects interest instead.

Grange, on the other hand, did the exact the opposite thanks to the French Skiing Association (FFS), which has to deal with its own financial problems. They realised how the Frenchman aroused, over the past years, the interest of the French people in Alpine Skiing. The FFS consequently gave him all the support that he needed for a speedy recovery. Besides Grange himself, did what he thought was necessary to regain fitness.

First of all, he distanced himself from the media as he did not want his comments to interfere with the team’s work nor create unnecessary agitation before or during the Olympics. He entirely focused his efforts on himself and his speedy recovery. After a successful operation on the cruciate ligament, he visited rehabilitation centres where he was treated by the best experts.

The desired effect was achieved. In June, this year, he started snow training. The feelings of old gradually came back to the French champion. It was as if all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. From one turn to another, Jean Batiste Grange found his way back. After a long break, he was eager to prove himself and to compete once again. The French coaches knew he was fast, but did not want to put additional pressure on him before the season. The first giant slalom ride in Sölden has already shown that his was back at the top. Then came Levi. The slalom race he won back in 2008. The same year he won this discipline. And as if the previous hadn’t existed, he clocked the fastest time. Poetry in motion, straining effortlessly the limits of the possible… Balance and short turns prevailed. In the end, the closest competitor, the Swede Andre Myhrer, grabbed second position, 0.33 sec behind the Frenchman, while the Croat Ivica Kostelič came third, clocking over a second more.

When on skis, Jean Baptiste Grange makes every move look all so simple. And yet they are not! Far from it! This has been vindicated by other athletes struggling to achieve good results. The French skier on the other hand, had no trouble at all. The boss is back! However, one must realise that rare are those who return with a win.

Urban Laurenčič original post translated by Christian Ngalikpima

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I know there are many of you out there that aren’t enticed by the word Free. In fact, there are probably more of you out there that dash away from Free because it probably has strings attached, isn’t of good quality or doesn’t really exist (No such thing as a free lunch, etc.).

Well, put all your trepidations aside and open your heart and mind to the idea of first-rate free, a.k.a nothing, on the house, open, liberated  or gratis. . . you get the idea. Today, I’m here to tell you about about Free Ski-iPhone Apps you can download to your iPhone and get some really stellar information, from trail maps to lift openings to snow reports to directions and much more. You can get apps from Apple’s App store or find guys who post them on their own websites.

The Ski-O-Meter iPhone app lets you keep your iPhone snug in your zipper breast pocket and record everything from distance, speed, maximum, average, and minimum speed. All you have to do is press Play, while being sure to put the iPhone in the lock position. I know I love having this information after a long bike ride, so now it’s possible with skiing. I think this app is really great for either alpine or cross-country skiers.

The Snocater iPhone app is probably one of the most diverse iphone applications; plus, it’s really built for skiers and boarders by skiers and boarders. The displayable trail maps not only show you where you are, but allow you to interact and see where you’re going or how to get there (mid trail). Not to mention, you can access mountain cams, get forecasts, check nearby lifts and runs and terrain, all while  keeping in touch with friends through Sniff—a texter that allows you to text friends and see where they are at too. The designers, Liberty Media Corps, are offering both US and International locations (coming soon).

The RealSki iPhone App doesn’t use virtual reality but claims to be unique in it’s use of AR or Augmented Reality. To describe it, the app overlays digital graphics by utilizing, “camera, compass, and other 3GS features to overlay ski runs and key points of interest in AR.” Essentially, as you turn the iPhone to the slopes, little ski trail and resort signs (green here) pop up on the screen telling you which way to this or that run.

The Hangtimer Iphone App maybe doesn’t do a lot of fancy-shmancy stuff, but it does do one thing that all the other never thought of—catch how long you catch air! I like this app because it’s good for skiing but good for a lot of other sports where air time may not be important but is fun. Apparently, in using some arduous math skills, it can tell when you take off and when you land, whether jumping off a cliff or careening down a slope or roller coaster.

The REI Snow Report iPhone App pretty much has it all. You can view snow reports around the globe, so it’s not just US-Centric! From Australia to Chile, New Zealand to Austria, this app can show you the depth, forecasts, trails, maps, open and closed lifts and even projected snow fall. You can even access web cams and links to other web resort sites. Aside from Hangtimer, this app can do what all the others can do, combined. Improved from last year and unique, get it for free now.

The iTrailMap 3D iPhone App lets you see yourself on a 3D mountain and record them and later get them on the web. Additionally, you can keep record of your stats, like distance, speed, vertical drop and much more. Some unique, fluid features include rotating 3D, panning, switch from digital to paper maps and even see the snowscape in landscape mode, showing you all the terrain and topography. Whats more, once you have the maps downloaded, you don’t need cellular connection while mid-piste. You’ll have access to it all from memory and see it when you want, regardless of connection.

The SkiJump Lite iPhone App has been said to be a very addicting game. I’ve not tried it, but for all it’s worth, I thought including a generic little game would keep you from getting bored with all the serious stuff. What is really cool about this game, however, is that once you do make an amazing jump (longest, as this is the aim of the game), your score is uploaded to the database automatically and you are entered to win some cool prizes, from Gore-Tex jackets to Softshells that make skiing fashionable and fun.

From Strap-Ons to Snowboard Slings, I’ve looked for some of 20-10s cutting edge toys to help you squander that ski holiday money. At any rate, I just wanted to give you some ideas for the slopes to help you with everything from staying warm to staying in step. Here are some things to help you get at it!

iPhone Apps

I might as well give you a sneak preview of next week’s blog article: iPhone Apps. I’ll soon give you a run-through and teach you about some of the niftiest iPhone applications related to skiing, but for now, I’ll tell you that there are all kinds of apps for gear, snow conditions, trail maps, international and US ski resort information and weather updates. It’s like playing God, pointing to what you want to see and instantly knowing. Oh the Power! (Stay Tuned.)

Battery-Heated Ski Socks

Say you’re on ski holiday but you never really get to enjoy those Alps in Tonale, Italy nor do you ride the runs in Tignes, France because you’re always just too cold. If you’re the type that freezes to death on a summer’s eve, it’s time to quit shivering. May I introduce to you the battery-heated ski sock, long enough so you can still fit into your ski boots, and warm enough to keep you skiing merrily till dusk. If you’re still cold you can try Smartwool socks, Insolator winter insoles or Thermastat silk that heats up naturally. Ther-Mic Foot warmers have insoles already built in to a battery operated heater sock. You may never have to enjoy hot cocoa again…

No Such Thing As Handicapped

If you have an amputation above the knee, then do not fret—Your high-adrenaline rush will continue to flow with the XT9 Energy Storing Prosthetic Knee. From Telemarking in Kranjska Gora to Alpining or Cross-country skiing in Les Orres, SymBiotecks make it possible to ice climb, play ice hockey, go ice skating or, yes, snowboard (among many other non-ski related fun). Your next skiing holiday will be just as fun as you remembered it, but this time, you may even be better than ever!

SnowQ Snowboard Sling

Though this doesn’t involve any batteries or windy widgets, the SnowQ Sling allows you to carry your snowboard or skis on your back. This is especially handy, if like me, your ski hotel, hostel or apartment is immeasurably far from the slopes (yes, because I’m poor and cheap). At any rate, no more lugging your skis or board to the slope with arms achey and numb. (So far, I think these are only available online from retailers in the USA.)

Tri-Slider Sled

Some of us just want to stay off our feet while on ski vacation. One way we can do this and have more fun is through the tri-slider sled. This sled allows the rider to comfortably sit over the top of their legs and have control whilst going vroom down hill. The concept is quite easy and nicely ergonomic. There’s even brakes and steering handlebars.

Strap-On Snow-blades

You’ve probably heard of these because they have been around for a few years. Snow-blades are unique in that they are shorter but wider and mainly used for Alpine skiing, though denomination groups for snow-blades may very well use them for all kinds of purposes. They are easy to carry around and great for carving. Usually, these are worn with your alpine ski boots, without poles.

The World Cup Finals are a sure sign that spring has arrived and that Alpine Skiing will retreat from the spotlight for half a year.

The best skiers are gathered in Garmisch Partenkirchen and are taking part in the last competitions of the season, but many are already adding up the scores of this season. The season itself is far from over; there are several National Championships taking place in April and some FIS races as well. Some skiers will take time to test new equipments, as all sponsorship deals end after the Olympics.

The Germans are learning how to organise World Championship races. Garmisch Partenkirchen is hosting major skiing events next year as well as they gained some experience by hosting the Junior World Championship in Alpine Skiing last year and this year it was the world cup finale. After what I’ve experienced, they have their work cut out for them if they wish to get any praise in the future.

The press centre in the arena was certainly too small. In fact, it was actually a combination of a canteen, a space for teams and working space for reporters. Chaos ensued. During the first race of women’s grand slalom there was a power outage and many reporters were left without visual contact and race results.

This is unforgivable; every FIS race must have backup generators to prevent such problems. There were also plenty of logistical problems and it is vital they sort out the parking facilities. All in all, there is plenty of work to be done, and the slopes themselves are not as attractive as they could be.

A lot of buzz is surrounding the Austrian team. Once the strongest Alpine Skiing team in the world just had the worst season in history. First, there is the disaster at the Vancouver Olympics: the Austrian male team did not bring home a single medal. Downhill, the most revered discipline and an Austrian speciality, proved to be a disaster. They did not manage a single win in the entire season, which last happened 18 years ago. Things weren’t that great in the Super G and grand slalom either.

The only successful skier this season was Reinfried Herbst in slalom, and this does not suffice for the Austrians. Tony Geiger’s dismissal is now a fact, and it looks like the team is changing its head of the national team after 11 years. The chairman of the Austrian skiing association Peter Schröcksnadel is announcing radical changes, for example hiring Austrian coaches which had success with training other National teams. We have some interesting changes to look forward to as far as the »coach market« is concerned.

We need to mention someone else as well. In the men’s super G, we saw Liechtenstein’s Marco Büchel on the starting line for the last time. He is one of the most well loved alpine skiers. Everyone from his competition, coaches and reporters adored him. When he made it to the finish line in his shorts, half the female world cup contestants were waiting for him there. The winner of 4 world cup races is finally giving up skiing at 38. Now he’ll be able to spend more time with his wife Tania and his dog Jesper. He will surely stay linked with skiing however; he will be the expert correspondent at a German television channel.

Once you’ve got skiing in your blood, there’s no turning back.

I spent this weekend with a friend of mine filming at Vogel, Slovenia. We built a nice step-down jump over the road with had a great view of the mountains behind. A perfect place to make a cool trick over and get away with a clean shot which could be published on an internet page, ski magazine or on a commercial.

Performing tricks in the park are usually much more easier easier to do than in the great back-country of the Alps. The big difference between doing a jump in a park or in the back-country is often it’s location. Doing one in the back-country often has a rough landing zone which is covered with trees. It’s often short with no pop at the end and also it’s often narrow and the in-run is hardly skiable without a good knowledge of skiing. Below I have set out, in my opinion, 7 ways of progressing from park to back-country jumping:

1. get really comfortable with a trick in the park
2. find a nice open place with steep landing and without trees in it
3. locate the area where you can build the jump and making sure that you will have enough speed to clear the gap
4. get focused on the trick and landing before getting counting the number of tries (max 3)
5. land the trick with perfection
6. check the shot with your photographer and cameraman
7. take a rest, go for a beer at a lodge on the hill

These are just a few tips for all you free-ride and free-style skiers out there. Be careful that the location is not exposed to avalanches and that the weather is perfect.

My Dad hates to leave things behind. Over the years he has developed a Master Ski List of things not to forget. Not that the average person would forget their snowboard or skis, but he even writes those items down. This list is locked quietly away in a filing cabinet and perused a few weeks before each family trip. A blanket is laid out on an unused part of the floor and accessories are assembled together there for about a week before the trip.

I have, unfortunately, inherited this inclination toward retentiveness, and yes, often anally retentiveness runs deep in my family. Yes, it makes having friends very difficult. In any case, here are 4 ski accessories most often forgotten taken from the manuals of Dad’s Lord of Lists (Including: A Horror Story of what happens if you do forget!)

Ski Poles

I talked about these little understood but most necessary accessories last week. Well, these are one of the top ski holiday utensils most often forgotten. My twin brother brought one of his (sort of) expensive Scott’s and not the other. He took it to the ski rental shop to find a match—I can see it now: “I’d like to rent one, yes one, ski pole.” At any rate, he sat it down to ask about renting another single ski pole and this one disappeared. It either walked off or was stolen. Anyway, he now had only one ski pole at home, forever going on ski vacation thereafter and trying to rent one ski pole. True story!

Goggles

Whether for snowboarding or snow skiing, goggles are just so darn necessary that they are often lost or forgotten. Those Smiths, Oakleys or Zeals are not something you want to replace often. At any rate, here’s the horror story: This one time a band camp…no, wrong story…ski camp…my sister forgot her goggles. So, she rented a pair and had to sign for them, agreeing that they were not damaged. Not too long after, she damaged them. It was more of a crack than a scratch if I remember correctly. She had to pay for them, as per the agreement.

Helmets

It seems like every sport these days requires a helmet. I have one for biking, rock climbing and for skiing. Depending on the slopes, however, I don’t often wear it like I should. Helmets are so easily forgotten or misplaced that it’s best to tick them off of the list once they are for sure in the car. I personally like the Bern or Giro models (for biking). One time, I accidentally left my helmet on top of the 4X4 going from Courchevel in France to a smaller no-name resort and it flew off the top, unbeknownst to any of us. I’m sure it fitted someone else perfectly and they considered themselves very fortunate. I was not as fortunate delving out another €127  for a new one. No apres ski drinking (or girls) for me that year!

Funny Pack

My mom will not leave the house without it. My grandma uses it for everything from used tissues to hiding bags of candy. My brother and I can’t get within the vicinity of them with their fanny packs without laughing our heads off, and I’m older now, but I still laugh out loud. Here’s a suggestion: The little back country pouches that ride your fanny (butt) are fanny packs and are great to poke fun at—funny packs. The larger ones, used for important gear, called lumbar packs, are not so funny. So, choose the latter over the former if at all possible. Two lumbar packs (not fanny packs) are made my NorthFace and Eagle Creek. If you plan to get off-piste at all, like in the hills of France in Chamonix or like in Innsbruck or Tux in Austria, you’ll want a fully prepared lumbar pack (not funny, er, fanny pack – enough of a horror story in itself here).