Yes, it’s true; snow has been sighted in Vermont! This wild mess of a storm that’s dumping inches of rain on the coast has decided to bless the mountains with the first signs of winter to come. Last year at this time, Sunday River was skiing on T2, so we’re a little behind, but still…it’s snow! This year, Vermont takes the lead, with both Stratton Mountain and Bolton Valley reporting snow, and sending us photos…take a look!
So, start planning. Have your skis been tuned, sharpened, waxed? If not, better get moving; you might need them anytime! And, of course, as the snow comes, people who haven’t been thinking about it suddenly realize that they need THEIRS done; would you rather be leaving your skis at a shop for 3 days because they’ve had hundreds of people drop skis off, or be out on the slopes laughing at them for being behind the times?
Get our your ski clothes. Make sure they fit; yes, as much as we hate to admit it, some of us gain weight. Make sure the zippers work, the buckles buckle. Put on your helmet and goggles, make sure the lenses aren’t scratched. It’s early season so you won’t need hand or toe warmers, but it’s not a bad idea to get stocked up. Or, to buy a bunch to put in Christmas stockings!
Especially, put on your boots. Find the same socks you used last winter so you get the same fit. Get them buckled correctly, and once you’re sure they still fit right and all buckles and straps work, note where you have the buckles set; when you take them off, buckle them back up the same way so the shell will take a “set” that matches your leg and foot dimensions; you’ll be more comfortable when you put them back on.
Now, finally…go say your prayers, and they’d better include more snow!