The 2015-16 ski season in Colorado is underway as both Loveland and Arapahoe Basin opened today. Time to start looking for the ski gear that I should have put away better last year so I don't have to look it so long this year. And trim the toe nails.

Could have done without the last sentence, TMI LOL

We aren't quite ready here in Reno/Tahoe but it rained a lot yesterday here in Reno and snow did fall in the higher elevations. It's going to warm up for a few days and then cold coming our way. I'm ready although I don't ski anymore. If I took a spill, I'd probably shatter like glass.

You have to keep moving. This will be my 52nd year of skiing. Now take it one year at a time. Last year was my first year in many years without a black toe problem 'cause I remembered to trim every month. Every little bit helps. Slow learner.

A small fortune in equipment in the garage; I alone have 3 sets of downhill skies (2 pair good boots) but all too long/advanced for my current age/health/abilities. It's become depressing to look at them.
If I (try to) sell, does that mean I'll kick soon?

No, it means you get nothing for used equipment. Have you seen the amount of equipment available at Goodwill? My current skis are ten years old. Been debating about replacement for the last two years. Skis keep shrinking. Skied on 205s for years, now 188s, probably closer to 183s if I replace them. Maybe next year.

DH has moved down from 210s to 183s.
Remember when we used to stretch our arms over our head to determine the right ski length? Now, mine hit me on the bridge of the nose.

So, can I donate this stuff, drop it behind "play it again sports" in the middle of the night, or just make a chair out of them? (But not the 185 Gyros; best skis ever til they lost their camber, and I'm sentimental.)

Abram, remember that well. Arm up and tip of the ski came to the wrist joint, poles were to your arm pit, and the double leather boots. Don't know what length that would have been - maybe 220. And we used to haul those skis through some damn big bumps. Don't know how I did it. Ah!!! the good old days?

Did you forget bear trap bindings?

omg. And, when the old iron was replaced, it was put to use for waxing (several types, doncha know). How about the special files for edges?!
I'm proud to say that for many years, it wasn't a successful day unless we got the price down to $1 per run!

Sylvia, you are too young. I could get runs below a $1 in two hours. In 1964, a lift pass at Winter Park was $4, ski rentals $2/day and ski lessons $5.50. And the second day of lessons included the lift pass.

I never actually had a bear trap binding but it was only one or two generations beyond a bear trap. It did have a min pivoting toe release (prone to freezing - left or right only) and a long spring clamp that held the back of the boot down with a level pull at the front of the ski. Again it tended to pack with snow which greatly decrease its already limited ability to release. But it was an improvement over the old bear trap. How did anyone ski with that equipment? Had to be tough and driven.

Here's hoping that Tahoe gets snow this year. And that Colorado's snow stays in the mountains where it belongs. Ha.

Speaking of bear trap bindings, we have an ancient pair of dark brown wooden skis with those bindings. The skis came in the townhouse we purchased, used as decoration.

We are going to re-purpose them-- DD will use the skis as the 'guestbook' at their wedding. We will get markers that will write on the wood, and will not fade. Maybe a silver color. Guests can sign the skis. Then DD can use them for decoration.

Great idea!
(I have an antique pair with leather; wanted to hang on the wall with matching old poles, but can't find any for the right price.)

Hang the skis alone. They will look cool.

Sylvia3, are you looking for the basket style of pole?

Marker Roto-mats!!! Learned on em, got used to putting them back together when I'd blow them apart

DH called those Markers "exploders" and hated them.
fmpden, I'm trying to convince one of my brothers-in-law to give me a set of his (great uncle's) poles. I have one pole right now (why one? Don't even remember), made of bamboo, with a pointy metal-capped end and a round basket made of mummified leather (just a scrap of leather left for the handle); its pretty cool.

"The 2015-16 ski season in Colorado is underway..."


Wow! That's fantastic and looks like the Godzilla El Niño is, in fact, on its way. Hoping it happens as predicted here in Santa Fe, too.

About the new skis...don't walk but run to get new ones! I can't tell you how much easier and better they are than those long, skinny things I used to ski on.

Really, just try out a demo pair for fun one day and you will be amazed at the difference. Toe-nail trimming is still needed. ;-)