Photo courtesy Kellene Mortenson.

The first thing you notice about Marge Gunderson is her smile. It’s radiant and infectious. But if you focus on that smile, and she happens to be on a mountain bike, the next thing you’ll notice is that your reciprocating smile is full of dust and you’re working double-time to catch up.

Spend any time with Marge, on trails, roads or snow, and you quickly realize that she is a strong and talented athlete. When she tells you her age, you’re floored. Forget everything you know about aging. Forget any preconceptions you might have had. “Fast Marge” will blow your expectations away.

The Ski Bum Days

Marge, with one of her Colorado Discover Ability racers.

The word “Fast” was added to Marge’s name in the mid-1960s after she moved to Aspen to ski. Growing up in the small agricultural town of Lewiston, Utah, Marge didn’t start skiing until she moved to Salt Lake City as an adult. “I couldn’t afford to ski until I had my own job and my own money,” Marge tells me. “Then when I started, I never took a lesson, I just went up to Brighton and taught myself.” In 1963, with only three winters of experience, she began ski racing. And winning.

Marge moved to Aspen in 1965 for a job at the T Lazy 7 Ranch as a summertime horse hand and chambermaid. In the winter she moved into town where she worked as a legal secretary by day and cocktail waitress by night. She also taught skiing. “Aspen wasn’t as expensive then,” states Marge. “I still had to share a house with some girls and I still had to work several jobs to afford it, but I was local and I knew everyone. We’d take brown bag lunches, eat on the chairlift and ski over our lunch hour. We’d make eight runs and go back to work.”

Enter “Fast Marge”

In 1966, Rick Deane opened the first motorcycle dealership in Aspen. Marge and her friend Pat each bought a 250cc Montessa Scorpion. They made the bikes street legal and set out to discover the beauty of the Colorado mountains. Marge and Pat were 1960s pioneers on motorcyles: two beautiful young women exploring mountain passes and ghost towns and hustling pool for food and fun. Marge has a yellowed photocopy of an article from that time, published in Cycle Magazine. It’s a profile of Aspen and its growing bike scene. This article corroborates everything Marge is telling me, including her days as a pool shark. It also refers to her as “Fast Marge.” For, it turns out, Marge wasn’t just touring on her motorcycle. She was also racing and once again, winning.

Photo courtesy Marge Gunderson.

After three years in Aspen, Marge moved on. She loaded her bike onto her Volkswagen and drove west to Redondo Beach, California. In California, she found love and sold her Montessa for a refrigerator. The love didn’t last, but had the happy result of a daughter named Wendy. Tiring of California, Marge moved to Boise, Idaho as a single mom in the early 1970s. Another marriage came and went, with another happy result, her daughter Trina. Having had enough of men, she rekindled her love affair with motorcycles, buying bikes for her girls so that they could spend their weekends together riding trails. After eight years, Marge recruited a new rider to join their team. With absolutely no experience, but with a big heart and willing spirit, Steve Gunderson took up motorcycling in order to win the heart of “Fast Marge.” It worked and they’ve been married for 28 years.

Mountain Biking at Age 64

Talking with Marge, I’m starting to get a little confused. I’ve never seen Marge on a motorcycle. But I’ve seen her plenty on bicycles. And on these non-motorized conveyances, Marge is agile and confident. Finally, I ask. “When did you start biking?” She laughs (there’s that smile again!) and tells me that she started mountain biking only seven years ago, when she, Steve and Wendy relocated to Colorado. A group of women at her church invited her on their weekly ride. At age 64, Marge took the saddle of a mountain bike and has never looked back. Three years later, these same women convinced her to try road biking. Marge rides weekly with this group (who range in age from their 30s to their 70s) and now she’s the instigator inspiring them onto greater adventures. Together, they’ve completed Ride the Rockies twice, as well as the Copper Triangle and the Iron Horse race against the train from Durango to Silverton, Colorado.

A Birthday Tradition

 Marge celebrated her seventy-first birthday in May with a 71 mile bike ride. She brought about 30 friends along for the ride, which spanned Western Colorado’s Grand Valley, crossing the roads from Fruita to Palisade and back. This was Marge’s third such birthday ride. She started the tradition when she turned 69, with a 69 mile ride and she plans to continue the tradition, adding one mile each year, for many more years. Never one to sit still, or rest up, in the four weeks following her birthday, Marge rode an all women’s century in Utah and took a bicycle trip along the Pacific Coast Highway in California with Steve and seven other friends. She and Steve also visited Norway, just not with bikes.

Before I leave Marge’s home, she tells me about Alice Telford, the 87 year-old founder of the Little Red Riding Hood Women’s Century in Cache Valley, Utah, which Marge rode in June. What started as a ride for friends has blossomed into a 3,500 women event that sells out in less than an hour. “She’s even older than me,” Marge laughs. I look at Marge and suggest that she start a women’s century here in Colorado. She flashes her incredible smile and replies, “I think I already have. It’s my birthday ride.”

Ride on, “Fast Marge.”

 This article was originally published by Women’s Adventure Magazine in their Fall 2012 issue. Marge recently celebrated her 72nd birthday with — you guessed it! — a 72 mile ride! 

© 2013, The Brave Ski Mom. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires permission from the site owner. This applies equally to text and photos.

Hovenweep National Monument is a great place for camping in spring and fall…and for hunting Easter eggs.

Today’s post is just one of many written by a great (amazing! incredible!) group of outdoor moms, of which I am lucky to be a part. 

While I’m covering a few of our favorite campgrounds in Western Colorado, links at the end of this post will take you from Alaska to Canada and South.  

So read on. Get inspired. Pack up your bags and…

Enjoy! 

Four Favorite Campgrounds in Western Colorado

Western Colorado is where Coloradans go to play. Loosely defined as the area west of the Continental Divide (the mountains to the east are known as the Front Range), the Western Slope is home to the majority of the state’s skiing and public lands open to camping and recreation.

A Western Slope native, I’m not gonna tell you that you can’t find amazing campgrounds and backcountry on the Front Range. But in Western Colorado you’ll find camping heaven.

Matterhorn Campground: Glamp On!

Glamping (verb): A combination of two words, glamorous and camping.

Fifty years ago, Telluride was a rough and tumble mining town that had seen better days. Today, Telluride is one of the most expensive and eclectic communities in Colorado. A combination of latter-day hippies, trustafarians and beautiful people, Telluride throws its doors wide open in summer with a full line-up of music and art festivals, as well as incredible opportunities for biking, horseback riding, backpacking and camping in the rugged San Juan mountains.

And while you could lay your head on a $1000 per night pillow, you can also glamp at the Matterhorn Campground about 7 miles south of Telluride. The US Forest Service describes Matterhorn as “highly developed,” which means picnic tables, grills, lantern poles, flush toilets and hot showers. Bike the Galloping Goose Trail, clean up, comb your hair and enjoy a gourmet meal in town.

Twenty-eight sites total (4 with hookups, 3 walk in tent only). Reservations are essential.

The Columbine, Colorado’s state flower, is found in abundance near Matterhorn.

Amphitheater Campground: Cool Down, Warm Up

Amphitheater Campground is perched just above the historic town of Ouray, home of the Ouray Hot Springs Pool and a main street full of (dare I say it?) quaint shops, galleries and restaurants along Ouray’s main street. Yet while the town is close by, so is outdoor adventure, with popular hiking trails leaving right from the campground.

Located at 8,400 feet, this is alpine camping with cool nights and warm days. In addition to the popular pool (the perfect place to warm up, splash, enjoy the water slide or quietly soak away the day’s exertions) Ouray is also known for several beautiful waterfalls, access to Mount Sneffels, one of Colorado’s most popular 14′ers (a mountain peak above 14,000 feet elevation), endless jeep roads and local history.

The Amphitheater Campground loops are tight and not recommended for RVs longer than 30 feet. There are no hookups. Thirty-five sites total (1 RV only, 16 standard and 18 tent-only). Reservations are essential.

Rifle Falls State Park: All Natural Air Conditioning

Looking for a unique and fun place to cool off?

Check out Rifle Falls State Park, located off of Interstate 70 about 190 miles west of Denver. North of the small town of Rifle, the state park is located in a rather hot and dry valley. Yet, within the park, the vegetation is green and lush, thanks to a triple waterfall along Rifle Creek. Spray from the falls keeps the air cool, while limestone caverns behind the falls are open for exploration (watch for the bats!).

Photo courtesy Colorado State Parks.

A popular day trip destination, the park has 13 RV/tent campsites with hookups. Better yet, there are 7 walk-in sites for tents only. We’ve stayed at the most remote along the creek. It’s a 10 minute walk from your car to the campsite, which makes it a perfect adventure for the littlest backpackers!

All sites have tables, grills and bear proof boxes. Toilets and water are near the parking area. Reservations are recommended. 

Hovenweep National Monument: History Served Up Remote

Nearly 800 years ago, more than 2,500 people lived in six villages tucked inside this rugged bit of high desert. Human habitation in the southwestern corner of Colorado dates back over 10,000, but it wasn’t until about 900 A.D., that ancestral Puebloan people established farming communities and constructed masonry villages.

Today, most tourists bypass Hovenweep in favor of the larger and more dramatic Mesa Verde National Park. Still, Hovenweep is worth a visit, especially during spring and fall. A two-mile loop connects the primary ruins, while other short trails lead to outlying structures. Park rangers provide interpretive programs and come nightfall, the ultra-dark sky provides a canvas for stargazing. There is also an excellent NPS Junior Ranger program. 

Camping is basic, although quite comfortable with tent pads shade structures, tables, fire rings, running water and flush toilets. The campground is designed for tents, although some sites will accommodate RVs. There are no hookups and generator use is restricted.

Thirty-one sites, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

More Links: 

Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies – The Best Provincial Park Campgrounds in Southern Alberta

Kid Project – Sandflats Recreational Area, Moab, UT 

Climb Run Lift Mom - Camping at the City of Rocks

AK On The Go – Alaskans Share Their Favorite Campgrounds

The Campsite Blog – Top Five Backcountry Campgrounds in Banff National Park

Traveling Mel  - Yellowstone Campground Review

Adventure Parents – Classic Campsites: Murphy Hogback Campground, Canyonlands National Park

Mommy Hiker - West Coast Campground Review – Sweet Summer Spots to Relax & Recharge! 

GA Family Camping - North America’s Best Campgrounds: Cloudland Canyon

Val in Real Life – North America’s Best Campgrounds: Elkmont

Odyssey Outdoors – Best Family Campgrounds in WA

Adventurous Moms – North America’s Best Campgrounds: Dolly Copp Campground in Gorham, NH

Adventure Tykes – My Top 5 Campgrounds in the Moab Area

The Kid Project – Camping and Climbing in Maple Canyon, UT

Outside Mom – Our Favorite Campgrounds in the Southwestern US

Our Boler  – The Best of West Coast Camping 

Active Kids Club – Camping in Ontario

Walk Simply – San Elijo Beach Camping for Urban Nature Fun 

Bring the Kids – The Best Places to Camp in North America

© 2013, The Brave Ski Mom. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires permission from the site owner. This applies equally to text and photos.

A guest post from John LaPlante, the editor of GraysOnTrays.com, a resource for snowboarding adults. AND, a very brave ski dad! 

I had no idea how brave a brave ski mom could be until I became a ski dad. Now I can say to brave ski moms (and dads) everywhere: I salute you.

Since I grew up in a family of non-skiers, I never got to see a ski mom in action. Then in March, I signed up for a parent-and-child ski lesson at Hyland Ski & Snowboard Area, with my five-year old daughter. I thought that it would be a good time for the both of us to do something together.

My wife is one who packs the car in our family, but it was up to me to prepare us for class. I had to pack snacks and a lunch, as well as our ski gear. So I gathered up my ski boots, our helmets, our gloves, our food, and some other items and placed them all into a large plastic bin.

From the Car to The Lodge 

When we got to the ski area the first day, I had to think through how I would get Ellie and all our stuff to the second floor of the lodge, where we would start the class. I figured it would take several trips.

First, I carried the bin of stuff, with Ellie in tow, up two flights of stairs from the parking lot to the lodge, and then up two sets of stairs inside the lodge. Then it was back downstairs, outside, and to the adjacent rental shop, which was overrun with a group of 200 children on a school outing.

The Stinky Rental Shop

Though we could bypass the line and go straight to the counter (a perk of being in a class), we could not bypass the shop smell.

As Ellie observed, “It’s stinky in here.”

My worry-meter turned on: If she thinks that skiing is mostly about stinky buildings, will she ever learn to like it?

Next, I had to fill out the rental form. Not having been the clothes-buyer in the family, I wrote down that her shoes were a children’s six. I helped her try on the boots, and … oops! They were painfully small. Turns out she wears a size ten!

The size of their children’s shoes is just another one of those things that ski moms must remember.

Gearing Up

Photo courtesy Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area.

We took the boots and skis to the lodge, where we started our dryland activities. I changed Ellie into ski socks, put her boots on, and helped her step into her skis.

As the class continued, Ellie copped the attitude of a teenager, signaling in deeds if not words, “I am SO bored. I already know this stuff.”

We, which is to say, I, got ready to go outside.

It was time to take off her boots, put on her snow pants, put her boots back on, make sure she put on her coat, help her put on her mittens, and secure her helmet. Of course, I also had to put on my coat, mittens, and helmet, and then stomp down the stairs.

Once we were outside, I realized I had left my helmet in the lodge. I wasn’t going to complicate matters by turning around, so I pulled a hat out of my coat pocket.

Being a ski parent can mean forgetting your own stuff while managing your child’s.

The Magic Carpet Ride

I carried her skis to the magic carpet, about 150 yards away from the lodge. We both got on the carpet without incident, but near the top, I feared we would cause a traffic pileup.

I gave Ellie a gentle push on her back to make sure she got off the carpet. I wasn’t ready for the reaction.

“DON’T PUSH ME!”

Great. Let’s start out in a grumpy mood, shall we?

For the rest of our short session outside, I walked behind her, using tethers (attached to her ankles) to control her speed, while an instructor guided her on movements.

Despite it being a near-zero day, it went pretty well.

Dad On Skis

Photo courtesy Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area.

The next two sessions were more challenging, since they involved skiing behind Ellie.

Having my own skis made the pre-class logistics a dance of the clumsy ski boots: Take the bin of stuff to the lodge. Go back to the car for my skis, ditch them outside the lodge, and hope nobody takes them.

Brave another 200 children in the rental shop, head back to the lodge, and carry more stuff upstairs for a dryland review.

The real challenge of this lesson was skiing behind Ellie, tether in hand. Though I’m a decent skier, I couldn’t handle skiing downhill in a permanent wedge, even on the beginner slope. We often stopped, sometimes by crashing.

Ellie, of course, blamed me, making a mockery of my hopes for building fond memories. Thankfully, one of the instructors would occasionally have pity on me and take over the tethers to give me a break.

The Final Lesson

Photo courtesy Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area.

When the third and final lesson came around, I figured I had the getting-gear-around routine figured out. Alas, I forgot to take my ski socks (not such a big deal) and gaiter (a bigger deal) with us when we left home.

We headed to the carpet again, and the task was complicated by a lot of new, soft snow that made it difficult to walk. So I put on my skis, attached Ellie’s harness, and pulled her, ever so slowly, to the carpet.

We became a skijoring team; I became the lead dog, and she was the skier. I had to repeat this routine when we went to the chair lift.

Let’s just say I won’t be winning any races any time soon.

Becoming  A Skier

Ellie had never been on a chair lift before, but my anxiety was relieved by the instructors, who helped me load her on the lift, and then help her ski away.

Once again, I was only partly successful in skiing behind Ellie before an instructor took over the reins. The results, though, were more satisfying this time.

On one run, I skied adjacent to the two of them, the instructor counted out the turns they were making: “20, 21, 22 … you made 27 turns!”

Yes! Ellie was becoming a skier!

The day got better after that. We came inside for lunch, hot chocolate, a story time, and a goodbye-song.

Except Ellie wanted to go back out after lunch, which was fine. Daddy Horse went back to work as we headed to the chair lift. We skied down the hill with only one or two crashes.

At our last top on the hill, Ellie said, “I’m tired, I want to go home.”

I praised her for her good judgment, and I started my attempt to skate ski back up a slight incline to the lodge.

Ellie, acting once again as a premature teenager, chimed in with advice on how I should ski, and I contemplated the next edition of the dance of the clumsy ski boots.

The  Brave Ski Mom Adds…

Photo courtesy John LaPlante.

Thanks John! We ski moms always appreciate it when a dad walk in our clumsy ski boots. 

John R. LaPlante is a freelance writer and Midwest president of the North American Snowsports Journalists Association. He is the editor of GraysOnTrays.com, a resource for adults who are interested in snowboarding.

He is also the Saint Paul Snowboarding Examiner, and has written for outlets such as West Suburban Living. When he’s not on a snowboard, you may find him on downhill or Nordic skis, or riding his mountain bike.

© 2013, The Brave Ski Mom. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires permission from the site owner. This applies equally to text and photos.

Taking in the view at Voss, Norway

Today’s post is a travel piece, focusing on European resorts in Voss, Norway, Val Thorens, France and Via Lattea, Italy. Many thanks to Thomsen, a U.K. based travel company, for preparing the information.

Yes, summer is almost here. But that doesn’t mean you can’t keep dreaming about (and planning for) winter! 

Enjoy!

Skiing in Europe is all about laid back mornings, long gourmet lunches and après ski with loved ones. It also has other perks.

European mountains like the Alps have greater vertical drops and are bigger than resorts in many other countries. Many new European ski resorts also have wide groomed cruisers and high quality skiing schools to help beginners take up the sport. Intermediate and advanced skiers can benefit from tour guides to show them the best spots to explore.

And then, there’s the lodging. It took me a while to figure this out (especially because I’ve never skied in Europe), but many ski hotels in Europe have their own rental shops, ski schools and ski trails that connect into the larger area ski circuits.

If you’re thinking of a European ski holiday for 2013-2014, now is the time make plans.  And with some planning, you’ll find that European ski hotels are offering plenty of cheap holidays in 2013.

The Myrkdalen Hotel in Voss, Norway

Whether you come to Voss to ski, or enjoy live music in the summer, the Myrkdalen Hotel is an excellent choice for lodging.  The Hotel has 122 rooms that vary from earthy tones in designer suites with fur pillows to family friendly rooms with pull out sofas and bunk beds.

Myrkdalen Hotel, Voss, Norway

First and foremost a ski lodge, guests enjoy the black and white photos recalling skiing’s glamorous early days. The hotel is located close to Voss’ 15 slopes. The hotel also has a ski school and a number of cross-country trails. The UNESCO recognized fjords of Naeroyfjord and Sognefjord are found nearby and are a perfect place to visit when you take a breather from the slopes.

Skiing in Voss, Norway is fun. Crowds are few and there is extensive terrain for beginner through advanced skiers. With 55 kilometers of slopes and a large number of cross-country ski trails, both Alpine and Nordic skiers will be happy.

Annual cultural events include the annual Vossa Jazz event and an Extreme Jazz concert held one week before Easter.

In June, you’ll find Ekstremportveko. This is the biggest music and extreme sports festival of its kind. Then there is the Balkan Party at Voss, offering lots of Balkan music and cultural activities over a weekend.

The Altapura: Val Thorens, France

The Altapura resort in Val Thorens, France, is the highest five-star resort in Europe. Located at 7,545 feet above sea level, the resort centers around a warm indoor-outdoor pool, which is a favorite spot for après-ski. Located adjacent to the massive Les Trois Vallees resort, the Altapura looks out onto some of the more than 372 miles of ski trail across six glaciers in the French Alps.

Inside the hotel, Scandinavian style interiors are accented by huge snowflake cutouts and interiors of white faux fur and light colored woods. The rooms are spacious and feel even more so with the incredible views.

The Altapura Hotel, Val Thorens, France

Val Thorens is set in a huge ski bowl that runs out in all directions as long as there are good snow conditions. Skiers can enjoy the massive three valleys circuit and ski down the gorge into the beautiful La Masse area and Les Menuires. These trails also provide access to nearby Meribel and Courchevel.

Rooms at The Altapura start at $300 and visitors can prebook ski rentals. As for cultural activities, one of the most popular is cooking lessons with Jean Sulpice, a talented young chef.  Cuisine Gastronomique is held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. while the Buffet Brunch Supper is held every Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

As for culture, every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. the hotel hosts piano recitals, orchestral music or jazz ensembles. Visitors who want to explore local history should take the Chemins du Baroque tour with Savoyard Baroque Heritage.  Guided visits to the Saint Martin village church and the Notre Dame de la Vie Sanctuary are offered every Wednesday.

Val Thorens, France.

Pragelato Vialattea: Via Lattea, Italy

Located in the Piedmont region in Italy, Pragelato Vialettea is a new Club Med Resort at an altitude of 5,250 feet. Built in the chalet-style, this resort will give you a warm and friendly welcome amidst the genuine Italian Dolce Vita surroundings. Accommodations available include club rooms, deluxe rooms and suites.

Pragelato Hotel, Via Lattea, Italy

Via Lattea is the second largest ski circuit in Europe. The Via Lattea area has almost 250 miles of ski slopes for all levels. Skiers will enjoy this resort for its combination of alpine and nordic trails and connections to the larger ski circuit. Pragelato Vialettea also has a ski school and guide service. 

Skiing at Via Lattea, Italy.

Activities at this ski resort include snowboarding, cross-country skiing, nordic walking and snowshoe hiking. For non-skiers, there are activities such as snow scooting, ice skating, dog sledding, horse riding and mountain paragliding.

Inspired?

Enjoy!

Many thanks to Thomsen, a travel company in the U.K. for providing extensive information and photos for this post.

© 2013, The Brave Ski Mom. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires permission from the site owner. This applies equally to text and photos.

This post was recently published as an Adventure Moms blog at Women’s Adventure Magazine! In addition to tips for making the most of family time on the trail, there are recommendations for short hikes in California, Colorado and Pennsylvania. 

It’s timely, and I hope you enjoy it.

Keep Family Hiking Fun! 

When the boys were little, family hiking was easy. We put one in a backpack, put the other on the ground and their natural enthusiasm carried them over the miles quite happily.

Once they could speak, and think for themselves, they began questioning the wisdom of hiking: Why should we walk so far? What are we going to see? Will this be fun?

Rather than continue our goal-oriented approach to hiking (miles, baby, miles), we adapted our trail style to accommodate our kids’ need for adventure.

Here are the best tips we’ve learned.

Adventure Rules

Kids thrive on adventure, so when picking a trail, look for kid-friendly features. Choose trails that offer a variety of experiences along the route, not just at the end. Trails that wind along streams and crashing waterfalls, that open from dark forest into wide open meadows (perfect for lying down and watching the clouds drift by!) or traverse steep canyons with fantastical rock formations are good choices.

So are trails that offer evidence of local history and days gone by.

Wander Around

Children hike to explore, not to lay down miles or earn bragging rights. They don’t care how many calories they’re burning nor how many vertical feet they’ll claim. Plan on, and encourage, detours, diversions and distractions. Follow your child’s lead and natural desire to wander and explore. You may not reach the end of the trail, but you’ll have better experience together.

Let your child be the trail boss and enjoy the slower, more attentive, pace.

Hiking with a four-legged friend also makes it more fun!

Plan and Prepare

Caught up in the excitement of an outing, I forget everything from my sunglasses to my kid’s shoes. Planning ahead, and prepacking, helps a lot.

Keep a day pack ready for your expeditions. Fill it with snacks, basic first-aid, sunscreen, extra socks and, if you’re on unknown ground, a map or GPS. Keep your water bottles handy and ready to fill. Make sure your kids have appropriate shoes, and don’t forget additional clothes if the weather looks iffy. Let someone know where you’re headed and when you’ll be back.

Some Favorite Hikes

No matter where you live, north, south, east or west, great hikes abound. Look for trails along urban lake fronts and rivers, in National and state parks and on other public lands.

Here are three of our favorites from west to east.

Eagle Falls Trail, Lake Tahoe, California 

This beautiful trail starts at the picnic area across from Emerald Bay near South Lake Tahoe. It’s one mile to lovely Eagle Lake and the trail crosses a footbridge at Eagle Falls, only 1/3 mile into the journey. This is the first hike our oldest son did independently. While we carried him up, he walked all the way down a week before his 2^nd birthday.

The trail head to the Eagle Falls Trail is across the highway from Lake Tahoe’s lovely Emerald Bay.

The Trail Through Time, Mesa County, Colorado  

A 1.5 mile loop adjacent to an active dinosaur quarry, this interpretive trail winds among intact plant and animal fossils. It’s a 140 million year-old treasure hunt. Paleontologists are often working at the quarry, and, of course, disturbing the fossils is forbidden. Summer gets too hot, so this is definitely an April or May (or Fall) proposition.

Wissahickon Valley Trail, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

For many years, my father-in-law lived nearby and we always enjoyed walking this wide, mostly smooth, path with our boys. Along the way, we found millipedes, turtles and more.

The leafy tree canopy provides plenty of shade and there is even a covered bridge along the trail’s more remote reaches. The Wissahickon Valley Trail can be accessed from several points in and near Philadelphia.

What are your favorite family hikes? Please share!

Related Posts: 

• For Hiker’s Of All Ages: Moab’s Corona Arch, August 29, 2012. 
• Grow Your Own Junior Ranger, July 18, 2012.
• Family Hiking, Camping and Getting Outside: Tales from Two Mamas, June 27, 2012.
• Family Hikes at Some Favorite Resorts, June 14, 2012.
• Telluride’s Bear Creek Trail: Family Perfect, June 7, 2012.
• Climb High and Touch the Ski: Hiking Courthouse Mountain in Colorado’s Cimarron Range, September 15, 2011.
• Getting Outside: Family Hiking on the Colorado National Monument, June 23, 2011.

© 2013, The Brave Ski Mom. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires permission from the site owner. This applies equally to text and photos.

While there was a lot to take away from each story, something that has stuck with me over the years is how the Ingalls family did their spring cleaning.

Spring Cleaning Circa 1870s

If you don’t remember the Ingalls family spring cleaning routine (and why would you?), it went something like this.

Change the straw tick in the mattress.

Sweep the dirt floor.

Replace the waxed paper in the windows. 

Spring Cleaning Circa 2010s

My, how times have changed.

This is Spring Cleaning at our house (with tips on each, to follow).

Store the skis and poles.

Wash the ski gear.

Tune the bikes.  

Sorry, mattresses, floors and windows — you’ll be lucky if we get to you.

Last year, we made some big improvements in how we stored our skis. But we didn’t account for the poles and they’ve been an annoyance all winter long.

Here’s the problem:

 See how they hang in a bunch and in the way of the skis? It works okay when you’re grabbing all the poles, but it’s a pain the rest of the time.

Enter some inexpensive, easy to install racks from StoreYourBoard.com. 

Store Your Board: Ski, Snowboard, Skate Board, Surf Board

If you’re not familiar with StoreYourBoard.com, it’s an online company that sells inexpensive racks to help you hang up just about any sporting equipment.

We got the multi-sport rack, currently on sale for $19.99. Photos on the website show it holding hockey sticks, skis, snowboards, skateboards and even gardening equipment.

Image courtesy StoreYourBoard.com

While there are more specialized racks for each sport, this set of two three-tiered black plastic brackets did the trick for us. And you can’t beat the price.

The racks came with clear instructions, mounting screws and substantial, beefy drywall anchors (my husband was most impressed with these). 

Here’s how they install (allow about 30 minutes).

First, find the studs in the wall where you’re mounting the racks.

Screw the included fasteners part way into the wall.

Slide the rack alongside the screws and fasten them tight to the wall.

Use a level to position the second rack and repeat the process.

Hang up your skis.

Or your poles.

We couldn’t be happier with the result.

After we got the racks installed, we noticed that the arms feel a bit flimsy, or loose, if you wiggle them side-to-side. However, when we tried to move them up and down, the arms hold firm. They are quite sturdy with the weight of skis or poles on them.

Interested in learning more? Check out the wide variety of racks at StoreYourBoard.com. In addition to racks for all types of boards, they also have bike racks, fishing racks and kayak racks. And that’s just a few examples of the storage solutions available.

Finally, if you place an order, use the coupon code “braveskimom” for 10% off! 

Thanks StoreYourBoard.com!

The Rest of Spring Cleaning

Now that we have our skis and poles neatly positioned, here are a couple of tips for the rest of Spring Cleaning.

Coats and Ski Pants

You probably already know this, but I didn’t until I had basically destroyed a waterproof Gore-Tex shell. Technical clothing won’t stay technical forever unless you take care of it. The best way to keep the waterproof in your waterproof clothing is to keep it clean and wash it as needed (but not every time you wear it) and wash it with a technical detergent, followed by a spray-on or dryer activated waterproofing. 

I use two Nikwax products, available from REI. There may be others and I’m interested in hearing if you have a favorite. Thanks.

Bike Tuning

Two summers ago, I ran this guest post from Jen at Velomom.com. Rather than try to recreate her tips for seasonal and periodic bike tune-ups, I’m sending you back to the original! 

Enjoy… and Happy Spring!

Related Posts:

• Wax Your Skis for Proper Summer Storage, April 15, 2013. 

To facilitate this post, I received one set of Store Your Board racks. As always, all opinions are my own and are exactly what I would tell my friends and family. 

© 2013, The Brave Ski Mom. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires permission from the site owner. This applies equally to text and photos.

Ski more days…in more snow!

I’m boring.

Or maybe, I’m predictable.

But every year, my primary goal for ski season is the same: I want to ski as many days as my current age. I like this goal because it means I push myself to ski at least one more day each year.

This season, I have a friend who had a truly audacious goal: to celebrate his 50th year on skis, he was skiing at 50 different resorts! His goal got me thinking and wondering what type of goals other skiers set.

To find out, I posted this question on TheSkiDiva.com forum: What were your goals for ski season?

Here are the highlights from nearly 50 women who responded.

Numbers, Stats and Days

While I’m all about the number of days, surprisingly few other women were counting to reach their goal. A few might say, “hooray I skied 23 days this season,” but usually this was in the context of other goals, such as improving technique or overcoming fears and challenges. 

One women, in particular shared that her goal this season was to “quit tracking days, runs and vertical.” All this keeping track of statistics was stressing her out and her goal was to enjoy the ski season more and push herself less.

Constant Improvement

The majority of comments focused on improvement, learning and mastery. As one woman put it, her goal was to “improve, not plateau.” Others wanted to learn to ski trees, powder and moguls. Some wanted to improve their stamina and be able to ski non-stop top-to-bottom, while others were looking to progress from greens to blues, or from blues to blacks. A surprising number of women wanted to learn how to jump and improve in the terrain park (I am in awe!). One woman wanted to learn how to tune skis (check in right here!), while another started racing and participated at the Masters level! 

Family Time

As you might expect, I was especially interested in goals which included family. One woman shared that her goal was to get her three-year-old daughter “hooked on skiing.” It worked! Another wrote that she wanted to get her adult daughter “to ski and love it.” Guess what? That goal worked out, too! But my favorite comment was from a mom who wrote that her goal was to ski with her five-year-old son. They skied together and she happily reports that skiing “is the only sport he does with a massive grin on his face.” 

I can understand that!

Have Fun, Be Safe

For many skiers, these four words summed up their goals for a successful season. Clear, simple and happily achievable!

What’s In a Word?

I chose the word “goal” to describe my quest for a certain number of ski days this year. But other women wrote that they prefer the word “plans” or the word “hopes.”

Whether you call them “goals,” “plans” or “hopes,” I hope you and your family have had a fun, safe, rewarding and enjoyable winter!

If you’re so moved, please share your goals, plans or hopes for the season just passed…or even the season coming up. 

Thanks for spending some of your valuable time with me! With summer coming, I’ll be posting less and relaxing more, but the ski writing will continue, ramping up again come fall.

Enjoy!

What were your goals for this past ski season? Did you accomplish them? What are your goals, plans or hopes for next winter? If you don’t make goals, why not? 

© 2013, The Brave Ski Mom. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires permission from the site owner. This applies equally to text and photos.

Portillo, Chile. Photographer: Jonathan Selkowitz. Photo courtesy Ski Portillo.

Are you ready to hang up your skis? I’m not.

With the end of the Northern winter, I’m thinking about an endless ski season, one that seemlessly moves from winter to winter, from north to south and lands me high in the Andes. Today, I ask: Why Ski South America? 

Ask the Experts

To get answers, I turned to four experts with extensive South American experience.

Robin Barnes is the Director of the Portillo Ski School in Chile. You may remember her from my article on the benefits of women taking lessons from female instructors and skiing with other women.

John Clendenin is a world champion freestyle skier and the creator of the Clendenin Ski Method. I went to one of his camps in Aspen this season. This September will mark CSM’s 12th year at Portillo.

Scotty McGee is the Nordic Team Coach for PSIA and an instructor at a big mountain telemark camp in Patagonia. Scotty has helped me with several articles, including “Take Your Tele Skills to the Next Level.” Most recently, I reviewed his new guidebook to Nordic skiing. 

Diego Allolio is a honest-to-goodness Argentinian, a long time NOLS instructor and the founder of Magellenica, an outdoor adventure travel company. 

Okay, So WHY Ski South America? 

1. Bragging Rights.

Let’s face it. We skiers are not humble. We are passionate about our sport, we talk about it, read about it and, yes, post about it.  Skiing is a sport that inspires emotions ranging to from pure joy to pure jealousy.

And while it’s fun to make your friends and family jealous, it’s even more fun to be skiing when you would ordinarily be lying on the beach or sweating over your mountain bike.

As John Clendenin put it, ”It feels great to say ‘It’s September and I’m skiing!’”

You can still work on your tan…and ski. Portillo. Photo: Adam Clark. Photo courtesy Ski Portillo.

2. Good Snow. Outstanding Terrain. Natural Beauty.

That said, you can ski in North America during the summer, most notably at Mount Hood. But unless you’re there for race camp, the experience is limited. Thus, if you’re looking for powder and a wide variety of terrain you need to go where it’s winter.

As for terrain, the Andes have a reputation for being steep, but this shouldn’t discourage anyone. South American resorts have terrain for skiers of all abilities and ages. There is something for everyone.

The Andes also have a reputation for being high. Portillo’s base is at 8,360 feet, with the summit at 10,860. While these are high elevations, they are no higher than most Colorado resorts. The difference is in what surrounds the resort.

“There’s no place on earth (I know of) where you can have an authentic meal at 10,000 feet and be surrounded by peaks that rise an additional 7,000 feet,” explains John Clendenin.

Photographer: Diego Munita. Photo Courtesy Ski Portillo.

Summing it up, Diego Allolio puts it this way,

Skiing in South America is different. The terrain is big and high at the central Andes. In the Lake District, you ski amidst lakes, broad leaf trees and araucarias (a South American evergreen) all in close proximity to hot springs. The snow isn’t the driest on the planet, but the whole experience makes it once in a lifetime.

Villarrica Volcano Descent, Argentina. Photo: Diego Allolio.

3. ¿Necesito hablar en Español?

No, you don’t have to speak Spanish. English is spoken at South American ski resorts and all resorts have English-speaking instructors. But everyone suggests that you try.  As with travel in any country, the locals appreciate it when you recognize their culture and try to speak their language.

How to end the ski day in Argentina. Photo: Diego Allolio.

But just because you can speak and hear English in South America, don’t expect a North American-style experience. Chile and Argentina are known for warm hospitality, fantastic local food and wine and a slower pace of service and life. As with skiing in the Alps, take time to slow down, enjoy the vistas, the snow and the long meals. Skiing in South America is a holiday, not an endurance contest. “Slow down, smell the flowers, learn a couple of new words and it’ll all work out just fine,” advises Robin Barnes.

4. It’s Surprisingly Close.

If you’re looking for summer skiing, South America is the easiest and closest destination from North America. Jet lag is minimal. For example, Santiago, Chile is three hours ahead of Denver, Colorado. Compare that to Queenstown, New Zealand which is 18 hours ahead!

When, Where and How?

Perfect Timing.

According to Robin Barnes, the best conditions at Portillo are in August and September. August, which is the equivalent of our February, can see a lot of big storms, while September can go either way with lots of powder or spring corn snow.

Pick A Resort.

As you might guess, Portillo is near the top of most everyone’s list. A world-famous resort, Portillo hosts the U.S. Ski Team, and other national teams, for summer training.

Because Portillo has only one hotel that holds about 400 people, you’ll be rubbing shoulders, and sharing the slopes, with international skiing champions, as well as other skiers from across the world. Day traffic is limited, so its like you’re at a private resort.

The Hotel at Portillo. Photo: Diego Munita. Photo courtesy Ski Portillo.

For a different feel, try Valle Nevado near Santiago. With many hotels and restaurants, Valle Nevado has a Chilean clientele, many of whom come from Santiago.

Side country skiing at La Hoya, Argentina. Photo: Diego Allolio.

Las Leñas, Argentina is recommended for its challenging terrain, while other resorts mentioned by my experts include La Parva, Vilarrica, Termas del Chillán, Las Araucarias, Antillanca, Osorno, Chapelco, Cerro Bayo, Catedral Alta Patagonia, La Hoya and Cerro Castor in Tierra del Fuego.

Oh yes, and Diego Allolio also mentioned extensive backcountry terrain. There is clearly no shortage of South American skiing.

Solo or Group? 

Once you’ve decided to ski in South America, you’ve got to decide if you’re going with a group or camp or if you’re traveling independently.

If you’re a confident, experienced traveler, independent travel is said to be quite easy.

Traveling with kids? Check out Portillo’s Kids Ski Free Weeks and Family Weeks.

If you want someone to help take care of all the details or you’re looking for a week of instruction, a group or camp might be your best option.

“Either way you go, you’ll make new friends,” shares Scotty McGee, “and hopefully have fun with them ripping around at new area, in a different country, on another continent.”

Camp Shout Outs

There are many options, but I know the leaders for both of these camps and give them high marks.

Bariloche area, Argentina. Photo: Diego Allolio.

Magellenica Patagonia Telemark Camp at Cerro Bayo and Catedral Alta Patagonia, Argentina. Led by Scotty McGee, the camp is for intermediate to expert tele skiers who aspire to move from resort to backcountry terrain. Depending upon the size of your group, Scotty will work with you to design the perfect schedule combining top-notch instruction and skiing, with time for visiting other parts of Argentina.

Photo courtesy John Clendenin.

Clendenin Ski Method Camp at Portillo. I’ve got first-hand experience with John’s Aspen camp: Good people, great instruction with the Clendenin Ski Method, and tons of fun. Throw in some pisco sours, Portillo’s awe-inspiring terrain, and some fine Chilean seafood and you’ve got yourself the alpine skiing adventure of a lifetime.

Who wouldn’t want to ski South America?

© 2013, The Brave Ski Mom. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires permission from the site owner. This applies equally to text and photos.

Proper summer storage involves waxing your ski bases so that they don’t dry out. By leaving a coat of wax in place all summer long, when the snow flies and lifts turn, you’ll just need to scrape your skis and go! 

Ski Shop or DIY?

In general, I like getting my skis tuned at a ski shop. They’ve got all the right equipment and can do stuff we, being mere mortals and ski moms, cannot (like grind bases and sharpen base edges).

Still, basic edge sharpening and waxing are easy. While you can ask your shop to prep and wax your skis for summer storage, you can also do it yourself. It’s a fun project and easy enough that your kids can help. If they’re old enough, they can do it themselves.

What You’ll Need

While you don’t need to invest a ton of money in waxing equipment, you will need these basic supplies and tools.

• A file and edge tool
• A scraper
• Three brushes (stiff brass, horsehair, nylon)
• An Arkansas stone
• Wax
• An iron
• Giant rubber bands
• A workbench (preferably with clamps to hold the skis in place)

How To Wax Skis

1.  Clean ‘em. Scrape and brush your bases thoroughly to remove any lingering debris  and dirt. Pull the bindings out of the way and secure them with a giant rubber band.

Next, using the scraper and working in one direction only (preferably tip-to-tail, never back-and-forth), scrape the skis 5-10 times. Repeat this same procedure with the stiff brass brush, then the horsehair brush and finally the nylon  brush. Wipe away any remaining debris with a soft cloth.

2.  Sharpen ‘em.  Working only on the side edges, sharpen them with the file and edge tool. Repeat until the edge is sharp enough to lightly cut your fingernail (the big flat part) as you run it along the edge. Again, wipe off any filings or debris with a soft cloth. Don’t mess with the base edges. That’s a job for a pro.

3.  Wax ‘em.  Hold a chunk of wax against the hot iron and let the wax drip onto the ski.  Smooth the wax into an even layer, about 1/8 inch thick. Let the skis sit for about two hours. 

4.  Strap ‘em and store ‘em. Once the wax is set, strap your skis and store them, either laying flat or hanging. When winter returns, scrape and brush the wax away (following the same instructions as in Step 1) and you’re good to go.

Enjoy!

Related Posts: 

• Waxing While the Summer Wanes, August 26, 2010.
• Summer Ski Wax 101, April 26, 2011.
• Should You Tune Your Own Skis? November 17, 2011.

© 2013, The Brave Ski Mom. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires permission from the site owner. This applies equally to text and photos.

A Little Nutty ski and bike helmet from Nutcase. Shown in Swirl, one of 10 creative designs available.

Longer days, brighter sun, and slushy snow: it must be spring. If you’re like many skiing families, spring is when you transition from skiing or snowboarding to biking.

Today, I’ve got a review and giveaway of season spanning Little Nutty helmets from Nutcase. Designed for kids up to age 4, the Little Nutty easily converts from snowsports to biking and is safety certified for both sports.

One (Super Cute) Helmet Does It All

The idea behind the Little Nutty helmet is simple: active families can invest in one helmet instead of two and get double-duty and double the value (with less clutter!).

What Is It?

Available in 10 creative designs, Little Nutty helmets are made of a sturdy plastic outer shell, with a thick solid foam insert and padding (just like any helmet).

Kid-Friendly Features

The outer shell, has 360 degree reflectivity which is a nice touch, and a sliding magnetic clasp, which holds tight and is pinch proof. The chin strap has a soft cover, so you can adjust it to fit comfortably under your child’s chin and there is a dial on the back for overall sizing. There is also a goggle clip for skiing and snowboarding. So far, so good.

Every Little Nutty Snow and Bike Helmet comes with ear pads and a liner for snowsports, as well as pads for biking. Also, a rubber bracelet that says “I Love My Brain.”

Why It’s Special

What sets the Little Nutty helmet apart is the ability to convert the helmet from biking to snowsports and back again. Also, the graphics are cute and unique!

The helmet I demoed came set up for snowsports. The snowsports pads include thick, furry ear pads that slide into a slot between the outer shell and hard foam lining. Elastic straps on the ear pads slide over each side of the chin strap to ensure they stay in place.

Once attached, the ear pads (at least when the helmet is new — I can’t say how they’ll well they’ll stay with use) stay tightly in place, no matter how hard you tug on the chin strap. I found them a little bit difficult to insert initially, mostly because I was trying to line  the upper edge of the ear pad flush with the lower edge of the helmet. While they line up closely, they are not a perfect match.

Quick Change 

To convert the helmet for biking, remove the ear pads completely, detach the soft fleece and mesh liner and replace it with the included foam pads. If you’re going to be biking in cold weather, you can leave the ear pads in place, but you still need to use the foam biking pads inside the helmet.

To convert the helmet from snowsports to biking, detach the ear pads.

Pull out the mesh and furry liner.

Put the biking pads in place.

And voila! A ski helmet becomes a bike helmet!

The only downside? You have to keep track of the pads you’re not using.

And there you have it: one helmet, two sports, four seasons. A nutty idea? I think not.

Nutcase Helmets

In addition to the Little Nutty snow and bike helmet, Nutcase Helmets also makes a Little Nutty street sport helmet, as well as motor sport, street sport, snow sport and water sport helmets for all ages, including adults. If you bike and skate, they make a convertible skate and bike helmet for adults.

Little Nutty Helmet Giveaway

Some of the designs available. Image courtesy Nutcase Helmets.

I am so excited to kick off spring (and biking season) by giving away one of these brilliant (and adorable) helmets! 

Little Nutty helmets will fit most kids up to age 4 (head size 18-20.5 inches or 46-52 cm).

To win your choice of a Little Nutty helmet, simply leave a comment here at Brave Ski Mom and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Pinterest.

For a bonus entry, follow Nutcase Helmets on Facebook or Twitter.

One winner will be chosen from all eligible entries on Thursday, April 18.

Good luck!

Related Posts: 

• Kids, Safety and Ski Helmets: Some Questions and Answers, October 15, 2012. 
• Ski Helmets: Should Kids Have a Choice, October 17, 2011.
• Of Course You Should Put a Lid on Your Kid, November 18, 2010.
• Tail Wags Helmet Covers: One Mom’s Mission to Stop Naked Riding, March 18, 2013.
• Ski Fashion 2012-2013: Winter Styles for Cool Kids, October 17, 2012.

To facilitate this review, I received one Little Nutty Helmet in the Swirl design. As always, all opinions are my own and are exactly what I would tell my family and friends.

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Emilie!

© 2013, The Brave Ski Mom. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires permission from the site owner. This applies equally to text and photos.