How Skiing and Colorado Changed My Life

In December 1996, I went to Breckenridge, Colorado for my first ski vacation.  I was still in college, 21 years old, and a new bride (married in May of that year).  After retrieving our luggage from the airport, the in-laws, husband, and I made our way west toward the mountains.  I was surprised at how flat Aurora and the greater Denver area was!   Instead of a cozy alpine landscape ripe with majestic, snow-covered peaks; the terrain was a smooth prairie that was drab and brown due to winter's steely grip. However, as we drove further into the foothills past Denver, I caught my first glimpse of the Rocky Mountains through the 'Picture Frame Bridge' that straddled Interstate 70.  In this very moment, I knew instantly Colorado was a place of magic and wonder.

There is something about mountains, snow, and skiing that just stir my soul.  I feel alive, like I am capable of anything.  I think I can attribute these sentiments to my heritage.  My father was born and raised in northern Norway (Lofoten) where skiing and snow are part of daily life.  It snows in Lofoten for a majority of the year and for almost as long as there has been snow and people, skiing has played a huge role in Norwegian culture and history.

The above photo is my father, age 5 or 6 (circa 1945/46)

As my father used to say, "In Norway, if you can walk, you can ski."  Most children learn to ski at a very early age.  I, however, learned to ski at 13 in Norway.  I was there with my parents, visiting my father's side of the family for the the first time.  It was an amazing experience.  I loved meeting family members I had never met, learning to ski with my dad, eating my aunt's delicious food, and seeing the Northern Lights.  The entire trip brought out something in me that has stayed with me to this day.  This especially applies to my love of skiing.


During the first days I was learning to ski, kids my age and younger were flying down the mountain like Lindsay Vonn and Stein Eriksen.  Me?  Well, not only was I embarrassed by my lack of skills,  I looked like a cross between a newborn baby deer and the "agony of defeat guy" from the 80s ABC TV Show "Wide World of Sports."  I tried my best to master my skis and even though it took me a few weeks, I finally got the hang of it.  By the end of the visit, I was begging my dad to take me out to the mountains. I was hooked.

By the time I went to Breckenridge in '96, seven years had gone by since I strapped on a pair of skis.  The first day on the slopes, I was nervous.  Nervous? No, that is not the right word.  I was terrified.  That is it, "terrified."  Due to my shattered confidence, my husband suggested I take a ski lesson.  I begrudgingly agreed and the next day, I made my way to meet my instructor and fellow ski students. 

My instructor was a South American with a tall, lithe build.  His melodic accent was charming.  His tan face, weathered from sun, wind, and cold painted a stark contrast against the shock-white snow.  My heart was pounding and I felt like a teenager who just transferred to a new school and it was the first day of class. "But, I am not gonna know anybody!" 

The students were all adults, mostly couples.  None of them had skied before.  This made me feel better.  Not that I wanted to compete with anyone but the ski lessons with my dad were sure to come in handy.  As the day unfolded, I noticed the other students were falling down, skiing in a wedge (skis in a triangle pattern), their poles going in all directions, or going really slow.  One woman from Mexico City was saying in Spanish, "Make it stop! No! No! NO! I do not want to do thiiissssss!" 

The woman slid down the mountain, picking up speed, and like an out of control 18-wheeler with a blow-out going down a steep decline, she fell fast and hard.  YARD SALE! (This is what skiers say when we see ski equipment (skis/poles) scattered all over the hill).  I quickly skied down to her and then out of nowhere, I hockey-stopped (a quick parallel turn where your skis swoop together and you stop suddenly). I bent down to see if she was ok and she said she was fine but embarrassed and wanted to quit.  I felt bad for her.

As I was about to ski down to the rest of the group, I saw my instructor looking at me with a sly grin.  As I approached, he asked loudly, "Where did THAT come from?!"  I realized, "Oh wow! He's right. My dad taught me that. I have not done in years!"  I looked the instructor and said, "I have skied before but it has been seven years since my last time. Things are starting to come back to me now. Weird, huh?" He smiled and laughed, his white teeth sparkling with delight, "No! That is a gooooood thing! Awesome, duude! Awesome! Now, let's see what you can really do!"  

By the end of the day, I am telling you, I felt like I had skied every day since that first day in Norway.  Something unlocked in my body and mind.  My legs, my arms, and whole body found their rhythm.  I felt like I was born to  ski. 

After 1996, I did not ski again until 2005.  Unlike the first Colorado trip, I found myself with 25 extra pounds on my body.  My cardiovascular capacity was non-existent.  I was 29 years old, about to be 30 in a couple of months but I felt like I was 99.  Unlike the success of my '96 visit, this time around was awful, especially in the first days.  Every time I fell, my ski pants would pop open and I had to struggled to fasten them.  My heart thumped like it was pumping mud.  I was sweaty, tired, frustrated, and I felt fat.  Despite being able to "get my ski legs back" eventually, the '05 Breckenridge trip was an epic fail.  As I was packing my skis up the day before flying back to DC, I said "Forget it.  I am not doing this anymore."

When I turned 30, I experienced something I can only describe as life-changing.  I was 155 pounds, wore a size 12/14, my blood pressure was 150/90.  My doctor advised me to lose "at least 15 pounds" on at least two occasions.  For a while, I ignored her advice.  I avoided mirrors and every huff and puff I exerted walking up and down stairs was conveniently forgotten.  I ate McDonald's, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Ben and Jerry's every day.

But a month after 30, I woke up in my mother's house in tears.  It was Mother's Day and I knew, I was NOT fine.  I was sad.  I was unhealthy.  And dammit, I wanted to ski again!  I needed to ski again.  In that moment, in my pjs, I said, "This ends now."

The next day, Monday the 9th of May, 2005, I called my doctor and made an appointment.  My visit was in mid-June. I weighed in at 154.6.  I wanted to cry.  I thought, "How could I let things get like this and stay like this for so long?"  The nurse staff took two vials of blood and my doctor gave me a physical.  A week later, I received a call that my blood pressure was a bit high and my cholesterol was 198.  I was told to make another appointment for a follow up and to create a "game plan"  for my health.  In July, my doctor gave me a diet and exercise plan.  I was also instructed to keep a daily journal to keep track of my food, workouts, and progress.  It was hard at first and I felt like screaming many times. I  wanted to eat pizza and New York Super Fudge Chunk! Forget this hummus and celery junk!"

In December of 2005, I had my final weigh-in.  I was 122 pounds!  I wanted to pass out!  I did it!!!  I felt incredible.  I knew that when February of 2006 came (time for the annual ski trip), I would be so ready!

A few days before my ski venture, I tried on my previous year's ski clothes.  I was practically drowning in them.  They were huge!  I went to the local ski shop, Ski Chalet, to buy new gear but all I could find in my size (size 4/6 in ski wear, not street wear), were ski pants.  I had to borrow a ski jacket from my sister.  It fit beautifully.  Within days, I was back in Colorado and I was so happy.  My spirit felt lifted.  My heart fluttered with joy as my strong lungs breathed in the crisp, clean, cold mountain air.  This was pure bliss.  I was where I wanted to be and where I NEEDED to be.

I made my way over to the Beaverun Quicksilver chair lift and got on.  My new body felt light, yet powerful.  The lift gently glided me over the pearly slopes, glistening with fresh hope and promise.  The moment my ski tips touched the snow-covered ground as I pushed away from the chair, I let out a loud "Whooooo!" A few people looked over at me.  Oh well, they can stare, I didn't care. I felt good!

I skied down ski runs with ease.  I felt like I was flying.  Runs and turns that were difficult to navigate the previous year were now a cake walk.  As I returned to the lift at the base of Peak 9, I hockey-stopped my skis and the lift attendant scanned my lift ticket.  I could not stop smiling.  The attendant asked, "Having a good day?" I replied, "You know it, dude!" I got back on the lift and thought, "I am home."

It is my father's love of skiing that introduced me to the sport and thus, Colorado.  Further, it was my love of skiing and Colorado that made me the healthier and stronger woman I am today.  So, with that said, I say "I am thankful, I am grateful. Daddy, Colorado, I love you. You are both my most precious treasures."

Winter Vacation Essentials!

Having been inspired by this week's ski post and Brittany's of Va Voom Vintage cold weather essentials post, I wanted to share my must-haves for winter/skiing vacations and basics for winter in general. You can see Brittany's fabulous post here:

http://vavoomvintage.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-cant-live-without-it-list-for-cold.html

When winter comes around, my ski fever kicks in big time! The winter weather here in the Mid-Atlantic is normally non-eventful (i.e. no snow). Moreover, the mountains are (in my opinion) too small. So, what is a vintage-loving, ski freak gal like myself to do? She goes west to Colorado! Every year the husband and I stay at our condo in Breckenridge for two glorious weeks. And, it is our goal to live in Colorado permanently one day!

Nevertheless, I have some tips and must haves for winter/ski travel that I hope you find useful!

When packing for a winter ski trip, you need to take into account the number of days you plan to be away.  You can bring multiples of small items like undergarments, socks, camisoles, tees, base layers, turtlenecks, leggings etc. But when it comes to bigger, bulkier items like sweaters, ski pants, jeans, or skirts, you need to limit them. Most airlines charge passengers per bag so try to keep your wares to ONE suitcase.

Most ski resorts and/or condos have laundry facilities. Take this into account when packing. You can bring less because you can wash.  However, items that cannot be washed like wool sweaters or ski pants should be limited. For example, I will bring one Norwegian wool sweater for ski days and one pair of ski pants for ski days. I also pack four sweaters to mix and match with a different separates.  Even though I wear things multiple times,  I just 'change things' around.

For instance, one day I will wear a black turtleneck and vintage 50s wool plaid pencil skirt with a pair of leggings. A couple of days later, I will wear the same turtleneck with a pair of 50s rolled jeans. Then I will wear the 50s skirt with a red wool cardigan another day. Then I will wear the red cardigan with the jeans a few days later. Be creative with your limitations!

Packing some accessories like a few scarves, barrettes, earrings, bangles, and necklaces can give more mileage to the variety of outfits. I always bring some fun rings, bangles, and earrings for nights on the town. For example, the first day I wear the black turtleneck, I will put on a pair of glass and rhinestone cherry earrings. The second time I wear the turtleneck, I will add a bangle and wear different earrings.

Ski pants and thick sweaters tend to take up a lot of space. I have found that placing these items in plastic grocery bags helps greatly! I put an item neatly folded in a bag, I tie it shut, and then I smoosh the air out. This causes the item to become more flat and compact. Now I have more space! I also use same grocery bags for laundry. I simply untie the bag, store away what's inside, use it for dirty clothes. Then I take the bag(s) down to the laundry facility. Easy!

Now, if your condo does not have its own washer and dryer, the building will more than likely have a guest/tenant laundry room. You will have to pay about $1.50 for washing and $1.75 for drying. You will also have to pay for detergent and fabric softener. I bring my own. I pack a few fabric softener sheets in a ziplock bag and I use the Purex Laundry Sheets. These sheets contain detergent. Simply throw a sheet onto the wash! There is no need for powder or liquid soap! I normally pack 5 sheets in a ziplock. I then place both ziplocks in an outer zip compartment on my suitcase.

When it comes to packing your toiletries, you will need to have these items:

-Sunblock
-lip sunblock
-reddness gel or cream (this is vital for skiers! Exposure from wind and cold do a number on delicate skin!)
-travel shampoo and conditioner
-toothbrush/toothpaste/floss/mini mouthwash
-comb
-brush
-bobby pins
-mini hairspray
-mini styling products
-makeup remover or cold cream
-travel cleanser and toner
-travel facial moisturizer
-travel body lotion (the cold, mountain air is very dry!)
-mini hairdryer (most condos' hairdryers are sub-standard)
-curling iron or pin-curl clips
-feminine items (if needed)

When packing your cosmetic bag, keep it simple! Have one day look and a one night look. Bare in mind that you cannot really wear cocktail attire or fancy evening couture in a cold, snowy environment! Therefore, your makeup should reflect your needs.


In most ski towns, the dress code is typically very casual, even in upscale bars and restaurants. When I was in Breckenridge in  January 2005, I wore heels to dinner one night and I fell many times! The sidewalks and streets in ski towns are normally covered in packed snow. There can even be patches of ice. As much as I prefer vintage rayon dresses and velvet heels, I stick to pencil skirts, leggings (instead of stockings), and insulated combat boots with lots of traction when visiting Colorado in winter.

In my makeup bag I have:
-NYC Color SPF 12 powder foundation
 -concealer
-2 blushes
-MAC eyebrow pen
-clear eyebrow gel
-NARS eyeshadow primer
-MAC Opulash Mascara
-2 shades of red lipstick (one warm and one blue-based)
-2 matching lip pencils
-my MAC pro palette containg 4 nude/neutral eyeshadows
-MAC Paint Pot in Painterly
-MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study
-MAC Liquidlast Liner in Point Black (great for doing cat eyes for a night look)
-a travel size loose powder (I fill an empty, small-sized, plastic sifter jar from MAC)
-a few of MAC makeup brushes tucked away in my MAC brush roll. (I have so many so I just pack the ones that I tend to use the most).

If the resort/condo has hot tubs on site, be sure to pack a bathing suit and a pair of flip-flops. There is nothing more amazing that slipping into a hot tub after a long day of skiing! It relaxes tired muscles and it's neat to sit in an outdoor tub while it's snowing!

Be sure to pack your ski gloves, ski hat, scarf, and goggles. Since it is usually cold when the husband and I arrive in Colorado, I do not pack my ski jacket in my suitcase. I keep it with with me so I can put it on after leaving the airport. My jacket is insulated and waterproof and I wear it on and off the slopes. I also keep a pair of insulated gloves and a scarf in my carry-on bag.

If you bring your own skis and boots, make sure your skis and poles are stored in an airline-approved ski bag. You can find a variety of styles at most ski shops. Also, I have noticed that if I try to pack my ski boots, they usually need their own suitcase due to their size. Since the airlines have gone "nickel-and-dime-crazy"  when it comes to baggage, I put my boots in a large carry-on bag.

So, I hope this winter is going to be cold and extra snowy! I cannot wait to cut fresh tracks and take in that clean, mountain air!

Here's to winter!

The Thrill and Joy of Skiing-Guidelines and Tips

First and foremost, I would like to apologize for being 'off-radar' for a couple of days. I have been busy with work and a family member is having surgery today. I know all will be fine with them and being busy is normal.  But hectic moments like this remind me that I need a break! Oh, what I would do to be on vacation right now! It's October and soon the ski season will be here. Even though part of me longs to bask in the Caribbean sun, I am ready to hit the slopes!

Every year for two weeks (usually in January or February), the husband and I visit Colorado for skiing and winter fun. As a daughter of a Norwegian ski champion, skiing is literally in my blood! My dad taught me to ski when I was a kid and I am lucky that I continue to have the opportunity to enjoy the sport.

When I first set out on my skis, I was trying so hard not to fall and remember what my dad told me. Despite my futile efforts, I still fell and there were several times I wanted to quit! Being the stubborn mule I am, I refused to give up and thus, I kept trying. After some time, I found myself letting go of the "rules"  and the 'proper way' to place my skis, and before I knew it; I was actually skiing well. Skiing became fun.

So, if you fellow skiers out there and for those of you who want to learn but never have, here are some tips and must-dos.

1. If you have never skied before, take lessons. If you prefer a group or private one-on-one setting, lessons will help you in so many ways. Think of the lessons as an investment: the more knowledgeable you are, the more you will enjoy skiing for a lifetime. The lessons are like building blocks that will help form the backbone of your skill-set. I DO NOT recommend anyone going out with friends or family who want to take them down a ski run without any understanding of what to do! You CAN get seriously hurt, if not worse!! Start slow and learn how to ski correctly. Even the pros can get hurt.

2. If you have skied before and/or if you have not skied in a long time, take an intermediate or refresher course! Again, you can do this in a group or private setting. I have been skiing for over 20 years and occasionally I will take a refresher too! Not only do I build confidence, I learn things that improve my skiing. Last year, I learned how to carve down an expert trail (black diamond) and let me tell you, it was work! When I was younger, the skis were straight and I now have a new set of shaped skis. Talk about a HUGE difference!

3. Do not ski outside of your knowledge and confidence! Again, you can get hurt! Skiing is about enjoyment. It's not the Olympics.

4. If you are skiing with friends and/or family, always have a cell phone or a two-way radio in case you get separated or lost. Garmin makes a wonderful radio that clips onto your jacket or backpack. It also has weather information channels and a GPS.

5. Follow the rules of the ski resort/mountain. They are there to keep you and others safe.

6. Have a map of the ski trails at all times and study the map for the best routes that meet your skill level. The map will also be helpful if you get lost.

7. If you ski often, be sure to take your skis to your nearest ski shop for annual adjustments. Do this before your trip if you plan to bring your own skis. The rates for ski maintenance in resort towns can be high.  Getting your skis adjusted or "tuned up" can prevent your ski bindings (the place where the ski boot "clicks" onto your ski) from becoming loose. Imagine if you were skiing and your ski boot separated from your binding! Not good!

Also, make sure the bottom of the skis get re-waxed during routine care and maintenance. Re-waxing will make skis glide better and if you have skied over bare rock or ice patches during the previous season, a new coat of wax and compound will smooth out any rough edges or chips. If your skis are rough, they can catch and drag which can cause injury.

8. If you plan to rent skis, ask the pros in the shop. They are there to help you! Also, do not feel like you have to 'fudge' about your skiing abilities. None of us have to be like be Lindsey Vonn! Let them know about your proper skiing level and what type of skiing you are comfortable with.

For instance, I am 5'3 and weight 127 pounds. I am an intermediate skier who prefers an average skiing style (i.e. I can go faster or slow but not lightning speed). Therefore, I am best-suited to a pair of 152 centimeter length skis with a moderate release setting ski binding.  However, the husband, i.e. the expert, fear-nothing crazy man has a pair of 184 centimeter skis with a high release setting. Again, ask the pros!

9. When it comes to ski clothing, be sure to dress in layers! Layers keep you warm and you can remove layers if you get hot (especially during the warmer, late-winter/early spring months). Always wear a base layer like body-skimming 'long-johns' or a lyrca blend top and leggings.

The modern base layers look and feel like slightly looser-fitting Spanx or shapewear. Base layers need to fit like a second-skin but they should not be restricting. Turtlenecks, cotton or poly-blend go great under wool sweaters or fleece tops. Ski sweaters or fleece tops should fit nicely and not be bulky. Remember always to account for movement! Ski jackets should be insulated and WATERPROOF! Do not buy anything labeled "water resistant." This means water can eventually soak in after a while. The key words you need to look for when it comes to ski jackets and ski pants are waterproof, insulated, 'Thinsulate,' and wind-resistant. Again, ski jackets and pants should fit nicely but not be bulky.

When you go to buy ski jackets and pants, try to wear a sweater and even leggings to get a 'real-life scenario' fit. There is nothing worse than a jacket or pair of ski pants that are too tight! For example, in 2005 I went skiing for my annual trip. I weighed 155 pounds and I accidentally bought a pair of ski pants that were a size 8! They were on a hanger labeled 12 and like a dummy, I did not try them on until the husband and I were in Colorado. They were tight but I could still zip them up and button them. Well, when I fell a few times, the button popped off and the zipper came flying down! I nearly lost my pants at least three times!

10. Even though skiing is a winter sport, the sun WILL get you, especially when it's reflected off the white snow! Therefore, wear at least 30 SPF sunblock and lip block. Even on days the clouds seem more prevalent, the sun, especially at high altitudes, will burn. I wear ROC SPF 30 sunblock moisturizer and NYC Color powder foundation in SPF 12.

11. Due to the heat of the body counteracting with the cold air, you will need anti-fogging ski goggles with UVB protection. I have tried to wear my 50s vintage cat eye sunglasses but I usually find that I have to keep them at the condo and wear my Roxy goggles instead. Sure, I do not look and feel vintage-fabulous but it sure beats being blinded by condensation on my lenses.

12. When it comes to ski gloves, you will need an insulator and a waterproof shell. Many gloves are now made with both features. Make sure gloves have a proper fit and dexterity! You need to be able to move your fingers and also be able to grip your ski poles. If your hands are prone to getting cold no matter how advanced the glove technology, you can buy chargeable, heated gloves. These are amazing and I have a pair. I wore them for the first time in January and they allowed me to stay out longer! You can also buy air-activated heat packs that go between the glove insulator/liner and the shell. Most packs last about 4-8 hours but they take about 20 minutes to warm up.

13. If you plan to visit a ski town or resort that is over 7,000 feet above sea level, you need to account for the fact there is less oxygen. If you are already active, increase your cardio workouts weeks (at least a month) before your departure date. If you are not active, try walking or biking to build your lung capacity. Many people experience "high altitude sickness."  You can read about it here:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4618

Also, please note that when you are at high altitude, you need to drink lots of water! Get plenty of rest, especially after activity and limit alcohol! The very first time I visited Breckenridge, Colorado (elevation 9,600 feet) in 1996, I had two beers during my first night and I felt I had an entire six-pack! This symptom does subside after a couple of days but due to the dryness of the high altitude air, be sure to drink lots of water for the entire length of your stay.

14. If you plan to bring skis on board an airplane, please note that most airlines will charge you an "oversize baggage" fee. However, if you fly first class, the airlines will usually waive this cost. Airlines have their fees listed on their websites.

15. When it comes to skiing, just enjoy yourself! Do not fight falling, drop your poles when you fall, have a sense of humor, and smile! It can only get better!