Retro Photo - Skiing in the 90's

While paging through an old photo album, I came across this image of myself taken during a mid-90s ski trip.  It really brought back memories.  After a brief hiatus from the sport due to having babies, I returned with a vengeance.  A horrible skier at the time, tales of epic wipeouts are legendary among my old ski friends.  But a new passion was born - and thus began my love of sliding around in the snow.  This sport spoke to me, and I patiently kept at it, working to improve.

Ancient skiing circa 1990-something

This photo really made me laugh.  I'm wearing a huge, boxy, ugly coat that's at least five sizes too big.  My gear is ancient by today's standards - long, straight skis and rear-entry boots.  And not a helmet to be seen anywhere.  Boy have things changed since then!

Enjoying last season's powder (photo by Grant Myrdal)

Fast forward nearly 20 years.  The technology has changed.  Wide, short, shaped skis are the norm.  Ski clothes are much more fitted (and warmer!).  And nearly 75% of snow-riders at resorts wear helmets.  I'm still skiing, but not crashing nearly as much.  Now my friends are struggling to keep up with me.  And my favorite day?  Skiing powder during a storm either in Mt. Hood Meadows' bowls or Heather Canyon.

It's finally time to ski again!  I'm planning on hitting the slopes tomorrow for the first day of the season.  Rest assured I'll have photos and stories to share - coming soon to a blog near you.