| My Breakdown
Days Out (B+): 20 Days for the year, my most since 2000-2001. Realistically, I probably could’ve hit 30 for an A+. I missed 1 potential day to mountain closure, 3 to laziness, 3 to injury and 3 to work obligations. 2 more than last year and 5 more than my average over the past five years though, which I am quite happy with.
Variety (A): This is what I strived most for this season and I did very well. Spread my days over 7 mountains, by far the most since high school . Those 7 included 4 first time experiences (Black, Wildcat, Saddleback and Mt. Abram) and 1 area I had not been to in over twenty years (Sunapee).
Equipment (A+): I hadn’t purchased new skis since the 2002-2003 season and this year I picked up TWO new pairs with new bindings. I really dig both sets and the fact that I was able to acquire them for $370 total brand new plus mounting was a great value. I also joined the brain bucket ranks this season.
Conditions (B): Despite one of the best snowfall winters, my timing was kind of off. I did have 5 great powder days, but I also had 5 horrible surface days. Rallied late spring for 2 killer corn days to finish the season, but the rest of my skiing I’d call average. So, only 7 out of 20 days out had great snow conditions.
Skiing Performance (B+): Fitness was not where I wanted it and it’s my own damn fault. I started the season 15-20lbs over my optimum weight. At times I turned back the clock and felt like my early 20’s self, but too often I got fatigued, which affected performance.
Value (A): I averaged roughly $25 a day in terms of lift tickets. Without having a pass, I think this is almost as good as one can do in this day and ages pricing. I scoured for deals and it paid off. Unfortunately, this approach had me miss some good Saturday snow.
Overall (A-): This was my best season since 2001-2002. I could’ve done better by being in better shape and skiing more, but overall I feel very satisfied with my season.
Goals for 2008-2009: 21 days minimum, equal price tag, 7 mountains minimum, 6 days in Vermont minimum, 15 pounds lighter. New skis unlikely, 4 new areas unlikely, but if I hit these goals, it will be an A- for me, which is realistically about as good as I can hope for in a season at this stage in my life. |