BLOW OUT THE COBWEBS, BECAUSE WINTER IS HERE!

By David Sword

If you haven't noticed, it is beginning to look a lot like winter out there. Many skiers hang up the winter equipment in April, only to resurrect it in November. Before you get out on the slope for the "first turns of the year", make sure you give your equipment some TLC.

 BOOTS:

Those beloved tombs have been a wonderful home for the mice in your basement all summer. Pull out the liners and make sure there is nothing living in there. Check out your footbeds. Is it time to visit Doug Buteux again? Perhaps your boots are covered in the volcanic grime that is endemic of summer skiing on Mt. Hood. Some of us will have to finally submit to the fact that we can no longer pass binding function tests, because the bottom of our ski boots are worn out.

 SKI"S AND BINDINGS:

Hopefully you remembered to back off the settings on your bindings for the summer hiatus, so now it is time to get those springs under tension once again. Do the base of your ski's look like a freshly erased chalk board, or did they go into hibernation with a fresh coat of wax? While you are at it, you should put a file to those abused edges. Remember that big rock you hit during your trip to Sun Valley last Spring?

 ACCESSORIES:

Unearth your boot and ski bags and make sure you have gloves to fit each hand. Can you can actually see through your goggle lenses? I always like to make sure that I am stocked with enough sunscreen and lip balm for at least the first quarter of the season. Word of warning - it is not uncommon to find a mummified banana in the deep recesses of travel bags. It is probably a good idea to get all the vital fluids replaced in your commuter vehicle as well, especially if you're getting up there in mileage…your vehicles mileage that is.

 Finally, if you demand performance out of your equipment, treat it with the respect it deserves. If you hit the slopes with your gear in working order, you'll have greater chance of making your first foray into Winter 2000 a success.