Now for the latest episode of “If I Ruled the (Skiing) World.” Well, if I really did rule the skiing world, things would be a lot better. Not to sound like a president delivering an inaugural address — and in my other incarnation, a political reporter and columnist, I have heard more inaugural … [Read more...]
Shribman: The bad helps you savor the epic
The setting: Cervinia, in the Italian Alps The time: Once upon a time, long, long ago The characters: Brother Jeff and me The circumstance: Relentless fog. Battleship-hard ice. Bitter cold. Difficult piste. Stage directions: Ski downhill, you moron Scene: Brother Dave paralyzed with fear. … [Read more...]
Shribman: The love of skiing is eternal
Brian — he’s in Florida. Cindy — she’s given up skiing. Bob — he’s also abandoned the sport. Jeff and Pete — away for the winter. Elizabeth — she’s converted to cross-country. Ray — he’s seldom available. Natalie — working all the time. Jason — one day was enough. Andrew — he’s in Europe. Sam — … [Read more...]
Shribman: Finding the snows of yesteryear
The 15th-century French poet Francois Villon never mounted a pair of skis, never grabbed a rope toe, never felt the exhilaration of the swoosh of a downhill schuss. He was, to be sure, for a time in jail, and sometimes he was in exile, and occasionally he actually was at his writing desk. There he … [Read more...]
Shribman: North Conway is the talk of the town
Better than Stowe, Banff and Jackson Hole. Better than Vail, Steamboat Springs and Taos. Hell, better than Jackson, Lincoln, Bartlett even Bretton Woods. North Conway. The nation’s top ski town. That’s according to USA Today, citing North Conway’s Mount Cranmore right in town, its location as a … [Read more...]
Shribman: Prepare your mind for winter’s delight
Last spring, on my final ski day of the season, I took an inventory of my ailments and how they relate to skiing: Torn meniscus, requiring the use of a knee brace. Tennis elbow, making it hard to carry my skis in my left hand. Sore right shoulder, rendering the process of lowering the chairlift bar … [Read more...]
