October 1999
Features
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Look No Further
Though I enjoyed the Telluride article (“True Telluride,” September 1999), I was disappointed that you didn’t have more features on resorts in that issue. I am starting to plan a ski vacation with friends for this coming winter and have been using last year’s SKI issues as a resource. I want more information on where to ski and less on this season’s new skis, boots and bindings-which all look the same as last year’s picks anyway. Meredith Chase Flagstaff, Ariz.
Ed. Note: Well then, this is the issue for you. Our Top 60 Resort Guide, which starts on page 146, provides comprehensive reviews and rankings of North America’s finest resorts as rated by our readers.
My Telluride
Having owned a house in Telluride for 12 years, I appreciated Hal Clifford’s article “True Telluride” (September 1999). But there were two points he made with which I took issue. He stated that “some architectural mistakes have been made” in the town and that “winters are long, dark and cold.” I live in the Midwest, and I take my family to Telluride for the clear, sunny skies. In addition, I find the Victorian homes and general layout of the area gorgeous. Herbert Barrows Ann Arbor, Mich.
Animal Rights
I couldn’t believe that SKI would condone the Rocky Mountain Ark Wildlife’s “lending” of animals to children in “Pet Library” (Ski Life, Mountain Summer 1999). First, it’s disconcerting that such wild animals are treated as “rentable” items and “loaned” out to children for one week at a time. In addition, kids tend to get attached to animals and such a short experience could be detrimental to them. (I would imagine any kids would throw a fit when their pet was “due back” at the pet library.) Teach children that responsibility is the real way to own and care for an animal-not to just return something when they’re done with it. You’re sending kids the wrong message. Mandy Woodson San Francisco, Calif.
Bell Ringer
Prior to a recent trip to Lake Tahoe, Calif., I decided to invest in a helmet. As an intermediate skier from the Midwest, I ski only 10 days a year and had never before considered a helmet. On my second day skiing at Sierra-at-Tahoe, I caught an edge and landed hard on the back of my head. The impact was so intense that I’m certain I would’ve been seriously injured had it not been for my new helmet. Howie Ebenhoeh Chesaning, Mich.
No Price Is Right
Every year I read your Buyer’s Guide in hopes of finding all the right gear and every year I am overwhelmed by the outrageous prices of skis. However, “What Price Is Right?” (September 1999) helped me understand the importance of MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price). Now when I purchase a pair of skis, I’ll pay attention to details, such as where and when to buy. Thanks for showing me how to save a few bucks. Todd Smith Annapolis, Md.
Our Gold Medal Shops
You listed the Ski Barn in New Jersey as one of your Gold Medal Ski Shops (January 1999), but I strongly disagree. The people there told me that regular wax tuning would damage my skis and that they no longer do standard ski tuning, only stone-grind tuning. I think they’re just trying to sell me services that I don’t need. Greg Klingenstein Tenafly, N.J.
Ed. Note: According to store management, regular ski tuning is, and always has been, offered at the Ski Barn.
Subscriptions & Gifts
For all subscription inquiries, call (800) 678-0817. New or renewal subscriptions or change of address requests (please send new and old addresses) can be sent to: SKI, Box 55533, Boulder, CO 80322. Allow 6-8 weeks for a change to process. For faster service, visit our website: www.skinet.com/ski/subscribe.
Back Copies & Reprints
For back issues contact the TMM Back Issue Dept., c/o SCI Fulfillment Center,, 1476 Massachusetts Ave., North Adams, MA 01247; or call (800) 647-9964. Requests for editorial reprints should be directed to Aimee Kauker at (303) 448-7614 or sent via e-mail to aimeeski@skinet.com. Microfilm editions are available from UMI, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Call customer service at (800) 521-0600.
Queries
We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts, nor do we assume responsibility for their return.
www.skinet.com
Freshly groomed for the 1999-00 season, SKI’s website-SkiNet.com-sports a fresh new look. ResortFinder (www.skinet.com/resortfinder) allows you to sort through SKI’s Top 60 resorts by the qualities that are most important to you (Scenery, Terrain and Challenge are a few choices). Plus, you can explore 1,000 resorts worldwide. GearFinder (www.skinet.com/gearfinder) lets you do a custom search of skis and boots reviewed in our September Buyer’s Guide. Back issues of SKI Magazine can be reviewed at our homepage (www.skinet.com/ski).