Reliving History on the Slopes: President’s Day Weekend
President's Day is a day many of us look back in history at the great accomplishments and contributions of those who came before us. What became quite evident over this past President's Day holiday weekend is that many skiers chose to expand on the tradition of looking back by raiding gear archives. The last 30 years of skiing history was on display. Skis and boots that have been lying unused and untouched for sometimes decades were pressed into service for this observation.
As a relative newcomer to the sport, the weekend past gave me a glimpse into the not-too-distant past where skis were straight, boots were oddly angled wedges, and bindings were today's equivalent of a paperclip.
Listen: I'm all for being frugal and for reducing waste. (Ok, in truth, I'm probably not just frugal, I can be downright cheap.) When I travel, I shop around for the best rates. But I won't rent a 25 yr. old car that's been sitting unused in a garage and lacks anti-lock brakes and air bags. I won't stay in a motel with a methamphetamine lab next door. That kind of regional flavor I can do without. The few bucks I might save are quickly paid in misery, discomfort, and risk.
