Another week another meltdown, who says lightening can't strike 14 times. The skiing was pretty good until Saturday when most of the snow went away again. Bye bye BSC. Skiing this week has been ok but you have to lower your standards but for those doing the Birkie you have to keep up the search. Most of the hard training [should] be over but you want to keep your chiseled edge sharp. The icy conditions we have will test your balance and edgeing but it will make you better as well. Iola is reporting pretty good snow as is most places north of highway 8. Look at www.skinnyski.com for reports. With the Birkie two weeks out now is not the time to relax. Watch here for updates on the Stump Farm Classic next weekend.

Wed. night went really well I thunk. Pained expressions, grunts and groans tells me something is right. Next week we focus in a little as we start the countdown to Hayward. Places to ski locally are: Camp, bad in spots [trailhead] good in others. Neshota really good in sections, unskiable in others. BC golfcourse, south fairway pretty good but hard to link a loop. This icy crusty snow is tough on skis and murder on wax, I wax every other trip. The important thing is to find the snow and ski it. The way this season is going we will ski the 1st and 3rd week of Feb., March and April.

STC last week: Our cone shaped ski pole basket was made by MOON. Used by Thomas Wassberg, Sven Ake Lundbeck, myself and other beautiful skiers.

STC: What sport would require that you have your clothing tested or plumbed for air penetration.

Good luck to the Pre-Birkie folks and those going to Mora. Bring a throw hat and stay hydrated.