A Shameless Product Plug

If you know Dave and Becca, you know that they like to ski. If you know them, you also know that they both tend to be a little overly critical of themselves. Dave's self critiques are so bad that he admittedly likes to get a solo ski day in everynow and then so he can let out his pent up expletives. It's crazy how something you love so much can also be so frustrating at the same time.

Two weeks ago was particularly frustrating for Dave and he is glad his mother-in-law wasn't skiing with him to hear his opinion of his skills. His turns were slow and sloppy and to make matters worse it seemed that his legs wouldn't turn unless his shoulders were turning there first. If you've skied much, you know who this guy is and you know that he is not pretty. Dave's skills were bad enough that he really wondered if he would ever be happy again on the mountain.

Today was a different story. Dave actually felt like an above average skier once again. Don't take this as bragging, the X-Games last weekend provide a constant reminder that he still has a long ways to go to be 'expert'. The weather was about the same as two weeks ago, the snow conditions were about the same (unbelievable), really the only thing different was his gear. This is where we give a shameless product plug.

Dave finally buckled down and bought some new skis after six years of using the same gear. His old '00/'01 Volants served him well, but it was time for them to go. Other than marrying Becca, buying some new Volkl Gotamas this week might be the best decision Dave will make in his lifetime. What a difference new skis can make. Today was sweet joy from start to finish and it has to come down to the skis.

The Gotama is a big ski, not a pure powder ski, but much wider underfoot than what you generally see on the mountain. With the extra width underfoot you would expect great flotation in powder (which you get), but the nicest thing about them is that they are pretty snappy when making quick turns. How can you add 50% width to your skis, but somehow add quickness?

All said, these are amazing skis, great for the big mountain skier who likes to get off the groomers and explore the off piste terrain. Do yourself a favor and get yourself a pair of Volkl Gotamas.

On a side note, Becca also got some new skis recently that she loves as well. She is now the proud owner of some Line Celebrities (another big mountain/freeride ski). The fact that we love these skis so much has likely officially killed the parabolic days in our household.