Jeannie Thoren has signed on with Vail to open the Jeannie Thoren Center for Womens' Skiing at Vail in the 2009-2010 season. This is fantastic news for ski girls who will have the opportunity to visit the center. Thoren has been a leader in the ski industry, driving equipment design and fittings geared for females.
I had the opportunity this past weekend to hear Jeannie speak and to have my boots fitted by her and by the great staff at Dekdebruns Ski Shop. (More to come on my boot fitting experience in the next post.) I can tell you that after years of arguing that my boots and my skis should not be the same as men's it is so refreshing to hear the Thoren theory.
Jeannie breaks down the barriers of traditional thinking--that women's equipment is mens' gear with a pretty design, or a softer core. She looks at anatomy and physical movement to show why for many females, creating an athletic stance on your skis requires gear set up to align a woman's body properly.
Correct equipment and fit can make breakthroughs in your skiing. So if you are out at Vail this winter, schedule an appointment with Thoren and her team. Find out, while having fun, if your skiing can be improved by tailoring your gear to meet a female stance. I dare you try not to crack a smile during and after the experience. I am not sure it is possible.