My ski school clients frequently ask me what they should do to get ready for their ski trip.  Additionally, I've been contracted to write an article on that exact subject:  "What Should Skiers Specifically Do to Prepare for the Season?".  I know the right answers.  I know what we're supposed to do, and how to make it positive, enthusiastic and, who knows....maybe even motivational.  But despite the knowledge I've accumulated from so many years in this ski resort lifestyle, I can't fool myself anymore.  What am I actually doing to specifically get ready for the ski season?  Here's a fairly honest account:

• 1.) Spending way too much time on Facebook (does it count if I have co-workers and ski school clients on my FB friend list, and that I put regularly post weather reports on my status?).

• 2.) Working out. Thankfully, hiking falls into this category. Quite possibly the only truly helpful preparation I'm actually doing faithfully.

• 3.) Wondering who those young punks are who are featured in "Powder" magazine. This actually qualifies as "Job Related Research".

• 4.) Getting my ski boots foamed. Okay, this only took one afternoon, but it has created an entire pre-season of angst and worry over boot fit for this year. Are they supposed to feel like that? Bonus: regretting how much time I spent in Tevas this year, and how that has allowed my feet to magically "grow".

• 5.) Checking and re-checking my bank account balance (or lack thereof).

• 6.) Eating a proper ski athlete's diet of ramen noodles and EmergenC.

• 7.) Pondering why my 8G ipod is full of songs that I don't feel like listening to-this is pertinent as it relates to other ski preparation such as workouts, prevention of bank balance related depression, avoidance of real world awareness, etc.

• 8.) Participating in speculative discussions with friends about potential snowfall amounts, ski school numbers and bank account balances. Bonus for growling at friends who gripe about the current weather and their local job/relationship/leisure activity status.

• 9.) Griping about the current weather and my local job/relationship/leisure activity status to the same friends that I just growled at.

• 10.) Procrastinating getting my winter gear organized because that would mean cleaning out the garage.

And that's pretty much what I've done so far.  But more importantly than any of these full time activities, I'm eagerly and gratefully anticipating another winter of doing what I love, where I love to do it:  skiing in Vail/Beaver Creek.  That alone will pretty much ensure that I have specifically prepared myself for this ski season.