The Seven Virtues

You’re in control here. These are the things you can do to ensure you have the very best ski adventure possible. GNASA virtues are what Michael and I have learned over the years. We discuss them in this Section.

We all have habits: some good, some bad. The very best habits are often said to be inspired. The Seven Virtues, for example, are said to be exemplified by the Deity.  We have no true deities in skiing, but we have legends. We have experienced and awe-inspiring skiers, boarders, boot fitters, instructors, and guides. They’ll help us with the virtues.

The seven virtues of great ski trips are:

1. Conditioning
2. Skis
3. Boots
4. Carving (ski skill)
5. Steeps (ski skill)
6. Bumps (ski skill)
7. Powder (ski skill)

I’ll give honorable mention to:

8. Vehicle

We’ve identified the above as core virtues because, without them, you’ll never optimize a great ski adventure. You may be a great skier, but if you’re out of shape, you can’t ski the best terrain. Inversely, you may be in great shape, but if you can’t ski the bumps, you’ll lose out on many of a resort’s most challenging runs. If you try bringing race skis to a deep powder fight, you’ll likely lose. If your toenails are turning black and falling off because of poorly fitted boots, the discomfort may prevent you from enjoying your GNASA. If your vehicle can’t get you to the resort, well, you don’t get an adventure, period.

Ski skills are critical because maximizing a great ski adventure is a lot like a chance to star in a Warren Miller movie. You’re not just a star, you’re the only actor and need to play all the roles. So you’ll need to ski the steeps, bumps, and powder: and also show some nice carved turns. If you can’t play all the roles you’ll be relegated to a character actor and never be a true star. 

We’ve given honorable mention to your vehicle because without a great vehicle your ski adventure is likely doomed from the start. In a bad vehicle, any major snowstorm becomes an impenetrable wall. And you’re on the wrong side.