Continued from my previous tale of Unicorns, more on my favourite ski shop in Vermont…
After a long day of skiing or even on a lazy day off in Ludlow Vermont, I would always seem to find myself sitting in the boot room of Totem Pole. Being drawn to new skis and apparel is standard for most skiers and this ski shop definitely does not lack for eye candy. However, it’s the whole package that kept me hanging around: the shiny new toys, the good service and the even better people. Racers, instructors and weekenders know that this is the place for all your skiing needs, making T.Pole a mecca for alpine enthusiasts of all ages. A building full of fellow ski nuts can only lead to friendly banter and the conversation was never dull no matter who was in Torin’s boot fitting seat. Let’s just say, I wasn’t the only loiterer. By the end of my season in Ludlow, Torin and Ken may have wanted to show me the door, but if they did they certainly never showed it.
The Quick Lowdown
1. A father/son operation, generally awesome since 1967
2. A staple in the local community and the current Okemo Inkeepers Race Series champions
3. Product offering: Race, freestyle, free-ride and all mountain skis; ski apparel for men and women; ski and board rentals
4. Service offering: Ski boot fitting; ski & board tuning using multiple machines allowing for a fully tailored tune
It was at T. Pole that I was introduced to the concept of “man flowers”. When too many favours accumulated and I was at a loss for how to show my gratitude, I was simply told to drop off some “man flowers” for all the techs. With question marks in my eyes, I was explained that a case of beer would do. Ladies, listen closely: there is no gift that a man will enjoy more than that of a bouquet of hops-filled brews. To Torin and Kenny: thank you for all the times my skis were impeccably tuned, for helping find the perfect boots, for teaching me valuable facts about a man’s simple pleasures and for being true-blue friends.
Winter is coming,
K