We all love slipping into our old one-pieces, tight ski pants, jeans and, let’s not forget neon.  But, as I got ready for Retro Ski Day at Eldora Mountain Resort yesterday, I couldn’t help but think this year might be a little confusing.  I mean all of our favorite ‘old school’ trends are coming back with a vengeance!  Onesies, check.  Jeans, check.  Tight ski pants, check. Neon shades, check.  Headbands, check.  You get my drift.  All of our favorite ski and snowboard outerwear brands are putting their special touch on the old skiing styles.  The North Face and Roxy both came out with some hot onesies this past season, and Dragon, Von Zipper and Electric have all come out with some electric neon shades and goggs.  Next year, denim is where it’s at.  Almost every brand you can think of will have a denim piece in their outerwear line.  But, in my opinion, Holden is the crew that nailed it…just you wait and see.

But, their are some styles, that will not be making their way  back any time soon…or at least I hope so!  And for those styles, Retro Days are made.  The funny thing about Retro Days at Eldora is that it was started by the Lift Ops Manager a few years back.  More than anything, it was a team bonding, inside-but-not-so inside joke for the Lift Department.  It caught on so much that it is now sponsored by the Boulder History Museum, and publicized throughout the Boulder Valley.  Channel 93.3 was live at the base of the mountain to play the likes of Jackson 5, and give prizes away for Best Costume, Best Dance Moves and some good old trivia.

Lucky for me, my friends Rio and Jodi were able to shop for our outfits. Jodi showed up at my house Friday night with a trash bag full of retro goodies…one fuschia and one green bib, one full neon wind suit, one O’Neil neon pullover, three headbands, one pair of gloves equipped with pom-poms, three fanny packs and four neon jackets…choose your adventure.  When we realized that the pink suit would just not be conducive to doing anything active while on my body, Jodi made the trade…what a friend, right?

And, I must say, Rio is somewhat of a legend when it comes to Retro Day.  From the faded jeans, to the rear entry boots, old school poles and lift-ticket covered neon jacket, Rio’s go that dialed.  His fanny pack was big enough to hold about a case of beer (or soda, pick your poison), sandwiches for the crew, and pretty much anything else you’d need. Tim and Nicole completed our Retro Crew, and with authority.  As a Colorado native, Tim did not need to shop for Retro Day, unless you count the garage.  Tim brought his old school skis, goggls, beanies and poles.  And Nicole decided to wear an old wrestling single over her base layers.  Retro skiing?  Maybe not.  But retro, yes ma’am.  She complimented the singlet with her neon windbreaker, old school white goggs and bright furry beanie.

Jodi was kind enough to bring an extra fanny pack for me to wear over the skin-tight green bib I was wearing.  And, I must tell you, I really wish fanny packs were in (although Von Zipper is making a run), because talk about convenience!  I also fell at one point on the mountain and someone landed in a belly flop.  That bib kept me dry as a bone and warm as could be…no snow down those things!  I may just bib it up next  year!

So, while I plan on starting my shopping for next year’s Retro Day tomorrow, I must say, I’m glad it’s 2009…that bib was tight!

Check out the Eldora Retro Day Gallery!

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