Jeannie Thoren, a veteran crusader for women's ski equipment, is opening the country's first ski center exclusively for women in Vail, Colorado.  Wigwam will be supplying her store with two styles of boot socks, the Snow Whisper Pro and the Snow Jeannie Pro. 
         "For the last few years we've been looking for a home base," says Thoren, who has traveled the country with her husband and business partner, Tom Haas.   “I’ve been explaining how the anatomical differences between men and women affect ski performance and how gender-specific equipment makes a difference.  Our Demos and Equipment Clinics won’t be a moving target any more,“ she adds. “Women will know where to find us and Vail is the perfect location.” 
        The Jeannie Thoren Women’s Ski Center will be located in Lionshead.  “We’ll be right near Chair 8 and the Gondola so women can easily get on the slopes and test ride our equipment,” Thoren says. "It has the quickest ‘turn-around testing time’ on the mountain." 
        As in all of Thoren’s seminars, she champions “Try Before You Buy”.  “Adding heel lifts, cants, adjusting bindings and picking the right ski and boot for a woman’s ability is my specialty. After thirty years of helping women, I know what works!” she says.  
        So do long time business associates Jim and Cheryl Armington from Buckeye Sports in Peninsula, Ohio, who have partnered with Thoren and Haas to stock the center with the latest in women’s equipment. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Jeannie & Tom in Vail” says Jim Armington, a 40-year veteran in the ski industry. “It’s a joint project dedicated to helping women get more enjoyment from the sport of skiing.” 
        “Right now,” says Thoren, “we’re concentrating on hard goods—skis, boots, poles, helmets, goggles, gloves and socks—but we may stock some clothing in the future. Our emphasis is on skis and boots and making sure women’s gear fits properly.”  
         Thoren has won numerous awards for her work to improve ski equipment for women, including the North American Snowsports Journalists’ Carson White Golden Quill Award for outstanding contributions to the advancement of snow sports. 
         Look for The Jeannie Thoren Women’s Ski Center and Wigwam socks to open December 5 in Lionshead at Vail.