MEET THE TESTERS
What can we say, it's not just about testing skis, it's about the good times, the food, the company, the experience, the laughter, the discovery of new places to ski, and sometimes it's the shared hate for the group leader... Whatever it is, testing skis is the reason why we all get together, the team is why we come back for more frigid temperatures, boiler-plate conditions and testing, testing, testing. Below you'll read about current and past testers, all of whom we owe a great-big THANK YOU for making all of this worth it. For helping us select the very best gear, for keeping us honest. For all the good tomes! We love you all! (except for kenny, of course. Like the song says: We hate him the most).

Martin W.
Our resident nut job, 40-something, average weight, 6 foot something (professional at lulling people, two-time tester, perpetual thorn in JF's side) back with us after a 3 year hiatus, Martin was a member of our very first group Gord's test in 2002. Martin is a strong not-so technical skier that is emerging, despite himself, as a smooth, finesse skier that covets terrain variation, challenge and discovery. Oh, and he's kinda funny. Never takes things too seriously. Currently skis on Salomon Scream Limited with a very nice pair of Fischer Somatec 8000 boots. His tastes in skis is all over the place and we always look forward to reading his opinion on the latest gear.

Janet J.
This girl won't take no for an answer. She wanted to come on this test so bad... And we're very glad she did! 30 something (I'll take that $20 in cash, thank you) average build, 5 foot 6-ish (new girl... lives in Ontario... used to ski with Gord) This was Janet's 1st test. Janet is an expert skier with a history of racing and following Gord around. The prototypical Ontario ski racing mom (way cooler than the cousin-species soccer mom) as ski racing moms rip it up. Janet has a nice, solid, planted technique that is anchored by many, many years of coaching & instruction. Janet rips it up on Dynastar Exclusive skis and Lange boots.

Cody McPhail
Cody's the puppy on this page. Brand spankin' new from the 2007 ski test, Cody quickly earned everyone's respect as a great guy, fun ski buddy and not a bad skier (just ask him). Almost as good as JF, Cody can sure turn a pair of skis Manitoba-racer style... And he can handle a minivan! A definite asset when trying to keep up with JF on mountain roads he's driven 200 times before. Rest assured, Cody, you have an open invitation to join us anytime.

Shawn L.
30 something (for real) fit, 5'11" to 6 foot even, martial arts and fitness guru (Cop, JF clone, great guy and unsung party animal) Shawn's been on 5 tests. Most of us are saddened as this may have been Shawn's last trip with us (life having gotten just so busy for him) Shawn writes the best test sound bites. Funny, affable, kind and earnest Shawn is super analytical and detail oriented, his skiing is very much an extension of that philosophy. The guy started out as a good skier and over the past 5 years has emerged as a solid technical skier who can rip it up with the best of them. Shawn also likes long walks in the park, romantic dinners and conversations about strength training and proper eating habits. He owns no equipment of his own.

Bob G.
The youngest guy we know that's in his late 40's... slim, fit road-bike aficionado in the off-season, Bob's our resident heart surgeon. His skiing style verges on what some have kindly described as "old-school". Easily the most extreme of the bunch in more than one way, Bob has been on every test but one. Ardent adrenaline junky, Bob comes along on these things as the pied piper of the un-groomed, the sultan of bumps, the purveyor of WOOHOO! He's a gentleman who cares. A kid at heart that would do anything for a team-member. Bob keeps it interesting. He's been described as Old-School once and he's still trying to figure that one out. Bob skis on Head skis and Salomon boots that are coming to the end of their life cycle.

Vladimir H.
Once, in the Free Press, I also described him as 6'6" and 275 pounds. Apparently I was wrong (but close). Ex-olympic kayaker, Vlad is the biggest, strongest skier I know... But he manages to ski with the finesse of someone half his size. (Construction guy, High performance skier, bon vivant and survivor of 3 ski tests) Vlad has been on all but two tests. I would never think of going on one of these things without him even though as a tester he's pretty much useless. His test card comments usually read "good" or "buy" or "yellow" the polar opposite to Shawn's novels. Funny, kind, generous guy who no-one (who takes the time to know him) can help but love. Vlad skis on boots that should have been retired in '89 and skis on his son's hand-me-down racing skis... No, wait... I think he actually owns a pair of skis of his own now.

Leanne B.
5'4" average weight, emerging advanced skier that just keeps on getting better... prototypical woman skier. (remember the Love-Boat? She's Julie... without all the promiscuity). Leanne has been the co-anchor for this thingamajig for 4 tests. The main reason no one has died yet, She calls it like it is and knows no tolerance for bullshit. Famous for uttering (in 2003) the line (to a bewildered Salomon rep pictured below)
"DID I LIKE THESE SKIS?These skis were so bad they made me want to stop mid-mountain, take them off, throw them into the woods and walk down the rest of the way" Like the ad says: Priceless. Needless to say we didn't end up buying any of THOSE Salomons that particular year. Leanne is a key member of our test team, her no BS approach with the industry is legendary and every time she graces a test with her presence, it's a good one. Leanne skis on Lange JR racing boots and skis on a variety of skis, her most favorite of all being Dynastar slalom race skis.

Jean-Francois Ravenelle
5'8 190lbs, kinda fit. Once kindly described by Nick Hirst (ex-editor of the Free Press and ex- fellow tester) as a finesse expert technical skier with surgically held-together knees, fast S.O.B. JF has been on every modern-era Gord's Ski Test. JF Did a bit of racing, coaching, professional ski testing, instructing, more racing, ski event management and ski school management. A certified and recovering ski bum, having logged in 18+ seasons of 125+ days, JF might be what some people like to call a one-dimensional skier... edges, edges, edges (something having to with being a control freak). JF skis on Lange boots that don't fit and owns 3 pairs of Dynastar skis including a pro model and a very limited edition Avant Premiere GS ski. Nutjob.

Catherine H.
Mountain-bike chick, triathelete, strong, dense, fit, 5'2" emerging advanced skier that fears no challenge, (Stellar graphic artist, Catherine is another newbie... contrary to rumors, not just along to keep JF in-line) This was Cat's 1st test. Catherine lacks only mileage in order to become one strong skier. Always looking for more speed and craving to get better, Cat has the distinction of being the only tester on record to postpone reconstructive knee surgery in order to participate in the 2006 ski test. Now THAT's commitment. Catherine skis on Lange JR racing boots and gladly skis on whatever JF hands her.

Kenny M.
6'5" telephone-pole looking individual with a constant smile. Member of Gord's Mountain Bike Club, Kenny is an intermediate skier who's on the cusp of taking the next step. (Computer whiz, newbie... Should come in handy should a basketball game break out or if we suffer some type of network outage). This was Ken's 1st test and his choices were always eye openers. An asset in his way of looking at things, Kenny brings a unique perspective to the table. One we all appreciate. Kenny skis on Nordica boots and Head women's skis.

Lloyd Yarn
What can you say about a guy who started skiing during the "great depression"? (actually Lloyd started skiing 20 years ago... when he was FIFTY!) A guy who broke his shoulder at Sutton in 2002 yet continued to ski for the 5 remaining days of the test with the aid of duct tape! Lloyd weighs more than you think he should (something about bones weighing more back in the day) and his skiing style is best described as 'unique' (Self described old fart, veteran ski tester, the senior statesman of our motley group of testers... all around great guy) This will be Lloyd's 5th test. Everyone's favorite nag, Lloyd is the cornerstone of the ski test and we love him dearly. The fact that we can ski away from him if need be comes in handy too. Lloyd skis on Nordica Boots and Dynastar Ski Cross skis. We love him!

Michelle A.
Very fit 5'6-ish runner and mountain biker, Michelle is an emerging advanced skier (All-around nut job, MTB and ski trip staple, happy go lucky girl) This will be Michelle's 2nd test. Michelle has the distinction of having flown in from Mexico (where she was attending a conference) to New-Hampshire in order to join us for the 07 ski test. Always the great sport, Michelle is a must have on any trip, as a matter of fact we actually rarely go on any vacation without her. Fortunately, Michelle's hubby is quite understanding of her 'problem' Michelle skis on Nordica boots and owns no ski that we know of.

Marie-Claude Ravenelle
MC or Iklo as her big brother JF calls her, has been skiing just 2 fewer years than JF but has, in the process, managed to keep all her hair. Marie-Claude joined the crew for the 2005 ski test until she managed to tear her ACL while trying to keep up with said brother at Owl's Head (their home mountain). There is a plan to get her to rejoin the test team next year now that her knee is close to 100%... More on that later.

Frank R .
The consummate detail-oriented guy, Frank was the first of Gord's Test-Team members. He and JF went alone for the 2000 ski test in Tremblant and Frank returned for the first group test in 2001 An engineer by profession, Frank set the bar testing-wise, analytical to a fault his patented laughter was omnipresent for the 2 years he participated in the test and his attention to detail helped define what some like to call a Gord's institution: The Gord's ski test.

Carmen R.
A one-test specimen and a current key member of Gord's Bike Club, Carmen joined us for the 2004 ski test in Quebec City when we skied Le Massif, Stoneham and Mont Ste Anne before heading North to Tremblant. Carmen was a great addition to the team, her unique "I don't know why but I love these skis" was a refreshing change. Who knows, Carmen may just join us again one day! Her favorite ski was the Dynastar Legend 4800 in a 172cm.

Mike K .
Mikey as we like to call him, was onboard for the 2005 Ski test... There's still hope we'll reel him in for a few more as he was a great asset to the test team, his unique perspective and earnest approach to the task was always appreciated. Plus Mike's a a great guy, we still ski with him now and then and he's always a blast to have along. Mike skis on Fischer RC4 Race skis... Kick ass!

Matt G .
Matt was part of the infamous 2004 ski test team, part of the crew that skied for 10 hours straight at Mont Ste Anne. Matt couldn't test himself out of a wet paper bag so now Matt just joins us yearly for the Sunshine part of our tests... where he skis on whatever. and still can't tell the difference. Ah, blissful ignorance. "The triumph of the uncluttered mind." That's our Matt.

Nick Hirst
Nick, a great tester in his own right, helped kick everything off for the 2001 ski test as he wrote about our Tests and exploits in the Winnipeg Free Press (he had an "in" since he was the editor) from 01 to 05. He found true ski love in the Dynastar Legend 8000... To this date still the high water-mark benchmark in all mountain skis. One day we'll ski together again, Nick. It's just a matter of time.

Gary S.
The irreplaceable Gary (remember Team America World Police?) Gary joined us for both the '01 and the '02 ski tests...
A hell of a great ski buddy, Gary discovered in-line skating in 2003 and then discovered running and then road cycling... and then we never saw him again... Except of course for our bi-annual eye exams. One day we'll ski with him again... or maybe not.

Jeff K.
Jeff "the man" Kachur was onboard for the 2002 and 2003 ski tests, his favorite ski ever was the Nordica W72 SLE ... Don't ask, how I remember that is beyond me. One day he'll certainly rejoin us... Right now he's on a Cancun binge... Hot weather vacations sure put a dent in ski vacations. Until then we're keeping a seat warm for him. Great guy, outstanding ski buddy.

Terry Poon.
Lloyd's nemesis, Terry is another one-test-wonder. Terry joined us for the 2003 ski test, proceeded to fall in love with a Dynastar Ski Cross 10 in a 172 and was never been seen on a test again Great guy with a tremendous smile and a kind heart. Terry's kids both ski race... Lots. Terry is always welcome to come back and not just because some of us need a haircut.

Mark T.
Mister Tooley joined us for the 2002 and 2003 editions of our Gord's Ski Test. Never quite comfortable with being part of the herd, Mark nonetheless quite liked the Dynastar Avant-Premiere #2 and as far as we know has owned two pairs in various lengths. His dry sense of humor and "come on, let's go" will always be remembered... Mark was last seen golfing a few months ago.

Artur P.
Archie (as he likes to be called) was part of the infamous 2004 test and part of the inseparable and hilarious Polish Connection Duo that also included his then-brother-in-law Tom

These guys came for the skiing and skiing they did. They skied their legs off (and Matt Goyer's legs too) at the marathon 10-hour ski day at Ste Anne. Archie was almost kicked out of the NSIA ski test for calling Atomic's Metron Skis "complete garbage" just a little too loudly for Atomic demo-team's liking.

Bob K .
Team Cardiac's original member, Bob was part of the first group for the 2001 ski test. A tremendous individual with a kind heart (pardon the pun) and a generous spirit... Bob is a recent convert to fat skis, he and his son still rip it up everywhere the can throughout the rockies. Great guy, great ski buddy.

Kathy K.
The irreplaceable and committed shit- disturber, Kathy was on the 02, 03, 04 and 05 ski tests. Always outspoken and certainly the highlight of many hot-tub moments, Kathy was a great team member and we miss her the way some of us miss that sweet, sexy little pebble in our shoe.

Melanie T.
One of our most favorite testers (and ski buddies) of all time, Melanie was with us for the coldest test of all, the 2003 ski test... where she managed to frostbite her cheeks while making everyone smile for the entire trip. A nicer person you'll never meet. Every year we hold our breath, hoping she'll join us again. Melanie fell in love with and now owns a pair of sweet Dynastar Omecarve 10's.

Gary M .
Gary (a.k.a. Guandolfo)was probably the most competent tester we've ever had. He could understand a ski the way few people can. That AND he's lots of fun to have around... A bit of a nutjob but in a good way, Gary is a veteran of the 2002 and 2003 ski tests. Gary threatens to join us every other year... He's such a tease that way. Gary can't stop himself, he owns or has owned a ski from every ski manufacturer ever.

Wes K .
Another one test wonder, Wes was present for the 03 test "the big one" as we called it (as we had a record amount of testers for that year). Wesley is always lots of fun to have around, his unique sense of humor and gorgeous blue eyes made him a crowd favorite. Unfortunately, a few years ago Wes met a girl and fell off the face of the earth. There have been sightings and there is rumor of him rejoining us... stay tuned.

Dean G .
Dean's one of our favorites, great all-around guy, helpful... Never a nicer, more stand-up guy you'll ever meet. Dean was part of the 2003 ski test and man, are we glad he came along. A great skier with a heart of gold... Slept on one two many sofas and lived to tell the tale... Now living in BC, we can't wait until the next time we get to shred with the one, the only Dean "one".

Ev Y .
Passionate, extroverted and not a bad skier at all, Ev joined us for the 2004 and 2005 tests. Always a ray of sunshine and a trooper extra-ordinaire, Ev kept us all, especially Lloyd in line. It's an understatement to say that Ev was a wealth of knowledge when it came to women's ski selection. Ev's favorite skis always started with the letters Dynastar.

Nic D.
Nic, restaurateur par excellence, was part of the first group test, The 2001 Gord's Ski Test where we skied Owl's Head, Sutton and Jay Peak. Nic's a great guy and outstanding skier for a guy his... uh... size. No better judge of how well a ski performed under pressure, Nic was a great addition and a very fun guy to have around once the lifts shut down and the wine came out.

Tom D.
The bestest for lastest: The second, much more handsome part of the "Polish Connection", Tom was with us for the 2004 test in Quebec City and managed to out-ski just about everyone. Tom has the distinction of being the last test-team member to match Bob's level of overt enthusiasm and passion for givin' er. Tom was so much fun, he's always welcome on any trip we take.