Dana Allen


Ski Ability (1-3+):3+ (I AM A BIG DEAL – JUST ASK ME)
Aggressiveness (1-11):6.5
Ski Testing Experience:I’ve tested and reviewed skis for Blister Gear Review (2 winters) and Backcountry Magazine (4? Gear Tests). I started snowboarding in 1996, converted to tele skiing (gasp) in 2007, and have been solely alpine skiing since 2012ish, I think. I dunno. I forget things…
Occupation:Self-employed environmental consultant and digital mapping expert
Ski Origins:I started snowboarding on the icy groomers of Sugahloaf, Maine,  (and even taught for half a year). I spent a year in Switzerland as an exchange student and almost got kicked out of school for skipping so many days to board the Alps. I spent four years ski patrolling at Middlebury (on a snowboard), then converted to tele skiing while ski bumming in Italy ’cause splitboards weren’t really a thing yet and backcountry was. Moved to Crested Butte in 2007 and converted to tele full time until I moved back to VT in 2011 and found out that trees in VT are tighter than those in CO – and alpine turns are easier in our glades (and AT gear was WAAAY lighter than my tele stuff).
Preferred Terrain:Friggin’ tight trees, gullies, but also wide-open bowls when I can find ’em. And fresh groomers. Oh, man, love rippin’ fresh ‘roy.
Current Ski(s) of Choice:Fisher Ranger 108 Ti (186cm) has been the go-to resort ski for 4+ years now. Love the DPS Wailer 112 for touring VT trees. Romp 110s for BC, too.
Other Hobbies/Sports:Mountain biking, gravel biking, river tubing, eating fancy food, not mowing my lawn, CrossFit, putting out a vibe.
Favorite Skier:Louise Lintilhac!
Most Important Gear:Pocket Snacks (and Flylow bibs or pants ’cause they got the best pockets for snacks).
Spirit Animal:Jeff Neagle.