"The Malfettis don't just ski on Gauer Skis, they dance on them. Swooping and turning down nearly any slope as closely and gracefully as if they were on a ballroom floor." - New England Ski Journal

On a trip to Colorado in '85, Cheryl Malfetti injured her knee in the first run of the first day of their vacation. Her knee was placed in an immobilizer and she was given crutches. By the 4th day in Colorado, Cheryl was so depressed that Charles suggested they go to the ski area and observe. Cheryl then had a brainstorm. She could ski on the beginner hill if Charles would hold her up and support her on her good leg. She convinced him to try and the next day they were headed up on the lift.

Cheryl's legs were strong from aerobics and body building and Charles was able to balance her easily by supporting her under the arm and holding her hand extended in front of his body. They skied hip-to-hip for the remainder of the two weeks and continued to ski together long after the knee injury had healed. "There was a wonderful sense of togetherness and sharing," Cheryl says. "Four legs are more stable than two and when one loses their balance, the other steadies them. It's all a matter of trust. The more time you spend together, the more creative you become."

Enter Gauer

When the Malfettis met Richard Gauer on the slopes of Vernon Valley, he explained that he was working on a new piece of equipment for the snow and offered them the chance to try his 80cm Blades. For several years they worked with Mr. Gauer using his custom made, multi-directional, convex bottom skis, or "Blades."

The 80 cm Blades allowed the Malfettis a new freedom and they soon discovered they could ski facing each other in dance position. Whirling and twirling was easy and they began to feel as if they were a pair skating on snow. They started using portable tape players and ski danced to their favorite music. They introduced all their friends and family to Ski Dancing and got them all hooked on the Blades. They use subtle, physical signals instead of words and can communicate with the lightest touch. Any type of terrain will do for Ski Dancing, but well-packed, wide, intermediate slopes are the best. Unlike Freestyle or Ballet Skiing, Ski Dancing requires no special athletic ability or skills.

"People relate to us," claims Charles, "because we make it look easy and they can imagine themselves doing it. We make people happy and Ski Dancing has a great deal of media appeal. We think it has the potential of becoming an Olympic sport someday. But first we need more participants from many countries."

Ski Dancing presented an exciting challenge for the Malfettis. Their local ski area, where they skied often, became more acceptable because they had something new to practice every time they were on the snow. Even gray days were enjoyable because they were creating constantly. Skiing together demands a great deal of trust in your partner. Learning to ski backwards was scary at first, but with time, became smooth and secure. One foot balancing was precarious at first, but the Malfettis worked together to perfect each skill carefully. Then they would pass it on to others in the group.

"Eveyone agrees on one thing," claim the Malfettis, "Ski Dancing is great fun."