The Crystal reps of yester-year

The impending launch of the 2009/10 brochures for Crystal Ski and Crystal Finest has brought an air of nostalgia here at ski buzz. Indeed, a recent clean up uncovered some old brochures, the oldest being 27 years old. Once we blew the dust from front cover of the 82/83 edition, we were, let’s say, dazzled. Very much keeping with the times, the brochures inherited many of the 80s unfavourable traits. Unlike todays, they weren’t so sophisticated in layout, subtle in the use of colours or professional/selective with their photographs (although that’s a matter of opinion). No, in fact the brochures from yester-year veered more toward being downright garish and containing quite possibly some of the corniest photos…..ever. So, as we put on our Reebok hightops and permed our hair, we thought it best not to deprive the rest of the world of these little gems.

Click on the images to see them in all their glory.

The 82/83 brochure in all it's glory

Kicking off our retro brochures is the 82/83 edition. Probably the least corny of the bunch, although that ‘tache and glasses are seriously questionable.

Cheese rating – 5/10

Be more fake!

So it begins…pink overalls and a cheesy smile against mountain backdrops – she’s on top of the world.

Cheese rating – 6/10

A strapping Crystal Ski jumper

The 85/86 edition brings you strapping blue shin-warmers(is that what they’re called?!) and a marvellous illuminous red Crystal Ski jumper – a perfect winter present for your Dad this Christmas.

Cheese rating – 6/10

"Look at those guys in the bright green tracksuit!"

…….I’m sorry, my jaw is on the floor.

What were they thinking?  I mean, ok, it’s the 80s, shellsuits were the in thing – everyone had one at some point, right? But pink combined with, yellow, light blue, more yellow, purple, dark blue, green, some more yellow, some more light blue, some more green and ORANGE boots, just does not go! Let alone a pink head band. Combine this with the bluest backdrop you’ve ever seen and you have yourself a Crystal Ski sponsored rainbow.

Cheese rating – 8/10

The name's bond...

Yep – you guessed it! Before Pierce Brosnan made it big, he was on our very own 89-90 Crystal Ski brochure. Unbeknown to us, Pierce clearly had one eye on getting a role in Die Another Day and put his ski skills to good use in this dynamic shot, complete with floopy hair and ice white teeth.

Cheese rating – 7/10

Wasn't he in that George Michael video?

Does anyone really ski with a facial expression like this? Does anyone still where Orange ski attire with a blue and purple trim?  If so, send us your pictures!

Cheese rating – 7/10

Yellow + black + pink = FAIL!

Completing our set of recovered ski brochures is the 90/91 brochure. Sporting an oversized black, yellow and pink (worst combo?) ski suit and oversized ski glasses, how could anyone from the early 90s turn down a Crystal holiday…?

Cheese rating – 6/10

But we’ve saved the best till last.

"Was that a bubble or did you just..."

Looking like something straight out a one of the 60s bond movies, or a low-budget adult film, or a Crystal Ski broch….oh wait. Yes, that’s right, that really is 6 people smiling nervously around 1 guy with a fake tan to put David Dickinson to shame, an awesome pair of tinted aviators and the biggest grin on his face. I’ll let you decide…

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