Sunday morning the S.G. arrived early at the Jackson Hole airport. The connector flight from Chicago to Boston was already canceled. That was at noon MST. Now some 20 hours later = still sitting in Chicago.

The frustrating thing is that if they flew the original flight it would have landed before any real snow even started to accumulate in Boston.

a look over at the chutes off the Thunder Chair from the top of the gondola (Cascade trail)

The S.G. and a group of friends have met in Jackson Hole, WY for a destination ski vacation.

Day 1: Skiing was tremendous! Snow fell from the heavens all day and kept filling in the tracks. Still snowing hard outside here at Jackson Hole as this is being typed.

looking down one of the steep chutes

Recently the press release attached below in this entry from Pats Peak hit the inbox. The S.G. has no problem at all promoting a good cause. This one is yet another reason to visit Pats Peak.

Factoid: So far this season the S.G. personally knows 7 people who have visited the area for the first time. I would like to think the decision was based on my strong recommendations. All of them enjoyed the experience. All of them will return as “repeat offenders” for more days on the snow.

Attention: There is a large swath of snow that should drop more than a foot of accumulations on our regions mountains!

The S.G. did not make it to the slopes this past weekend. My cousin got married. That event took up the first half of the weekend. It did not snow enough to lure me away from the Hub for the second half. Here is what I heard from the people that did make it to the slopes.

Last Weekends Reports: The prevailing conditions were hard pack, frozen granular, ice, veggies and minerals aside. Sunday featured piles of madmade snow with all the aformentioned inbetween. The weather was nice! So at least it was not a total loss.

Looking Ahead: Families who took the week and spent it north look to be in a front row seat for some phenomenal powder days.

Best bet looks like Thursday. The weekend has a lot of potential.

radar image form AccuWeather

Where will you find the best skiing this weekend?

It is all going to be very good. Certain areas will pick up snows this week. That little will go a long way, putting them a notch above. The weather has been ideal. It has been that way for a while.

Image from AccuWeather

Early last weekend we had a miss on the storm that was supposed to be the first for 2009. That meant the destination decision for a Saturday trip had to be evaluated with a few things in mind.

Thought Process: Since the snowfall earlier in the week, temperatures have been extremely cold and winds have been up. That means the best skiing and riding would be predominately around the trails that have snowmaking. Ice will be present, but there should also still be a lot of good snow to turn on out there. Just need to keep the eyes downhill and watch yourself at speed.

Anyone know the answer to this riddle?

Do you need a line? One that works at Apres Ski?

I love Freeskier Magazine for stuff like this. They are running the 2009 Lange Boot Gril Competition.

This is what Lange is after (as seen on above link). Stiff competition to model these ski boots...

Lange is looking for girls who are outgoing enough to represent the brand, ripping enough to get around any ski area, and sexy enough to keep the Lange Girl tradition strong. They're not looking for models, they're looking for ripping ski town hotties who can talk the talk and walk the walk.

last years winner = Resi Steigler

With evening plans back in the Hub, a morning/afternoon on the snow was the right move to make for the last day of skiing in 2008.

NYE there was snow in the forecast. The radar loop early on Wednesday morning confirmed what all the weather people were saying. The heaviest bands of accumulation seemed aimed for southern NH. This all added up to the perfect opportunity for a day trip.

Day Trip Rule: I like to tell people that a day trip is worthwhile if you can spend more time at the mountain than in the automobile. Accomplishing this will realistically limit drives from Boston to about 5 hours, round trip.

From the parking lot - looking at the Base Lodge (left) with the peak in the backgroud.

The company that makes the best Helmet Cam in the business is offering 30% off until the end off December.

It is called the POV.1. That is an acronym for Point of View (POV). The camera is described as waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant.

This video does more justice than I can with words. It was made by Teton Gravity Research.

I had to say something about this. Mad River Glen used the word “encapsulated” to describe the state of the mountain yesterday on their homepage. It definitely looks like things are shaping up well for them with a cold snap and the chances of more snow in the forecast.

MRG is planning to open on December 12th with some tremendous conditions, weather permitting of course. Good news is the weather should be very cooperative. Mother Nature is still on her own and waiting for the Old Man of Winter to show up in a few weeks.

This is a unique idea. The S.G. likes it…

Speaking for myself, I can certainly state that I know quite a few skiers/riders in NYC that could take advantage of this offer from Sugarbush. It seems they are always dreading the ride (which is significantly longer than that from Boston). This takes care of the excuse.

Spread the word...

I look at this picture and cannot help but wonder what PETA thinks.

Bull’s Perspective: Tired… Taking a nap. Need to rest up for Ski Season.

There most certainly are worse places. The animal is not in the path of traffic. Those cobblestones may actually have a therapeutic quality, like those wooden beads people put on their drivers seats.

Here is the look up from the slopes of Arapahoe Basin at it's 13,050 feet the peak is the highest in bounds terrain in the lower 48 states.

Last year the ski area opened an additional 900 acres in the Montezuma Bowl making it a place that is worth revisiting, if you have never been get there this season..

picture - SG

Need a quick 4-minute break form the daily grind? While snooping around a little online looking for inspiration I found this gem. This ski movie is certainly worth watching and even buying. I am not sure when this will be available to purchase, but I am keeping it on the radar, no pun intended.

Title: Swift. Silent. Deep

Low Down: This is a documentary of the legendary Jackson Hole Air Force put together by Jon Klaczkiewicz.

pic from movie website

Pre Season Activity: If you are a Comcast subscriber you need to check out A View to a Kill (Bond) which is available in HD for “Free” ~ On Demand until 11/30.

Invest the 10 minutes. The opening scene is spectacular. That should get you fired up for the season.

The release of the movie was in 1985. After my 3rd run-through it dawned on me that the snowboarding piece WAY before it’s time.

Q1: Did James Bond introduce the concept of snow surfing to the movie going public?

Q2: Is there a better ski/snowboard scene in any movie?

Stay Tuned,
S.G.

Questions

1. Where is this building?
2. Why is it important?

I put these questions and picture (below) up on the message boards a while ago…

There was a solid coating of ice on everything at any elevation in southern VT. The trees were making a ton of noise with the extra weight on them. The cool thing is the sun came out Friday afternoon and skies stayed clear the rest of the weekend.

A profile of Glebe Mountain - home of Magic, the ski and snowboard area, there is a lot more than meets the eye up there

Magic Mountain was the destination for turns on Good Friday. As you approach the mountain on Route 11 from Londonderry, VT the steep terrain is right in you face. The closer you get the bigger and steeper it looks.

Conditions were better than I had anticipated. That was a good thing. The storm I was routing for pretty much fell off the radar.

“Seeing” was a challenge. The mountains were completely socked in on Saturday and Sunday. I mean - you could not see a thing. I did not even bring out my camera for either day of skiing. Monday of course was different.

Saturday & Monday – Stowe
Sunday – Mad River Glen

S.G. Tip - the Mad River site has great weather on it...

Monday, St. Patrick’s Day, there was not a cloud in the sky.

the Stone Hut on the nose of Mount Mansfield, you can rent this place and spend a weekend up top, inquire at Stowe...

This is pretty darn cool and worth a look.

Heavenly, Lake Tahoe, CA has installed a new ride. It is a huge zip wire. Like the one kids use in backyards. It is 3000 feet long and hits speeds of 50 mph.

That is awesome!

courtesy of Heavenly, CA

This is a picture of the the Feuz Bowl side of Redemption Ridge at Kicking Horse in British Columbia in Canada.

I just got back early Monday morning from the trip and the body is still catching up. The ski area was by far one of the best I have ever been to in my life. Kicking Horse has seemingly unlimited terrain, spectacular views, impeccable customer service, extraordinary facilities, and great snow.

I will have a full report on the experience soon.

This is worth a look...

A 24-year-old skier recalls his midair thoughts as he became the first to BASE jump off Mt. Hood.

There are not very many ski mountains in New England that are still on the Guru’s “to do” list. Now there is one less. I was fortunate to hit Saddleback, ME in Rangeley last Sunday. I bagged it on a perfect ski day.

When I pulled into the region (via the jungle route from Sunday River), I could see the mountain in the distance and it was an impressive peak, covered in snow and sun. It looked steep. It looked real.

form apx. 9 miles out

Long Looks: A view of the slopes at distance is always special. Not many places I have visited in New England offer better lines of sight form the roads compared to those approaching Saddleback. The cool thing is the enormous mountain vanishes before your eyes as you approach.

It was a sunny day. It was a day that had a cold start. Not brutal, but with temperatures in the teens one had to dress warm. There was no wind. It snowed earlier in the week. Sunday River picked up around 10 inches. As I got off the Maine Turnpike the snow banks on Route 26 Friday night did not lie.

Maine had a ton of snow on the ground last weekend!

The S.G. messing around in the soft bumps on Downdraft

A quick hit of fresh POW up at Sugarbush North on Sunday afternoon 02/10/08 around 2 pm.

The clip is not steady, shot on my digital camera, which is old....

my friend Billy, out of breath (read no commentary), being the camera man.

This past weekend the S.G. targeted Jay Peak, VT as a destination. It was a long weekend—for me—having Monday off as a vacation day. Unfortunately, the celebration I was planning did not happen.

The word was that if any ski area in New England were to see a decent amount of snow from the powerful system that moved through the region last Friday it would be the Eastern capital of all things snow.

News Flash: Jay Peak is gearing up to receive 1-2 feet of powder this weekend. The storm should really get going Saturday night and rage into Sunday. Check their website for updates.

a shot of the only tram in VT on Monday in the sun

It was 8:45 am on Saturday morning. I had just gotten off my first ride up the Quad at Stowe, VT.

Having observed the trail Liftline below during the ride up it was apparent that it was going to be a Very Good Day of skiing.

The white board at the base of the high-speed quad simply read “6-8 inches” overnight.

Skiing not only looked great, but also more importantly it sounded soft. When edges are cutting through powder almost no sound can be heard. It is a great thing to take in first hand.

people were hiking up the chin on Saturday from the top of the gondola

Skiing in New England is good again! All it took was a visit to Killington this past weekend and presto the S.G. is very fired up, and looking for more snow covered surfaces to devour. .

Granted, the last couple of weeks have been a difficult stretch for many of us skiers in New England. The weather finally began to cooperate again early last week, providing both precious natural snowfall and invaluable snow making temperatures.

Killington took full advantage of the later. Last week the open trails went from somewhere in the mid 70’s on Wednesday up to a weekend high of 136. That is an impressive turn around for only a few days and nights of hard (and expensive) work.

a view of the Skyship gondola

I found this on my own looking at the website.

S.G.

Here is why I am heading to Killington, VT for MLK Weekend.

Reason #

1. 4” – 8” Friday
2. Snowmaking System = Full Throttle
3. Covered Lifts
4. 8” – 10” Saturday night (fingers crossed)
5. Football watching venues Sunday
6. Monday morning Groomies

looking down Centerpiece - 03/18/07

Breaking news: I searched You Tube for the “Ski Guru” and found this.

There are still so many things I am catching up on...

Not complaining.

So, SO Much SNOW!

New England is murdering it this ski season.

this pic from Attitash hit the inbox

It was the weekend before Christmas and I knew I had to get on the snow Saturday. Granted I had not even started shopping yet, my apartment looked like a tsunami tore through it, and I was running low on clean undergarments (especially those used for skiing). Nevertheless, I knew I had to get on the snow.

Why so necessary? Meteorologists were calling for a tremendous shot of warm water on Sunday night. If correct that would effectively end the unbelievable December skiing all mountains in New England had experienced (eerily similar to the 03/04 season). More on this coming later, stay tuned for a weather/conditions update in the near future.

My friend J.L. knocking the rust off his edges - first day of the season - soft chop to deal with under the Spear Mountain chair.

Here is a quick hit of some extra motivation for a Friday night. I hope that it will push you over the top and you get in the car and head to the slopes.

These are pictures that hit my Inbox today and they were also taken today…enjoy.

From Jay Peak, VT

more photos in the rest of entry...

It just keeps getting better. I have not even been able to process everything that happened last weekend yet and there is already talk that Berkshires and Southern VT are queued up to get new snow this Thursday and Friday.

There is also chatter that we might be in store for something enormous on Sunday. Stay tuned…

Anyway, for a Wednesday herein is a sample of what has hit the S.G. Inbox in the last 48 hours. Enjoy, should be a little bit of everything from skiing in New England and beyond.

pic of Silverton, from Ski CO

Over the past several ski seasons, I have pounded on the table telling all of you to, “Be Ready!” I have watched the radar. Read the snow reports and in-between the lines within.

The Current Assessment: New England is looking at the best ski weekend we have seen prior towards New Years in as long as I can remember (that is usually two minutes). Really, condotions are as good as they get this time of year. The new snow totals have been munificent to our mountains. Why not reap the benefits. Check out you favorite area: LINK

photo as seen on RSN.com from Ski Maine

Saw this picture and knew it belonged on the S.G. Blog.

It reminded me of a conversation I had during the Ski Expo with a resort person. They were actually complaining that the Patriots being so AWESOME would hurt the business at the ski area.

Picture as seen on Dirt Dogs, credit to: Frank Galasso Illustration

keep reading this...

After watching the weather last week it became apparent that New England was in for some exceptional skiing.

It was a fairly easy decision to head up to Sugarbush, VT on Thursday night. This year the resort moved their spring skiing operations from Mount Ellen (North) over to the Lincoln Basin (South). Besides some of the best terrain in the region the Lincoln Peak base area has a brand new lodge and hotel.

Why not take advantage of yet another powder day this ski season in April when the terrain is 100% open? It was absolutely worth taking yet another vacation day in the relentless pursuit of powder.

This is a rare occasion for New England this time of year.

Rumble on Castlerock, loaded with snow

Good does not do this past Friday justice. In fact I am not sure if there are proper words to put how exceptional the conditions that prevailed across New England actually were.

Lucky enough to get out there equals you know exactly what I am talking about.

The storm that rolled through the region towards the end of last week deposited over two feet of new snow on most of the mountains.

Complete reversal of fortune from what looked to be shaping up like the end of the ski season just a few short weeks ago when 50+ degrees and sunshine was the widespread trend.

Just like that.

A.M. finding a nice line on the top section of Goat

It was a difficult first few months for us all. However we managed to get through it and the season is NOW. Call in Sick and take a long weekend!

The skiing is absolutely fantastic up North in New England. Most resorts are operating with 100% of their terrain open.

Conditions

If you are lucky you can make your way up to Jay Peak, VT. There is more snow up there than I have seen in years. Over the last three weeks they have picked up at least 115 inches! That is what some other areas average for the entire season. Think about that...

the S.G. in powder at Jay Peak - there is still plenty left up there.

I almost feel relieved that the weekend is over. As I sit early Tuesday morning typing I can feel the skiing that was done in the muscles, joints and bones. Friday was one of the most memorable days I have ever had in New England on the snow!

Sugarbush was 100% Deep Powder Skiing.

The storm the rolled through the region did not do much but spit ice and sleet on us in Boston. BUT up North the mountains of ME, NH and VT got absolutely buried! The Burlington Free Press was reporting that the event was the 4th largest snowstorm in state history. Avalanche warnings posted all over the New England back country (some still in force) for hikers, sledders (snow mobiles) and skiers.

Mountains everywhere north are experiencing the best conditions they have had in seasons.

the S.G. on Stein's Run kicking up some fluff

Several weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit one of the premier ski destinations in the lower 48 states. Having never been there I tried to approach my visit with an open mind. Not as easy as it sounds. If you have not heard of Breckenridge and you ski or ride, I need to know where you are getting your Cool Aid.

Although there are moments when they may be at odds with one another the resort and town provide a perfect combination for destination skiers. There is so much to ski on the mountains I could have spent a week exploring. The town probably needs a month.

Unfortunately, time was not a luxury I had. Nonetheless, I made some rounds and after experiencing it first had I completely understand why Breckenridge rates so highly in the periodicals that attempt to quantify visitor satisfaction year, after year, season after season.

ripping down the Y chute - Peak 7

We are looking at some really stellah conditions for the first time in a long time here in New England. I suggest that every one of you take advantage of them. I have been typing for years now about how you must be ready and willing to make the move if skiing and riding success is what you want.

Now is the time to go, no excuses.

snowmaking in force at Mount Snow

Two Saturdays ago I was rolling with all the windows down and hating the 70 degree weather. A friend I was with planted the seed.

"Why are you not in CO? They got dumped."

Good Point.

Breckenridge: Peak 8 (12,998 feet) as seen from the peak 9 chutes

It snowed up north Monday. Maniac style! Snow = something I would have not thought possible while driving around with all the windows down and wearing shorts on Saturday. But snow it did… Even though most radar loops were all green (with some yellow bands – yikes!) there were mountains that picked up a much needed bonus of some natural flakes.

The winner = Saddleback, ME reporting 8” at 12:05 pm on 01/07/07.

from Sunday River: New Snow 1/8/07

Fed up with the weather? Well I think we all are. As long as it stays cold at night the ski areas should be able to maintain their snow making operations and—at minimum—keep conditions from deteriorating.

Enough already...

I cannot even muster the courage to stroke another key on the subject.

Here is the alternative. Every season we are bombarded with lists of the “best” ski areas for certain things across the region. Unfortunately, most of these are published with some sort of hidden agendas.

What I am going to do next is fire my own hat into the ring. Take from it what you will; these opinions have been formulated from countless days on the slopes of New England. I hope they help you in planning your next trip to a destination you may have overlooked otherwise.

A secret stash on Madonna Mountain at Smuggs

The Good News – Some colder air and the potential for natural snow in the mountains are on tap all this week as we approach NYE!

There is a storm in the works for later in the weekend (Sat night/Sun) that could be a make or break event. More to follow, but this system is pounding the Sierra Nevada mountains and on its way to the Rockies.

Date Taken: 12-20-06
Photo Credit: Winter Park Resort

You know that first guitar riff of some bad 1980’s song that always seems to get you fired up when you are in the car alone?

That is what I feel like today. The radar loops are stuffed with blue. The new snow reports are lit up with some places colleting over a foot of fresh in the past 48 hours. Honestly, it comes upon us fast here in New England and it is time to go skiing. Goosh the sounds familiar…

image form Intellicast

Boston, MA - Man arrested on top of Back Bay landmark for throwing confetti into the air. The Hancock Tower, Boston’s tallest building at 790 feet, had an unexpected visitor Wednesday evening. The person, dressed in full ski gear (most of it circa 1983 – including the boots), was safely taken into custody by officials and removed from the rooftop.

photo from Wikipedia

You are probably at work reading this. More than likely it is either Wednesday afternoon or Friday. Regardless, you are not busy. Honestly, nobody has any reason to feel guilty. It is an American holiday.

Actually no one else is even at work. Why are you?

When do you think Boston will see our first recordable snow over at Logan?

Already late, the average first snow accumulation for the city of Boston typically is on November 4th.

turkey at large - in the parking lot of Stowe, VT

Signs that skiing in New England is underway!

10. The weather person on television keeps talking about the start of the Ski Season being delayed. It is mid November, 57ºF, and raining.

9. It gets dark before you get home from work.

8. The Boston Ski Show is in town.

The Chin of Mount Mansfield - Stowe, VT

There are things you can be doing now to ensure that this season will be your best. It snowed the weekend of Halloween last year—several resorts got their lifts spinning.

Were you prepared?

these look like Ski House folk

The Ski Guru has officially called it a season. The 05/06 winter campaign brought many great memories and some fantastic skiing. A trip to Tuckerman’s Ravine could be in the cards. However—unless I win the lottery and board an airplane— the days of skiing lift serviced terrain are all but a dream. At least that is until this coming December...

people taking in the day on the deck of Bear Mountain

You can smell it in the air. The season is at the point now where you no longer need your gloves on to walk around downtown Boston. The temperatures are warming and the rivers swelling. Sugar shacks all over the North Country are in full swing. Not bad times to go skiing—Conditions are Very Good!

As we watch the numbers of open areas dwindle on Snow Country there are some that will remain in operation for many weeks to come. These are the resorts that dedicate the most time and energy to their snowmaking operations. The pay off this spring = deep bases of soft corn snow which skis best in the afternoon.

Ski Patrol having some fun with a potato cannon atop White Cap

The reasons you know that spring skiing arrived in New England.

10. You saw a Robin in your backyard

9. Gloves and scarves are no longer required items when you commute to work

8. Street cleaning has become an issue again for parking your vehicle

People visit ski areas to relax and have fun. A side benefit is the fashion show that ensues. Some dress to stay warm, others to stay dry. Rock the denim or the Gore Tex. Day Glo is completely legit. Once piece – Do It if you own one. Wearing a cape = legendary!

Have you seen the outfits the children of Burton ride nowadays? The look like a cross between the customs from the planet Hoth (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back) and Original Jams.

Big Air at the US Open, Stratton, VT

Thank God for the Winter Olympics. The coverage is saving my skiing soul right now. Here is the real deal. Conditions in New England are NOT that BAD. Places with the best snowmaking and grooming operations will have a product of superb quality. The will be levels of terrain for all abilities. You will be able to get out there and have fun.

My issue is that most of my favorite lines do not have snowmaking coverage. It is tough for me to ski around on trails and look at the places I really want to be. So close, but unattainable. The trees are slim pickings, not recommended. The steeps are icy, if open. Tough stretch, but the snow will arrive. I will be ready and am already filling up my March ski calendar in anticipation of some legendary days on the mountains.

Thinking about Powder turns.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Friday! New England is going to get some snow this weekend, the question is really how much and where? I have been posting updates to the message boards from www.bestskiweather.com check it out.

Matt Noyes is saying this (and much more) on his weather blog. You should give it a look. It is one of the best New England weather related skier resources out the in the World Wide Web.

Well folks, lets just say this has not been the best run of weather for New England skiing. The mountains are holding their own thanks to tremendous efforts by their snowmaking and grooming teams. Even after Wednesday's precipitation (some places ended up with a winter mix) the product the areas turn out this weekend will be good. Trails with snowmaking and grooming are where you want to be and you will have fun.

Personally I have 8 days under the belt this season. Unfortunately, I have zero runs in the trees and I can count the number of turns I have made in powder (nothing more than 6 inches) on both my hands. What is a Ski Guru to do?

I will tell you what. I bought a plane ticket and am heading out to Moonlight Basin in Montana for a ski lesson. Yes, even I take lessons. Not your typical type though, I will be joining Dan Egan and friends for one of the Ski Clinic's he runs. They are remarkable experiences and truly help the development of advanced skiers mentally and physically.

Full reports will follow after the trip. Oh Yeah, Moonlight Basin is brand new this year and is located on the fabled backside of Big Sky. I recommend you look into it as a destination. I guarantee that you will be hearing much more on this resort in the Magazines and what not in the season to come…
To the mail…

Hot Spots:

The Rockies have getting pounded with snow and the skiing out there is tremendous. Pretty much everything is 100% open and game to be had. People getting on airplanes for ski trips have good reason to smile. European skiing is also brilliant right now. That region of the globe has been off to an equally incredible start seeing record storms and snow events in late December.

Reputable online agencies for Ski Travel
www.ski.com
www.moguls.com

Tip - watch the weight of your ski bag, the limit is 50 pounds; I figured that out the hard way last season heading out to Tahoe. Airlines will charge you $$$ for every pound you bag is over.

Jackson Hole form RSN

Well folks it is raining and none of us can do a thing about it. The good news is all the green on the radar screens should be changing to blue in the next 24 hours. The New Year’s weekend is not lost. The resorts with the best snowmaking and grooming operations will be your best bets for early morning corduroy.

The Mail Bag

Disclaimer: There are no stupid questions.

Got to chime in quickly…snow is falling up north. Conditions are improving rapidly. Today Sunday River logged 432 consecutive hours (18 days) of snowmaking operations. Other resorts are up to the same tricks and some are benefiting from natural snow.

The best bases are built during long runs of cold weather with snow every night. It is going to be a fantastic weekend for skiing and riding.

Storm missed us south. Looks like Yawgoo Valley is picking up some fresh. Do not be fooled by the radar loops, even though you may see blue precipitation over Boston—the Cape, RI and CT are the only places seeing flakes actually hit the ground.

Intellicast

Complainers—they are everywhere around ski resorts. In fact, they seem to be around all sorts of different vacation destinations. Some people feel that as soon as they spend a buck and fasten the lift ticket to their parkas they have been given an unrestricted license to complain.

After a day on the snow nothing hits the spot like taking off the ski boots and grabbing stools at the pub with friends. It is a hardy bread who chooses to be outside all day in the middle of winter up on a mountain; work hard and play even harder. Skiers and snowboarders have never shied away from a little relaxation and liquid indulgence while they rehash the day’s falls and feats of glory.

Most people start getting themselves in the best shape of the year during the spring with an eye on bathing suit season. Not me, I dislike the heat and humidity the dog days of summer bring to New England. That time of year tends to be my least active. Fishing and golf keep me busy, but there are usually a few beverages involved. Around mid September I tend to settle into a routine with the purpose of getting this old frame ready for ski season.

Skiing is dynamic. The make up of physical and mental preparedness combine with trust in your equipment and the ability to overcome you fears (or at least use them as motivation) are what define the sport.

Jay Peak

Skiing is something to do with your friends.

Says who?

When snow blankets the mountains skiers will go to great lengths to get there. Do you need to do this with a friend? Helps for the drive, but how often have you had a conversation during a run? You are not going there to ride the lift.

Skiing with people is a joy, but skiing alone can be spiritual.

It is 11:27 AM.

VT Cows are dining on lunch