helping you be your best in ski, snowboard, stand-up paddle, surfing, scuba and tennis
We have a major winter storm on the horizon. In fact, blizzard watches and warnings are posted for much of the New England region. Survivalists will freak out and run to the grocery store to stock up on food, batteries, and other necessities. Skiers and riders will run out for a bar of wax so they can be sure to have their gear ready to go after the storm. …more
I just got back from a trip into the northern realms of Vermont for a bit of skiing. While riding the lifts and enjoying the tug of gravity on the way back down, a few things gelled in my mind that I would like to pass along for you to contemplate.
First, it seems that the ski areas in lower Vermont, meaning Killington and south, actually have a bigger base than up north. Or maybe it’s just a different kind of base. But my observations suggest that there is more skiable snow on the trails in lower Vermont.
Second, …more
Spent Monday on the slopes at Smuggler’s Notch in upper Vermont. This was my first time on this mountain, though likely not my last. The view from the top of Madonna Mountain is worth the drive. The skiing is too.
Yes, the lifts are fixed-grip doubles that take their time getting to the top. But since there were no lines at the lifts it wasn’t a nuisance or a bother. And it was a sunny, windless day in the low to mid-30s so it really was a pleasant ride back to the top. …more
It’s tough for some of us to think about skiing or riding when the temperature in Westerly is creeping near the 70ºF mark. In February. And there isn’t a speck of snow left on the ground. In fact, daffodils and a few other early bloomers are poking greenery up through the not frozen ground. Many are thinking spring is sprung and skiing and riding is done for another season. But the ospreys aren’t back just yet, and for me that’s the true marker of the start of spring.
I got to spend a couple days on the slopes in Vermont with my daughter Allison and her boyfriend Rob. We hit Killington and then Okemo. I thought I would share a few thoughts, especially for those thinking the season is over. It’s not. …more
Forty skiers and riders, including my niece Kayla, made the journey to Okemo Ski Resort in Ludlow, Vermont yesterday to enjoy the snow. Yes, it was a busy day on the mountain with President’s Day weekend in full swing. But the condition of the trails made the hustle and bustle fade rapidly. …more
I had the pleasure of spending Tuesday and Wednesday up at Stratton doing some skiing. It was the annual “Demo Days” dealer event where we get to visit ski and snowboard dealers, see what’s new for the upcoming season. i agree it is a very trying and difficult job, but someone has to do it. I don’t mind taking a shot “for the team” every once in a while. …more
Thirty-nine smart riders and skiers took the Avie’s Ski Bus north yesterday to Okemo Mountain in Ludlow, Vermont. Temperatures hovered in the mid-20s at the summit and low 30s at the base, with a mix of sun and clouds. A brief but intense snow flurry for about a half hour graced the day just to add a special touch. …more
If you haven’t had the opportunity to see Channel 10’s recent clip of “On The Slopes” then you may want to take a look. This episode features Avie’s Ted Avedesian giving some tips on staying warm and dry while playing outside in winter weather.
To take a look click the link to “On The Slopes“.
Snow is falling, sno-cats are crawling, the slopes are calling. The slow leak of adrenaline into your veins is speeding up now that the leaves and temperatures have dropped. If you are thinking about new skis for the 2017 season, then this post, and a few more coming after this, just might help you think through the question “What’s the right ski for me?” …more
Central Vermont got about a half a foot of snow Sunday night. Then things got colder and stayed colder. Especially during the night. And it snowed some more. A lot more. In fact, a real lot more. It just didn’t exactly snow everywhere in Vermont.
Killington opens for the season today, Tuesday the 25th of October. If you are a season pass holder, you can hit the slopes as soon as they drop the ropes. If not, then you get your first shot Wednesday morning. Skiing and riding are on 2 trails off the North Ridge Triple — Rime and Reason. …more