July 2016 - SeniorsSkiing.com

This Week In SeniorsSkiing.com (July 29)

July 28, 2016/1 Comment/in Features/by seniorsskiing

Trump and Hillary on Skis, How to Hike, Hiking With Wild Flowers, New Stein Eriksen Exhibit, Ski Club Just For Seniors.

Wildflower Festival hike at Alta
Credit: Maura Olivos

Note of explanation to SeniorsSkiing.com’s non-US readers: The U.S. is in the middle of a Presidential Campaign. Please be understanding and stifle any laughter.

A quick search shows that both major party candidates have some snow skiing experience. Donald Trump’s ex, Ivana, was a Czech racer in her youth. And Hillary Clinton was reported “skiing on a sunny day” several years ago in Park City, Utah, when daughter, Chelsea turned 19.

Whichever candidate you favor, you’ve probably experienced some heartburn. When that happens, I usually pop a few antacids and head for the trail.

Two of this week’s features are about hiking. Steve Hines’ piece, How I Choose Hikes, provides excellent advice for anyone thinking about hoisting a daypack and going for a walk. And Sue Z’s account of hiking Alta’s wildflower-carpeted Albion Basin is a treat. So are the fantastic photos by Alta’s Maura Olivos.

Harriet Wallis made it up to the Alf Engen Ski Museum in Park City for the opening of its new Stein Eriksen exhibit. Harriet has a terrific ear for anecdotes, and her article made us chuckle.

Finally, the 70+ Ski Club is the first SeniorsSkiing.com advertiser to use its sponsored content page. That page tells the story of the oldest and largest ski club of its kind. It was founded by his famed radio-broadcasting grandfather, Lloyd Lambert, a name many of you in the Northeast will remember.

Last week we promised publication of the list of Trail Masters, those of you who reported skiing your age or more last season. We’ve rescheduled publication for mid-August.

As always, thank you for following SeniorsSkiing.com, especially during these hot summer days. The interesting thing is that every week—even during the summer—your numbers are growing. It’s a reminder that there are more of us every day, and we aren’t going away!

The Alf Engen Ski Museum in Park City opened the Stein Eriksen exhibit this month.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

How I Choose Hikes

July 28, 2016/0 Comments/in Conditioning/by Steve Hines

Outdoor Expert Says Consider Your Purpose For Walking.

[Editor Note: Steve Hines will be teaching a hiking boot fitting workshop at the REI in Reading, MA., on August 10 at 6:30 pm. If you are in the area, drop by REI at 279 Salem St. and say hi.]

I like to hike. I hike for exercise, escape/“mental health” and to enjoy the companionship of friends and family. If there were no other responsibilities to take care of or if I could make my living hiking, I suppose I would hike every day. Henry David Thoreau had a humble opinion when he quipped that any hike that took less than half a day wasn’t worth it. Focusing on day hikes is my purpose here. Backpacking is a different topic. I select hikes based on a loose set of criteria.

Day hikes can stretch from a few hours (Thoreau notwithstanding) to a dawn to dusk affair. Some folks make a weekend or a vacation out of it by hiking all day and staying at a comfortable lodge or hotel each night. For me, day hikes are any where from four to 15 miles. Below are some tips and suggestions for choosing your next hike into the back country.

Exercise

I often hike for exercise. If I want a good workout, I’ll pick a trail or location I know and am familiar with distances and terrain. I’m looking for a trail that provides a good cardio workout with some interesting features like rock scrambles. Generally, these hikes are moderate to strenuous and along trails I’m familiar with.

Escape

I often like to escape my routines here in the city and find the best scenery to take my mind off civilization. I like mountain views most but also enjoy lakes, rivers and dense forest trails. Purists also like to differentiate between hiking and climbing. In that classification, hiking is along flat trails with little or no elevation gain while climbing involves elevation gain and loss to peaks over 2,000 feet above sea level. Climbers like to differentiate between technical or aided climbing and scrambling or “walk up” summits.

Companionship

I adjust my hiking destinations according to who I’m hiking with. Generally families with small children prefer flat or gently rolling terrain. I’ve certainly chosen hikes and climbs with folks who are younger and/or in better shape than I am. I try for some consensus or form groups with similar interests.

Scales The hiking guide books I use generally describe hikes on a three point scale:

Easy: Short or flat hikes of very limited duration. Good for families and those with small children.

Moderate: Longer hikes with some elevation gain. Usually longer and requires some level of fitness.

Strenuous: Long hikes requiring at least a day’s time. They often have serious elevation gain and loss. Strenuous hikes/climbs provide wonderful views from summits and “height of land”.

Tips
Motivation	Easy	Moderate	Strenuous
Escape	A walk in the woods can clear your mind. Take the same hike in all four seasons	Scenery often gets nicer as you gain elevation	Rest often and take photos. High peaks offer great views
Exercise	Start slow and move through the levels	Hills and mountains build your quads (great for pre-ski season)	Gives a better cardio workout
Companionship	Stay easy when children are along	Appeals to a wider range of your friends	Invite only the fittest in your circle

Wildflowers Galore! A Hike in Alta’s Albion Basin

July 27, 2016/0 Comments/in West/by seniorsskiing

Perfect Day’s Outing For Fit Seniors.

Alta’s Vail Ridge.
Credit: Maura Olivos

[Editor Note: This article was contributed to SeniorsSkiing.com by Sue Z. Sue Z., born in Brooklyn, is now a senior skier who likes to spend her time at Alta. When she is not skiing or hiking with her husband, David, she paints in acrylics, plays the piano, and plays the drums. She and David have two sons, one in technology, living in Austin, the other a stand-up comic, living in Brooklyn.]

Alta’s Albion Basin area has terrific skiing for families in winter. In the summer, it becomes a beautiful high altitude destination for seniors who like to hike through meadows covered in wildflowers. They (flowers, not seniors) start blooming in mid-June and reach their peak at the end of July, when the Wasatch Wildflower Festival offers guided tours.

For dedicated Alta skiers like my husband and me, summer hiking reveals what’s has been hidden by snow during the season. This past season Alta accumulated 438.5 inches before closing on April 24. All the slopes and trails we enjoy during winter are now a riot of yellows, purples, reds, and whites.

Wildflower Festival hike at Alta
Credit: Maura Olivos

What was hidden? We could see big boulders, entire trees, and lots of logs. At the beginning of the hike, starting at the Albion Lodge and Grill, we saw the parked fleet of groomers. We then realized that the popular location for the resort’s photographer on the novice run is actually atop a large rock. A nearby outcropping is a young skiers’ jump. Further up the trail, around a corner, you might see a moose. Most wildlife are ground squirrels which scurry across your path. We discovered that Sugarloaf mountain, with so many trails, slopes and bowls, is mostly rock.

Although the Upper Albion Meadows trail is labeled moderate, we think it’s an easy hike for seniors. We bring our trekking poles, hats, long pants, suntan lotion, water, and sliced oranges. We chuckle when we encounter families with young children, hiking in sneakers, t-shirts, shorts, and the occasional flip-flops. It begins at the Albion Grill and leads to the Albion Basin campground and Cecret Lake Trailhead. The total distance is 1.5 miles one way, with an elevation gain of 1,100 ft. We traveled about a mile on the trail to Alf’s Restaurant and returned from there. There are several shaded areas at the beginning of the trail, and the surface is mostly dirt and small rocks. My husband and I have a favorite shaded rock to enjoy our oranges.

Campground Trail’s wild flowers.
Credit: Maura Olivos

Paul Paris, our ski friend, leads wildflower tours. He comments: “It is truly hard to describe the awe-inspiring beauty standing waist deep in flowers in the Albion Basin. No matter one’s age, a visit to the Basin during the peak of wildflower season is close to a spiritual experience.”

Ah, the colors! Alta in summer.
Credit: Maura Olivos

Alta’s Supreme Top in summer dress.
Credit: Maura Olivos

Stein Eriksen: Secret Tales Of His Life

July 27, 2016/1 Comment/in Ski Heroes/by Harriet Wallis

The Ski Industry Remembers His Humor And Tenderness.

Iconic Stein Eriksen was famous for his stylish and graceful ski turns. Generation of skiers tried to mimic him. “Stein made the turns we all wish we could make,” said Tom Kelly, vice president of communications for the United States Ski and Snowboard Association. “Everyone who met him came away with a life-long experience.” He passed away in December, 2015.

The Alf Engen Ski Museum in Park City opened the Stein Eriksen exhibit this month.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

Stein was honored by ski industry leaders on Wednesday at the unveiling of the Stein Eriksen exhibit at the Alf Engen Ski Museum in Park City, Utah. And they told secret tales of his life.

Stein was dedicated to his family and to the community, said Bob Wheaton, president and CEO of Deer Valley Resort. “If you needed a hand, Stein was right there.” And he had a whacky sense of humor.

We were at a party that was a bit stale, Wheaton said. Stein went to the food table, scooped up a dollop of whipped cream and put it on his nose. Then he went around the room meeting people – with the glop of white on his nose.

Wheaton recalls more of Stein’s humor. He would often introduce himself saying, “Hi. I’m Stein. It’s so nice for You to meet Me!”

Russ Olsen, CEO of the five-star Stein Eriksen Lodge, recalled Stein. “I skied with Stein once. Actually, I rode up the lift with him.” We got off the lift, he took off, and I never saw him again the whole day. He could ski anything at 90 miles per hour, without a hat, and when it was 40 below.

And he really could ski anything. With his athleticism to spun and flip, he became a father of freestyle skiing.

Stein’s skis and and racing bibs from the 1954 Olympics are on exhibit.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

Stein enjoyed the meeting the guests at the Stein Eriksen Lodge, which was also his home. He would go from table to table in the dining room and personally welcome the guests. He loved doing that. Solemnly, near the end of his life, Stein had hopes of returning to the Lodge and told Olsen to let guests know he would be back.

The exhibit includes a video of Stein skiing and his skis and bibs from the 1954 Winter Olympics where he earned three medals. His trophies and medals are on exhibit in the lobby of the Stein Eriksen Lodge.

………………………………..

About the Alf Engen Ski Museum. It’s an interactive museum where you can take a selfie in a bobsled, try your luck in a slalom race game, learn about snow and avalanches, see ancient skis and glimpse ski pioneers. The museum is free, and there are free self guided tours of the Olympic Park.

The Olympic Park was the 2002 Winter Olympics venue for ski jumping and it continues as a premier training facility. During the summer there are youth camps and you can watch kids learn the sport. They soar off the actual Olympic jumps and land in a pool of bubbling water to soften the impact.

In addition, for a fee, there are freestyle shows, bobsled rides, extreme summer tubing, an alpine slide, a zip line, and a ropes and adventure course and so much more.

The Olympic Park and the Alf Engen Ski Museum are “must sees” when you’re in Park City.

Stein was a graceful athlete throughout his life and the father of Freestyle Skiing.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

70+ Ski Club Is New SeniorsSkiing.com Advertiser

July 27, 2016/3 Comments/in Features/by Sponsored Content

SeniorsSkiing.com Is A Perfect Match For This Senior’s Ski Club.

Club leader Richard Lambert personally leads senior ski trips around the globe.
Credit: 70PlusSkiClub

The 70+ Ski Club is known to be the oldest and largest ski club of its kind. Lloyd Lambert, a popular upstate New York ski reporter and broadcaster, founded the club in 1977 when he saw many seniors giving up the sport. He led the effort to get free senior skiing and remained a tireless advocate for senior skiers until his death at age 96. Today, his grandson Richard continues the legacy of encouraging skiers to keep skiing for as long as possible and in as many places as possible. While you need to be 70 years old and an active skier/boarder to be an official member, younger skiers/boarders can and do join club trips. This is because many members ski with younger friends.

Many people join because they want to meet new people their own age to ski with. Richard says there is an amazing amount of camaraderie in the group which includes both singles and couples. The club has even resulted in some marriages, including a recent wedding of a two members who met on a summer ski trip to Argentina. Richard describes most of the group as solid intermediate skiers, but that there is a wide range of abilities. People who think they might quit skiing soon, quickly rethink that after seeing the energy in this extraordinary group which boasts over 3,000 members nationwide and over 150 in their 90’s.

Richard, who leads most of the trips, is known for his attention to detail and effort to make sure everyone has a good time. A longtime member from Pennsylvania expressed a sentiment shared by many members. He says he has been blessed to take many ski trips with numerous clubs that have run the gamut from “great” to “lousy” largely attributable to the organization and management. Relative to all those he says the 70+ has earned the status of nonpareil! For 2017 the club will offer many trips and events at several ski resorts in the US & Canada. Check out the website here: www.70plusskiclub.org.

[Sponsored Content by 70Plus Ski Club]

This Week In SeniorsSkiing.com (July 22)

July 21, 2016/0 Comments/in Features/by seniorsskiing

Industry Leader Interview, Artificial Snow Trending, Cycling In The OC.

Ride down to the ocean after you ride up from the beach.
Credit: Pat McCloskey

Summer is at its height, and it’s really hot in North America. Our readers continue to do their summer activities on the water, trails and roads; thanks for letting us know how you’re doing. We are officially noting that the start of Autumn is nine weeks away.

This week, we start our new Snow Sport Leader interview series with a Q&A with Earl Saline, the director of educational programming for the National Ski Area Association. He offers his views on the issues facing the resort industry, where senior snow sports enthusiasts fit in the picture, and his own career in the snow business. We’ll be following other industry leaders throughout the season. Stay tuned.

Construction for Buck Hill’s summer snow hill should be starting about now. (July 2016)
Credit: Buck Hill

We also read with growing interest about yet another artificial ski hill experiment. Well, its more than an experiment. Buck Hill, MN, is installing a slick surface that reportedly imitates the gliding of snow on its hill this summer. Curious that we are seeing a number of these attempts to extend the season growing in number this year.

Finally, we hear from Pat McCloskey and his Cycling Series report from the Orange County coast. He tells of the Laguna Wilderness where you can engage miles of trails in the coastal range overlooking the sea. Very cool. Thanks, Pat for your cycling reports. Anyone else have a fav place to spin?

Next week, we have a very special event. We will be announcing our list of Trail Masters, those SeniorsSkiing.com readers who report they have skied their age in the 2015-16 season. Skiing your age means you’ve been out on the slopes (or trails) a number of days that equals or exceeds your age. It’s an impressive list, and we have some great ideas for our Trail Masters.

Once again, thanks for reading SeniorsSkiing.com. There are more of us every day, and we aren’t going away!

Artificial Snow Doesn’t Melt

July 21, 2016/2 Comments/in Midwest/by mikemaginn

Summer Skiing At Buckhill, MN, Is About To Happen.

Construction for Buck Hill’s summer snow hill should be starting about now. (July 2016)
Credit: Buck Hill

We’ve seen how ventures into summer and indoor skiing have become a growing trend in the ski industry. From a business angle, it makes sense: extend the season, create activity at the ski facility, keep lessons going and get people involved. It may also make sense from a climate change angle. If the winters and snowfall in different regions remain as variable as they have in recent years, then thinking of changing the sport’s paradigm from real to artificial snow. Perhaps this is the future of skiing.

Buck Hill, MN, is installing artificial snow hills this summer to extend the season and provide visitors an opportunity to ski 365 days a year. The surface is made by Neveplast, an Italian company that has created a sliding surface it says is the same as snow without the need for cold or water. Here’s a video of Buck Hill’s testing the surface.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuFDsui4D_o

Looks interesting. Have you tried this? Would you? Is this the direction skiing is going? Has to go?

Snow Sports Leaders: Earl Saline, National Ski Areas Association (NSAA)

July 20, 2016/0 Comments/in Other News, Snow Sports Leaders/by Jon Weisberg

Editor’s Note: With this article, SeniorsSkiing.com begins a project of publishing interviews with snow sports leaders. We want our readers to learn more about the people who are influential in snow sports development and their views of the role of older participants in skiing, boarding and snow shoeing.

Earl Saline, Director of Education Programming for the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA)

Earl Saline, Director of Education Programming for the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), has spent most of his 47 years on snow and around the snow industry. At NSAA he develops education programming for ski areas and their employees, including safety campaigns directed at patrons. Earl has taught at ski areas in the US and in New Zealand, at times managing ski schools with 700+ instructors. Before joining NSAA, he was Education Manager for the Professional Ski Instructors – American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) where he oversaw education and credentialing for 32,000+ members.

How did your early career lead to your NSAA position?

For years, I’ve worked with instructors and trainers across the US teaching skiing and boarding. My wife and I even went to New Zealand where I taught, trained, and examined snowboard instructors. In 2009 I took a position with PSIA-AASI focusing on education and credentialing programs. Ski area management was an important stakeholder in these programs, which led me to NSAA in 2014.

What issues face the ski area members of NSAA?

The big one is attracting and retaining customers. This involves three critical phases, which we identify as “trial,” “conversion,” and “retention.” Areas work hard to bring new skiers and riders to the sport and to their facilities. If they like the experience, they’re more likely to return, improving their skills and enjoying the sport. That’s the conversion phase. As they identify as skiers and riders, our hope is that they return year after year. We define that as ‘retention.’ Ideally, these converted skiers and riders then share their newfound passion with friends and family.

Our member areas compete year-round with their guests’ work and family obligations and with other recreational and non-recreational pursuits. Many activities don’t require the same time commitment as being on the hill. That’s why we work with areas to keep skiing top of mind when people think about where and how they want to spend their winter.

What is your/NSAA’s thinking about the role of the 50+ snow sports enthusiast in the overall skier population?

Research shows that the majority of new participants are introduced to skiing and riding through family and friends. Grandparents have tremendous influence on getting the rest of their family into skiing, especially when they own property at or near a resort. Many areas are embracing 50+ skiers because they may influence their peers, sometimes bringing new people to the sport. Areas like Crystal Mountain, Michigan are leading the charge with programs specifically aimed at experienced and at new 50+ skiers.

Please comment on other macro-issues impacting the industry.

Time poverty is one of the greatest issues facing increased participation. Many Americans lead busy lives, even after retirement. Family and other activities compete for attention, time, and financial resources.

Reliable snow is another. Areas have invested heavily in snowmaking. Snowmaking technology helped Eastern areas survive last season.

Areas also are investing in the beginners’ experience. Snow-shaping in beginner areas and equipment designed specifically for beginners is making it easier to learn to ski and ride. And new lifts make the beginner’s experience more enjoyable. Last season, areas in the East, put extra effort into keeping beginner areas open. This was critical to get newcomers into the “trial” phase and increasing their likelihood of conversion.

Qualified, trained instruction is crucial for first timers and for more experienced skiers wanting to stay fresh on snow.

These and other advances and improvements make skiing and riding accessible and better than ever. They are among the most enjoyable ways to spend wintertime with family and friends.

Cycling Series: The Laguna Wilderness

July 20, 2016/1 Comment/in West/by Pat McCloskey

Miles Of Mountain Trails On The OC Coast.

Ride down to the ocean after you ride up from the beach.
Credit: Pat McCloskey

My wife Janet was a flight attendant for US Air for many years, and she always referred to some crew members as “slam clickers.” They go to their hotel, slam the door and click the lock and don’t go out to visit any of the local sights. Too bad, especially since there is so much to see in this country; especially when you have an opportunity to get out there on company business. Every time I travel out West, I am taking my skis or my mountain bike and getting some enjoyment while I am there for business. I am not a slam clicker by any stretch of the imagination, even now in my “senior” years.

And, oh, there are mountain lions. Keep your eyes open.
Credit: Pat McCloskey

One of my favorite places to go is Laguna Beach, California. Not many people realize that Laguna is a fantastic place to ride a mountain bike up in the Laguna Wilderness trails above the town. There are several options, but the easiest access is via Crystal Cove State Park right on the Pacific Coast Highway. Parking there is spacious and for $13—basically a donation to the upkeep of the park—you can have access to wonderful trails with extensive and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Be prepared for climbing right out of the gate because the coastal mountains rise sharply from sea level. But once you are at the top, there are many options for trails that traverse the Laguna Wilderness and also downhill back to the State Park or Laguna Beach proper. A couple of things to note: if there has been significant rain, the State Park system will shut down the trails because of the fragile ecosystem. Once you ride there, you will see why—the sandy soil which is subject to major erosion.

If you need assistance with bike rental or accessories, trail maps, etc. there is one stop you must make The Laguna Beach Cyclery on Thalia Street. This shop is not only a high-end bike shop with every bit of eye candy you could ever imagine in road and mountain bikes, but the shop owner and personnel are knowledgeable and willing to help with all requests. You can access the trails from their shop by climbing Thalia Street to Temple Hills Drive and on to Park Avenue to the “Top of the World” entrance to the park system. Because the Laguna Wilderness is so extensive, there are many options for riding that are available and easily viewed on the park map available at the State Park office or at the bike shop. One good thing for senior riders is that there are many bail out points to return to town via neighborhood roads.

Once your ride is over, do not miss the Stand Natural Food restaurant right next to the bike shop. This place is amazing with fresh guacamole, fresh vegan sandwiches and homemade breads, with huge smoothies and other natural delights. A great way to refuel after a beautiful ride on the California coast.

Trail Access: Pacific Coast Highway entrance to Crystal Cove State Park. Camping available via www.ocparks.com or many bed and breakfast options in Laguna Beach.

Rentals and Service: Check Laguna Beach Cyclery and ask for Christian who will set you up with whatever you need. The Laguna Wilderness Map is a must purchase or www.mtbproject.com

Apres-Cycle: Stand Natural Food and many other boutique restaurants and bars all along the PCH running through the middle of Laguna Beach.

Here’s the trail head and entrance into the Laguna Wilderness.

Editor Note: As of July, 2016, the Laguna Wilderness is closed for fire recovery. Check before you go.

This Week In SeniorsSkiing.com (July 15)

July 14, 2016/0 Comments/in Features/by seniorsskiing

Breaking News, Weather Prediction, Super Video, Road Trip.

Credit: NOAA/NWS

Breaking News: The terminal foundation at the top of Sunday River’s Spruce Peak chairlift has collapsed, leaving the bull wheel, cable and chairs in disarray. This disturbing incident is being investigated by state officials and Sunday River engineers. At presstime, the cause is a mystery as is the future of this ski lift.

In more pleasant news, the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center is releasing information about La Nina conditions in the central and eastern Pacific ocean. We know what El Nino did to snow in the East and West last season. Find out what is predicted for next year when La Nina’s impact hits North America.

Heli-Skiing in the Canadian Rockies: A peak skiiing experience.
Credit: CMH

We couldn’t resist posting a really spectacular video from CMH Heli Skiing, a scion of Han Gmoser’s original heli-skiing business. The views of carving through powder in the high Canadian Rockies are worth a look, especially in these hazy, hot, humid summer days.

Finally, co-publisher Jon Weisberg relates an exciting road trip to the so-called Four Corners area in southwestern Utah. Indian runes, landscape and history are all part of the experience.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be announcing the names of SeniorsSkiing.com’s Trail Masters. These are the readers who responded to our Spring Subscriber Survey 2016 and who have skied more days than their age. It’s quite a list, and we are very proud of their achievement.

Thanks for reading SeniorsSkiing.com. If you haven’t taken advantage of our SeniorsSkiing.com Promotive discount for top-brand gear and clothing, please check it out. You guys wanted deals, and we got them for you.

And remember, there are more of us every day, and we aren’t going away.

Sunday River Lift Foundation Detaches From Ground

July 14, 2016/3 Comments/in East/by mikemaginn

Mysterious Accident Luckily Happened In Mid-Summer.

Spruce Peak’s bull wheel was pulled downhill by the weight of the cable and chairs after the foundation gave way.
Credit: WCSH

The top terminal of a triple-chair lift at Sunday River, ME, has pulled out of the ground, collapsing the lift. The foundation failure was discovered by a maintenance worker during a routine evening inspection on July 10.

The detachment caused the top terminal to be pulled downhill which released tension on the cable, causing the cable and chairs to be lowered to the ground, according to a statement by Sunday River. There were no injuries.

Officials are puzzled as to what caused the collapse of the Spruce Peak lift which was installed in 1986. Sunday River management is awaiting the results of an investigation to decide whether to replace the lift.

For the WCSH news story, click here.

Winter Wx Forecast: La Nina In Charge

July 13, 2016/0 Comments/in Features/by mikemaginn

What Will This Winter’s La Nina Bring To Snow Country?

In a La Nina year, the polar jet stream typically gets bent south, bringing cold air to southern Canada/northern US.
Credit: NOAA/NWS

El Nino, the inflow of warm water in the east/central tropical Pacific, has faded away. The El Nino event which started in March 2015 and lasted until early 2016 was one of the warmest in the past 30 years. You know the result: Lots of snow in the West, not so much in the East.

This year, the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center is reporting those warm waters off Peru have cooled off. In fact, the June surface water temperature is even cooler than they were in May this year. So, in El Nino’s place comes La Nina. She can cause as much mischief with the weather as her brother.

Briefly, La Nina causes the polar jet stream to move southward, bringing colder temperatures than normal to the northern US and most of Canada. On the other hand, temps are typically warmer in the Southwest and southern plains. As for precipitation, La Nina usually brings wet weather to the upper US and Canada and drier weather in a band that goes across the southern half of the US.

Ergo, cold temperatures plus wet weather equal more potential snow in the northern band (including New England, Hallelujah!) and not so much in the southern half.

Remember, this is a prediction and not a forecast. Don’t book your vacation plans yet.

Stay tuned, we will be watching winter predictions as they develop.

Skiing Eye Candy For Hot Summer Days

July 12, 2016/0 Comments/in International/by mikemaginn

Yes, It’s An Ad, But—Wow—Some Awesome Videography.

Okay, okay, this is a video ad for CMH Heli Skiing, but it’ll do for a bit of a visual fix for these mid summer days. (BTW, we weren’t paid to show you this.)

Back in the early 70s, we wrote some captions for high-quality pictures sent into SKIING magazine by Hans Gmoser, the pioneer of heli-skiing in the Canadian Rockies. We remember those black and white pictures were almost abstracts with spare shapes and ski trails traced on white snow fields. Heli-skiing was pretty simple then: Go to Banff, get on helicopter, go to back country, ski, repeat.

Now, the CMH Heli Skiing organization has morphed into a travel-adventure-year round, experience vacation with lodges and even, gulp, summer activities. Well, done, Hans.

In any case, the video clip gives you a flavor of what heli skiing is all about. And a cooling waft of air from the Canadian Rockies for these triple-H summer days.

Heli-Skiing in the Canadian Rockies: A peak skiiing experience.
Credit: CMH

The Perfect Southwest Road Trip for Fit Seniors

July 11, 2016/0 Comments/in Features, West/by Jon Weisberg

Ten Days of Ancient Cliff Dwellings and Thousand Year Rock Art.

It’s the 100th Anniversary of the National Parks Service, so my wife and I invited a friend to join us on a ten-day road trip to the Four Corners where Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico meet. We spent two nights each in Mesa Verde National Park, Canyon de Chelly, Bluff, Utah, and then headed north to Capitol Reef National Park. Each place is rich in ancient cliff dwellings and thousand year old rock art.

The trip combined scenery, culture, nice lodging, and, at times, unusual shopping experiences. It’s an ideal journey for seniors who are fit and who don’t expect super luxe or expensive hotels. The longest leg was the six hour drive from Salt Lake City to Mesa Verde, but the views and a few interesting stops along the way made it go by quickly.

Read the entire account in The Huffington Post.

This Week In SeniorsSkiing.com (July 8)

July 7, 2016/0 Comments/in Features/by seniorsskiing

Murder Mystery, Departure Of A Legend, Cycling With A Legend, Kayaking The Legendary Maine Island Trail.

Sven Wiik, cross-country pioneer, passed away this week at 95.

Hope you had a pleasant and safe Independence Day in the US, and a “nice” Canada Day, too. This short week has us exploring some summer themes and remembering a departed skiing hero.

First, we’ve just discovered an old-fashioned murder mystery by Wendy Clinch, our friend The Ski Diva. Double Black is all about murder in ski country, quirky characters and page-turning cliff-hangers. What more could you ask for in summer reading?

We also pay respects to Sven Wiik, a legendary cross-country skiing pioneer who as one of the early promoters of the sport in North America. He passed away this week in Steamboat Springs, CO, where his Scandinavian Lodge was a long-time presence on the mountain. He was 95.

Tamsin Venn, the publisher of The Atlantic Coast Kayaker, offers a snapshot of the Maine Island Trail, a pathway through the off-shore and coastal islands that threads its way from Casco Bay to Eastport. If you have any interest at all in kayaking, it is worth checking out.

The coast of Maine has hundreds of beautiful islands that can be visited by kayak. MITA can tell you where and how to do it.
Credit: Tamsin Venn

Finally, our Cycling Series continues with report from Pat McCloskey about riding with Scot Nicol, the founder of Ibis bikes and an early mountain bike pioneer. We know many of our readers spend time on bikes over the summer. Pat has been wonderful about pointing out some interesting rides around the country. Stay tuned for more.

Promotive Discounts Are Still Available

Our recent poll (in the right side bar, scroll down if you can’t see it) asks about our Promotive discount. We are surprised to see that only about 25 percent of our readers have taken advantage of this free discount opportunity. When you subscribed to Seniorsskiing.com, you should have received some information about signing up. You get access to big discounts from top-brands, gear and clothing. Probably the easiest way to get Promotive instructions is to, gulp, unsubscribe and then sign up again. You will get information about registering on Promotive with your confirmation email. It’s free, folks. Try that and see what happens.

Thanks so much for your continued interest in SeniorsSkiing.com. Remember, there are more of us every day, and we aren’t going away.

Skiing In Literature: The Ski Diva’s Double Black

July 7, 2016/0 Comments/in Features/by mikemaginn

Perfect Summer Book: A Mystery With Vermont Skiing, A Cheating Fiance, A Spunky Ski Bum From Boston, Dead Bodies, Love Affairs and Gemutlichkeit.

When and if you take a break from hiking, cycling, kayaking and all the other activities our frisky senior readership engages in over the summer, you will can look forward to delicious flights of fancy with a Ski Diva mystery. Yes, our friend The Ski Diva (aka Wendy Clinch) has written a pot boiler involving murder and mayhem in snow country Vermont. Actually, Double Black was published in 2013, and we’re just catching up with it.

A full review will follow, but meanwhile, if you’re growing tired of reading Ron Chernow’s Hamilton, or the second volume of Proust, time to lighten up with a good, old fashioned murder mystery set among the ski trails of New England. Comfort reading for senior snow sport enthusiasts!

Order on Amazon, download and you can imagine you’re back in February, making some nice tight turns down Chin Clip or Nose Dive, chasing murders.

Woo-hoo!

Cross-Country Legend Sven Wiik, 95

July 7, 2016/0 Comments/in Ski Heroes/by mikemaginn

Olympic Ski Coach, X-C Pioneer, Hotel Owner Was A Major Contributor To Growth Of The Sport.

Sven Wiik, a Swedish native who helped promote cross-country skiing in North America through coaching and promoting the sport, has died at 95 in Steamboat Springs, CO. Wiik is known as a pioneer in the sport, creating the design for the American Birkebeiner trail in 1973, boosting a tremendous growth spurt for Nordic skiing. The American Birkebeiner Race attracts over 10,000 racers every year.

For more in Wiik’s life and achievements, please click here.

Cycling Series: Riding With A Mountain Biking Legend

July 5, 2016/2 Comments/in Features/by Pat McCloskey

Scot Nicol, A Founder Of Mountain Biking, Is A Heck Of A Rider In His 60s.

Scot Nicols keeps "just keeps riding", a great lesson for seniors. Credit: Pat McCloskey

Scot Nicol “just keeps riding”, a great lesson for seniors.
Credit: Pat McCloskey

Dirt Fest is an annual event that is presented by Dirt Rag Magazine and always takes place in May at Raystown Lake, Pa. The nationally known Alligrippis Trails are there, and it is an opportunity for 5,000-plus people to attend, ride the trails, and intermingle with industry types who set up shop with demo equipment. One of the exhibitors is Ibis Bicycles of Santa Cruz, California headed up by their founder Scot Nicol. Scot is an icon in the world of mountain biking and at 61 years old, one heck of a good rider. One of the stops on their way from Santa Cruz is always in Pittsburgh, Pa to North Park which is a county park north of the city that has 42 miles of very enjoyable trails. An added attraction is the OTB Café which is situated in the boat house on North Park Lake. A great meeting place with great food and fellowship with the active set. The scene was set for an enjoyable stop and demo on the way to Dirt Fest by the Ibis crew.

Fast forward to the ride. It was quite a vision to see the trails filled with about 30 riders on Ibis Ripleys, MojoHD3, and other new versions of dual suspension and hard tail design. The local trails did not disappoint, and the riders eventually split into separate groups but riding with Scot was a priority for me since we were both senior riders of the same age. Interestingly, we were the elder statesmen of the ride by a good 20-plus years, but, as an industry icon and a guy who takes his fitness seriously, Scot has the ability to ride a great line on trails with which he is not familiar. The younger set were amazed as Scot and his California crew rode at the front of the group. As we descended the final trail, I was at my limit with a fast and furious pace driven by a guy who is a very talented senior rider.

Now most people our age would consider flying over the rocks and the roots of Eastern single-track impossible. Many of them would even scoff at why we would even be interested in “punishing” ourselves rather than kicking back and enjoying our older years. When I discussed this on the road back with Scot, he looked at me with that California cool and said, “Just keep riding and don’t even think about it.” Validation for me for what I think is a healthy lifestyle that I would like to continue for a long time.

Every year you have benchmarks where you can compare and test yourself. Skiing the chutes and the black and double black diamonds are always a benchmark test for me and other senior skiers. Riding with Scot Nicol and the younger set of our mountain bike group is always another benchmark test. “Just keep riding.” So true for all of us in so many ways.

Dirt Fest Riders on the Alligrippis Trails in Raystown Lake, PA. Dirt Fest is an annual event sponsored by Dirt Rag magazine. Credit: Pat McCloskey

Bike Riders in North Park, PA, a warren of 42 miles of trails just north of Pittsburgh.
Credit: Pat McCloskey

Maine Island Trail: Kayaking Paradise For Seniors

July 5, 2016/0 Comments/in Features/by Tamsin Venn

For Seniors New To Sea Kayaking, Join The Maine Island Trail Association.

The coast of Maine has hundreds of beautiful islands that can be visited by kayak. MITA can tell you where and how to do it.
Credit: Tamsin Venn

If you’re new to sea kayaking, and if you live in the Northeast, one of the best resources for where to paddle is the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) Guidebook. You know summer has arrived when this annually updated treasure trove arrives in the mail. Or, “digital members” can download new online version from iTunes. For the price of membership, you can get down to some serious paddling adventure planning this summer.

The Maine Island Trail is a 375-mile recreational waterway that spans the entire coast of Maine. It connects more than 200 island and mainland sites open for day visits or overnight camping. The Maine islands are some of the most beautiful spots you can kayak to. Think smooth granite ledges, islands decked with fir trees, clear water colored Caribbean blue from crushed white shells, spectacular sunsets, and friendly visits from porpoises and seals.

Many of the islands are close together, making island hopping eminently doable.

The annual Trail Guide has comprehensive descriptions and usage guidelines for the islands, and offers details on accessing dozens of privately owned sites that are not open to the general public. The online app has photos of the islands so you can put a place to a name on the nautical chart.

The concept of the Maine Island Trail was founded on the simple premise that those who paddled to these islands would also want to engage in their stewardship. That premise has been born out, by the increasing number of private owners who entrust their islands’ care to MITA.

The guidebook always sends me into flights of fancy. Will this be the summer I paddle the entire trail, from Kittery Point to Machias? Or will I revisit a well-loved spot, like the Deer Island Thorofare, or discover a new place, with family and friends?

Note that while the Trail offers enticing journeys, it is a maritime environment with all the vagaries of ocean conditions, including strong afternoon winds. Kayakers who have accidents tend to become debilitated from cold water and hypothermia more than any other cause. Traveling here is not for the uninitiated. It is best to go with a tour operator (there are many good ones in Maine) or get some instruction and safety information under your PFD (personal floatation device). A good place to start is the guidebook.

The guidebook explains the areas that are riskiest for kayakers but also covers the essentials like what to carry for safety measures, wildlife protection and viewing, camping regulations, leave-no-trace ethics, what to do with waste and trash, afternoon winds and weather, and how to tie some sturdy knots. All of it is incredibly useful information, admonitions interspersed with basic know-how.

MITA also offers volunteer island clean-ups and meet-ups, a great way to get to know other senior kayakers.

Summer is not summer without a trip to a Maine island. For the price of membership in MITA, you have all the information you need to make that happen. Go to www.mita.org.

See you on a Maine island this summer!

This is the 25^th year Tamsin Venn has been publishing Atlantic Coastal Kayaker Magazine. For a subscription, go to www.atlanticcoastalkayaker.com

Dick Gilbane (rowing) and Kristen Roos (paddling) pass Little Ram Island in the Sheepscot River.
Credit: Tamsin Venn

Happy Independence Day!

July 4, 2016/0 Comments/in Features/by seniorsskiing

Credit: Tufts Ski Team