The “New” Lake Placid Olympic Museum

Where were you, February 22, 1980?

If you were like most of us, you were glued to the television, watching the USA take on the heavily favored Soviet Union in the semi final hockey event at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.

Miracle!

USA 4, URS 3,  in what Sports Illustrated among many others believe is the greatest sports event of all time..

The scoreboard from that night still exists, and now hangs in the entry foyer of the recently redone Lake Placid Olympic Museum at the Olympic Center on Main Street in Lake Placid. The final score is still the same, frozen in time.

Credit: Lake Placid Olympic Museum

In town for skiing at nearby Whiteface Mountain, or just passing through the village, the Museum is a most- stop highlight of any visit to the area.

The highlight for most is the hockey game with artifacts on display, like uniforms worn by the American athletes and the full set of credentials from members of the team. Goalie Jim Craig”s pads and stick are there alongside the US net from the Russian game. But the main attraction is the on-demand video of the game which, although it happened more than 40 years ago, is still stirring no matter how many times you watch. The game replay, called by ABC announcer Al Michaels, is now in its own alcove in the museum. Expect the number of people watching at any time to spill over into the adjacent hallway as the final seconds of the “Do You Believe in Miracles” contest tick down.

But the museum is more than just the hockey game. The walking tour begins by highlighting the presence of winter sports activities in the Lake Placid area dating back to the 19th century. There is plenty from the original Lake Placid Olympics in 1932 that brought the Games out from being just a European festival and established the Adirondacks village as an international center for winter sports.

The story of the 1980 Winter Games  is told starting from Lake Placid’s designation as the host in 1974 up through the competitions six years later. Besides the hockey, highlights include the remarkable five gold medal in five speed skating events by Eric Heiden, the wall of Olympic posters, an impressive display or artwork from winter games throughout the years, uniforms from the Lake Placid games, especially the ubiquitous blue with yellow trim outfits worm by the many volunteers staffing the games, and pins that were actively traded on the streets of the village each day during the games. There are 784 different pins on the wall display.

Credit: Phil Johnson

Not all the museum features are static. There is a bobsled rigged to give a simulated ride to visitors, a visual recreation of a ski jump, and a sensory cross country skiing experience.

The original Olympic and Winter Sports Museum was created as a private, not-for- profit in 1980. It came under the public Olympic Regional Development Authority in 1994 and was granted tax exempt status in 1998. It was renamed the Lake Placid Olympic Museum in 2011.

The museum today is a contemporary showpiece. The renovation was begun in 2021 under the guidance of Buffalo-based  consultant  Hadley Exhibits, a more- than- 100 year old A-list firm whose credits include the 9-11 Memorial and Ellis Island Museum in New York City, the JFK Library in Boston, and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. The  museum is now open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $12 for those 7-19, or in the military.

To Epic, IKON or Season Pass or Not

This is the time of year when one starts planning ski trips. Maybe not the details such as booking hotels and flights, but at least beginning to let the “where” rattle around in your brain.

And, as you think about this, unless you live near a ski area and are a season pass holder, the cost of lift tickets is part of the discussion. Day pass tickets are now well north of $100/day. Last year, the daily rates pushed $200/day for some areas. Lift tickets are now the second most expensive item on the trip after the hotel or condo.

What’s emerged over the past few years are multi-area passes, i.e., Epic, IKON, and others. They provide access to areas in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, but are they worth the cost?

If you are considering buying one of these multi-area passes, the first question is how many days will I use it? The prices drop dramatically for weekdays only and no major holidays.

Depending on where you plan to ski, the break-even is around seven days. In other words, if the area’s multi-day rate comes out to $100/day, and a multi-area pass costs $700, it’s a push. However, once you pass break even. The daily cost of skiing comes down in a hurry. So, if you’re going to ski 12 days, the cost drops to $58/day.

Second question is, where do you plan to ski? Look at the multi-pass websites very closely. While they list an area, when you read the fine print, you may be limited to five or seven days and/or no major holidays. But then again, if you subscribe to SeniorsSkiing.com, you probably aren’t skiing those days unless it is with your grandkids.

Are there other options? YES!!! One, if you are active duty, Reserve, National Guard or retired from one of our Armed Services, many areas offer very good deals on a daily rate. Or contact a Morale Recreation and Welfare office at a military base near the mountains and see what they offer. FYI, the discounted costs for the multi-area passes make them a no-brainer even if you plan to only ski for a week.

Another is senior discounts. They’re out there, but they are not as big as they were in prior years. Bad news is the minimum age (back when I was in my 60s, it was around 72 keeps going up. Now that I am 78, many of the areas want you to be 80!!!). Enquire if it is not on the area’s website.

One last note about the multi-area passes. They come with substantial discounts on clothing, food at the resort, and hotels and condos. All help reduce the cost of the trip and enable you to ski more for the same budget. Now that is truly an Epic or IKONic thing!!!

What’s New In Utah for 2023/24 Season

After a record-breaking 903” of snow last season, resorts are eager to welcome guests back with more lifts, terrain and amenities. 

Here’s what’s new for the new season from Ski Utah member resorts in alphabetical order since that’s the only fair way –

Powder Mtn

Alta Ski Area

The final five Wyssen towers (Remote Avalanche Devices or RACs) have been installed on Mount Baldy, to modernize and streamline avalanche mitigation work. In addition, the snow-making pipes in the Wildcat base area are being replaced and upgraded, and the old, inoperative Albion lift has been removed.  Again this season, Alta requires parking reservations on weekends and holidays.

Beaver Mountain Ski Area

Beaver Mountain is in year one of a two-year project on the new Marge’s Cabin, to include a new rental shop, snowsports school, skier services, retail space and cafe. Beaver is also adding additional parking.

 Brian Head Resort

Brian Head Resort now offers a “Free On-Snow Experience”, a series of self-guided, step-by-step clinics to prepare guests for the on snow experience. It is open to all ages and a great way to learn on-mountain and skier safety basics.  There is also new gladed terrain, ranging from beginner to most difficult, under the Wildflower Lift.  The Shotgun trail near the Giant Steps Express, also received extra glading. The resort collaborates closely with the U.S. National Forest to reduce the risk of wildfire, while protecting wildlife and watersheds.

Brighton Resort

Brighton has replaced the old Crest lift with the new Crest6, a high-speed, six-passenger chairlift, which provides access to runs in just 5 minutes.  The resort also has upgraded snowmaking and grooming, including purchase of a new Piston Bully diesel electric hybrid snowcat.   Parking reservations are required between 7am and 1pm daily.

Cherry Peak Resort

This family-owned resort near Logan adds tubing and improved snowmaking this season. Cherry Peak is nearly 400-acres featuring three triple chairlifts and a 1.25 mile-long run.

Deer Valley Resort

More than $12 million in improvements this season include a new village on the Jordan Valley side and access via U.S. Route 40. There also is upgraded food and beverage including renovating the second level of Royal Street Café into a 21+ apres-ski bar called “The Royal”, a new Kids Ski School lunch center on the second floor of Snow Park Lodge, and upgrading the interior of Silver Lake Lodge.

But the really big news is that Deer Valley will more than double its skiable terrain in the next few seasons, adding 3,700 additional acres The new terrain will include 16 new chairlifts, including a 10-passenger gondola and ski access across South Peak, Park Peak, Big Dutch, Pioche and Hail Mountains on the east side of Bald Mountain. Boasting nearly a 3,000 vertical drop from the highest point on Park Peak at 9,350 feet, the additional terrain will offer skiing for all abilities across 135 planned ski runs, including several wide-open bowls and gladed areas. More information can be found here: https://expandedexcellence.deervalley.com/.

Eagle Point

Eagle Point has updated the Skyline and Monarch lifts and made road improvements to Highway UT-153 and Upper Meadows Drive for easier access.

Nordic Valley

Nordic Valley is cutting two new trails on the Nordic Express terrain and expanded parking by 200 spots.

Park City Mountain

For its 60th anniversary season, the resort has upgraded the Red Pine Gondola with brand-new cabins offering 360-degree views and a quieter, smoother ride. The new My Epic app will allow guests to buy a pass or lift ticket online, activate and store it on their phone, put their phone in their pocket, and get scanned, hands-free, via Bluetooth® technology. This will reduce the need to visit the ticket window or get a pass or lift ticket in the mail. This change reduces the waste created by plastic cards and RFID chips and supports the company’s Commitment to Zero sustainability commitment.

Powder Mountain

Under new management this season, a new cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trail network near the Village lift offers additional ways to get onto the snow. A new activity hub, dubbed the Launch Pad Yurt, opens in December near the top of the Village chair as the jumping off point for cross-country skiing,

snowshoeing, moonbike tours, snowmobile tours and more.  Also, The Tiger Tow is being replaced with a new Sunkid surface lift and will be open for night skiing.

Powder Mountain also is opening access to 500 acres of some of the steepest terrain accessible from the mountain.  Called DMI (Don’t Mention It), the new terrain offers incredible views of the Eden Valley and the Ogden Divide and 3000’ of vertical drop through tight chutes and open bowls. For safety, access is only via guided snowcat up Lightning Ridge, followed by a short hike to the drop-in point. Each group will be accompanied by two guides and provided with all necessary backcountry safety gear, including an avalanche beacon, probe and shovel.

 Snowbasin Resort

The Strawberry side of the resort opens a new 5,000 sq. ft. outdoor patio alongside the new six-pack high-speed DeMoisy Express, due to open in December 2023, increasing access to this popular area. It will feature a heated cobblestone patio with nearly 200 seats and multiple dining options at the base of Strawberry Gondola and the new lift.  Snowbasin also has added more than 100 additional parking spots to the Canyon Rim lot, with free shuttle service to the base area.

 Snowbird

Snowbird’s original Wilbere Lift—installed for the mountain’s opening in 1971 and named for Founder Ted Johnson’s wife and partner, Wilma—is being replaced. The current fixed grip double chair becomes a quad chairlift, increasing uphill capacity to 1,800 people an hour and reducing lift lines.

 Snowbird also has introduced the first-of-its-kind Kids Freeloader Pass program, to reduce barriers to entry for snow sports. The program gives anyone ages 18 or under a free Snowbird Season Pass when linked to an Adult, Military or Senior Snowbird Summit Pass. This 1:1 pass program means that a Snowbird Summit Passholder can give their Kids Freeloader Pass to a dependent, family member or community member at no cost, with no restrictions. And the new Mountain Center is a one-stop shop to make dinner reservations, book a snowcat or helicopter seat with Snowbird Mountain Guides, schedule a lesson with Snowbird Mountain School, buy lift tickets, and more. The Mountain Center is on the Snowbird Plaza Deck, just steps from new the Aerial Tram.

 Solitude Mountain Resort

Eagle Express has been removed to make way for a new high-speed 6-person lift. Installed in 1989, it was the first high-speed detachable chairlift in Utah. In addition to shortened wait times, the increased uphill capacity is expected to decrease congestion throughout the mountain. Eagle Express is projected to be operational by mid-December 2023. 

 The resort also has added three new Wyssen tower remote avalanche control systems (RACS) across Fantasy Ridge, which will allow Solitude’s avalanche mitigation team to detonate explosives remotely in terrain that currently requires personnel to manually deploy hand charges. With these detonations, crews will be able to move through avalanche terrain quicker, allowing terrain in Honeycomb Canyon to  open sooner after a major snowfall.

 Sundance Mountain Resort

Sundance Mountain Resort is offering expanded season pass benefits including a Friends & Family Program, 20% off daily ski or snowboard rentals and three days of skiing at a variety of partner resorts.  The new Jake’s Lift area improvements include a road realignment to eliminate skier road crossings and additional parking. There is also a new beginner run from Jake’s lift to the upper parking lots.

 Woodward

Woodward Park City has improved lighting to the tubing park and resurfaced the parking lot. Winter Camp returns Feb. 19-21, 2024 for skiers and snowboarders, ages 7-17.  New for 2024, US Ski and Snowboard athletes will join as guest coaches/pros.

What’s New in Idaho for the 2023/24 Season

Idaho’s mountain resorts were busy all summer adding and upgrading lifts, snowmaking and amenities for the new season including introducing or expanding RFID ticketing. Here’s what’s new at Idaho’s downhill and Nordic destinations, in alphabetical order, because that’s the only fair way.

Brundage scenic with snowcat

BRUNDAGE MOUNTAIN

The resort has replaced the Centennial fixed-grip triple with a high-speed quad. The new Centennial Express cuts uphill time from 16 minutes down to just six. That gives Brundage two high-speed quads on the front side, easing congestion across the mountain’s 1,920 acres of terrain.

There’s also a new RFID point-of-sale system. Each guest will be issued an RFID card, which can be loaded and re-loaded online with season pass or day tickets, allowing for straight-to-lift access. The new system also streamlines reservations for the resort’s signature guided Snowcat Adventures, which are offered on 18,000 acres of pristine backcountry terrain. Those looking to book a private snowcat can view an online calendar showing availability in real-time.

www.brundage.com/snowcat  

The resort also is working to expand the free shuttle service between McCall and the base area, where construction of a new base lodge is well underway with opening planned for January 2025.

GRAND TARGHEE

The resort is making infrastructure upgrades to the Colter Lift, which opened last season, accessing 600+ acres of new terrain. Adding bathroom facilities and other tweaks will allow skiers/riders to spend the entire day on the pristine south side of the mountain. Targhee also has made significant upgrades to the beginner ski area by the Shoshone Lift, including widening the beginner area, moving the magic carpet and renaming it the Huckleberry Lift. Plus, there is a new cover over the magic carpet, an important addition considering how much snowfall Targhee enjoys.

KELLY CANYON RESORT

The resort has replaced Chair 4 and also installed a magic carpet at the summit of Chair 2 to improve access to terrain accessible before by bootpacking. They’re building reservoirs for new snowmakers, have rebuilt the lower parking lot and made enhancements to the lodge after an ice dam caused damage this spring.

LOOKOUT PASS

They’ve finished improving the gearing on the new Eagle Peak Express quad that opened last winter so chairs move at full capacity, shaving 2.5 minutes off the ride time. will move faster. Lookout Pass also cut dead trees in some glades on Eagle Peak, opening up lines, and continued to grade some trails there to smooth out the ride and remove stumps, all to allow earlier opening of this new terrain. In addition, Lookout Pass purchased a new Prinoth Bison X groomer, is adding new demo skis and snowboards to the demo fleet, and installed a new White Peaks point-of-sale ticketing system.

MAGIC MOUNTAIN

The beginner snow sports terrain has been expanded. Magic’s tubing area has been expanded with more lanes and tubes, and there are new weekday group tubing opportunities available by reservation. All-new Sno-Go trikes have been added to the rental and retail shop so more folks can experience sliding. A third snowcat has been added to the grooming fleet, and aggressive brush cutting will re-open various terrain and allow for earlier use in most areas.   

PEBBLE CREEK SKI AREA  

The resort celebrates its 75th anniversary this season with a torchlight parade and other events throughout the year. A new public ADA compatible restroom has been installed with easy access from the parking lot and the Aspen beginner area. New equipment was added to the rental fleet and a new Prinoth snowcat purchased to improve grooming.

SCHWEITZER

Schweitzer’s sale to Alterra has been finalized,

https://www.seniorsskiing.com/alterra-buys-schweitzer-mountain-already-an-ikon-pass-partner/

so this winter is the first one under the new ownership. They are also debuting a new high-speed detachable quad lift called the Creekside Express, plus it’s the first full season for Cambium Spa, which focuses on treatments to help you prepare for and recover from the slopes.

SILVER MOUNTAIN

The Jackass Snack Shack, which was slated to open in late winter last season, will now open this winter. It is located at midway Chair 4 on the site of the resort’s original lodge.

SOLDIER MOUNTAIN

Soldier staff has worked over the last two summers to restore the resort’s snowmaking system, which was installed in 1976 but laid dormant for decades and damaged by the Phillips Fire that swept through the area in August 2020. Thanks to these efforts, the resort will have a fully functional snowmaking system that extends from the base to the top of Chair 1 for the first time since the late 1970s. This will let Chair 2 start spinning earlier, too.

 The resort also has expanded brush cutting to open more terrain earlier in the season and be able to leave it open longer. One of its three snowcats was replaced with a top-of-the-line Piston Bully PB600. The resort will also redesign the tubing park this winter to make it more fun and user friendly.

SUN VALLEY

The resort has replaced the old Warm Springs lift with two new lifts, Challenger and Flying Squirrel. The new Challenger lift is a six-pack (Idaho‘s second, after Schweitzer’s Stella lift, and Ski Idaho‘s third, after Targhee’s Colter lift). The expansion also adds another 54 acres of new gladed tree skiing in Little Scorpion. More details regarding development progress and updates are available at https://www.futureofsunvalley.com.

 TAMARACK RESORT

Enhancements include a new interactive family-friendly zone, Lumberjack Land, located off of Waltz, 5.5 acres of sculpted terrain learning area adjacent to the Discovery Lift, and new snowcat technology with a new Prinoth Winch Cat and additional winch points for better grooming of steeper terrain. Snowmaking improvements include a 30 percent increase for winter 23/24 covering 150 acres of named runs and the majority of those accessed from Tamarack Express quad, made possible by the addition of six new TA TT10 Automated snow guns – these are the most efficient in the world, one mile of new snowmaking pipe and a 40 percent increase in snowmaking capacity.

 Tickets and passes upgrades include a new automated ticket/pass kiosk on the Village Plaza so skiers can skip the ticket line and print/reload tickets or passes and go straight to the lift. New ticket products include 4 Fun Pass multi-day consecutive day tickets. Nordic upgrades include a new Nordic Center in the Lodge at Osprey Meadows at the foot of the Nordic trail system, including rentals, retails and lessons. The 20K+ trail system is family-friendly and suitable for XC, skate skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking. In addition, the Buttercup Chair will operate on weekends and holidays for more ski-in/ski-out access, paid overnight RV camping will be available in the lower Aspen Parking Lot, and guests can make online reservations for rental equipment.

EXTRAS — Local Freshies are creating a Southern Idaho digital backcountry snowboarding and skiing guide for Visit Southern Idaho that should go live this fall.

peter-james-eisenhaure-PbWJY0M5hRM-unsplash

What’s New in Vermont For 2023/24

Photo by Peter James Eisenhaure on Unsplash

The Green Mountains of Vermont turn white each winter, with the snow we downhillers and XC enthusiasts love to enjoy.  Here’s what’s new in Vermont for the upcoming season, including new lifts, terrain and snowmaking, to make the season better and last longer, along with some special anniversaries, too.  

 In alphabetical order, since that’s the only fair way –

Bromley

The resort has upgraded snowmaking for better coverage.  

Burke Mountain

Known for churning out Olympians, Burke Mountain is a top destination in the Northeast Kingdom. There is upgraded snowmaking this season, including increased water pressure delivery to its high efficiency snow guns, allowing it to open more terrain faster and more efficiently.

Killington

The Beast of the East continues to upgrade and improve its snowmaking system, replacing large sections of pipeline and adding more low-energy snowguns to their arsenal. Folding in the variable speed electric compressor from last season, there is more efficiently-made snow that ever before. Killington is also adding a new Pinoth Bison X groomer and winch to their technical grooming fleet. The winch increases snowmaking accuracy by providing snow depth readings, ensuring snow goes where it’s needed and eliminating waste and saving time. The Canyon Quad got a motor rebuild.

Lydon Outing Club

Small but mighty and with a passionate crew, Lyndon Outing Club rolls into the season with a new groomer and new terrain park features. The area is one of the state’s few places offering night skiing.

Mad River Glen

The iconic and beloved resort celebrates its 75th season. The traditional 75th anniversary gift is diamonds, which is fitting since Mad River continues to be a staple for those seeking expert terrain on natural snow in northern Vermont. Mad River Glen comes into the new season with upgraded snowmaking for the lower mountain and it’s increasingly popular kids’ ski school program.

Magic

Magic doubles uphill capacity this season with the anew Summit Quad. Combined with the continued 1,500-ticket-a-day cap (including holidays) and the new RFID POS system allowing new and returning skiers to skip the ticket window, the area promises little to no lift lines. An expanded snowmaking pond and upgraded intake pipe more than doubles the snowmaking abilities.

Mount Snow

The resort has reconfigured its beginner area and upgraded its administration building.

 Okemo

Okemo now participates in the My Epic App program, along with all other Vail Resorts destinations in North America.  The hands-free program is new this season, allowing pass holders to keep pass information on their phones for ticketless access, eliminating the need for even an RFID card.  It’s also in use at Mount Snow and Stowe.

Pico

A local favorite, Pico got a new haul rope on the Summit Express. The complete overhaul of the ski area’s pump house and addition of 25 new low-energy snowguns triples snowmaking capacity, which means making snow faster over a larger area with less energy.

Stratton

Stratton starts this season with a reimagined Learning Zone, complete with three new covered magic carpets in the main base area, new park locations on East Byrnes Side and Betwixt, and the new Stratton Boardercross (formerly Big Ben). There’s also new snowmaking technology which can double output. The time saved can be spend running the area’s new Prinoth Bison X groomer.  New RFID scanning at all major lifts means quicker lift loading for more time on the slopes. Ski Butlers is also now available as a rental service.

Stowe Mountain Resort

Stowe is introducing the updated My Epic App with Mobile Pass hands-free technology, which allows guests to buy their pass or lift ticket online, activate and store it in the app, put their phone back in their pocket, and be scanned automatically when loading the lift, via low-energy Bluetooth.  The technology is available at all Epic Pass locations in the US this season.

Sugarbush

Continuing to invest heavily in snowmaking upgrades with another $3 million dedicated to enhancing snowmaking infrastructure, Sugarbush focused on projects on Mt. Ellen this summer. These investments cap a multiyear effort to improve snowmaking systems, including energy-efficient upgrades to Northstar, Inverness, and the Summit Quad terrain. Combined with new pumps, the upgrades allow Sugarbush to make snow across the mountain faster and with less energy, to recover more quickly from thaw-and-freeze weather events.

Trapp Family Lodge

The family-owned XC destination has replaced and repaired culverts and landscaping, and improved brush management. There are plans to install a new HKD fan gun to cover more ground and expand the ski season.  Apres ski often means a glass or mug of crisp Austrian lagers from the in-house Trapp Brewery.

INDY XC PASS – THE NATIONAL SKI PASS FOR CROSS COUNTRY SKIERS

Most dedicated winter sports enthusiasts are familiar with the major season passes such as Epic, Ikon, Mountain Collective and Indy Pass, among others. Until recently, these multi-ski area passes have been geared only toward Alpine skiing and snowboarding. Not anymore! Make way for the season pass specifically for cross country (XC) skiing and a deal that highlights XC skiing for Alpine skiers and snowboarders.

The Indy XC Pass has doubled the number of participating XC ski areas for the 2023-24 season with now more than 40 XC ski areas providing two days of trail access for $99 adult and $49 youth (12 and under).  XC skiing is also offered as an add-on pass to the regular alpine/snowboard Indy Pass that was available (during specified dates for $399 for adults. The Indy XC Pass for alpine/snowboard passholders is $79 add-on for adults and $39 add-on for kids at 180 alpine ski areas, where applicable.

The Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA), which is an organization of XC ski areas) partnered with Indy. Check the Indy Pass website for the full list of participating XC ski areas. Some of the significant XC ski areas that are located in different regions where XC skiers can ski two times at each area include:

EAST

High Point XC Center, NJ; WhiteGrass Touring Center, WV; In Vermont the Indy areas include Woodstock Nordic Center, Rikert Nordic Center, Trapp Family Lodge, Jay Peak XC Ctr and Catamount Outdoor Family Center; in NH Jackson XC and the Adventure Center at Waterville Valley; the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center (on the banner photo at the top of the article) and Quarry Road Trails in Maine, and Garnet Hill, NY.

CENTRAL, MOUNTAIN and WEST

Maplelag Resort, MN; Treetops Resorts in Gaylord, MI, Minoqua Winter Park, WI; Enchanted Forest Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoe Area in NM; Crosscut Mtn Sports Ctr in Bozeman, MT; and Bear Valley Adventure Ctr in CA and Methow Trails in WA. There are 8 others in these regions.

Alpine ski areas that have XC skiing on the Indy Pass include Black Mountain of Maine; Jay Peak, VT; Waterville Valley, NH; Andes Tower Hill, MN; 49 Degrees North in WA; and Meadows Nordic Center at Mt Hood, OR.

Canadian resorts are participating, too including Whistler Olympic Park, Manning Park, Sovereign Lake, Nickel Plate XC Ski Club and 9 others in British Columbia.

The Indy Pass XC ski areas provide a wonderful cross section of experiences and destinations and it is anticipated that the Indy XC Pass will extend to more XC ski areas in future years.

Photo by Simon Berger on Unsplash

Depending on where one lives, that cost for XC skiing can be reduced with the Indy XC Pass. For example, those who live in the northeast can receive two visits at each of participating resorts in New England and New York within reasonable driving distance for the $99 Indy XC Pass or about $8 per visit. However, the $99 price tag allows XC skiers to discover new areas to visit and also offers an attractive enticement to those who are interested in learning the sport.

Most XC ski areas charge about $25 for a day pass to ski on their marked, maintained, and groomed trails. Many of these trails have set manicured tracks that make it easy for anyone to ski. Taking advantage of the Indy XC Pass will save a small amount and help XC skiers to discover some new ski areas to visit.

Promoting the Indy XC Pass will increase awareness of XC skiing and it will educate nonskiers and Alpine skiers about XC skiing at areas that provide marked and regularly groomed trails. The image of XC skiing to many people is going out to ski at parks when it snows, breaking trails, or skiing in a previous skiers’ tracks in ungroomed snow conditions. Cross country ski areas use machines to groom the trails to provide consistent ski conditions all winter. Additionally, there are more than 50 areas that can produce machine-made snow because sometimes Mother Nature can be snow-stingy in the winter.

Preliminary result findings about redemptions of the Indy XC Pass in the first year show that many of the users were Alpine skiers going to the Indy XC Pass areas. This was a great way to introduce XC skiing to Alpine skiers and encourage them to try it. The fact is that the Indy Pass is the only major pass offered to skiers that offers either or both Alpine and XC skiing.

XC skiers who go to a few XC areas because of the Indy XC Pass may very well discover the joy of XC skiing regularly and raise it to a higher status as a prime recreational endeavor in their quiver of things to do in the winter. For more information, see https://www.indyskipass.com/  or https://xcski.org/

Heading into the New Season

Phil Johnson, Richard Lambert, and Mike Roth at Boston Snowbound Expo 2022.

From the Publisher –

What gets you most psyched up for ski season? For me there are a few things. The first snowfall of the season is always exciting, and there are few sounds I enjoy more than my car tires crunching freshly fallen snow. When my kids were growing up, going to the fall ski swap was a family ritual.

This year I eagerly await visiting the Snowbound Expo in Boston in early November.  Last year was the first show after a two-year pandemic hiatus.  I was both amazed and delighted to notice how long the line was to get in.  The passion of my fellow snow enthusiasts was palatable.

I hope your list includes your SeniorsSkiing subscription and the articles we bring to keep you informed and entertained this season.  Please don’t hesitate to share your stories and story ideas with us.  Think Snow!  

Don Burch “New England Ski Season 2022-2023”

Short productions by ski videographer, Don Burch, have been gracing these pages for a several seasons. This one is dedicated to the memory of Jon Weisberg, co-founder and editor of SeniorsSkiing.com. Don is grateful to Jon for the encouragement and support he gave.

ICYMI for October 2023

Credit:Rinat Khairitdinov

We’re all gearing up (pun intended) for another great downhill and XC season, with snow already dusting the slopes of our favorite areas.

 ICYMI (in case you missed it), here are some tidbits of this and that from here and there around the wonderful world of snow sports, to remind us what a great season it was in 22/23, and hopefully will be again in 23/24.

 Vail Resorts Opening Dates

Of course it depends on the cooperation of Mother Nature, but these are the tentative opening dates for several Vail Resorts destinations:

  • Mid-October (pending early season conditions): Keystone (CO) 
  • November 10: Breckenridge (CO), Vail Mountain (CO) 
  • November 17: Heavenly (CA), Northstar (CA), Park City Mountain (UT) 
  • November 22: Beaver Creek (CO), Crested Butte (CO) 
  • November 23: Whistler Blackcomb (British Columbia) 
  • December 1: Kirkwood (CA), Stevens Pass (WA).

Another New Ikon Pass Perk

If you like to veg out in front of the TV after an exhilarating day on the slopes, or at home in between ski trips, you are in luck.  Alterra and Ikon Pass have partnered with Paramount+ to provide a free three-month subscription for unlimited streaming.  You’ll have access to live sports and a library of films, series and concerts, from channels including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, the Smithsonian Channel and Showtime, including movies about skiing and snowboarding. Information is on the Ikon Pass website.

Dan Egan to Manage Tenney Mountain, NH

Former extreme skier Dan Egan, who has been a coach and media spokesperson since retiring from competition, has taken on a new role – General Manager of Tenney Mountain, NH.  He has the task of revitalizing the small, independent area, which has shuttered several times since it first opened in 1959. It re-opened last year under new ownership, which has already spent $1.5 million on upgrades such as snowmaking, according to the industry trade magazine Ski Area Management.

Tenney is scheduled to reopen this season with two chairlifts – a triple for recreational skiing and a double for backcountry access, plus night skiing.

 Wasting Away in Lake Tahoe

The Margaritaville brand is launching its first foray into lodging in a ski destination with the opening of Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe in December.

It is the former Lake Tahoe Resort, at the base of Heavenly, re-opening after a multi-million dollar renovation as an all-suite hotel.  Each of its 399 suites offers either a mountain or lake view, and some have fireplaces.  There’s also an indoor heated pool, multiple restaurants and bars and a nine-story indoor atrium.  Now accepting reservations for Dec. 20 and beyond. Because it’s always five o’clock somewhere.

 Japan

Two of Japan’s largest ski resorts are being linked by a chairlift to create a mega-resort of more than 450 acres.  The resorts are Alts Bandai Snow Park & Resort and Nekoma Snow Park & Resort in Japan’s Aizu region.  The new lift replaces a long hike between the two resorts via a walking track.

Although the length of the 2,600+ lift might be scary, lift ticket prices are not – the twin areas already have been accessible on a single lift ticket, starting at just $35 ( ¥4,900) for a one-day pass.

Alts Bandai is the larger of the two and boasts high-speed hooded lifts and modern facilities, including the ski-in-ski-out Bandaisan Onsen Hotel. It is also famous for its views over the stunning Lake Inawashiroko to the south. Skiers and riders seeking some of Japan’s best powder and tree skiing are more likely to find it at at Nekoma

The new lift is expected to open in December 2023.  In a bit to attract international travelers, the twin resorts are offering a discounted accommodation package for the upcoming season.

Indy Pass Adds 54 New Resorts

The “big three” multi-resort passes – Epic, Ikon and Mountain Collective – need to make room for a fourth. Indy Pass is the fastest-growing new option, for smaller, independent downhill and XC resorts – hence its name, Indy.  It features the kind of hills and tracks where we learned to ski and where we first taught the kids and grandkids, plus some gi-normous international destinations. 

For this season, Indy Pass has 54 new partner resorts, offering two days free at each member area – some with no blackout dates over holidays.  With the 129 returning members, the new sign-ups bring the number of Indy Pass resorts to 183. It’s worth considering on its own, or as an add-on to one of the “big three” you already own.

The three largest new Indy Pass members are the international destinations. 

SkiWelt is the largest interconnected resort in Austria, with 88 cable cars and other lifts and more than 200 miles of marked trails and more than 70 ski huts across nine resort villages. Kiroro Resort in Northernmost Hokkaido, Japan, and Big White in British Columbia, are major destination resorts in their respective countries.

Kiroro Japan Skiing Credit: IndyPass

Along with these notable international destinations, Indy Pass has added 30 Alpine resorts, including Montana Snowbowl, and 24 cross-country resorts, including Whistler Olympic Village, British Columbia, and Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. 

Pass Sales Resume

After pausing sales last Spring due to unprecedented demand, Indy Pass has released a limited number of passes for purchase. The only way to purchase an Indy Pass is by joining the waitlist and receiving a permission code as space opens up. 

Blackout Days Eliminated

Vermont has no blackout days, as Jay Peak, Bolton Valley, Saskadena Six, and Magic Mountain all forgo blackouts this year. Black Mountain New Hampshire, Black Mountain of Maine, Saddleback, and Big Rock Mountain, Maine, also are blackout-free. Find a complete listing of blackout dates here.

Pass Pricing for this Special Release.  (There are no discounts for senior, military, or students.)

Pass purchasers may split any purchase into two equal payments.

  • Indy Adult Base Pass $399, Indy+ Adult Pass $499
  • Indy Kids Base Pass $199,  Indy+ Kids Pass $249

Indy AddOn Pass, exclusively for partner resort passholders:

  • Indy AddOn Adult Base Pass $279, Indy+ AddOn Adult Pass $379
  • Indy Kids AddOn Base Pass $139, Indy+ Kids AddOn Pass $179

Indy XC Pass 

  • Indy XC Pass Adult Pass $99, Indy XC Pass Kids Pass $49
  • Indy XC Pass Adult AddOn Pass $79, Indy XC Pass Kids AddOn Pass $39  

New Indy Pass Resorts

West
Baldy Mountain Resort, BC
Big White Resort, BC
Cooper Spur Ski Area, OR
Loup Loup Ski Bowl, WA
Phoenix Mountain, BC
Shames Mountain, BC
Rockies
Fairmont Hot Springs, BC
Howelsen Hill, CO
Montana Snowbowl, MT
Pass Powderkeg, AB
Midwest
Andes Tower Hills, MN
Bottineau Winter Park, ND
Great Bear Ski Valley, SD
Huff Hills Ski Area, ND
Mount Baldy Ski Area, ON
Snowstar, IL
East
Dartmouth Skiway, NH
Maple Ski Ridge, NY
Whaleback Mountain, NH
Mid-Atlantic
Ski Big Bear, PA
Europe
SkiWelt, Austria (consists of 9 resort villages united by one lift ticket)

  • Brixen im Thale
  • Ellmau
  • Going
  • Hopfgarten
  • Itter
  • Kelchsau
  • Scheffau
  • Söll
  • Westendorf

Japan
Ani Ski Resort, Tohoku
Kamui Ski Links, Hokkaido
Kiroro Snow World, Hokkaido
Madarao Ski Resort, Nagano
Pippu Ski Resort, Hokkaido
Togakushi Ski Resort, Nagano
Yubari Ski Resort, Hokkaido

New Allied Resorts
Mont Ripley Ski Area, MI
Skaneateles Ski Club, NY

 24 New XC Resorts

West

Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club, BC
Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, BC
Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre, BC
Kimberley Nordic Club, BC
Leavenworth Winter Sports Club, WA
Loup Loup Cross Country, WA
Methow Trails, WA
Mt Shasta Nordic, CA
Nelson Nordic Ski Club, BC
Overlander Ski Club, BC
Telemark Nordic Center, BC
Whistler Olympic Park, BC
Williams Lake Cross Country Ski Club, BC

Rockies

Dog Creek Lodge & Nordic Center, MT
Homestake Lodge, MT
Howelsen Hill, CO
Turpin Meadow Ranch, WY
White Pine Touring Nordic Center, UT

Midwest

Andes Tower Hills, MN
Hardwood Ski and Bike,ON
Minocqua Winter Park, WI

East

Garnet Hill, NY
Quarry Road Trails, ME
Trapp Family Lodge, VT

129 Returning Alpine and XC Resorts

West

49 Degrees North, WA
Apex Mountain Resort, BC
Arctic Valley, AK
China Peak, CA
Dodge Ridge, CA
Eaglecrest, AK
Hoodoo, OR
Hurricane Ridge, WA
Manning Park, BC
Mission Ridge WA
Mount Hood Meadows, OR
Mountain High, CA
Mt. Ashland, OR
Mt. Shasta, CA
Sasquatch Mountain Resort, BC
Ski Bluewood, WA
White Pass, WA

Rockies

Antelope Butte, WY
Beaver Mountain, UT
Blacktail Mountain Resort, MT
Brundage Mountain Resort, ID
Castle Mountain, AB
Eagle Point Mountain Resort, UT
Echo Mountain, CO
Granby Ranch, CO
Kelly Canyon, ID
Lost Trail Powder Mountain, MT
Meadowlark Ski Resort, WY
Pomerelle Mountain Resort, ID
Powder Mountain, UT
Red Lodge, MT
Silver Mountain ID
Snow King Mountain Resort, WY
Soldier Mountain, ID
Sunlight Mountain Resort, CO
Sunrise Park, AZ
Tamarack Mountain Resort, ID
Whitepine Mountain Resort, WY

Midwest

Big Powderhorn, MI
Buck Hill, MN
Caberfae Peaks, MI
Chestnut Mountain Resort, IL
Chrystal Mountain Resort, MI
Detroit Mountain, MN
Granite Peak, W
Little Switzerland, WI
Loch Lomond, ON
Lutsen Mountains, MN
Marquette Mountain, MI
Mount Kato, MN
Nordic Mountain, WI
Nubs Nob, MI
Pine Mountain, MI
Powder Ridge, MN
Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek, MI
Snowriver, MI
Spirit Mountain, MN
Sundown Mountain, IA
Swiss Valley Ski and Snowboard, MI
Terry Peak, SD
The Rock Snowpark, WI
Tree Tops Resort, MI
Trollhaugen, WI
Tyrol Basin Ski and Snowboard, WI  

East

Berkshire East Mountain Resort, MA
Big Rock Mountain, ME
Black Mountain of Maine, ME
Black Mountain Ski Area, NH
Bolton Valley Resort, VT
Calabogie Peaks Resort, ON
Cannon Mountain, NH
Catamount Mountain Resort, MA/NY
Greek Peak Mountain Resort, NY
Jay Peak Resort, VT
Magic Mountain, VT
Mohawk Mountain, CT
Pats Peak, NH
Peek ‘n Peak, NY
Saddleback Mountain, ME
Saskadena Six Ski Area, VT
Snow Ridge, NY
Swain Resort, NY
Titus Mountain, NY
Waterville Valley Resort, NH
West Mountain, NY 

Mid-Atlantic

Blue Knob All Season Resort, PA
Bryce Resort, VA
Canaan Valley, Resort, WV
Cataloochee Ski Area, NC
Massanutten Resort, VA
Montage Mountain, PA
Ober Mountain, TN
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, PA
Ski Sawmill, PA
Tussey Mountain, PA
Winterplace Ski Resort, WV 

Japan – Tohoku Region

Aomori Spring Ski Resort
Geto Kogen
Okunakayama Kogen
Shimakura
Tazawako 

Allied Resorts

Bousquet Mountain, MA
Burke Mountain, VT
Cherry Peak, UT
Dry Hill, NY
King Pine, NH
McIntyre Ski Area, NH
Middlebury Snowbowl, VT
Paul Bunyan Ski Hill, WI
Sleeping Giant, WY

 Cross Country Resorts
49 Degrees North Nordic Center, WA
Bear Valley Adventure Company, CA
Black Mountain of Maine Nordic, ME
Catamount Outdoor Family Center, VT
Crosscut Mountain Sports Center, MT
Enchanted Forest, NM
High Point XC Ski Center, NJ
Jackson XC, NH
Manning Park, BC
Maplelag Resort, MN
Meadows Nordic Center, OR
Nickel Plate Cross Country Ski Club, BC
Rangeley Lakes Trail Center, ME
Rikert Nordic Center, VT
Sovereign Lake Nordic Club, BC
Treetops Cross Country, MI
Waterville Valley Resort Nordic Center, NH
White Grass Ski Touring, WV
Woodstock Nordic Center, VT

The Ski Swap

This time of year, the Ski Swap notices start coming and people get excited for the coming season. The Ski Swaps are not only an outlet for selling and buying equipment, but also a social time to reconnect with your ski buddies who perhaps you have not seen since last winter. But there are plusses and minuses for these things, and I believe that there should be an acronym for the word SWAP (S#$% we all purvey) Yes, we are purveyors of the “s@#$” from our basements and garages and in most cases, we just want to unload and if we get a buck or two for it, so be it.

But the main reason is to clear out so that we can make room for new equipment. Old boots, helmets, skis, and various auxiliary ski items can be moved but the funny thing is the difference in what we think they are worth compared to what people are willing to pay. If your main reason is to unload stuff at the swap, then you will take whatever is offered. But if you think your “stuff” is worth more than people are willing to pay- you will be sorely disappointed. If you want to get rid of your “stuff” then you better be prepared to let it go for next to nothing.

Credit:JackF

Let’s go through a couple of examples, shall we? Skis- if your skis are straight skis and not shaped, meaning they are “old”, you have next to no chance to sell them. You are better off disposing of them or donating them to those guys that make Adirondack chairs out of old skis. Or hang them up above your fireplace if they are really old. Anything 10 years or older – the ski shops will not work on the bindings for liability purposes.

Do you have better skis? If you want to move these, you need to be realistic about the price. You may have paid over $1000.00 per pair for them with bindings in the past, but people are not going to want to pay more than half of that if they are several years old- no matter how well they are maintained.

Let’s talk about boots. A discerning buyer will look at used boots to see what kind of shape they are in. Are the liners worn down? Are the toes and heels of the shell worn? They won’t work well in the bindings if they are. Are they more than a couple of years old? If the aforementioned things are true, don’t expect much from a swap. Take what you can get and leave the building.

Rear entry boots- use them for a flowerpot. Not worth a hoot. My dad’s old buddy had a pair of Hansens that he wanted to sell back in the day. I told him to plant his geraniums in them in the spring. Nobody in their right mind was going to buy those things. Be realistic.

Clothing- a lot of swaps do not have clothing options because of COVID. However, there are some that may try it. Again, don’t expect much for used clothing. Your old Bogner one piece may have been cool in the day, but it is not worth a thing today. Again- lower your expectations and try to unload if you can for a cheap price.

But the bottom line is see your friends, see what s@#$ they are trying to buy or sell, laugh at the curmudgeons, and enjoy one of the highlights to the beginning of ski season. Think snow and thanks for reading.

Book Review: Staying With It

An Aging Athlete Becomes Enlightened

[Editor Note: We are reprising this article from Nov. 2015 because it contains important themes of persistence and adaptability. And the book Staying With It was written by one of our favorite authors, the venerable John Jerome, a former editor of SKIING magazine.]

StayingWIth__501

What happens when a 50-year-old writer decides to fight aging by becoming an athlete? Will physical awakening, sharpening, perfecting hold off the loss of function, range, performance? When former SKIING Magazine editor John Jerome found himself at the doorway to old age, he decided to do something about it. That something was his four-year voyage into athleticism to see if he could counter the effects of aging with muscle power, insight, and, as it turns out, mindfulness.

He tells his story in Staying With It, (Breakaway Books, 1992), a journey of trial, error and learning told in his usual reflective—and discursive— style. We recently re-discovered Jerome’s writing while paging through old, bound copies of SKIING magazine. When we learned he decided to become a competitive, masters-level swimmer at age 50, we wanted to explore his journey for our own edification as well as for our readers’.

At the beginning, he says, “Aging is very rude, making no attempt at diplomacy, at softening its message. It just starts slamming doors in your face, yanking things out of reach.” Jerome said he “was interested in giving up any capacity as slowly as possible…understanding and acknowledging the process.” His goal was “the maintenance of full function beyond the years of youthful vigor.”

To do that, he starts an experiment, swimming first as a fitness replacement for running and then training hard as a competitor. He discovers the Training Effect, body’s response to increased physical demands that gets cells to respond and do more. “To age,” he says, “is to begin asking the cells to do less.” The only antidote he says he could find was “movement—exercise and stretching.”

Jerome tells us about his training regimen, his lessons in exercise physiology, his trips to swim camps where he meets fellow enthusiasts, his many swim meets and consults with scientists. When he talks of perfecting his swimming stroke, he finds that simple physical task opens the door to complex mental aspects. He discovers “pre-verbal” tempo, right-brain control of the action, what we now call “flow”. “Learning to operate in your right brain is another part of the athlete’s job I had never considered before.” You know it, of course, when you ski cross-country “in the groove”, or swing through giant slalom turns without, well, without thinking. One way to induce that, he says, is to relax. “The athlete has to maintain a small amount of relaxation…The right brain knows this. Sometimes you have to wait, to ease up, to feel around in your capacities for just the right touch to make the motion work.”

Because his training program was largely self-directed and John was a self-admitted type-A personality, he eventually drove himself too hard, over-training and catching “Olympic Flu”, the syndrome that leads finely tuned athletes into exhaustion and even depression. After resting, he turned to a sport physiologist who used software and underwater video to analyze his stroke. Result: return to racing more enlightened. But, he says, “I wish I hadn’t started so late. I wish there were more time. I keep hurrying, and I’d really rather not do that.”

Of his experiment, he says, “I may not have stopped aging in its track…but I have certainly stopped the loss of intensity.” And, “the more I trained, the better the rest of my work goes, the sharper, and clearer and more efficient.”

John Jerome has written several books on fitness as well as other topics. Staying With It is available from Amazon.com.

$1 Billion in Improvements at Ikon Pass Resorts

A sunset shot of two gondolas in Steamboat, CO Photo by Phoenix Dorninger on Unsplash

Ikon Pass holders get to enjoy more than $1 Billion in new terrain, lifts, dining, skier services and more for the 23/24 season. It’s an impressive collection of improvements, including new destinations added, so let’s start with those.

New Destinations

Winter 23/24 offers pass holders new destinations –

Alyeska in Alaska and Snow Valley in California.

Also, two areas in Pennsylvania, Camelback and Blue Mountain Resort, have been added to the Ikon Pass.

New Terrain and Lifts

This season, skiers and riders will have access to more than 1,000 additional acres of terrain and more than two dozen new lifts or upgrades across multiple Ikon Pass destinations.  A few highlights –

Steamboat – The new Mahogany Ridge area adds 650 acres of advanced and expert terrain, making Steamboat the second largest ski resort in Colorado.

Aspen Mountain – In the largest expansion project in decades, the new Hero’s terrain opens 153 acres, increasing lift-served terrain by more than 20 percent. The mix includes nineteen expert chutes, three gladed areas, and four groomed intermediate trails. The project also extends some runs aat the bottom, eliminating the hike-out.

Loon Mountain – The South Peak Expansion adds 30+ acres of new terrain, a new quad chairlift, and 50% more beginner terrain.

Sugarloaf – The West Mountain expansion adds 120 new skiable acres with beginner and intermediate trails and lift upgrades including the new Bucksaw Express high-speed quad.

Big Sky Resort – The iconic Lone Peak Tram will transform access to the highest scenic overlook in Montana presiding over the peaks of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, as well as Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

The Highlands  – The Michigan resort is installing a new six-person, high-speed Doppelmayr D-Line bubble chairlift, complete with heated seats – the first lift of its kind in the Midwest.

Tremblant, Stratton and Crystal Mountain will begin offering direct to lift access with new RFID technology at all major lifts.

New and upgraded lifts at Winter Park, Snowshoe, Aspen Mountain, Mammoth Mountain, Solitude, Schweitzer, Taos Ski Valley, Sun Valley, Brighton, Loon Mountain, Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Snowbasin, Mt. Bachelor, Boyne Mountain, The Highlands, The Summit at Snoqualmie, Dolomiti Superski, Kitzbühel, Thredbo (2024).

Upgraded Skier Services

Redesigned rental shops, updated locker rooms, more spacious base lodges, improved parking lots, re-imagined children’s facilities, and fun off-mountain activities. These include –

  • Copper debuts a new 25,000 square foot mid-mountain lodge with a full-service restaurant
  • A new Kids Ski School lunch center is slated to debut at Deer Valley.
  • The new Schweitzer Creek Village project creates a dedicated area for beginner and intermediate skiers and riders, as well as additional parking, rental and SnowSports school facilities.
  • Windham will unveil revamped facilities in its base lodge and private club.
  • Creekside snow-front services will debut this winter at Steamboat, conveniently located adjacent to the slopes and Steamboat Square, with new guest lockers, ski valet, UCHealth Urgent Care Clinic, and additional restrooms.

Enhanced Snowmaking

Look for upgrades at Eldora, Mammoth Mountain, Steamboat, Blue Mountain, Copper Mountain, Sugarbush, Dolomiti Superski, Sunday River, Panorama, Sun Peaks, Killington-Pico, Sugarloaf, Windham Mountain, Boyne Mountain, Thredbo (2024).

Ikon Pass is currently on sale for the 23/24 winter season. For more details, please visit www.ikonpass.com.