Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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I’ve spent the past several days in downtown Chicago.

Maybe it’s the nice weather or the pleasure of being in a big city after an extended post-season stay at our desert place, but Chicago is wonderful. The architecture is impressive, as was the tour boat through downtown explaining the broad variety of design. While I was working, my wife took a Frank Lloyd Wright tour in Oak Park. This is the 100 anniversary of his death, and there’s a lot of the Wright stuff going on. She had a glowing report. The food here is something else. I don’t watch chefs on TV, but, apparently, every star has staked turf in Chicago. One BBQ place, Isabelle’s in Wicker Town, was memorable. Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza was out of this world. Steak at Gene & Georgetti was very good, but not on our return list. Millennium Park is filled with treats including the 110-ton polished stainless steel “Cloud Gate” sculpture by Anish Kapoor; “Crown Fountain,” comprising two 50-foot glass blocks with LED composite images of Chicagoans spouting water from their mouths, and an outdoor concert stage and serpentine bridge designed by Frank Gehry. My kinda town!

THE SEASON

Nationally, skier days were up to 54.7 million from 52.8 million in 2015-16, a 3.7 percent increase. Visits varied by region with strong rebounds in the Northeast, Southeast and Pacific Northwest. Declines were seen in the Pacific Southwest, Rocky Mountains and Midwest. Those declines notwithstanding, visits at Colorado Ski Country USA‘s 22-member areas (Vail not included) totaled 7.3 million, estimated to be the state’s second best on record. Ski Utah reported 4.6 million skier days, up 2.85 percent from the previous record during the 2015-16. And Ski Vermont reported 3.9 million visits.

MEANWHILE, IN NEW ZEALAND

It’s the first run of the first day of ski season at Coronet Peak, Queenstown, NZ.
Credit: Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak, the closest ski field to Queenstown, NZ, opened on June 17 as planned with the Magic Carpet lifts, Meadows Express and Coronet Express Chair lift, and the tubing park, all open.

Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager Nigel Kerr said, “This is a really good start to the season. We had a big turn out for that first ride and it has been building up throughout the day.”

Coronet Peak welcomed more than 1000 people by lunchtime on Day One.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

The New York Times publishes short videos each day that allow the viewer to mouse around the image at will. It’s an interesting use of technology. Today, the first day of summer, the Times 360 video shows how to make an igloo.

DISCOUNTS

25% off Panda ski, trekking, and camera poles.

SUPER DUPER SENIOR SKIER GEORGE JEDENOFF TURNS 100

100 and still skiing, George Jedenoff.
Credit: Ski Utah

George Jedenoff, a resident of California has been traveling to Utah to ski Little Cottonwood Canyon (Alta and Snowbird) every year since 1960. George learned how to ski at Alta when he was 43 and claims it was the best decision he has ever made. He is a remarkable man who draws his true happiness from the slopes and has become an inspiration to the Utah ski community. His official birthday is July 17.  Happy Birthday, George and thanks for the inspiration.

 

 

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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Is The US Ski Industry Becoming A Duopoly? If So, Will It Mean Higher Or Lower Priced Passes For Seniors?

Denver-based KSL Capital Partners recently joined privately owned Aspen Skiing Co to acquire Intrawest’s six resorts and four in southern California owned by Mammoth Resorts.

It’s the newest 800-pound ski resort gorilla. The other is Vail Resorts.

Two gorillas. Twenty-two major resorts across the continent.

A recent report in the Denver Post suggests the possibility they may be flirting with federal anti-trust regulations, something that occurred in the late 90’s when Vail was forced to sell Arapahoe Basin.

Vail is reported to have sold 650,000 Epic Passes last season; a 20% increase in sales over 2015-16. Word is, the new KSL/Aspen/Intrawest/Mammoth coalition will develop a pass to rival Vail’s Epic.

The Denver Post article states that a market dominated by cheap season passes could pinch independent resort owners relying on day-ticket sales.

With the exception of a few local versions, Epic Pass has no senior discount, something SeniorsSkiing.com readers find irksome, as indicated in recent reader surveys.

A duopoly means two giants in competition for market share. Will they compete on price and/or extra services? Wouldn’t it be great if they competed for the senior market with a senior discount?

New Zealand

Mt Hutt (6800′ altitude) in Canterbury, opens Friday, marking the start of the South Island ski season. Located about 90 minutes from Christchurch, Mt Hutt is the first South Island ski field to open this season. It just received 12″ and extended cold has allowed snow making operations to create a base of 12″-20″. Mt Hutt typically gets about 13′ during season.

 

 

 

Jon Weisberg

SHORT SWINGS!

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We spent last weekend with the kids.

Not our own children who live far away or are busy with their own spawn. These are a group of younger friends, ranging from early 30s to late 50s. They’re all single. They enjoy hiking, making food, talking about ideas. It was tiring and terrific. We walked them to the rock art down the road and showed them how to look for stone tools and points in our desert landscape. Conversation went to all the places people tell you not to go: politics and religion among them. It also took us to music and art. We sat around the fire pit underneath what Bob Dylan, in “Mister Tambourine Man,” termed “a diamond sky.” Everyone participated in the kitchen and cleaning up. Age differences were more apparent when discussing past political and cultural events. But what we had in common — an openness to each other’s experiences and ideas — bridged those gaps. A business acquaintance used to advise taking younger colleagues to lunch and asking what mattered to them, what they’re reading and what ideas they’re following. I had several relationships like that when I was younger. It helped me get a broader sense of what was going on. Throughout the ski season, I’ve used brief chairlift conversations toward the same end. A few days with younger people who aren’t part of the family is a terrific way to refresh knowledge and spirit. It’s also a bit exhausting…but well worth the effort.

VERMONT

KILLINGTON has 17 acres open. Senior (65-79) tickets are $55. They plan to be open until the snow melts.

PARLOR is a New England custom ski maker. Working with Vermont-based American Museum of Fly Fishing, Parlor has developed a spectacular looking limited edition ski featuring art by Nick Mayer. The skis are $1000 and for each pair sold, Parlor donates $150 t0 AMFF. Thanks to contributor Jan Brunvand for calling this to our attention

WISCONSIN

Wigwam, the venerable sock manufacturer, recyles about 2000 lbs of socks each month and will make them available to people in need. It’s all part of the company’s goal of becoming a zero landfill company. Wigwam also plans to work with Martex Fiber to recycle discarded yarn and eliminate textile waste.

OTHER

Emerald Expositions, producer of the semi-annual Outdoor Retailer show, has acquired the SnowSports Industries America (SIA) Snow Show. Outdoor Retailer will merge the Snow Show into its January event, making it the largest outdoor and snowsports industry gathering in North America. The first combined show will occur in January, 2018.

SPOT is a small satellite connection device that signals home and/or search and rescue when users are stranded or lost. As of April SPOT products had initiated 5000 rescues worldwide. I had difficulty getting over some tech issues to make it work. But I’m confident that the more thechnologically adept can figure it out. The device works virtually anywhere. The company has a 50% off sale: www.FindMeSPOT.com/SafeSummer

Our supply of  current SeniorsSkiing.com stickers is dwindling. If you’d like some for your skis, helmet, locker, car,friends, or just to enjoy the pleasure of a good looking graphic, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to SeniorsSkiing.com, Box 416, Hamilton, MA. 01936. Over the past few weeks, requests have come from as far away as Australia.

 

Short Swings
Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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To Our Readers

It’s cold where I’m writing this. I drove several hours yesterday to get here. One hour of it was through flurries; at least one-half hour through blizzard. I got the stoves working, changed into warm clothes and had a few sips of single malt. Then I started reading the hundreds and hundreds of answers to our survey question about how we’re doing. Your overwhelmingly positive and supportive feedback are wonderful. When I spoke today with Mike, we agreed that your comments provide a warm embrace for what we’re doing. Your guidance is important to us. Your support is invaluable. Thank you!

My Neighbor Was Breaking in New Boots.

He’s made the fitting process a DIY project, heating the shell with a hair dryer and shaping it to a more comfortable fit. I mentioned the value of using the services of a qualified boot fitter (easy to locate at America’s Best Boot Fitters), but he had purchased his boots online and was committed to doing it himself. It reminded me of the old Strolz and Molitor double leather boots. Anyone remember them? As I recall, you’d lace them tight, stand in the bathtub until they we’re totally soaked, then spend the next few hours walking around until they dried to the shape of your feet.  My first European trip was in 1965 and Austria was among the countries I visited. Somehow, I learned of a place that made bespoke ski boots. They did the fitting and on the promise of a two month delivery, I paid up front. Five months later, still waiting, I sent a letter in English, only to receive a response in German stating they didn’t read English. I found a professor of German who kindly took up my case. They took his letter seriously, and the boots arrived a few weeks later. They were the most ill-fitting things I ever owned. Nice to look at but totally, irreversibly, uncomfortable. Bathtubs and hairdryers were useless. I’ve relied on professional bootfitters ever since.

Still Skiing

A handful of North American resorts are still open, some still receiving snow.
Arapaho Basin got 9″ this week, Snowbird got 7″,  Timberline Lodge,  5″, Squaw Valley, 3″, and Mt. Bachelor, 2″. Other areas still open include Donner Ski Ranch, Killington, Mammoth, Mont Saint-Sauveur, Sunshine Village, and Whistler Blackcomb. Several European resorts are still skiing, and, those in the Southern Hemisphere are just gearing up.

Bears Ears

Anasazi structure in Bears Ears. KUTV

Bears Ears is the most recent national monument. It’s a vast area in southern Utah, sacred to Native Americans; a spectacular wilderness filled with natural and archeological wonders. The White House has signaled that it intends to reverse or reduce its national monument status. Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke recently visited the area, meeting primarily with locals who support its development. That includes Utah’s governor and congressmen who value business opportunities from extraction industries more than those from tourism. I studied the arguments on both sides and conclude that it’s in the greater public interest to keep Bears Ears as a national monument. Patagonia, also in favor of preservation, produced a short video along with a pitch to weigh in on the issue. Regardless of where you may stand on this controversy, it’s worth seeing what’s there.

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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End of Season House Cleaning

We’re moving out of Salt Lake City. Anyone who has gone through the exercise knows about getting rid of stuff. You categorize three ways: stuff you need; stuff you think you need; stuff you know you don’t. Which brings me to skis, boots, and clothes. I have seven pairs of skis and enjoy all of them. BUT, a few pairs haven’t seen snow in several years. At least one goes to the thrift store. There are two pairs of custom boots in the closet. The DaleBoots are the newest and fit best. I harvested the custom insoles from the old SureFits and hope a thrift store customer with my feet gets them for a lot less than I paid. The biggest dilemma? Parkas and pants. My wife shamed me into getting rid of Old Yella, it was dirty and way out of fashion. I have a few recent vintage parkas that cover most of my needs. They stay. The black one I picked up at a yard sale around 15 years ago still looks good and is great in powder. It’s only issue? Far too many zippered pockets. Finally, I’m giving up the pants that were waiting for my waist to change. A few still had tickets from 2003. And that black and silver Colmar one-piece? It’s a beaut, but it hasn’t been outside for more than a decade. Time for it to find a new home.

CALIFORNIA
Squaw Valley is a pretty hot real estate market. 2016 showed an 8% increase in home sales and a 17% increase in dollar volume. Greg Rankin is a ski friend specializing in Squaw Valley real estate. His newsletter is GOSQUAW.com.

MONTANA

Big Sky set a record for skier visitation. Its last biggest season was ’15-’16.

QUEBEC

Most ski resort summer activity is in the form of music, rides, mountain biking, etc. Mont Tremblant offers those and more. Its Tonga Lumina is a sound and light show showcasing the mountain’s natural elements and inspired by the its history and legends.

OTHER

Epic Pass doesn’t offer senior discounts, but season passes for some of its affiliated ski areas do. For example, the Tahoe Value Pass gives those 65+ access to Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood for $389. Holidays, peak periods and Saturdays are excluded. For $439, seniors can ski Kirkwood only, with no restrictions. The threshold age for Minnesota’s Afton Alps is 62 and unrestricted skiing is $309 for the season. At Michigan’s Mt. Brighton, skiers 62+ ski unrestricted for the season for $369. Purchase before May 29, and you get two Buddy Tickets, each providing a fixed ticket price for a day at one of the Vail Resorts. A ticket at Vail/Beaver Creek would cost $116 with a Buddy Ticket; one at Park City would be $85. Stowe, Vail’s most recent acquisition, currently is not shown as part of the Epic Pass program. According to a Vail spokesperson, once the deal closes Stowe will be included.

Shred Optics, Sync Performance and Slytech are partnering on a discount program that delivers up to 50% off their brands. Shred makes helmets and goggles. Sync makes down items and other wearables. Slytech makes a variety of protection devices for the back, knees, arms, elbows, shins, etc. When visiting the sites, use discount code: NEWPARTNER.

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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Sometimes Coming Up With Content For This Weekly Column Is Challenging…Especially Now That The Season Has Ended.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In season, resorts and others seeking publicity provide us with a steady stream of options to consider. That’s dried up. So this week, I went through the ski-related photos I’ve snapped and forgotten about…until now. Most are license plates, the majority from Utah, where I live. It’s amazing how skiers combine seven letters/numbers to express their love. The plates, some weird decals and signs, a ski-inspired fence or two, and some pre-Christmas pictures while window shopping in NYC are now posted. Simply go to the top of the home page, click Features then (in the drop down box) Terrific/Funny Photos. You are invited to submit ski-related pictures throughout the year.

Spring Reader Survey

Our Spring Reader Survey was distributed this week. It’s a quick one. We’re trying to determine how much older skiers spend when they go skiing. The results will be useful in helping area management appreciate the value of the older skier. They also may help us attract advertisers.

The survey also is your opportunity to be listed as a Trail Master. If you skied your age this season, let us know, and we’ll add you to the annual Trail Master listing.

SeniorsSkiing.com Sticker

Want a few free SeniorsSkiing.com stickers? They look good on skis, helmets, lockers, cars. Send a pre-addressed, stamped envelope to SeniorsSkiing, Box 416, Hamilton, MA 01936.

ALASKA

Dean Cummings’ H2O Guides is booking trips for 2018. Dean has been operating in the Chugach Mountains surrounding Valdez since 1995. H2O accesses 4,000 square miles of terrain. Visit their site for details.

OTHER

Mountain Collective passholders can extend the season at Squaw Valley and Mammoth Mountain which expect to be operating into summer. The pass also covers southern hemisphere destinations such as Valle Nevado, Thredbo and Coronet Peak/The Remarkables.

SHAREaCAMPER, a peer-to-peer motorhome rental platform, analyzed Google searches of adventure activities and came up with a ranking of the countries with the “most adventurous” people. They analyzed searches for activities ranging from skydiving to skiing. On a per capita basis, the Netherlands ranked #1 followed by Australia, Sweden, Germany and France. The U.S. ranked 9th. On search volume, alone, the U.S. raked first. Skiing is most popular in Norway, but the U.S. has the highest number of searches per month for the sport. Full results at the SHAREaCAMPER site.

Looking for a previously owned ski lift? Skilifts.us is one place to find everything from a second hand quad to an old-fashioned rope tow.

 

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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A WOW Ski deal for Senior Skiers!

The day before Alta closed for the season, a few ski companies were set up to demo products. One was Liberty Skis, a Colorado ski maker specializing in bamboo. I tried the Variant 87 and now own a pair. The “87” indicates the width of the ski under the boot, considerably narrower than what I’ve skied the past few decades in Western powder and occasional crud. But after a day on Alta’s corn-covered groomers, I knew that I had to have the Variant 87. The company representative gave me his card and the web address for their pro discount. This is where the story gets interesting and relevant to SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers. The Liberty Skis site currently lists the Variant 87 for $599 (in season MSRP is $725). Liberty is one of the companies offering discounts to SeniorsSkiing readers through Experticity, the pro discount program available to all readers who have registered to receive the weekly SeniorsSkiing.com editorial package. Through Experticity, the Variant 87 is $398.75!!!! (plus tax). The lesson here: If you’re looking for bargains, get thee to Experticity. Deep discounts on more than 40 cool brands await.

CALIFORNIA

Squaw Valley has had soooo much snow, it’s considering staying open through the summer.

CHINA

A cave painting in China’s Xinjiang region (between Mongolia and Kazakhstan) shows people hunting on skis. It is thought to be more than 10,000 years old — 2,000 years older than the next earliest ski artifact on record.

UTAH

Snowbird is the only resort still open, and it’s getting hammered. Almost three feet have fallen the past few days and more is forecast.

The University of Utah dedicated a new facility to support its ski racing program. The Spence Eccles Ski Team Building has locker rooms and gear storage fror the school’s Nordic and Alpine teams, as well as tuning facilities, meeting rooms, etc. The facility is named for ski team alumni and NCAA All-American Spence Eccles.

QUEBEC

Mont-Sainte-Anne closes for the season this weekend. The resort had 215″ of natural snow, 50″ over last year. Day-tickets sales increased 15%.

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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People I’ve met love the Mountain Collective Pass


For those prepared to travel, it’s a no-brainer. Two day passes at any number of well-known ski resorts for $399. I purchased one a few weeks ago for next season and quickly encountered the dark side of this attractive product: weak Customer Support. I made the non-refundable purchase and was then prompted to register. That process didn’t function properly. I notified Customer Service, which, in turn, sent unhelpful automatic responses.  Despite this, I’m looking firward to using the pass next season. Has anyone else had an issue with customer support? 

CALIFORNIA

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows reached 700″ of cumulative snowfall for the 2016-17 season, the second greatest on record. First was 2010-11, with 810″ inches. California Department of Water Resources declared 2016-17 winter northern Sierra Nevada’s wettest. Average annual snowfall at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is 450 inches.

LESOTHO, AFRICA

Believe it or not, there’s a small ski hill in Lesotho, the tiny African monarchy surrounded by South Africa. For readers who might want to check this one off the bucket list, click here for more on this Southern Hemisphere oddity.

 SIBERIA

Sheregesh is a Siberian ski resort with a long season. It is a great distance from anywhere, but each Spring, thousands of scantily clad women and men travel to Sheregesh to party on skis. These Google Pictures make our costumed Spring pond-skimmers look tame.

UTAH

Onno Wieringa, Alta’s GM, is retiring following a career that started as a liftie, advanced to ski and avalanche patrol, and went on to manage one of North America’s iconic resorts. He started in 1972, the year my wife and I got hitched. 2017 is his 45th anniversary (ours, too). We started skiing there in 1973, and it’s a rare season I haven’t returned. I never met Onno, but his reputation is that of a down to earth, competent manager. See Harriet Wallis’ article this week for more on Onno.

Utah’s elected officials openly disdain protection of public lands. It’s the main reason that the Outdoor Retailers are pulling their twice annual gathering from the state. OR, in association with Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), The Conservation Alliance and Outdoor Alliance are organizing a march and rally during the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market to express support for federal public lands. Participants in the This Land is Our Land march will walk to the Utah State Capitol and hear Utah tribal leaders, outdoor industry leaders, athletes and policy makers speak to issues related to public lands.

VERMONT

The federal court appointed management team managing fraud-fraught Jay Peak and Burke Mountain was commended for stabilizing the resorts’ operations and accounting practices and increasing profits by nearly 500% since taking control of the properties a year ago.

 OTHER

Jeremy Jones, founder of Jones Snowboards, is an executive with a social conscience. His essay on the perils of climate change presents a perspective of the younger generation. It’s worth reading.

Panda Poles are bamboo and they’re terrific! I bought a pair at an end-of-season price. They feel good on three counts: they function well; they look great, and they are made by a company committed to sustainable materials. These poles also are nostalgic. I’m old enough to remember switching from bamboo to aluminum. Now I’ve gone full circle. Want a pair? The Panda Pole website has a 30% discount through April 22.

Short Swings
Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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It may be the end of the season, but now is when next year’s equipment is evaluated.

Bootfitters from around the nation converged this week on Mt Bachelor to test next season’s crop of boots. MasterFit organizes the unique annual event, and in the past, the knowledge gathered there was the basis of the annual boot review features in Ski and (now-defunct) Skiing. Ski no longer will run the MasterFit reviews, which makes me think that however they choose to cover boots, future coverage will have less validity than in the past. The results of this year’s test will be available this Fall on the America’s Best Bootfitters site. Responses to our most recent reader survey show that about twenty-four percent of readers plan to purchase new boots for next season. Foot discomfort is one of the most frequent complaints from older skiers. If you’re planning new boots, check the test results. We’ll let you know when available. At the very least, you’ll become a more informed consumer.

CALIFORNIA

Military to the Mountains pushes injured veterans out of their comfort zones and into the mountains. Earlier this month, following nine weeks of training, more than 20 veterans skied at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. They were instructed by the Achieve Tahoe adaptive ski program. For a donation of $25, the resort provides a Silver Tahoe Super Pass to active military personnel, a note of appreciation and a challenge coin. In 2016 Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows contributed over $150,000 to the program.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Several readers commented on the last week’s reference to skiing Tuckerman’s Ravine on Mt Washington. For those who haven’t been there, this short video will get you acquainted.

UTAH

This summer Alta Ski Area will replace the Supreme and Cecret double chairs with a single high-speed quad. The new lift will be operational in time for next season, Alta’s 80th.

OTHER

Patagonia has an up to 50% off sale on last season’s merch. My experience is that this brand’s goods withstand a lot of use and abuse. My shirt purchased at their Salt Lake City outlet store in the mid-80s still looks great.

RepurposedMaterials has a supply of safety netting from the FIS World Cup Ski circuit. Changed specifs left Beaver Creekwith 15,000′ of obsolete netting. Orange rolls are 12′ wide; pink rolls are 6′ wide. Netting has 3″ squares. The site shows it being used as horse feeders, for batting cages, etc.

Looking for ski and board stuff storage ideas? This Pinterest link is worth a thousand words.

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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For me, this has always been a melancholy time of year.

Most North American lifts stop running, and the joy of winter shifts to summer diversions. Some people use the time to push their limits. Years ago, I’d drive to New Hampshire to ski Tuckerman’s Ravine on Memorial Day. It was an Eastern skier’s rite of passage. When older and commuting into Manhattan, I bumped into a neighbor also waiting for the train. It was a dreary day, but his face was glowing fresh with sun. He had returned the night before from skiing Tuckerman’s. It was at least 8-hours each way. He had driven up Friday night where he stayed in a lodge in Pinkham Notch. Saturday morning he hiked the 2.4 miles to the base of Tuckerman’s then skied all day. No lifts; just climb and ski. At the end of the day he hid his equipment and returned to his lodge. Sunday morning, he awakened to rain, had breakfast, and hiked up to get his gear. Once there he looked around and determined that it wasn’t raining hard enough to keep him from taking a few more runs. Telling the story, he said, “Jon, I figured, what the hell, I might as well enjoy it while I’m here.” George Herzog was 76 when that happened. It was at least 30 years ago.

CALIFORNIA

National Geographic Bowl is adjacent to Squaw Valley, a few feet out-of-bounds from the top of Granite Chief Peak. It now will be accessible by lift and with guides from Alpenglow Expeditions.

COLORADO

Power Pass, on sale now through Apr. 28, provides unlimited skiing plus a host of other benefits (e.g. 12 buddy passes) at five Southwest areas: Purgatory Resort, Arizona Snowbowl, Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort, Pajarito Mountain, and Hesperus Ski Area. Purchasers also ski free or with discount at Copper Mountain (CO), Loveland Ski Area (CO), Monarch Mountain (CO), Crested Butte (CO), Grand Targhee (WY), Eldora Mountain Resort (CO), Diamond Peak (NV), Mount Bohemia (MI), Ski Cooper (CO), Kiroro (Japan), Panorama Mountain Resort (Canada).

MONTANA

Now that winter is winding down, the Montana Office of Tourism is promoting it’s craft beer producers. If visiting the state this summer, there’s no shortage of finding a locally-produced brewSKI. For example: check this short video.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

An avalanche earlier this week in Tuckerman’s Ravine on Mt. Washington was caught on this short but dramatic video.

UTAH

Powder Mountain announced that its day ticket limit is being reduced from 2,000 to 1,500. Powder Mountain is the largest skiable resort in North America. Lift accessible terrain is close to 8,000 acres! With fewer tickets available, there will be more untracked pow available to visiting skiers. The resort had 500″ of snow this season.

WYOMING

A split board is a snowboard that separates for climbing and can be reattached for descents. They’re popular for backcountry adventures. Jones, a leading split board manufacturer, issued a terrific photo and video account of their use in Wyoming’s Wind River Range. The scenery and boarding are fantastic.

OTHER

Rice University bioengineering students are building a device to help people with impaired sensation in their feet stay upright and avoid falls. A brief video explains what these innovative youngsters are up to.

 

 

Jon Weisberg

For Senior Skiers, Online is Just Fine

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Like generations of more recent vintage, SeniorsSkiing.com readers are comfortable making online purchases.

Nintey-five percent of the respondents to the most recent SeniorsSkiing.com reader survey reported they were “satisfied” with purchasing lift tickets online from ski areas and from ticket aggregators like Liftopia.

And more than half of the respondents reported that they’re likely to purchase ski apparel, such as parkas, on line.

The survey was the fourth that SeniorsSkiing.com has conducted with its growing base of reader/subscribers. Similar to earlier surveys, 27% of SeniorsSkiing.com readers responded.

The average age of respondents is 67, which is consistent with the last time that question was asked in 2015. The gender balance shifted from earlier surveys. In 2016, it was 60/40 male/female. The most recent result shows the ratio closer to 70/30.

When asked how much they expected to be on the snow this season, almost 42% reported more than 15 days. Of that, more than 25% expected to be on snow 25 or more days.

Seventy-one percent are between the ages of 60 and 74. Slightly more than 13% are in the 75 to over 90 range.

About sixty-six percent intend to make hotel/lodge/Airbnb/VRBO purchases next season. The next most popular purchase will be season passes (individual area and multiple area). Those purchases are followed, in order, by layering garments, pants, goggles, socks, gloves, and helmets.

When purchasing ski jackets, 82 percent spend up to $400. Almost 90% purchase ski apparel pre-season, end-of-season, or off-season. Surprisingly few purchase during the season.

Do any of these stats come as a surprise? Please drop us a line to let us know.

Anti-Freeze Face Tape
Jennifer Carlson

Me To My Face: No Need To Freeze!!

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Anti-Freeze Face Tape is Quite the Experience.

Jen Carlson wearing Anti-Freeze Face Tape

Okay, it’s Spring and for most of us the cold is fast becoming a distant memory. However, on January 8 at Alta, temps ranged from 12F to 18F. Sunny but chilly. So I took a package of Anti-Freeze Face Tape —a gift from a friend—followed the instructions and skied that day with a well decorated mug. War paint comes to mind.

The package states, “For downhill and x-country skiers, winter runners and cyclists, and those who wish to protect and insulate their skin.” It’s definitely a different way to reduce risk of frostbite.

I did what the package advised and applied the four pre-cut pieces to my nose, cheeks and chin. That was after washing and drying my face.

During the 4 1/2 hours wearing the colorful, flexible fabric, there was a burst of social engagement. It ranged from people doing double takes to straight-up staring, especially from little kids. Gotta love children with their unfiltered responses! Lunch was interrupted by the curious and those who simply pointed. Quite a few bemused people asked about this unusual new product. Who would’ve guessed placing some tape on my face would’ve sparked so much intrigue and commentary? Loved it!

It’s an interesting product, and I’ll use it again, especially on a cold day. I’d skip the cheek and chin covering in favor of my head/face sock. Would definitely use the tape on my nose. With it on, I didn’t have to deal with a cold nose or worry about sun exposure.

Removing Anti-Freeze Face Tape was fine, except from my cheeks, where there was some discomfort. A slight pattern from the adhesive remained on my face, which for a while was red and feeling a little raw.

Bottom line: It felt a bit odd at first. I quickly got used to it. A few times during the day it itched a bit, but wasn’t much of a distraction. Overall, I felt as if my skin could breath while being protected.

Wearing Anti-Freeze face tape brought some extra joy and playfulness to a beautiful day with friends. Hell, it even caught the attention of the Alta photographer for the area’s Photo of the Day.

Anti-Freeze Face Tape comes in three colors: Flesh, Blue and Pink. Available in select stores and online.

Jon Weisberg

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Pond Skimming at Vail

Skiing’s Silly Season starts this weekend with the annual ritual of the pond skimming competition. They’re generally associated with live music, costumes, BBQ, beer and LOTS OF FUN. Seven Springs (PA), Stratton (VT), Mt Snow (VT), Nashoba Valley (MA) and others have theirs scheduled for Saturday. Many others will be in April. Mt Bachelor‘s (OR) is the latest I found — May 28. It’s unlikely many SeniorsSkiing.com readers will compete, but if you do, check out these instructions for getting a good run. Be sure to send the video!!

COLORADO

Colorado Ski Country USA announced that its 22 member ski areas reported a January/February increase in skier visits over the same months last year. Snowpack is 125 percent of average and March and April are typically the snowiest months.

MASSACHUSETTS

Nashoba Valley Ski Area’s March Meltdown will be held this Sunday. Prizes for best costumes and pond skimming. Costume theme is 80’s TV or cartoon characters.

QUEBEC

Mont-Sainte-Anne announced the start of its 6 week spring season featuring live outdoor music, a slopeside sugar shack, and sunny terraces. Last day: April 30th.

UTAH

Snow Basin celebrated #nationalpuppyday with an Avalanche Dog Fundraiser benefitting Wasatch Backcountry Rescue.

Whisper Ridge, the new Utah heli/snowcat operation about a hour north of the airport has closed for the season. The company reports a banner season. Whisper Ridge is taking reservations for the coming season: 801-876-4664 or email info@whisperridgeutah.com

VERMONT

Okemo is promoting  an “all-new, bigger, better and bolder lineup” of season passes for ’17/’18. All passes are eligible for a M.A.X. Pass add-on. Purchase by April 30 for best prices and added value. Prices drop dramatically starting at age 65.

OTHER

Zeal Optics has an end of season 30% off sale on all goggles.

KJUS skiwear is beautiful, technical and pricey. 2016-17 Fall/Winter merchandise currently available online at 20% off.

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Tuesday I was sledding with grandkids in Manhattan’s Central Park.

I arrived a few days earlier in New York unprepared for winter; felt it from head to toe. Wednesday, I stepped out of Salt Lake International Airport into 75F. The resorts are reporting temps in the 40s and 50s. It’s expected to cool off later next week. My experience in this part of the world is that the first two weeks of April generally deliver large snowfalls. Will it happen this year? In New York my fingers were frozen. Now they’re crossed.

CALIFORNIA

Next season’s Tahoe Super Pass is available for purchase now. Buy before April 18 to get extra savings. Multiple plans are available. The most luxe offers unlimited skiing at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows plus 50% at all Mountain Collective resorts, plus free skiing from April 1 to end of season, plus other benefits. 65+ costs $719; 76+ costs $389.

COLORADO

Aspen Highlands will host an old school bumps challenge at its Freestyle Friday, noon March 31. Should be a blast with neon one-pieces and other retro garb.

OREGON

Registration now open for the Ligety Weibrecht Ski Camp at Mt Hood. From the website, it looks like a terrific experience for teen-aged grandkids.

QUEBEC

The Canadian Alpine Ski Championships will be held March 24-28 at Mont-Tremblant.

Stoneham Mountain Resort issued a short artsy video of skiers and boarders on its Olympic half pipe. It appears that the riders are jumping in front of a massive screen filled with colorful images.

UTAH

Park City’s Grand Summit Hotel in Canyons Village will undergo $15 million in renovation this spring, after which it will become a RockResorts property. The project is expected to be completed by mid-summer.

Snowbird‘s free Plaza Deck Concerts are scheduled for every weekend starting March 17 through May 14. Always good for a nice afternoon vibe.

VERMONT

Okemo Mountain Resort’s on-the-snow beer festival is slated for April 1. This will be the third year for the one-day Hops in the Hills event. Admission is free and open to the 21+ crowd, but there’s a fee to sample the 10 seasonal brews. Food also on tap.

 

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Deep Powder Cat Skiing: $25 Per Run

We’ve carried several articles about Powder Mountain, the enormous, old-fashioned resort about an hour northeast of Salt Lake International Airport. It was purchased a few years ago by a group of investors, and improvements are underway. It’s the go-to place for untracked powder long after the other resorts have been skied out. The place has so much acreage and so few skiers that untracked runs are available all day long and for days following the last big snowfall. It also offers a variety of snowcat skiing experiences, with single rides as low as $25.
Guided half and full day adventures are higher, but still quite reasonable. For newcomers to powder skiing, its acres of broad, gentle terrain make it a great place to learn. For the more experienced, there are long pitches to satisfy most appetites. Whether you live here or plan to visit, Powder Mountain is an adventure worth experiencing.

MASSACHUSETTS

Jiminy Peak‘s 2017/18 Zephyr season pass (six non-holiday days per week, Sunday to Friday) on sale for $349. Purchase now and get same perks for rest of current season.

PENNSYLVANIA

Several Pennsylvania resorts also have season pass deals that, if purchased now, let you ski free the rest of the season. Among them: Blue Mountain Resort, Camelback Mountain Resort and Roundtop Mountain Resort. 

VERMONT

Okemo‘s Spring Skiesta Card offers unrestricted skiing/riding from March 17 through end of season. Price ($139-$159) based on when purchased. Some purchasers will be entitled to $99 off ’17/’18 season pass.

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POW POW

Not every reader has experienced the joy of powder skiing. Showing skiers scribing graceful lines on blank fields of bluish white is part of our skiing media culture. As those of us who pursue the experience well know, finding untracked, especially in a resort setting, is elusive. Powder is ephemeral and eagerly sought out. When there’s a dump in the Wasatch (and there have been many this generous season), you need to arrive early to get a shot. You’re competing with those who arrived even earlier, and they’re competing with powder hounds living, vacationing and working at the resort. Outside the area are backcountry options, and places serviced by chopper or cat. Backcountry is too strenuous for me. Chopper and cat are pricey. Even when you make it to the mountain with still enough to go around, it’s doesn’t last too long (unless you ski at a place that gets the goods but not the skiers). The other day I arrived at Alta 15 minutes after the lifts opened. What I saw from the lot was already chewed up so I headed to a more remote part of the mountain. A few tracks were present but still separated by broad untouched expanses. The snow was fresh, light and about 18 inches deep. I’ve had the experience when it reached my waist, but even at 18 inches it feels bottomless. After descending a snow field, I entered the trees where it felt even deeper, then out into another snowfield, hardly tracked. The rest of the day was dedicated to finding more untracked stashes. Others were hunting for similar game. On my last run I found one—about 15 turns—where only one other skier had been. A great day. More snow is forecast for the next seven.

CALIFORNIA

With a base snowpack of 21 feet, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows plans to operate July 4th. The resort has received 565″/47′ of snow, already surpassing its annual average of 450″!

UTAH

Once its contract expires in 2018, Outdoor Industry Association will not return to Salt Lake City where it has held its twice annual Outdoor Retailer show for 20 years. The group decided not to include Utah as a bidder for its convention venue following a teleconference with Utah Governor Herbert, who is leading the state’s opposition to protecting federal lands and who is promoting development by coal and other extraction industries. The Outdoor Retailer show delivers 40,000 visitors and $45 million annually to the local economy. Conservation Colorado placed a half-page ad in Salt Lake’s two dailies urging the event to move to Denver.

VERMONT

Vail Resorts will be acquiring Stowe for $50 million. When the acquisition is completed it will be Vail’s first in the East. The deal, subject to administrative review by the State of Vermont, includes all assets related to Stowe’s mountain operations including at Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.

OTHER

International Skiing History Association’s annual Skiing History Week (Snowsport History Week) will be in Stowe, April 4-9. It’s a fun event with skiing (conditions permitting), parties, tailgates, history lectures and award banquets. More info: https://snowsporthistory.com/event/schedule/

Coming Attractions — For a peek at ski innovations starting in 2018, visit realskiers.com, where ski industry prognosticator, Jackson Hogen, shares industry intelligence in one of his frequent free postings. realskiers.com is a wealth of everything skiing, well worth the $19.95 annual subscription fee.

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POV

Dedicate your next day on the hill to someone or something. That’s what I’ve decided to do. Recently I’ve been dedicating each ski day to my brother Paul. If he makes it to February 20, he’ll be 82. Never spent a day on skis in his entire life, but throughout his atypical lifetime, he always cut his own trail. From time to time, I’ve dedicated my ski day to ideas like a better environment; my lift chat, that day, generally reflects it. A few weeks ago, I dedicated the day to trees and sought out openings where I could look up and marvel at how they frame the sky. I don’t go out that much when it’s snowing, but the next time I do that will be my focus. I’ve always loved skiing in a good storm, my face cold and my body warm, following the tree line for visibility and occasionally dropping into the forest to watch flakes settle through its majesty. Most of all, I find myself dedicating the day to health and to life, often stopping in some beautiful spot and giving thanks for being able to enjoy something that most people on Earth will never experience. As we get older, it’s natural to appreciate more richly the people we love and the things we’re still able to do. Consciously dedicating my day to one of these—or other things—has enriched my experience. If you already do it or decide to give it a try, post a comment to let our growing SeniorsSkiing.com community know.

NORTHERN ONTARIO

According to CBC, a northern Ontario man captured amazing photos of a weather phenomenon called “light pillars,” which appear when light bounces off ice crystals floating close to the ground. In this case business and streetlights were the source. See the photos here.

VERMONT

On March 11, Okemo Mountain Resort will be the venue for Sugar Daze, a live outdoor concert featuring two-time Grammy and World Music Award nominee, DJ Paul Oakenfold, and the popular reggae/fusion band, MAGIC! The free concert will be presented by Volvo. Festivities start mid-afternoon.

OTHER

Zipfit is a replacement liner that can transform existing, uncomfortable shells into high functioning, comfortable boots. The product utilizes a unique cork formula — not foam — for fill. People who use Zipfits love the product. They’re available at selected ski shops.

CompanionAnmals.org is rich with information about why dogs and cats can be beneficial to health as we age. Just 15 minutes bonding with an animal sets off positive chemical chain reactions in the brain that result in lower heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels. Longer term, pet/human interactions can lower cholesterol levels, fight depression and may help protect against heart disease and stroke.

 

 

 

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POV

Ski lifts are public places and, in my experience, an opportunity to exchange pleasantries with friends and strangers. Over the years, I’ve rarely encountered hostility on chair, gondola or tram. Last season a person on a quad at Alta launched into aggressive hate speech with his friend. At one point I voiced that the chair was an inappropriate place to spew venom. He paused before resuming with even more hateful comments. A few days ago, on another quad, the age peers on my right were discussing the new administration. The younger man to my left introduced a contrarian point of view. As the chair reached higher on the mountain, the younger man became increasingly agitated and his facts more alternative. The fellow to my right turned to him and said, “You look like a nice fellow, but what you’re saying is really far off. Since we’re not going to be able to agree, let’s just talk skiing.” The chair had reached the top.

CALIFORNIA

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows sent a delegation to Genting Secret Garden, the resort’s sister mountain in China. They are generating interest in skiing boarding in China in advance of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. They also hope to spur ski tourism from China to the U.S.

MONTANA

Heads Up! — Sauce is a Montana-based company making wonderful hats and other products. Their Chill Toque is a fleece-lined stretchy head covering with a unique pleated opening that vents the scalp when you need to cool down. During February — National Cancer Prevention Month — for every purchase, Sauce will send, free, a hat to someone designated by the purchaser. As stated on their website: Help someone feel supported, warm and covered while they are in the throes of a cancer battle or during their road to recovery. Sauce hats: https://www.sauceactive.com

PENNSYLVANIA

Here are a few Pennsylvania areas with Valentine’s specials: Blue Knob and Blue Mountain are offering $14 lift tickets, and Ski Sawmill has free skiing for girls of all ages on Feb 13. Numerous areas have special Valentine’s dinners. Visit SkiPA.com for more info and for a $5 off midweek coupon.

UTAH

A few weeks ago we reported on the growing opinion that the massive Outdoor Retailers trade show which convenes twice annually in Salt Lake City should relocate. The reason? Utah’s legislators are committed to anti-environmental and anti-public lands policies. This week, after the state took measures to encourage the new Washington administration to reverse the recently established Bear’s Ears National Monument in southern Utah, Outdoor Retailer announced it is seeking proposals for new venue locations after its current contract in Utah ends in 2018. That was followed by Patagonia’s announcement that it is pulling from the OR show in response to Utah’s actions against the national monument. The trade show has had major economic impact on Utah, something likely to be downplayed by state and federal politicians intent on commercially exploiting everything they can.

 

 

 

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February is National Bootfitting Month.

Boots! You either love them or you hate them. If yours give you grief, take heart. February is National Bootfitting Month, and the folks at America’s Best Bootfitters are encouraging skiers to visit one of the America’s Best Bootfitters shops to improve boot performance, comfort, warmth, and fit.

Skiing Magazine Folds.

The buzz during last week’s SIA Snow Show in Denver is that Skiing Magazine has folded. The magazine started publication in 1948. The grapevine suggested it will become part of Ski Magazine, another publication in the AIM Media group. Skiing’s website is still up, but the mag’s media kit is no longer posted.

CALIFORNIA

The Audi FIS World Cup returns to California after a 19 year absence. It takes place March 9-12 at Squaw Valley Resort.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Jackson Ski Touring Center will host an exhibition of abstract paintings throughout its trails. The paintings, to be displayed in niches of snow and other natural materials, will be shown February 11. They are the work of two New Hampshire artists. Cost is $5 on foot; day trail passes discounted for seniors.

UTAH

Alta is supporting the Outdoor Industry for Clean Air and the Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment. The area joined the other groups by signing a letter for clean air to Utah legislators. Each year inversions in the Salt Lake Valley increase in density and length, causing significant health issues for residents and visitors. The Utah Legislature pays lip service to the problem but does little to change it. Alta skiers can look down Little Cottonwood Canyon to see an ocean of smog covering the valley.

OTHER

A few of the many interesting products found at the big SIA Snow Show last week in Denver:

  • HangEmRight Ski Hangers are a simple and colorful way to store skis. $14.99
  • DexShell makes waterproof, breathable socks, gloves, and headwear. The products are demonstrated in a tank of water. They work.
  • Vintage Ski World is a source for vintage ski posters, photos, and equipment. Always a fun site to visit! Enter code RJA10 for 10% off.
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CALIFORNIA

According to online ticket vendor GetSkiTickets.com, Mammoth Mountain has the deepest snow pack in the country. They’re currently at 20+ feet and more is on the way.

Ms. Nature has dumped 52″ on Mountain High. It’s the resort’s largest snowstorm in the last five years.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Jackson Ski Touring Center, the largest in the northeast, features free, supervised 90-minute ski tours for kids 11-17 every Sunday. They run 10:00 AM – Noon and follow trails in wooded areas. A nice Sunday excursion for the grandkids.

NEW YORK

Reader Ellen Stone reports there is another ski area where seniors ski for free.  It’s Mt. Peter, a small, seven-trail area in Warwick, NY.  70+ free all the time.

PENNSYLVANNIA

Grandparents take note: PA Ski offers free lift tickets to 4th and 5th Graders You don’t have to live in PA! Discounts for adults; free stuff for kids. Visit http://www.skipa.com

UTAH

Enjoy midweek skiing and snowboarding for free at Snowbasin Resort when you Fly Alaska Airlines into Salt Lake International Airport this season and get free midweek skiing at spectacular Snowbasin Resort. Go there even if you’re not flying Alaska. The place is BIG and beautiful and the facilities are about as luxe as they get. Seniors get a good deal there. 65-74 costs $79; 75+ costs $35.

VERMONT

For the fourth year in a row, Okemo Mountain Resort was named one of the 2017 Best Places to Work in Vermont. The resort was the first ski resort to make the list. The 2017 Best Places to Work in Vermont lists 45 companies.

The U.S. Ski Team selected Burke Mountain as an official U.S. Ski Team development site where members will train and hold elite skiing competitions while preparing for the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeong Chang, South Korea. Burke Mountain has 178 skiable acres. Over 40 years, Burke Mountain Academy has produced 33 Olympians, 138 national team athletes and 117 U.S. Ski Team members, including 2014 Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin.

OTHER

ZEAL Optics has introduced a nifty way to change goggle lenses without hassle. Its Rail Lock System (RLs) uses a dual sliding rail system to guide and lock the lens in place. We’ve tried it, and it works. It’s especially good for seniors because of the very wide peripheral vision.

For those into needlepoint and skiing, Tuckernuck has kits for wallets, belts and coasters. Their “ski tricks” designs are delightful.

One Warm Coat is a San Francisco-based non-profit committed to providing anyone in need with a free warm coat. The group accomplishes this by helping people and groups in local communities organize coat drives. We know what it feels like to be cold when playing. There are many who don’t have the means to stay warm. One Warm Coat. One worthy initiative.

Contemplating a retirement move? WalletHub, an online provider of financial guidance, published the best and worst states to retire in 2017.

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CALIFORNIA

January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, when many resorts offer special “learn to ski or snowboard” programs. Among them is Mountain High where guests can purchase a two-for-one midweek, non-holiday Half-Day First Timer Package with lesson, rentals and a lower-mountain lift ticket.

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows to host the Elite FIS Astle Memorial January 17-20, 2017. The FIS tech series honors of Bryce Astle, one of two U.S. Ski Team members who died in an avalanche in 2015. Nearly 100 men and 100 women will compete in two days of Giant Slalom and two days of Slalom on the same course as the women’s Audi FIS World Cup event to be held at Squaw Valley in March.

COLORADO

January 15 -22 is Gay Ski Week in Aspen with an abundance of parties and entertainment.

UTAH

Two time Olympian Ted Ligety announced that back surgery would sideline him from this season’s World Cup. He expects to race at the 2018 South Korean Olympic Games.

Proceeds from the Snowbird’s Snowcat Skiing for Nature program benefit two local environmentally focused non-profits. Morning guided half-day tours run from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and include breakfast, pre-public, guided skiing in Mineral Basin, lift ticket, and backcountry snowcat skiing in upper American Fork Canyon. $395/person Visit: http://www.snowbird.com/mountain-school/guides/catskiing/

VERMONT

Jay Peak Resort was named among Best Ski areas by Liftopia’s 2016-17 Best in Snow Awards. Voters identified Jay Peak Resort’s “tremendous amount of back country” with “New England-style skiing at its best including tight, twisty runs and challenging glade skiing that is far enough from the coast and gets tons of snow.”

OTHER

Patrick McCloskey is a frequent SeniorsSkiing.com contributor. A PSIA Alpine Level III instructor, he has been teaching skiing for 40 years. A Q&A with Patrick appears in PSIA-AASI’s Member Spotlight.

Thinning Down the Billfold — Almost every skier I know stuffs too many cards and documents into the wallet. It’s unnecessary, unwieldy, and often unsightly! The clever people at Allett designed a line of ultra-slim wallets for skiing, travel, and everyday use. They’re great looking and reasonably priced. A terrific way to slim down. At retail and online.

Don’t Cramp Your Style — Pickle Juice is a product designed to stop muscle cramps. It was developed with football in mind but is extremely relevant to older skiers. A lot of us cramp up a bit too often. Pickle Juice is delish and available at retail and online.

SheJumps is a non-profit dedicated to increasing women’s and girls’ participation in outdoor activities. The group creates “Get the Girls Out!” events, Outdoor Education, Youth Initiatives and grassroots recreational gatherings — some of them on snow. The SheJumps community comprises females of all backgrounds and ages who help one another reach their highest potential through outdoor adventures and education.

 

 

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CALIFORNIA

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows received 10.5 feet since January 1!

COLORADO

Colorado resorts offering a variety of freebies, including:

Free Snowcat to reach expert terrain

Wolf Creek Ski Area https://wolfcreekski.com/.

Loveland Ski Area – http://skiloveland.com/the-mountain/the-ridge-cat/

Free Lift Tickets for Airline Passengers

Crested Butte — Fly Alaska Airlines from Los Angeles to receive free lift ticket anytime before March 25, 2017 plus ski free on day of departure http://www.skicb.com/

Free First Tracks

Aspen Snowmass — Free early access on Aspen Mountain or Snowmass. Space is limited; guests must sign up night before www.aspensnowmass.com.

UTAH

Alta recognized top in several categories in the 2016-17 Best in Snow Award, Powered by Liftopia. They include Overall Best in Snow, Beginner Friendly, Most Challenging, Family Friendly, Best Snow Quality and Best Value ski areas in the High West.

Solitude Mountain Resort hosts its first major international skiing and snowboarding competition January 19-22 with the 2017 Toyota U.S. Grand Prix/FIS Snowboard World Cup and FIS Skicross NorAm Cup.

OTHER

Great item for patching ski garments: noso patches has a selection of fun stick-on clothing patches in all shapes and colors. Use them for holes on down, ski pants, etc. Retail presence is rapidly growing; always available on-line at www.nosopatches.com.

Numerous companies offer tee shirts and headwear with national park themes. The Landmark Project does it with style and great designs:www.thelandmarkproject.com.

No more slip-sliding, bone-breaking falls! STABIL, the Maine manufacturer of ice cleats that attach to winter footwear are a must-have for those of us who want to avoid winter falls. Available in most outdoor stores. Find an outlet at www.stabilgear.com.

peter metcalf
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OpEd—Black Diamond’s Peter Metcalf to Outdoor Retailer Show: Leave Utah!

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Time For The Industry To Speak Truth To Utah’s Anti-Public Lands Political Agenda.

This was the week of the Outdoor Retailers big show and non-stop party in Salt Lake City. It happens in both Winter and Summer editions, each with products focused on that season.

But this one was different because Peter Metcalf, the founder and former CEO of outdoor gear company Black Diamond, spoke out directly to the anti-public lands initiatives being promoted by Utah’s governor and the state’s Congressional delegation.

Twenty years ago, Metcalf successfully led the effort to relocate the show to Utah.

To fully appreciate his rationale, one needs to understand the economic impact the outdoor industry has on both the national and the state economies. It generates nearly $650 billion in gross national product (GNP) activity. At the state level, it generates nearly $12 billion and is responsible for about 120,000 jobs. The OR show, itself, delivers nearly $50 million of direct spending to Utah.

Metcalf authored an OP-ED in the Salt Lake Tribune, advocating for the Outdoor Retailer to leave Utah.

“… The state has some of the country’s most beautiful, varied, wild and iconic public lands that personified our industry’s values,” he wrote. “Utah’s public lands also formed the underpinnings of the state’s great competitive advantage — an unmatched quality of life unique to much of America that has attracted some of the best and brightest companies and their employees to the state.”

In explaining why he is urging the OR show to leave, he wrote, “Utah’s political leadership has birthed an anti-public lands political agenda that is the driving force of an existential threat to the vibrancy of Utah and America’s outdoor industry, as well as Utah’s high quality of life.

“Specifically, Utah’s top elected officials’ stated strategy is to take down our newest national monument, Bears Ears, gut the Antiquities Act, starve funding from federal land management agencies, and transfer our country’s public lands to state ownership, where the state will sell and prioritize extractive use over all others.

“This agenda is antithetical to our industry, let alone the majority of our citizens regardless of party affiliation. By our industry’s twice-annual trade show remaining in Utah, we are actually complicit collaborators in our own demise.

“It’s time for the industry to again find its voice, speak truth and power to power while making it clear to the governor and the state’s political leadership that this trade show will depart with the expiration of the current contract in 2018 unless the leadership ceases its assault on America’s best idea.”

SeniorsSkiing.com stands with Peter Metcalf on this issue.

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Jean Vuarnet, whose use of metal skis and unique tuck position won gold in the Men’s Downhill in the 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Olympics, died, January 2 in Salanches, France.

Jean Vuarnet in the l’Oeuf tuck

Many generations know his name from the sunglasses that carry it. But for skiers across the world, his use of the egg-shaped “l’oeuf” tuck, was a game changer. It’s aerodynamic shape reduced drag and helped propel him and other racers to the finish line more quickly. He was 83.

 

CALIFORNIA

If all goes as forecast, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows will have been hammered with 6.5 feet of fresh this past week. Great way for the Tahoe resorts to start the New Year!

COLORADO

The Vail Valley Foundation will announce the newest inductee into the International Ski Hall of Fame this afternoon. The event also will unveil “The Edge,” a sculpture by artist Gail Folwell. The event is one component of the worldwide celebration of 50 years of FIS World Cup ski racing occurring this month.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Waterville Valley Resort hosts The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association’s Toyota Revolution Tour, January 8-13, 2017. After a five-year hiatus, the Rev Tour will return to the East Coast for Slopestyle competitions for freeskiing and snowboarding will be held at the resort’s Exhibition Park. The event features athletes from the US, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Great Britain.

UTAH

Ever innovative in its promotion of Utah powder, Ski Utah has arranged for skiers to have free one-day rentals of Rossignol powder skis following “Monster Dumps.”. Ski Utah defines a “Monster Dump” as 12″ or more in a 24-hour period (This season, it’s happening frequently). When that occurs, skiers have 48 hours to visit one of the 14 Ski’N See ski shop locations where they’ll get the free pow ski rental after purchasing two Monster Energy drinks on site.

The inaugural 12.4 mile Sweaty Yeti Fat Bike Race will happen February 4 at Wolf Creek Resort Golf Course in Eden, a few miles from Snowbasin. The race is for amateurs and pro/open riders. Fat bikes use super wide tires to navigate snowy trails.

OTHER

The Mountain Collective pass is still on sale. $499 delivers 28 days at 14 legendary destinations, plus 50% off any additional days, no blackouts. For the peripatetic among us, it is one helluva deal!

Patagonia catalogs have interesting articles and terrific pictures of skiers wearing the brand’s clothing. The one that just arrived is a winner. If you’re not on the list, visit patagonia.com.

Jon Weisberg

Solitude Mountain Resort: Perfection at the Top of a Canyon

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The Nearby Area for Local and Destination Skiers Who Know.

Solitude Mountain Resort

Like most great places, Utah’s Solitude Mountain Resort, combines the obvious with the subtle. Its 1200 acres are laced with a variety of groomers ranging from gentle to intense. In between are the woods and hidden openings where those who seek the untracked may find just what they’re looking for. It may require some effort to get there, but once you arrive…what a pleasure!

Overall, it is one of the most scenic areas in the state. Dense with trees and punctuated by cliffs, it sits near the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, 15 miles of spectacular amphitheaters, steep slopes and manageable hairpin turns. It is adjacent to Brighton Ski Resort, and the two areas offer a joint pass for a slight premium.

Like other Wasatch Mountain resorts, it is comprised of several canyons, the most dramatic of which is Honeycomb, with skiable walls that provide almost endless opportunity for fun. Intermediates can enjoy moderate challenge along the floor of the canyon. On a clear day, every skier is exposed to the kind of natural beauty found in a national park.

We skied there the day after Christmas, and, for Solitude, it was crowded. That doesn’t mean Park City, Snowbird, or Deer Valley crowded. A few slopes had too many skiers and boarders, but lift lines were virtually nonexistent.

Powder at Solitude

That, unfortunately, could not be said for the cafeteria line at the Roundhouse, the lower, mid-mountain eatery renovated following a fire last Spring. There’s is no doubt that the resort, now owned by Deer Valley, will figure it out. And, I know from experience, that on less crowded days, skiers can get a tasty meal in a few minutes. Food choices include the conventional (hamburgers, sandwiches, fries), the less conventional (homemade chicken pot pie), and the exotic (dals, naans, paneers, and other Himalayan choices).

Solitude is ideal for senior skiers. There’s terrain for everyone. Those visiting with families and/or grandchildren, will find nice lodging options at the Village at Solitude and a good selection of eateries. Solitude Mountain Spa has a full range of treatments.

Day tickets for those 65+ are $25 below rack rate. I checked their website for two weeks out, and the cost dropped to $32.99. The restrooms I visited were not fancy, but they were clean. That says a lot about management’s attention to details, especially on a very busy day.

I know a number of local serious skiers whose season ticket choice is Solitude. They like committing to an easily accessible place and having it to themselves. It is a beautiful, well-run resort with an endless variety of appealing terrain. If you want nightlife, go to Park City or stay in Salt Lake City. If you want fantastic and varied skiing, good accommodations, first-rate food, and not too many people, this is your place.