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CALIFORNIA

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows received 25 inches over the holiday weekend. Wow, what a difference from last year.

COLORADO

In recognition of National Safety Month (January) Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) member resorts are hosting special safety-related programs and activities to raise awareness and demonstrate how to be safe on the slopes. Events include joining ski patrol on end-of-day patrol sweeps, demonstrations with avalanche dogs, and increased awareness about helmet use.

MONTANA

As it has for the past decade, Big Sky Resort hosted a holiday dinner for more than 1,500 workers. Resort management served the food and cleaned. This year, Big Sky employs about 600 new out-of-state workers and roughly 114 international employees. The area provides free ski and snowboard lessons and rentals to all employees and their children.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Jackson Ski Touring Center’s Get 4 and Go program is a great way to learn x-country! Participants pay $199, for four days of cross country ski and boot/pole rentals, two group lessons, and two private lessons. Upon completion, participants receive a Certificate of Achievement and a season pass for the rest of winter — a total value of $423. The center also has a variety of other discounted offerings to encourage people to learn x-country and skate skiing. Kids under 10 ski free. Nice outing for parents/grandparents with small children/grandchildren: towable kid-sized sleds. Oh, that aching back!  Thanks to Roger Lohr, publisher of XCSkiResorts.com for the tip.

PENNSYLVANNIA

The Area Agency on Aging of Luzerne and Wyoming Counties hosts a free ski/snowboard/telemark clinic, 9:30 AM, Wednesdays starting January 4 at Jack Frost Mountain. Participants will need equipment and lift ticket. A special luncheon, with presentations about eating well and remaining in shape, is scheduled for January 18.

UTAH

The U.S. Speed Skating Championships will be held at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns (Salt Lake City), January 6-8. The best U.S. short and long track speed skating athletes will attempt to qualify to represent the U.S. in the World Cup and World Cup Sprint circuits. Admission is free.

December’s snowfall has given Utah over 100% of its average snowfall to date. In the past week, many resorts received 2 to 4 feet of snow.

VERMONT

Woodstock Inn & Resort, a quintessential New England ski hostelry, is offering several ski and snowshoe packages. The resort includes the Suicide Six Ski Area.

OTHER

January is Learn to Ski & Ride Month. Seventy-five+ US and Canadian resorts are expected to go for a Guinness World Record for the largest ski and snowboard lesson ever taught. About 6,000 people took part in last year’s record attempt.

MDV Sports is new name of the corporate owner of the Marker, Dalbello and Völkl brands. A company announcement states the three brands will cooperate in the areas of R&D, production, sales and marketing.

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CALIFORNIA

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows won USA Today’s 2017 Readers’ Choice Poll for ‘Best Ski Resort.’ The resort secured top spot in the 2016 poll, as well.

IDAHO

McCall, ID is near from Brundage Mountain, the 2000′ vertical resort advertising the “best snow in Idaho. About 10 minutes from the mountain is Shore Lodge, with luxury accommodations and a spa built around natural hot springs. McCall’s annual Winter Carnival with many motor- and non-motorized activities will happen January 27-February 5, 2017.

NEW YORK

The Spa at the Mirror Lake Inn Resort in Lake Placid, has undergone a $1 million makeover. Always a terrific location, Mirror Lake Inn Resort has just become even better.

 

PENNSYLVANNIA

At least 18 of the state’s ski areas are now open. Check local details before going.

QUEBEC

Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham Mountain Resort have a lot planned for Christmas and New Years. Learn about Santa’s visits, treats, kids activities, music, banquets, races, fireworks at: Stoneham / Mont-Sainte-Anne

UTAH

Deer Valley published a You Tube tribute to Stein Eriksen. It is lovely and will bring back memories.

OTHER

Clean Trails is establishing a national network of trail stewards for the country’s pristine wild places, collective community spaces, and access points to its natural wonders. It’s mission is to keep trail systems litter-free. The group’s slogan, Love the Land. Lose the Litter. says it all. To participate visit http://cleantrails.org 

Orsden is a new line of extremely good looking and reasonably priced high quality 4-way stretch ski parkas. Features are comparable to much more expensive brands. Orsden parkas (on-line, direct-to-consumer, only): $330, with free shipping.

GetSkiTickets.com, the online lift ticket seller, is offering a free trip for two to Taos with three nights lodging, three days of skiing, ski and/or board rentals, and two pairs of hand crafted mittens.

Anti-Freeze Face Tape reduces risk of frostbite for people playing in the cold. Each package contains four pre-cut pieces to cover nose and cheeks or to cut your own. Haven’t tried it yet, but unlike masks and tubes, this won’t fog your goggles. Available in flesh, blue and pink. $4.99 per pack. Available at select x-country ski centers and online.

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Snow Sports Industry Leader Bernie Weichsel Is Honored

SeniorsSkiing.com Advisory Council member and Snow Sports industry leader, Bernie Weichsel, was honored with the YES Lifetime Achievement Award in Boston last weekend. YES (Youth Enrichment Services) serves the urban youth of greater New England by providing outdoor adventures in skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, canoeing and camping.  Bernie has been an outstanding supporter of YES for more than 40 years. Bernie’s generosity has provided thousands of Boston youth with the opportunity to experience the outdoors and benefit from enrichment programs at YES. We are proud of you, Bernie!

ISHA Fund Raising Campaign

If you’ve not yet made an annual contribution to the International Ski History Association, please consider a donation today. It’s fully deductible in the United States for the 2016 tax year if posted by December 31. Your ISHA contribution will support the expenses incurred in publishing Skiing History magazine, maintaining the skiinghistory.org Website, and running the annual ISHA Awards program.

Skiing History was recently featured in the Huffington Post as a unique holiday gift! Click here to read the article by Jon Weisberg of SeniorsSkiing.com. And  to send a Skiing History gift, just fill in the gift subscription form. For an even better deal, give your favorite away-from-home student a digital subscription for just $29.

Canada

Quebec City has announced it has won the USA Today online vote for Best Winter Wonderland in North America.  We’ve been to the famous Winter Carnival in January, and it is an amazing and festive celebration of ice and snow.

Monte-Sainte-Ann and Stoneham in Quebec are celebrating incredible snow conditions with 55 received since the beginning of the season. Christmas activities are starting. Why go to Europe when Quebec is a drive or quick flight away?

Colorado

Sunlight Mountain Resort celebrates it’s 50th anniversary with the most expensive lift ticket in the country.  The $700 per ticket price includes one full day of skiing at the resort as well as a pair of limited edition Sunlight 50th anniversary Meier skis and a ticket to the Iron Mountain Hot Springs. The $600 version gets you a 50th anniversary snowboard.

Utah

Deer Valley Resort has won the distinction of the United States’ Best Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the fourth consecutive year. The World Ski Awards’ 2016 Ski Oscars winners represent excellence in ski tourism and the leaders shaping the future of the ski industry.

Enjoy midweek skiing and snowboarding for free at Snowbasin Resort when you fly Alaska Airlines into Salt Lake International Airport. From December to April, snow enthusiasts can “Fly Alaska, Ski Free” or simply take a scenic gondola ride at Snowbasin Resort for free within 24 hours of landing at the Salt Lake International Airport Tuesday through Thursday.

Quad Wednesdays are back at Brighton this year! With a charitable donation, you can purchase a lift ticket for only $20. December 14, 2016:  Donate a warm article of clothing such as hats, jackets, pants or anything that will keep someone warm this winter.  Proceeds go to The Road Home Charity. December 21, 2016: Donate a grocery bag of non-perishable food items.  Proceeds go to the Utah Food Bank.

Solitude Mountain Resort is set to host a U.S. Grand Prix/FIS Snowboard World Cup and FIS Skicross NorAm Cup January 19-22, 2017, as part of a test event for the 2019 FIS Freestyle, Snowboard and Freeski World Championships. The event will be the second stop of the U.S. Grand Prix tour for the 2016-17 season and the first major international skiing and snowboarding competition Solitude has hosted.

After two years of construction and licensing, the New World Distillery will be opening this week in Eden, UT. The state of the art distillery is featuring its “Oomaw” gin, soon to be followed by “agave
spirits and Ogden Valley Vodka.  New World will also offer classes in distilling in the Spring.

California

The second season has started for the Mountain Playground Group, a coalition of nine community and independent ski areas from California to Maine. Under the Mountain Rider’s Alliance, these ski areas have teams up to increase market awareness, share in best practices and identify expense-reducing initiatives.

Participating ski areas include Arctic Valley, AK; Bald Mountain, ID; Beartooth Basin; MT/WY; Elk Ridge Ski and Outdoor Recreation, AZ; Hurricane Ridge, WA; Mt Abram, ME; Mt Timothy and Phoenix Mountain, British Columbia.

New Hampshire

SkiNH reports that over the weekend of Dec 10-11 ski resorts received eight inches of fluffy stuff, and it was still coming down.  Check with SkiNH for latest conditions.  Season on in New Hampshire!

Jackson Ski Touring Center opened Dec. 12 with both classic and skate skiing on nine out of 55 trails (29 km groomed) thanks to a cross-country snowstorm.  Also, Jackson XC has announced a series of money-saving packages for beginners as well as more experienced XC skiers.

Vermont

Stowe’s $80 million Adventure Center at Spruce Peak sees its first winter. The sleek center is base camp for the resort’s children’s programs, from day care to ski and snowboard lessons. It’s also home to family-friendly eating in The Canteen and the indoor Stowe Rocks Climbing Center.

Maine

Sunday River skiers will find a new Locke Mountain top terminal on the triple, but will have to wait until 2017-’18 before the Spruce Peak Triple is replaced with a $2.1 million fixed-grip chair.

Massachusetts

Wachusett in Princeton is now more readily accessible for Boston-area skiers, thanks to the MBTA’s new Wachusett Commuter Rail Station in West Fitchburg on the Fitchburg Line.

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CALIFORNIA

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows announced that five of its skiers were named to the 2017 U.S. Alpine Ski Team. All are part of the area’s development system and have been successful in International Ski Federation (FIS) competition.

COLORADO

Numerous Colorado resorts offer free skiing for young children—a definite benefit for grandparents taking the kids for a ski holiday. Ages, dates, and other details vary by resort, and are worth checking on line or when making reservations. Among the resorts offering this perk: Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Snowmass, Copper Mountain, Crested Butte, Loveland, Purgatory Resort, Steamboat, and Telluride.

MONTANA

Absaroka Dogsled Treks is based out of Chico Hot Springs in Pray, MT, about an hour from Bridger Bowl and two hours from Big Sky. The outfitter offers tours, ranging from $125 for a six mile trip (small kids free) to $450 for the day. Chico Hot Springs has a great natural hot pool where the community gathers to soak and an outstanding kitchen, recognized far beyond this little wonder, 45 miles north of Yellowstone National Park.

NEW ENGLAND 

Open Snow, the very excellent snow forecasting site, has reported that New England is in for “an arctic blast” for the next 10 days.  That means big time snowmaking.  But beware, it’s also going to be windy up there this weekend, so bundle up.

NEW YORK

Internationally renown artist Jeff Koons, 61 and a nascent snowboarder, designed the graphics for 50 boards that will be sold for $5,000 each at a fund raiser in New York City for the Chill Foundation, a charity established by the founders of Burton snowboards. The foundation helps children from underserved communities learn through competitive sport.

UTAH

Salt Lake City is offering the Ski City Super Pass with discounted tickets at Alta, Snowbird, Brighton and Solitude, free public transportation to get there, and discounted rentals. Available with lodging packages at participating Salt Lake City hotels. Staying in Salt Lake City and skiing different areas is a great way to experience the Wasatch Front. Many restaurant and entertainment options.

Park City’s KPCW radio interviewed SeniorsSkiing.com co-publisher, Jon Weisberg about (what else?) seniors who ski and why they’re important to skiing. The podcast can be heard by clicking here.  Jon’s comments start at 39:00 if you want to skip ahead.

Utah Olympic Park in Park City will host luge athletes from over 20 countries competing for a chance at a World Cup title, December 16 and 17, 2016.

WYOMING

Moe’s Original Bar B Que opened in Jackson Hole. FeaturingSouthern soul food, the chain resto was named one of the Top 10 Rib Joints in the U.S.

OTHER

Patagonia is offering 50% past-season products. The on-line deal is good for Tuesday, Dec 13, only.

 

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trailmasterimage_CALIFORNIA

Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows announced that the The Audi FIS Women’s Alpine World Cup at Squaw Valley (March 9 – 12, 2017) will be 100% carbon neutral. The area will materially reduce and offset emissions directly related to the event. Activities will include composting, fresh water stations (both areas discontinued sale of single use plastic ater bottles last season — the first in the nation to do so), and a variety of car-pooling and other eco-friendly transportation options.

Mountain High, 90 minutes from Los Angeles and Orange County, is open for the season. It bills itself as   Southern California’s learn to ski and snowboard resort. 70+ are free, every day.

NEW MEXICO

The Town of Taos was selected as the country’s top ski town in a USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice contest. Other cities in the running included Whitefish, Montana and North Conway, New Hampshire.

QUEBEC

The annual Quebec Winter Carnival will take place January 27-29. It is the classic winter event. If you plan to go, dress for the cold!

UTAH

Brighton Resort is open and operating from top to bottom.

Park City Mountain Resort lifts are now running for the season. It is the largest ski resort in the US and has something for every skier and boarder. Like most other Utah resorts, it’s a short ride from the airport.

VERMONT

Okemo announced that opening day featured top to bottom terrain, a feat it has achieved for four opening days in a row. Thank you, snow making crew!  Okemo is also planning demo days on 12/10-11.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Several resorts are planning to open this weekend in New Hampshire.  Black Mountain, Cranmore, Gunstock, and Ragged Mountain are making snow and grooming.  Check conditions before you go with Ski New Hampshire. 

OTHER

Patagonia’s Black Friday sales hit $10 million, 100% of which was donated to grassroots environmental organizations working around this fragile planet of ours. Thank you, Patagonia!

Mountain Collective provides two days of skiing at 14 iconic North American resorts, including Alta/Snowbird; Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows, Jackson Hole, Revelstoke, Whistler Blackcomb, and Stowe. The pass costs $419. Pass holders get 50% off additional days (no blackouts). It is ski value at its best if travel plans take you to those great locations.

Timber Creek Lodge is a new relaity show on the Bravo network. It’s set in an upscale ski lodge and, based on the trailer, features a selection of curvaceous and hard body youngsters doing what they can to please the patrons and each other. Premiers Monday, December 5th at 10pm ET/PT.

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Congratulations!!  Two SeniorsSkiing.com Advisory Council members have been named to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame:

Gretchen Besser “…for her unprecedented career as a ski patroller and first aid instructor… and her impact as an historian, international liaison and visionary in the world of skiing…”

Bernie Weichsel “As an advocate and creator of an organized freestyle competition circuit. His innovative SKI USA worldwide promotions continue to bring thousands of international skiers to U.S. slopes and his consumer ski and snowboard expos attract tens of thousands of visitors each year.”

CALIFORNIA

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows got 15 inches and was planning to open this week. Last season delivered 41 feet. The resort has a new lift-accessed guided backcountry skiing/boarding operation.

Sequoia National Park hosts its annual Trek to the Tree event on December 11. Visitors walk to The General Grant Tree, designated as the Nation’s Christmas Tree. Since 1925, Trek to the Tree has honored the Armed Forces.

CANADA

Whistler Blackcomb opened this week with almost three feet of coverage. More expected over coming days.

COLORADO

Purgatory opened last week, just got 17″.

Wolf Creek opened Thanksgiving Day, with 16″ of new.

Telluride received 11″.

Copper Mountain opened with two feet of base and fresh.

Arapahoe Basin and Loveland are open. Each just received 7″.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Bretton Woods has opened for its 43rd season.

UTAH

Ski Utah reports that high elevation Brian Head, in the south of the state, received 15” this week. Any Utah resort receiving a foot or more is designated as a Monster Dump on Ski Utah’s outstanding website.

Deer Valley Resort was named United States’ Best Ski Resort by the World Ski Award. The resort has received the title for four consecutive years.

Other

VinniBag
 protects and insulates anything that might break or leak, including wine & spirit bottles. The reusable travel bag uses inflatable air chambers and stores flat, rolled or folded when not in use. A terrific and unusual gift at $28 ($25@ for two or more).

Gripforce is a dual-purpose boot that, with the flip of a switch, transforms a boot into an ice cleat in less than a second. Developers say It is as safe to wear on glistening ice as it is on hardwood floor.

Patagonia is donating 100% of its Black Friday store and online sales to grassroots environmental groups.

 

 

 

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CALIFORNIA

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Introduces “Women of Ski Patrol” Calendar. Proceeds from the $25 item help fund avalanche safety education scholarships. The calendar showcases 13 female patrollers from last season’e Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows Ski Patrol Teams. Calendars can be pre-ordered online now for $25 and will be available at retailers throughout the Village at Squaw Valley®.

CANADA

Whistler Blackcomb has a 30″ base. More on the way.

COLORADO

Crested Butte has a four night Christmas family deal at The Grand Lodge. Two adults and two kids get lodging and three days of passes for $1099 (+ tax and fees): http://www.skicb.com/deals.

On December 10, Crested Butte plans to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the number of skiers in full Santa suits (top, bottom, hat, and beard). Arrive in costume and get at $23 lift ticket. www.cbsantacrawl.com. Memo to Santa: Please bring snow!

Eldora’s Annual Ugly Sweater or Elf Costume Contest, is schedued for December 24. Prizes for the ugliest; www.eldora.com.

Purgatory  acquired Coloado’s largest snowcat skiing operation. Purgatory Snowcat Adventures  has guided cat skiing for skiers/boarders with access to 35,000 acres. Snowcat tours for non-skiers also available.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Loon Mountain Resort celebrates 50 years with a special anniversary weekend scheduled for January 28-29.

Ragged Mountain Resort‘s MISSION: AFFORDABLE program offers season passes for $449. Rossingol’s Learn to Ski & Ride program offers three free lessons to newbies.

Cranmore Mountain’s $79 Value Card provides a one-day lift ticket plus $20 off all subsequent lift ticket purchases (no restrictions). Card holders get a free lift ticket after every 7th visit.

Mount Sunapee offers half-price mid-week lift tickets when purchased four days in advance, online (holiday blackouts apply).

Waterville Valley Resort‘s new Frequent Skier Card gives the first lift ticket free and a $15 discount on future tickets.

UTAH

Alta postponed opening day scheduled for November 18 due to warm weather and lack of snow. The resort also announced that Lucy, a puppy, has joined its patrol. As an Alta passholder, I can report that watching a patrol dog working its way down the mountain in deep pow is a source of pleasure. Best wishes in your new job, Lucy!

Brighton has free skiing for anyone dressed as Santa on Christmas Day.

Numerous Utah areas have torchlight parades on skis during the holidays. They’re memorable. Dates/locations: Deer Valley (Dec 30); Park City (Dec 24); Snowbird (Dec 24); Solitude (Dec 31); Snowbasin (Dec 24).

OTHER

Ted Heck, longtime snow sports writer with a quick wit, passed away. He was 94.

Year-end gift giving: Consider a gift to a ski museum. Some accept tax-deductible donations of vintage gear. All welcome financial support. Two of our favorites are:

  • The Alf Engen Ski Museum in Park City, UT. It’s a must-visit facility with superb displays, including interactive exhibits utilizing the best of digital technology
  • The New England Ski Museum in Franconia, NH. It has a comprehensive exhibit of skiing history with an emphasis on New England. On display through mid-April 2017 is a wonderful exhibit on the 10th Mountain Division.

Another terrific choice is the International Skiing History Association (ISHA), which is dedicated to preserving and advancing knowledge of ski history. It’s bimonthly magazine, Skiing History, covers topics from early resorts and prominent skiers to the presence of the sport in our material and advertising culture. Members and donors receive Skiing History as a benefit. Membership in ISHA is a great stocking stuffer!

Craving fresh veggies and herbs this winter but living in a mountain town? OPCOM Farm indoor hydroponic gardening systems are worth exploring. Cost is about that of a season pass ($499 – $599.) www.opcomfarm.com

 

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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CALIFORNIA

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows made a $150,000 donation to the High Fives Foundation as part of its Military to the Mountains program, which hosts and trains injured US Armed Forces vets on its slopes. The resort offers active duty US military personnel a Silver Tahoe Super Pass for a $25 donation. Last season, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows provided 13,800 complimentary lift tickets to active duty military.

CANADA

Western Canada has the biggest accumulations of early snow. Snowpack at Whistler is 252% of average for early November and Lake Louise is 169% of average.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Jackson Ski Touring Center in Jackson, N.H., has added four new trails totaling six km (3.75 miles); and eight new trail bridges. It is the largest x-country ski center in the Northeast.

PENNSYLVANIA

Bear Creek Mountain is offering mid-week (Tue/Wed/Thurs) passes for $22 with a Loyal Ski Club membership. Holiday blackouts apply.

Shawnee Mountain is stocking a large inventory of top-notch rental equipment, making it easy to arrive at the mountain unburdened by outdated gear.

JACK FROST and BIG BOULDER season pass holders can add Hunter Mountain to their skiing options. Pass holder also have skiing privileges at Mount Snow, Attitash, Crotched Mountain and Wildcat.

UTAH

Powder Mountain day passes for 75+ are free. For 75+ not wanting to go to the ticket window, a season pass is $20!

Sundance Resort day passes are $30 for 65 and older; season pass (available anytime throughout the season) is $150. Thank you, Robert Redford, for great prices on a terrific mountain!

OTHER

Best deals on Vail Resorts’ Epic Season Passes (including Whistler/Blackcomb) end November 19.

Clean Trails is the non-profit committed to keeping wild places and the trails that access them free of litter. Studies show the highest indicator that someone will pick up litter is if they Sugarloaf Mountain witness someone else picking up litter.

CNL Lifestyle Properties, a real estate investment trust (REIT), sold 15 ski North American ski resorts, including Brighton (UT), Crested Butte (CO), Jiminy Peak (MA), Loon and Mount Sunapee NH), Okemo (VT), Sierra-at-Tahoe (CA), Stevens Pass and Summit-at-Snoqualmie (WA), Northstar-at-Tahoe (CA), and Sunday River (ME). Operations of each resort are expected to be unaffected by the sale.

Patagonia gave all of its employees Election Day off , and encouraged them to vote.

 

schusser_2_skier_491
Jon Weisberg

This Week in SeniorsSkiing.com (Nov. 11)

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Keep up the snow dance.

schusser_2_skier_491

The season has started at Arapahoe Basin with a few open trails. A dump is expected in Colorado next week. 

There’ a terrific interview with Jackson Hogen, publisher of realskiers.com. He shares views about the impact of corporate vs. family-owned ski areas, growing old on skis, and the importance of older skiers to the sport.

Part 2 of the Shape Up series has a variety of exercises that will get you ready for the season.

And there’s a video on synchronized skiing in the Alps. Pure grace on snow.

There are more seniors skiing every season. If you like what we’re doing, please tell your friends and on FaceBook, “like” us and “share” our articles.

Thank you!

Karen Lorentz

Warren Miller’s Story: You May Be A Skier Because Of Him

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New Autobiography Shows How Miller Created Skiing’s Visual Brand.

Ski Pioneer Film-Maker Warren Miller lacing up at the Matterhorn. His beautiful and fun-filled films brought new people to skiing in the 60s and 70s. The WME company continues to produce over the top visual feasts.

Ski Pioneer Film-Maker Warren Miller lacing up at the Matterhorn. His beautiful and fun-filled films brought new people to skiing in the 60s and 70s. The WME company continues to produce over the top visual feasts.

For any senior who’s ever attended a Warren Miller film, Freedom Found, My Life Story will provide an intriguing look at skiing history as well as Miller’s success story. The autobiography is a must-read for anyone with a mindset to dig into the ups-and-downs of skiing—and real life.

Freedom Found is also a candid, moving, and adventurous story of how Miller became America’s most famous and prolific maker of ski and sports films.

As Miller details his journey from childhood deprivation to filmmaker success, he delves into the effects of being an “invisible” child during the Depression. In sharing his dysfunctional family life—alcoholic father doesn’t work, mother incarcerated, embezzlements—he shows how parental neglect led to his own drive to work hard.

He also acknowledges the saving grace of grandparents who provided attention at just the right times—an inventor grandfather who teaches him skills in his workshop and pays him for work; a grandmother whose gifts (bicycle, roller skates, Scout uniform) provide the attention and help needed. Living with them for two years while his mother was “away,” Miller finds the support that “changed my life” and gets to join the Boy Scouts in 1936 at age 12, another life-changing event.

Loving the outdoors, he enjoys hiking and learning to ski with his troop. By taking Scout trip photos with his 39-cent Univex camera and selling a print, he discovers the profit motive, commenting, “This was the kernel of the idea that taking pictures of great places would be a good way to make a living.”

It was skiing and surfing—he lived in Hollywood near the ocean and a teacher helped him make his first surfboard—that provided an escape to a world of delight and freedom. Miller graduated to even more freedom with his driver’s license, and soon his filmmaking turns into a career, starting with Surfing Daze in 1949 and Deep and Light in 1950.

An “original ski bum,” Miller lived out of a trailer and cooked over a camp stove to afford his ski habit and to make films. Marketing his ski features as fundraisers—for ski shops, clubs, organizations—he built his touring business into a huge success by personally narrating the showings (narration tracks came later). He entertained us with wry humor and comedic ski scenes—frustrating rope tow struggles, awkward situations (splitting stretch pants, etc.), crazy crashes—and inspired us to ski with his thrilling action shots and gorgeous scenery.

Warren’s success helped build skier participation and was a major contributor to the 1960s and 1970s ski boom. I saw that firsthand after showing The Sound of Winter (1970) to two high school assemblies and at an evening fundraiser: several non-skiing students joined our ski club and parents came forth to chaperone! The proceeds paid for the bus to Whiteface and made possible a $70 six-day trip (skiing, lessons, lodging, meals). To say thousands took up skiing because they enjoyed his films is an understatement.

Warren sold his film company in 2004, but the Warren Miller Entertainment (WME) film tour lives on. This year’s feature Here, There, and Everywhere (reviewed here by Seniorsskiing.com co-publisher Jon Weisberg) weaves the Warren story into several segments.

The just-published, 444-page biography, written with collaborator Andy Bigford whose 35 years in publishing include SKI Magazine and WME, is available at bookstores, warrenmiller.net, and via online outlets. Suggested retail price is $29.95.

Order Freedom Found by Warren Miller from Amazon, WME or at your bookstore.

Order Freedom Found by Warren Miller from Amazon, WME or at your bookstore.

 

Blackcomb Mountain
Jon Weisberg

Vail Purchases Whistler Blackcomb

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Chinese Skiers Expected to Fuel Growth.

Aerial view of Glacier Creek, Glacier and Jersey Chairs

Aerial view of Glacier Creek, Glacier and Jersey Chairs

Vail Resorts Inc. has reached an agreement to buy Whistler Blackcomb Holdings, owner of Whistler Blackcomb ski resort. The C$1.4 billion deal is expected to result in Vail’s marketing machine to attract greater numbers of international visitors to Whistler Blackcomb.

“We have felt for a long time that Whistler (Blackcomb) is really the best positioned North American resort to benefit from the growth that we expect in outbound Chinese ski visitation, especially as China starts to ramp up towards the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics,” explained Vail CEO Rob Katz.

News of the sale had a positive impact on Whistler Blackcomb shares, which jumped to C $36.63 per share in Toronto, up by C$11.49 following Monday’s announcement.

Earlier this year, Whistler Blackcomb announced a C$345-million infrastructure and real estate expansion.

David Brownlie, Whistler Blackcomb CEO, will remain chief operating officer.

Whistler opened in 1966, with a four-person gondola, a double chairlift and a day lodge. It merged with Blackcomb in 1997. The combined areas comprise the largest and most visited ski resort in North America

Pat McCloskey

Cycling Series: Join A Charity Ride This Summer

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Cycling With A Champion On A Charity Ride: Priceless.

SeniorsSkiing.com correspondent Pat McCloskey with cycling great Greg LeMond. Credit: Pat McCloskey

SeniorsSkiing.com correspondent Pat McCloskey with cycling great Greg LeMond.
Credit: Pat McCloskey

One of the more enjoyable events in cycling are those which support a charitable cause.  Throughout the country there are road rides where participants receive donations per mile or flat donations to support different organizations.  These are usually marked with support from the local motorcycle club escorts, food vendors and volunteers at the rest stops, and colleges or other venues that provide camping or room facilities with showers and dining hall options.  Sometimes these are one-day rides of 25- to 50-miles.  Others are multi-day events culminating with a large sponsored finish line party.   The events are well organized and many of the event organizers are well known non-profits like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation , the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society , and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society .  All of these organizations have local and national events.  America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride around Lake Tahoe is a MS sponsored event and I had the privilege of riding in that one a few years back, and it definitely deserves the moniker.  Gorgeous views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

One of the more interesting rides that I have participated in recently was an event put on by an organization called 1in6.  This organization provides support to men who were abused as children.  The honorary chair person for the ride was none other than our three-time Tour De France Champion Greg LeMond.  The event is called the Catoctin Challenge held annually in Maryland.  The compelling thing about riding with a Tour de France Champion like LeMond is how affable and easily approachable he is.  Surrounded by people all the time, LeMond tirelessly signed autographs late into the evening and was willing to answer any question that anybody had at the event.  With his wife Kathy at his side, he is surely the poster child of any charitable bicycle ride and I was fortunate enough to be with him for two years running.

The amazing thing to me was the fact that most people on the ride preferred to ride by themselves or ride with their friends.  There were only 6 of us who rode both days of the weekend with LeMond including our host Scott Weiner of MHW Corporation.  Being a former road racer, I was kind of in awe about this opportunity because I have been a big fan of LeMond for decades.  He is a little slower now, thankfully, which allowed me to ask him many questions.  What was Sean Kelly like?  How did you get on with Fignon?  How about the psychological battles with Hinault?  I peppered the guy and he was gracious in all of his responses including some of the issues with the recently defrocked seven time TDF Champion.  In all, it was a true pleasure to ride with him in two events in recent years and I can’t say enough about the guy with his entrepreneurial spirit ( He developed the aero bar, Giro Helmets, and many other cycling accessories along with his own bicycle brand.)  Truly a gracious champion and all around good guy.  Great sense of humor, too, in that one guy in our group kept trying to hammer him, and LeMond got ahead of us and hid in the bushes until the guy rode by.  We all laughed at our buddy trying to kill himself looking for LeMond in the distance.

If you ever get the chance to participate in a charity bicycle event, do it.  As the saying goes ”a great cause and riding the miles for smiles.”

Tour de France winner Greg LeMond snapping pics on charity ride with Pat McCloskey.

Tour de France winner Greg LeMond snapping pics on charity ride with Pat McCloskey.

Cannon
mikemaginn

Free Senior Skiing Under Threat In NH

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State Legislature Considers Ending Decades Of Free Senior Skiing At Cannon Mountain.

Cannon Mountain is a state-owned area, famous for its aerial tram and free skiing for 65+ seniors. Credit: Cannon Mountain

Cannon Mountain is a state-owned area, famous for its aerial tram and free skiing for 65+ seniors.
Credit: Cannon Mountain

Since 1973, state-owned Cannon Mountain has been the only ski area in New Hampshire to offer free skiing to seniors 65-plus.  This year, a second attempt to end free skiing for seniors was introduced to the legislature.  The change would mean seniors would pay a discount of two-thirds ticket price on weekends and one-third on weekdays.  Free skiing is currently only available during the week.

Supporters of the repeal of free skiing say that the additional revenue is needed to help the NH Division of Parks and Recreation become self-sufficent, a requirement of 1991 legislation.  Opponents say that many seniors in the region are far from wealthy and view the change as a “tax” on seniors who usually ski during the week when the slopes are nearly empty.

In a close vote, the bill, SB 411, was passed by the House and now goes to the House Ways and Means Committee for review before coming back to the House for a final vote.

There are currently about 97 ski areas that offer free skiing in North America, according to the National Ski Area Association.  A handful of small resorts start free skiing at 65, while the majority offer the privilege to 70+ skiers.  An adult ticket currently cost $75 at Cannon; the senior discount would mean a $50 weekend ticket and $25 for weekday.

SeniorsSkiing.com has recommended that the free skiing benchmark should be raised from 65 to 70, still providing access to skiing for the many skiers in the region while creating a reasonable discount for 65-70.  A season pass reflecting a deep discount for 65-70 is also recommended.  We hope the State Legislature of New Hampshire acts with a sense of compromise and fairness in this matter.

What are your thoughts?

mikemaginn

Take A Course From NOLS: True Adventure Awaits

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These High Activity Courses Are Challenges For Active Seniors.

NOLS Horsepacking Course teaches you horsemanship, packing and camping skiis. Credit: Kelsey Week/NOLS

NOLS Horsepacking Course teaches you horsemanship, packing and camping skills.
Credit: Kelsey Week/NOLS

When it comes to a non-snow vacation get-away, as a senior snow-enthusiast, you’re probably not the type to get on and off a tour bus at museums and churches in Europe or who are going to be happy shuffling from one tourista tchotchke shop to another. If you want adventure, then consider these high action options from NOLS, the National Outdoor Leadership School.

NOLS is actually a leadership school founded in 1965 that focuses on using the backcountry as a classroom. Students also learn competencies in outdoor skills, so this is an opportunity to challenge yourself. NOLS Prime Courses are designed for adults. According the NOLS, they usually see a wide range of ages in students including many who are in their 50s and 60s.

Be advised, these are not your typical book club vacation trip to see where the Brontes lived; these are demanding, rugged learning and doing experiences where you can come face-to-face with the Big Outdoors.

Wilderness Horsepacking: You can learn the fundamentals of horsemanship while packing through the Rockies for 14 days. You’ll learn to care for your horse, ride, and camp and travel through magnificent backcountry near Jackson Hole, WO.

Wind River Wilderness Hiking and Fishing: This is an outdoor backpacking expedition through the Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains, renowned for its pristine lakes and rugged beauty. This is another 14-day adventure where you can learn fly fishing and practice camping skills.

Alaska Mountaineering: This one takes place in south central Alaska where there is hiking above the snow line over huge snowfields and glaciers. The emphasis is on learning how to care for yourself and your equipment, fellow expedition members and the environment. And you will learn real mountaineering skills like belaying, avalanche rescue, navigation and more.

Being fit and prepared for these demanding expeditions is a clear prerequisite. If you’re an active senior, you might want to consider contacting NOLS to find out more.

Alaska Mountaineering takes you into the high country where you learn climbing skills. Credit: Alexis Alloway/NOLS

Alaska Mountaineering takes you into the high country where you learn climbing skills.
Credit: Alexis Alloway/NOLS

Paolo Gaudiano

SeniorsSkiing Guide: Italy’s Dolomiti Superski

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­Winter wonderland in one of the largest ski areas in the world.

Although I was born and raised in Italy, I did not do much skiing until I moved to Colorado for college. So I jumped at the occasion to join some old friends for a week of skiing in the Dolomites—a portion of the Italian Alps characterized by their stunning rocky outcrops, sufficiently beautiful to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A view of Sella Massif from the south. Credit: Paola Gaudiano

A view of Sella Massif from the south.
Credit: Paolo Gaudiano


Dolomiti Superski is a resort encompassing some 12 connected ski areas totaling 1,200 Km (750 miles) of trails served by 460 lifts. While a few of the areas require a bus for the connection, you can literally ski all day without ever doing the same trail twice, while experiencing a wide variety of terrains and stunning views.

Terrain

The area is accessible to all levels, but in general is aimed toward families, and as such there is a preponderance of easy and medium slopes. I was pleasantly surprised by the large number of older skiers—for once, I did not feel like a rarity because of my gray hair.

As with most European areas, the vast majority of the terrain is groomed, and if you like moguls or off-piste this place is not ideal. On the flip side, when the snow is abundant (which this year it was not), if you find places to go off-trail safely, you will likely find lots of untouched powder even a few days after the last snow.

The main attraction of this area is Sella Ronda, a 40 Km loop around the Sella massif, spanning four valleys and offering a variety of stunning views. The loop is great for intermediate skiers, and it’s possible to head off for side detours for more advanced skiing.

Marmolada and its glaciers. Credit: Paolo Gaudiano

Marmolada and its glaciers.
Credit: Paolo Gaudiano

Getting there

I flew into Munich, which gave me the best combination of price and relative convenience. Depending on which town you choose, it is somewhere between three and four hours from Munich, about two-three hours from Innsbruck, two-three hours from Verona and three-four hours from Milan. You can also take a train and bus combination if you want to avoid driving, but travel times will be longer.

Lodging

The entire area is dotted with small towns and hundreds of hotels. Most of them offer mezza pensione, which includes breakfast and dinner. Our group was based at Hotel Alpi, a three-star hotel in Campitello Di Fassa that cost €85/night for a single, or €130/night for two. The food, service and amenities were excellent. There are many stores nearby and a Ski Bus that connects all the towns, making it really easy to get around.

Food and Culture

As with most of Italy, part of the experience is the food. One of my favorite things about skiing in Italy is that there are lots of restaurants on the slopes that serve great food and are relatively inexpensive. On the downside, most of these places do not allow bringing and eating your own food. I brought sandwiches every day, and sometimes I just had to find a bench somewhere to eat.

Bottom Line

Skiing in Italy is much cheaper than most of the US. I paid €240 for a 5-day pass giving access to all the areas. Coupled with the inexpensive food and lodging, you’ll pay the same if not less than flying to Utah from the East coast.

Discounts are offered for skiers over 65 (roughly 10 percent off).

Trail Map Click Here

A view from Paolo's hotel room, showing the dolomite rock the region is named for. Credit: Paolo Gaudiano

A view from Paolo’s hotel room, showing the dolomite rock the region is named for.
Credit: Paolo Gaudiano

John Nelson

SeniorsSkiing Guide: White Pass, WA, Free For 73+!

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Kudos To Senior-Friendly Ski Resort Three Hours From Seattle.

A skier heads off the top of Great White Express at White Pass. Credit: John Nelson

A skier heads off the top of Great White Express at White Pass.
Credit: John Nelson

As I got ready for a day of skiing at White Pass, I ran into a gregarious septuagenarian with a big smile on his face.

“It should be a great day,” he said to me happily as we crossed paths.

Fresh snow had fallen on the empty weekday slopes. And if you happen to be of a certain age like my lodge acquaintance (73 and older), your day at White Pass just got better: You ski for free.

West Ridge at the top of Paradise Basin leads skiers into gladed off-piste powder runs. Credit: John Nelson

West Ridge at the top of Paradise Basin leads skiers into gladed off-piste powder runs.
Credit: John Nelson

Besides that benefit, White Pass has many other great qualities: Beautiful scenery, vast terrain, reasonable pricing and ample lodging options nearby.

During my visit, two inches new had fallen on top of meticulously groomed slopes, yielding buttery smooth turns and fresh tracks all day long.

Snow, terrain and more

  • Location: The ski area is on the White Pass Scenic Byway section of U.S. Highway 12, one of the major east-west routes in Washington state. The byway has fantastic views of 14,410-foot Mount Rainier to the north and is a jumping off point to explore the volcanoes Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams to the south. It takes about three hours to drive to White Pass from Seattle.
  • Snowfall: More than 350 inches fall annually, and snowmaking keeps the mountain covered when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.
  • Terrain: White Pass feels like two mountains on its 1,500 acres. The “frontside” has the area’s only steeps and also has a variety of intermediate runs. The “backside,” known as Paradise Basin, offers intermediate skiing on its higher-elevation slopes. About 20 percent is rated advanced; 80 percent is beginner and intermediate.
  • Vertical: 2,000 feet from base (4,500”) to the top of Paradise Basin (6,500”).
  • Lifts: Two high-speed quads (Great White Express on the frontside) and (Couloir Express in Paradise Basin) do most of the people-moving at White Pass; the ski area has four additional chairlifts.
  • Views: On clear days, Mount Rainier is the big dog on the skyline to the north; the Goat Rocks Wilderness and Mount Adams to the south are also visible.
  • Olympics connection: Medal-winners Phil and Steve Mahre grew up skiing at White Pass and still drop in now and again.

Lot to lift access

  • Weekends and holidays can be busy, but for the most part, parking is easy. A passenger unloading zone is available next to the day lodge and regular shuttles ferry skiers from distant parking. On weekdays, parking is a breeze; I pulled in 10 minutes before opening and parked right next to the lodge.
  • Accommodations: Options are plentiful along U.S. 12, including the on-mountain White Pass Village Inn. The tourist-friendly towns of Packwood and Naches are short drives from the ski area, and Yakima, a center for many of Washington’s wineries, is about an hour’s drive to the east.

Culture

  • The vibe: Everyone seems to know everyone at White Pass, and visitors are welcomed. I met some friendly retirees who treated me like an old friend as the day progressed.
  • Dining: The best option is the cozy High Camp Lodge in Paradise Basin, with a variety of menu options, exceptional craft brews and wine. The day lodge has cafeteria food and the Sitzmark Lounge.

Bottom line

  • If you’re 73 and older, it’s $5 for your initial ticket; after that, reloads are free. Adult tickets (ages 16-72) are $63 (reloads are $58).
  • Grooming is exceptional on the ski area’s many intermediate runs, and when it’s clear, you’ll have commanding views of Mount Rainier.
  • The upper-elevation Paradise Basin offers rolling groomers and gladed off-piste powder.

Trail Map Click Here

Webcam Click Here

The Great White Express on the frontside of White Pass accesses the area's steepest terrain. Credit: John Nelson

The Great White Express on the frontside of White Pass accesses the area’s steepest terrain.
Credit: John Nelson

 

John Nelson

SeniorsSkiing Guide: It’s Hard To Beat Crystal Mountain On A Sunny Day

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Pacific Northwest Resort Is Largest Plus Reasonably Priced For 70+ Seniors.

ASunnyRainier__

Pausing to take in a stunning view of Mt. Rainier from trailside at Crystal Mt. WA. Credit: John Nelson

When I stepped off the resort’s gondola, I was treated to a stunning view of 14,410-foot Mount Rainier just 12 miles to the south. Not a bad way to begin a spring-like February day at Washington’s largest ski area.

I clicked in and started with some of Crystal’s cruisers. Many of these intermediate runs funnel into a high basin known as Green Valley, served by its own high-speed quad. The skiing was fast and fun.

Besides cruisers, Crystal has some truly thrilling drops on Northway and Chair 6 in the Campbell Basin. These two double chairs deliver skiers into the best of Crystal Mountain’s cliff-strewn double-diamond runs.

Skiers cruise down the intermediate run Lucky Shot at Crystal Mountain. Credit: John Nelson

Skiers cruise down the intermediate run Lucky Shot at Crystal Mountain.
Credit: John Nelson

Snow, terrain and more

  • Location: Crystal is situated off of State Highway 410, 39 miles from Enumclaw, Wash., a small town at the base of the Cascade foothills. The ski area is about a two-hour drive from downtown Seattle.
  • Snowfall: Nearly 500 inches a year fall here annually. Snowmaking was upgraded on the lower mountain following the drought year of 2015, and additional snowmaking improvements are planned for the mid-mountain.
  • Terrain: About 2,600 acres are spread over several lift-served basins. About 35 percent of the terrain is rated advanced; 65 percent is beginner and intermediate.
  • Vertical: Lift-served vertical is 2,602 feet (the base is 4,400 feet; chairlift access goes to 7,002 feet) but those willing to do a little hiking can stretch the vertical to more than 3,000 feet.
  • Lifts: One eight-passenger gondola, two high-speed detachable six-passenger lifts, two high speed quads, one fixed-grip quad, two triples, two doubles and one children’s surface lift.
  • Views: On clear days, Mount Rainier dominates the skyline, but you’ll see much more. The Olympic Mountains are visible to the west, as are most major peaks in the Cascade Range from the Canadian border to Oregon.

Lot to lift access

  • Crystal has five parking lots. The lower lots are served by free shuttles to ferry skiers to the base area. In addition, drivers can drop off equipment and passengers next to the ticket kiosk before parking.
  • Private bus and van services operate from Bellevue, Seattle and Tacoma bringing skiers to the mountain. Information is here.
  • Several private lodging options are available on the mountain. Three lodges and two condominiums operate at the base area; another lodge is about 15 minutes away on Highway 410.

Culture

  • Apres Ski: Washington’s best après ski bar, the cozy Snorting Elk, is located in the old-school Alpine Lodge just across a wooden bridge next to the top parking lot. You’ll find a well-oiled group of hard-core skiers swapping tall tales here at all hours.
  • Dining: On the mountain, there are two day lodges, one in base area, the other in Campbell Basin. The upscale Summit House restaurant at the top of the gondola offers sit-down dining with views of Mount Rainier.
  • Vibe: Because it’s Washington’s largest ski area, Crystal has a “resort-y” feel. While a great many hard-core skiers of all income levels come here, you’ll also run into some very rich folks.

Bottom line

  • Tickets are $72 for an adult all-day pass; $48 for 70 and older. When available, seniors 70-plus can get Five-Pack lift tickets for $215. Mid-week season passes for 70-plus are from $450 to $700, depending on dates.
  • Highest-elevation, biggest ski area in Washington.
  • Can be crowded on weekends; weekdays are empty.

Trail Map

Webcam

Skiers take in the view of Mount Rainier from the Summit House area of Crystal Mountain. Credit: John Nelson

Skiers take in the view of Mount Rainier from the Summit House area of Crystal Mountain.
Credit: John Nelson

 

 

 

mikemaginn

SeniorsSkiing Guide: Cranmore A Classic Senior Ski Hill

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This Venerable Mountain Is Super Senior Friendly.

Cranmore's view of Mt. Washington. Since 1937, Cranmore has been one of the classic New England resorts. Credit: SeniorsSkiing

Cranmore’s view of Mt. Washington. Since 1937, Cranmore has been one of the classic New England resorts.
Credit: SeniorsSkiing

Returning to Cranmore Mountain in North Conway, NH, is like coming back to the basics. You will not find flash, large verticals, or multiple-piste skiing.  No heart-stopping double diamonds.  You will find like-minded senior regulars gathering in the little lodge, classic New England narrow trail skiing as well as broad, open blue cruisers. Low key skiing comes to mind.  We like that.  There’s lots of room for skiing mid-week, and the prices are definitely right, if you know how to look for discounts.  We like the snowmaking.  Even in this season of eastern snow drought, there was decent coverage and highly carvable snow.  And we like the community feeling among the other folks, even in the ski shop, rental desk and cafeteria.

History

The Skimobile ran straight up the middle of the mountain. It was still running in 1988. Credit: Cranmore

The Skimobile ran straight up the middle of the mountain. It was still running in 1988.
Credit: Cranmore

If you’ve never been there, skiing at Cranmore in the Mount Washington Valley is something of a pilgrimage into skiing history.  In 1937, local businessman Harvey Gibson founded the ski hill, put in a rope tow and so it began.  In the next two years, two big innovations came to Cranmore. First was the Skimobile, built straight up the middle of the mountain.  The Skimobile consisted of little cars traveling uphill on a wooden rail. It was a practical, New England-simple alternative to the lift system, contemporaneously making its first North American  appearance at Sun Valley. It’s hard to believe that the Skimobile lasted till 1988.  The other innovation was the

Hannes Schneider is called the Father of Modern Skiing at Cranmore. He established ski instruction that opened the sport beyond college athletes. Credit: SeniorSkiing

Hannes Schneider is called the Father of Modern Skiing at Cranmore. He established ski instruction that opened the sport beyond college athletes.
Credit: SeniorSkiing

arrival of Hannes Schneider from Austria.  Schneider expanded the nascent ski school, extended the Skimobile and carved trails that you can ski to this day. Hannes Schneider had an enormous impact on ski instruction and, in many circles, is considered as the person who opened up the sport to the masses back in its early days.

Snow And Terrain

Snowmaking is an art at Cranmore.  The snowmaking team publishes its own blog and methodically covers the entire mountain when nature is not forthcoming. As for trails, there are 54 spreading out from the summit served by nine lifts of different sizes.  On the left side of the mountain, you find the archetypal narrow, twisty, old-style New England specials like Kandahar, Rattlesnake, Arlberg. These narrow trails get slightly U-shaped in cross section as the season goes on, so it’s almost like skiing down a tube.  On the other side of the mountain,  you get those beautiful wide blues that we love.  Artists Falls, East Slope, and Schneider are great blues, Easy Street is a greenie that runs from the top and one that we like to take as a first run to shake off the dust from the ride up from Boston. And yes, there are terrain parks and glades for those who indulge in those kinds of activities.

Cranmore is a super mountain for seniors: friendly, accessible, reasonable cost. Credit: SeniorsSkiing

Cranmore is a super mountain for seniors: friendly, accessible, reasonable cost.
Credit: SeniorsSkiing

Lot To Lodge To Lift

Cranmore’s base is small and compact.  You can drive up to the lodge, drop off your stuff, park and walk the 100 yards or so back to your car.  It’s easy.  The lodge is small, but it is on a couple of levels.  That’s the only criticism I can think of.  Bottom level: lockers, changing area and rest rooms, next level cafeteria and lodge.  Many seniors just park their gear around the lunch room area and change there, walking out to the lifts which are an easy skate away.

Culture

It may be a slight exaggeration, but I think that during the week seniors own the mountain.  Lots of seniors show up in the morning, take some runs and many are gone by 1:00.  Obviously, they are season pass holders who come in groups, singly, in pairs and who schmooze over coffee and packed lunches before heading home.  Everyone we met was  cheerful, chatty, and friendly.  At about 2:30 or so on the several Thursdays we visited, school buses descended and lots of kids poured out to take lessons.  North Conway clearly has an enlightened Physical Education program at the local district.  There is a bar and separate restaurant at the base.  We imagine those are weekend magnets that weren’t busy on Thursday afternoon.

The Future

A group of Boston entrepreneurs purchased the resort in 2010 and have plans to rebuild the whole base area around a new condo village.  Right now, the condos are on sale , and whenever construction starts you can bet the culture is going change.  The good news is that there will be a future for this historic and important ski area. The other news is that the quirky little lodge will be gone. Cranmore will eventually become more of a year-round residence-resort. Regardless, the mountain will still have those classic trails.

Bottom Line

Seniors are treated nicely at Cranmore.  We bought a $29 weekday senior (65-79) lift ticket online. Weekend tickets bought online are $40 for seniors.  Weekday passes are $48 for seniors if you don’t buy online.  When you look online for passes, you will notice that prices vary by week and what’s going on, i.e., Washington Birthday Week, school vacation week, etc. Seniors can buy a season pass before the end of November for $369 for limited skiing and $429 for unlimited.  Check the website for more details.

Cranmore Trail Map

Cranmore Web Cam

The future of Cranmore includes a condo development and lodge area. Credit: Cranmore

The future of Cranmore includes a condo development and lodge area. Here’s a rendering of what the future will look like.
Credit: Cranmore

 

seniorsskiing

Legendary Over-The-Hill-Gang A Model For Seniors

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Started at Copper in ’76, OHG Now Around the Globe.

[Editor Note:  This report on the Over The Hill Gang was written by Steve Lipsher and originally posted on the Copper Mountain Blog. Here is a link to the original article.]

Over The Hill Gang poses on Copper Mountain. Not exactly a club, OHG is open to anyone 50+ and has spread around the globe. Credit: Copper Mt.

Over The Hill Gang poses on Copper Mountain. Not exactly a club, OHG is open to anyone 50+ and has spread around the globe.
Credit: Copper Mt.

It’s easy to spot members of Copper Mountain’s Over the Hill Gang: sexagenarians, septuagenarians and octogenarians blasting down the slopes – often hooting and hollering – decidedly not acting their age.

The Over the Hill Gang was created at Copper Mountain in 1976 by part time instructors Moe Mosley, Bill Magill and Tom Stein. Their vision was simple; encourage skiing as a lifelong sport for skiers over the age of 50 and share their passion of the sport.

“If it wasn’t for the OHG, I probably wouldn’t be skiing,” said Dyann Gray, explaining that for lack of companionship on the slopes many seniors simply give up skiing when spouses lose interest or physical abilities.

OHG member Norman Crawford said he probably was lucky to get in four to six days of skiing a season before joining the group. Last year he skied 50+.

Each group of eight to 10 skiers is accompanied by a certified Copper Mountain ski instructor, who serves as guide, cheerleader and low-key instructor.

“They help members improve, either when asked or when they see something that needs a little tweaking,” said Jennifer Walker, who coordinates the classes and instructors on behalf of the Copper Mountain ski school.

On a recent day with the “Club Decline” group – skiers who could ski anywhere on the mountain but who are deliberately toning it down – OHG guide Steve Hultquist offered general group guidance about technique and specific tips to individuals.

Given the suggestion to look at the spaces between the pointy moguls, for example, Gray bragged that she had “slithered” down a slope that previously had given her nightmares.

OHG member Mary Goodwin said the pro advice and gentle peer pressure/examples set by fellow skiers have produced positive results for her.

“I ski better now than I did 20 years ago because of these guys,” she said.

Many participants take delight in discussing pacemakers and replacement joints. “If you took a metal detector around here, it’d go ‘ding, ding, ding,’” Swain laughed.

The group gathers 52 days a season – Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays – and members can take advantage of special instruction, such as a two-day bump clinic, women’s workshops, and ski-school lift-line privileges.

Part ski club, part social group and all fun, the club has spawned chapters and associated groups at ski resorts around the world over its 39 years of existence. Last year OHG received the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame’s “Top of the Hill” award.

OHG is open to anyone 50 or older. Membership is $400 for the season ($200 for those 80+). Four-day mini-memberships and a one-day trial are available with cost applied to full membership to those who inevitably are hooked.

To learn more about the Over the Hill Gang, e-mail ohg@coppercolorado.com or call (970) 968-3059.

 

mikemaginn

On The Threshhold of Winter 2015-16

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So It Begins

WhiteMountains

The White Mountains frame Bretton Woods resort with a first dusting in mid October. Credit: Bretton Woods

We’ve been watching reports of snow in high altitude places in the West and East which makes the coming of winter seem a bit rushed this year.  There are still leaf-peepers on the roads of Vermont and New Hampshire, and snow on Halloween decorations doesn’t seem to ring true.  For those of us in New England, the snow fall brings a reflexive response conditioned by last year’s Snowmaggedon.  Yes, bring it on, but hopefully let it regress to the mean.

By now, you’ve probably heard that Killington opened on Oct 18 with a small army of zealots skiing on manufactured snow.  (BTW, Killington was the last ski area in New England to close last spring. The last run of that elongated season was in late May.)   Sunday River followed a day later with 750 season ticket holders playing hookey from work and school to record their first of presumably many days of snow sport to follow. Our friend and colleague, The Ski Diva, puts these early days of enthusiasm in perspective.  See her astute advice on surviving what she calls the White Ribbon Of Death here.

And yet, according to NOAA, this year’s El Nino has become a stronger predictor this year.  OpenSnow, our favorite snow forecaster, explains that despite the early showing, this year might be less snowy than we’d like.

Nevertheless, now is the time to:

  • Start/continue your conditioning program,
  • Bring your gear into your local shop for a tune-up,
  • Consider a season pass while early bird specials are still available,
  • Read the ski magazine reviews of new equipment and ponder your next possible purchase,
  • Think about a destination resort where you can find senior-friendly specials,
  • Re-convene your ski club and start getting excited about the season ahead,
  • Check out deals and discounts at the Snow Shows coming to your city or town,
  • Wash/dry clean last year’s contents of your stowed away ski bag.

Meanwhile, let’s remember winter is a special time for senior snow enthusiasts.  In describing winter, Robert Frost says,

It lifts existence on a plane of snow
One level higher than the earth below,
One level nearer heaven overhead
And last year’s berries shining scarlet red.
 (A Winter Eden, Robert Frost)
Let’s get ready.

Lunge Toward Ski Season: Start Now

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You don’t need a gym. You can lunge around the neighborhood.

Nick and Carol Bowling are enthusiastic senior-age Alta skiers who enjoy staying fit year round. They just added lunges to their pre-season fitness routine, and they’ve become lunge junkies. But there’s a learning curve to doing lunges correctly, and they’re still working on it.

Carol and Nick Bowling of Washougal, Washington, tune up now for ski season. Credit: Harriet Wallis

Carol and Nick Bowling of Washougal, Washington, tune up now for ski season.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

“Lunges use your own body weight to strengthen your lower body. They’re excellent for your quads and hamstrings – for the big muscles,” says Jo Garuccio, Professional Ski Instructors of America Trainer and Examiner who also teaches at Snowbird. “But be sure your knee is over your shoestrings – not further forward.”

Equipment needed: Your body and a large mirror. Watch yourself. Critique yourself.

Position: Back erect, thigh parallel to the ground, knee over shoestrings.

Incentive: See how many you can do each day while keeping good form. When you’re good at the basic lunge, move on to one of the many variations.

What a lunge should look like:

So here’s a challenge for you. Watch the video, then study Carol and Nick’s position. Pretend you’re a coach. Is there something you’d tell them to improve as they lunge toward ski season?

When will you start to lunge?

Harriet Wallis

Harriet Wallis’ Great Idea: Perhaps You Need A “Pail List”

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SeniorsSkiing.com Correspondent Harriet Wallis Has A New “Pail List”

Harriet Wallis conquers the trail to the top of Emigration Canyon. Check. Credit: Harriet Wallis

Harriet Wallis conquers the trail to the top of Emigration Canyon. Check.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

It’s summer and half my friends are traveling the planet. They’re checking off places on their bucket list. I get emails from exotic locations. They send photos of elephants and penguins, mountain peaks and crystal clear lakes.

So I ask: “What’s wrong with me? Why don’t I have a big bucket list? Is it okay to have a pail list instead?” Have those questions ever occurred to you?

I’m lucky. Throughout my life I’ve been able to see penguins, hike mountain peaks and paddle clear lakes. My bucket is pretty full. Now I’m working with a pail instead. Maybe a pail is right for you too.

For me, the things I want to accomplish — to fill my pail — are mostly close to home and are personal challenges. This summer, my pail list includes bicycling as many days as I skied during the winter (80 days), to swim three miles a week, and to tie a fly that’s so good the fish will fight over it. So far my pail is filling up. But I’m still struggling with the fish-thing.

Bucket lists are very trendy. But not everyone has the time, finances or inclination to travel to far away places. Consider a pail list instead. Consider setting challenges for yourself close to home. I’d love to hear what’s on your pail list and how you’re doing with filling it up.

 

Steve Hines

Grow A Hiking Habit: Part Two–More Stuff

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Outdoor Guru Steve Hines Offers More Ideas For Taking A Hike.

Summer hiking season is in full swing. The temperatures are warming and trails are dry. After covering the ten essentials in Grow A Hiking Habit: Part 1, some other items will help you more enjoy your hiking.

Real hiking boots are lightweight and support your ankle. Sneakers don't cut it on the trail. Credit: REI

Real hiking boots are lightweight and support your ankle. Sneakers don’t cut it on the trail.
Credit: REI

Boots: Stout boots with good support are a must. Look for boots with waterproof liners. Boots should come to the ankle or above to keep trail debris out and protect the ankles. You should be able to wiggle and spread your toes and walk down hill without “jamming” your toes. Your boots should be wide enough in the forefoot that there is no pinching of any of the toes. Your heel should be held in place without constricting them. If your heel moves around side-to-side with the boot untied try another style/brand. Get fitted at outdoor shop by a qualified boot fitter. If you use orthotics, be sure your boots accommodate them.

Trekking Poles: These are telescoping poles that look like ski poles. When not in use, they can be strapped to the outside of your pack. When in use, they support the legs and lower back. They help with balance and help burn 25 percent more calories.

Comfort Items Now that I’m a little older, several items in my pack make the hike more comfortable.

  • A Dry T-Shirt: A dry shirt mid-hike is great. Avoid cotton; get Dri-Fit or Performance shirts that evaporate quickly.
  • Extra Socks: Even the best socks can’t always keep up with amount of moisture you produce.
  • Foot Powder: Changing socks and rubbing on some foot powder mid-hike is a treat!
  • A Sports Drink: Water is essential. But, a sports drink like Gatorade reduces the risk of dehydration among older hikers.

    The classic bandana is an invaluable partner on the trail. Credit: REI

    The classic bandana is an invaluable partner on the trail.
    Credit: REI

Bandana: The ubiquitous hiking buddy: Towel, handkerchief, sun protection, signal caller, sling, and bandage just to name a few uses.

Watch: I like to know how long it takes me to get from Point A to Point B on a hike. If I know the length of the trail I’m on and how long it took me to get there, I can judge my fitness level better. During these last few years, I’ve been aiming for a 1 mile/hour pace on mountain hikes and treks.

Cell Phone: Many people believe cell phones on the trail ruin the wilderness experience. But a phone can be a lifesaver. For many years I left my phone home but now, especially on solo trips, I take it along. Just be aware that in many remote places reception can be spotty or non-existent.

Camera: Helps with memory if you have a time/date stamp option.

Binoculars: Helps with both navigation (identify landmarks for triangulating your position) and spot/identify wildlife.

Is it Duct Tape or Duck Tape? Regardless, it comes in small-sized rolls, perfect for a backpack. Credit: Amazon

Is it Duct Tape or Duck Tape? Regardless, it comes in small-sized rolls, perfect for a backpack.
Credit: Amazon

Small Notebook And Pen: Record hiking times and observations, list hiking companions for later memory making.

Duct Tape: Blister treatment, gear repair, unknown problems.  A small roll of duct tape can do miracles.

Please feel free to make comments and provide feedback and additional wisdom. I also welcome questions and clarifications. This can be a wonderful forum for getting your hiking habit started and sharing experiences with others.

Steve Hines

Grow A Hiking Habit: Part One

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An Expert Offers Advice On Getting Started

Here are the "Ten Essentials": Gear you will need for a hike. Credit: Steve Hines

Here are the “Ten Essentials”: Gear you will need for a hike.
Credit: Steve Hines

Hiking is a great fitness activity for seniors. Whether you are an Alpine or Nordic skier, hiking can keep you in shape to enjoy the slopes or trails this coming winter. Hiking is enjoyed on many levels from simple day hikes in your local woods or conservation lands to classic mountain hikes in our national parks.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker with many trails and summits behind you or you’re new to it,  a few basics make it more enjoyable and safe.

On every hike, when you are away from roads and people always pack the “Ten Essentials”  in your 15-to 20-liter day pack.  The “Ten” are:

Essential Item  Comment
1. Map Contour maps are best. Maps with trails labeled are even better.
2. Compass Know how to orient the map, take a bearing and follow it, triangulate to find your position. Classes are available online and through your local outdoor club. Until you’re familiar with map and compass, keep to well-marked trails.
3. Sunglasses and Sunscreen Prescription sunglasses are great, especially at altitude where the UVs are strong. Don’t forget to put sunscreen on your ears and the back of your neck!
4. Extra Clothing Avoid cotton clothing except for desert hiking. Wool and synthetics are best. Take along a waterproof rain jacket and pants. A light fleece jacket or shirt should be adequate. A light wool or fleece hat and gloves/mittens will help if you are going to higher altitudes where weather is very changeable. And, always bring dry socks.
5. Headlamp/Flashlight Small high intensity lights and lamps keep your pack weight down. A light will be helpful if you are late in coming back from your hike.
6. First-aid Kit This kit should also include bug “dope” and any medications you require i.e. heart, blood pressure, diabetes meds.  Bandaids for blisters might also be helpful.
7. Fire-starter Waxed tinder sticks or tinder balls are available at your local camping store or outfitter. You can make your own using a few simple steps.  Just click here for instructions.  If you don’t think a fire-starter is necessary, read Jack London’s “To Build A Fire”.
8. Matches Waterproof matches are good, but a lighter works even when wet. Butane lighters may now work as well at high altitudes.
9. Knife Your handy Swiss army knife is best. No need for a big sheath knife unless you plan on cutting saplings for a shelter.
10. Water and Extra Food Out for just a day? Take lunch and some snacks or energy bars.   Water is crucial. It’s easy to get dehydrated as we get older. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to sip water.  Drink frequently!

 

Here's a 12-15 liter day pack you will need for your stuff. It should weigh about 12 lbs. Credit: Steve Hines

Here’s a 12-15 liter day pack you will need for your stuff. It should weigh about 10-12 lbs.
Credit: Steve Hines

Other items also come in handy. Some people like a walking staff or trekking pole(s). (See “Try Nordic Hiking” article in SeniorsSkiing.com). Bringing a cap or wide brim sunhat is a good idea. If hiking with friends, a camera adds to the fun. All tallied, your hiking day pack should weigh in at no more then 10-12 pounds.

When I hiked with my kids and they began to gripe about all the stuff in their packs I would tell them, “The only way to make sure you won’t need something, is to have it with you.”

Start slow on level ground hikes. Then, as you feel stronger make your hikes longer and on rolling terrain. When you’re ready, plan a mountain ascent. But always, before beginning a new exercise routine, check with your doctor to make sure your heart is healthy enough for hiking.

 

 

Tamsin Venn

Ski Lessons Improve Senior Skiers’ Technique

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It’s Never Too Late to Take A Lesson.

William Smith, age 91, started skiing at Mt. Cranmore, N.H., after WW II. His wife even took lessons from ski legend Hannes Schneider. She quit skiing when she was 73, but Smith continued. He was skiing with his son that morning when I rode the lift with them at Waterville Valley Resort, N.H. Father Smith taught his kids and grandkids to ski, but he doesn’t want to take lessons himself.

Senior Skiers take lessons at Waterville Valley Resort. Good technique means more enjoyable skiing. Credit: Steve Bryan

Senior Skiers take lessons at Waterville Valley Resort. Good technique means more enjoyable skiing.
Credit: Steve Bryan

“I’m skiing as well as I’m going to. My legs aren’t holding up as well.” I then watched him push off down the slope swiftly in well balanced short parallel turns. So much for weak knees.

Like Smith, many seniors are skeptical of what they call teaching old dogs new tricks, unless they plan to do something very different, like ski powder in Utah for the first time.  However, a senior ski lesson can actually lead to more enjoyment.

“Most senior skiers like the medium to long radius turns and cruising the mountain and enjoying it,” says Peter Weber, Snowsports Director at Waterville Valley Resort for 15 years. But that is no reason not to ramp up your technique.

“Whether you’re 7 or 77, technique trumps all. The better you are technically, the easier everything gets,” Weber says.

In teaching seniors, an instructor would most focus on pacing—how fast you ski, how many time outs for trailside chats vs. pushing top to bottom runs, and the need for biobreaks.

Fitness level in general is key, adds Weber. “Skiing anything above a moderate level is an athletic endeavor,” he says.

Like other resorts with comprehensive snow sports schools, Waterville Valley Resort matches you to the right instructor, so you don’t end up in a class with a bunch of young hot shots. Weber also recommends a private lesson as well as taking several group lessons.

Mark Hanabury, an instructor at Waterville Valley, says, “I think it’s more important for seniors than anyone else to take lessons.” He feels seniors will be safer and will enjoy skiing more if they embrace the new techniques including a wider stance and shorter, wider shaped skis.

“Skiing has evolved so much,” he says.

He knows first hand. Last year,  he took his dad Dick Hanabury, age 83, to ski Snowbasin, Utah, after convention in Las Vegas.

“He’s been an avid skier all his life and skied on long Head Standard skis when he was younger. I told him he had to retool his techniques to ski safely at his age. I drilled it into his head,” says Hanabury.

“My dad’s outside ski was getting hung up. He was used to stepping onto the outside ski, but his balance wouldn’t allow that. So, a fellow instructor told him to slide the ski forward and free it up. That allowed him to keep both skis on the snow so it was no longer a balance issue,” says Hanabury.

“My son Mark is keen on knowing the latest technique, so he’s done a good job for helping me to keep up as far as turning techniques,” says Dick Hanabury.

“I used that technique, letting the skis do the work, not throwing your body into the turn but just weighting the skis properly and making sure the outside ski in the turn is well weighted, that’s about the best way I can explain it,” he adds.

“If you’re in good condition, I would recommend skiing at any age. I play tennis a couple of times a week, exercise daily, so I’m ready when the time comes,” says Dick Hanabury.

No matter if seniors are updating old technique or learning for the first time, “I feel it is never too late to learn. Skiing is a dynamic sport and seniors enjoy learning just as much as younger folks. This enables them to ski longer and enjoy more terrain with family and friends,” says Mark Hanabury.

Many ski areas have created programs for those interested in new movement patterns associated with shaped skis or improving techniques. They list these programs on the resort website under the snowsports school tab.