seniorsskiing

Here Comes Winter: From Mt. Washington, NH

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Home Of Big Time Extreme Weather Looks Over Dramatic Moving Clouds.

screen-shot-2016-11-16-at-1-08-30-pm

Mt. Washington is the Northeast’s highest summit.  At 6,288 feet above sea level, the mountain is a mecca for campers, hikers, and fast-changing weather conditions.  This video was taken from the Observatory on the summit in late October this year.  It reveals an “undercast”—opposite to overcast—as the dawn sun warms it up and it begins to move.

Watch while meditating. Or just watch.  We love mountains.

Janet Franz

Vermont Ski Hill Morphs Into Summer Water Park

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Grandkids Would Love A Summer Day At Smugglers.

[Ski resorts are being creative about developing off-snow season attractions.  Smugglers Notch in Northern Vermont has gone the extra mile in creating three separate water parks.  There’s still time to get up there if you’re looking for a getaway for Labor Day.  Special thanks to Janet Franz, a feature story writer covering health, fitness, business, recreation and community affairs and a member of the North America Snowsports Journalists Association for this story.  She’s also chair of Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.]

View from top of slide at Mountainside Water Park. Credit: Janet Franz

View from top of slide at Mountainside Water Park.
Credit: Janet Franz

If you are entertaining your grandchildren in the Northeast this summer, consider how many bodies of water they can splash into on one day? About a dozen, if you’re spending the day at Smugglers’ Notch in northern Vermont. In summer, the ski resort transforms into a water park village, with three diverse wet “playgrounds” and two reservoirs spread across the resort’s three interconnected mountains. Consider a daytrip to Smugglers’ Notch with your little ones—a “Daycation” ticket and free, on-call shuttle give all-day access to every location.

My family of four visited Smuggs last month on a mission to plunge into every pool, slide and spray zone. Here’s how we made a splash:

We parked in the Village Center near Mountainside Water Playground, where four separate watery spaces cater to all ages. In the ankle-deep Little Smugglers’ Lagoon, tiny tots sloshed under a gentle waterfall, explored a faux cave decorated with happy bears and floated on colorful rafts. Nearby, kids up to 48 inches tall rode the Turtle Slide into a shallow pool.

My boys, ages 8 and 12, could hardly wait to try the 30-foot tall, 300-foot long Great River Rapid Ride, a slide restricted to people at least 48 inches tall, or 42 with a lifejacket. We grabbed tubes and carried them 55 steps up the tower where an attendant helped riders settle in and launch toward a pool below. On multiple rides we slid forward, backward, spinning, and — everyone in my family’s favorite — the slingshot: The staffer holds your ankles, pulls you forward, then thrusts you down banking off the sides.

After breaking for a home-packed picnic, we waded in the 75-foot long Mountainside pool. We found plenty of chairs, a snack bar and clean bathhouse with showers and changing rooms.

Using the poolside phone, I called the shuttle and we took a five-minute ride to Notchville Park, a tiered area with three pools. My kids tested Ninja skills on the Lily Pad Walk, jumping between floating mats toward the Twister Waterslide. I tried it, but disliked the sensation of lying on my back inside the enclosed tube that dumped me plunging underwater.

We sat together under a waterfall in the large pool. The boys swam and I wet my feet in Splashville, where tiny tots romped through gentle fountains and glided down a colorful slide onto a soft pad.

Again, I called the shuttle and this time a golf cart arrived. The kids sat facing backward while we zipped along a wooded trail as though on a forest safari.

At Courtside we dipped our toes in the nine-foot deep lap pool and checked out the 120-foot Flume waterslide. We felt too sweaty for hot tubbing, but I appreciated that there was an adults-only whirlpool and another, cooler one for families.

We drove our own car five minutes to Morse Mountain and hiked 10 minutes to Rum Runner’s Hideaway, a six-acre reservoir in a scenic mountain setting. The boys waded in marshy water and inspected a floating, inflated trampoline. We contemplated renting a paddleboat, but instead hiked down to our car and drove to Bootleggers’ Basin, another reservoir surrounded by fields and mountains. The inflated Zoom Flume slide was closed, so we explored the sandy beach and scenic view before heading home, exhausted, wet and happy.

Details

Smuggs’ Water Parks are open through September 5. Daycation tickets cost $69 per day for adults, $49 per day for youth 3-18 years, under 3 free with a paying adult. Vermont residents receive a 50 percent discount with valid ID. Bring your own towels. Lifejackets, noodles and inner tubes are provided at pools and slides. Shop for supplies and food in the village (including Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop).

Overnight accommodations available here.

For plenty of fun activities to do in the region click here.

Cannon
mikemaginn

Cannon Mountain Update: Seniors To Continue Free Skiing

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House Rebels Against Bill That Would Have Ended Free Senior Skiing.

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

Senior resident skiers can breath a sigh of relief after NH legislators agreed to drop a plan that would have ended free skiing for seniors.

House and Senate representatives had agreed to a plan where resident NH seniors would begin to pay $5 a day for lift tickets, increasing by $5 a year until it reached one-third the regular adult rate.  But one (unidentified) representative said he (or she) could not support a bill that “would push granny over a cliff.” In a final vote, the idea was defeated.

The effort started as a way to balance the budget for the state’s park system which is supposed to be self-supporting.  However, making ends meet has been difficult and funding needed maintenance and upgrades has been proving difficult.

Several representatives said the amount of revenue from the $5 a day plan was minuscule.

So free skiing for resident senior skiers lives on.  At least for one more year.

 

mikemaginn

Sunday River Lift Foundation Detaches From Ground

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Mysterious Accident Luckily Happened In Mid-Summer.

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

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

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

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

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

For the WCSH news story, click here.

 

Pat McCloskey

Cycling Series: Small Ski Town Turns To Bikes In Non-Snow Season

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Western New York Ski Town Has Lots Of Cycling Opportunities.

Western New York State has some awesome cycling terrain. Ellicottville is at the center. Credit: Pat McCloskey

Western New York State has some awesome cycling terrain. Ellicottville is at the center.
Credit: Pat McCloskey

One of the more interesting things that happens to a ski town is the metamorphosis that occurs after mud season.  Mud season is traditionally when spring rolls along and the snow melts and the locals in ski town head for vacation.  Soon after, the festivities that define the area in the “off season” begin.  Large ski areas are great with this transition but so are the smaller ski towns like Ellicottville, NY.  When summer comes to this region, the mountain bike and hiking trails come alive in the Allegheny National Forest and the riding/hiking  can compete with anywhere in the country.

Personally, my favorite loop is to ride from the Inn at Holiday Valley to the Race Loop at the ski area.  Then proceed to Big Merlin Trail, the Dead Dog Loop, to Sidewinder and back to Big Merlin and the Race Course Loop.  All these trails are available on www.mtbproject.com or also in a regular map provided by the Western New York Mountain Bike Association.  These trails are not too technical in nature, but there is some climbing.  Also, this loop can lead to miles of maintained trails in the Allegheny

Ellicottville is a cool place the just hang-out. Non-cycling spouses can browse in many boutiques. Credit: Pat McCloskey

Ellicottville is a cool place the just hang-out. Non-cycling spouses can browse in many boutiques.
Credit: Pat McCloskey

National Forest.  Check with Mud, Sweat and Gears , a very cool ski/board/cycle shop in the center of Ellicottville, for rental information as well as great choices of cycling clothing, accessories, and of course a wide selection of road and mountain bikes.

For those who have noniriding spouses, the town of Ellicottville has many shopping options including boutiques, ski shops turned to cycling and outdoors shops, and a myriad of restaurants including the John Harvard Brew Pub in the Tamarack Club at Holiday Valley Ski Resort.  The pot pie there is not to be missed.  Also, the Ellicottville Brewing Company (EBC)  has a weekly menu board of craft  beers produced on site for your post ride and post shopping enjoyment.  Their food is also great.

Lot to Trails

All of the trails leaving Ellicottville can be accessed from the parking lots at Holimont Ski Area or Holiday Valley Ski area via the Race Course Loop which is clearly marked.

Terrain

Typical Eastern Singletrack with some steep climbs but not terribly technical in nature.  Not hybrid friendly but mountain bike accessible.

Whether it is EVL or any other ski town, don’t miss the summer activities that are available in the “off season”.

Cannon
mikemaginn

Update: Free Senior Skiing at Reinstated In NH House Bill

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Now The State Senate Must Approve.

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

A bill that would have eliminated free skiing for NH seniors has been amended to reinstate the senior benefit and is being sent back to the Senate for approval. The bill would have charged seniors different rates for weekday and weekend skiing and was an attempt to cover the large deficit at state-owned Cannon Mountain. NH residents over 65 had skied for free at the resort for years. According to New England Ski Industry, projections show Cannon nearly $2-million in the red for 2016. Charging seniors was viewed as a way to partially fill the gap.

The challenge to free senior skiing isn’t over. The State Senate has to approve the amended bill.

The change came when senior skiers meet in a forum with state representatives and ski area management. A coalition of Republican and Democratic representatives worked together to strike the provision.

Apparently, senior skiers have a loud voice in New Hampshire.

Representative Leon Rideout raised the elephant-in-the-room question that has hung over Cannon Mountain for years: “Why is the state in the ski business?” So, the spotlight from this controversy is back on the whole concept of state management. Add to that the operational deficit and a tramway evacuation incident last winter that hit the national news, and you have an opportunity for big changes.

We’ll keep you posted on events as they occur.

seniorsskiing

This Week In SeniorsSkiing.com (May 20)

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Spring Survey Responses A Wow, Fling Golf, La Nina Coming Soon, More Cycling Series.

La Nina is next year's weather maker. Here's what happens in a typical La Nina year. Credit: NOAA

La Nina is next year’s weather maker. Here’s what happens in a typical La Nina year.
Credit: NOAA

We are truly awed and grateful for the incredible, enthusiastic responses we’ve been getting to our Spring Subscriber Survey 2016. If you’re familiar at all with surveys, you know that response rates are often in the single digits. So far, we’ve received fantastic 27.5% response rate. To us, that means our readers (you) are engaged and interested in what we are trying to accomplish. Thank you so very much. We will report results after we dig into the data.

Our stories this week venture into the world of golf, well, sort of. Fling Golf is a new take on the old game. Check out the video in the story. Flinging is really different. Will golfers like it?

We’ve been watching the weather lately as the spring and summer months are when winter patterns start to emerge. Right now, the El Nino we’ve seen create unusual snow amounts both east and west is fading away. In its place comes La Nina, cooler sea surface temperatures in the Eastern Pacific. This change will definitely play a role in next season’s snow predictions. Check out the story and resources for further study.

Our Northwest correspondent John Nelson has sent a really neat article for the Cycling Series about Arches National Park in Utah. We have learned from our survey that many of you cycle in the non-snow season and Moab, UT, home base for Arches, is a center of activity. Some amazing pictures, too, from John.

Next Week

We will be updating you on the attempt to eliminate free skiing for seniors at Cannon Mountain, NH. We’ve heard that there has been resistance to making that change. We’ll see.

We will also continue our Cycling Series as well as the usual fun stuff.

Finally, we plan to give you a first peek from the highlights of the survey. A quick glance shows there are so many wonderful ideas we can use. Once again thank you so very much for your terrific response.

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

Tower of Babel watches over Arches National Park, UT. Credit: John Nelson

Tower of Babel watches over Arches National Park, UT.
Credit: John Nelson

mikemaginn

Final Ski Run In New England

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May Skiing In Maine? Who Knew?

Boston Globe's Stan Grossfeld reports on May skiing at Sunday River, ME. Credit: Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

Boston Globe’s Stan Grossfeld reports on May skiing at Sunday River, ME.
Credit: Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

The hardcore showed up in the first weekend of May this year to take their last licks on the…ahem…snow.  As we all know, it has been a bad, bad season in the East, but the miracle snowmakers and groomers have managed to salvage a tendril of a season.

Here’s a story from the May 3 Boston Globe by Stan Grossfeld.  He describes how Sunday River, Newry, ME., managed to create a season for its skiers.  We quote:

After having its third-earliest start in history, Sunday River received just 60 inches of natural snow, compared with an average of 167.

But just because this is not Vail, it doesn’t mean that skiing has to fail. Sunday River came out with guns blazing. Snow guns, that is. Its 2,200 guns converted 400 million gallons of water into snow this winter. It even won an award for exceptional snowmaking capabilities in an online vote.

Grossfeld reported that there were spring conditions at the top and mid-sections of the mountain, but there was a “mild meltdown” down by the lifts.  He writes that 600 skiers showed up on May 1, about half of them getting a free ride for the day.  He quotes one visitor, “Considering that it’s May 1, and we didn’t get any snow this year, the snow is really good.”

Once again, kudos to the snowmakers and groomers all over New England.  Oh, and Killington will still have a trail open on weekends until the bitter end.

The Globe reports about 600 skiers showed up for a final fling before Black Fly season. Credit: Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

The Globe reports about 600 skiers showed up for a final fling before Black Fly season.
Credit: Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

 

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?

Pat McCloskey

Backwoods Ski Club: Informal Senior Group, No Rules, Just Fun

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Good Times On Gore Mountain With Senior Skiers.

Gore Mountain Resort is headquarters for the Back Country Ski Club. It's not always this foggy. Credit: Pat McCloskey

Gore Mountain Resort is headquarters for the Backwoods Ski Club. That’s Whiteface in the distance. It’s not always this foggy.
Credit: Pat McCloskey

I am riding the chair at Gore this week with my good friend Mike Smith.  He said to me, “McCloskey, I have found the meaning of life—speed, horsepower and altitude.” Mike is an avid skydiver and pilot as well as a real good skier.  At 66 years old, he has more energy than most people.

He makes a home for the Backwoods Ski Club at Gore Mountain Ski Resort, NY.  There are several senior skiers who are regulars at Gore and like Mike, have more infectious energy than a lot of folks their age.  At 75, John Daly is the ringleader and is constantly herding his group of skiers who are all in their 70s and 80s.  John is a retired businessman from Amsterdam, NY and makes Gore his second home in the winter.  If you ever think that you have to slow down as a senior skier, you should spend a day like I did with Mike and the affable crew from the Backwoods Ski Club.

What kind of activities does the Backwoods Ski Club engage in?

Aside from skiing, they are very social.  No dues, no bylaws, just an invitation to join their club is all that is needed. Your membership includes a little varnished pin that is made of wood that simply states—”Backwoods Ski Club.”  They have a potluck lunch every other Wednesday and an end of the year social at the area with a catered meal.

How have they seen skiing change over the years?

One of the reasons they like Gore is that it is managed by the Olympic Regional Development Authority in conjunction with the State of New York.  There’s very little commercial development, and they like that just fine.  Gore is family and senior-oriented.  The lodge is filled with gray hairs and not crowded.  Mike says skiing in general has become very commercialized with focus on real estate development.  Gore is a throwback of sorts with focus on skiing.  That is why the folks from Backwoods love it.

What advice for a mid week club?

John Daly says that it is fairly simple. Gather the skiing friends and make a plan to meet on Wednesdays, just like them. The simpler the plan, the better they like it.

Back Country Ski Club members love the double blacks, even scary ones like this. Credit: Pat McCloskey

Back Country Ski Club members love the double blacks, even scary ones like this.
Credit: Pat McCloskey

Does Gore offer any assistance to seniors?

Aside from a casual meeting place in the lodge, they offer seniors a special season pass rate of $270.00 for anyone over 70.  They have mid-week adult clinics (not just seniors), including package meals, lift tickets, and instruction.

How large is the club?

Mike and John are not really sure.  They have lost a few folks in the past season, but the membership is pretty full and most are avid skiers who are retired or have the flexibility to ski in the morning and then manage their affairs in the afternoon.

What’s the lessons learned about ski clubs?

The key ingredients to the success of the club are flexibility, humor, infectious ski culture, and the rules are there are no rules.

 

 

 

 

 

seniorsskiing

Jay Peak Making Lemonade From A Lemon Ski Season

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Vermont’s Jay Peak’s Video Shows How Creative Eastern Skiers Can Be When Making The Most Out Of Lemons.

The clever skiers from the Northeast Kingdom discover a lemon tree right on the ski trail.  Can you count the number of ways they make lemonade?  Nice work, Jay Peak.  Next season will be better.

 

Joan Wallen

Seniors Save Big in New England

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Fabulous Deals For Senior’s Next Season Passes Are Happening Now.

Sugarbush offers a $99 mid-week pass for seniors. Act now. Price goes up on May 4. Credit: Sugarbush

Sugarbush offers a $99 mid-week pass for seniors. Act now. Price goes up on May 4.
Credit: Sugarbush

It’s never too early to think about next winter. Most ski areas have opened up season pass sales for next winter with some big savings for seniors if they plan ahead and purchase their passes now. Here are a few of the highlights.

If you’re 65 or older and planning to ski at least a couple of days at Sugarbush next winter you can’t go wrong with the Boomer All Mountain 5 Pass. This season pass is good mid-week, non-holiday at both Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen.

At a price of only $99 it may be one of the best deals in New England. It does require quick action as this price only holds until May 4th. After that it goes up to $199, still a very good deal.

Bolton Valley requires a little faster action. It’s Senior Pass (ages 65-74) is $199 and the Senior Plus for those 75 and up is a mere $29 if purchased by April 4th.

In New Hampshire early bird deals are available also. Gunstock offers a mid-week only Super Senior Saver pass for ages 65-80 for $149 with a May 1 purchase cut-off date.

King Pine’s Midweek Adventure Pass includes skiing and riding, XC skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing for those 65+ for $120 and if you’re 70+ you are not limited to weekdays – an Anytime Adventure Pass is $100.

Many other resorts encourage seniors to get on the slopes, especially midweek, with season passes at around the $300 mark. Senior rates usually begin at age 65 with some Super Senior values offered to those 70 and over. Check out your favorite areas. The best deals usually have a purchase deadline in the spring.

seniorsskiing

Jack Frost Senior Day: A Model For Other Resorts

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A Get Together Of Senior Skiers Combines Fun, Learning and Friends.

A healthy lunch and presentation on fitness, diet were just a part of Jack Frost's Senior Day. Credit: Bill Runner

A healthy lunch and presentation on fitness, diet were just a part of Jack Frost’s Senior Day.
Credit: Bill Runner

Our mission at SeniorsSkiing.com is to promote the value of senior snow sport enthusiasts to the ski and snow sports industry. This year, we’ve discovered that some ski resorts are, in fact, focusing on their older demographic through “Senior Days”, a variety of no-cost, low-cost events that are seniors-only activities.

For example, Dodge Ridge, CA, has a twice-a-week Master’s Clinic in February, focusing on day-long instruction for seniors who were returning to skiing after a hiatus or injury, or who just wanted to get rid of bad habits. The idea came to Dodge Ridge’s ski school director John Mahanna when he realized seniors need some help adjusting to shaped skis.  San Francisco correspondent Rose Marie Cleese attended a Thursday clinic in February and observed, “I learned to ski with more ease and efficiency and not be exhausted after a full day of skiing.”

Senior Day at Jack Frost included instruction and demonstrations. Credit: Bill Runner

Senior Day at Jack Frost included instruction and demonstrations.
Credit: Bill Runner

Ski instruction like the Master’s Clinic is only part of what ski resorts can do for its seniors.  Waterville Valley Resort, NH, supports the Silver Streaks, the oldest senior ski club in the country.  In addition to senior instruction, Waterville also has racing, amenities like close-in parking, social events and awards ceremonies.  The result is a tight, friendly and upbeat senior community at the resort.

All season long, seniors can take a free, one-hour clinic on Wednesdays. Credit: Bill Runner

All season long, seniors can take a free, one-hour clinic on Wednesdays.
Credit: Bill Runner

Jack Frost, PA, also pays attention to its seniors.  Famous for its Jack Frost Geezers ski club, the area also supports all its seniors big-time. In addition to a weekly special free, one-hour clinics for seniors, this year Jack Frost held a Senior Day in early Feb.  A group of 40 regulars participated in demonstrations of telemark skiing and snowboarding, presentations on resort history, diet, exercise, and how to prepare for the ski season.

Held with the support of the local Area Agency on Agency, the event is a positive example of how a ski resort can take some simple steps to provide added value to its seniors.

So the question is: Why shouldn’t other ski resorts support these kinds of low-cost, no-cost activities for its loyal seniors?

Tamsin Venn

SeniorsSkiing Guide: Waterville Valley Resort Is Super Senior-Friendly

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The Silver Streaks Make Senior Skiing Unique: What A Great Idea.

Magnificent views provide a backdrop for senior friendly skiing at Waterville Valley Resort. Credit: Waterville Valley Resort

Magnificent views provide a backdrop for senior friendly skiing at Waterville Valley Resort.
Credit: Waterville Valley Resort

When it comes to picking a spot to ski, seniors are after two things: Other seniors to ski with and a price that’s less than a bundle. That is why my husband and I have come to enjoy skiing at Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire.

Skiing began here in the 1930s with the building of Civilian Conservation Corps trails on Mount Tecumseh and Snow’s Mountain. Fast forward to 1966 when Olympic skier Tom Corcoran, fresh from Aspen, opened this self contained family resort in a scenic cul-de-sac along the Mad River circled by the White Mountain’s 4,000-foot peaks.

Waterville Valley has great intermediate and challenging terrain, designed by a world champion skier, Corcoran. You’ll find humdingers like True Grit and Lower Bobby’s Run mixed with fun intermediate cruisers with stunning views of the Tripyramids and Osceola. I like Upper Bobby’s to Old T (Tecumseh), or Periphery to Lower Tippy; and the popular Oblivion. High Country puts you up top with more intermediate runs and a peek at Mt. Washington to the northeast. Stop for lunch at the cozy Schwendi Hutte. All trails lead to the base area; you can always find the person you got separated from.

Lot to Lift Access

  • The parking areas can be a schlep, so best to drop off gear, then park. A shuttle picks you up from farther lots.  But, members of Silver Streaks, the Waterville Valley Resort community of senior skiers, get to park close in Lot 1.
  • Visitors staying in the valley can park the car and relax. The valley is very walkable, and a free shuttle connects you to the mountain. The village is really a small town complete with lodging, dining, shops, condos, schools and services of all kinds.
  • Freedom pass (includes White Mountain Athletic Club) comes with your hotel stay at any of five lodges. For seniors, it means more folks to meet and chat with.

Snow and Terrain

  • Waterville Valley Resort has 220 skiable acres with snowmaking ability on every trail. The ski area peaks at 4,004 feet, with a vertical drop of 2,020 feet, 50 trails, and 11 lifts.
  • Novice: 14%, Intermediate: 64%, Advanced: 22%

Senior Program Is Fantastic

Silver Streaks is the longest running senior skiing program in the country. Because of its super senior-friendliness, Waterville Valley Resort has been awarded SeniorsSkiing.com’s Super Friendly Award for two years in a row.  Silver Streaks is open to skiers 50 years and over. It meets Monday-Thursday mornings in the base lodge on non-holiday days for for coffee and pastries and a warm-up run with resort staff.  Other benefits of belonging to Silver Streaks include:

  • Reserved parking area in Lot 1
  • Complimentary Snowsports clinics for seniors only
  • Aprés ski party every Wednesday
  • Banquets and other special events
  • Reduced price NASTAR every Wednesday

Nordic Streaks meets Wednesdays, non-holiday, 10 a.m. at the Adventure Center in Town Square for two hours of Nordic skiing with professional guides. Waterville has a 70+ km trail system groomed for both skate and classic. Streakers then enjoy lunch at the Center, with complimentary coffee and pastries.   Membership rates for Silver Streaks (2016-17): Alpine , $80; Nordic Streaks, $50 (Lift passes not included)

Bottom Line

Senior Rates: Daily Lift Ticket: (65 plus) $57; (80 plus) free. Season Pass: (65-79) $499; Super Senior (80 plus): $25. You can get a season “Value Pass” for $399 (65-79), if you don’t mind a few blackout dates during school vacations. If you buy online, you can get a mid-week lift ticket for as little as $26 midweek. And, if you buy your season pass now, you get free skiing for the rest of the season. Click here for more.

Trail Map Click Here

Web Cam Click Here

Can't beat some of these blue beauties at Waterville Valley Resort. Credit: Waterville Valley Resort

Can’t beat some of these blue beauties at Waterville Valley Resort.
Credit: Waterville Valley Resort

Tamsin Venn

SeniorsSkiing Guide: Fixed Income Skiing on a Liberated Schedule at Sunday River, ME

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Big, Big Four-Season Resort In Maine Has Activity-Filled Social Scene For Seniors.

Terrain for everyone at Sunday River and lots of room for blue cruising. Credit: Sunday River

Terrain for everyone at Sunday River and lots of room for blue cruising, greening or double-black diamonds.
Credit: Sunday River

For seniors on a fixed income and liberated schedule, a top place to ski in the East is Sunday River, ME. That is for three main reasons. First, it is huge. When you look up from the South Ridge base lodge, you see wide slopes slung over rolling peaks, in every direction, a three-mile span from White Cap to Jordan Bowl Peaks.

Started in 1959 with one T-bar, Sunday River had a huge growth spurt when Les Otten bought the small family area and put his vision for expansion into high gear.

Today, that translates into 135 trails and glades and 15 lifts (five high speed), slung over eight interconnected peaks. That’s a lot of opportunity for seniors to select the “just right” terrain. Each peak has an easy way down. You can knock yourself out on the double black White Heat or stroll down the Three Mile Trail with Agony and Ecstasy in between.

Second, owner Boyne Resorts has done a great job modernizing lifts and focusing on snowmaking and grooming, keeping trails in good shape, even in low-snow years.
Finally, everyone who works here is very friendly, so you have nice people looking after you.

Bethel, a short drive from the mountain, is a classic New England village. Main Street has several shops and cozy restaurants. The rambling turn-of-the-century Bethel Inn Resort has a 35-km XC groomed trail network right on the edge of town. Nearby Carter’s XC Center has 55 km.

These guys meet every morning, ski, and hang out. The Prime Time Ski Club is Credit: Scott Andrews

These guys meet every morning, ski, and hang out.
The Prime Time Ski Club is informal and provides a lot of opportunities for socializing.
Credit: Scott Andrews

One great asset here for seniors is the 100+ member Prime Time Ski Club (motto “You’ll never ski alone!”) for those over 50. Meet up any weekday morning at North Peak Lodge 10-10:30, top of the Chondola (get there early before the cinnamon buns are gone!) and have a fun group of people to ski with. Break off into groups (no larger than eight) usually based on terrain, ability, and social interactions, and then ski!

Many members also gather in the Mahoosic room at South Ridge in the morning and lunch there around noon. Après ski activities include wine tastings, game night, potlucks or special restaurant dinners, trips to local mountains, and an annual western trip, plus off-season activities. New Members: $25. Renewal (pre-season): $15.

Many members ski midweek and take advantage of discounts offered at area restaurants. Check out Terri Messer’s weekly column on the club in the Bethel Citizen for what’s happening.

Bottom Line

Senior Pricing: Daily lift ticket, 65 and older, $59; $53 online advance purchase.

Senior (65-79) season passes (includes Sunday River, Sugarloaf, and Loon): New England Gold Pass: $869 (Super Senior, 80-plus: $30); Silver Pass (13 blackout dates) $705; Bronze Pass (midweek non-holiday, all ages) $529 .

GO50 Week: Mid-January with lift ticket and lodging deals for five nights, a clinic, après-ski social events, and a Sock Hop.  Kudos to Sunday River for celebrating its 50-plus skiers with a full week of fun events including a “Retro Race” on vintage equipment.

Bethel Nordic Center at the Bethel Inn Resort: All Day Trail Pass: Seniors (63 plus): $16; half day, $13. Season Pass (63 plus): $125. Ask about the daily ski-swim-sauna package at the inn’s Health Club.

Trail Map Click Here

 

Tamsin Venn

SeniorsSkiing Guide: Trapp Family Lodge Nordic Skiing Has Trails for Seniors

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The Trapp Family Lodge is a one of a few of our favorite things. Credit: Trapp Family Lodge

The Trapp Family Lodge, near Stowe, VT,  is a one of a few of our favorite things.
Credit: Trapp Family Lodge

The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Senior Skiers.

In 1968 Johannes von Trapp opened the first commercial Nordic Center in the U.S. on his family’s farm overlooking the Worcester Range in Stowe, Vt. The Trapp Family Lodge continues as a diamond of Nordic skiing with 100 kilometers of trails on more than 2,500 acres in one of the most scenic spots in Vermont.

Snow and Terrain

Grooming and trail maintenance are impeccable, and it is wonderful to see beginners shuffling around wearing parkas and goggles versus lightly-fleeced skaters zooming by. Snowshoers are welcome off track.

The center’s high elevation captures snow, and it has recently added snowmaking in the stadium area to redistribute as needed. Good for seniors, the center has a lot of variety. Many like to visit the Slayton Pasture Cabin, a gradual three-mile climb, warm up by the open fire with hot chocolate, then shoot back down, about three hours round trip. A nice close-in loop is Sugar Road to the Telemark Trail, but the Haul Road, Slayton Pasture Trail, and Skater’s Waltz all provide varied journeys over rolling terrain, allowing the mind and skis to wander in equal measure.

You can get those four-pin bindings and leather boots out and wax up your wooden skis for the TFL's antique ski race. Credit: Trapp Family Lodge

You can get those four-pin bindings and leather boots out and wax up your wooden skis for the TFL’s antique ski race.
Credit: Trapp Family Lodge

The best backcountry skiing is accessed by climbing to the Slayton Pasture Cabin, then climbing the trail to “Round Top,” says Ryan Kukar of Trapp Family Lodge. “Bear right at the top and then drop in off the ridge towards Hare Line trail. Skiing through the woods this way is great and allows skiers to bisect some of the other Nordic ski trails.” Several backcountry zones have been trimmed to open up the lines for us seniors whose reactions may be slower. Rental backcountry gear available at the Nordic Shop include the Rossignol Soul 7 skis, with Dynafit boots and bindings, skins required.

Dining, Lodge and Culture

For many, the draw to the Trapp Family Lodge is the von Trapps’ compelling family history, brought to life in The Sound of Music. Pilgrimage would not be too strong a word.

The lodge has 96 rooms, guest houses, and villas. The food is outstanding. The lodge’s gardens, greenhouses, laying hens, and livestock, have long been providing fresh and tasty fare to guests (marked by a crown on the menu).

Pour syrup from the majestic sugar maples onto your breakfast French Toast. Add to the tasting list an Austrian style Trapp Lager made right on the premises and the new von Trapp Weiss Beer (a white beer made with coriander). The wine cellar isn’t bad either and available for regular wine tasting sessions.

The lodge is cozy; get a good night’s sleep under Tyrolean eaves and feather pillows, comforters, with a window view over the mountains. Classical music wafts out of the lobby.

As an overnight guest, you have access to the ski trails, the Fitness Center with indoor pool, massage therapy, sauna, and hot tub. Grandchildren will appreciate the daily Mountain Kids Club.

After a day on the trails, there’s nothing better than to head to the Lounge in the lodge, order a von Trapp ale and maybe a house-made Bratwurst and Tagessuppe, and watch the winter twilight set in.

Bottom Line

For seniors: Day pass, 65 and over: $20.

Trail Map Click Here

Edelweiss, edelweiss must be along here somewhere. Tracking along on groomed trails is another one of our favorite things. Credit: Trapp Family Lodge

Edelweiss, edelweiss must be along here somewhere.
Tracking along on groomed trails is another one of our favorite things.
Credit: Trapp Family Lodge

 

Tamsin Venn

SeniorsSkiing Guide: Stowe Mountain Resort—Easy Ways Down

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Legendary Ski Trails As Well As Amazing Blue Runs.

Stowe in the morning. Skiing starts at 7:30 am. Credit: Stowe Mountain Resorts

Stowe in the morning. Skiing starts at 7:30 am.
Credit: Stowe Mountain Resorts

Visibility was poor as I slid onto the Forerunner Quad to reach the summit of Stowe Mountain Resort, braced by Mt. Mansfield, highest peak in Vermont at 4,395 feet. Somewhere below in the gray swirl were the legendary front four—the Goat, Starr, National, Liftline—the gnarliest and most iconic ski trails in the East, double black diamonds all.

But apprehension vanished after the first few turns on the Lord.

Lifts and Terrain

Easy intermediate cruisers like the Lord and Ridgeview provide smooth sailing down from the top of the quad (elevation 3,615 feet), new in 2012. Even the seven-turn Nose Dive (nee Barnes, circa 1930s) is sheer joy on a good day. The average 2,200 vertical feet of those top-to-bottom cruisers allows you to slide into the rhythm.

Volunteer Stowe Host Peter Lawler has been skiing at the mountain for 70 years. Credit: Tamsin Venn

Volunteer Stowe Host Peter Lawlor has been skiing at the mountain for 70 years.
Credit: Tamsin Venn

The management has gotten much better at taking care of trails and making snow, says Peter Lawlor, 83, a volunteer Stowe Host from Shelburne, Vt., skiing Stowe for 70 years. Lawlor very kindly took a few runs with me, providing company and hair-raising tales of the brave young racers on ice-slicked courses he had witnessed in decades past, including a youthful Andrea Meade Lawrence.

Hop over to the eight-person Gondola, and you’ve got more senior-friendly cruisers on the meandering Perry Merrill and the Gondolier, plus swank dining at the summit in the Cliff House Restaurant. After lunch, move over to the sunny slopes at Spruce Peak. The Sensation Quad lands you at the top of Spruce Peak for a fast cruise down Sterling or Main Street.

Lodges and Dining

Anchoring the trails here is the self contained pedestrian Spruce Peak Village, a game changer for the resort, full of senior-friendly amenities.

The Spruce Camp Base Lodge has vast amounts of space; the soaring Great Room Grill means never having to say, “Are you leaving? Can we have your table?” Heated snow free walkways, spacious ski racks, the Easy Over gondola that takes you from the Mansfield parking area over to Spruce Peak all mean minimal schlepping.

The Stowe Mountain Lodge, the slope-side condo hotel straight out of Architectural Digest, rolls out your skis on trolleys and heats your boots.

Need a lift blanket? Chairs heading up on a frosty day at Stowe. Credit: Stowe Mountain Resort

Need a lift blanket? Chairs heading up on a frosty day at Stowe.
Credit: Stowe Mountain Resort

The pedestrian village also has an ice skating rink, performing arts center, Stowe Mountain Club with special privileges, and kids Adventure Center (soon to open).

The Evolution Stowe Card provides hands free lift access and lets you reload your daily lift ticket online for savings.

Use the newly installed GPS Ride Systems app on the free shuttle bus that runs from the village to the mountain —stay inside until the bus comes.

For Seniors: Lifts open at 7:30 am weekends and holidays. Ski when slopes are uncrowded, freshly groomed, and the light is good.

Free Stowe Host-guided mountain tours meet at 10:30 on weekends and holidays in Spruce Plaza outside Spruce Camp Base Lodge.

WoW, Women of Winter, meet regularly to ski together to ski off the Forerunner Quad.

Bottom Line

Senior pricing: Senior Daily Lift Pass, 65 and older: $82 (Online)

Super Senior Daily Lift Pass, 70 and older: With purchase of Super Senior ByPass, online direct-to-lift ticket, $42 per day.

Stowe Statistics

Vertical: 2,360 feet, Trails: 116, Trail Acreage: 468, Lifts: 13, Snowmaking coverage: 83 percent, Beginner: 16 percent, Intermediate: 55 percent, Expert: 29 percent

Trail Map click here

Web Cam click here

Stowe's Mt. Mansfield has some legendary trails in front: Goat, Starr, National. Credit: Stowe Mountain Resort

Stowe’s Mt. Mansfield has some legendary trails in front: Goat, Starr, National.
Credit: Stowe Mountain Resort

mikemaginn

SeniorsSkiing Guide: History All Around At Appleton Farms

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Boston’s North Shore Has A Peaceful Place For Senior Nordic Skiing Or Snowshoeing.

Skiing in open fields under a bluebird sky at Appleton Farms, Ipswich, MA is about as good as it gets. Credit: SeniorsSkiing

Skiing in open fields under a bluebird sky at Appleton Farms, Ipswich, MA is about as good as it gets.
Credit: SeniorsSkiing

We cross the road and climb over the stone wall into a grove of trees, walking a few yards to a trail. Stepping into our skis, we take a look around; we are in the woods, frosty air, untracked trail ahead. No one around but us. Off we go to our favorite loop around The Farms, a very special place to ski, snowshoe or walk.

History and Setting

In 1638, Charles I gave Samuel Appleton a grant of land on Boston’s North Shore. Since then, Appleton Farms has continuously been a bona fide, 1,000-acre farm, first run by the Appleton family and now under the care of the Trustees of Reservations, a land conservancy in Massachusetts. Appleton straddles the border between Ipswich and Hamilton, MA., in the heart of equestrian estate country. When it snows, the open fields and pastures and windy trails welcome snow sports enthusiasts. For cross-country skiers and snowshoers, Appleton is a trip through beautiful vistas and historical artifacts of a 377-year-old property what has remained more or less intact since colonial days.

Terrain

A pinnacle from Gore Hall, former library at Harvard. The Appleton family had close ties. Credit: SeniorsSkiing

A pinnacle from Gore Hall, former library at Harvard. The Appleton family had close ties.
Credit: SeniorsSkiing

There are two sections to the farms: The working farm itself with big fields and tractor roads, and the Grass Rides, a spoke-and-hub networks of trails arranged around one of the four pinnacles from Gore Hall, the former library at Harvard University.  The three others are scattered in strategic points around the property. It’s fun finding them.

Generations of Appletons created a country estate with long allées—parallel rows of linden trees—that were used for carriage and horse riding. They make perfect ski trails. On the farm side is the Great Pasture, a 133-acre field that is reportedly the largest piece of open land left in Massachusetts, historic farm buildings and the restored main house, plus a dairy that sells milk and cheese from the farm’s herd and much more. Skiing through these big, open fields on a bluebird day is what keeps bringing people back to the sport; it’s quite a restorative experience. The Grass Rides network wanders through marsh and hillside settings where birds and wildlife abound.

This year, North Shore Nordic Association, a new community group, is using a snowmobile groomer to create trail loops around the property. A groomed track really helps with traction and glide, taking away need to break trail.

Why Seniors?

Seniors will find the relatively flat terrain at the Farms easy to ski or snowshoe. On a weekday, you will find the trails to yourself. Indulge your photography hobby or bring a lunch in your backpack and enjoy the quiet. If you’d like slightly more challenging terrain, the Grass Rides has some ups and downs, but nothing that is too aggressive. The Farms restricts visits to humans only, while the Grass Rides is a popular place for dog walking, even in the winter. Doggies tend to disrupt ski tracks, so get to the Grass Rides early if you go. Access to the trails is easy. Just park and put on your skis, no walking. Visit if you’re passing through, in town for a wedding, heading to or from ski areas in New Hampshire or Maine or just looking for something different.

Appleton's famous Allees, formerly carriage paths, make perfect ski trails. Credit: SeniorsSkiing

Appleton’s famous Allees, formerly carriage paths, make perfect ski trails.
Credit: SeniorsSkiing

Bottom Line:

If you are member of the Trustees of Reservations, access to Appleton’s is free. Non-members pay $5 per car at the solar powered kiosks in the parking areas.

If you are coming from away, you can find lodging in Ipswich and Hamilton where there are archetypical country inns. The Trustees also maintain an inn at the Crane Estate, down by the beach. Skiing on the beach in the winter is another story for another time.

Trail Map

 

seniorsskiing

Mad River and Bromley Snow Report: Ain’t Pretty

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Too Soon, The Groundhog Is Seeing Spring In New England.

While our friends in the west are dealing with blizzard conditions, those of us in the east are practicing patience. Why? The winter is an on-again, off-again affair around here.  This week, it’s off.  Mad River Glen and Bromley are temporarily shutting their lifts until this weekend.  An inch of rain is coming, and there wasn’t much of a base to begin with.

But optimism is a key characteristic of snow people.  In a statement from Bromley, the message is “I will not let pessimism take over, right?”  The snowmaking pond is being refilled (Good News) and there is cold weather coming (Good News).  Spring skiing is going to be awesome.

Here’s the story from Unofficial Networks.

abrom

 

Feb 1 Snow Report from Mad River Glen. Honest and Painful.

Credit: Mad River Glen

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

 

mikemaginn

East: Too Warm To Believe

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Start Wishing Harder, New Englanders. It Worked For The Red Sox.

Not New England today. Unfortunately, we have to wait some more for snow. Credit: Currier & Ives

Not New England today. Unfortunately, we have to wait some more for snow.
Credit: Currier & Ives

There’s an old adage here in New England that half your cord wood should still be left over by Ground Hog’s Day.  But, so far this winter, we’ve hardly touched the wood pile; we’ll have most of it left over come April if this trend continues. We guess that’s one advantage of having a record-breaking snow-drought, warm-spell syndrome around here.  Frankly, we’d rather ski than not have to chop.

The Weather Channel says this Christmas could be the warmest of your lifetime, especially in the East.

Next week's jet stream pattern from the Weather Channel. Don't like the word "Mild" where it is. Credit: Weather Channel.

Next week’s jet stream pattern from the Weather Channel. Don’t like the word “Mild” where it is.
Credit: Weather Channel.

It is clearly a winter for the record books. Looks like the El Nino predictions are coming to pass. We just heard that Mount Sunapee (NH) has closed until this weekend when the forecast predicts some colder weather for snow making.  Okemo hasn’t seen natural snow since Nov 30th, and conditions are soft with open spots. Plus it rained last night up country.  Other areas have a lift or three running, that’s all.  The ski train from Boston to Wachusett Mountain has been postponed because “the ski area has zero trails open,” according WBUR radio.  Everyone is looking for a window of cold air for snow making.

And it’s not just New England. Ontario, Quebec and even Europe are experiencing too much warmth when we need cold.

We’ve had snow droughts before. New England Ski Industry has collected some memorable highlights about those unhappy times.  Click here to view quotes.  Oh well, this, too, shall pass.  Just like the Red Sox World Series drought.  Just takes some wishing.

Please don’t accept the current status quo as a trend for the rest of the winter; it’s way too early for that, despite the year’s El Nino potency.  Last winter, the toughest and coldest in recorded history here in Boston, precipitation didn’t get very serious until mid-January into February when the snow became overwhelming. We’ve seen wicked March storms and a three-foot blizzard on April 1 a few years ago that had the wildlife and crocuses confused.

On the other hand, there is a helluva lot of snow right now out in the Wasatch, the Rockies, in the Far West and the Sierras.

Wish it our way.  Come on, wish it. Wish it.  Let’s go snow.  Wish it.

 

seniorsskiing

SkiNH: Deals Galore For Seniors

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Many Alpine, Nordic Discounts From The Granite State.

SkiNH

Hey, you guys!  Look what we found.  Our friends at SkiNewHampshire just sent us their Senior Deal page from the SkiNewHampshire website.  Lots of deals for both Alpine and Cross-Country skiers.  Check out mid-week at Cannon Mountain for 65+ skiers! Let us know which deals you like best.

 

Tamsin Venn

Skiing In The Rain: Yes You Can

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Don’t Stay Home: Precip Can Be Hip.

Rain comes with early season skiing. Lilly Venn braves the drops at Bretton Woods and gets to see the moody views towards the Presidential Range. Credit: Tamsin Venn

Rain comes with early season skiing. Lilly Venn braves the drops at Bretton Woods and gets to see the moody views towards the Presidential Range.
Credit: Tamsin Venn

For seniors who like to zig without the worry of another skier’s zag, one of the best times to hit uncrowded slopes is in the rain. Sometimes that is what these early season ski days bring us. It’s not exactly the bluebird day most of us hope for, but before you turn on the TV for a Netflix binge, consider these advantages.

  • The temperature is above freezing and the snow is soft and pliable, even like spring corn skiing.
  • Not only are the slopes close to empty, ditto the base lodge where you can find ample space and a good window view. Hang your wet stuff out to dry over several chairs.
  • You have the dryers in the bathroom pretty much to yourself.
  • It’s warm out, so although you may get damp, you don’t get cold.
  • Ski outerwear is designed to combat the elements, rain included. However, if you have a GoreTex raincoat handy and possibly a sou’wester, not a bad idea. Bring a spare set of mittens or gloves, maybe two spares.
  • Visibility sucks. Your goggles have huge droplets on them. But you’ve got few skiers to avoid, and your speed is curtailed by soft snow so clear vision is not critical. Bring a bandana to wipe off the goggles.
  • Your bum gets wet sitting on the chairlift. Often the main information desk or cafeteria will give out garbage bags or plastic ponchos.
  • Mountain weather is fickle. Wait five minutes and the rain may stop, allowing you a rain-free run. The views can be stunning with low level clouds and fog shrouds lifting off the mountains, like a moody Chinese water color.
  • One item you should be aware of: Lift attendants may stay in their shacks so you may have to load yourself onto the chairlift, but at least there’s no waiting time.
  • You can even sing along to your iPod in the rain, loudly, and few will hear you. No need to stay inside on those early season rainy days.

Does anyone have skiing-in-the-rain pictures or stories to share?

Editor Note: Skiers who are also sailors think rain is just another way to enjoy your sport.  And remember the old expression, “There is no bad weather, just bad clothing.”  

Steve Hines

An X-C AMC Lodge Deep In The Maine Woods

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X-C Ski Six Miles To Gorman Chairback Camp Lodge and Guest Cabins.

If you’re an active cross country skier, you probably enjoy staying where you ski. Plus, if you’re an active senior xc skier you most likely enjoy comfortable surroundings, pleasant company and staff as much as you enjoy snow covered trails. A number of locations across the USA come to mind like

Gorman Chairback Lodge is a rustic winter retreat that appeals to your inner Thoreau. Credit: Steve Hines

Gorman Chairback Lodge is a rustic winter retreat that appeals to your inner Thoreau.
Credit: Steve Hines

Royal Gorge, CA., Jackson Hole, WY., and Craftsbury Common, VT. But the State of Maine, LL Bean and the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) have collaborated to bring the inspired xc skier a wonderful resource—Gorman Chairback Camp and Lodge. The Camp is located near Greenville Maine at the southern tip of Moosehead Lake. Exact directions to the lodge are at www.amcoutdoors.org where you can also make your reservation.

All the cabins have wood stoves amply supplied by the camp staff. As one of our party quite succinctly put it, “cabin accommodations were very comfortable yet simple.” The camp sits on the shore of Long Pond (really a very large lake) with no discernable development in sight or nearby. The food in the lodge’s dining hall was exceptional using many vegetables right from the Camp’s own garden. All meals are included with each night’s stay – and (delicious) coffee is available from early morning to late in the evening.

What makes Chairback unique is that you must ski about six miles from a winter parking lot to the lodge. The staff will bring your other gear and luggage to the lodge for you on snowmobiles. While the staff grooms the trails, you should be at least an intermediate skier. I use a metal edge, back country ski, but others in our group make do on touring skis. Plan to also bring a pair of snowshoes to enjoy the many hiking trails that are not groomed but have scenic terrain and panoramic vistas.

Trail markers point the way to Long Pond. The last few miles of the Appalachian Trail run through the area. Credit: Steve Hines

Trail markers point the way to Long Pond. The last few miles of the Appalachian Trail run through the area.
Credit: Steve Hines

The lodging is what I call “rustic elegance”. The cabins are heated with wood stoves that can be tricky to adjust and often need to be refilled in the middle of the night. So there’s and element of “roughing it” in the winter too. Many guests bring sleeping bags, but I usually bring my own flannel sheets and use the blankets and comforters provided.

I’ve found that skiing in this area always has what xc skiers call dependable snow. There’s never a time in the winter when the snow is missing or the trails have bare spots.

I’d like to make recommendations for specific trails but all the ski terrain is equally excellent.

As a post- script, it is well to remember that the AMC is a club and Not For Profit company. This means all members and guests have a responsibility to keep the camp clean and to provide proper feedback.

Sugarbush
mikemaginn

Early Season Pass Special: Sugarbush

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Some Ski Resorts Are Really Trying To Be Senior-Friendly.

One of the mantras of SeniorsSkiing.com is that it is a good thing for ski areas and resorts to be kind to seniors.  Not only do discounts, special activities and amenities bring more frequent senior visits, it also encourages them (us) to bring our families who are the next generation.

Sugarbush has lowered its senior age from 70 to 65. Thanks, guys.

Sugarbush has lowered its senior age from 70 to 65. Thanks, guys.

So, it is with great pleasure and satisfaction that we notice a ski area stepping out nicely in early-season efforts to be senior-friendly.  Sugarbush Resort, Warren, VT., has announced a mid-week, all-mountain, non-holiday pass for 65+ for $109 (until 9/16, then it’s $199, but still…).

In doing so, Sugarbush has LOWERED its senior age for discounted season tickets from 70 to 65.  Now that’s senior-friendly.  Thanks Sugarbush.

Incidentally, this is not an ad or a sponsored post.  We just like the way these people think.  What early-season senior discounts have you discovered?