Tag Archive for: Cross Country Ski Areas Association

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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A few bizarre developments from ski country:

Source: American Museum of Natural History

Did you see the recent article about the frozen fish blizzard in the Altai Mountain region of China? It’s the same region where for thousands of years, indigenous people have been navigating winter on homemade skis. Apparently, a tornado-like waterspout touched down in Kanas Lake, picked up a large school of 5” – 7” fish and deposited them across several small villages in the region.

A naturally occurring avalanche in a remote section of the Dolomite region of Italy, uncovered the remains of a German bi-plane that crashed there during World War I. Inside was the preserved body of the pilot, as well as a partially eaten loaf of bread and an unopened bottle of beer.

Source: American Museum of Natural History

Park City chiropractor, Ben Dover, was repairing a plumbing leak in the basement of his 100+ year old home when he noticed cool air blowing through the wood paneled wall. Curious, he carefully removed a few boards and found the entrance to an old mine. Flashlight in hand, he walked into the space where he saw something hanging on a wall. It was a calendar from 1909 with a date circled in red: April 1!

Happy April Fools Day!!!

It’s part of the human condition that, regardless of our age, every one of us has an unknown expiration date. I believe we should be aware of the news of the day and have empathy for those who suffer. Among the ways we can help is through volunteering and financial and other forms of support. We can also make an extra effort to be kind to ourselves and to each other. Next time you’re being jostled in lift line or cut off before you pull into that ideal parking space, give the other person a smile. When you get to the chair, thank the liftee. On the trail, do what you can to avoid a collision. There’s a lot wrong with the world of skiing: the crowds, reckless people, etc., etc. But there’s a lot right with it, too. Otherwise we wouldn’t go to the effort.

Spring has arrived. Delicious warm days await us on the hill. Soon we’ll be hanging up our boards and thinking about next season.

Enjoy April Fools Day. Enjoy the pond skim. Enjoy the live band and the cold beer. Enoy it all. It’s skiing.

Fashion Statement?

Tommy Hilfinger’s ski-in/ski-out home sold for a $19 million profit after three months of ownership.

Fashion Designer/manufacturer, Tommy Hilfiger, sold his Aspen ski in/ski out home last week for $50 million. He purchased in in December for $31 million. Yes, you read that correctly. He made a $19 million profit in three months…reflecting the current hot mountain town real estate market.

The Future of XC Skiing

If you’re associated with a XC ski club or facility, be sure to set aside time April 5 and 6 to attend (by Zoom) the Cross Country Ski Areas Association 2022 Spring Conference. Topics will cover current trends and events impacting the XC industry and maintaining growth and optimizing the guest experience. Cost:$45; https://ccsaa.org/annual-conference-2021/.

OR Returns to Salt Lake City

Five years ago, the twice-yearly Outdoor Retailer trade show decamped from Salt Lake City to Denver. Among the numerous reasons for the move was the State of Utah’s resistance to protecting its wilderness lands from development by extraction industries and from continued illegal use by ATVs and other motorized vehicles. Given that the outdoor recreational industry is based, in large part, on use of public lands, numerous big brands threatened to withdraw from the trade show if it continued in the state. Now, with support from the mayor of Salt Lake City, the twice-annual show will return to its roots. The past five years has seen unprecedented growth in Salt Lake City and the surrounding area. The new international airport, a $5.5 billion investment, is the first major hub airport replacement built in the 21st century.

Telltale Signs of Stroke

This valuable information arrived in my inbox along with the story of a woman who died after the signs of her stroke went undetected. If treated within three hours of onset, chance of recovery is increased. To determine if someone is experiencing a stroke ask the person to 1) smile; 2) talk and speak a simple sentence; 3) raise both arms. If there is difficulty performing any of these, immediately call 911 and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. An additional sign of stroke: Ask the person to stick out the tongue. If it goes to one side or the other, the person may have had a stroke.

Ski Mo

Lauren (l), Tom, and Liz costumed-up for the last Park City SkiMo event of the season.

If you’re not already familiar with this soon-to-be Olympic event, chances are, you soon will be. SkiMo (short for Ski Mountaineering) is a competitive event in which participants race up the hill on skins and/or carrying their boards, then clicking in and skiing down. It has many variations, including the one I witnessed one evening last week at Olympic Park in Park City. There, participants tried to make as many laps of the 300′ vertical as they could in an hour. One person clocked six or seven laps.

Remembering “Super Skier”

Remember the song, Super Skier, from the Chad Mitchell Trio? Released in 1963, it tells the amusing tale of of a guy  whose sense of his skiing self far exceeds his skiing skills. Click on the above image and listen with fresh ears.

Important Notice

The annual fundraiser is over. Again, I want to thank all who provided support for the site. Your gifts help defray the cost of publication. The majority of posters, stickers and thank you notes have been mailed, but I’m a few weeks behind completing the chore. Too many doctors visits and our move to a new (for us) home have complicated matters. Also, several mailings to reader-provided addresses were returned. Thanks for your patience. 

Jonathan Wiesel

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH CCSAA

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I recently was part of a conference call of U.S. and Canadian cross country ski area operators. The conversation touched on who our guests are, their wants and their needs; whether we’re in a growing business (short and joyful answer: yes!); and what we need to do to create new skiers and to retain past visitors. The questions are all part of the normal agenda at these monthly meetings; they’re survival matters in our industry.

On the call were Board Members of Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA, usually pronounced “Kssaa”), an unassuming but extremely effective force in the Nordic ski world in North America. It’s a familiar name among Nordic area operators and suppliers; less so among the several hundred Nordic clubs with groomed trails; and an enigmatic acronym to most retailers.

Group Lesson Source: Jackson Hole Nordic

As for the skiing public, about the only folks who know about CCSAA have learned of it through the logo on its exceptionally useful consumer website, https://xcski.org, which provides information on why, where, etc. to enjoy XC skiing. If you have any interest in XC, take a look at the site – it’s incredibly informative about the value of groomed trails, benefits of instruction, spotlights on XC areas and regions, etc.

That unfamiliarity is ironic but not surprising when you consider that CCSAA is a trade organization that promotes the sport but historically hasn’t tried to promote itself to the public. At the same time, it not only represents the entire recreational side of the Nordic industry (including ski publications and organizations) but generates and serves as a resource for much of the media coverage of cross country skiing.

Reese Brown, Executive Director, Cross Country Ski Areas Association.

CCSAA’s Executive Director is 62-year-old Reese Brown, a vigorous and versatile leader who has given the organization a more recognizable face and name in the industry at in-person meetings, frequent Zoom calls that discuss implications of the COVID era, and bi-weekly newsletters. Most of CCSAA’s Board are in their 50s and 60s, with, literally, decades of experience in a challenging industry.

For XC skiers, CCSAA’s accomplishments are pervasive but often may seem subtle or even mundane. Examples include helping persuade major snowcat manufacturers to explore Nordic markets; working with insurance companies to provide liability coverage at reasonable premiums (otherwise your trail pass would cost many times the current rate); and negotiating with the U.S. Forest Service to grant multi-year use permits.

CCSAA has developed a consistent signage system so skiers understand what direction to ski in; whether

CCSAA trail signage

skating/snowshoeing/fatbiking/walking is allowed on certain trails; what difficulty rating suits you best, etc. There’s also a defined way to measure trail length (sometimes called “non-repeat kilometers”). This approach may seem self-evident, but years ago some managers measured two-way routes in both directions. In one instance, a trail “network” advertised 30+ kilometers for a single non-repeat two-way 6-kilometer trail.

New in the CCSAA repertoire is primary-level consumer, retailer, and operational research, so we’re able to determine what’s growing, shrinking, or has plateaued. Knowing that you’re in a healthy business not only encourages improved services and facilities but may also enable XC areas (for example) to find new investors or loans, community partners, event sponsors, and media coverage.

So next time you’re out on the XC trails, smile at the signage, enjoy the grooming, and recognize that CCSAA may also be responsible for sensible COVID policies, inexpensive trail passes, and your use of public lands.

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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This week I participated in a media briefing about the coming season. It was organized by Ski Utah and featured presenters from most of the state’s areas.

They confirmed what most of us already know. This will not be a normal season. Resort skiing will require more advance planning than we’re used to. Some of the details, as presented in the aforementioned media briefing, are outlined a few paragraphs down.

Those of you who live close to where you ski won’t feel the pain. Not so for those of us who must travel.

That’s one of the reasons I plan to try cross country this season. I won’t be alone.  

Cross country skiing is about to boom. Since its impact was first felt, Covid has prompted many more people to pursue solo outdoor sports. 

According to Reese Brown, executive director of the non-profit Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA), early sales of entry-level gear packages were up over 200% in August and September. This bodes well for that branch of the sport.

This issue of SeniorsSkiing.com is dedicated to cross country and other Nordic activities. When Covid entered the scene, we anticipated that many of you, turned off by new obstacles, might look to Nordic activities as an alternative. That’s why we introduced the Make More Tracks: Nordic Resource Guide and are featuring a Nordic article in each issue. You’ll note that Alpina, which makes top-of-the-line Nordic ski boots and other gear is supporting the initiative.

Cross country, skate skiing, snowshoeing, and snow biking don’t always require traveling great distances to enjoy. If you live where there’s snow, many parks and local golf courses have groomed trails. If you’re fortunate enough to be near a cross country resort, you can enjoy extensive trail networks with many amenities. 

Clearly, Covid has turned skiing on its head.

What did I learn in that media briefing mentioned earlier? Among other things, advance ticket reservations will be required. It’s one of several ways areas will limit access. 

Places like Snowbird will regulate the number of skiers by requiring parking reservations. And at least for the first part of the season, parking spots will be for morning arrivals only.

For several seasons, Utah has encouraged people skiing the Cottonwood Canyons (Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude) to take public transportation. Depending on time of day or day of week, ski buses were at their 60 passenger capacity. This season, each bus will be limited to 20.

Many senior skiers enjoy the amenities of a locker room. Now, in an effort to improve social distancing, Deer Valley will limit access locker room access. The resort already has removed all seating. 

Snowbasin is introducing portable “executive” restrooms.

Restaurants will require reservations or ordering by app. Powder Mountain will do both as well as increase take-out locations around the resort.

These changes are representative of what to expect at resorts throughout the U.S. 

In closing the media briefing, Nathan Rafferty, who heads Ski Utah, shared his metric for success for the coming season. As I recall, in the past it has been increasing the number of skiers and the number of skier days. This year, it’s simply “Get open and stay open.”

Vail, Killington, Park City Mountain Resort, Alta Opening 

source: Alta

Vail, Park City Mountain Resort and Killington each announced season openings on Friday, November 20. Alta will open Monday, November 23. Check your email and favorite mountain website for more opening dates.

The Nordic Approach

That’s the name of the new online magazine for cross country skiers. Click here to visit the free site and find resorts, retailers, lots of good articles and tips for everyone interested in or already enjoying the cross country skiing lifestyle.

Parlor Skis Backcountry Emails

Parlor Skis is the Boston-based custom ski manufacturer known for high quality skis designed for the purchaser’s individual skiing style and needs. I know several skiers who’ve invested in Parlor skis, and they absolutely love them! The company takes an intelligent and analytical approach to the customization process. Its New England heritage is reflected in a new email series exploring back country skiing in the Northeast. If you’d like to receive Parlor’s emails, send your request to mark@parlorskis.com.

ISHA Needs Your Support

International Ski History Association

ISHA (International Skiing History Association) is the non-profit that, among other things, publishes Skiing History magazine. If you’re not already a member, I urge you to join. You’ll receive Skiing History every other month. Click on ISHA’s ad at the bottom of the stack of ads on the right and you’ll receive the free digital version. But at this time, it’s important to send ISHA money. Like so many other non-profits, the group is feeling the effects of Covid, especially from corporate sponsors cutting back because of reduced revenues. Please help ISHA weather this particularly tough storm. A one-year membership is only $49.

U.S. Ski-Snowboard Hall of Fame, Too

This is another worthy non-profit whose revenues this year were interrupted by Covid. The Hall of Fame‘s mission is to honor and celebrate the athletes, pioneers and visionaries of the United States who have significantly enriched the global sports of skiing and snowboarding and to showcase their stories and historic memorabilia…” To learn more and/or make a donations, click here.

A Skier’s Thanks

Next Thursday the U.S. celebrates Thanksgiving, a time when we give thanks for our good fortune by stuffing our faces and tolerating people we’re obligated to have at our tables. I apologize for the cynicism. This year will be different. Like others we know, Pam and I will be alone for our traditional feast. We’ll eat well, knowing that many will not and that many will be alone. As we do on every Thanksgiving and throughout the year, we’ll remember those no longer with us and those less fortunate. As skiers, we should be expressing thanks to the people who work hard so we can enjoy our good times on the hill. There are the groomers who work throughout the night, often in dangerous conditions, to prepare slopes and trals for our enjoyment. There are the lifties, standing in bitter cold to assist us onto the chair. And patrol, up early to control avalanches and working throughout the day to make trails safer. The people preparing and serving food. Those clearing the lots. There are many we never see and whom we never have the opportunity to thank. Maybe it’s not the purpose of Thanksgiving to thank them, but this year, let’s do it anyway. And while we’re at it, let’s thank the medical researchers, especially those at Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. It sounds like their commitment to developing Covid vaccines will soon get us back to some form of normal, including a more normal ski season. Thank you! 

Frustration #1. Frustration #2.

Frustration #1: Readers are reporting that SeniorsSkiing.com requires re-entering name and email address each time you try to open the site. We believe the issue may be the need to enable cookies on each device used to access SeniorsSkiing.com. If you’ve done that on your laptop and want to open the site on your phone, you must enable cookies on each device. On my iPhone, I went to Settings, scrolled to Safari, turned off  (grey bubble) “Block All Cookies”  and turned on (green bubble) “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking.” Other phones may require other steps. 

Frustration #2: We’d like more classified advertisers. It’s a great deal. Advertise for four weeks for $1. Once the classified section takes hold, we plan to increase the cost of advertising. For the immediate future, however, you can advertise something for sale, something for rent, a club trip, look for someone to ski with, etc. for a buck. 

Back December 4

SeniorsSkiing.com is taking next week off. See you December 4!