Tag Archive for: seniors skiing

seniorsskiing

Short Swings!

/0 Comments/in /by

CALIFORNIA

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

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

NEW HAMPSHIRE

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

NEW YORK

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

PENNSYLVANNIA

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

UTAH

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

VERMONT

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

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

OTHER

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

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

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

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

Jon Weisberg

Snow Sports Leaders: Klaus Obermeyer

/0 Comments/in , /by

“It’s Easier To Ski Than To Walk.”

Klaus Obermeyer is a skiing legend and innovator. The 97 year old founded Sport Obermeyer Ltd based on insights about ski wear while working in the late 40’s as an instructor in Aspen. One of his many innovations was the down ski parka, stitched together from a goose down comforter. Other product innovations include high-altitude suntan lotion, turtlenecks, nylon wind-shirts, and mirrored sunglasses. In 1961, the first Sport Obermeyer factory warehouse opened in Aspen, and innovations continued with “soft-shell” jackets, double lens goggles, pre-shaped gloves, the first waterproof, breathable fabrics, a built-in ski boot canting system and fashion-conscious, technically responsible skiwear.

Klaus Obermeyer

What are the most significant changes you have observed in the world of skiing?

Skis have gotten shorter and wider. Their advantage is that you can float at lower speeds in deep snow. They make it easier for everyone to ski deep snow. They also allow those who climb mountains to use a lot more of the mountain with or without the lifts.

 During your time, which well-known skiers have had the most impact on ski fashion?

Maria Bogner probably.

Please comment on the role of form and function in ski apparel?

For ski apparel to function well, for example, ski parkas, they need:

  • – To be waterproof and breathable;
  • – To have stretch material in places where stretch is needed;
  • – Be lightweight;
  • – Look terrific

For many years, you have been a role model for older skiers. Do you think equipment and apparel manufacturers would benefit from using older models and showing older people in their advertising and marketing?

The older models are slowly dying out and the young ones are tomorrow’s old ones. I think age makes no difference as far as technical performance of clothing.

What advice would you give older skiers who are still healthy but thinking about hanging up their boards in favor of other activities?

I think one should never give up skiing as it keeps the legs in good shape and even improves your walking after you’re over 80.

What advice would you give ski area operators to encourage older skiers to remain in the sport? 

Have parking places for older skiers so you don’t have to walk so far in those awful ski boots.

Of all people past and present with whom would you like to ride the lift?

With the best looking girl!

Please add any comments not covered above.

Skiing and boarding are sports that are absolutely unique and wonderful. The make you appreciate the incredible beauty of being outdoors in the mountains and give you tremendous choices of how fast to go, where to put your turns, and where to jump to get a zero G feeling. In the end it’s easier to ski than to walk.

Klaus in his earlier days

Pat McCloskey

Cross-Country At Historic, Cozy PA Lodge

/0 Comments/in /by

The Lodge At Glendorn Named Number One Resort Hotel In US.

Now this is what a comfy lodge looks like. Winter sports, good food, excellent accommodations at Glendorn.
Credit: Glendorn Resort

When I first said to our friends that we were having my wife’s 50th birthday party several years ago in Bradford, Pa. they cringed and all remarked, “In the middle of the winter in the icebox of Pennsylvania?”  They were sure surprised when they all drove through the wrought iron gates and entered a winter wonderland from yesteryear.

The Lodge at Glendorn not only is a nationally known Relais and Chateaux property, but it was acclaimed by Travel and Leisure as the Number One Resort Hotel in the nation in their recent Best Awards of 2016.  This historic 1500 acre property which abuts the Allegheny National Forest has been lovingly and painstakingly restored by its owner ( and curator) Cliff Forrest and his lovely wife Tracy.

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing on miles of trails is a feature of Glendorn Resort.
Credit: Glendorn

The property was once a retreat created by the oil and gas financier C.G Dorn in 1927 as a place for relaxation for his family.  The original cabins were created for each family member and the spacious log lodge was the central family gathering for dinners and holidays.  In 1995, it was opened to the public and in 2009, the property was up for sale.  Due to the vision of Cliff and Tracy Forrest, they purchased Glendorn and have lovingly restored its original grandeur with 16 luxury cabin and lodge accommodations.

Cliff Forrest, a senior skier, hunter, and golfer, is an active outdoors person who founded Rosebud Mining Co. in 1979.  Rosebud is currently the third largest coal producer in the state as well as the 21st largest producer in the country.  Cliff’s success has made it possible for him to invest in this truly unique property which has many opportunities year round for seniors.

Aside from being an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing property, the hiking, and sporting clays opportunities exist year round.  But in our experience, there is nothing as enjoyable or scenic as taking in Glendorn in the winter.  The cozy atmosphere of the cabins and the lodge with the crackling fireplaces and first class cuisine make the winter experience one to remember.  My wife and I have enjoyed Glendorn in the fall with the beautiful leaves of the Allegheny National Forest greeting us along the way, but the snowshoeing and cross country skiing available on the well-marked trails of the resort offer an exercise opportunity that is unparalleled.  All the equipment you would require is available at the resort including cross country skis, snowshoes, and skates.

S’mores by the bonfire on a Saturday night under the stars.
Credit: Glendorn

On Saturday evenings, the resort employees provide a bonfire up at the lake with s’mores and beverages with the opportunity to ice skate.  We also take advantage of the close proximity of Holimont Ski Club which is 40 minutes to the north and is open to the public weekdays for fabulous alpine skiing with the equally famous Lake Erie fluff blowing in and covering the slopes with a light, delightfully pleasant skiing experience.  Ellicottville, New York is the quaint town adjacent to the ski areas with a fabulous brew pub, Ellicottville Brewing, and many other dining establishments and outdoor recreation shops.  Again, it’s an easy drive from Glendorn adding to the total winter experience.  My wife and I have been making it an annual affair for her birthday.  It is truly top rate.

For Reservations and Rates click here or call 1800-843-8568.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the main lodge and picnic lunches for outdoor activities are available upon request.

Access: Three hour drive from Pittsburgh, PA,  two hours from Buffalo, NY, five hours drive from Philadelphia.

Holimont lift tickets weekdays only: Adult Full Day, $56.00; Seniors( 70+) $50.00 full day.  Groups of 15 of more who register two weeks in advance are offered a $39.00 lift ticket weekdays only.  The property is closed to the public on the weekends unless a club member is a sponsor.  Alternate opportunity is Holiday Valley Resort. 

Photos courtesy of the Lodge at Glendorn

 

BrettonWoods
Tamsin Venn

SeniorsSkiing Guide: Easy Going At Bretton Woods

/0 Comments/in , /by

Seniors (65-79) Ski For $25 Mid-Week At This Classic NH Gem.

Majestic Mt. Washington is across the valley from Bretton Woods.
Credit: Bretton Woods

Down Cascade, up to Rosebrook Summit, down Upper Swoop, down Cascade, across to Diamond Ridge, down Deception Bowl, up the Bethlehem Express, down Big Ben, up Zephyr High Speed Quad, down Granny’s Grit.

The skiing at Bretton Woods, NH, was so smooth and our trips so fast, that you didn’t have time to think what joint might be aching that day. We were skiing with a group of 50-plusses and one 80-plus, all fabulous skiers with years of experience behind them. The grooming at Bretton Woods yields the best type of New England skiing with manicured slopes, wide open avenues, very hard pack with enough surface snow to grip. We blazed all over the mountain, happily racking up the vertical, on our apps or psyche. Most of the intermediate slopes were open and provided plenty of fun on Rosebrook and West Mountains.

Beautiful, broad skiing avenues make for nice cruising at Bretton Woods.
Credit: Bretton Woods

The overall experience here is a friendly mountain that’s fun to ski. There’s plenty of skiing available for an older person without putting too much pressure on hips and knees. For tree skiers, the glades are fairly open in keeping with the resort’s easy-going nature. In 2012, Bretton Woods added a T-Bar servicing Mount Stickney with 30 acres of more challenging glades. There is plenty of tough terrain on this hill once nick-named Medicare Mountain.

Four high-speed quads keep you going, and on crowded days the lift personnel keep the lines moving in a fair and congenial way.

What that allows you to do is just relax and rip. Plus all trails lead ultimately to the base lodge, minimizing separation anxiety from your ski companions.

Some say Bretton Woods, NH’s largest ski area, is more protected from the weather than other areas. You can always look across at storm clouds unfurling off Mt. Washington (the Northeast’s highest summit at 6,288 feet) and be happy that at least you’re not up there.

Across the street is the giant Omni Mt. Washington Hotel, like an ocean liner cruising across the White Mountains. Plan a visit, if only to stroll through the wide halls under 23-foot ceilings and take in the views of Mt. Washington from the Rosebrook Lounge sipping a cool Chardonnay.

To walk the hotel’s halls and verandas is to stroll through White Mountain history at its most hospitable. Built in 1902, the hotel most notably hosted the 1944 United National Monetary and Financial Conference to build the bones of a post-World War II economy. Walk into the room off the main lobby where the final treaty was signed.

Meanwhile, stretch your downhill muscles on the 62 miles of impeccably groomed X-C trails. They are also open to snowshoeing and fat tire bike riding.

Bottom Line

Seniors 80 years and up ski free any day, and those 65-79 ski for $25 midweek/non-holiday.

Hot Chocolate: $3

Wiser Woods Program

Open to skiers and riders age 50+. This is group ski program under the guidance of an instructor who will coach you down the mountain.  Includes morning refreshments at Slopeside, receive 10% off retail, 10% off demo equipment.

Runs Jan. 3-March 14, Tuesdays 9-12. Meet on Slopeside Level of Base Lodge. $125 per person for the season, $199 per couple.

Mountain Stats

Vertical Drop:  1,500 feet
Trails and Glades: 97
Skiable Acreage:  464
Snowmaking:  92% of Trails
Average Annual Snowfall:  200+ inches

Webcam click here

Trail Maps click here

Bretton Woods boasts a network of well-groomed Nordic trails.
Credit: Bretton Woods

seniorsskiing

This Week In SeniorsSkiing.com (Jan. 20)

/0 Comments/in /by

New Senior Ski Tips eBook, Solitude Races, Big White Resort Review, “Snowbound” Excerpt, Lift Tickets From Speeders?, OR Show Finds.

Oh, and the skiing ostriches.  Don’t ask, just watch.

It’s been a busy week at SeniorsSkiing.com. We are seeing ongoing, monumental snow falls in the West that are relieving drought conditions in California and creating avalanche hazards all over the mountains. The Northeast is depending on snowmaking and grooming.

We have received and posted our first ever reader-submitted video. Thanks to Emilio Trampuz for being number one. Look under Community in the top navigation menu. WE WELCOME MORE.  If you have a video you want fellow readers to see, post it on Youtube and send us a link.  This should be fun.

We also have a new, subscriber-only eBook we developed with Vail instructor Seth Masia called “9 Ski Tips Every Senior Skier Should Know.”  If you are a subscriber, just go to Community and select Subscriber-Only Content, confirm your email address and download the file.  If you’re not a subscriber, consider subscribing, it’s free.

Correspondent Harriet Wallis contributed two articles this week, one promoting Snowboardcross and Skicross Races at Solitude and another highlighting some really cool, senior-friendly products she found at the OR show.

John Nelson is churning out resort reviews, this week focusing on Big White in BC.  It’s low key area with skiing just right for seniors.  Check out his report.

With all the snow flying out West, we thought is would be symbolic to publish an excerpt from “Snowbound” John Greenleaf Whittier’s masterpiece about snow and life. Bottom line: Snow changes everything.

Finally, we have an important article from John Brown, a veteran ski patroller, who talks about lifting tickets from speeders and reckless skiers.  Turns out, it’s not as easy as it sounds.  We know our readers don’t like or are intimidated by speedsters and want the Ski Patrol to lift more tickets. What do you think?

Thanks for subscribing to SeniorsSkiing.com. Remember, there are more of us every day and we aren’t going away.

Alpine Meadows

 

 

seniorsskiing

Short Swings!

/0 Comments/in /by

CALIFORNIA

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

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

COLORADO

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

UTAH

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

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

VERMONT

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

OTHER

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

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

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

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

 

 

John Brown

Lift A Ticket? A Ski Patrolman Speaks

/1 Comment/in /by

There Are No Easy Answers.  It Might Hinge On Ski Resort Policy.

Editor Note: Last spring, we received a note from Frank Dolman, a 43-year member of the National Ski Patrol and a long time guide for the Over The Hill Gang at Steamboat. His comment: “Problem—Some owners of ski areas are cutting costs by lowering headcount and hours of the ski patrol. Consequently, reckless behavior can be out of control. Solution—A ‘license’ to ski, based on passing a test on the Skier’s Responsibility Code. License earns discounts, etc., as incentive.”  

Our Spring Survey 2016 revealed a lot of comments about controlling speeders. We’re still searching for an answer. This article by John Brown, a 38-year NSP veteran and patrolman at Ragged Mountain, NH, suggests lifting tickets really depends on the policies of the resorts. 

Know it, practice it, tell your friends.

Responsible behavior on the snow at times doesn’t seem to be a habit of a lot of skiers/riders today, and many people wonder who is responsible for the development of this go fast and take chances attitude. Is it the ski patrol? Is it area management? Is it equipment that may be too easy to use? Perhaps it’s the “point ‘em downhill and go” approach. And maybe it is a general apathy.

My answer is: “All of the above”.

So what can we do? Bring back and/or bring forward the skier responsibility code! Remember when it was posted everywhere, printed on napkins, the back of your ticket, on brochures and even a billboard or two? Look for it when you get a chance, and let me know where it pops up. Simply adhering to these common sense rules will make the slopes safe.

What should the ski patrol do? Well, first we would have to visit the individual ski area’s policy. Does the area encourage the patrol to be visible? Are there enough patrollers to actually patrol? Or does the patrol have to standby on top and wait to be dispatched?

Should the patrol take tickets away and under what circumstances? First offense? Based on a report? Before we build a long list of offenses, let’s first remember the patrol is not the police, and their primary mission is to keep the area safe and render aid when necessary.

There are various ski area policies that range from marking a ticket/pass to recording the name of a pass holder who has hit someone or otherwise skied/rode recklessly. An informative admonishment can be a valuable tool as well. A ski patrol that is visible can deter the potential speeder or reckless skier.

The ski area has a responsibility to take some sort of action when a report of reckless skiing is made. Whether it is customer service, the ticket counter, ski patrol or ski school, there must be a positive response to each visitor’s concern. You can’t ignore a ski area patron who takes the time to report what they feel is errant behavior which invariably could result in injury or worse, resulting in an unpleasant experience of a customer.

Of course, many people believe the easiest thing to do is to take away the ticket, and most certainly there are occurrences that warrant such action. Consider this though. After driving two hours and paying $80 for a ticket not to mention a $3 bottle of water, should we take away the ticket of someone who may or may not have skied too close to someone? Of course, if there is reason to believe recklessness resulted in injury or complete disregard for safety, then maybe the ticket should be taken. But what about gray-areas? Second-hand reports?  Not easy.

Just like the myriad of resorts in North America, the solutions will vary as well. There is one very proactive element that begins with all of us, and it is communication. No one will know there is a problem if it is not reported whether in person, by email, snail mail or by phone, once an area is aware of a concern there is a responsibility to act to make skiing and rider safe for everyone.

Harriet Wallis

Hot Finds For Seniors At The Winter Outdoor Show

/1 Comment/in /by

The Innovations Are Amazing. Here Are Three Top Picks For Seniors.

Vibram’s Arctic Grip soles won’t slip on ice no matter how hard you try.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

Vibram – the company known for its hiking boot soles – has a new sole material it calls “Arctic Grip.” You can walk on solid ice and not slip. Really! To prove it, Vibram demonstrated on blocks of ice at its show booth.

Arctic Grip is used by six shoe companies on dress shoes to work boots: CAT, Hush Puppies, Saucony, Merrell, Sperry and Wolverine.

Stay toasty with heated ComfortWear in many styles.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

ComfortWear hooked up with Heat Factory which is known for its hand warmer packets. Now you can keep your entire body warm with clothing that’s designed with heat coils that are battery operated. Stay toasty as you ski, hunt or sit through a game in an outdoor stadium.

The most popular item is the heated neck scarf, said ComfortWear President Charles Hollcroft who owns the technology.

High tech Finbulvetr snowshoes have a funky egg-crate look, but they are made from a thermoplastic with flex underfoot and in the right places for steep uphill climbs or tough downhill descents. They’re designed and made in Norway where they really know their snow. They flex and move like no other snowshoe.

They were originally designed for the Norwegian military to carry heavy loads in the backcountry, said Christian Brunsvig, chief executive officer. Then the company created an additional model to suit a professional snowboarder who needed light weight but extreme performance for his uphill climbs. The long model is for long haul expeditions.

Norwegian snowshoes are lightweight and efficient.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

 

The Outdoor Retailers show is the largest product show of its kind in the US, and it’s staged in Salt Lake City. It brings product manufacturers from all over the world together with retail buyers who can see, touch and try new products and then place orders for the coming season. A few passes are issued to media writers and photographers – such as SeniorSkiing.com. That’s how I got in.

To read more from Harriet click here for her stories on SkiUtah.

 

 

 

 

A mariachi band gets people dancing before the Outdoor Retailers show opens.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

CALIFORNIA

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows received 10.5 feet since January 1!

COLORADO

Colorado resorts offering a variety of freebies, including:

Free Snowcat to reach expert terrain

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

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

Free Lift Tickets for Airline Passengers

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

Free First Tracks

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

UTAH

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

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

OTHER

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

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

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

peter metcalf
Jon Weisberg

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

/3 Comments/in /by

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SeniorsSkiing.com stands with Peter Metcalf on this issue.

mikemaginn

What A Difference A Day Makes

/2 Comments/in /by

Cross-Country Skiing In Appleton Farms, Ipswich, MA., January 10-11.

January 11, 52 degrees, 12:30 PM

January 10, 28 degrees, 11:30 AM

Val E

Using Old Clothing And Accessories: Part 2

/0 Comments/in /by

But Do You Really Want To Be Seen In A Neon Jumpsuit From The 80s?

[Editor Note: Correspondent Val E. rummages through his closet to assess what old stuff is still useful and what isn’t.  Here’s the second part of his report. The first part dealt with skis, boots and bindings.]

Still wearing 35 year old ski clothing? It looks it.

Clothing

Base layers— cotton is NOT for skiing, silk could be OK for hot conditions, synthetic (polypropylene, acrylic) and merino wool and combinations of them will work. Some items can be used for 20+ years with no problem.

Mid layers—the same situation as with base layers, major brands make mid-layer jackets combining down with wool and synthetic materials. They are light and practical, if you do not use them as outer layers.

Outer layers—you love your neon overall from 1987? If it still works well and looks well, distinctive, use it! Check the zippers for leaks, especially if you ski where you may experience rain or wet snow. Sometimes people think their membrane jacket or pants are leaking. It could be delamination of the waterproof breathable layer. Spray DWR (Durable Water Repellant) coating on your jacket, and water will bead off.

Goggles and Sunglasses

The foam layer around your face and on the top of the goggles may start crumbling, and, in case of wet snow or rain, your vents will leak. Light sensitive lenses may lose their properties (will not be as dark as before). If you like your old school sunglasses, and they protect you well from all sides—use them. Beware—in case of collision, mineral glass may shatter into small sharp pieces.

Bags

You will be surprised to find new, more ergonomic and lighter bags for your ski boots, skis and other goodies. New ski boot bags have room for a helmet, goggles, and other critical things. Plastic ski bags will protect your skis, bindings, and poles better than padded ones. Some companies started making light ski bags with wheels which you can roll up when not in use. Bags on wheels will help you to save your back while traveling so you have more energy for skiing.

Old boots might be worth keeping.

Apres Ski Boots

Old school rubber-leather wool lined boots made by Sorel and Kamik are hard to beat, if staying warm for the entire cold season is your priority. Moon boots are cute… Boots with membrane fabric and soft and grippy soles are light and very comfortable for longer walks, they often look elegant, and they keep you comfortable both in warm and cold conditions.

Heaters

Chemical heaters have shelf life two-four years, but they may work outside of this time frame. Don’t throw them away, try them first. Electric heaters—if you ski less than 30 days a season, then your rechargeable batteries should be good for 10 years or more.

Your thoughts on old equipment?

Yes, neon jumpsuits were the rage…a zillion years ago. But you can get a new one by clicking here. Thanks to Shinesty for the pic.
Credit: Shinesty

seniorsskiing

Short Swings!

/0 Comments/in , /by

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

Jean Vuarnet in the l’Oeuf tuck

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

 

CALIFORNIA

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

COLORADO

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

NEW HAMPSHIRE

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

UTAH

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

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

OTHER

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

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

Jon Weisberg

Snow Sports Leaders: Steve Cohen, CEO, MasterFit Enterprises

/1 Comment/in , /by

[Editor Note: Steve Cohen, CEO and co-founder of Masterfit Enterprises, oversees the Masterfit University Training Centers, the America’s Best Bootfitters organization of top ski bootfitting shops, and Masterfit’s insole and bootfitting products lines. He created the annual national on-hill boot testing program in 1988 while serving as executive editor of Ski Magazine. He is a senior contributor and co-authors all the boot content for Ski and Skiing magazines and their websites, and for the America’s Best Bootfitters website (www.bootfitters.com).]

Steve Cohen, CEO, MasterFit

Experienced skiers advise that ski boots rank most important. Why is that?

Boots are both the suspension and steering link between the body and the ski. If your boots don’t fit comfortably and efficiently transmit power between foot and ski, you’ll never ski to the best of your ability.

What’s more important for comfort and performance: boot liners or boot insoles?

Both are important. But the liners that come with most quality ski boots are pretty good and bootfitters are great at making comfort and fit modifications to them.

The insole is a critical fit, stance and performance component. But the dirty little secret of the ski boot world is that the insoles that come in most ski boots, even the most expensive ones, aren’t very durable or supportive. In fact, boot companies expect skiers to upgrade their insoles so they see it as a place to shave cost.

Think of your boot insole as the foundation for the entire boot. If you aren’t standing on a stable, well-balanced platform, all the joints above that are so crucial to executing a ski turn—ankles, knees and hips—will be out of kilter. That can lead to pain and make it difficult to execute turns.

Explain the importance of Masterfit University and seeking out a shop with an “America’s Best Bootfitter” designation when getting boots fitted.

Would you rather go to an auto mechanic with professional training or one who figured stuff out by trial and error? Masterfit University is where ski retailers send their personnel to be trained in the science and art of bootfitting by the world’s elite bootfitters.

The shops that earn the America’s Best Bootfitters mark of distinction are the best of the best. They have elite skills, knowledge and a complement of specialized tools to provide the best in boot sales and service.

Do you recommend custom insoles for ski boots, or are off-the-shelf models sufficient?

Depends on how often you ski and your aspirations. What we call drop-ins or cut-to-fit models definitely provide better fit, stability and comfort than stock insoles. They’re great for skiers on a budget and those who ski infrequently or at a casual pace. But if you have a complex foot problem, stance issue, ski frequently, or aspire to ski at an advanced level, custom insoles should be inside your boots.

How frequently should skiers replace their boots?

That’s a function of how often they ski. Full-time instructors and others who ski daily will replace their boots every year or two.

For recreational skiers, figure 150-175 days of use or 7-8 years. Whichever comes first. The boot’s shell is subject to incredible stresses in every turn. The plastic eventually loses resiliency and strength and can even crack or explode. The padding in the liner also compacts and loses its resiliency. Components like buckles start breaking. I like to have a transition season where I phase out a boot and break in a new one.

If you frequently walk on hard surfaces with boots, all the guidelines above can be tossed out. Once your soles start wearing thin or losing their shape, it can affect how your binding releases. That’s serious stuff. Your binding may not hold you in when it should or it might not release when it should. Both are dangerous situations. Your boot/binding interface should be inspected and tested periodically by a certified shop.

What should older skiers be looking for when they’re shopping for a pair of boots?

A good bootfitter to guide them. Older feet have more problems and need someone with experience and skills to help in the selection and make modifications and accommodations. Older skiers might also want to consider a softer boot than they used in the past as well as one designed for easy entry/exit and easy to close and open buckles.

Masterfit organizes the annual event where the coming season’s boots are evaluated. The results appear in Ski, Skiing, and at the America’s Best Bootfitters website and inform ski shop sales personnel around the country. How is this information relevant for older skiers?

We have a lot of exceptionally-experienced skiers who are 50+ testing boots for us. Their experiences and feedback gives older skiers a reference point from which to start a boot search.

 

Jon Weisberg

Solitude Mountain Resort: Perfection at the Top of a Canyon

/0 Comments/in , /by

The Nearby Area for Local and Destination Skiers Who Know.

Solitude Mountain Resort

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

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

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

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

Powder at Solitude

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

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

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

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

John Nelson

SeniorsSkiing Guide: Mt Hood Meadows

/5 Comments/in /by

Free Skiing For 75-Plus.  Nice.

A skier hits the slopes of Powder Keg at Mt. Hood Meadows.
Credit: John Nelson

This resort on the southeastern flank of a 11,249-foot volcano has a lot to recommend it: great terrain, great proximity to the hipster-haven of Portland, OR., and ample snowfall from regular winter storms.

If you’re 75 and older, you’ll have another reason to love Meadows: It’s free.

Jeanne Farwig, a ski instructor at Mt. Hood Meadows for 44 years, is honored in a ceremony last season by Chris Kastner, Meadows ski school director.
Credit: Mt. Hood Meadows

“It reminds me of the Matterhorn—it’s just so majestic,” says Jeanne Farwig, a Mt. Hood Meadows ski instructor. “There’s something for everyone here.”

Farwig, 84, is entering her 44th season of teaching on the mountain. Her passion for Meadows remains as strong as her desire to pass on her slope knowledge.

“I love working with older skiers,” she says. “I especially like working with people who have given up skiing and are taking it up again.”

And the free skiing isn’t bad either.

“Now my boyfriend has a free pass,” she says.

Snow, terrain and more

  • Location: Hood Meadows is about 60 miles from downtown Portland via U.S. Highway 26, and 35 miles from the Columbia River Gorge outdoors mecca of Hood River.
  • Snowfall: 440 inches of snow pile up every year from Pacific storms that pummel the mountain.
  • Terrain, lifts: With the pointy summit of Mount Hood looming above, Meadows feels wild, with runs that take advantage of the many ridges and canyons falling off the side of Oregon’s tallest peak. About 35 percent of the mountain’s 2,150 skiable acres is rated advanced, 65 percent is rated intermediate or beginner. Six of the resort’s 11 chairlifts are high-speed quads that do most of the people-moving on the mountain.
  • Vertical: Nearly 2,800 feet from the base at Hood River Meadows (4,528 feet) to a lift-served high point of 7,305 feet. On nice days, hikers can gain an additional 1,700 feet of vertical by climbing to the top of the double-diamond Super Bowl run.

Lot to lift access

  • The roadways from the Portland metro area can be clogged on weekends, so plan on skiing during the week if possible. Parking at Meadows requires a $5-per-day pass from the Forest Service, which you can purchase from a parking lot attendant. A large loading zone is available to dump gear near the lodge.
  • Public transportation: Several companies offer shuttles to Mt. Hood Meadows from downtown Portland.
  • Accommodations: Nearby Timberline Lodge is a national treasure if you manage to score a room. Cooper Spur ski area and the town of Government Camp have lodging, and Hood River is just 45 minutes away.

Culture

  • The vibe: A mixture of hard-cores who love the Meadows’ extreme terrain and friendly locals who enjoy cruising its many groomers.
  • Dining: You’ll find most food in the main base area’s two lodges; on slope, check out two cafes, one at the base of the Hood River Express and the other at the top of Mt. Hood Express.

Bottom line

  • You’ll ski for free if you’re 75 and older. Seniors (65-74) pay $54; regular adult passes are $79.
  • Weather can close the mountain’s upper lifts limiting skiers to lower slopes during storms.
  • A big-mountain feel to the dramatic upper slopes.

Trail Map: Click Here

Webcam: Click Here

Skiers ski the run Discovery near the top of the Shooting Star Express at Mt. Hood Meadows. Credit: John Nelson

 

Val E

Use Your Old Ski Equipment? Maybe: Part 1

/17 Comments/in /by

Frugality Or Familiarity Might Be Reasons To Hang On. Should You? It Depends.

Editor Note: This is the first of a two-part article where ski industry veteran Val E. discusses whether using old equipment is safe and/or worth it.  We’ve seen people on the lift line with really old equipment; ours not to reason why. But you should know what the risks are.

Skis

Well, maybe not 360s.

Imagine you have 20+ year old skis, you used them 7-10 days a year, so the total work days would be 200-300 days. Can you still use them? If they have no major delamination, cracked edges, broken sidewalls, then yes. Do you want to use them? Maybe not. Test a few pairs of skis made in recent 10 years. You may notice that they are easier to maneuver, easier to carry, and have different graphics. If you still want to ski on your old skis, then sharpen the edges, clean and wax the base, make sure you bindings are safe (see below).

Bindings

Bindings are for safety and comfort. Manufacturers do not allow ski service people to service bindings older than 10 years, and they send a list of “serviceable” models every fall. Bindings stored 360 days a year in a dusty room or wet garage may not release when you need it or can false release. Dust on lubrication, corrosion, and other factors may change the planned schedule. Major problems could be cracks in plastic parts that are hard to identify. A binding can still be OK for many, many years. Manufacturers just don’t want to be responsible for risk anymore, and they also want us to buy new and better bindings. You can install new binding on your old skis (if you love them unconditionally); a technician will plug the old holes.

Boots

Famous Lange boot ad from the early 70s

Most people don’t like to change ski boots often, though there is always a limit. We are talking about boots that are 15-20+ year old. Shell: if you see cracks in plastic, your soles are worn out and won’t have good contact with the binding. If buckles are broken and non repairable, go to a ski shop. Liner: you should feel comfortable without two pairs of thick home made wool socks, your heel shouldn’t ever move up from the insole. If your shell is in a good shape, but you are not happy about the liner (too loose or destroyed) keep in mind that you can purchase a pair of liners. Canadian company Intuition Liners makes different types.

Helmets

Almost all ski helmets use foam (Polystyrene or Polypropylene) in their construction to crush, thus absorbing energy when contacting something hard. Researchers say this foam doesn’t change much for 20-30 years under normal conditions. But hard hits, long exposure to UV and heat sources may change the properties of these materials. Manufacturers recommend replacing a helmet after a significant collision. Once foam is compressed at some spot, it would not protect you anymore.

Helmets have come a long way since Jean Vuarent wore this variant from the cycling world.

seniorsskiing

Short Swings!

/0 Comments/in , /by

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.

mikemaginn

Ski Show Retro Video Brings Back Memories

/4 Comments/in /by

If You’ve Been Around The Ski Biz, You Will See Some Familiar Faces.

Flipping out at a 60s ski show.

Thanks to Cathie Judge for sending us this video commemorating the famous Harry Leonard Ski Shows, starting in the late 60s with lots of clips of several giants of the ski industry back in the day.

Ski and Snow Board Show impresario and SeniorsSkiing.com advisory board member Bernie Weichsel, who contributed archival photographs to this video, said that Harry Leonard’s son, Adam Leonard, produced this for Harry’s 90th birthday.

SKIING magazine editor and ski legend Doug Pfeiffer at the show sometime in the early 70s.

So many familiar faces: Barbara Alley, Stein Ericksen, Doug Pfeiffer, Bob Beattie, and many other industry personalities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pat McCloskey

SeniorsSkiing Guide: Saving Laurel Mountain From Obscurity

/4 Comments/in , /by

Western PA Pioneer Area Comes Back To Full Operation.

Fun Fact: Legendary Hannes Schneider designed the trails at Laurel at around the same time he created Cranmore.
Credit: Laurel Mountain

There has been a lot written about the lost ski areas.  For one reason or another, ski areas sometimes are unable to meet the financial or operational requirements and end up closing the lifts.  They fall into disrepair and end up on a list of lost ski areas forever.  But, there is an exception whose light is burning bright this winter.  Laurel Mountain in the Laurel  Highlands of Western  Pennsylvania will once again be spinning the lifts thanks to a grant from the State of Pennsylvania and the financial and operational input of the major ski area in the region—Seven Springs Mountain Resort.

Laurel’s origins date back to 1939 when Pittsburgh financier Richard King Mellon began to plan a ski area for the enjoyment of the members of the  prestigious Rolling Rock Club.  In alliance with Harvey Gibson who was chairman of Manufacturer’s Trust Company and owner of Cranmore Mountain in New Hampshire, they began building the ski area on the western flank of the Laurel Ridge near Ligonier, Pa.  The design of the mountain was created by the world famous Hannes Schneider who was the inventor of the Arlberg method of ski teaching which is the basis of modern alpine technique.  Schneider was brought to the U.S. by Harvey Gibson and the legendary Austrian ski instructor hiked the Laurel Ridge and designed the trails and the signature Wildcat run which is the steepest run in Pennsylvania.

Soon after World War II, the private resort was opened to the public.  “Ski tow” tickets were $1.25 per day to ride the surface lifts.  Private lessons were $5.00 per hour with instructors trained by the famous mountaineer  Ralph “Doc” DesRoches, a veteran of the 10th Mountain Division and eventual major patron of the US Ski Team. Laurel grew with the post war boom and in 1947, a new lodge was built at the mountain summit. Laurel was soon the home of the Pennsylvania State Ski Championship founded by Edna and Max Dercum of Penn State University where Max was a professor of forestry.

In 1955, a new lift, perhaps the only one of its kind—a Constam T-bar— became the first top to bottom lift eliminating the need for three rope tows to get to the summit.  In 1956, Laurel was among the first ski resorts to install large scale snowmaking.  In 1963, R.K. Mellon and his sister Sarah Scaife gave the ski area to the State of Pennsylvania which began a new era with Poma lifts replacing rope tows and lights for night skiing.  The first chairlift at Laurel was installed in 1968.  After a number of years of state ownership and mounting competition from Seven Springs and Hidden Valley, Laurel fell to financial troubles and had many years of start/stop operation.  In 2004, Seven Springs entered into an agreement to run Laurel Mountain, but, with many improvements deemed necessary, the resort was once again closed.

Seven Springs eventually purchased the assets of Laurel Mountain and soon began to chart a course for operation once again with SE Group as the primary consultant.  With revitalized snowmaking by HKD, reconstruction of the lodge in 2015-2016, and official groundbreaking for a new quad chairlift, the plan for opening for the 2016-2017 ski season was finally a reality.

Laurel is a gem to the local community. The 1000+ members of the web-based group Friends of Laurel Mountain had a lot of influence in the progress of the construction. It is with great pride that the residents of Ligonier and the ski community in general in Western Pennsylvania welcome the historic Laurel Mountain back to the list of operating ski areas in the U.S

Location:

US 30 East, just outside of historic Ligonier, Pa.  Approximately a one and a half-hour drive east of Pittsburgh.

Trail Map: Click here.

Hours of Operation and Ticket Prices:

Sunday –Wednesday- 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM  Tickets $38.00

Thursday-Sunday- 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM – Tickets $53.00

Holidays- $58.00

Preferred Lodging:

Ligonier Country Inn

Call for reservations: 800-916-4339

Dining:

There are many dining establishments in the town of Ligonier including the Ligonier Tavern, my favorite,  just off the town square.

seniorsskiing

This Week in SeniorsSkiing.com (12/23)

/2 Comments/in /by

And To All, A Good Night.

This week, as we celebrate our respective holidays and share in our love of Winter, we bring you a short and beautiful video that gives new meaning to the idea of night skiing. There’s a piece on Utah’s Powder Mountain. And Short Swings! is loaded with interesting developments and product information.

In case you missed it, we’re resending our animated greeting.

 

 

MOONLINE Mathieu Bijasson
seniorsskiing

Moonline: Night Skiing In a Whole New Light!

/0 Comments/in /by

Holiday Cheer.

MOONLINE Mathieu Bijasson

Enjoy this short, uplifting, award-winning video. Cozy snowbound cabin. Illuminated skis and poles. Powder. Moon. What a joyful pleasure! Moonline

Jon Weisberg

Powder Mountain: The Cuba of Utah Ski Areas

/7 Comments/in , , /by

Visit Soon, It’s About to Change.

Before the end of this season, Powder Mountain, Utah’s slightly out of the way ski area will become the largest in all of North America with 8464 acres, surpassing in size Park City (7300 acres), Whistler Blackcomb (8171 acres) and Big Sky (8000 acres).

School bus picks up on road on right.

Even without the 1000 new acres that will be available with the completion of two new chairs, the place is vast and under skied. One reason is limited day and season pass sales; another is because of its distance. It takes a little over an hour to get there from Salt Lake City, much less if you’re travelling from Ogden, about 30 miles north of SLC.

Powder Mountain is one of the places I head for after a classic Utah deep powder dump. Even days after a dump, fresh, untracked areas are waiting to be explored.

The new owners are planning a new village that will give the place more of a resort feel. Currently condos are available on the mountain. Other lodging and restaurant options require a short drive.

Much of Powder Mountain’s acreage is gentle, but know where to look, and you’ll find ample steeps to keep you well entertained. The area also offers a variety of guided and unguided cat and heli experiences.

Skiing trees at Utah’s Powder Mountain

 

I’m not sure how the new village and lifts will change the feel of the place. In many ways the current Powder Mountain reminds me of skiing as a kid in Vermont. The lodges aren’t fancy, but they serve up tasty and reasonably priced food. There’s a genuinely friendly and helpful vibe. I don’t know if its unique to Powder Mountain, but old-fashioned school busses help convey skiers from one part of the area up a canyon and back to the lifts.

Seniors (65-74) pay $60 for a day pass. Free skiing if you’re 75 or older!!!!

Powder Mountain might be like Cuba. It’s old fashioned in a highly appealing way. There’s a tremendous amount to enjoy. I recommend visiting before too much changes. It will change for the better, but for now, Powder Mountain should be high on every skier’s Utah list.

Tamsin Venn

The Ski Trains Return!

/0 Comments/in /by

Car Free Means Care Free for Seniors.

The newly Revived Winter Park Express. All Aboard! Credit: Amtrak

The newly revived Winter Park Express. All Aboard!
Credit: Amtrak

Remember ski trains? Back in the day, trains were the way to get away from the city and into the mountains.

Skiers unloading in Grandview, circa 1946.

Skiers unloading in Grandview, circa 1946.

Denver skiers were thrilled last March when the ski train resumed service from Denver to Winter Park, CO, to help celebrate the ski area’s 75th birthday. Officials had ended the service in 2009 due to expense and liability. But regular weekend service resumes for the 2016-17 season Jan. 7. www.amtrak.com/winterparkexpress.

Adios to I-70 and the dreaded “red snake” down from the mountains, slick roads, zero visibility, death grip on the steering wheel, leaving you wondering whether it’s OK to use the runaway truck lane yourself.

Ski trains make a lot of sense for us seniors. Go ahead relax, get up and walk around, visit the dining car, arrive rested not rattled, and perhaps meet some fellow comrades to ski with. Then, on the way home, knock down a Mountain Stream Ale, no need to keep your wits about you. Plus, Amtrak offers seniors 62 years of age and older a 15 percent discount.

Here are some other “ski trains” to help you get right to the lifts car-free:

* Salt Lake City skiers have to be the most spoiled skiers in skidom with major resorts like Alta, Snowbird, and Park City a 45-minute drive from downtown via car or bus. But why not take the train? The UTA Front Runner rail service takes skiers from downtown Salt Lake’s North Temple Station to Ogden in less than an hour for skiing at Snowbasin or Powder Mountain. www.rideuta.com

* Lake Tahoe skiers and riders in California can ride the Polar Express that goes from Emeryville/San Francisco Amtrak station to Truckee in about five hours later to nearby Northstar. The scenic ride through the snow-swept Sierra Nevadas sure beats I-80 closures due to snow. No need to “seek an alternate route.” www.amtrak.com

* Leave your car at home and take the Downeaster to Portland, ME from Boston. From there a shuttle from the Bethel Inn Resort will meet you at the train station and whisk you off to Bethel and skiing at Sunday River.

* Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, Mass., encourages you to “Ski the T.” New this year Boston skiers and snowboarders can take the commuter rail (ski racks included) from Boston’s North Station to the new “Wachusett Station” only ten minutes from the mountain. On weekends, a ski shuttle will meet you there. www.wachusett.com.

* In the Adirondacks in upstate New York, the Gore Mountain Ski Train connects Saratoga Springs to North Creek and a free shuttle bus takes skiers from the North Creek Station to Gore Mountain’s Base Lodge Friday-Sunday. That service started a few years ago after a 50-year hiatus. Does anyone remember riding this train back then?

* Amtrak’s Vermonter hauls skiers and riders to Brattleboro where they can hop on the free local MOOver shuttles to the Mt. Snow base lodge or various local inns. It’s easy – just tell the driver where you need to go and the driver will be sure you connect with the right bus.

* Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express takes car-free seniors from Penn Station to Rutland, VT. The Killington Express Shuttle will pick you up at the depot and take you your final half hour to Killington.

Riding the rails has a long tradition in skidom, and the appeal is still strong.

Thanks to www.liftopia.com for some of these route suggestions.

[Editor note:  Thanks to the Canadian Ski Instructor Alumni Association for passing long this “lost footage” of real ski trains from 1939. From the Governor Francis P. Murphy Estate.]

Ski train unloads in North Conway, NH, circa 1946. Credit: Dick Smith

Ski train unloads in North Conway, NH, circa 1946.
Credit: Dick Smith

 

seniorsskiing

SIA Asks For Your Input For Industry Survey

/0 Comments/in /by

Snowsports Industries America Is Conducting Research And You Can Help.

SeniorsSkiing.com is honored to be asked to support a special survey being conducted by SIA.  It’s all about Alpine boot buying.  If you respond and are selected, you might win some cool prizes from SIA as a reward, including boots, cameras and t-shirts of all kinds.

We’ve taken the survey, and it’s short and to the point.  Please let’s give SIA a hand and provide some input.

Click Here To Take The SIA Survey.