Tag Archive for: SeniorsSkiing.com

Green Park Inn— Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Randy Johnson

History Awaits Your Next Ski Trip (Part 2)

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No matter where you ski or ride, historic ski country lodging may not be far away. One of the most offbeat indicators of that is how many Southern Appalachian ski accommodations compare to the coolest historic places skiers check into up North and out West. A stay at the fanciest won’t be cheap, but it won’t be ordinary either.

Just take North Carolina’s High Country ski region, for instance, where the East’s highest peaks ripple the skyline and spectacular Grandfather Mountain signals an orographic uplift sufficient to net neighboring peaks 130”+ annual accumulations. Three major ski areas (Sugar Mountain Resort, Beech Mountain Resort, and Appalachian Ski Mountain) draw skiers from all over the nation’s most populous region and, surprising to many, help the South mint an abundance of new skiers.

Green Park Inn— Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Green Park Inn— Blowing Rock, North Carolina’s historic, rambling landmark is the contemporary of many Green and White Mountain hotels. Photo courtesy Green Park Inn.

Blowing Rock’s Green Park Inn is an Historic Hotel of America monument to the rarefied summer climate that sparked early mountain tourism in the 1880s. The first folks fleeing baking lowland heat found summer weather comparable to New England’s cool. In 2021 the Green Park celebrated 130 years. It’s just minutes from Appalachian Ski Mountain (which offers Green Park “Ski and Stay” lodging packages).

The rambling white landmark was honored with the HHA’s 2015 Best Small Hotel Award. Its refurbished rooms, great atmosphere, and dining “represent the pinnacle in historic hotel achievements.” The Green Park’s Divide lounge (literally astride the Eastern Continental Divide) is a popular apres-ski watering hole.

Southerners who may never have stayed in a New England inn get a similar experience at the Mast Farm Inn in Valle Crucis (pron: croo-sis), close to Beech and Sugar Mountain. This is the state’s first rural National Historic District and includes the Mast Store, a sagging 1882 country store that Charles Kuralt called an American classic.

Sugar Mountain Summit -- Grandfather Mountain

Sugar Mountain Summit – Grandfather Mountain stands out dramatically from Sugar Mountain’s mile-high summit. Photo by Randy Johnson.

Mast Farm Inn, a hostelry 100-plus years ago, features an immaculate 1880s farmhouse, ancient log cabins and quaint guest houses dating back to the 1790s. Nearby Over Yonder is a gourmet southern eatery housed in a Civil War–era structure.

Historic lodging is found coming and going to ski country. Some folks pick Asheville, North Carolina as an urban base with two ski areas within an hour. The city’s 1913 Grove Park Inn has a fireplace you’ll want to sleep in.

Virginia’s Homestead, 255 years old in 2021, is itself a ski area noted for the South’s first complete-coverage snowmaking system, an accomplishment that put Southern ski pioneer Sepp Kober in the National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame.

Historic ski lodging exists all over ski country. Durango, Colorado has the 1887 Strater Hotel. Jackson, Wyoming’s historic Wort Hotel wasn’t built till 1941. One of my favorite ski town hostelries is the 1889 Jerome in Aspen. And Oregon’s Timberline Lodge is both hotel and all-encompassing ski history experience.

Almost anywhere you go in America’s ski regions, time-transcending ski memories can be yours. Just pick the right place to hang your helmet.

Pat McCloskey

Many Ways to Ski an Area

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Editor’s Note: Deciding how to experience a day on the hill can be as simple as skiing familiar terrain or as thrilling as seeking hidden stashes of untracked powder. What you do is based on who you are, where you ski, and what you want to accomplish. I have a friend content with skiing the same green run after run. She thoroughly enjoys it. Others like to get out early, iron the corduroy and go home. There are soooo many ways to enjoy the mountain. If you have an opinion on the subject, please send an email. It may be included in an upcoming issue.

For the first exploration of the subject, I asked SeniorsSkiing contributor Pat McCloskey for his opinion. Pat is a PSIA III instructor and has worked with blind skiers for more than three decades.

Pat and Janet McCloskey taking a break from Deer Valley’s groomers.

Let’s start with smaller areas like we have here in Western Pennsylvania and Western New York. Moving from slope to slope or trail to trail regularly can be an effective way to maximize the satisfaction out of a place with short vertical drop. For these areas, I’ll use a ski with a tighter turning radius to make as many turns as I can.

Different tactics come into play for larger resorts. The first one is to get there early to beat the crowds. This is true everywhere you ski. Usually, the best grooming is available in the morning; certainly, that’s when to find the best powder. If the slopes aren’t crowded, I’ll rip some big GS turns.

Tolerating limited poor conditions may help you find excellent skiing and zero lift lines. A few weeks ago, at Deer Valley, the lifts servicing black diamonds seemed less crowded. The reason? Entry to those slopes was pretty icy, causing people to avoid a second run. The rest of the terrain was in excellent condition. That was my green light to keep skiing there.

Skiing at lunchtime is another tactic when lift lines dramatically disappear. And there are fewer skiers on Sundays when people tend to leave early for home.

On a powder day, I notice that people hunt the fresh and avoid already tracked snow. Using wider powder skis let’s you enjoy both untracked and tracked.

When skiing with my wife, I check the area’s grooming report. I see where the most recent grooming has occurred, and we head there. She thanks me for the recon.

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Test Your Skiing Knowledge

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Each issue of SeniorsSkiing.com has a picture to help test your skiing knowledge. Generally, the pictures are from collections in a variety of participating ski museums, which we encourage readers to visit.

In the 1930s the hill pictured here was a popular New England ski location. The first reader to correctly identify its name and location will receive the new Licensed To Ski poster. Please email answers to jon@seniorsskiing.com.  

While several readers correctly identified the man in the picture as Junior Bounous, Terrell W. Smith of Salt Lake City was first. Terrell has been on skis 70 years. He raced in high school and  taught  at Alta when Junior headed Snowbird’s ski school. He says, “Skiing is cheaper than psychiatry,” a sentiment hard to disagree with. Junior is a celebrated deep powder skier and contributed to the sport’s development throughout the Intermountain West. He is 96 and still skiing. The picture came from the Utah Ski & Snowboard Archives, which preserves the history of skiing in Utah and the Intermountain region. The extensive collection contains thousands of digitized images of photographs and print materials, all of which can be accessed online.

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This Issue: February 18, 2022

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This Issue

Short Swings! starts with some contrarian thoughts about the Beijing Olympics. It’ll be interesting to see if you agree with Jon’s observations. They’re followed by news and other curiosities related to the world of skiing.

Herb Stevens, the Skiing Weatherman, explains why snow is happening in some sections of mountain country and what to expect, weather-wise, over the coming weeks.

Randy Johnson, who writes extensively about skiing south of the Mason-Dixon Line, recommends that overnighting at ski areas is better when staying at an historic inn or hotel. In this installment, he identifies several in New England. His recommendations for other parts of the country will appear in the next issue.

Don Burch’s most recent video production delivers a fast-paced artistic impression of his most recent ski outings. It’s another Winter winner.

Writer/cartoonist, Mike Roth, provide some thoughts and guidance about skiing in the trees. Be sure to check out his funny Glade Skiing illustration. His cartoon depicting a ski story sent in by Carole Gray of the U.K., captures the nightmarish scenario perfectly!

Check out the summary of the March-April issue of Skiing History magazine, the new Test Your Skiing Knowledge challenge, and the ski-themed license plates added to our growing gallery.

Randy Johnson

History Awaits Your Next Ski Trip (Part 1)

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As serious skiers gain years and experience, many become interested in the history of their sport. And a lot of us are also better positioned economically to savor that heritage by checking into some of the country’s more historic ski settings. A budget bunker motel beside the access road might be OK, but it’s surprisingly easy and affordable to set your sights higher.

No article can list all the options, but the choices are many and range from historically significant ski lodging at specific resorts (think the 1936 Sun Valley Lodge) to atmospheric hotels and lodges that represent the enduring appeal of many ski country locations.

Since 1989, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has rounded up a classic lodging collection called the Historic Hotels of America (HHA), many of which are located in ski country. Ski destinations in New England and the South make perfect examples of places where these distinguished accommodations raise the bar on a ski vacation, especially with available senior discounts.

New England

 

The Presidentials are awesome from Bretton Woods Ski Area.                           Photo courtesy Omni Hotels and Resorts

 

A one-time Appalachian Mountain Club backcountry researcher, I enjoy New Hampshire’s Presidential Range. Last time, I overdosed on Nordic and downhill on both sides of the range, with stays in Jackson, south of Pinkham Notch, and Bretton Woods, north of Crawford Notch.

I remember the area’s rambling grande dame Crawford House Hotel before it burned in 1977, so I’ve occasionally chosen the Omni Mount Washington Resort as a substitute. The original 1902 hotel is massive and immaculately restored, with spectacular views of the Presidential Range. There are even better views from Bretton Woods ski area, New Hampshire’s largest. I took my first Nordic ski instructor’s training here in the ‘80s so I lean Nordic. Bretton Woods has 100 km of great valley touring that also includes a lift-served cross country trail network near the slopes.

The historic Mount Washington Hotel makes a riveting backdrop from the resort’s cross country ski trails.            Photo courtesy Omni Hotels and Resorts

If the big historic hotel experience is a no go, nearby Bretton Arms Inn is part of the same HHA Omni resort as the Mount Washington Resort, but it’s an 1896 former private residence on a more intimate scale.

While in Bretton Woods, don’t miss the New England Ski Museum, a short drive away in nearby Franconia.

The Historic Hotel of America option in Jackson is the Eagle Mountain House, literally on the village’s intensively groomed, 150 km Jackson Ski Touring Foundation trail system. The 1879 hotel’s Eagle Landing Tavern is a cozy setting, but skiers also have Highfields at the hotel, literally steps off the track.

Randy Johnson (right) and friends pose in the early 1980s at Hall’s Ledge on the way to Jackson after skiing down from the summit of Wildcat Mountain. Mount Washington towers above.                               Photo: Randy Johnson

Many nearby options are available, and I never seem to miss a stay or meal or two at the trailside Wildcat Inn and Tavern, not far from the foundation’s center. What a relaxed, quirky, full-of-character place. No wonder my best ski buds and I still talk about the times we’d base at Wildcat Inn and telemark the Wildcat Valley Trail down to town from the summit of Wildcat Mountain. Speaking of higher up, Pinkham Notch’s Joe Dodge Lodge accommodations still appeal to me long after I used to weigh my alpine hut-bound pack on the porch. This is old-school ski lodging but I’m not too special to call this rarefied throwback experience something I still savor.

Next Week, Part 2 / The Rest of the Country

Mike Roth

Branching Out: Skiing the Trees

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For many of us, skiing through the aging process means no longer going places we once skied without thinking twice. Now, approaching my 80’s, my mantra is never to overstep my capabilities and always watch out for the other guy!

Anticipate turns when skiing the trees!                                             Illustration: Mike Roth

 

I’ve always loved skiing in the trees and still do on occasions when conditions are right, and I’m feeling up to the task. I enjoy the silence, the natural snow, and the general absence of other skiers. But I’m always on guard avoiding the trees and their branches.

My Favorite Eastern Glades

Some of my memorable tree runs have been in the East, where I do most of my skiing.

Mount Snow’s North Face tree runs are challenging. However, the tree run on the main face to the left of “One More Time“ is a delightful intermediate. Also, at Carinthia, the trees between Mineshaft and Nitro are fun.

Killington offers plenty of tree runs, for skiers of all ages and abilities. A favorite of mine is Squeeze Play, to the right of Ramshead’s Timberline trail. It is easily handled.

My favorite at Gore Mountain is Twister Glade. Like many other gladed runs, it needs a certain amount of natural snow.

Bromley’s Avalanche Glades are fun. The area’s Everglade to the Glade is a bit easier.

The south face of Okemo is where you’ll find Forrest Bump (cute name), Double Diamond, Outrage, and Loose Spruce. It’s on the latter that a snow snake twisted my leg.

A different take on Glade Skiing.                  Illustration: Mike Roth

Glade Skiing Rules

Here are rules I follow when skiing glades:

  • Never Ski Alone. It’s best to ski with 3 others. If one person is hurt, another can remain, while the third gets ski patrol.
  • Don’t Use Pole Straps. Catching a pole on a branch can damage arm and/or shoulder. The release mechanism on some Leki poles helps avoid the potential problem.
  • Wear Goggles and Helmet. They are essential protection when skiing trees
  • Carry a Loud Whistle. It’s advisable wherever you ski. If you get hurt or lost, a series of loud blasts will attract help.
  • Ski Within Your Ability

And a few pointers for tree-skiing:

  • Anticipate turns: Look to where you want to go between the trees and try to anticipate your next two turns
  • Make smooth rounded turns: In the woods, bumps tend to be soft, with plenty of places to set an edge

We skiers may be getting older, but, with the right attitude and a good dose of caution, we can still enjoy skiing in the trees.

Skiing History March April 2022
Seth Masia

Skiing History Magazine (March/April)

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The March-April issue of Skiing History magazine is scheduled to mail at the end of February. Here’s what you can look forward to:

A major tribute to Spider Sabich, the charismatic racer who helped put World Pro Skiing on the map and was shot to death at age 32. Spider will be inducted into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame on March 26, in Sun Valley.

Another new Hall of Famer is Sven Coomer, the man who made plastic boots comfortable and skiable. In an excerpt from his memoirs, Sven recounts the development process, beginning in 1968, that led to the revolutionary Nordica boots of 1971-74.

Because we’ll hold our 30th Annual ISHA Awards Banquet in Sun Valley on March 24, we’ll take a look at one of the overlooked aspects of the resort’s history: The ski-jumping and slalom hill on Ruud Mountain, developed in 1936 by Alf Engen and Sigmund Ruud. Abandoned in 1965, Ruud Mountain hosted two decades of spectacular competitions.

Lindsey Vonn has just published a memoir, Rise. We have a review of the book. Also, we’ll publish the list of ISHA Award winners for this year.

Overcrowding at ski resorts, and delayed opening of lifts and terrain made national news in January. We offer an analysis of the business decisions and economic trends that led to a nationwide skier revolt this winter.

John Allen writes an appreciation of the British landscape artist Adrian Allinson (1890-1959), who created some spectacular canvasses of Alpine scenery.

To read the new issue online in February, and get the print magazine in March, go to skiinghistory.org/join.

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Test Your Skiing Knowledge

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Each issue of SeniorsSkiing.com has a picture to help test your skiing knowledge. Generally, the pictures are from collections in a variety of participating ski museums, which we encourage readers to visit. This image is from the Utah Ski & Snowboard Archives, which preserves the history of skiing in Utah and the Intermountain region. The extensive collection contains thousands of digitized images of photographs and print materials, all of which can be accessed online.

Source: Utah Ski and Snowboard Archives

This picture was taken in 1963 during Park City’s preseason ski school. The man on the right was a participating ski instructor. He went on to become one of Utah’s most celebrated skiers. Now a nonagenarian, he can still be spotted carving his way down the mountain. The first reader to correctly identify him will receive the new SeniorsSkiing.com poster of ski-themed license plates. (Only answers sent to jon@seniorsskiing.com will qualify).

Winner of February 4 Test Your Skiing Knowledge

Several readers correctly identified the object being transported by dog sled as a tire for the massive Antarctic Snow Cruiser, which was part of Admiral Byrd’s 1939-41 United States Antarctic Service Expedition. But the first reader to send the answer in was Rob Henning of Pittsburgh, Pa. Rob is a frequent denizen of Seven Springs Ski Resort and each season visits Big Sky in Montana. He enjoys chasing his 13-year-old son around the mountain. Congratulations, Rob. You’ll soon be receiving the new SeniorsSkiing.com Licensed To Ski poster of ski-themed license plates.

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LUV2SKI

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Captured these four plates last week in the parking lot of Park City Mountain Resort.  Note that SKI LEX is on a Lexus. At first I thought the 1 in SKI UT1 was an I. Maybe the plate of a skiing urologist?

We’ve selected some of the cleverest plates for the new “Licensed to Ski” poster. It is available as a gift in our annual SeniorsSkiing.com fundraiser which runs through March. Click here to donate.

 

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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Each season, at this time, we pass the fund-raising hat. Your contributions, modest and generous, help keep SeniorsSkiing.com arriving to your inbox free of charge.

Please click here to access our fundraising page. We’re requesting a minimum contribution of $14, or $1 per issue. Readers contributing $50 or more will receive Licensed To Ski, the original 28” x 22” poster of clever ski-themed license plates from around the US. All readers who make a gift of $14 or more will be mailed the new “Senior Skiers Rock!” stickers for use on helmet, skis, car, locker, wherever you choose to express support for and pride in older skiers.

SeniorsSkiing.com started in 2014 to provide an information source for 50+ skiers and snowboarders. After a few seasons, it became evident that the site also serves as a virtual community, connecting older snowsports enthusiasts around the globe.

To date, we’ve published almost 1,700 original articles about issues relevant to the older participant, resorts, people, equipment, technique, injury and recovery, etc.

Keeping the lights on carries a price tag: maintaining the site’s platform and its subscriber mailing lists; employing parttime services of webmaster, graphics people, etc.

Your gifts, along with revenue from a handful of advertisers, allow this shoestring operation to collect and distribute, free, original content written specifically to your interests.

Over the next four issues, reminders of the fundraiser will be posted with each article. Please take a minute now by clicking here and making a contribution.

Thank you for subscribing and for your support!

SeniorsSkiing Featured on The Storm Skiing Podcast

For the past few years, Stuart Winchester, of The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast has been interviewing ski industry insiders and thought leaders. He takes an informed approach with the 90-minute podcasts, that many followers listen to while driving to the mountain. In the current Storm Skiing Podcast, Stuart and I discuss SeniorsSkiing.com and the role and influence of older skiers in the US. Click here to tune in to this just-published interview and the 70+ others in The Storm Skiing Podcast archive.

Update: Stevens Pass Passholders vs. Vail Resorts

A few weeks ago we reported that 20,000 Stevens Pass (WA) pass holders had signed a petition asking owner Vail Resorts to refund 60% of their pass cost because only 40% of the area is open. As of this writing, the number of signatories had grown to almost 45,000. The ski area, now with a newly installed manager, has opened far more terrain, and Vail Resorts is offering discounts on next season’s Stevens Pass and Epic season passes.

Vail Introduces “Phone Free” Zones

Credit: John LaConte/Vail Daily

In an effort to reduce lift line delays due to skiers distracted by their cell phones, the resort has started “Phone Free Zones.” Not a bad idea, especially if they extend it to the chair ride, itself. A few days ago, I was riding a four-seater at Alta while the guy next to me gave a Zoom lecture on economics. Interesting info. Wrong venue.

Klaus Obermeyer Is 102

Happy 102 Klaus!!

Aspen legend, Klaus Obermeyer, celebrated his 102nd birthday last week. An early instructor at the resort, he went on to develop such skiing staples as the quilted down parka, the first nylon windshirt, the dual-liner ski boot and the 2-prong ski brake. Klaus once told me that as he aged, he found it easier to ski than to walk. Happy Birthday, Klaus!!!

Alan Engen Reflects on His Father, Alf

Alf (l) and Alan Engen in 1989, when Alf was 80. Source: Ski Utah

Ski Utah podcaster, Tom Kelly recently interviewed Alan Engen about his father, Alf, and his own experience as a member of one of the nation’s most prominent skiing families. Listen to it by clicking here.

South Korean Chair Rolls Back

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9LNcmi6H9g

No serious injuries occurred recently when a chair at South Korea’s Bear’s Town Ski Resort lost control and rolled backward. Passengers jumped to safety before the chairs piled up in the terminal.

Fan Mail

Jim Cobb, manufacturer of The Bootster ski boot shoehorn, received this note last week from a SeniorsSkiing.com reader: I tried a friend’s Bootster and had to get my own because it works so well!   I have very limited range of motion in my left big toe joint due to bone spurs, so it is VERY difficult getting my ski boot on.  The Bootster makes it so much easier!

Mikaela Outskis T-Rex

More from the world of bizarre Beijing Olympics promo videos. Readers in the US may already be seeing this on their screens.

BABY OLYMPICS

How can we not fall for this three-minute video of toddlers in Olympic garb competing for Gold? (Be sure to click “Watch on You Tube.)

An Interesting Ski Video

Those of you who follow Short Swings! are aware of my general criticism of me-too ski videos. This one, featuring Sam Cohen and Michelle Parker, takes a different and more interesting approach. It documents a ski mountaineering expedition into a remote region of the North Cascades. The two adventurers carry gear for several days in North Cascades National Park, eventually taking the steep climb to a thrilling ski descent. 12 minutes of really interesting scenery, climbing and skiing.

Beijing Winter Olympics

The games start today. As you already know, a lot will be different: virtually all ski and board events will be on manmade snow; there won’t be big, international crowds, and a lot of attention will be on non-sporting activities. But, like every other Olympics, this one will be exciting to follow. I can’t wait for the men’s and women’s downhill. The course has some heart-stopping drops and jumps. Enjoy the Games!!!!

John Gelb

Can’t We Stop the Fast & Dangerous Skiers/Riders?

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Source: #RideAnotherDay

In the past couple days many of you have read about two skiing tragedies: one affected multiple lives (a 5-yr old girl who was killed by an out-of-control skier), and the family she leaves behind, plus the alleged “killer,” a 40-yr old skier who has been charged by French authorities with manslaughter.   As always would love to hear your thoughts and ideas about this.

The above is horrifying to all of us, and a true example of the most disturbing  trend I’ve noticed over 30+ years: an explosion in reckless skiing and riding.  As a ski instructor I see this ALL the time, and I’m always wary of super fast skiers/riders, particularly when I’m teaching, because then I’ve got real people with me for whom I feel incredible responsibility to keep safe.

Clearly something should be done about this epidemic on our slopes.  But what?

First, I’ve made it a point to start reporting instances of too-fast, or out-of-control skiers/riders. I’ll report occurrences to either “courtesy” patrol or ski patrol, and also ask them “why don’t you position staff on green and blue runs which attract too-fast skiers, and move them off under a threat of getting their ticket pulled”?  If patrollers hear this frequently, they’ll do something – they’re first responders.

On trail signage at Park City Mountain Resort          Photo: Jon Weisberg

Second, whether I’m in a lesson teaching kids/adults, or simply free skiing myself, I take great care to constantly look uphill before starting down, to see whether or not I’ve got clearance for my next 15-30 seconds of turns.  And I’ll always wait the extra time to let fast people go by me.

In a lesson, I’ll make sure to place myself in a constantly turning series of arcs that place me between my students and faster skiers above.  I can still observe them do a skiing task, and yes, it’s risky for me, but I believe the combination of my turning back and forth, along with my students immediately below me, makes that section of trail unappealing to super-fast skiers.

It’s sad ski areas don’t do more to police the trails.  But they don’t need to…by law.  If you read the all-encompassing “waiver of liability” contained on the backs of all day ski tickets, and included as a mandatory item to read and e-sign before you’re allowed to purchase tickets/passes online, ski areas in general have zero liability for bad things that happen on their hills…it’s all part of the inherent risk of skiing.

For me, I’ve got to TELL ski area courtesy patrol, ski patrol or management when I experience a dangerous situation, especially on green/blue terrain where there’s the expectation that skier proficiency is lower; therefore the speed of guests on that terrain should be lower!  If we don’t tell responsible ski area people about dangers we witness, then we shouldn’t expect anyone to take reasonable actions.  It’s up to all of us, because no one wants to hear about an innocent skier or rider being killed by an out-of-control skier – but’s it’s happening.

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.

Screen Shot 2022-01-30 at 3.26.48 PM
Harriet Wallis

Finding a Senior Ski Buddy / Part 2

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Finding out about senior ski groups is like sharing tales around a campfire. A few words whet our interest and we sit on the edge of our seats waiting for more. As we build a list of senior ski groups, we have some exciting clues that really whet our interest, and we’re on the edge of our seats. So let’s throw another log on the fire, and help us fill gaps about the groups and add new groups to the list.

Skiing alone.                Photo: Jon Weisberg

Senior ski groups are usually not an official part of the ski areas, so they’re usually not mentioned on the websites. We have to find them other ways.

We especially need: where the group meets and when they meet. And tell if there’s a way to connect with a group or identify them on the hill. Some groups wear name tags, small flags on their ski poles, or a special patch on their jackets.

If you know of a senior ski group or can add more information about these groups, please fill in the Leave a Reply message box following this story.

Here’s what we have so far.

New Hampshire

Tom Jefferson perfectly sums up the need to connect with a senior ski group. “I was in the situation of being a lone skier as my partners of years past had either moved away, passed away, or given up the sport,” he said.

“I met a gent in the gondola at Loon Mt, NH with a TOHG flag attached to his pole. He told me about the Top of the Hill Gang. It has been a perfect fit for me and many others. Members throughout New England. Inexpensive, well planned regional trips along with an annual jaunt out West. Hiking, biking, etc. at other times of the year as well.”

Also in New Hampshire, a senior group meets at Waterville during the week, said Glen Lapham.

New York

“At Greek Peak in Virgil, New York we have a group called the TOGS – Tough Old Geezer Skiers. Very informal criterion for joining the crew. Preferably you have to be over 70 but we welcome youngsters in training for geezerhood,” said Gerald Rehkugler. “Many of us have chosen to wear name tags with our first name and the phrase Tough Old Geezer Skier emblazoned on a reg tag. Until the covid crisis we have had an end of the season Tough Old Geezer Skiers luncheon in March.

Pennsylvania

“I’m the current president of the 55+ Ski Club,” said Dave Werner. “It was started at Roundtop Mountain Resort located in York County, Pennsylvania, in 1979. We used to gather in the bottom of the lodge at 9:00 on weekdays, but due to the current Covid restrictions limiting indoor access, we just meet up with each other on the slope. More information about the club can be found by checking out our website at 55plusskiclub.weebly.com.”

Nationwide

The 70+ Ski Club typically offers week-long trips to different US ski resorts and international ski destinations. Travels include everything: hotels, tickets, transportation, and of course cocktail parties and dinners together. It includes boomers, singles, and couples who like to stay active and travel.  Club members may enjoy free and discounted skiing and have developed lasting friendships. https://70plusskiclub.org/

Delaware

“We are weekdayskiers.org, a group of mostly seniors in Delaware. Yep, that’s right. In Dela-where? We ski in the Poconos in Pennsylvania every Tuesday in January and February. Come and join us,” said Idylle Patz.

Indiana

The Alpine Ski Club is in Bloomington, Indiana, said Cathy Meyer, a trip leader for the club. “You will find folks who share your interests and schedules. Clubs are happy to welcome new members!”

Utah

Alta’s Wild Old Bunch (WOB) has been going strong for 50 years and its members come from all over the US and the world. The group gathers on weekdays about 11-11:30ish at the only round table in Alf’s mid-mountain restaurant for snacks and conversation. Some days it’s a large group while other days its just a few. It all depends on who’s skiing that day, and the virus has temporarily stifled some who would gather. On the hill, look for the large WOB patch that many wear on their jackets. For information about the WOB, email Alta’s Communications Manager Andria Huskinson: andriah@alta.com

At Sundance, the Senior Ski Group meets every other week, offers a discounted day ticket on those days, and some days include coaching. For more information, click on Seniors Ski Group in previous sentence or contact Ralph Childs at 801-216-4178.

California

Charles Cheskin said, “On the Hill Gang Los Angeles is a senior ski club whose members are located primarily in the Los Angeles area. The group skis at Mammoth Mountain from Monday to Friday one week each month in January, February, March and April.  We meet each morning at 9:30 am outside the Canyon Lodge and break up into smaller groups of like skier ability.  Lunch is usually at mid mountain McCoy Station restaurant.  Apres ski is from 5:30 to 7:00pm in the breakfast room at the Sierra Lodge Hotel in Mammoth Village. We welcome new members!”

Also in California, “Snowbounders Ski Club in Orange County. Average age over 55. We ski locally midweek and have weeklong trips to Mammoth,” said Roger Phillips. Also monthly luncheons, several annual parties, hikes, etc. Costs $30 per year to join. All information is at our website snowbounders.org.

In the San Diego area, “The Don Diego Ski Club has been serving San Diego area skiers since 1959. We run three midweek bus trips to Mammoth Mountain every winter, along with hiking, biking and social outings all year. Most of our members are over 60,” said Ed Offstein.

Colorado

The Gray Wolf Ski Club  serves the Seniors of the San Juans, including those skiing at Wolf Creek Ski Area, according to Jan Brunvand.

Rosie Piller says, “If you’re in the Boulder/Denver area, you can join the Flatirons Ski Club. We don’t have an age requirement, but most of us are seniors. We do day trips to Vail resorts in Summit and Eagle Counties and to nearby resorts on the Ikon Pass (Copper Mtn, Winter Park). We also have overnight trips to farther away places (Crested Butte, Steamboat, Aspen, Wolf Creek, Fraser/Winter Park, etc.).

She continues, “Copper Mountain has a wonderful seasonal program called the Over the Hill Gang. See https://www.coppercolorado.com/plan-your-trip/lessons-rentals/lessons/adult-seasonal-programs for details. As you can see on the web page, this costs extra and it is intended to be used over a period of time (Jan – Mar, up to 4x a week), not for visitors who are in town just for a vacation week. You ski in groups led by instructors who give tips, but these are not official lessons.”

In addtion, she adds, “For holders of the Vail Epic Pass (or Vail Local Epic Pass) visiting Summit County, there’s the Summit 50+ Ski with Us Meetup(https://www.meetup.com/silverthorne-skiing-and-snow-boarding-meetup-group/). They meet Tuesdays at Breckenridge and Thursdays at Keystone and break up into groups to ski at different levels. No charge. Join the meetup to learn more.

 

First of its kind

This list is the very first of its kind. Thanks for getting it going. If you can add more info about these groups or if you know of another senior ski group. Please fill in the Leave a Reply message box following this story.

 

Mike Roth

Hair Cutting Skills Save Skier’s Day

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Your Support Helps!

Help us keep SeniorsSkiing.com free. Please support SeniorsSkiing.com with a donation.

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Editor’s note: Virtually all of us have amusing or near-miss skiing stories. Send in your stories and we’ll publish the most interesting…along with an original Mike Roth cartoon depicting the event.

An original Mike Roth illustration.

Reader Michael Hudson writes: I was a ski patrolman at Mt Hood, Oregon, back in the 60’s. I helped rescue a young lady whose long hair got twisted into the rope. Thanks to an alert lift operator and the scissors I was carrying, the event didn’t end in tragedy.

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Test Your Skiing Knowledge

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Each issue of SeniorsSkiing.com has a picture to help test your skiing knowledge. Generally, the pictures are from collections in a variety of participating ski museums, which we encourage readers to visit. Note: this picture is not from a ski museum.

Look closely and you’ll see that these dogs are towing a very large tire. It was not being sledded to an 18-wheeler stuck on the Interstate. But it was on its way to an extremely large, unusual and briefly famous snow vehicle from the late 1930s and early ‘40s. The first reader to correctly name the vehicle and the expedition it was part of will win an as-yet-to-be-determined, but useful, prize. Note: only answers sent to jon@seniorsskiing.com will qualify. Please do not post your answer as a Comment.

 

Numerous readers sent in “Bronzey” as the name of the item pictured in the January 21 Test Your Skiing Knowledge. They were almost right. The correct brand name, submitted by Norm Morin of Winterport, Maine, was Ski Spree. The wax was made in the 1960s and 1970s by Ray Letarte in the kitchen of his Westbrook, Maine home. He poured the hot, melted, wax into muffin tins to cool, giving the wax its distinctive shape. It was sold primarily in New England with the slogan “Ski On Bronze”. Many readers remember it worked best on warm spring days with wet snow. Norm, who’s been on boards more than 60 years, mostly skis at Sugarloaf.

The picture comes from Made In Maine, an exhibit of the Maine Ski and Snowboard Museum.

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This Week: January 21, 2022

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Last issue, a handful of readers had difficulty accessing articles. If you find yourself in that situation, please see the guidance at the end of this document.

Several weeks back, we introduced LUV2SKI, the photo gallery of of skiing-oriented license plates.

So far, we’ve collected about 100 of these clever combinations of letters and numbers gracing vehicles around the country. Many of the images will be included in the Licensed To Ski poster we’re producing as a gift for the upcoming SeniorsSkiing.com fund-raiser.

This week, we’re introducing a new, yet-to-be named feature. Fellow ski journalist, Mike Roth, is a talented cartoonist, whose work has appeared on this site and elsewhere. Mike will be illustrating personal stories submitted by SeniorsSkiing readers. Take a look at Hanging On for Life and (Almost) Getting Eaten by the Rope Tow to see his clever take on two reader tales. Send in any story from your skiing experience. We’ll publish the most interesting along with a Mike Roth illustration.

In this week’s Short Swings! column, Jon contemplates what to do when the sky is falling. He also reports on current industry developments and a variety of timely skiing curiosities.

Snow seems to be selective where it chooses to fall. Skiing Weatherman, Herb Stevens, explains the dynamics of the weather and gives an accurate forecast of what that means for ski areas across North America. Paying attention to Herb’s reports provides a good education in meteorology.

At 96, Junior Bounous is an American deep powder icon. Frequent contributor Harriet Wallis, temporarily sidelined with a ski-induced fracture, wrote this terrific profile.

Don Burch shares his love of skiing by producing short artistic videos. His most recent, Fun Times at Mount Snow, Okemo & Stratton, has me longing for those sweet New England ski days of my youth.

Frequent contributor, Pat McCloskey, reports on a day of skiing with Kathy Brennan, new CEO, PSIA- Eastern Division and her interesting take on lifelong learning. Jonathan Weisel reviews Celebrate Winter, the third book from Nordic Olympian, John Morton. And don’t miss the opportunity to win a prize in the Test Your Skiing Knowledge feature.

 

Having problems linking to SeniorsSkiing.com? Any of these steps will get you there: 1) Access full article content from this email by clicking on the headline in the synopsis, the [Read More…] link, or the “Read in Browser” link. 2) Go directly to www.seniorsskiing.com for full access. 3) Wait a few minutes and try again. 4) Still not working? Email saucutt@seniorsskiing.com with brief description of problem including your operating system, web browser, and if you received an error message.

 

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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I don’t mean to be a bummer, but I really need to get this off my chest. Does anyone else out there get the feeling that things, in general, are falling apart?

You call a company “help” line and wait for 15-20-30 minutes to speak with someone…that is, if you’re not disconnected. All that while being told “your call is important to us.”

Yes, it’s hard to find and hire people. But does that justify the Target cashier rudely refusing to verify the price of an item when politely asked?

What about reserving and purchasing a Powder Mountain lift ticket online? Several of the resort’s owners are from tech. Wouldn’t you think the online process they set up would work? It didn’t for me, and based on comments from people who work there, it doesn’t work for others. Fortunately, real people answer the phone and are helpful.

The other day, at Park City Mountain Resort, I tried downloading a free App to request a ride from the shuttle service. Completing the process required clicking twice on the button on the right side of my phone; the same process that shuts the phone down.

Compared to what’s going on the world, these are minor irritants; incremental reminders that things are not as promised; that, perhaps, the sky is falling, but not right away.

If you haven’t seen “Don’t Look Up,” Netflix’ star-studded comedy about the end of the world, you may want to. I fall in the camp of those who enjoyed it. Others find it more irritating than entertaining. At first glance, it’s about a large comet on a direct collision course with Earth. Metaphorically, it’s about the long-term perils of climate change or, more immediately, the effects of Covid.

I know from past comments that some of you prefer not to pay too much attention to the pandemic. From a skier’s perspective, ski areas, from Sun Valley to Ischgl have served as super-spreaders: places where people from afar have transported the virus, infecting others who carried it back to their home communities. By now that’s old news. But the ongoing resistance to wearing masks and/or getting vaccinated – also old news – is giving the virus more opportunity to keep spreading, killing, and interrupting our lives.

What’s the point of this venting? I’m reaching a point that, knowing I have just so many years ahead of me, I’m reducing exposure to the aggravatingly repetitive drumbeat of news, pundits, etc.

Maybe it’s time to reduce the volume and focus more on things that bring me happiness and joy. It will be a narrower vision but, possibly, a happier one.

Stevens Pass Petition Update

As previously reported, about 20,000 Epic Pass holders at Washington’s Steven’s Pass petitioned Vail Resorts (VR) to refund 60% of the cost of their passes. That, because VR sold passes, knowing that only 60% of terrain and lifts would be open this season. Now, the signatories are being urged to email VR cancelling the “auto renew” feature for their 2022-23 season passes.

Park City Patrol Averts Strike With New Contract

Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association voted to approve a new contract with Vail Resorts. The agreement gives the ski patrollers a $19/hr average wage and tenure recognition. It also provides wage parity with Colorado residents, meaning that a rise in Colorado’s minimum wage will be matched for patrollers at Park City.

Duck, Duck, Moose

Two moose crossed a heavily used trail at Steamboat recently. A skier captured the scene. A few weeks ago, on The Canyons side of Park City Mountain Resort, moose (without skis) on two trails, prompted those trails to be closed. Moose-sightings at The Canyons is not unusual.

Be Happy You Weren’t on THAT Chair

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKyk1iWrX6I

Skiers on a chair at Beech Mountain (NC) had the unpleasant experience of riding through a cold geyser resulting from a ruptured water line. A few unfortunate souls were stuck in the powerful spray for extended periods when the lift stopped. Why management did not stop the lift to prevent people from being sprayed is a question that may be asked by their attorneys. Yet another example of things, in general, breaking down.

IDAHO DOG SLED RACES

Photo by Melissa Shelby

If you’re in or around Cascade, Idaho Jan 30 – Feb 3, try to take in the Idaho Sled Dog Challenge. World-class mushers will compete on the 300-mile qualifier for Alaska’s Iditarod. The Idaho event is considered one of the world’s toughest. For more details visit idahosleddogchallenge.com.

Getting Back to Basics

The winter sports market in China is touted to be more than $126 billion, growing to $160 billion by 2025. Among the drivers, hundreds of new ski areas and the Beijing Winter Olympics. Tmall Winter Festival is the country’s major annual Winter shopping event. Click on the image (above) to screen the curious video promoting snow sports. At least, that’s my interpretation of the piece.

Children of Patrol

This video is much easier to understand. It’s about the children of members of the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol. Several of the kids have become patrollers. It is six-minutes, family-oriented, and  delightful!!

Calgary’s Ghost Area

Fortress Mountain reached its peak sometime in the 1980s. This 10-minute video sponsored by Black Crows Skis tells the area’s story and that of the crew determined to bring it back to life.

Junior Bounous
Harriet Wallis

Meet 96-Year-Old Ski Legend: Junior Bounous

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Ski industry icon Junior Bounous, 96, is a mover and shaker whose passion is to keep people skiing throughout their lives. In a nutshell, he tells seniors: Just “keep moving.”

Junior’s career spans nearly eight decades with a list of accomplishments and awards longer than both my arms: Intermountain cross country and national gelande jumping champion, national race course setter, ski patroller, founding member of Professional Ski Instructors of America, father of today’s American Ski Teaching System, an advisor to ski manufacturers, a ski trail designer for resorts, and the director of skiing in California and Utah including Sundance and Snowbird. In 1996, he was inducted into the National Ski Hall of Fame.

Snowbird’s Pipeline

Junior takes his own “keep moving” advice. To celebrate his 80th birthday he skied Snowbird’s treacherous Pipeline chute, a couloir lined with jagged rocks and with no room for error.

And he keeps on moving. On a bright spring day in 2021, he heli-skied from the 11,489’ Twin Peak summit, the highest point in the Little Cottonwood Canyon range, making him — at 95 years and 244 days — the Guinness World Records’ oldest heli-skier. Getting out of the helicopter was difficult because his knees don’t bend as well as they used to.  “The skiing was the easy part,” he said.

Follow the legend

A role model for seniors, Junior continues to ski for the joy of it.

A few days ago my senior ski friend Beth Tait was skiing at Alta when she saw a yellow helmet. Junior always wears a yellow helmet. As she got closer, she saw it really was Junior. He was talking with skiers around him, and she joined in. Later, Beth followed him, trying to ski as smoothly and fluidly as the 96-year-old.  “Junior is an incredibly athletic skier not to mention his heartwarming personality,” she said.

From barrel staves and manure piles to Alta and Snowbird

Junior was the youngest of six children in an Italian farming family in Provo, Utah. His first ski experience was on the farm at age 8 when he attached barrel staves to his feet and skied down a slope trying to miss the manure piles at the bottom.

Alf Engen (l) and Junior Bounous Source: J.Willard Marriott Digital Library

Fast forward to 1948, when, at age 22, he became one of the first certified instructors in Utah, and he began a long-lasting relationship with his cherished mentor, Alf Engen. For the next 10 years, Bounous was Engen’s primary assistant in Alta’s Alf Engen Ski School known worldwide for teaching students how to ski powder. His skiing and teaching careers kept accelerating.

When Snowbird was on the drawing board, founder Dick Bass recruited Junior to lay out the trails, and when it opened in 1971, he became its Ski School Director inspiring generations of skiers.

Junior’s top tips for Seniors

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Junior in the air in 1957. Photo credit: Harriet Wallis

Balance and coordination are major factors for senior skiers. “Older people have trouble with their eyes and ears, but you can extend the life of both senses if you practice,” he said.

He advises cross training. “Stay active. Do not confine yourself to just skiing. Play golf, ride a bike, take a walk. Do whatever you enjoy – but do it. It will help you get out of the bathtub, get out of the car, and go up the stairs.”

He also recommends improving balance by skiing slightly different terrain and snow conditions. Don’t get stuck skiing only on bluebird days or just on your favorite trails. “It boils down to just doing it. Stay active in as many ways as possible,” he said.

Take Junior’s advice: Just do it.

However, “Many older people drop out because they no longer have anyone to ski with. They’re physically capable, but they’ve lost the social fun of skiing. Find somebody to ski with,” he said.

Help Us Compile SeniorSkiing.com’s list of senior ski groups

To help seniors find someone to ski with, SeniorsSkiing is starting a list of senior ski groups around the country. If you know of a senior ski group, please use Leave a Reply at the end of this story. Include as much information as possible about the group.

Pat McCloskey

A Day With Kathy Brennan, New CEO, PSIA-East

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Kathy Brennan, new CEO, PSIA-East, at Seven Springs, PA

I recently skied with Kathy Brennan, the new CEO of PSIA -E (Professional Ski Instructors of America- Eastern Division).  Kathy has an impressive background in the snow sports industry and is currently on staff at Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. She has been touring areas in her division which extends from Maine to North Carolina.

An accomplished skier and excellent teacher, Kathy did something at the beginning of our session suggesting how she‘ll function in her new role:  She asked everyone for feedback on how to make PSIA better, any suggestions or comments on the organization and, in short, what she could do to improve the organization’s mission of being an education platform.

She received numerous comments and suggestions. I asked what PSIA was doing to retain older instructors. She said we never stop learning even after seniors are long past their certification exams.

She also explained that she’s dedicated to assuring that PSIA partners effectively with areas, suppliers, patrol, race programs, and the industry, in general. Educational programs can be utilized by any member, especially seniors who want to stay in the game and improve their skiing and teaching abilities. In her words, PSIA has changed from a “pin chasing” entity to an organization dedicated to providing programs for skiers and boarders of all ages. She’s meeting with area management to educate them on the value of the organization and how its current direction will lead to better instructor education, better lesson quality, and greater customer satisfaction. This approach also will help areas retain good quality certified instructors.

Our conversations were held on chairlifts. On the snow, she gave us – skiers, tele-skiers, and snowboarders – a clinic. Her emphasis, common to the three approaches: balance,rotary movement, edging, and pressure control.

I’m retired from ski teaching but maintain my membership in PSIA with the goal of learning something new every year.

Kathy’s goal is to unite the entities in the ski industry and to make them aware of the value of what PSIA brings to the table. From my time with her at Seven Springs, I’m confident she’ll have great success.

Jonathan Wiesel

Celebrate Winter: Anecdotes and Insights from a Cross-Country Skier’s Experience

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Over the past 50+ years, John “Morty” Morton has cross-country skied around the world, been an international-caliber racer and coach, and, as far as I’m concerned (this is homage from a friendly competitor), is the premier Nordic ski trail designer in North America.

Morty has seen dramatic evolutions in the sport – from wood skis to synthetic, wool to spandex, the introduction of skate technique, grooming snowmobiles replaced by snowcats, narrow trails sometimes giving way to highways, etc. Over these years, he served in Vietnam, taught high school English, and has served as broadcast journalist and newspaper columnist.

Now he’s written Celebrate Winter, a book filled with anecdotes and insights based on his intriguing life. It’s his third book, preceded by Don’t Look Back (1992), where he shared his story and training program, and A Medal of Honor: An Insider Unveils the Agony and the Ecstasy of the Olympic Dream (1998), a novel about biathlon.

John Morton, age 76.

Celebrate Winter is a compilation of memories, from John’s days as a kid in New Hampshire to skiing for Middlebury College in Vermont; competing and coaching internationally in biathlon; coaching at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire; designing multi-use trails for the past 30+ years; to (most recently) skiing with his young granddaughter in a backpack while she calls out for more downhills!

Biathlon is a theme tying many of the roughly 70 stories together, as are observations on the human condition (ego, anger, generosity, laughter, inspiration). He covers the role TV plays in popularizing biathalon; Coca Cola at feeding stations; weather and altitude as they can affect racing; Olympic politics; doping; saunas; holding the Olympic torch for a moment at the Calgary Winter Olympics; and a constant sense of the magnetism of cross-country skiing, its beauty, diversity, and comraderie.

As trail designer, Morty has worked with schools and colleges, lodges and real estate projects, alpine resorts and pure cross-country areas, communities and private land owners, ski clubs and non-profits. Unlike some other designers, he’s well aware of the fact that really tough trails are only suited for elite athletes, whereas the great majority of us are recreational skiers (and the bread-and-butter for most Nordic ski areas).

If having your own professionally planned and built trail system sounds intriguing (cross country skiing, hiking, running, biking, snowshoeing, equestrian…), John Morton (https://www.mortontrails.com/) is still going strong in his mid-70s.

I recently purchased several copies of Celebrate Winter to give as gifts. Many of the anecdotes are just a few pages long, making for a delightful – no, mesmerizing – read.

 

Mike Roth

Hanging On for Life and (Almost) Getting Eaten by the Rope Tow

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Editor’s note: Spend enough seasons skiing and most of us will get into some form of trouble. Last issue, I explained how I got into hot water by inadvertently becoming end-of-day Pied Piper to a bunch of kids who followed me on a long winding trail, while their parents anxiously waited their return. A few readers emailed their tales of on-slope woe. 

Mike Roth is a ski journalist who writes a regular ski blog for the Albany Time Union. He is also a talented cartoonist and and architect. When asked, last minute, if he had time in his busy schedule to illustrate these reader stories, he responded, “When do you need them?” A few hours later, Mike emailed his drawings.

This cliff-hanger happened to Jeffrey M. Fine when he was 40, but he still remembers the day. Jeffery is now based in Dillon, CO.

Sometime in the 1980’s while living in Indiana, I took a trip out to Squaw Valley.  I thought I could ski KT-22, and it almost cost me my life.  While skiing down the right side of the run, I caught an edge and almost went off a cliff with a 50’ drop.  I managed to fall just before going over the edge and held on with my fingers in the snow (I was highly motivated to grab anything) while my skis hung over the edge in space.  The ski patrol was able to throw me a rope and pull me to safety.  I feel very lucky to have survived!

And here’s a rope tow tale from Ed Schultz, Penn Yan, NY. It happened when he was 30.

Back in the early 70’s skiing a small area in Massachusetts near Wooster, (can’t remember the name), I got on the rope tow. I had one arm behind with my pole straps around my wrist. What I didn’t realize was that the poles were bouncing in the snow behind and my pole straps somehow got twisted so when I went to get off I was caught on the rope. The rope tow rose up at the end toward a building housing some of the tow’s mechanism. I had visions of being carried up and going splat on the building. There were no safety stops in those days. Fortunately, I wriggled and twisted, freeing the straps and exiting the tow just in time.

Have a personal ski story you’d like to share? It can be about almost anything. Send it to info@seniorsskiing.com. We’ll share the most interesting with SeniorsSkiing’s 17,000 subscribers, along with an original Mike Roth illustration.

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Test Your Skiing Knowledge

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Each issue of SeniorsSkiing.com has a picture to help test your skiing knowledge. The pictures are from collections in a variety of participating ski museums, which we encourage readers to visit.

The object pictured here was made in the kitchen, but its nothing you’d want to eat. It was available throughout New England in the 1960s and 70s. One more clue: The image comes from the Maine Ski and Snowboard Museum‘s exhibit, “Made in Maine.” What was the brand name for this useful little object? The first reader to send the correct answer to info@seniorsskiing.com wins a soon to be determined but useful prize.

The Maine Ski and Snowboard Museum shares many stories from Maine and  the state’s role in the development of skiing and snowboarding. Last summer, the museum moved from Kingfield to a new home on the Access Road to Sugarloaf. The current “Made in Maine” exhibit explores the development of skiing and snowboarding through equipment made in the Pine Tree State. If you’re in the area, be sure to visit.

Michael Bannon, Bartlett, NH, was the first reader to correctly identify the picture in the last Test Your Skiing Knowledge. It’s the upper chairlift at Thorn Mountain, Jackson, NH. Thorn Mountain opened in 1949 with two single chairlifts stacked one above the other to give a vertical rise of more than 1,000 vertical feet. Thorn closed about 1956. Michael has been a Level 3 PSIA instructor since 1966. He’s been a SeniorsSkiing.com subscriber for 5 years. Congratulations, Michael! You’ll soon be receiving a container of Slide On, the dry lubricant spray that helps your feet slip in and out of ski boots. One application lasts for a month of frequent boot use. One 2 oz. can is good for the entire season. The picture was submitted by The New England Ski Museum, located in Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire. Admission to the museum is always free.

 

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This Issue

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Unfortunately, Covid continues to impact our lives…even on the hill. Jon’s Short Swings! column explores the different ways two neighboring Utah ski areas – Park City Mountain Resort and Alta – are handling Covid. He also describes the time he was banned from a ski area in the 1970s. Don’t miss the link to an informative critique of the trails constructed specifically for the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics.

Skiing Weatherman, Herb Stevens, has another clear-headed report on what’s happening, weatherwise, throughout ski country.

In her debut piece for SeniorsSkiing, Cynthia F. Jones explains the joys of skiing after a 30-year absence and her contentment with staying on the greens. It’s a fun read.

Veteran ski writer, Karen Lorentz reports on new lifts and other infrastructure improvements at Okemo. You’ll find her in the photo of the first people to ride one of the new chairs.

A piece by Jon on managing flat light while skiing has been updated from when it first appeared several years ago in Huffington Post .

Don Burch’s newest video production, December Skiing, is a gentle and beautiful visual summary of the month. His soft touch is a welcome contrast at this time of the fast-paced ski video.

Taking a cross-country ski vacation? Roger Lohr, SeniorsSkiing.com’s X-C ski editor, recommends four locations for the classic New England experience.

Seth Masia, editor of Skiing History Magazine, summarizes that publication’s most recent issue. Skiing History, produced by the International Skiing History Association (ISHA), is a consistently good read and well worth the modest cost of ISHA membership. Free digital copies are available by clicking on the adjacent ISHA advertisement.

Finally, try guessing the name of the short-lived New England ski area pictured in Test Your Skiing Knowledge. No one correctly identified the ski instructor pictured in the last issue. Read about his interesting background. And the latest reader-submitted crop of ski-oriented license plates is shown in LUV2SKI.

Please tell others about SeniorsSkiing.com. It’s an important way to grow our community of older snowsports enthusiasts. Do you have ideas for articles? Please send a note to info@seniorsskiing.com. Problems with accessing the site (yes, there are occasional problems)? Please email the same address. Thanks for reading and look for the next full issue on Friday, January 21.

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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This is the first issue of SeniorsSkiing.com of 2022. I wish all readers good health, happiness, and peace for the New Year. But Covid’s omicron variant is challenging that wish for good health. It’s spreading fast, even among those who have been triple vaxxed. For most of the infected, it appears to be less taxing than Delta or earlier iterations. One side effect reported by several people I know, is hearing loss.

Ultimately, omicron’s virulence may cause such widespread infection that we’ll achieve herd or crowd immunity. That remains to be seen.

We’re older skiers and, by definition, more vulnerable to serious illness from the virus. For simplicity’s sake, I’ll divide our cohort into two categories: those who stay at lodges when they go skiing and those who ski and return home. Each is subjected to infection on lifts and in day lodges. Those overnighting in lodges have the additional risk of exposure from employees and other guests.

I don’t know if Utah is typical, but in terms of looking at the intersection of skiing and Covid, it is relevant.

Alta has no mask or vaccination-proof requirements. That, according to several friends who have skied there multiple times this season. The area recently closed its Watson Shelter because some staff tested positive. Alf’s remains open but with no mask or vaccination-proof requirements. The midmountain day lodge does keep windows open, according to a source working there.

Alta’s Smiling Rock                                               Photo: Harriet Wallis

By comparison, day lodges at Park City Mountain Resort (indeed, all Vail Resorts ski properties) require proof of vaccination and masks to access food-service and tables.

On the day I’m writing this, a front-page article in The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Covid swept through several of Alta’s overnight lodges, causing some guests to leave early, rather than risk getting ill. Of the five lodges, the only one requiring proof of vaccination is The Rustler. Snowpine, totally rebuilt a few years ago, follows Utah’s libertarian spirit and requires neither vaccination nor masks. The lodge’s website is devoid of any reference to Covid.

The Tribune quoted a 74-year-old guest who beat it back to her California home: “I’m not going back to Utah. It’s a COVID [nightmare]. Nowhere has better powder than Alta. Too bad it’s in Utah.”

The Christmas feast at our friends’ home was a lot of fun. Three guest couples, all contemporaries; all skiers; all known to the host and hostess but not to each other. Following festive fare, our ever-creative hostess, asked each of us to talk about the first time we skied and about a time we got into trouble while skiing.

The answers to Question #1 revealed surprising similarities among the men: none had been particularly “athletic” in youth. But then they were introduced to skiing. Each of the wives became interested through their husbands.

Getting into trouble on skis produced stories of literal, cliff-hangers; skis lost in deep powder, etc. Listening to these tales of woe, reminded me of the time I inadvertently became the end-of-the-day Pied Piper to a bunch of kids whose anxious parents awaited their return.

It was in the mid 70s and Pam and I were skiing Plattekill, an 1100’ ski hill with a variety of interesting terrain in the Northwestern Catskills, a few hours north of New York City.

Pam returned to the day lodge as I took one last run. At the top, I entered a trail I hadn’t noticed before. It was more of a road than an actual trail, one of those endless runs looping back and forth through the forest. A few minutes in I heard laughter behind me. I looked back and counted 12 little ones following.

Back to Pam waiting in the lodge; wondering, Where’s Jon? Around her, clutches of agitated parents wondering, Where are our children? Several minutes later, I walk in, followed by the kids. Emotional parents embraced their missing ones.

The angry area owner yelled at me from across the large room, accusing me of taking the kids on a closed trail. I called back: “The trail wasn’t roped off, and I didn’t know the kids were following.” His response: “Do you know how much it costs for rope?” 

I was banned from returning to Plattekill; a punishment promptly ignored. Those kids must now be in their 50s!

Have you gotten into trouble while skiing? Send in your stories. We’ll publish the most interesting.

Stevens Pass Petition: 20k Signatures

In a mere five days, more than 20,000 Epic Pass holders at Stevens Pass ski area in Washington, signed a petition demanding that Vail Resorts refund 60% of the cost of their passes. Why 60%? They claim that VR sold passes while knowingly planning to keep 60% of Stevens Pass terrain and a majority of lifts closed for the season. The petition gives VR a deadline to act by January 15 before filing a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division and the Attorney General of Washington State. Click here  to read the petition.

Incivility at Beaver Creek

According to a posting by the victim’s wife, her husband was struck by someone skiing in a group. When he confronted the person, another man in the group removed his skis and gave her husband a severe beating, leaving him with a broken rib and other injuries. The group, thought to be in their 30s, skied off and were not found. The incident was reported to patrol and the Sherriff’s office. It occurred December 31 at Beaver Creek.

Park City Patrollers Seek Raise

The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA) rejected Vail Resorts’s offer of a starting wage of $15 per hour. The patrollers want $17. Current wage is $13.25. More than 200 patrollers are working without a contract. Other Park City Mountain Resort employees receive $15 per hour minimum. Patrolling requires extensive training and patrollers generally are responsible for supplying their own equipment. If VR blinks, minimum wages for patrol throughout its many holdings will climb.

Timberline and Ski Bowl Discontinue Free Skiing for Seniors

Subscriber, Thomas Levak, informs us that Timberline and Ski Bowl (OR) have discontinued free skiing for super seniors (73+). Lift tickets for 65+ skiers are $65 (days) and $45 (nights), and skiers are required to make advance reservations for the days and times they want to ski (perhaps not a bad idea given that limited numbers of skiers are allowed for different time slots). Thanks for the info, Thomas!

New Advertisers: Booster and Slide On

The Booster Dynamic Power Strap is an elastic power strap that replaces the power straps found on most boots and helps you ski better, regardless of skill level. It is used by 80% of all Olympic skiers. Slide On is a dry lubricant spray that helps your feet slip in and out of your ski boots. One application lasts for a month of frequent boot use. One 2 oz. can is good for the entire season. Click on the Booster/Slide On ad for more information.

Snowbird’s Golden Anniversary

Believe it or not, The Bird opened 50 years ago. Those of you who have been there, know its magic. If it’s still on your “to do” list, take steps to get it done. Its 2500 skiable acres are accessed by tram and 10 chairs. It connects to Alta, for a combined 5000+ acres terrain. I have many memorable days skiing thigh-deep (sometimes waist-deep) Snowbird powder with friends. The resort produced a 3-minute video telling its history. Click on the image, above.

Patagonia Walks the Talk

Patagonia makes superb, durable outerwear and redirects a portion of its profits to support environmental and other worthy causes. Another example of the company’s progressive policies is its closing all its stores from Christmas through New Year’s while paying employees.

Austria Tightens Covid Rules for Brits

Austria has classified the UK as a “virus variant” region. Effective December 25, visitors from the UK are required to quarantine 10 days upon arrival, even if fully vaccinated. Given that Austria is a major destination for UK skiers, this is a big deal. Exceptions: Those fully vaccinated and boosted who have a negative PCR test. Children under 12 are exempt. Teens meeting certain conditions also may enter the country.

Record Snow Records

More than 200″ (almost 17′) fell in the Sierra’s in December. Utah is getting hammered with one pulse after another. Revelstoke (BC) has received 21’+ so far this season. All that snow prompted me to look into snow accumulation records. An amazing 1,140″ (95′) was recorded at Mount Baker Ski Area  (WA) (4,200 feet elevation) during the July 1, 1998 to June 30, 1999 snow season. Mt. Ibuki (Japan’s Honshu Island) measured 465.4″ (38.8′) February 14, 1927. The most snowfall in 24 hours (6.3′) was measured in Silver Lake, CO, April 14-15, 1921. Mount Shasta Ski Bowl (CA) recorded the most snow from a single storm: 189″ (15.75′), February 13-19, 1959.

Brrrrrrr: New Ice Hotel on Italian Glacier

A bedroom is the ice hotel next to Capanna Presena Refugio

A new ice hotel is now booking reservations. The luxury facility is on Italy’s Presena Glacier at Passo Tonale in Trentino and features intricate ice carving on both interior and exterior surfaces. The three-igloo-room facility is next to the Capanna Presena Refugio.

Vintage Cars in Snow

Here, from Weather.com, are 53 photos of cars in snow…most of them stuck in the snow. They’re from both sides of the pond and fun to see. Click here to view.

Another Weather.com entry: 91 vintage images of people playing in the snow. Notice that virtually every person pictured is smiling. Of course, they are! They’re in the snow. Click here to view.

Do you have information you want to share with other members of the growing SeniorsSkiing.com community? Send it to jon@seniorsskiing.com. Use the same address if interested in contributing articles. Please forward SeniorsSkiing.com to other older skiers who may enjoy receiving it. Or simply tell them about the site. 

Cynthia Jones

Musings of a Greenie

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SeniorsSkiing.com encourages readers to submit accounts of personal experiences on the hill. The following, sent in by Cynthia F. Jones, expresses her joy of returning to skiing following a 35-year absence.

Vanity Fair 1919

I ski only green runs.  At 73, coming back to skiing 35 years after the briefest taste of its magic and delight many years ago, I’m having so much fun it should be illegal.

So…why am I writing this?  First I LOVE that I found the SeniorsSkiing website – it’s been inspirational.  The articles and information have opened doors to let me know I CAN re-embrace skiing as a senior.  However, when it comes to connecting with senior ski groups – I realize I’ll probably never ski at the level of those members (acing the blue runs, tackling the single and double black diamonds), so there probably isn’t a peer group for those like me who just enjoy cruising the greens.  Or maybe we are just the silent elder skiers.

Truth Magazine 1896

My goal is simply to have fun and continue to embrace the joy, the stoke and absolute zen I find on the mountain.  Experiencing that perfect glide downhill (if the body is willing to cooperate on any given day) is worth all the effort.

Ok – I’m saying this in full view of senior skiers – I may never tackle a blue run.  I do sometimes cast a glance over at them, on my fun runs, but they don’t beckon yet and the call to go blue may never be strong enough. The one thing I don’t want to do is take the fun out of skiing with “should’s.” And right now I’m having tons of fun.

My reintroduction to skiing was via a student in my yoga class.  Forever will I be grateful to Sue for encouraging me to take that plunge back into something I had not been able to continue in my 30’s due to life circumstances.  And yet – while eternal gratitude will always be there – Sue is a highly skilled skier (she’s been skiing for decades) and she quickly tired of skiing with me since my goals and skills on the mountain are quite different from hers.

Woman’s Home Companion

But hey – it’s all good.  I take the occasional group or private lesson, as I explore different mountains, to keep my confidence growing.  I’m exploring the “Senior Friendly” ski resorts…it’s one of the most enjoyable travel adventure projects I’ve had in a long time.  I have no goal or personal need to graduate from the green slopes because I’m HAPPY!

And mostly I’m delighted, that now, in retirement, I can make following the powder a priority in life (I’ve put everyone on notice that a snow alert has priority over EVERYTHING!).

So here’s to the greenies if there are others out there – life is good!