Tag Archive for: Snowbasin

Jon Weisberg

ShortSwings!

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This is to thank the 3000+ of you who completed our August reader survey. We learned that on average, those of you who did not take last season off skied an average of 26 days. That’s down from a few seasons back when the average was more than 33 days. But, when you figure that the national average is 6.5 skier/boarder days, you quickly realize that we’re the ones using the resorts…especially midweek.

We seniors are a very luck lot, doing what we love, when we want to.

Like many of you, I missed last season. That was a first since I started at age 10. Now I’m psyched about getting back on the hill. Skiing brings me immense pleasure. Each of you feels this in your own way. Whether it’s snaking slowly through a mogul field, cruising down a well-groomed slope or floating through thigh-deep powder, you understand.

Ski often enough and you’ll experience a great mix of conditions. Although I haven’t done so in several years, I’ve found pleasure skiing in a blizzard. Very cold days bring their own form of bliss. Warm, bluebird days are a form of skiers’ nirvana.

It is wonderful to age and ski and to be outside in the snow. It doesn’t matter the size of the mountain or the number of runs. It’s simply being there and skiing that brings joy.

This is the first issue of SeniorsSkiing.com for the 2021-22 season. We’ll be posting new articles each week and emailing them to you as a package every other Friday. As a heads up, we’ll  occasionally email advertisements. Each of these ads has been vetted to be relevant to your skiing interests. 

I hope you continue to enjoy SeniorsSkiing.com. Best wishes for a great 2021-22 season!

Patagonia Offering Store Credits for Trade-Ins

With the goal of keeping its stuff out of landfill and improving the environment, Patagonia has introduced a program that gives credit for old and worn Patagonia products. The credits can be used in its retail and online stores. Click here for details about the program and the amount of credit offered.

Will This Replace Day Lodge Burgers and Fries?

A new eatery — Oxygène Café — in the French ski resort, Tignes, specializes in vegan, vegetarian and gluten free food. Started by Oxygène, the French Alps based ski school specializing in English speaking ski and snowboard lessons. The company is partnering with Caffè Vergnano, a socially and environmentally friendly Italian coffee brand.

Snowbasin to Add Base Village and Club Med

Source: The Salt Lake Tribune

Snowbasin, the vast ski area north of Salt Lake City, near the city of Ogden, was the site of the 2002 Olympic Downhill events. The place offers terrain for every ability. What it hasn’t offered is a place to stay at the mountain. All of that is about to change as Club Med builds a 300 room facility (projected opening: December 2024) and as plans develop for a base village with restaurants, shops and lodging (project to start in 2025). 

Sundance Mountain Resort: New Owners Make Changes

Sundance

Founded by Robert Redford in 1969, Sundance changed hands last December. Over the summer, the new owners installed two new lifts and upgraded snowmaking services, among other changes. A high-speed detachable quad will access the mid-mountain summit. The second lift will provide expanded terrain choices to guests returning from the back mountain. Sundance is a Utah gem. Off the beaten path, it’s not far from Salt Lake City, Park City and Provo and rarely has crowded slopes. Lodging is primarily in the form of condos and it has always been a foodie destination. Most importantly, there’s a range of excellent terrain. 

Squaw Valley’s New Name: Palisades Tahoe

According to a news release issued by Alterra, the company that owns the resort, the “…name change was an important initiative for our company. At the end of the day, “squaw” is a hurtful word, and we are not hurtful people. It was a change that needed to be made for us to continue to hold our heads high as a leader in our industry and community. We have a well-earned reputation as a progressive resort at the forefront of ski culture, and progress can’t happen without change.”

Deep Discount on Stocking Stuffer Ski Books

Arcadia Publishing has a roster of 27 books covering localized skiing history. They paperback books are loaded with vintage photos and have titles such as Skiing in the Mad River Valley, New Hampshire on Skis, and North Carolina Ski Resorts. Part of the series explores “lost ski areas,” those that existed years ago but no more. Among them, Lost Ski Areas of the Berkshires, Lost Ski Areas of Southern Vermont, Lost Ski Areas of Tahoe and Donner, and Lost Ski Areas of Colorado’s Front Range and Northern Mountains. Arcadia is offering SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers a 30% discount on all of its skiing titles. Click here to shop the books and enter the code, SENIORSSKI, when checking out. The offer is good from October 7 to November 7.

The Perfect Gift for Older Skiers

Bootster is a clever, compact device that makes it easy to get into a ski boot – even when it’s cold. It has a super slippery surface that helps the foot slide in effortlessly. And unlike shoehorns, sprays, etc., Bootster is compact and easily carried in a parka pocket (click on the video above). If you or an older skier you know likes to shed boots during lunch, getting them back on with Bootster is a breeze. It is pretty much indestructible, making it ideal to pass on to the next generation of skiers. At $25 (+ shipping) the price is right. Looking for something to give your favorite older skier? Bootster will be appreciated for years to come.

Boston and Denver Ski Shows Cancelled

This is second year in a row. The cause? Covid.

It’s a Bird?

People have been dreaming about being able to fly without a plane for years. Technology is finally making it possible, as shown in this video compilation of several different approaches from around the world. Who knows? At one point, some version of these flying machines may eliminate the need for ski lifts. About 16 minutes.

 

 

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clearly, Covid has turned skiing on its head.

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

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

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

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

Snowbasin is introducing portable “executive” restrooms.

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

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

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

Vail, Killington, Park City Mountain Resort, Alta Opening 

source: Alta

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

The Nordic Approach

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

Parlor Skis Backcountry Emails

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

ISHA Needs Your Support

International Ski History Association

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

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

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

A Skier’s Thanks

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

Frustration #1. Frustration #2.

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

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

Back December 4

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

 

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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How often do you think about skiing?

To my wife’s dismay, it’s always top of mind.

A few months ago, camping in a remote, high mountain location with some fellow skiers, we realized we were simultaneously having the same thought: What would be the best line down those North-facing slopes? Chuckles and beers followed.

Harder evidence trickled in throughout summer in the form of hundreds of new subscribers. Curious about that phenomenon (it happens every summer), I did a fast check of where these new subscribers live. The majority were in locations experiencing hotter than usual conditions.

Thoughts of skiing are a pleasant, if temporary, escape from the heat.

A corollary would be sitting in front of a blazing fire on a cold winter day thinking of  the beach.

So here we are, early October and, depending on where you live and what the temperature is, you may be thinking ski hill or balmy beach.

Mike and I discussed this recently in one of our planning calls. Did we publish the Best Boots for Older Skiers Guide too early? Should our Best Skis for Older Skiers Guide be published now or in a few weeks when temps are a bit colder and flurries are in the air?

You’ll find an article on Masterfit’s impressive new Buyer’s Guide in this week’s issue and a link to the Guide. If slopes and trails are on your mind, the Guide is a good place to go for a quick fix. If you’re still opting for the beach, the Guide can wait a week or two.

Ditto for our annual listing of North American areas where older skiers get great bargains on passes.  We expect to post that in early November.

No Blame if you’re not thinking mountain or beach. There’s an abundance of distraction at the moment. 

Wherever you live, Covid and its consequences are issues. I’m not alone in wanting to have those East Coast grandkids back in my arms.

And whatever your position on climate change, the planet is sending increasingly urgent messages about the need to take action.

If you’re a US citizen, the Presidential election is probably occupying a bit of your attention. I mentioned this last week and will continue to do so through Election Day. Whomever you support, be sure to vote.

While we’re working our way through these issues and distractions, we still have slopes and trails to think about. 

Now is the time to dust off skis and boots. Have your shop check the bindings. Make your winter plans. Snow is on the way.

Powder Magazine: RIP

Powder Magazine, the publication so many of us enjoyed during its 49-year run, will close down in November. It’s final Annual Photo Issue hits the stands November 16. It should be a collector’s item. For years, I looked forward to and relished each issue of this visually impactful magazine. Like other print ski magazines that have shuttered over the past few years, I’m sorry to see Powder go. R.I.P.

Are Yurts in Our (Skiing) Future?

Snowbasin, the superb ski area about 45-minutes north of Salt Lake City, announced it will be adding several mid-mountain yurts this season. Their stated purpose is to give skiers an alternative place to rest and warm-up. One hopes that seating will be well spaced and masks required. Using these temporary structures as a way to relieve crowding in lodges is a good idea, as long as appropriate Covid protections are in place. It wouldn’t surprise me if yurts start popping at areas in general.

Cancelled: Winter Park Ski Train

The Winter Park Ski Train connecting Denver with the ski resort has become another victim of Covid. With the exception of a multi-year hiatus, Ski Train operated every season since 1941. While social distancing concerns lowered the boom, Denverites can expect the service to resume sometime in the future.

Buy a Tee Shirt. Help a National Park

Wild Tribute makes tee and sweat shirts with graphics representing most U.S. national parks. The company donates 4% of its proceeds (not profits) to non-profits supporting the parks (e.g. National Parks Conservation Association, Grand Canyon Association, Grand Teton Association). The products make good birthday or holiday gifts for anyone who loves our parks. Click here to visit Wild Tribute’s website.

Tamsin Venn

Snowbasin Goes Epic

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Uncrowded, Beautiful Views, Variety Of Terrain, No Hotels.

Most of the trails at Snowbasin wind up at the Needles Gondola. Credit: Tamsin Venn

Older skiers would really like Snowbasin outside Ogden, UT. You have nearly 3,000 acres in which to avoid other skiers and 3,000 vertical feet to get some rhythm going. A remotish location keeps lines short midweek. Lifts whisk you up to the top of six scenic, craggy peaks: two high-speed gondolas, three high-speed chairlifts. You can dine on really good food at a choice of three swank lodges, all glass and timber, wall-to-wall carpeting, stone fireplaces, and chandeliers. Locals think about skiing elsewhere, but why bother?

“You ski on a Tuesday here, even on the biggest powder day, and you’re looking for somebody to ride the lift with,” says new General Manager Davy Ratchford, quoted in Powder Magazine.

The layout is easy to follow. Most of the 106 tree-dotted trails end up at the base of the Needles Gondola. The mostly intermediate and expert trails include a fun variety: wide groomed boulevards, low angle chutes to dip into, hikes to cirques and chutes close to lifts, such as the popular Lone Tree. Typically the area gets 300 inches of snow a year.

Stop at the top to view four states: Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada. At the Strawberry Gondola, take the longest Elk Ridge trail at 3.5 miles. Flat light can be a problem up top on weather days, but low visibility markers lead you back to the base area.

Snowbasin hosted the downhill at the 2002 Olympics. You can hurl down the course if you like. Credit: Tamsin Venn

Snowbasin hosted the men’s and women’s downhill in the 2002 Olympics. Take the 15-passenger tram up to Allen Peak (9,465 feet), stare in awe over the precipice looking down at Ogden’s grid and Great Salt Lake. Then heart in throat, hurl yourself down The Grizzly, start of the men’s downhill. The less ambitious can take the tram back down to the newly widened and graded Mt. Ogden Bowl Road, a lower-angled return.

Snowbasin is not new. About 50 minutes north of Salt Lake City, it opened in 1939, and is one of the oldest continually operating ski resorts in the U.S. Utah native Earl Holding (of Sun Valley) bought it in 1984, made a large investment in lifts and snowmaking over the years, then pulled out all the stops for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Snowbasin has no lodging. In nearby Huntsville, the newly opened Compass Rose Lodge, run by skiers Jeff and Bonnie Hyde has 15 bedrooms and its own observatory to take advantage of nearby North Fork dark-sky park. Grab a beer and burger at the No Name Saloon, oldest bar in Utah.

Or stay in Ogden, 30 minutes away, once a key stop on the transcontinental railroad. It has historic hotels like The Roosevelt, many ethnic restaurants, craft beer breweries like Roosters Brewing Company, and Social Axe where you can throw axes with your friends for fun. UTA public buses run up Ogden Canyon to Snowbasin and nearby Powder Mountain.

The Facts

Snowbasin has gone Epic. The 2019-20 Epic Pass provides seven days of skiing each at Snowbasin and Sun Valley, no blackout dates, and 50 percent off lift tickets once days are used.

Day pass senior at window (65-74) $89. 75 plus is $45. Midweek season pass (all ages) $439. 75 plus is $49. Snowbasin will close this year on April 21.

Click here for Snowbasin Trail Map.

Click here for Snowbasin Webcam.

Not too crowded big mountain skiing at Snowbasin. Credit: Tamsin Venn

 

 

 

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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Many thanks to those who responded to our February fund-raising campaign. Your decals, patches, and hats are being sent. There are delays in shipments because the patch supplier is behind schedule. Thank you for your support!!!

Once upon a time, stores, malls and restaurants didn’t look the same. Places in different parts of the country looked and felt different, even if their offerings were similar. Today, the mall in Boston might as well be in Boise or Baltimore. To this observer, they seem similar and soulless; commercial palaces selling the same commodified goods.

 

Is something similar happening to our ski areas? 

I hope not. But, despite physical and geographic differences, areas that are part of IKON or EPIC certainly present themselves and their pass offerings with similarity. It’s efficient, and their corporate bosses (most likely) require it.

In the process, local character and culture gets tossed in the blender, and we, the people who may have enjoyed the differences, lose out.

Early last week, Arapahoe Basin announced it was parting ways with Vail Resort’s EPIC Pass. The stated reason is A-Basin’s lack of parking capacity to accommodate increased traffic from it’s EPIC participation. Parking space is a legitimate issue and one of Arapahoe’s biggest challenges.

The official statement from Alan Henceroth ,Arapahoe’s Chief Operating Officer also read, “..the ski area has developed a very special community that feels like home. This decision (to leave EPIC) will allow us to continue to build on this spirit and the experience we have created.”  

I don’t think Arapahoe’s decision is the canary in the mine for the rest of the industry. But it highlights the area’s interest in preserving its character and its community. I spent a bluebird day there a few weeks back. It has every type if skiing you’d want: bowl, trees, trails, above tree line. The lodges are lovely; the food, creative, interesting and reasonably priced. The Beavers, new lift-serviced acreage with blacks and blues opened this season. In 2020 the area will be 75.

Arapahoe is not the biggest and it’s not the most glamorous. But it is a wonderful ski area taking steps to preserve its character and its soul.

BRAVO Arapahoe!!!!!

Vail To Acquire Two Aussie Resorts

Vail Resorts will be purchasing two more ski resorts, both in Victoria, Australia. They are Falls Creek Alpine Resort and Hotham Alpine Resort. The purchase price is reported to be $174 million.

New Sun Valley/Snowbasin Pass

The new Sun and Snow Pass from Sun Valley and Snowbasin.  Twill offer three days at each resort for $359 for adults and $89 for children. The pass also gives 50% off the window rate for subsequent ticket purchases. The pass has other benefits, as well. The $359 price rises after May 31. Click here for details.

 2019-20 IKON Pass Now Available

Both versions of the pass go on sale March 5 for lowest prices of the upcoming season. Click here.

Alf Engen Ski Museum’s Head To Receive ISHA Award

When visiting Park City, the Alf Engen Ski Museum is an important stop. With stationary and interactive exhibits, it is the most entertaining of the nation’s ski museums. Connie Nelson, the museum’s executive director since inception, will be recognized by the International Skiing History Association with its Lifetime Achievement Award when ISHA meets in Park City in early April.

Entering Easily: Getting Into Your Boots

One of the most common complaints about ski boots is the difficulty of getting them on. Over the years, myriad homemade and commercial solutions have been developed. SeniorsSkiing.com advertiser, BOOTSTER, is a ski boot shoe horn that fits in parka pocket, incorporates Teflon-coated Kevlar fabric,  and is genuinely effective. It was developed by an older skier who is also a professional engineer. Visit the company website to see how it works and to read user comments. If you’re fed-up with the aggravation of putting on ski boots, this $25 investment will give you many years of productive dividends.

Colorful Spring Fling Video From Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham Mountain Resort

It’s colorful. It’s youthful. It’s fun. Click here.

1920s Winter Sports Film

This compilation from British Pathé includes early skiing, skijoring, skating, etc. One of the weirdest clips has a guy with a parachute. It’s short.

Finally………

We’re working on improving the SeniorsSkiing.com Facebook page. If you visit it — https://www.facebook.com/seniorsskiing/ — please “like” us.

 

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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Earlier this week a request to support SeniorsSkiing.com showed up in your email. We really need your donations. This is our fifth publishing year and only the second time we’ve made the request.

When we started, Mike and I decided that this labor of love should be free. What we’ve learned is that publishing weekly throughout the season requires a lot of effort and a considerable amount of money. Our editorial contributors are just that…contributors. Advertisers cover some expenses, but as our free publication grows, so do a variety of back office costs. That’s why we’re asking for your help.

To put it in context, some years ago I noticed a lot of older skiers on the hill. That was before I came to understand that one in five skiers and boarders in the U.S. are 52 and older. It was the same wherever I went, especially mid-week. Lift conversations informed me that older skiers had similar interests. As for areas, they wanted to know more than just the best places to huck cliffs. Their interests in equipment were different from those of younger skiers. Many had concerns about medical conditions and forms of recovery. They were curious about contemporaries doing interesting things.

That was the seed. Getting it planted and nourishing it into existence became a collaboration, first with my old college buddy Mike Maginn, and then with the members of our Advisory Council and with our contributors.

To our knowledge, there’s no other ongoing source of information serving the older skier/boarder/snowshoer community. SeniorsSkiing.com exists to advance your interests by publishing relevant and useful information, encouraging an engaged online community, and advocating on your behalf.

When we started our total number of subscribers could be counted on two hands. By the end of this season, SeniorsSkiing.com will have registered between 250,000 and 300,000 page views. Most of you are located in the U.S. and Canada, but there are many from the EU, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. A few of you are located in Latin America, China, and Japan.

Wherever you are, if you enjoy reading SeniorsSkiing.com and having access to our special features such as the annual listing of North American areas and resorts where seniors ski free and the annual report on the best skis for older skiers, among others, please consider making a donation. In return, we’ll send you a gift and enter your name into a drawing for a pair of retro, bamboo, Panda Poles. To donate, click here.

New York Times Skiing Op-ED

A Feb 2 Opinion piece titled “Why Can’t Rich People Save Winter?” in The New York Times is generating buzz in the ski world. Written by Porter Fox, author and former editor at Powder Magazine, the article suggests that if wealthy skiers coordinate their money and influence, it might change climate and environmental policies. To be fair, most of the article describes industry initiaitives, including those announced last week during the annual Snow Show trade meeting in Denver. The piece states that there are 50 billionaires with homes in Aspen (a link shows who they are). Reader comments range from critical to skeptical.

R.I.P. Peter Keelty

Peter Keelty, skier extrordinaire.

Peter Keelty was one of the country’s finest skiing stylists and technicians. When SeniorsSkiing.com got underway, he called and invited me to meet him at Alta. I had no idea of who he was, but I could tell he was intelligent and passionate about the sport. We skied together three or four times. I learned that he and Jackson Hogen were the founders of Realskiers.com, that he had grown up in northern Vermont, and that, as Jackson confirmed this week, he was devoted to improving technique in others. The last time we met he brought a pair of Anton skis for my use. As I recall they were relatively short and the binding system made me feel like I was skiing on a stepladder. His goal was to get me way up on my edges; a place where I didn’t feel comfortable. Last season I noticed he had made a few comments on the site. Earlier this week, Peter Keelty joined other great skiers and contributors to the sport on the Endless Slope in the Sky. He was 76.

Utah Powder

Ski Utah just announced that the Wasatch resorts received 5’ in four days. The email said the dump resulted in a shortage of snorkels.

Pico Peak Hosts Blind and Visually Impaired Skiers

More than 35 blind or visually impaired athletes will learn to ski or learn to race this weekend with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports at the 12th anniversary of the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) Winter Ski Festival at Pico Mountain.

Epic Adds  Two

Sun Valley (ID) and Snowbasin (UT) will be on the 2019-20 Epic Pass. The number of days at each depends on the Epic Pass purchased. Visit https://www.epicpass.com for more.

Picture Perfect Colorado

Colorado Ski Country USA took the creative approach of announcing the best place to take a scenic photograph at each of it’s member resorts. They include Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Snowmass, Cooper, Copper Mountain, Echo Mountain, Eldora, Granby Ranch, Howelsen Hill, Kendall Mountain, Loveland, Monarch, Powderhorn, Purgatory, Silverton, Steamboat, Sunlight, Telluride, Winter Park, and Wolf Creek. Click here  for specifics.

Join Us in the Alps

Join us the week of March 10 when we ski in the Aosta Valley with guides from Alpskitour. Each day, we’ll go to a different resort in Italy, Switzerland and France. The all-inclusive price — $4,500 to $5,500 per person– depends on where you fly to and whether you stay in a 3 or 5 star hotel. Orsden is a sponsor and giving a parka to each participant. If interested, email me: jon@seniorsskiing.com.

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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I rode a chair last season with a couple who got upset when they saw a dead porcupine on the trail below. They “knew” the animal from skiing there for several months. It looked like it had been attacked.

I’ve seen a lot of animals while skiing over the years. Nothing larger than the moose who frequented part of The Canyons. I’m confident that even with Vail’s acquisition of that wonderful area (now part of Park City), the herd still hangs there, occasionally moseying out on a trail .

Deer Valley had many weasels and, if I have it right, ermine. The critters are long hot dogs making a slinky wave as they run across trails. I had to swerve more than once to avoid trail-kill.

The Catskill and Adirondack areas had occasional deer and lots of porcupines. I remember one tree where the chair passed a porky perched there most of the season.

Rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, birds of all persuasions, an occasional raccoon. They appear on slope and trail. More often it’s their tracks, but look, and you’ll see them.

And dogs, especially those trained for avalanche rescues. Bless them for their excellent skills and stellar service.

Among the most curious creatures encountered to date are Snowbird‘s and Alta‘s leopard and zebra. They’re a couple who frequent the place and everything they wear — cape to boot — is themed accordingly. He’s the leopard. I’ve bumped into him, solo, a few times on the tram or in the lot and told him how much I enjoy his outfit. His response is always the same: “You ought to see my wife. She’s a zebra. I’m always chasing her down.”

SeniorsSkiing Fifth Anniversary Party!!

5:00 – 8:00PM, Wednesday, November 14, Manhattan.

We’d love you to be there, meet other senior skiers, win cool raffle prizes and help us celebrate our fifth. Prizes and SWAG from Apex Boots, 70+ Ski Club, Masterfit, Orsden Parkas, Buffalo Wool Company, Solitude, Powder Mountain, DeBooter, Bootster, GearBeast (the perfect skier’s cellphone carrier), International Skiing History Association, and others. We’ll provide the nibbles. Open bar. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to jon@seniorsskiing.com. Location: E’s Bar (Rumpus Room), 511 Amsterdam Ave. (bet 84th and 85th Streets), Manhattan.

Snowing Across the West!!!!

The resorts and state ski associations are reporting snowfall, snowmaking, and opening dates. A few examples: Wolf Creek in southwest Colorado got 20″ and will have limited skiing this weekend. The Utah resorts received more than a foot of snow. One of them, Snowbasin, got its first big dump in September! Opening days at the Utah areas range from November 21 to December 21.

Warren Miller, Posthumously

Face of Winter is this season’s Warren Miller film, the first since his passing earlier this year. Click here to find when it will be playing near you and to purchase tickets.

Squaw Valley Extremes

For six minutes of pure skiing fun, watch Drop Everything, a video of the recent history of extreme skiing in Squaw Valley. Click on the name to get you there.

New Ski Utah Magazine

Ski Utah outdid itself with this new, free annual magazine. There 100+ pages. Available in print and digital editions. Not your typical ski industry promotional fare. There’s a page dedicated to the wisdom of George Jedenoff, who celebrated his 100th birthday last July with several runs at Snowbird. Ski Utah is essential reading for everyone from regulars to those planning their first visit. To order a copy or send one to a friend click here.

Skiing History Night

If you’re in the New York area, International Skiing History Association is hosting a free pizza/wine/beer Skiing History Night at Hickory & Tweed (410 Main Street, Armonk). 6:30-9:00 PM, Monday, October 15. Highlight of the evening: ISHA’s Jeff Blumenfeld will present how skiing has been portrayed on TV over the decades. RSVP requested: kathleen@skiinghistory.org.

Ski Mojo
Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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The Excuse I Hear Most Often From Seniors Who Stopped Skiing Is That Their Knees Are Bad.

I can emphasize. At 74, I feel the occasional twinge forecasting a time when something medical is in my future. I know I’m not alone.

Which brings me to the Ski-mojo ad on the SeniorsSkiing.com homepage. It’s a British product for skiers with weak or bad knees. It also works for skiers without knee problems (I’ve been told there are some), by giving a power boost that helps them ski stronger and longer.

Full disclosure: I have not tried Ski-mojo, but I have spoken with skiers who have. They rave about it. Last year, I watched a skier get fitted for the device. It’s light and slim, and it fits easily underneath ski pants. Once on, the skier flicks a switch to activate or deactivate the springs.

In the US, Ski-mojo is endorsed by PSIA. In the UK it’s endorsed by BASI (British Association of Snowsports Instructors). The product can be ordered at www.skimojo.com and shipped virtually anywhere.

I prefer to be proactive about being able to continue to participate in the sport I love. If the twinge in my knees worsens, I’ll be ordering Ski-mojo. I want to stay in the game as long as I can.

January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month

Almost 70 U.S. areas are offering great deals on beginner packages for new skiers and boarders. Packages typically include lesson, lift ticket and rental gear. Depending on location, deals range from a single lesson to up to four. To learn about offerings in your area visit the Ski and Snowboard Month website.

California

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is now an Official Training Site of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team. Other sites are Mammoth Mountain, Deer Valley, Copper Mountain, and Timberline Lodge. Official Training Sites host U.S. team athletes for elite training sessions.

Quebec

Stoneham Mountain Resort dedicated its new Éclipse quad on December 23. The fixed grip quad replaces a double chair and T-Bar. Skiers use a conveyor belt to load the new lift. It has a capacity of 1900 skiers per hour and takes 8 1/2 minutes to reach the top.

Utah

Deer Valley hosts the world’s best aerial and mogul skiers during the 2018 Visa Freestyle International FIS World Cup, Wednesday, January 10 through Friday, January 12. DV has played host to international and world competitions for 20 consecutive years, including the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, two World Championships and 16 World Cups. If you’re in the vicinity, this is one exciting event to behold!

Powder Mountain Resort opened for the season on December 24. The resort has 8,464 acres. Powder now limits day pass sales to 1500.

Snowbasin opened its new Wildcat Express high-speed six-pack. It replaces a triple. The name “Wildcat” has been used for Snowbasin lifts serving the same part of the mountain since 1946, when it started as a single chair.

Soldier Hollow has Biathlon training for groups. Professional staff does the training and participants engage in a mini competition at the 2002 Olympic Range. Reservations required.

Solitude BrewSki Mountain Lager is a new German-style Pilsner created for Solitude Mountain Resort by Utah-based Bohemian Brewery.

Vermont

Vermont has 20 alpine resorts and 30 cross country centers. Ski Vermont is promoting an End-to-End Tour this season. Participants who visit different resorts each week and submit photos will be eligible to win tickets and prizes.

Molly Mahar is the new President of non-profit Vermont Ski Areas Association. She joins from Loon Mountain Resort where she was VP Marketing/Sales. Previously she held similar positions at Sugarbush and Bolton Valley.

Other

Black Diamond has a new short promotional video about backcountry skiing. Even if you stay in or around the resort, it’s well worth watching.

Liftopia announced its 2017-18 Best in Snow Awards. The results will surprise some. For all winners and how they were selected visit https://bestinsnow.liftopia.com/ – /

The Mountain Collective pass is back on sale for $519. With it you get 32 days at 16 iconic resorts. For more visit https://mountaincollective.com

Jon Weisberg

Short Swings!

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Many Readers Have Requested A Fabric Patch.

It’s a good idea, and we’d like to make it available. The question is what to put on the patch. We’ve explored the vintage image of the skier that appears on the SeniorsSkiing.com sticker. Unfortunately, patch production technology makes him indecipherable. Whatever we do, we plan to include the SeniorsSkiing.com logo. You may have some ideas for a slogan. We envision something small and rectangular, so it can’t have a lot of words. A few ideas from this end include: Ski Forever; Skiing Makes You Younger, and Ski More. Live Longer. If you have a preference among these or can suggest additional statements, please email jon@seniorsskiing.com. If it gets used, we’ll send some form of SWAG you, hopefuly, will find useful. Thank you!!!!

CALIFORNIA

Mountain High, Southern California’s closest (to LA) winter resort, opened this week with top-to bottom greens and blues. The first 100 skiers received free gloves. Seniors 70+ ski free at Mountain High.

COLORADO

Colorado Ski Country USA resorts will be hosting a variety of Holiday events from Santa encounters (virtually all areas), to caroling (Aspen Snowmass), Ugly Sweater Contest (Eldora), torchlight parades (Aspen, Copper, Crested Butte, Monarch, Powderhorn, Purgatory, Steamboat, Telluride), and any number of tree lighting ceremonies and gourmet feasts). Check resort websites for more details and reservation info. One standout event will take place this Saturday at Crested Butte, which hopes to break the World Record for the largest number of skiers in Santa costumes. Participants must be decked out in a full Santa suit and will be eligible for $25 lift tickets.

MONTANA

Lookout Pass, on the Idaho/Montana border, has opened almost 50% of its terrain. Between natural and man-made, the top has 27″ and the bottom 12″.

UTAH

Ski Utah’s email states 18″ to Start the Week ,yet looking at accumulations at the seven open resorts, the maximum new snow is 7″ (Snowbird). Other open Utah resorts are Alta, Brian Head, Brighton, Deer Valley, Park City, Snowbasin, Snowbird, and Solitude.

If you’re in the vicinity of southern Utah’s terrific Brian Head resort this Saturday the ULLR Festival is the annual juggling, comedy and circus ritual to celebrate the arrival of the Norse Snow God. Festivities start at 1:00PM; ULLR’s entrance is scheduled for 5:45PM.

VERMONT

Old school, Mad River Glen is kicking off its Preserve Our Paradise fundraising campaign with a goal of $6.5 million. Monies will be used to improve snowmaking and replace the Birdland lift, among other things.

Areas across the Green Mountain State are celebrating the holidays with Santa visits, torchlight parades, wine and beer tasting events, gourmet dinners, etc. Check websites for details.

Jay Peak skiers never had it so good. This video from last season’s mega-dump is proof that all things are possible.

OTHER

The Nov. 27 edition of The New Yorker magazine has a feature article on 22-year old American skier Mikaela Shiffrin. Writer Nick Paumgarten has done a fine job. It’s required reading for anyone preparing for the February Winter Games in South Korea.

Thank you, Patagonia, for taking a position on important environmental and land use issues. This week, following the White House’s expected announcement that Southern Utah’s Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments would be dramatically reduced, Patagonia emailed information under the title, The President Stole Your Land. The accompanying message reads: “In an illegal move, the president just reduced the size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monuments. This is the largest elimination of protected land in American history.” For many, these vast areas are merely an idea. To get a sense of what Bears Ears (close to the Arizona border) look like, click here.

Cute knit hats for the grandkids at https://cirquemtn.com/product-category/kids/kids-headwear/

seniorsskiing

Short Swings!

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historic7_

CALIFORNIA

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

CANADA

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

COLORADO

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

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

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

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

NEW HAMPSHIRE

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

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

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

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

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

UTAH

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

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

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

OTHER

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

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

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

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

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

 

Jon Weisberg

SeniorsSkiing Guide: SnowBasin

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Great Skiing. Terrific Views. America’s Fanciest Loos.

The Needles Lodge and Gondola at SnowBasin on a bluebird day. Credit: Jon Weisberg

The Needles Lodge and Gondola at SnowBasin on a bluebird day.
Credit: Jon Weisberg

SnowBasin is the expansive, exceptionally beautiful Utah area that most out-of-staters never get to ski. They’re attracted to the bigger name resorts just 45 minutes east of the airport. Head north, add 10 minutes, and you’re at MAGNIFICENT, SnowBasin—site of the 2002 Olympic Downhill events.

At the top, looking over its 3,300 acres, the cliffs and outcroppings suggest Europe. The vertical is 2,950 feet.

From this reviewer’s perspective, it ranks high for older skiers.

Snow and Terrain

  • There is much here for every ability: trails, bowls, glades. On powder or post-powder days, freshies await.
  • Lifts are fast and modern, including two gondolas and a short tram serving a vast black diamond area.
  • Ample snowmaking assures good coverage while nature sleeps. Elevation can be an issue. Its base is 6400 feet. Alta’s is 8530 feet, meaning more snow. But when conditions are good, Snow Basin is great.
  • Visibility is another issue. When it’s not bright and bluebird, its vast, treeless spaces produce unusually flat light; disorienting to anyone with compromised visual acuity.

Lot-to-Lift

  • Easy to reach lodge and lifts: The resort runs a frequent shuttle service delivering skiers a short distance from base lodge and lifts.
  • Parking is well organized: lots of personnel guiding you to your spot.
  • A fleet of large plastic garden carts is available to transport equipment and grandkids.

Day Lodges

Taking a break at Snow Basin

Taking a break at SnowBasin

These are not your typical lodges. They’re every bit as luxurious as Four Seasons hotels. Finishings. Furnishings. Flooring. You name it. No expense was spared, either at the base (Earl’s Lodge) or on the mountain (John Paul Lodge and Needles Lodge), where the luxe interiors and glass enclosed patios have spectacular views.

Food is several steps up from most resorts. House-made soups can stand up to most big city eateries. Look for Snow Basin’s Dining Discovery Series with sustainable farm-to-table selections. More on that on the resort website under “Events”.

Loo Review

Clean, classy luxury in every lodge! Men’s Rooms have a foyer with upholstered furniture, a washroom with gold-plated fixtures, and fully-enclosed commodes. Every place you go has shelving and hooks for gloves, helmets, and parkas.

Culture and Practicalities

From parking attendant to ticket window to liftee, there’s a culture of friendliness and helpfulness. Some areas don’t seem to care or have personnel who don’t even bother to sweep snow from chair. Snow Basin has trained its people to make the interaction truly enjoyable.

Unfortunately, there’s no onsite lodging. Condo rentals are available at nearby Pineview Reservoir. Many hotel/motel/other options are available in the city of Ogden, 20 – 25 minutes away.

Best to get there by auto although inexpensive public busses run three times a day between Ogden and the resort.

Bottom Line

Click here for more SnowBasin information

Trail Map Click Here 

Webcams

Harriet Wallis

Dine On A Local Cow—Or Lamb—Or Carrot

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Locally Sourced Foods Are Catching On.

Snowbasin Executive Chef Scott Sniggs (l) with Executive Sous Chef Aric Glanville. Credit: Harriet Wallis

Snowbasin Executive Chef Scott Sniggs (l) with Executive Sous Chef Aric Glanville.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

At Snowbasin, Utah, chefs have embraced locally sourced meats including beef, lamb and elk, vegetables, cheeses and honey. Their dinner creations get rave reviews. Every bite comes from less than 50 miles away.

Other resorts also find that local fare makes sense. Ask around in your area to learn which resort restaurants are going local. It’s a win-win for all: the farmer, rancher, restaurant, and you ,the diner.

For Snowbasin, it’s an environmental decision. The resort concentrates on working hand in hand with local suppliers throughout the year. “If I can find it locally, I source it there,” said Executive Chef Scott Sniggs.  ” I want to support and showcase what’s around us.”

Local resident John Borski is a Julliard-trained ballet dancer turned organic farmer who supplies the resort with garden fresh vegetables.

“When I lived in New York City, I paid a fortune for fresh produce. But apples fell off my grandmother’s tree here in Utah, and she threw them away,” he said. “I was looking for something that wouldn’t require an entire ballet company!” He’s passionate about working his four-acre organic farm. “I’m out before daylight digging up potatoes by flashlight to deliver them fresh,”  he said.

Dinner with a view at Snowbasin's mid-mountain restaurant. Credit: Harriet Wallis

Dinner with a view at Snowbasin’s mid-mountain restaurant.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

Likewise, Wes Crandall, a young rancher in a plaid shirt and cowboy hat, raises the locally famous Morgan Valley lambs. They’re also organic—open range, grass fed with no steroids, no hormones, and no antibiotics.

Restaurants that use locally sourced foods might offer you a new experience for your dining pleasure. Bon appetite.

Snowbasin, located near Ogden, was the 2002 Winter Olympics venue for the men’s and women’s downhill, super G and combined ski races. It offers specialty dining events throughout the year.

 

Organic spinach, carrots and lamb topped with a wildflower. Credit: Harriet Wallis

Organic spinach, carrots and lamb topped with a wildflower.
Credit: Harriet Wallis