Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Merry Christmas from The Ski Traveler



"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity; it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness; it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair; we had everything before us, we had nothing before us”
- A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens


As I look back on year 2009, I'll remember a year that wasn't kind to me. The loss of a father, the end of a 37 year marriage, a loss of a job and now, facing the future alone is not something I look forward to. The prospect is daunting, the heartbreak is real and the missed opportunities are many. At the same time, I know I will remember many more of the good things that happened to me then the bad and take what is good and hold on to it. Two wonderful sons, their wives, a new baby grand-daughter, a caring brother, my health and all my good friends and acquaintances who are most thoughtful, kind and compassionate. Without their kindness and encouragement, I wouldn't be looking forward to 2010 as I am today. I thank them all, for it is their Christmas Spirit that has helped me and sustain me. I owe them all so much.

Merry Christmas to each and everyone.



P.S. - I do have a "Bucket List" of sorts. It started out to be just things in skiing that I wanted to write about but it now is a goal to not only to write about it but just do it.

Here is my 2010 News Years list:

1. The Lauberhorn Wengen, Switzerland (just to ski the course, not race)


2. The Hahnenkamm Kitzbuehl, Austria - (The place to be In Austria. The experience of being there)

3. L’Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix France - The legendary skiing area.

4. Sela Ronde, Italy - (This is fun and a challenge too)

5. Cortina D' Ampezzo (Every time I see the "Pink Panther", I enjoy watching David Niven skiing the beautiful Dolomite's.

6. HIgh Rustler Alta, Utah ( I'll check it out)

7. Inferno Race Murren, Switzerland The oldest ski race in the world. I could enter this

8. Palisades Squaw Valley, CA -- Huck a cliff with the "Kick Ass- Blasters"

9. Corbet’s Couloir Jackson Hole, Wyoming -Ski an elevator shaft? I don't know about this.

10.The Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt - This is a challenge and a dream




Saturday, December 5, 2009

Andrew Weibrecht from Lake Placid, NY places 11th in Beaver Creek


December 5- The "War Horse" was on the hunt again today on the ' "Birds of Prey" downhill course in Beaver Creek, CO. Andrew Weibrecht, racing against the worlds best, placed 11th on the fabled downhill course. His run was rock solid from start to finish and showed confidence in every turn. He is a fan favorite at Vail and every time he steps into the starting gate everyone watches knowing that he can be a spoiler. Even the press stuck around this time.


He was the only American yesterday to survive the combine
d race (downhill and slalom) placing 19th overall. He had a 5th in the downhill portion. Ted Ligety straddled a gate and Bode Miller fell. Only Andrew survived the day.


Last weekend in Lake Louise, Andrew started 62nd and roared to a 12th place finish. His run was spectacular on an icy and rutted course gaining the respect and applause of Switzerland's Didier Cuche, the eventual winner in the first downhill event of the 2009-2010 World Cup ski season and admiration from the Lake Louise ski race fans. Reporters had all ready filed their stories thinking that all the best racers had tested the course. They missed one of the best downhill runs of the day. The icy course was rutted and frequent snow squalls made visibility poor for all racers. Many of the top racers had great difficulty with the downhill course including Andrew's friend and fellow racer
TJ Lanning who was severely injured and had to be evacuated by helicopter from the slope. Starting late in 62nd position is a daunting prospect for any racer. Andrew had even bested Cuche's time in one interval but finished at more than a second off Cuche's pace. Didier recognized the superb run of Andrew Weibrecht with enthusiastic applause. Andrew also scored a 12th the following day in Lake Louise in the Super G. A pretty good weekend for the 23 year-old from Lake Placid, NY.


This is not the first time Andrew has electrified the spectators and the ski racing world. His run 2 years ago on the "Birds of Prey" downhill in Beaver Creek, CO (
See video) got Franz Klammer's attention. Yes, the great Klammer compared Andrews' run with one of his own spectacular downhill races.


There are many difficult races to come before the official Olympic ski team selection in January including the famed
Lauberhorn in Wengen, Switzerland and the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbuhel, Austria. His coaches and teammates are enthusiatic about Weibrecht's steady improvement over the last few years. He definitely has the "right stuff" and is one to watch. He's fighting for one of 4 spots for the Olympic downhill team and so far, he has had an exceptional season. But, he has some stiff competition from Bode Miller, Marco Sullivan, Steven Nyman, Scott McCartney and Erik Fisher.


Late last March at Whiteface Mountain, Andrew Weibrecht and friends were soaking up the sun at the mid-station lodge. What better way to relax after traveling the world skiing on some of the world's most celebrated and dangerous downhill courses. His love of the sport is evident with sharing skiing, sun and friends on a fantastic spring skiing day in the Adirondacks. Here is where Andrew grew up and started his racing career at Whiteface Mountain under the coaching of the NYSEF staff (NY State Ski Education Foundation). His family owns and operates the prestigious Mirror Lake Inn in the heart of Lake Placid.
Keep an eye on Andrew Weibrecht from Lake Placid, NY. He has the "right stuff"

Today's downhill race results from Beaver Creek, CO
1.) Carlo Janka (SUI)
2). Didier Cuche (SUI)
3.) Aksel Lund Svindal (NOR)
4.) Bode Miller (USA)


Bio: Making Team USA: Meet Andrew Wiebercht

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Avalanche caught on a helmet cam

We don't have the worry of snow avalanches in the Northeast. We also, don't usually get the kind of accumulation of dry snow and high winds that western resorts contend with each winter. The only exception would be the Mt. Washington, NH area which claim a few lives each season due to avalanches.

Last ski season (2008-2009), more than 35% of all reported ski deaths in the US were caused by avalanches. Some of the skiers caught in avalanches were skiing out of bounds at ski resort but most accidents happened in the back country. One ski patroller lost his life "in bounds" at a western resort. Avalanches can sometimes be very unpredictable.

Many skiers in the Albany Region take winter vacations in the Rockies, Sierras and British Columbia. The siren call of powder skiing can be very hard to resist when you arrive at your favorite ski resort. Be forewarned: Know your limitations, use local knowledge and heed the avalanche warnings when you ski the powder fields.

Watch this video from start to finish. It is a sobering reminder that taking that first run may be your last.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Get to Know a Blaster: Tyler Boutelle

Get to Know a Blaster: Tyler Boutelle

From: UnofficialSquaw.com

October 8th, 2009

Name: Tyler G Boutelle
Age: 30
Live: Truckee
Comp ski: Rossignol Phantom 108, 195cm
Poison: Don Julio 1942

1. What is your Tahoe story? Moved to Tahoe in 2001 after several of my college friends told me how good the skiing was. I packed up my 1988 Dodge Shadow and drove across the country from upstate New York. I have skied at Squaw about 100 days a year since ’01. Originally, I was only going to spend a season or two in Tahoe, now I am married, own a house and we have a dog. So, I am here to stay for a while.

2. Favorite ski film? Aspen Extreme or Blizzard of Ahhs

3. What got you hooked on skiing? What Mountain did you learn to ski at? I learned to ski at West Mountain in Queensbury, NY. My parents are avid skiers and they took me skiing when I was in kindergarten. At first, I remember being frustrated because I couldn’t do it, but then in first grade something clicked and I got the hang of it, I was hooked then.

4. What do you like most about competing on the Freeskiing World Tour? It’s awesome to watch, I wish more people could witness the live show,… edge of your seat excitement for sure. I like the challenge of the whole thing, from picking your line, inspecting, then actually making your run. I learn a lot from every comp and I think it makes me a better skier.

5. What else do you like to do in Tahoe besides skiing? Mountain Biking, Hiking and Camping, fly-fishing and sailing on the lake.

6. How do you feel about being in the boy band ‘Kick Ass Blasters’? It’s great being on a team and having all that support. Everyone is “kick-ass” and brings lots of different skills to the table. It’s great to get all the different points of view and I learn a lot from everyone. I have also learned excellent boy band skills like how to properly blow dry your hair, fold your tee-shirts and manly eyeliner application.

7. Whose the sickest ‘Kick Ass Blaster’? Harkin Banks

8. Bluebird pow day and you are first in line at Squaw. Where do you ski? Eagle’s Nest to Little Fingers to the Fingers.

9. Poles or no poles? One and a half poles.


Posted using ShareThis

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Skiing, Oktoberfest and Columbus Day weekend


Skiing, Oktoberfest and fall festivals
at nearby ski areas are a prelude to winter. We are fortunate to live in the Albany-Capitol District area with the Catskill, Berskhire, Green and Adirondack mountains all within an hours drive. Many ski areas and resorts will be celebrating a fall festival or Oktoberfest this Columbus Day weekend. (See the list of places to go this weekend)

What is Oktoberfest

The 176th Oktoberfest festival was held this year in Munich, Germany. The festival ran from September 19th to October 4. It is the most famous event in Germany and the world's largest fair, with more than six million people attending every year. It is an important part of Bavarian culture. If you entertain the thought of going, make sure you make your reservation at least a year in advance. Forget about renting a car and driving to Munich during this time. You won’t be able to get there. It’s a good time to learn all about public transportation. Oktoberfest in Munich is that popular.

The original "Oktoberfest" occurred in Munich, on October 18, 1810. It was for the commemoration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen namesake of the Theresienwiese festival grounds.


Visitors for Oktoberfest in Munich will consume huge amounts of traditional hearty fare such as Hendl(chicken), Schweinsbraten (roast pork), Haxn (knuckle of pork), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Würstel (sausages) along with Brezeln (Pretzel), Knödeln (potato or bread dumplings), Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), Sauerkraut or Rotkraut (red cabbage) along with such Bavarian delicacies as Obatzda (a fatty, spiced cheese-butter concoction) and Weisswurst (a white sausage).

Fall festivals and Oktoberfest in ski country
Here in New York and the great Northeast the Oktoberfest has been an annual event at many ski resorts for several years. It was introduced to America by German an Austrian ski instructors in the 30's. It is, of course, on a much smaller scale that signals the change of seasons and a reminder that winter skiing is not that far away. It’s a great way for ski resorts to promote themselves, add some family fun along with ski swaps and local events. This year, some ski areas are selling discounted ski tickets and passes for the upcoming season.The Columbus Day weekend has traditionally combined this German festival into a long holiday weekend. It’s the best of both worlds. You can view the changing colors, travel to a ski area and sample some great local beer and food. Maybe you’ll find a bargain or two.

If you’re free this weekend why not travel to your favorite ski resort and celebrate Oktoberfest or a fall festival at your favorite mountain.

Places to go this Columbus Day weekend

Hunter Mountain Oct 10-11

Oktoberfest features authentic German and German-American entertainment in the beauty of the northern Catskills in autumn. Our modern celebration of the harvest features a farmers market, plenty of vendors, free crafts and pumpkin painting for the kids, and much more. Free Admission makes it an affordable, fun time for all ages.

Lake Placid Olympic Jump Complex Oct. 10 -11

Blues, Brews and BBQs and 2010 U.S. Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined National Championships

This annual two-day event has something for everyone in the family - from watching the best ski jumpers in North America compete, live blues bands, tempting barbeque and great brews, inflatables, games, craft vendors and more - all with unparalleled views of the Adirondacks and the peak fall foliage. Take a chair lift or elevator to the top of the famed 120 meter ski jump for some of the best views in the Adirondacks during the peak fall foliage. Join us this weekend for one of the most exciting events of the Fall season!

Stratton Mountain, VT Oct 10 -12

Columbus Day Weekend and Harvestfest Celebration - Brewfest, chili cook-off, local vendors, musical entertainment, family fun run, Gondola rides to summit, tent sales and jeep rides.

Jiminy Peak Oct 10 -12

Annual Fall Festival - The Festival features a craft fair, the annual Hancock Fire Department Ski and Snowboard Sale, an outdoor BBQ, great sales on apparel and equipment from Mountain Sports by Potter Brothers and much more.

Windham Mountain Oct 10 -11

Homecoming - BBQ, chair rides, activities at the mountain. Also, the 3rd Annual Meatball cook-off

Autumn Afaiir( Main Street- Windham)- Chicken BBQ, entertainment and the food court will be on the lawn of Technett Computer Services, next to Bunce Realty on Main Street in Windham. Entertainment will include Smokin' Aces, Brad Berk, and - back by popular demand from an Autumn Affair two years ago - Chris Wilson. Sharon Phillips' "Music in Motion" will be performing on the United Methodist Church grounds for children's entertainment and pleasure. Christine Spero will be performing on Saturday from 2-5pm at Windham Wine and Liquor.

Gore Mountain - Oct 10-11

Gore Mountain Harvest Fest, North Creek

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ALL WEEKEND: Featuring The Ernie Williams Band & Raisinhead
HEARTY FALL FOOD & DRINK MENU: Including smoked turkey drumsticks and plenty of October beer!
SCENIC GONDOLA SKYRIDES & MOUNTAIN BIKING: Enjoy our famous fall activities during peak foliage
AN ARRAY OF ADIRONDACK VENDORS: Jewelers, photographers, artists, furniture makers, and SO much more CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINERS: Walking Magician & Penelope the Clown
CLIMBING WALL & EURO-BUNGEE: Bring on the fun!
AWESOME INFLATABLES FROM BOUNCE AROUND ENTERTAINMENT: Giant Slides, Obstacle Courses, Bounce HousesSTRAW MAZE: Only at Gore!

DON'T MISS THIS FANTASTIC FREE EVENT!

For more information about the REAL Oktoberfest: The Official Munich Oktoberfest

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Diether Endlicher

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Loveland Basin set to open Wednesday


Loveland Basin is set to open for skiing on Wednesday October 7, 2009 with an an 18 inch base and "tree to tree "coverage. It is the earliest opening day in 40 years. The ski area has been making snow since September 21.

Lift tickets will sell for $44 on opening day. Only one lift, Chair 1, will be open at Loveland Basin. The fun starts at 9 a.m.

Their chief competitor, Arapahoe Basin on the other side of the continental divide, will open on Friday.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

McConkey invented fun on wide boards

Baltimore Ski Examiner Wendy Reeves has it right. Shane McConkey made powder skiing fun. Every time you take a turn on those "Big Boys" thank Shane.

McConkey invented fun on wide boards


Paul Andersen: Fair Game | AspenTimes.com


The competition

An interesting comparison between Whistler-Blackcombe and Aspen. Two ski resort giants competing for your ski dollars.


Thursday, August 27, 2009

Bruce McCulley Named New General Manager for Whiteface Ski Center


The Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) has named Bruce McCulley the new General Manager for Whiteface Ski Center, located in Wilmington, NY. McCulley is replacing Jay Rand, who will become the new Executive Director of the New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF) on September 3.

McCulley has worked at Whiteface since 1981. He fstarted as a lift operator and snowmaker, moving into the supervisory and foreman positions during his career. In 1996 McCulley was promoted to Assistant General Manager. He has held that position he until his recent appointment as General Manager.

“Bruce has shown dedication and leadership at Whiteface earning the respect of his peers and from our patrons using the facilities,” said Ted Blazer, ORDA President/CEO. “He is the perfect person to follow in the shoes of Jay and I have complete faith in his abilities to keep Whiteface in the forefront of skiing and riding.”

“I am honored to be chosen for this position. I see Whiteface as the centerpiece of this region, and am privileged to work with a great team, which will ensure the future success of the mountain,” stated McCulley. “The beauty and stature of Whiteface certainly stand out as our greatest assets, and this combined with the excellent staff is a winning combination. I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Whiteface Mountain will host the 2010 US Alpine Ski Championship March 20 - 23.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Go green and recycle old skis


If you have been skier or boarder for any length of time, you will understand the dilemma of collecting old ski and snowboard equipment. It begins to pile up all around your home or apartment. The old skis and boots that served you well for so many years are now relegated to the garage, cellar or attic just collecting dust and fond memories. It’s tough to give up those faithful friends. If you live in or near a ski resort, it becomes increasingly apparent that ski shops toss discarded skis in the dumpster by the dozens only to fill your local landfill. Not very environmentally friendly but a fact of life. There are some better ways to recycle old ski equipment, make some money and maybe find a way to preserve those memories.

Now that summer has arrived in the Northeast and Fall is not far behind, this is an opportunity to get organized and remove ski and snowboard treasures from your home.

You have 4 choices:

1. Donate: Give items away to someone who may need them. (friend, neighbor, or charitable organization)

2. Sell: A garage sale, tag sale, Ebay or Craigslist and pocket the money

3. Ski Swap: Check with your ski club, local ski patrol or ski area for a ski swap. Ski swaps are generally held from September through November. If you have kids, this is a popular way to trade up as they outgrow old equipment. A ski swap now is the best way to help a charity, pocket some money and clear you attic.

4. Ski Furniture: Turn your skis into benches, racks, tables and Adirondack chairs. This doesn't make you any money but it is a way to turn your old skis and snowboards into a unique piece of furniture and preserve some memories.

The recycling and designing furniture out of old skis has evolved over the years. The following links are just a few in the Northeast that can transform your dusty skis into a work of art. You can admire your old equipment and at the same time enjoy the comfort of a new chair, coffee table and then feel good that you saved the environment. Congratulations, you're now GREEN.

The Vermont Ski Recyclers of Morrisville VT have been in business since 1995 turning ski shop trash, discarded ski equipment and a skiers favorite skis into works of art. They can custom style a new table or chair using your old skis.

Green Mountain Ski Furniture of Waterbury, VT specializes in Adirondack chairs, benches, tables and racks. Quoting from their website ---" will custom build just about anything you might want made from skis or snowboards, from birdhouses to bookcases and indoor or outdoor furniture of any kind." Their focus is working with individuals and customers to design and build unique furniture.

Skichair.com of Millbury, MA does it all. They offer a extensive choice of ready made ski and snowboard furniture, tables, benches and racks. They also offer kits and plans for the "Do-it-yourself" customer.

The Snowsource General Store of Newburyport, MA. Build your own ski chair kits.

How to make a ski chair video:Building the Muskoka ski chair


Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Gore Mountain: The North Creek Connection

In this uncertain, economic time, it hardly seems appropriate to be talking about money being spent on a mountain in the heart of the Adirondack mountains. In fact, Gore Mountain is really in the middle of no where.

During the ski season, weekends can be very crowded at Gore. It is not unusual to have the parking lot filled and cars parked for a mile down the access road. Recent improvements and development have helped to spread skiers out over 4 peaks so the lift lines are still short or non-existent on even the busiest days. But, come Monday, the crowds are gone and its not unusual to ski down a trail and not see a single soul. The week days hardly pay the expenses.

Gore Mountain is a state owned and operated ski area under the management of the Olympic Regional Development Authority, better known as ORDA. New York State is in the throes of an unprecedented economic downturn and many tax related projects have been scrapped, put on hold or entirely eliminated. Tax money was put aside several years ago for the Gore Mountain project. This was a fortunate turn of events because the plans made to connect Gore Mountain with the village of North Creek and the North Creek Snow Bowl will not be delayed.

Why is this project important to he town of North Creek, Gore Mt. and the southern Adirondack communities? This will make make Gore Mountain a destination ski resort with a village right at bottom of the lift. This will be a major lift for the economy of North Creek and the Town of Johnsburg, NY.

The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) approved a three-phase, ski resort development project.The project includes reopening the town's old Ski Bowl Park at Gore Mountain and installing a new 3,500-foot quad chairlift, which will be built and operated by the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA).

The APA also approved new construction of a private resort complex on 432 acres of land beside the ski area owned by FrontStreet Mountain Development LLC, a company run by the Crikelair family based in Darien, Conn. The resort, to be called the Ski Bowl Village at Gore Mountain, will have five hotels and inns, 131 townhouses, 18 single-family dwellings, a private ski lodge, an equestrian center, a nine-hole golf course, restaurants and retail space.

It was recently announced that the work has started on connecting Gore and the North Creek Snow Bowl. The main lodge is being expanded and modernized, and access to the Burnt Ridge ski area is being improved.

The connection project will be ready for 2010/2011 ski season.

“..the interconnect bridges the gap between the mountain and village.
It brings us back to our roots and North Creek's ski heritage," commented
Gore Mountain General Manager Mike Pratt in a March 13 article in the New York Times.

What does this mean for Albany region skiers? More skier terrain, a new lift and more parking. It also means that more families will think of Gore to spend a week vacation in the village of North Creek. More ski dollars for the local economy and it’s more tax revenue for NY state.

The only downside: You’ll have more company on the slopes during the week.

The Ski Traveler

Saturday, May 9, 2009

The Thunderbolt

The Thunderbolt Ski Trail

"After the work whistles blew, the young men would meet on the trail and practice their technique, making the 2 hour climb just for a single run down. Many of these local amateurs soon became top rated downhill skiers and earned their Class A rating (achieved by skiing the Thunderbolt in under 3 minutes) and a chance to compete against the likes of Dick Durrance, Alex Bright, and Ted Hunter, all of whom were Olympic skiers. They formed clubs with names like The Mt. Greylock Ski Club, The Thunderbolt Ski Club, and the Ski Runners of Adams. In 1939 and 1940, the Ski Runners of Adams, whose members were mostly teen-age farm boys and mill workers from Adams, raced on The Thunderbolt and won the team trophy, beating their rivals, the blue bloods from Dartmouth College."
----taken from "A History of the Thunderbolt Ski Trail"


The Thunderbolt Trail was originally a CCC built ski trail, and in 1936 hosted the United States Eastern Alpine Ski Championships. The trail is located on Massachusetts' Mount Greylock near Adams. Competitors back then, had to hike two hours to get to the top and then race down in a two to three minute run to the finish.With over 2000 feet of vertical drop, the Thunderbolt is still one of the tallest trails anywhere in the East. It's challenging but not so difficult that an intermediate skier couldn't handle it. With the advent of modern ski lifts in the early 40's and 50's, it was abandoned. Fortunately, enthusiasts brought it back to life in the '80s and to this day, it's kept reasonably clear by volunteers. You still have to make that 2 hour hike to the top. There are no lifts.

There are plans to host and celebrate the Thunderbolt Trail with a 75th Anniversary Race next February 20, 2010. Details are sketchy right now but as the next ski season approaches, check back for updated information (see the link below). If you live in the East, this would be a chance to participate and race on a legendary ski trail. You can be a part of ski history. A web site devoted to the Thunderbolt Trail has so much information. Someone did a very good job spending countless hours putting this web page together. It will will have you enthralled for hours with videos, pictures and the history of this famous ski racing trail.

See you on the hill,
The Ski Traveler


This web page is a wealth of information with photos, interviews, videos and more. It really preserves the Thunderbolt Trail and it's part in ski history. I guaranty you'll spend a lot of time here. The folks who put this website together did an awesome job!

The Thunderbolt Ski Runners Club
The Thunderbolt Ski Runners will host the 75th Anniversary of the Thunderbolt Ski Race scheduled for February 20, 2010. Check later on for updates and information about the race.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Avalanche at Tuckerman Ravine

Tuckerman Ravine
Saturday April 25, 2009

Yes, avalanches do happen in the Northeast. This one was caught on tape with a snowboarder riding it to the bitter end last Saturday. It was a very warm day and a typical "Lunch Rocks" crowd was on hand to lend support to the unsuspecting snowboarder.
Avalanches are dangerous anywhere but at Tuckerman Ravine there can be other hazards. Warm spring weather starts to warm the rock face and giant ice chunks can break off the upper cliffs. They can be size of a small car.
Great video by "Shotstar34".
Thanks for sharing.
The Ski Traveler

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Didier Cuche and the Flip

I am a fan of FIS World Cup Skiing. It was a fantastic racing season from start to finish this year. The downhill races in Wengen and Kitzbuehl were spectacular and the night slalom race at Schaldming will not soon be forgotten. The 40,000-plus ski fans at that event with their torches lighting up the night sky, their enthusiasm and flag waving reminded me how popular alpine ski racing is in Europe. It is a very major event. The World Cup at Val D'Isere saw Lindsey Vonn set the standard and break all the records. The Bode Miller soap opera continued all season long with Bode recently announcing he will be racing next season. Will he skiing in the 2010 Olympics? Only time will tell.
The one Alpine skier that caught my eye this year was the Swiss racer Didier Cuche. He is an aggressive, technical perfectionist who gives 100% for each race he enters. When he's doing well, he shows it with exuberance and enthusiasm as only a skier could who loves his sport. When he makes a mistake that costs him a race, he exhibits frustration and anger. It is the anger part that makes him different from all the rest. The story goes that after a particularly bad run he kicked his ski off in disgust at the finish area only to have that ski flip in the air nearly hitting him. An idea clicked in his head and he practiced this trick over the Summer season until it was perfected. Yes, all racers feel the need to take off their ski and show the brand to the TV cameras. That's how they make money for their sponsors. But when Didier Cuche crosses the finish line, everyone knows that the show is about to start. The cameras wait for it and the fans want to see it. The Didier Flip. It is now Didier Cuche's trademark and I know the Head Ski Company couldn't be happier. Congratulations to Didier Cuche for a spectacular season. - The Ski Traveler


Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Skiing Heritage

The recent passing of Andrea Mead Lawrence and just finishing a wonderful book, a biography of Buddy Werner, reminded me of skiing's rich history. Skiing has changed through the years and was brought about by passionate people who shared their enjoyment of skiing with the world in so many ways. Skiing Heritage is a remarkable collection of all those skiers and an archive of photos, events, clippings and interviews. It is a great resource for those who write about skiing and those who are just interested in history of the sport.

Skiing Heritage publishes a magazine 4 times a year. Each issue is a collection of stories of famous skiers, events and ski resorts. This is one magazine that I guarantee you will read from cover to cover. It is that compelling. Go to I.S.H.A. (Ski Heritage) and join today. If joining is not your thing, consider a donation. It will be very much appreciated. - The Ski Traveler
Other Ski history organizations:
New England Ski Museum
U.S National Ski Hall of Fame
Colorado Ski Museum
Vermont Ski Museum
Mammoth Ski Museum

Monday, April 6, 2009

My Soul is In Vermont


Andrea Mead Lawrence
1932 - 2009

Andrea Mead Lawrence received historian Bud Greenspan's decree "Greatest Winter Olympian of All Time" a half-century after becoming the only U.S. woman to win two skiing gold medals at one set of games.

In an article by Kevin O'Connor of the Rutland Herald in her last interview before her passing. She grew up outside of Rutland, VT on the slopes of Pico Peak and never forgot the Green Mountains of Vermont. It always seems as though all great skiers give so much back to the sport they love and the communities they call home. Andrea Mead Lawrence was no exception. She will be missed by her family, friends and the skiing community.

Los Angles Times The Los Angles times article

Andrea Lawrence Institute for Mountains and Rivers

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Keep in Touch with Cellphone and Webcams


Skiing Gadgets - The Resort Web Cam

Several resorts have web cams that you can actually control from your home computer. You may have to wait in line but when it's your turn, you are free to roam, zoom, check the ski conditions and generally do all those things you can do with a camera except actually be there on you skis..
On a bright spring skiing day at Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, NY, I observed a family from NJ conversing by cell phone, talking to their friends and waving at the web camera. They were sharing their ski day with their friends back home. A lot of fun but certainly good PR for Whiteface. With that thought in mind, I immediately whipped out my cell phone and called my son in Truckee, CA. Fortunately, with the 3 hour time difference, he was just getting up. Within minutes, he was online and looking at us soaking up the sunshine at the Mid-Station Lodge. He was thrilled to see us and so were we. The picture you see is what he captured that day. He reminded me that Squaw Valley has the same type of Web "Uber" Cam. He uses it to see his friends "Hucking" the cliffs at Squaw Valley.
What follows is a list of a few available web cams at different ski resorts. Check before you go on a trip to see where the cameras are located. Just about all resorts have some sort of web cam and a few have the user controllable kind. Please remember where you are when you call. Nobody wants a phone call in the dead of night just to see you on a web cam!

Have fun out there,
The Ski Traveler

Heavenly - Lake Tahoe Fixed live camera

Whiteface Mountain - Wilmington/Lake Placid - controllable (down for the season)

Squaw Valley - Lake Tahoe - the Uber cam, controllable

Aspen-Snowmass - Aspen, CO Aspen Mt. Gondola Cam - Controllable

Val Thorens - France Fixed cameras

Big Sky - Montana Live and controllable

Switzerland - Wengen, Murren and the Schilthorn Fixed cameras

Earthcam - Source for just about all webcams

Monday, March 30, 2009

Lost Trail Lodge

Don't Put Your Skis Away just Yet

In February, my son and his wife celebrated his 30th birthday in style by backpacking into the snow covered Sierras near Donner Lake and Truckee, CA. Their dog went along for the adventure. They stayed several nights and had a wonderful time. If your thinking that this maybe a bit primitive for lodging you will be pleasantly surprised.

The snow takes it time leaving the high country. This is a perfect time to get the last adventure on skis before you dust off the golf clubs.

The attached article "Snow Memories: Hike-in lodge is worth putting on the to-do travel list" by Hugo Martin of the Los Angeles Times says it all.

The lodge: Lost Trail Lodge is a four-mile trek by snowshoes or cross-country skis from the Donner Park near Donner Pass Road and Interstate 80, just outside Truckee, CA. Summertime, guests can hike, mountain bike or take a four-wheel drive to the lodge.

Cost: $79 per person per night. You must bring your own food. Your dog is welcomed

About the lodge: The lodge is open year-round and has seven cabins and a loft, with a total of 20 beds. Three of the cabins have Jacuzzi tubs, and all have wood-burning stoves.

Reservations: Phone: 530-320-9268, Or on line the web is www.losttraillodge.com.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Shane McConkey, 1969-2009




Decorated big mountain skier and BASE jumper Shane McConkey was killed early yesterday in a ski-BASE accident in the Italian Dolomites.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

It's Time for Tuckerman's

It's Time for Spring Skiing
Tuckerman Ravine -- Mt.Washington, NH - No lifts but a scenic 1.5 mile hike up to "Lunch Rocks" where all the action takes place at the base of the ravine. Literally thousands of skiers will take this hike up to this historic spot where the now legendary Toni Matt schussed the head wall winning the 1939 Inferno Race beating all his competitors by more than 5 minutes. His closest competitor that day was Dick Durrance another ski legend.

Lift ticket cost: $ 0.00

Fun Factor: 10 out of 10
Location: Pinkham Notch, NH

In New York: It's Whiteface, Gore and West Mountain
Spring skiing rates in effect

Out West: Sun Valley. Idaho and Squaw Valley, CA
Spring skiing deals on tickets and lodging

In Colordao: They're getting snow today! They have lift ticket deals and lodging discounts too.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Nataasha Richarson and Ski Helmets

Natasha Richardson skiing accident puts focus on helmet use

Article by





Dear Mr. Wagnon,

This is probably one of the better articles written regarding ski helmet use. The fact that you, the author wears a helmet, makes it even more appealing to read. Your unbiased reporting on the subject made it more interesting . Your research and the use of reference is right on and should be required reading for all who would debate this subject.

However,I have come to a different conclusion. I DO NOT wear a helmet. There may come a day when I might chose to wear one depending on the given circumstances, but as an adult, recreational skier, 20 year member of our local ski patrol, I do not see the need for mandated helmet laws. I think the public has been sold a bill of goods on the extent and reasons to buy a helmet. The recent injury to Natasha Richardson, notwithstanding, very few skiers (less than 2.6%) have fatal head injuries.At this date and time, her head injury attributed to a ski accident is only speculation. They have not presented an exact cause. Your chances of slipping in the shower and hitting your head are much greater than skiing.

However, children, racers (required anyway) and snowboarders should be encouraged to wear a helmet. If you feel more comfortable wearing a helmet, please do so. It is your choice.

We have fallen victim in America to looking for the "magic bullet" to solve problems. We want quick solutions and an answer for head injuries. Problem solved: pass a mandated helmet law! That is the easy answer.

The real culprit for skiing deaths and severe injuries is within ourselves. We demand groomed slopes and fast skis. We all watch the extreme skiing movies every Fall. Then, some of us, abdicate our own personal responsibilities to ski as fast as we want, where we want and when we want. The skier "Responsibility Code" is a joke. Skiing a closed trail, skiing out of bounds, and skiing straight down a busy trail at high speed and breaking the cardinal rule, "the skier below you has the right of way" has caused more unnecessary injuries than any helmet can ever hope to prevent. Yet, we fixate on one aspect of ski injuries. Your article correctly pointed out that head injuries are minor in relation to all other accidents sustained in skiing.

The real answer to this dilemma is that the ski industry needs to get a handle on irresponsible behavior of some skiers and boarders. I understand the ski resorts dilemma. They are loathe to press the issue on the paying public. I do see some resorts taking the initiative. A local area has a "Safety Awareness" patrol that monitors the slopes to check speeds, educate or if necessary, pull lift tickets or passes. Another ski area has a courtesy patrol that meets incoming buses and gives a 5 minute speech on ski/snowboard safety. I have just read about a ski resort that now requires a mandatory class to understand the rules and regulations of a terrain park,take a test and sign a statement saying you understand the rules before they even let you use the terrain park.

Really, the ski industry needs to look at itself, step up to the plate and implement more Risk Management strategies to target those individuals who are a threat to the skiing/boarding public.

I am for freedom of choice not another law that mandates wearing a helmet. It's not the answer.

Check out ski-injury blog to see the type accidents this ski season. Would a helmet have saved some of these skiers or boarders?

The Ski Traveler

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The Roundhouse at Sun Valley, Idaho

Roundhouse Video on Bald Mt.
There is no better place to be on a spring day than the Roundhouse Restaurant on Bald Mt. The view of the Pioneer Mountains is fantastic, the food is out of this world and the skiing is the best.


St. Patrick's Day - Squaw Valley, CA


Lenny the Leprechaun on the
Slopes of Squaw Valley!
Happy St. Patrick's Day
If you catch Lenny the Leprechaun on the slopes today at Squaw Valley he'll give you a prize out of his pot of gold!
Happy St. Patrick's Day Squaw Valley

The Ski Traveler

Happy St. Patrick's Day in Sun Valley

It doesn't get better than this, even if your not Irish. The Sun Valley Ski Blog reported 6" 0f new powder snow on Baldy for St. Patrick' s day. After a long day of skiing I can imagine heading to Warm Springs, Ketchum or Sun Valley Resort and finding my favorite watering hole. I bet Grumpy's has green beer.

Click on the title to see a video of the Sun Valley Ski Patrol enjoying the new snow.

It's time for a pint of Guinness. Cheers.
The Ski Traveler

Thursday, March 12, 2009

NY Governor Paterson Withdraws Tax Proposal on Ski Lift Tickets


Sometimes good things happen. I went to the SANY (Ski Areas of NY) website a few weeks ago to exercise my civic duty. I sent an email to every representative that had any say in stopping the tax on ski lift tickets. I must have spent 15 - 20 minutes emailing each representative, state senator and commissioner on the list. It was my mission to preserve the integrity and sanctity of my sport. Sometimes the democratic process works and in fact this time it did. (with help from the Federal Stimulus Bill). The power of the people, especially fired up and very passionate skiers should not be taken lightly. My hats off to Governor David Paterson for NOT seeking a tax on ski lift tickets. Now, I think we should encourage him to try the sport. There's always room for more.

It's time for some good spring skiing.

See you on the hill.
The Ski Traveler

Monday, March 2, 2009

Skiing In New York

It's been a few weeks since the last posting. In those 3 weeks I've had the opportunity to sample some of the best that New York has to offer from the very smallest to the largest ski area in the state. They are all uniquely different with their own personality, style and value. One of them is privately owned and 2 are owned by the state.

As with most states, New York being no exception, the economy and state budget process has taken a severe toll. Now, the ski areas are under attack. The Governor has proposed a sales tax on all lift tickets (which will be in some cases, 8%). This is one of many proposals that are on the table to reduce the state deficit and raise revenue. Unfortunately, it has also raised the ire of all privateley owned and operated ski areas and all skiers in New York. The real dig for privately owned ski area operators is that the state ski areas (Whiteface, Gore & Belleayre) are excluded from collecting the "Lift Tax". How fair is that? These are the very 3 ski areas that are funded by the state taxpayers. It is really hard to tell if they make money but they do compete directly with the privately owned ski areas that receive no state tax dollars. Since there are over 47 privately owned ski areas and only 3 state operated, it has rapidly become a bone of contention. For more information about his proposed tax go to Stoptheskitax.com Anyway, I digress. But, read the following about Oak Mountain.
Oak Mt. - Speculator, NY (02/21/2009) - We have friends that live near here. It is a small mountain but the perfect place for families to have a day of fun in the snow. Here you ski with friends and family, learn to ski, enjoy the scenery and all without spending a small fortune. The little ski hill is the focal point for this town. It has undergone several ownership changes over the years but, the last owner coudn't make ends meet. They added snow making, replaced the main t-bar with a chair lift, added new trails and a new ski lodge. All this improvement at a time when a couple of winter seasons produced little snow and and not enough cold weather for snow making. Unfortunately, bankruptcy loomed and the town of Speculator took over the management of the mountain and is now looking for a new owner to nurse it back to financial health. What's so heartwarming is that the people in this area have volunteered their time to help it stay open this ski season.. They all see it as an importnat attraction for their town .The parking lot attendants, ski rental shop employees, the ski instructors, the ski patrol and others are donating there time, at no pay, to help this ski area survive. As I have said before, this is a fun mountain for any family and it costs less than half as much as the big resorts. If you live in the Capitol District area please give it a try.

GORE MT North Creek, NY (2/25/2009) - A mid-week ski with several friends on a day when the weather couldn't have been better. It was a bluebird sky, powdery groomed trails and the lack of any noticeable crowd anywhere on the mountain. It was the perfect day for skiing. We took every lift that was open and had a chance to ski the entire mountain. Skiing Chatemac and Lies was the highlight of the day. We made several trips down Showcase and it's adjacent trails too. Being able to sit down with old friends and laugh about the old ski days of the sixties made the day even more special.

We skied almost to closing time because the weather forecast for the next couple of days looked pretty gloomy. Might as well ski while the powder is dry. As it turned out, the rain did come the next day and it poured. The high temps for the the next 2 days reaked havoc over the entire Northeast. What's worse, but typical for this neck of the woods, the mild temperature and rain was followed by a cold snap with temps back in the 20's. Yes, welcome to "Eastern Powder"

Whiteface Mountain Wilmington, NY (2/28 -3/1, 2009)- This is my favorite mountain to ski but to be the honest, the skiing was challenging, not for the faint of heart and definitley not for begining or inexperienced skiers this weekend. The rains a few days before pretty much wiped out all that was good at Whiteface. My hats off to the trail crews. Each slope has to be dragged and packed before it could be opened by the ski patrol. There is some mighty steep terrain on Whiteface and if you are a Groomer driving late at night on a hard frozen trail, high up the mountainside it is not the place that many of us wish to be. They do an excellent job. I saw the condition of Upper Skyward on Saturday. It was a gleaming, shining sea of ice. If you fell on that trail you would probaby slide to the bottom without stopping. The next day, the the Grooomers had dragged the trail to perfection. It was joy to ski. I really appreciate their work.

On Saturday, many of the trails were closed because of ice. On Sunday, a few more trails were open(Upper Skyward). It was sunnier and a bit warmer. Still, you needed well tuned skis, good technique and common sense. We had a good time on Mountain Run, Lower Cloudspin,Upper Skyward, Wilmington Trail and others. I still enjoyed myself even though the conditions were not the best.

In the Northeast, the weather has been a little different this season. We have had only 2 real large snow storms and some smaller storms with just a few inches here and there. After the warm spell in Decmeber, it has been very cold during Januaty and February. All ths snow we have gotten has remained which made for very good skiing. Now, with the rain and a couple of days of real warm temps followed by a cold snap, we need snow. We need the "Big Dump". It would be nice.

Today, there is a N'oreaster moving up the coast but it looks like very little snow for the Adirondacks. I just hope Vermont, New Hampshire and the resorts in Maine pick up a substantial amount. This ski season is is winding down. The days are longer and those March storms are so unpredictable. We are looking forward to some good warm days with great spring skiing.
The Ski Traveler

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Ski Europe this Winter

Ski Europe this Winter? - This may be a good time to check flights and resort deals. The Euro is down and the snow keeps piling up. It happens to be one of the best snow years in the Alps,Pyrenees and Dolomite's in quite a while. Combine that with the world economy, off season airline rates to European destinations and the resorts offering discounts for tickets and lodging, the timing just couldn't be better.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Vonn & Svindal take the Gold at Val d'Isere


Askel Lund Svindal conquered the Bellevarde course in Val d'Isere, France, to take gold. This was Svindal's first gold medal for the FIS World Ski Championship.
Lindsey Vonn had to beat a blistering time set by the 17 year old phenom Lara Gut of Switzerland to win her 2nd Gold medal in the Women's downhill. Gut captures silver.
Bode Miller? ---- Bode? ---is still being Bode. He's a DNF on the slalom course. Come on Bode! Lets go!
Catch all the action on Universal Sports

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Vonn Strikes Gold at Val d'Isere

February 3, 2009 - Lindsey Vonn has captured the first Gold medal in the FIS World Ski Championship at Val d'Isere, France. This is the first of several events for Vonn which holds the promise for more podium finishes in the days to come.


For the latest information please check Universal Sports and FIS Alpine World.com



Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Wengen, Kitzbuhel, Cortina and Schladming?

The drama and excitement of World Cup ski racing is in full swing as thousands of spectators flock to Wengen, Switzerland for the Lauberhorn Downhill Race. The Lauberhorn is the longest downhill on the FIS World Cup circuit and demands strength and stamina as speeds reach above 90 mph on the 2 -1/2 mile course. This years winner was Didier Defago of Switzerland edging out defending champion Bode Miller(2nd-USA) and Marco Sullivan (3rd-USA). An estimated 30,000 fans cheered as one of their own brought the cup back to Switzerland.

In Cortina, Italy the women enjoyed too much snow and a downhill race had to be canceled . When the sun came out on Saturday, it was pure excitement as racing continued on a shortened downhill course. The World Cup leader, Lindsey Vonn came in 2nd edged out by Dominique Gisin of Switzerland with Anya Paerson from Sweden third. Lindsey Vonn retains the 1st place lead in the World Cup points. She is having an outstanding year.

The Hahenkamm Downhill Race in Kitzbuhel, Austria attracted 35000+ fans to witness the toughest downhill race on the FIS World Cup Circuit. It is called the "Super Bowl" for skiing. The twists and turns, relentless steeps and high speed jumps make it a dangerous race if you are not prepared or make a mistake on the course. Again, Didier Defago of Switzerland came in 1st with Bode Miller tying for 4th.

By far, the most entertaining race to watch on Universal Sports was the night Slalom on a steep course in Schladming, Austria with 50,000 fanatic Austrian ski fans. They were there to see an Austrian skier win and they weren't disappointed. Reinfried Herbst and Manfred Pranger of Austria skied to a 1, 2 finish with Ivica Kostelic of Croatia in the third spot. You had to see it to believe it. 50,000 ski fans lined the course in a heavy snow storm with banners, horns and red flares to support their ski team. It was an unbelievable sight. It would be nice to see a turnout like that at any World Cup ski race in the USA.

Why mention ski racing in a web page devoted to ski travel? Maybe it's just me, but watching athletes at the top of their sport competing in something they love is inspiring. But more than that, the ski resorts that hold these prestigious ski races get free advertising and a chance to show the world what they have to offer. The recent huge snow fall in Cortina D'Ampezzo that clung to the majestic Dolomite peaks was a beautiful back drop to the Women's' Downhill race. The bluebird skies of Wengen, Switzerland and the picture postcard setting of Kitzbuhel, Austria only has me adding these places to my "Bucket List" for future must ski resorts.

Check these European ski resorts on the web and start planning your own trip. And yes, you can ski these famous downhill courses when you get there but, be advised----- keep it under 30 mph.

Wengen, Switzerland - Ski the Bernese Oberland. Murren and Grindlewald are in the same area.
Kitzbuhel, Austria - Austria's premier ski resort

Cortina D'Ampezzo - The incredible scenic Dolomite mountain range in Italy

Schladming, Austria - One of several resorts in the Dachstein area.



The Ski Traveler