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.

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.


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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

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.