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First really good day of skiing. Aaaah :-D Last weekend I was out both Sat and Sun on a short round, but there was only just enough snow and everybody and their grandmother was also out, so it was a crowded and busy affair. Today, 25 km on good, soft snow, well groomed, just enough people to smile and nod to :-)
I spent the weekend at Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Vermont. Skiing was great. Skied hard Sat morning til about 1 pm, rested most of the afternoon, then another hour on the trails. Today we did a long snowshoe hike combined with some animal tracking. Temperature 2-4F today but it was sunny.
Went back to the place I went with the group Saturday, but this time took a private lesson and then stayed and practiced for a while. I think I am getting the hang of things more now, and it was nice to not be worrying about keeping up with anyone. There was a small hill in a wide-open area that I practiced climbing and descending a few times...it helps to not have the possibility of crashing into trees while working on downhill technique!
I'm taking a private 2 hr skate ski lesson on Friday. I can classic OK. We've got miles and miles of trails around the corner from the alpine area. I figure I should pick it up ok becasue I am in reasonable shape, and I can skate in my alpine gear like nobody's business. Yes, I know there are differences but i hope it will help me catch on.
I had an awesome ski today, at Northfield Mountain, in western MA. This is actually a mountain (small) that was bought by a power company. In exchange, they had to develop the land for recreation. While there are a good deal of green trails, some of them great for warming up, there's mostly difficult climbing/descending. However, you can even ascend to the summit on a moderately built road that is a green trail. There's no food here, the center is bare bones... but the grooming is stupendous, as is the scenery. I finally feel like I got my ski legs back. Good thing, we are leaving for Stowe in 3 days. I am not sure how far I went, but we skied for 2 hours.
Lots of good snow lately for skiing! Have gotten out a few more times, including on the trails at a farm here in town which are open to the public and often groomed. They are a little more challenging than the XC ski center a few towns over, partly because of more ups and downs (with curves on or at the bottom of many of the descents) and partly because people walk there with bare boots and tend to mess up the snow. So far the best I have done on that loop is to "only" fall down twice (yesterday)...will feel pretty good when I get to the point of being able to complete it without wiping out, eating it or crashing once! I have tomorrow off so am planning to take advantage of the new snowfall and get some skiing or snowshoeing in.
Day one of skiing in Stowe
We went to The Stowe Mountain x country center. The skiing was awesome and challenging. Even the green trails were full of ascents. Had one great long and wide downhill, a couple of scary, twisty, narrow downhills with moguls, and one super steep one that turned and ended at a bridge. My friend the super skier fell. That and one of the others was a black diamond. After lunch, we went back out and did a green/blue loop with one big climb.
On the way back to the cottage, I stopped and got some Epsom salts.
I did NOT have a good ski day today! Went to the place in town again; it had been groomed but the middle of the trail was higher with depressions on each side (they groom with a machine that has tracks on each side and pulls a big roller, and the roller didn't compact the snow as much as the tracks did) so there was a pretty narrow area to try and stay on. This did not go well when trying to snowplow on descents, particularly since the snow was pretty hard after a warm day yesterday followed by refreezing of what was already some pretty wet snow. I did not even try to do the main loop; the first gradual descent was so scary that I wimped out, turned around and went to a different trail (which was also difficult in spots, especially the curve on a downhill where the trail sloped down toward the outside of the curve--that was good for an awkward crash when I slid to the outside, into the rut, couldn't make the turn, and caught my tip under the hard crust outside the groomed trail). It is just so hard to have any kind of control on this hard packed snow...anyone have any helpful tips? It would be nice to be able to effectively avoid picking up a lot of speed on downhills when the snow is like this. At least when the snow is a little softer the snowplow works! I must have fallen at least five or six times...can you tell I'm frustrated with myself today?
On sharp descents with cross-country skis I try to "pulse" my snowplow, as in: plow hard, let up, slide a little to one side, plow hard etc. That gives me better stopping power as I edge harder. Or I'll plow harder on one side, let up, then harder on the other side. It can resemble slalom turns. But on the icy stuff it's sometimes better to just push through, especially if it's narrow, and look for softer patches to snowplow on.
If I find myself picking up a bit too much speed towards a turn crouching down and dragging the inside pole gives me just a little bit of added balance and control. Maybe it's just in my head, but it does work :-)
I think LPH's advice about pulsing the snowplows is good. For icy downhills, you just have to dig those edges in and slow the snowplow down. The quality of the grooming makes a big difference, as does temperature and sun. You should try another place and experiment with conditions/ different types of grooming.
Days 2 and 3 in Stowe:
Yesterday was snowing like hell and wind gusts up to 30 mph. Out we went at Von Trapp (the hills are alive...). Once in the woods the wind was not much of an issue and it was not that cold. But, blowing snow had pretty much obliterated the grooming, tracks were non-existent and the packed lane was almost back country conditions. Two hours of slogging through that was enough! At the end, we were in open fields, and it was pretty miserable. Not hard terrain, but not fun. Chalk it up as a htfu experience.
Today went back to Trapp and it was perfect. Still some flurries, no wind and 30 degrees. We skied up to the cabin, ate lunch, and skied down, about 20k. It was not technically hard, but long. Tired but happy. No skiing tomorrow, we will shop and drive home.
I did a day of skiing at Windblown yesterday. The snow was excellent packed powder with temps in the 20s and sunny skies. Unfortunately, my leather backcountry 3-pin boots died the day before, so I had to rent boots and use some waxable in-track skis with SNS bindings that a friend loaned me. I wasn't used to the narrow skis, as they felt much less stable than my BCs, but by afternoon I'd forgotten about the difference and was running up hills and taking more speed on the downs. Now waiting on mail-ordered 3-pin boots to see if they'll fit and do the job - I've got weekends of skiing in VT planned the next 2 weekends. Meanwhile I found a pair of BC NNN boots for $30 that fit well and bought an NNN binding that I may put on a pair of old skis.
So much snow! I don't want it to rain, nooooooo!!!!
Going to Great Brook with my cycling group today. I am sure they will be slow and sociable, but that's why I am going (the sociable part). I finally have Wednesdays totally free.
We kind of impulsively booked a night at an inn in the Berkshires for Saturday when we were up in Stowe. We plan to get up Sat. morning, go to a x country center that is on the way, ski, then drive to Pittsfield to the inn, get up the next day, head back east, and ski somewhere else. With the impending rain and warm temperatures, I am doubtful we'll be skiing. However, maybe it won't rain out there. Will bring the snow shoes and ice spikes in case we hike or snow shoe.
Have fun, and I hope your weather cooperates so you can have a nice weekend in the snow! WE are starting the "Great 2014 Snowmelt" that will, no doubt, end in flooding. That is the way of things after a winter like this one. 50's today/tomorrow. Storms tomorrow. More snow this weekend and back to the 20s..
Yup, our weather is pretty much on the same path. Just got back from skiing/lunch. It was fun, but it was so warm, all of our waxless skis were sticking, despite the fact I used the maxi glide before I left. We stopped and one of the group let some of use hers again. Nothing was very "fast," but it was good to be outside. The people who showed up for the ski were not my favorite members of the group and I was most likely the youngest :eek:. I now have to go out and try to shovel some and get some ice melt down. DH is away and I cannot use the snowblower. The main driveway we share is plowed but the huge area in front of my house is not. I shoveled a small area before I went skiing, but I didn't want to get tired. Well, now I am exhausted, but if I don't do it, it's going to be nice and icy after the rain/freezing drizzle, and my cleaning people come tomorrow. They have a 4 WD, but I don't want anyone to fall. Plus, I have boot camp early in the AM.
Agreed! It is snowing here (pretty heavily) right now but I think it is supposed to rain some. If it doesn't rain, maybe I will ski tomorrow morning; otherwise will plan to snowshoe since it is no fun to ski on ice! I did get out skiing before work Monday at the big XC ski center about 25 minutes away and had a much better ski than Saturday, just one "almost fall" so maybe I should chalk Saturday's fiasco up to the poor conditions on the local trails.Quote:
Originally Posted by Crankin
Jolt, the conditions really matter when you are starting. And, they matter to me still, after 20+ years of skiing. I always feel totally uncoordinated at my local center, where I went today, because the conditions are marginal a good deal of the time compared to others. It's the combination of the open fields, poor grooming, and other environmental things. I did trails that were 50X more challenging up in VT and today I felt like I was going to lose it. I didn't fall, but this happens routinely at this place for me.
Going up to North Conway, NH in a bit, maybe the last ski of the season? We were going to go to Franconia, where we have an inn we love, but found out that Bretton Woods is actually closed to the public as they are having a x country ski marathon this weekend. So, given the conditions I researched, there seems to be good snow further north, so we'll probably ski at Bear Notch, a small, funky, but excellent place that always has good conditions when others don't. I think on the way home, we'll drive down to Waterville Valley and ski there on Sunday.
Right now, looking forward to the lounge and dinner at the inn tonight!
Crankin, you make this sound so fun :)
Today we skied at Great Glen. I've never been there before; really nice people and good grooming. We did all do the green and blue trails and determined we could definitely do the black trails here next time. Skied for 2 hrs., ate lunch, and went back out for about an hour. Then we shopped in the store, where I bought some new ski pants 25% off. We went back to the inn, showered, and went off to the PI outlet in N. Conway. My friend spent 400.00 but PI does not fit me well; I bought some running/gym capris and some gloves and DH bought a couple of things. Got back to the inn and had wine, some free appetizers and then ate dinner.
Going to bed soon! We are going to ski at Jackson tomorrow.
It is fun, Catrin. Last blast of winter.
Sounds like a great day Crankin! I should definitely get over there since it's so close to where I live:) Although everytime I pick up my boots, my four legged friend is ready to go... somehow I'll have to find a way to sneak out HA!
Enjoy your day today!!
Today we skied for 2.5 hours at Jackson. Brilliant sun and pretty warm, 29? Because so many of the trails are not shaded, there was a good deal of slickness. The grooming was great, but, by the end of the ski, there were some bare patches at the higher elevations. Anyway, I liked it a lot, but was kind of sore from yesterday and myback was acting up. Nothing horrible, though. Did a monster climb in the beginning, then lots of smaller climbs, in between the long green loops. It took longer to get back than we thought, as one of the trails was not groomed. Anyway, we had to go down the monster climb, to get back to the center, but right before that, you have to take your skis off and cross the road. I coldn't clip in to my right ski and had to take time to clean the ice out of the binding. Hence, I did the monster downhill alone. I was fine, but probably not looking so elegant at the end. I was starving and tired! We had a good sandwich at a deli and then my friend drove off by herself to a conference in southern NH and we took her DH home.
This was a successful ski trip, and maybe the last of the year. The snow coming Wed./Thursday is going to hit north of here in a big way, we are only going to get 1-2 inches. We have theatre Friday night and staying in town, so no weekend away. I'd really like to be on my bike next weekend, but my feeling is there's going to be lots of melting and refreezing and it may not be optimal. I'll always take another ski.
They're saying 6-10 inches of snow here Wednesday/Thursday...looks like more skiing and snowshoeing will be on tap. I have been enjoying the winter sports but am about ready for spring!
Skiied today and the conditions were the best of the year! Although we have lots of snow, we also have ice under that, so it tends to come to the surface when there is melting or other tracks.
JOLT: AS Crankin mentioned, I would ve very patient with yourself. Although Southern Maine has received more snow than we have, we've also received lots of rain as well. As I'm sure you've learned, conditions change everyday, whether you are at a ski center or not. I try to remind myself that it is only making a more skilled skier, although I struggle with those thoughts all the time. HA!
More snow this week, so the trails should become even better!!! Great time to get out on ski's and the FATBIKE:)
FATBIKE after the snow this week, not so much. The conditions for riding have been AMAZING up there though, and we have been doing A LOT of it. This snow will actually make it considerably worse, at least in the short term. The skiing, however, has been FANTASTIC. I've been hitting the Bethel Inn and/or the Outdoor Center every week. The Outdoor Center tends to have better grooming, and the trails are a bit more fun, but the Inn has Apps and Taps (1/2 price appetizers and beers) from 4-6 pm :D.
Definitely bringing the snow shoes up this weekend.
Crankin - Great Glen is actually pretty fun to ski if it's not too cold, and there really isn't anything that is too hard there. A couple of good climbs, but definitely do-able. Two weeks ago, they let fat bikes on the trails after being closed for the day - we went and had a blast! And Jackson is my favorite place to ski, but we haven't made it over there yet this year (too much fat biking...).
SheFly
Well, after our last storm and another 20" of snow I was anxious to get out on skis today. Shanna, my chocolate lab is generally my partner in crime, so she was excited to be out as well. It's a beautiful blue bird day here today, so we opted to go out for a couple of miles even though the trails had not been groomed yet. What a gorgeous day, can't wait until tomorrow :)
Did my (probably last) day of skiing for the season yesterday at Windblown. Went up with 2 friends and met 2 more friends from RI. Conditions were crusty and coarse granular, as you'd expect from recent rain and then below freezing temperatures. Grooming was well done on the green and blue trails - black trails were not groomed and best avoided. Skiing was fast but controllable (at least for those with metal edges). The sun was shining all day. Great day to be out.
I got out on ski's over the past few days, and have to admit that this freeze/thaw cycle is really doing a number on the trails. I met the groomer yesterday(snowmobile) and thought perhaps it would be a bit better, and although the trails were indeed a bit smoother... I now had huge ice chunks under my feet. Some of these ice chunks were bigger than my feet! Needless to say, it was great to be outside BUT the ice really made things very difficult with simply standing up. Ice continued to push your feet/ski's all over the place... hopefully I'll be able to get out later in the week when the temps get a bit warmer.
Unfortunately, today was one of those days that even the Fatbike would have had issues, but more good days to follow :)
Got out yesterday and temps were warm enough to soften at least the top coat! Surprised this morning as we received 6-8" of new snow and still snowing as I type this.
Well, after receiving another foot of snow this week, the conditions are great!! My four legged friend is extremely anxious to get out each day, not sure what will happen after the snow is gone. :) Although in reality, that will be quite awhile yet...
Sounds wonderful, Ridebikeme. But, the switch has gone on for cycling down here... I really need to be on my bike.
I am sure the conditions at Windblown were awesome today, from the pictures I've seen. If I were up north, I'd be skiing!
Crankin: the weather here isn't really good enough to ride outside unless you are on a FATBIKE. So, I go and ski and then come back and hop on the trainer. It's too soft for the Fatbike on the trails, and with all of the snow, roads are too narrow. Bug weather will get cooler tonight, sp we'll see what happens. I will admit that I'm definitely envious with you being able to ride outside>:)
Well, I could still be skiing, if I wanted to drive for an hour, but, like i said, the switch went on in my head! I didn't do much cold weather riding last fall/early winter, or even last winter, so I've been forcing myself out the door if it's above 38 degrees. And, when I actually get out there, it's enjoyable. I think part of the reason I like skiing so much, is that the season is so short, I get "crazy" with it.
Some of the roads here are still melting, but except for my first ride, last Saturday, the rest has been fine. Of course, we are going to get some more snow on Wednesday, but it looks like, not more than a couple of inches, so the roads won't get too messed up again.
Oh! I'm definitely envious when I hear about your road conditions! Although we have had snow melt, the snowbanks are still high and roads narrow here... but I keep reminding myself that will change. Of course, waking up to -11 this morning, well now I'm VERY anxious :)
Bump!
Snow is on its way. I might have a week that involved riding and skiing. Six to ten inches predicted, especially in the area where my favorite semi-local touring center is.
On another note, we just booked a one week vacation in the Methow Valley at the end of Feb.
I most certainly did have a week with riding and skiing.
No snow. Anywhere.
It's just too cold for me to ride outside. I guess I'm a wimp. Looking for some local hiking with elevation today.
Got some backcountry touring in 2 weeks ago. Last weekend it was below zero so we decided to stick at home.
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Is anyone skiing????
I've been out a few times, thankfully, we have snow!
Been out a few times in the backcountry. The mountains still need more snow. Feb and March are our big snow months
From Day 2 of skiing this weekend. Saturday was a high of 10 F, with sustained winds of 20 mph, gusts up to 40. I was almost blown over more than once. Today was perfect.