Printable View
Me, I might try the Nordic center trails, just because I so rarely get to ski with anyone around or have company. Just something different for a change, but would probably head out into the boonies before too long. :)
My trails are still to ice covered to be safe. When you slide sideways on your skis as much as forward, it's time for the snowshoes with teeth. My Crescent Moon Back Country shoes are perfect.
First day of skiing done!
We left home at 10 am and drove to Hearth Farm Nordic, a new ski area. We brought our lunches, ate, and got out on the trails about 12:45. Only 2 intermediate trails were open, sonwe warmed up on a green loop and off we went. It was beautiful, wide, one way trails, and not hard. We skied about 6k, just perfect to retool our skills.
I didn't fall and while the conditions weren't super, it was good.
Tomorrow we'll be at Bretton Woods, where they had 1.5 ft of snow.
Day 2 and 3 of skiing are done. Yesterday we went to Bretton Woods Nordic, at the Mt Washington Resort. It was fairly quiet for this place, when we arrived; beautiful, the most clear, sunny, and calm I have ever seen there. We wanted to do some different trails, so we did a couple of blue trails that were not that hard, and then an easy trail back to the center. I appreciated the scenery and quiet. We got back and ate lunch, and 40 minutes later, it was gray, flurrying, and a bit windy. We skied for another hour, again on a blue trail and headed back. We were exhasted from a total of 2.5 hours of skiing.
Had a great NYE dinner at our inn, allowing us to have lots of wine! Got up this morning very stiff, my SI joint screaming and my upper body feeling it, too. Went out to ski a little later than normal, as we went to the Franconia Trail system down the road. It's a collaboration of the Franconia Inn and local landowners. We did the most difficult skiing of our lives here, a few years ago, not just because of the serious elevation and descents. The trails are narrow and they lay the tracks in the middle, which makes it hard for me to descend, as I get out of the tracks to do that and here there isn't enough room. It would be better for them not to track these trails. So, we chose the intermediate loop, with a small loop of flats at the end. It is warmer today, about 35, so we lubed our skis, but it was sticky and lots of bare-ish spots. That, plus the above issues made it slow going. It was hard work and made me feel like a crappy skier, which I am not. Let's just say my descents were inelegant, but not falls, just spazziness.
Resting now and we will not ski tomorrow. Conditions will be deteriorating.
I'm with you on the steep descents. Would rather have fresh snow, than tracks or the ice hardened stuff we have, now. We really do need some fresh snow. That's the skiing game, though. Mostly stayed on the level to gentle stuff, today.
At Bretton Woods on Saturday.
Love the pic.
Went for a nice 2 hour ski at Windblown today. Somehow they preserved their base through all of the rain last week and had about 4 new inches. It was beautiful out, but18 degrees up there. So, the conditions were OK, some trails closed and others not in the tip top shape they usually are, as this more local place has the best grooming south of northern Vermont. We were shocked how quiet it was; there was lots of parking and although more came as the day went on, it was not busy. There's a lot of climbing here, so that was good. I did descend probably the second hardest trail i usually do here, with no problems. The hardest one, we thought about doing it from a lower elevation, but the trail to access that was closed.
I seem to feel tired at the beginning of my skis, but I always perk up. Still feel slow, but no falls. I think last winter of only 3 skis left me with some catching up to do on skills. Not terrible, but I feel it.
It's going to be 55 and rainy Wednesday. Sigh.
Good for you, Crankin'.
I've been getting a little nutty waiting for some decent snow (all my skiing is on un-groomed trails), but we finally got just under two inches, overnight. Not much, but just enough to cover the icy stuff and allow me to ski without breaking my neck. Got a good two hour workout, so feel much relieved. Supposed to get another 4" over the next day or so. Good news, of course, but also means I'll be breaking trail a lot, too. Have the skiing all to myself, though, so don't mind a bit.
Just booked our annual trip to Stowe, VT today. We didn't think we would be going this year, as our friends are in new jobs, without a lot of time off, but realized they both have Presidents' Day off. Unfortunately, this is also the start of school vacation week in southern New England, so we are actually staying in Morrisville, VT, a cool little town outside of Stowe, with at least 5 craft breweries. We will be close enough to ski in Craftsbury, also, one of the most awesome nordic centers around.
Last year when we were in Stow, I was deathly ill, it went down to -21 degrees one night, and there was no snow for skiing. So, I will take 3 days of good health and snow, vs. that!
There is going to be snow here in northern MA/southern NH tomorrow. I think we will be able to ski at Windblown this weekend.
Have a great trip in every way. Sounds like a vacation as much as a ski trip. Great combination.
I'm hurting for decent snow. Oh, we have plenty, but it's half ice, with the soaking it's had from rain and drizzle we've had for the past month and it's sleeting and raining, again, today. Not at all typical for us, this time of year. Tried skiing, yesterday, but too treacherous even on the flats. Went snowshoeing, instead.
I haven't weighed in here in a long time - currently spending too much time skiing (when not at work, of course). Our snow was late this year - my first ski day was December 2nd, and that was on rocks and dirt, but after a week we started getting hit hard with snow, and the real grooming started. There was about a week of 30+ temps, when we lost a bunch of snow, but it never ruined the skiing. I've missed a total of 6 days: 2 for a December blizzard, 2 in January (one of those because I needed a rest day, and needed to rake snow off the garage roof), and 2 last week because I was sick. So I added it up last night (I've been tracking it as I go, and keeping weekly & monthly totals), and I have 1107 km in so far for the season. That may be my best ever at this point of the season, in about 42 years of skiing! Fortunately, DH is very supportive, and has only grumbled a little a couple of times - generally after he spent a bunch of time moving snow while I was out playing.
I also had my best race in about 20 years 2 weeks ago! So I am really happy with this winter! Well over 200" of snow so far in the Keweenaw.
We have snow! The first real snow since 2015. I have the next 3 weekends planned for skiing, local and in NH and VT. Plus, I may get at least 2 weekday skis in.
Very happy and will report back tomorrow, after our ski at Windblown.
Awesome ski at Windblown today. We got up to mid point of the "Open Slope," and skied down, which was great, because it was all powder. This is a trail/mountain that could easily be a downhill ski run. I don't think I will ever get further than I have, as the downhill is black diamond further up, and while I can ski black trails in most places, not here! We got there at 9:40 and it was quiet, but by the time we came in for lunch, it was busy. A cloudy day, and colder that I thought it would be, but I had brought an extra vest, which I wore for the morning. The only bad thing was, I lost one of my fleece gloves. Thankfully, I had brought another pair, which is unusual.
Tomorrow, we will get up and go to Great Brook Farm, our local x country center. We can ski the 10K outer loop and get a good workout, and then hunker down, as we have another 12-18 inches coming. Maybe no work Monday?
Have been seeing the new reports on those storms you've been getting. Wow! Looks like you're set for skiing for a good long while.
Yes! It was lightly snowing/flurries when we left to ski this morning. But, when we got to the trails, it stopped. On and off flurries as we skied. Sunday is truly a busier day for touring centers, but we got there at 9:15 and skied super fast for the first half, where we tend to see more people. DH was behind me, and I like to say I am paying him back for the summer on the bike! Got to the "climbing" section and was definitely feeling it in my back/SI joint, thus I had one fall skiing down the end of the bigger climb. It's a little difficult to negotiate, with a turn and almost mogul like terrain, but although I was on my butt, I stood right up and continued skiing down. DH saw it and told me my recovery looked very professional. Normally, I stop to set up the descent, but I was feeling confident.
As soon as we left skiing, it was snowing heavier. We stopped and had brunch at our favorite café, did an errand, and now hunkered down. My boss just texted me that we are closed tomorrow, so I have to call all of my clients and cancel. Yay.... I may try to get out in the storm tomorrow. We could get up to 18 inches. And the best thing is, the blizzard watch has been extended to Vermont, where we will be next weekend.
What a frustrating year for the West MI snowbelt. We typically get ~100" of snow. This year I don't think we're even close to half that. And when we did have snow it was too cold to go out. Long-term forecast has NO snow. Now, I really loathe Winter, BUT...if it's going to be cold, it sure would be nice to be able to make use of it. Haven't been out even once on the skis that we got new last year and only got 4 uses out of. This Winter has been even less conducive to skiing than last year. By next year DS (just turned 16) will be way over the weight range for his skis. Fat bikers are miserable, since trails are too muddy to ride.
We're up here in NE Wisconsin, so getting much the same weather, though still enough snow for skiing, but only if on groomed trails. Way too icy, otherwise. Been riding the fat bike on my ski trails, though, because they're still frozen. Unfortunately, that's soon to change with a week of 40 and even 50 degree weather headed our way. That's still okay, because I'll just head out on the roads with the fat bike. One thing about a fat bike, you can always find a place to ride one.
First day of ski trip.
Got here late yesterday afternoon. Had pleasant drinks and conversation with other guests at the inn, went to dinner, and the our friends arrived a bit after we got back. The breakfast here was unbelievable. Today we skied at Craftsbury. It's a nordic center with rooms and cabins, a big training center, and site of races in the Northeast Kingdom of VT. So, it was warm, between 32 and 50, but it was awesome. The snow got progressively sticky before lunch and after lunch, it just felt slick. We only skied for an hour after lunch.
There was a juniors race going on; very much like a bike race! Kids were skiing sleeveless or with no shirts. It was warm, but not that warm!
Nothing hurts and I am drinking wine, in preparation for dinner at a Cuban restaurant. However, tomorrow looks like rain. It may be a shopping day.
Where abouts? I grew up in Door Co. and my sister and mom still live in Sturgeon Bay.Quote:
Originally Posted by north woods gal
So, we did not ski Sunday. It was predicted to be warm, with rain. We thought we might get out in the AM, but the sketchy rain forecast nixed that. So, we shopped in Stowe, drank beer and ate lunch, did a little walking and got back to the b and b at 3:30. It never rained, but was about 58 F :eek:. Went out to another brew pub at about 7:30, when it did actually start raining. We managed to eat, but no one could have more than a 3 oz. pour! Went to sleep praying it didn't totally mess up the trails. When we got up, it was not raining, but flurrying, with the sun out and 30 degrees. Everything by the inn was mud. We ate, packed up and drove to Von Trapp ski touring. It's a huge resort, with a brewery now, restaurant, etc, and the most expensive nordic skiing around. But, they have awesome grooming and we knew it would be a sketchy day. The trail we went out on was slicker than hell, loose granular, although it had just been groomed. After a long descent, it got better. But, looks like I saw my last powder last weekend. We skied for 2 hours, ending with a very steep and somewhat icy climb; just as I was nearing the top, my edge on my left ski skid out and I went down on my knees. I had to really use a lot of upper body strength to get up, but it was just a knee down thing and not a fall on my azz, splayed out on the trail thing.
Got back to the lodge and it was 35 degrees. We were all tired, so we ate our sandwiches and decided to head out back home. Got home at around 4:15.
So, next weekend, we booked an inn near our favorite local-ish ski place for Saturday night. We had hoped to go up Saturday, ski, get to the inn around 3, have our dinner there in the restaurant, and then ski Sunday and be home by 2-3. Now, it's going to be 50-60 on Saturday and rain in the PM, after 2 days of being in the 60s. Sunday is supposed to be in the high 30s, so we will probably just ride or go to the gym Saturday, drive up and enjoy some wine at the bar, eat dinner, sleep and head to the touring center Sunday. We've already planned to snow shoe to the top of the mountain (I could never ski it, it used to be a dowhill run) if it's too crappy for skiing.
I went skiing with my bike club at the local nordic center this morning. There were 7 of us and also a group of snow shoe-ers who went off on trails on the other side of the road.
I have learned that it's important to get out there early at this place, and it is really only good when there's powder. The grooming at this place is not like the other places I go to; it's great to have it in the next town, but there's a few woodland trails with twisty, not steep downhills, where it's narrow, there's piles of snow on the side, moguls and basically not a lot of room to maneuver. The snow was not icy, but crunchy, as it went above freezing at the end of the storm. The leader is a slow cyclist, a good hiker, and apparently a faster than me skier! Two other guys were also pretty speedy, two women who were a bit faster than me on the flats, but coud not climb or descend as well, and a guy who was really struggling. He went back before the rest of us. It was beautiful out, but I fell more today than all of the other times I've skied this year. Almost every time i ski here, I feel like a terrible skier, which is weird, since it is where I learned to ski.
So, in the end, about 8K, I worked hard and I got outside. I did go to lunch with the group, where the 2 women who are similar to me were annoying me, making fun of others who are scared of steep hiking ascents and calling someone who had trouble getting up from ski falls a beached whale :eek:. I am not sure what is going on with this... one I have never liked. Her bike skills have become horrible and she always tries to drop me, until of course, I drop her on climbs. The other one I like more, mostly because I feel badly for her, since her DH got killed in a bike accident, when he left a group ride early for an appointment. Generally, I hang out with the guys in this group, who even if they are fast, are more forgiving in nature.
I wish I could go to NH tomorrow, but work is calling. Will be doing that on Saturday.
We're a bit north yet. Up the road from Rhinelander.Quote:
Originally Posted by zoom-zoom
Skied for 3 hours at Windblown today. Very weird conditions. First, it was so sticky, we had to stop and put Glide on our skis a second time. Then, it improved, albeit a bit mushy in spots and slick in others. The weirdest thing was there seemed to be huge post holes in the middle of the trails at times. This place has fabulous grooming and separate snow shoe trails. Where snow shoers do have to use a ski trail, they stay way out of the way. It's like some renegades got out and walked on the trails. But, a gorgeous, bluebird day, close to 40 degrees. Skied with no head cover and unzipped. Wish I had brought my vest.
At our inn and resting. DH does not want to ski tomorrow, but I do, despite developing a disturbing back issue last night. Skiing did not make it worse, so lots of stretching and heat.
We did ski this morning. Got out about 9:30 and the conditions were much better today. It was about the same temperature (between 28 and 35), but cloudy, so the no effects of the sun on the snow. Did all of the trails we missed yesterday, including one loop I haven't done in years. It's the one where I taught my kids to nordic ski, and I have bad memories of my younger son complaining like crazy. Of course, he turned out to be really athletic, but he was a lazy younger kid! We decided to ski until noon. DH wanted to go back and ski the Open Slope (difficult downhill), but something was telling me no. You know how you hear those stories how people get hurt at the end of their day? So, we went to ski the next biggest downhill, which we did yesterday, too. DH went a little ahead of me, while I stopped at the top to set up my descent, he went whizzing down. Next thing I see, is him crashing out at the bottom. It was slick, but not all chopped up like yesterday. So, I skied down and he says, "My nose is bleeding." We thought it was a nosebleed, but it was actaully just a tiny cut on his nose, which occured when he did a face plant. First, I get out the tissue, but it wasn't stopping. So them, I take my pack off, get out the first aid kit I usually use when I lead rides and had him clean the thing with a wipe, then put a band aid on it. We ski back to the car, hoping no one sees him... we put the skis up, he takes off the band aid, cleans it again, and we ran to the lodge to get our shoes. By the time we left, it had stopped bleeding. Oy.
I felt sad, saying goodbye to my skis for the season, but it was a better season than I thought it would be. I am very concerned about my back. I was fine skiing, but as soon as I sit, it hurts. Sure it is disc related, but I will treat it with heat and stretching until Thursday, when I have a PT appt. The PT was for my SI joint on the other side, which is doing much better. This does not bode well for sitting on a bike, but next Saturday is going to be 57...
It's too bad your skiing season ended with blood, but at least it was a minor injury. Good luck with your back!
We're getting into that in-between season when the skiing would be fantastic if a person didn't have to go to work in the morning. By the time I could ski yesterday, it was pretty soft & painfully slow. The trails are still covered, but starting to get a bit dirty, and they've stopped grooming part of one or two loops. The sun is just too high in the sky now. So I guess it's back to running until the weekend. And dreaming about next season. I did a great 3-hour crust ski with friends on Saturday.
Bump!
Did my first x country ski today. Our wonderful semi-local center, which has owners who are geniuses at grooming, opened last weekend. They had a few "rock ski" days, and then some overnight snow on Tuesday, which we did not have. So, there's 8-10 inches of packed powder, with 75%tracked and/or groomed. They discounted this weekend, not for conditions, but because they knew most people are out shopping! It was a bluebird day, temperature around 25 up there, which is just perfect. Hardly anyone there, too. The conditions were pretty good, not exactly powder, only a little slick, and not icy. We did all the easy and one harder downhills, with some climbing, too. The intermediate trails here would be expert in other places. The most difficult trail i do here would qualify as a downhill ski run; I can do it from about 2/3 up the mountain. But, the trails that access this were closed and you could only get there in a round a bout way. Probably not a good idea to do it on the first ski of the year anyway. We skied for about 1.5 hrs., went back to the lodge, had some soup, and then went back out for another 45 minutes, to do the hard downhill.
No crashes, good fresh air, and all is right in the world.
Good for you, Crankin. My skiing is all right out my back door and, uh, shall we say, "back country" or even "expedition". Be nice to try a lodge with groomed trails and maybe a nice meal, afterwards. I think I'd enjoy that. Must be something in the area. I'll have to check it out.
Like I said, my trails are what I make them. I have to break them after a deep snow, then work them down until most, but not all, of the loose snow is gone. When the trails are good, they really are good and I have them to myself, but most of the time I have to take what the weather gives me. When they get too icy to be safe, I have to wait for a weather change or new snow. I have no way to groom them.
This week was my first week of skiing, though, what with a nice 6" snowfall. Temps have been steady in the teens all week, but we'll be up around the freezing point, today, so I may get icing, overnight. I usually get more miles in by skiing out on the lake when it's iced over, enough, but that may be awhile, this year. A fresh cover of snow on ice that is forming makes for iffy ice. Usually when I see my neighbors pull their ice fishing huts out on the lake, I'm good to go.
Well, my back country skills are not as good, but I don’t have much experience with that. Conditions in New England are sketchy and changable even in the best grooming!
Skied at Windblown today (again) and I admit the cold got to me. There was hardly anyone there, despite being school vacation and all trails being open. After an hour and 10 minutes, we were done! The conditions said powder, but I found there was a layer of ice under it,in some places, which was noticeable. Not horrible, by any means, but between my sunglasses fogging and my fleece gaiter getting soaked with sweat (I hardly ever have to wear this), I felt hot and cold at the same time. It was 10 degrees when we started and 5 when we finished. I told DH I would go back out if he wanted, but he said he was done, too, after we ate our soup. We mostly stayed on easy trails, which is not like us; did one good climb and one medium downhill, but nothing big. I guess I did more than 99% of the people around here, so it's enough.
Tomorrow we leave for 3 days in the Berkshires. It is going to be a bit warmer tomorrow (20), so we are going to drive to and try out a new place in southwestern Vermont, to ski, and then head south to Great Barrington. Sunday is supposed to be frigid. We found a ski place that also has a winery and is 10 miles from the inn, so we will either try to ski there, or snow shoe and then do some wine tasting before New Year's Eve. We plan to stop at another place on the way home, we go to fairly often, but we didn't get there last year. However, frigid temperatures may have us opt out and her and head straight home.
Ah, winter.
Wow, I’m the only one skiing?
So, looking at the weather, we decided to leave the side trip to Vermont until another time. Drove directly to Hilltop Orchards, near our inn, in a small burst of snow, which led to a lowering of the speed limit on the MA Pike to 40 for part of the trip. The place is interesting. An orchard/winery/nordic center. The trails were not groomed, and North Woods, you’d be proud of me. We got on a black trail by accident, figured out we were going the opposite way that most do, so lots of climbing, with an easy descent. Some ice chunks and twigs, though. Didn’t see anyone until we were back in the fields, and they were snow shoeing.
Did the wine tasting afterwards. Quite nice! Most of the others were guests of the inn in Lenox which owns the orchard. So, that means they are from that city south of here, who overrun the Berkshires in all seasons. Grrr... saw lots of rudeness, including people walking into the center with snow shoes *on.* Also saw an unruly kid throw a ski pole at bis dad in a fit of anger, with the staff having to intervene. The dad had a serious gash in his face from it. Oy.
Heading out soon to another place. Wind chill is -15.
Guess none of the other skiers are still around, but I'll keep posting.
Last Wednesday I drove out to western MA and skied with a friend. Bluebird day, really hard climbing and great conditions at Northfield Mountain.
This weekend, we went to Franconia, NH with our friends. We made the reservation, after there was a big storm, then within days, rain was predicted for last Friday, with 50 degrees. We had a scary, foggy drive up there, taking 45 minutes longer than normal. The rain stopped, temperatures plunged, and about 3-4 inches of snow fell. Woke up Saturday to 5 degrees F. Went into Littleton, NH to Lahouts (an awesome ski store), as I forgot my tights orpants. Ended up buying downhill ski pants, as all the x-country pants were too long. They will be use for playing in the snow or walking, definitely warm, but too wide at the bottom. But, they worked for skiing, but not snow shoeing. We snow shoed in the afternoon, right out the door of our inn, it was exhausting.
Sunday, we went to Bretton Woods Nordic center, where the grooming is excellent, so we figured it would be the best of bad conditions. Basically, no tracks for classic skiing and 3 inches of snow over ice. We skied for about an hour and 10 minutes on easy trails, ate lunch, and then went back out for about 2 hours. We did some good climbing and descending on a blue trail, but it was getting really cold, about 2 degrees and the sun was going down. We got back to the nordic center at 4 and we were exhausted. I had a bit of frostbite on my chin! I get so overheated and wet when I wear a neck gaiter made of fleece. I basically cool down through my head, and I ripped the gaiter off after 20 minutes! On the way back, the wind picked up and I think that's when it happened. It went away, though by this morning. I have to buy a buff that's thin; used to have 2 for cycling, but I never used them.
The place we were going to go to today had only a few easy trails open, so we snow shoed in the Franconia Trails. Beautiful, and challenging. We did about 3 miles, with 500 ft. of climbing, then had lunch and headed home.
Another great weekend, despite the lack of good snow. A few years ago, I would have been upset, but I like snow shoeing and we have a big storm coming Wednesday.
I been doing a bit of skiing, but mostly it's been the snow biking, this winter. Last winter, too. Still love the skiing and will always do some, though. It's just that all my skiing is on my own trails and those are never groomed. Just whatever Ma Nature gives me, one day to the next. I find that the fat bikes are less picky about snow conditions.
We had a great ski trip! Except me being sick, that is, but I know as soon as I book this trip every February, something happens. But, I pushed through.
We got to the Northeast Kingdom (Greensboro) around noon on Wednesday, stopped at a general store to buy a sandwich and made our way to the house we rented from Air B and B. Truly a Vermont experience, at the end of a dirt road, with a spectacular view. We unpacked and our friends arrived mid afternoon. It was gloriously sunny, but by the time we all unpacked, we were exhausted and it was time for happy hour. We had planned to eat in that night, so we started with happy hour and then I cooked a Valentines Day dinner.
The next day was cloudy and warmish (got up to 40 or so), so we applied plenty of Glide to our skis and were off to Craftsbury Outdoor Center. This place is the best, and midweek, not so crowded. We skied 10K (exactly) of moderate trails, with an equal amount of climbing and descending. That night we went to a new café, that is in a new community arts center. There seems to be a never ending supply of organic, farm to table food and craft beer in this part of the world.
Friday, we decided to try the trail system at a place that is an inn that has been closed for the past few years. The Craftsbury center has been grooming it though, kind of sporadically, and now that the inn is reopened, regularly. These are the most beautiful trails around; we have both skied and snow shoed there many times. The snow was kind of slushy and icy and ungroomed, so we snow shoed for 3 miles, as skiing would have been not too fun. Thick, pine tree lined, woodsy trails, punctuated by big fields. We had to go alongside the ski trails to get back into the woods, to end up doing a loop. When we were done, we had to kill some time, as we had called the owner of the house to get someone to sand the driveway, after our friends skidded off the side when we were leaving. So, we went to the Craftsbury General store and had coffee, and bought a few things. We were exhausted and decided to eat leftovers that night.
It snowed a little overnight (an inch or two) and we headed back to ski at Craftsbury. Of course, being the weekend, and the start of school vacation week in MA, it was more crowded. The trails were fast and although we did a few of the same trails as Thursday, it felt harder, I think because of the conditions. We skied about 8K and then headed off to shower and then drive up to Newport, VT, on the border, where we had reservations at a really nice place. We decided to get there early (we had already changed our reservation from7:30 to 6), so we ended up doing a cider tasting, where they poured portions way too big. I was the only one who told the pourer to tone it down. Hence, we really needed to eat, so at 5:30 we walked in to the restuarant, feeling like we were now part of the early bird special crowd. But, they were gracious and we had an awesome view of the lake, where Canada is on the other side.
Yesterday we packed up and went back to the now groomed Greensboro trails, where we had snow shoed. What an awesome experience. We did some really hard black trails, climbing, and then a long, meandering descent that had outstanding views. None of us had been on most of these trails. Again, we skied about 10K. It had really warmed up, gone from cloudy to sunny, and at the end, was really sticky skiing. I was exhausted, so after doing some really tough skiing for 4 days, I actually had a couple of "stupid" falls, all when I was climbing up little hills and my edge slid out. We headed over to Hardwick, where we all had sandwiches and onion rings, eating stuff we never touch!
So glad we have today off. I went to the dr. and I do have a sinus infection; got my meds and resting, because it will be 70 here on Wednesday, and i plan to ride!
That sounds like a wonderful trip, Crankin. Good for you. Someday, I'd like to try that getaway kind of ski trip, seeing different places, staying at a nice place and sampling the local cuisine. I'd need to get in a bit better ski shape, though. It's been awhile since I put in those kinds of distances. Anyway, thanks for sharing. Makes for a nice winter daydream. :)
I love this part of Vermont; unless you are into winter endurance sports, most New Englanders never go this far north. There are 2 downhill ski areas here, but it’s a 3+ hr drive, so families don’t like the drive. We have pretty much decided no more Stowe area. It is too crowded, less dependable snow, and not that much closer. Skiing at Von Trapp Lodge is great, but the most expensive nordic center around. You do get to see the grandchildren of Maria, of the Sound of Music fame, running the place. They are all my age...
I am feeling much better and the most exercise I will do tomorrow is a walk at lunch.
I get the crowd thing. The older I get, the more I avoid crowds. The, too, I am now very spoiled, living where we do. Can't see a single neighbor from our property. Just a lot of forest and our lake and all the wildlife. I am so very blessed.
We had a great and unexpected xc ski trip to Prospect Mountain, in southern VT this weekend. I have not spent any time in this area, so it was an adventure. The ski area is at 2,290 ft of elevation, used to be an alpine hill, so they get snow when it is raining just 5 miles down the road. We stayed in Bennington, VT, a nice place, in a great small B and B. We were the only ones there. So, the snow shoe Nationals were at the mountain this weekend, so it was crazy there on Saturday, less so today, as it was a snowshoe marathon and we did not cross paths with that! On Saturday, it snowed the whole time we skied, so much so, it was like backcountry conditions. We skied to the summit, hard, but doable, and descended an easier trail for a bit, until we had to descend a pretty steep hill that was intersecting with the racers going up on a cross trail. I had stopped to size up how I was going to descend and then stop without running the racers over. DH had already gone to the point where he had to stop; as I was standing, getting ready to go down, I just fell over. From a standstill! Problem was, I was on the side of the trail, in deep snow. My pole was in deep and one of my skis was buried. I could not get up and my knee was feeling twisted from the position I was in. I screamed and screamed until DH came up and pulled me to a sitting position, where I managed to stand and not fall down on the descent. What a dumb thing! No worse for the wear, and after I got through the racers, I realized I was skiing down on what was once a downhill trail. A lot of concentration there!
Today we stayed on mellow trails until we got lost and climbed a lot, and I convinced DH to turn around. I think we were on the trail up to the summit, but since it was groomed, it seemed different than yesterday. The downhill was awesome and then we made our way around some beautiful forested trails. We only skied 3.7 miles today, but we were both sore from climbing Saturday, so we headed home around 12:30, stopping at a great diner in Wilmington, VT. It's near Mt Snow, so filled with downhill skiers on their way home.
We are getting hit with another 6-12 inches of snow on Tuesday.... probably one more ski day.
You folks are really getting nailed with these big storms. Unbelievable.
Your adventure in that deep snow sounds very familiar to my skiing, since all my skiing is backcountry in nature. No groomed trails. Just trails I make on my own. Oh, yeah, burying the skis is oh so familiar. More than once I'e had to unclip from a ski while on my back in the snow. Not very glamorous, but at least no one other than some squirrels to see me. :)
I have wide, relatively short expedition type skis for my use, though. Can't imagine what you went through in that deep snow with typical trail skis. Sounds like you managed very well, though, all things considered.
My skis are long, but not as long as the ones I used to have! They are Fischer Spyders, billed as skis for New England skiing, a kind of hybrid between regular touring skis and back country skis. They handle ice and powder.
Yes, I was about to unclip from my skis, but I couldn't figure out how I was going to do that, in the weird position I was in!
When we went to the Methow Valley in Washington 3 years ago, the rental skis we were given were short and really skinny. I thought they were skate skis at first, but they were not. I definitely could ski faster, but I doubt I could climb the way I do here, as they didn't have edges. I didn't get a real chance to test them as the conditions were horrible, with like 3 inches of snow in a place that usually gets 200 inches a year.
Our snow prediction for tomorrow is now 12-18 inches in my area.