Winter Sports
- Snowmobiles in Yellowstone
- Commercial Snowboarding—Good?
- Spring Up to Spring Skiing
- Burton Closes for Snow Day
- Make Your Own Snow
- Snow! Snow! Snow!
- Skiing Big Hills & Small
- Marry Me and Ski for Free
- Skiing Austria - Timely Snow
- Singing the No-Snow Blues
Posted by
Mitch Kaplan
The Yellowstone National Park controversy continues, as former National Park Service directors call for more limited snowmobile access to the park.
Just when you may have thought it was safe to go back into the wilderness, the New York Times is reporting that seven former national park directors are calling for more limited snowmobile access to Yellowstone National Park.
A good thing?
A bad thing?
A no-win thing?
Sure thing.
A good thing?
A bad thing?
A no-win thing?
Sure thing.
Posted by
Mitch Kaplan
A NY Times article talks about Shaun White’s lucrative endorsements, but the question is: does this go counter to snowboarding’s roots?
This past Saturday, March 17, 2007, the New York Times ran a piece by Matt Higgins entitled White Finds the Motivation to Reach New Heights.
Higgins talks about how snowboarding’s Olympic gold medalist Shaun White’s commercial endorsements and publicity appearances have detracted from his competitive success.
Undefeated in the last Olympic year, White recently failed to win in a few major competitions.
But, at 20 years old, he’s still pulling in millions from sponsors like American Express and Red Bull.
Nice work if you can get it.
Question is: is this what snowboarding is all about?
Hang out at any ski resort terrain park and you’ll find kids coaching each other, encouraging each other, and generally offering each other positive reinforcement as they try new moves or attempt to perfect new tricks.
It’s a spirit of cooperation, not competition.
And, yes, I understand why talented snowboarders would want to be able to appear in the Olympics.
And, I understand why they’d want to be rewarded with cash prizes and product endorsements.
Still, I think it countermands the basic attitude that has pervaded snowboarding since its inception.
Phenomena like Olympic and World Cup ski racing were considered stuffy, formalized, restricting. Even World Cup freestyle skiing, which was restricted to mogul skiing and aerial jumping, had succumbed to commercialism’s straight jacket.
Riders rejected all that.
Okay—at first they were rebels. But, given that most early snowboarders were young males, that attitude would be expected. And, in their rebelliousness, they banded together to form a kind of self-sustaining support group.
No more?
Well, from outward appearances, not on the highest levels.
That’s sad. On some level, at least.
Yet, the original cooperative spirit does remain. You see it still when you pass through most terrain parks. You hear it when you talk to the park rats. And, better still, with the rise in popularity of freestyle skiing, it has spread from snowboarders-only back to skiers.
Let’s hope it’s not lost in a blizzard of dollars.
Related Article: Snowboarding’s U.S. Open
Higgins talks about how snowboarding’s Olympic gold medalist Shaun White’s commercial endorsements and publicity appearances have detracted from his competitive success.
Undefeated in the last Olympic year, White recently failed to win in a few major competitions.
But, at 20 years old, he’s still pulling in millions from sponsors like American Express and Red Bull.
Nice work if you can get it.
Question is: is this what snowboarding is all about?
Hang out at any ski resort terrain park and you’ll find kids coaching each other, encouraging each other, and generally offering each other positive reinforcement as they try new moves or attempt to perfect new tricks.
It’s a spirit of cooperation, not competition.
And, yes, I understand why talented snowboarders would want to be able to appear in the Olympics.
And, I understand why they’d want to be rewarded with cash prizes and product endorsements.
Still, I think it countermands the basic attitude that has pervaded snowboarding since its inception.
Phenomena like Olympic and World Cup ski racing were considered stuffy, formalized, restricting. Even World Cup freestyle skiing, which was restricted to mogul skiing and aerial jumping, had succumbed to commercialism’s straight jacket.
Riders rejected all that.
Okay—at first they were rebels. But, given that most early snowboarders were young males, that attitude would be expected. And, in their rebelliousness, they banded together to form a kind of self-sustaining support group.
No more?
Well, from outward appearances, not on the highest levels.
That’s sad. On some level, at least.
Yet, the original cooperative spirit does remain. You see it still when you pass through most terrain parks. You hear it when you talk to the park rats. And, better still, with the rise in popularity of freestyle skiing, it has spread from snowboarders-only back to skiers.
Let’s hope it’s not lost in a blizzard of dollars.
Related Article: Snowboarding’s U.S. Open
Posted by
Mitch Kaplan
Spring skiing and snowboarding may be the best of the season, thanks to longer days, warmer temps and ski resorts that celebrate with happy rites of spring.
Spring has sprung. Skiers and snowboarders rejoice.
The clocks have moved forward (although I have no idea why they must move forward sooner).
On Sunday, we skied in temperatures that pushed into the high 40s.
The sun is higher in the sky, and sticks around later in the day.
That warms the snow into a forgiving texture that makes everyone ski and ride better. We call it hero snow.
Indeed, spring skiing/snowboarding makes heroes of us all.
And, yeah, you're less likely to see fluffy powder dumps. More likely to see heavy, damp snowfall.
But, hey, remember this: March is traditionally the month in which the mountains get the most snow. We win both ways - warmer, sunnier weather and more snow.
I know, I know. We all tend to want to doff the skiwear for shorts and t-shirts as soon as possible. (Even this winter-lover will admit to that.) But, c'mon. This winter was so late in arriving (except, I guess, in the Pacific Northwest, where they may be digging out til next winter), I think the least we snow sliders can ask is an extra month here at the end.
So, put that tennis racket back in the closet. Stow those golf clubs awhile. Return the mountain bike to the garage.
Go skiing.
Go snowboarding.
And, remember this, too. Some ski resorts blossom most beautifully in spring. Such as?
The clocks have moved forward (although I have no idea why they must move forward sooner).
On Sunday, we skied in temperatures that pushed into the high 40s.
The sun is higher in the sky, and sticks around later in the day.
That warms the snow into a forgiving texture that makes everyone ski and ride better. We call it hero snow.
Indeed, spring skiing/snowboarding makes heroes of us all.
- The limbs are more limber.
- The clothes less encumbering.
- The spirit more elevated.
- The skiing/riding just plain more fun.
And, yeah, you're less likely to see fluffy powder dumps. More likely to see heavy, damp snowfall.
But, hey, remember this: March is traditionally the month in which the mountains get the most snow. We win both ways - warmer, sunnier weather and more snow.
I know, I know. We all tend to want to doff the skiwear for shorts and t-shirts as soon as possible. (Even this winter-lover will admit to that.) But, c'mon. This winter was so late in arriving (except, I guess, in the Pacific Northwest, where they may be digging out til next winter), I think the least we snow sliders can ask is an extra month here at the end.
So, put that tennis racket back in the closet. Stow those golf clubs awhile. Return the mountain bike to the garage.
Go skiing.
Go snowboarding.
And, remember this, too. Some ski resorts blossom most beautifully in spring. Such as?
- Killington, where bump contests reign, and the skiing and snowboarding have been known to stretch to Memorial Day.
- Sunday River, where you ski/ride free on May first.
- Arapahoe Basin, where barbecuing in the parking lot has become a lifestyle.
- Whistler, where the snowsliding continues almost all summer.
- Mt. Hood, same thing.
- And, Mammoth and Squaw Valley, where July 4 skiing is not unheard of.
Posted by
Mitch Kaplan
When it snow more than 2 feet, Burton Snowboards employees get the day off to snowboard.
More good news. This from First Tracks Online:
Burlington, VT - It says it right on the front door of Burton's Global Headquarters in Burlington, Vermont: "We are closed if two feet falls in 24 hours." And that's exactly what the world's leading snowboard company will do on Thursday, thanks to a blizzard that's currently blanketing Vermont with several feet of fresh snow.
"Nothing makes me happier than giving the people who work here the opportunity to experience the essence of a sport that they are making accessible and fun for so many others," says Jake Burton, Founder and Chairman of Burton Snowboards. "Coincidentally, the Burton senior management team spent last night at the top of Stowe Mountain Resort in the 'Stone Hut'. Waking up to a foot of fresh snow (and plenty more coming) might have made for some cancelled meetings and an unproductive day at the office, but we all work pretty hard around here and riding is our best source of energy."
Burton's CEO Laurent Potdevin sent an email titled 'Powder Day' to Burton's 400-plus Vermont based employees announcing the good news. "It's dumping so much that we will be closing the office tomorrow (Thursday) all day to allow everyone to get to the mountain and ride," said Potdevin's email. "Stowe is getting pounded -- grab your board and get to the mountain."
Mandatory ride days are not the only unconventional benefit Burton offers its employees. Free season passes at several Vermont resorts, product discounts, progressive new parent policies and the option to bring your dog with you to work are just a few of the perks of working for Burton.
Burlington, VT - It says it right on the front door of Burton's Global Headquarters in Burlington, Vermont: "We are closed if two feet falls in 24 hours." And that's exactly what the world's leading snowboard company will do on Thursday, thanks to a blizzard that's currently blanketing Vermont with several feet of fresh snow.
"Nothing makes me happier than giving the people who work here the opportunity to experience the essence of a sport that they are making accessible and fun for so many others," says Jake Burton, Founder and Chairman of Burton Snowboards. "Coincidentally, the Burton senior management team spent last night at the top of Stowe Mountain Resort in the 'Stone Hut'. Waking up to a foot of fresh snow (and plenty more coming) might have made for some cancelled meetings and an unproductive day at the office, but we all work pretty hard around here and riding is our best source of energy."
Burton's CEO Laurent Potdevin sent an email titled 'Powder Day' to Burton's 400-plus Vermont based employees announcing the good news. "It's dumping so much that we will be closing the office tomorrow (Thursday) all day to allow everyone to get to the mountain and ride," said Potdevin's email. "Stowe is getting pounded -- grab your board and get to the mountain."
Mandatory ride days are not the only unconventional benefit Burton offers its employees. Free season passes at several Vermont resorts, product discounts, progressive new parent policies and the option to bring your dog with you to work are just a few of the perks of working for Burton.
Posted by
Mitch Kaplan
People who can’t get enough—or any—snow, make it themselves for backyard sledding, sliding, whatever.
The timing may seem poor, given that the northeast has just been buried in snow.
But this article from the NY Times highlights a small but growing group who make their own backyard snow in order to have their own backyard wintersports emporium.
Check it out: Backyard Snow.
But this article from the NY Times highlights a small but growing group who make their own backyard snow in order to have their own backyard wintersports emporium.
Check it out: Backyard Snow.
Posted by
Mitch Kaplan
Finally, from Maine to California it’s snowing in snow country—good news for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and everyone.
Skiers, snowboarders, snowmobiling enthusiasts, cross country skiers, snowshoers - rejoice!
Just when we were beginning to think winter wasn’t happening this year (except in Buffalo and northwestern New York State), IT’S SNOWING!!!
This news has come in during the last few days . . .
From Colorado:
Just when we were beginning to think winter wasn’t happening this year (except in Buffalo and northwestern New York State), IT’S SNOWING!!!
This news has come in during the last few days . . .
From Colorado:
- Powder Lovers in Aspen/snowmass Greeted with up to 15 Inches of Snow on Valentine’s Day Up to 15 inches of snow has fallen at Aspen/Snowmass in the last 24 hours and nearly two feet has covered area slopes over the last few days.
- Shawnee Peak Biggest Snowstorm of the Year! At the moment I write this (11:30am), we've already received 9 inches of snow! But the REAL heavy stuff is coming Wednesday afternoon and night! So get out your powder skis, because we're going to leave a lot of terrain wide open for your powderhounds! No night skiing Wednesday, but Thursday and Friday are going to be EPIC!
- Crotched Mountain—IT'S SNOWING!!!! Well, duh. Big storm outside. Lots of snow accumulating. We're expecting somewhere around 18" total from this storm. AND... it's not just a powder "day" here at Crotched, because the slopes are open until 9pm. So make it a POWDER NIGHT too!
- Whiteface—By Thursday, after the storm totals are in, the whole place will be open and we'll be snorkel skiing!!! And then... 6" new snow..12" for the week thus far..snowing as we speak and blizzardwarning now in effect. UP PERISCOPES!!!!
- Valentine’s Day Storm Drops 14 Inches at Killington Resort; Snow Still Coming Down. The biggest storm to hit Vermont in more than two years has already dropped 14 inches on new snow at Killington Resort with heavy snow still falling throughout the afternoon. Forecasters are calling for up to three feet of new snow by Thursday afternoon, the most the region has seen since Feb. 10, 2005 when 16 inches fell.
- Bromley UPDATE—6"-8" Already, and This is Just the Beginning! The snow storm continues with 8" on the ground and the forecast is calling for 18 to 21" more to come before this storm is finished. Temperatures remain on the cold side with highs in the lower teens today. This has kept the snowfall to a perfect "champagne" powder. Snow totals are increasing and more trails are opening by the minute.
- Sierra Ski Resorts Receive Major Snow. A major winter storm swept through the Sierra Mountains of California over the weekend, finally augmenting meager snow depths at the region's ski and snowboard resorts. The winter storm dropped nearly three feet of fresh snow on Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.
- Snowfall Blankets Utah Ski Resorts. A week before President’s Weekend visitors arrive, Utah ski resorts have been blanketed by almost two feet of "the Greatest Snow on Earth."
Posted by
Mitch Kaplan
After skiing the Austrian Alps two weeks ago, I skied the NY Catskills last week, and had good times at both.
One day you’re skiing in the Austrian Alps outside Salzburg.
The next, you’re skiing at Belleayre Mountain in New York’s Catskills.
The beauty of it is this: no matter if it’s big mountains in exotic locales or smaller hills in a nearby region, the skiing joy’s the same.
Sure, the Alps might provide more thrills than the Catskills. As might the Sierra Nevada or the Rockies. But, just standing atop a mountain of any size and gazing over the surrounding valleys and peaks, sends appreciative shivers down my spine.
And, long ago I learned from skiing with my children that you don’t need endless, double-diamond, mogul-strewn ski trails to have fun.
Yeah, sure, killer trails add challenge to the dynamic.
But, you can easily create fun while playing on easier terrain, or on shorter runs. Try:
The next, you’re skiing at Belleayre Mountain in New York’s Catskills.
The beauty of it is this: no matter if it’s big mountains in exotic locales or smaller hills in a nearby region, the skiing joy’s the same.
Sure, the Alps might provide more thrills than the Catskills. As might the Sierra Nevada or the Rockies. But, just standing atop a mountain of any size and gazing over the surrounding valleys and peaks, sends appreciative shivers down my spine.
And, long ago I learned from skiing with my children that you don’t need endless, double-diamond, mogul-strewn ski trails to have fun.
Yeah, sure, killer trails add challenge to the dynamic.
But, you can easily create fun while playing on easier terrain, or on shorter runs. Try:
- wiggling down the trail’s edge with short-swing turns
- turning 360s as you move along
- carving a wide, arcing path ad luxuriate in the acceleration as the skis launch you into the next turn
- following a snaking single-track through some trees
- a run through the terrain park
Posted by
Mitch Kaplan
Loveland Ski Area in Colorado lives up to its name by marrying couples—and renewing vows—on the mountaintop on Valentine’s Day.
Just in case you thought romance was dead—or that it doesn’t have anything to do with skiing and snowboarding—this just in from Loveland Ski Area in Colorado:
Loveland Ski Area will once again host the "Marry Me and Ski for Free Mountaintop Matrimony" on Wednesday, February 14th.
This will be the 16th mass wedding ceremony held on the slopes of Loveland Ski Area. The ceremony is open to couples looking to tie the knot as well as couples wishing to renew their vows.
Fellow skiers and snowboarders are always a little confused when they see wedding gowns and tuxedos on the people loading the chairs around them, but the traditional wedding attire is not just for show. Participants are competing in a best-dressed contest to win a prize pack from Brendan & JC Keepsake Diamonds valued at $700.
"It is always nice to see all of the couples that turn out for this event," said Duncan Maxwell, Events and Promotions Coordinator for Loveland Ski Area. "We get see a lot of familiar faces as this has become a tradition for some couples, and of course we love seeing the newlyweds who often turn out in full wedding apparel."
Following the noontime ceremony, which takes place at a 12,000-plus foot elevation at the top of Loveland Ski Area’s Chair 2, couples will ski and ride down the snow covered "isles" as husband and wife. At 1:30 pm Loveland Ski Area will be throwing a casual reception in the Basin Cafeteria complete with refreshments, finger foods, wedding cake, a DJ and raffles.
Couples who register by February 12, 2007 will receive two for one lift tickets and free admission to the reception. If cupid’s arrow doesn’t hit by the 12th, couples can still register the day of the wedding but must pay $15 per person for entrance to the reception. Guests are also welcome to attend the reception for $15, and must have a valid lift ticket and be able to ride the lift up and ski or snowboard down in order to attend the ceremony.
For more information or to register, couples can visit www.skiloveland.com/wedding or call 303-571-5580 x141.
Loveland Ski Area will once again host the "Marry Me and Ski for Free Mountaintop Matrimony" on Wednesday, February 14th.
This will be the 16th mass wedding ceremony held on the slopes of Loveland Ski Area. The ceremony is open to couples looking to tie the knot as well as couples wishing to renew their vows.
Fellow skiers and snowboarders are always a little confused when they see wedding gowns and tuxedos on the people loading the chairs around them, but the traditional wedding attire is not just for show. Participants are competing in a best-dressed contest to win a prize pack from Brendan & JC Keepsake Diamonds valued at $700.
"It is always nice to see all of the couples that turn out for this event," said Duncan Maxwell, Events and Promotions Coordinator for Loveland Ski Area. "We get see a lot of familiar faces as this has become a tradition for some couples, and of course we love seeing the newlyweds who often turn out in full wedding apparel."
Following the noontime ceremony, which takes place at a 12,000-plus foot elevation at the top of Loveland Ski Area’s Chair 2, couples will ski and ride down the snow covered "isles" as husband and wife. At 1:30 pm Loveland Ski Area will be throwing a casual reception in the Basin Cafeteria complete with refreshments, finger foods, wedding cake, a DJ and raffles.
Couples who register by February 12, 2007 will receive two for one lift tickets and free admission to the reception. If cupid’s arrow doesn’t hit by the 12th, couples can still register the day of the wedding but must pay $15 per person for entrance to the reception. Guests are also welcome to attend the reception for $15, and must have a valid lift ticket and be able to ride the lift up and ski or snowboard down in order to attend the ceremony.
For more information or to register, couples can visit www.skiloveland.com/wedding or call 303-571-5580 x141.
Posted by
Mitch Kaplan
It would be disappointing to travel all the way to Austria on a ski-snowboard trip and find only brown ground, but a storm brought snow last weekend.
Austrian skiers and snowboarders have been singing the no-snow blues. Backcountry skiers, telemarkers and snowshoers, too, for that matter.
Until last Saturday, that is.
Colleagues and I arrived in Salzburg, Austria, a week ago filled with trepidation. European skiing and snowboarding, we'd heard, had been hit with a snow drought as bad as the one we'd just left in the northeast U.S.
Ski races, snowboard competitions and freestyle events, the news said, were being cancelled all over Europe.
On Day One of our weeklong tour of Salzburgerland, it looked as if our worst fears had come true.
We cancelled plans to ski at low-elevation Lofer, and went higher into the hills. The surfaces were all manmade hardpack. Skiing off-piste was out of the question.
But on Day Three something wonderful happened.
It snowed.
It snowed so hard that we had to cancel our ski day in favor of exploring Salzburg's historic district and shopping ops.
Come Days Four, Five and Six, those hardpack surfaces had morphed into something smooth and buttery. We even ferreted out patches of powder on the final day.
Delightful.
It's still a down year for snowfall in Europe. But, it looks as if Ma Nature has sent some help. At least here in Salzburgerland. Hopefully, more is on the way—because that wide-open, off-piste, ski-anywhere-you-want experience is what we come here for.
Until last Saturday, that is.
Colleagues and I arrived in Salzburg, Austria, a week ago filled with trepidation. European skiing and snowboarding, we'd heard, had been hit with a snow drought as bad as the one we'd just left in the northeast U.S.
Ski races, snowboard competitions and freestyle events, the news said, were being cancelled all over Europe.
On Day One of our weeklong tour of Salzburgerland, it looked as if our worst fears had come true.
We cancelled plans to ski at low-elevation Lofer, and went higher into the hills. The surfaces were all manmade hardpack. Skiing off-piste was out of the question.
But on Day Three something wonderful happened.
It snowed.
It snowed so hard that we had to cancel our ski day in favor of exploring Salzburg's historic district and shopping ops.
Come Days Four, Five and Six, those hardpack surfaces had morphed into something smooth and buttery. We even ferreted out patches of powder on the final day.
Delightful.
It's still a down year for snowfall in Europe. But, it looks as if Ma Nature has sent some help. At least here in Salzburgerland. Hopefully, more is on the way—because that wide-open, off-piste, ski-anywhere-you-want experience is what we come here for.
Posted by
Mitch Kaplan
While a poor snow year dominates the ski, snowboard and snowmobile reports from the U.S. northeast and Europe, there’s still some hope for snow-filled fun.
The snow news seems bad. And it’s coming from
Take the report from Kitzbuehel, Austria, for example. The legendary Hahnenkamm men’s downhill race, arguably the most famous race on the World Cup ski racing schedule, has been cancelled for lack of snow.
Or, the report in the New York Times headlined "Warm Days and Hard Times in Snowmobile Land". (That link, by the way, will function until about Feb. 1, 2007.)
It begins: CHESTER, Vt., Jan. 18 — For 24 winters, Bev and Butch Jelley, owners of the B&B Mobil station here, have provided legions of snowmobilers with fuel and chili. But this year the kitchen is quiet, and the snowmobiles are nowhere to be found.
Snowmobile clubs, the Times reports, are losing membership. The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, which normally sells some 30,000 annual memberships has sold fewer 5,000 memberships this season.
That adds up to less money to maintain trails.
Snowmobile dealers aren’t selling sleds. In Chester, says the Times, Benny’s Power is reported to be holding three years worth of unsold vehicles.
Depressing, eh?
But, it’s not all bad news out there in wintersports land. Yes, the Hahnenkamm has been cancelled. But, competitions’ two slalom races will go on.
Recent snowfall in the far northeast have opened snowmobile trails and enhanced ski trails in northern Maine and New Hampshire, and in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
Indeed, driving through St. Johnsbury last Saturday, a snowmobile trails snow report was being broadcast on the radio.
Ski areas, of course, make snow by the ton whenever the temperatures allow.
But, the bottom line is this: if you want to play in the snow in North America this season—or even in Europe, for that matter—you need to visit the Pacific Northwest or Alberta. Lake Louise, for example, has just reported record snowfalls for January.
There is snow out there. You just have to look for it.
Snowmobile clubs and the businesses that cater to them are having their second bad year in a row in many parts of New England, as warm weather has turned flakes to wet blobs and left trails a grassy, rocky mess.
all over the skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and other wintersports world.