Maine Sunday Telegram - SKIING

2002/03 Season Columns - 

November & December 2002

 

 

 

“Resolved To Spend More Time On The Slopes”
December 29, 2002

If your New Year’s resolution includes getting out on the slopes more often – you are not alone. Anyone who has discovered the pure joy of skiing wants to do it more frequently and with greater finesse.

Skiing is unlike any other pastime, you rise to scenic heights on big snow covered mountains, you glide over shimmering snow crystals, pursue thrilling speeds, and you share the camaraderie of a day of outdoor sports with friends and family.

Sure beats riding a stationary cycle in a steamy gym with a bunch of strangers on cell phones. The benefits to skiing, or riding – I am not being exclusive to users of one board or two – go far beyond fun, friendship and exercise.

According to the humorous “A Skiers’ Dictionary,” by Henry Beard and Roy McKie, skiing is defined as “the art of catching cold and going broke while rapidly heading nowhere at great personal risk.” A skier is further defined as, “one who pays an arm and a leg for the opportunity to break them.”

Skiers do need to possess a sense of humor and a wallet, certainly.

Actually, the word ski stems from Norwegian roots, “skith” which loosely translates to sticks that slide.

So what makes a great skier, one truly admirable and proficient at sliding down hill on sticks? Are the key components skill, equipment and effort? If so, then how do we improve? Perhaps a lesson is in order. Or maybe, as in all sports, our attitude determines much of our success on the slopes.

Here are some qualities of positively attuned skiers, and riders that I have noticed.

A great skier creates or accepts every opportunity to ski. This sport is not for the procrastinator. Skiing requires commitment, getting out of bed early on weekends for those first tracks, for example. Skiing also requires organization and schlepping of a lot of gear. The truly great skier does all this with a smile and a bounce in his ski boots.

A truly dedicated skier accepts and enjoys skiing in all kinds of weather, and gets out on the slopes regardless of trail counts and forecasts. This attribute is of monumental importance for those skiing in New England. Our conditions are constantly changing, some years are banner, and some are meager on the snowfall.

The winter sport of skiing evolved from people who embraced the wild outdoors and its unpredictable elements. If you have never skied in the rain, you are missing soft snow, un-crowded slopes and the opportunity to wear a fashionable trash bag over your ski attire.

A great skier is more excited about the physical activity itself than all the latest techno-gear, knowing full well that equipment alone does not make the skier or rider. Fitness however, the strength and health of your body’s equipment, is crucial to skiing well and skiing safely.

A constantly improving skier is open minded about traveling to new areas, big and small, and trying new trails, groomed and gnarly. The skier’s motto for skiing every mountain stems from the hiker’s reason for climbing peak after peak: “because it’s there.”

A venerable skier understands that not every day on the slopes is going to be perfect, and tackles the challenge with verve. Complaining about surface conditions is a sign of weakness, like the football player who whines to the official.

As the saying goes, “a bad day on the slopes sure beats a good day in the office.”

An accomplished skier knows how to take a fall, and is acutely aware that it happens to the best. Just ask Hermann Maier or Bill Johnson. The key is to come back from a fall – just ask The Herminator and Johnson about that too.

A smart skier knows when to say when. Skiing within one’s ability level and calling it a day before the knees give out should go without saying. It is far nobler exiting the hill on skis, than on a patroller’s toboggan.

A responsible skier knows “the code.” If you are not certain what I am referring to, you have not recently read the Skiers’ Responsibility Code imprinted on napkins and signs at most ski areas. Read it, know it, and just do it. The Code makes everyone’s experience on the hill safer and more agreeable.

The great skier realizes that skiing is indeed a privilege, not a right. We are so fortunate to have inherited this wonderful winter sport from our legendary predecessors. Those hardy men and women of early skiing lived by these ideals. We should occasionally reflect upon them and preserve the pure joy of skiing.

Here’s to a happy, safe and enjoyable New Year on Maine’s slopes.

Events: Sunday River, Sugarloaf and Shawnee Peak all have Gala New Year’s Eve parties in the works. New Year’s Day is Jeep Appreciation at Mount Abram, free skiing and riding for Jeep owners.

Conditions: This winter has been one of El Nino extremes from wet and warm weather to cold and snowy storms. Camden Snow Bowl was the big winner with over a foot of new snow on Christmas, Shawnee reported a foot of new snow while Sunday River picked up half a foot and still offers the most skiing in Maine.

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“Eastern Mountains Prepare Skiers for Anything”

December 22, 2002

Have you heard that old adage “if you can ski in the East, you can ski anywhere?” I grew up with that analogy echoing in my head, audible even over the chatter of my boards on firm New England snow.

It should have filled me with pride, that eastern skiers had superior skills. Quite the contrary. It made me long for what I presumed to be enviable western skiing.

Here in the East we have multiple names for ice. There is hard pack, firm, boilerplate, and the list goes on. There is frozen granular or loose frozen granular - which experience has taught me is code for sheets of ice versus ice chunks. We even have a color chart for ice – there is blue or black ice – I am still not sure which is the preferred palette.

Of course nine out of ten days it is all referred to as “packed powder” by ski areas.

Out west there are equally as many names for deep snow: powder, pow, pooder, freshies, white smoke, fluff, snorkel skiing, mountain dust. And there are quantifying measurements of snow ranging from a dusting, to boot top, to waist deep.

These semantics caused me to wonder, which geographical region is best for skiing and riding. So I looked to my peers for their favorites on the ski scene.

Four hundred top ski journalists from across North America participated in a 2002 survey, to find the best slopes.

This the first such survey ever performed of professional ski writers, photographers, editors, and broadcasters. Surely these folks should be in the know when it comes to snow and where to go.

But alas, the survey questions were divided by the Mississippi, so our Eastern areas did not go face to face with Western resorts. So the East versus West questions of which produces the finer ski talents and which terrain is better will continue to riddle the great ski minds.

Fortunately, we can see how Maine stacked up “east of the Mississippi” and how Western resorts faired, according to my esteemed skiing and riding colleagues.

In the category of “best ski run for cruising,” Sugarloaf’s Tote Road tied for second with Stratton’s Sun Bowl. First place in the East went to Sugarbush’s Organgrinder. Out west, the Big Burn at Aspen’s Snowmass beat out Deer Valley’s Stein’s Way.

For “best steeps,” Sunday River surprisingly did not rank for White Heat, nor did Sugarloaf for White Nitro (I voted for them – but that is one writer of 399). Sister Killington’s notorious Outer Limits bump run surpassed Maine’s steeps for third place. Mad River’s Paradise and Tuckerman’s Ravine tied for first place in the precipitous Eastern category.

Westward, it was a dead heat between the couloirs of Wyoming’s Jackson Hole and British Columbia’s Blackcomb/Whistler. Couloir is the French equivalent of corridor, implying a distinct narrow vertical passage – sounds tight. Corbet’s and Couloir Extreme respectively were labeled the “baddest in all of Western North America.” Utah’s classic High Rustler was third place, just one vote behind.

Sunday River was rewarded for its grooming, receiving second place in the East behind Okemo, just ahead of Bretton Woods for buffed to perfection surface conditions. Out west, Deer Valley and Beaver Creek were heralded for providing silky smooth carpets of snow for their catered-to crowds.

Maine did not get any recognition for glade skiing, perhaps because tree skiing has only recently been opened and expanded around our ski areas. The last several years have brought a dramatic increase in glades at Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Shawnee Peak and Big Squaw. Instead voters named Jay Peak in the East and Steamboat in the west for the best tree skiing. So for now, our Pine Tree state glades will be our little secret, shhh.

When the skis come off, Sugarloaf received top ranks for “après ski” on the base lodge deck, referred to on sunny days as “The Beach.” The Loaf also headlined for the established après ski bar, The Bag.

Sugarloaf was also chosen as a top Eastern ski resort for “romance.” So take your loved one to The Loaf for snowy days and starry nights.

If the west is beckoning you, Lake Louise in Banff, Canada won the title of most romantic western resort, based upon the remarkable skiing and ending your day at the phenomenal Château Lake Louise.

The fun thing about these subjective polls is agreeing with some findings and throwing your poles at others. Then you must seek out your own answers, unearth your own firm findings and discoveries. Just prepare yourself for the grueling task of research.

I have done my own East versus West research and determined that there is something unique and worthwhile at every ski area on the planet. Floating through sparkly white snow on a wide-open slope dotted with Rocky Mountain aspen trees is no more exhilarating than hopping turns in the melting corn of Sugarloaf’s back bowls.

As for which region possesses superior skiing talent, I believe it is easier to learn to bounce through fluffy light Western powder than to carve on impenetrable New England ice. One could conclude that if you can handle the East, you will float effortlessly out west. If that implies better skills, so be it. This was not an official question on the aforementioned survey however, just my humble but hard-packed opinion.

Events: Dec. 27 is Ullr Fest at Shawnee Peak. This annual celebration of winter will include an après ski party, fireworks and a torchlight parade.

Conditions: As we head into the holiday period, ski areas are in excellent shape, far ahead of last year. Recent snows and relatively cold temperatures have allowed Maine ski areas to open their key trails. Sugarloaf now has skiing off the summit; both The Loaf and The River have over 80 trails of skiing and riding.

Big Squaw, Shawnee Peak, Eaton, New Hermon, Black, Camden, Lost Valley, Titcomb and Mount Abram are all open. Saddleback plans to open Dec 26.

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"Lids On Kids in Maine"
December 15, 2002

Shawnee Peak is being mentioned in the same sentence with Vail and Aspen this season. What, you may ask, does The Peak have in common with these two icons of American skiing?

All three are mandating that students in their programs who are 12 and under use helmets.

The National Ski Area Association (NSAA) has developed the Lids On Kids campaign, aimed at increasing helmet use among kids.

Shawnee Peak will require all children ages 12 and under enrolled in a lesson to wear a helmet this season, following suit with Aspen Skiing Company and Vail Resorts.

Chet Homer, owner of Shawnee Peak said, “We’ve purchased an additional 50 rental helmets, bringing our number to more than 150. We recommend that parents purchase helmets whenever possible, but we’ve seen to it that our rental shop will be well-equipped to handle the increased demand.”

Of course, parents may opt out by signing a waiver to let their child ski or ride Shawnee Peak without the protection of a helmet.

Ski patroller Sandy McFarland says, “Parents seem motivated to have their children wear helmets, I wish parents would too.” McFarland patrols at Big Squaw ski area, “I take every opportunity to encourage the use of helmets, and urge our patrollers to do so to set an example.”

“We do not require helmets in our clinics, but we certainly support their usage,” said Cheryl Fullerton of Sugarloaf. “We have a limited amount of helmets for rent at our snowboard shop, but have focused our energies around selling vs. renting them. We sell a lot of helmets at our ski shop.”

Sugarloaf has created a separate department for helmet sales for this upcoming season in anticipation of increased demand. Sugarloaf’s retail shop sold an average of 1,073 helmets over the last two seasons, up from 739 three seasons back.

Sunday River will similarly not require helmets in their consumer programs. All American Skiing Company resorts are participating in the Lids on Kids campaign, but not mandating helmet usage among recreational skiers.

“Gould Academy students are required to wear a helmet when training or competing,” said Susan Duplessis of Sunday River. “Beginning this winter, the F.I.S. (the governing body of ski competitions) stipulates that helmets must be worn in both freestyle and snowboarding competitions. They already mandate this for alpine speed events.”

To lid your kid or not? Here are some realities for parents to consider on this heady topic.

Children fall more often as part of their learning curve, making their heads more susceptible to bumps and bruises. “Helmets keep kids’ heads more protected and warm from the winter elements,” says Marc Hauser of Boeri Helmets.

Ironically, the initiative is aimed at children 12 and under, but studies show that the highest injury sector on the slopes is among 12-40 year old males.

Traumatic head injury (a head injury involving the brain) makes up 2.6 percent of the reported ski injuries, according to a 30-year study conducted in Vermont. Compare that to bicycling where over 30% of injuries are head related. So why the big push to get young skiers and riders into “brain buckets”?

The brain injury statistics don’t tell the stories of kids bonking their heads on the hard snow-pack or whacking their melon on a tree – but never seeking treatment for the incident because of the protection of a helmet.

“We have had some head injuries requiring a back-board and transportation to the hospital. If the person had been wearing a helmet, they would have walked away with nothing more than a sore head or neck,” said patroller McFarland.

“I use this story to encourage parents who are thinking about helmets for the family, but haven't taken the plunge yet,” said McFarland. Big Squaw ski area has helmets available for rent, but does not require them.

Although few resorts are mandating helmet usage, the ski industry as a whole supports the Lids on Kids initiative, as helmets are a worthwhile safety precaution. And the N.S.A.A. has some strong backers; from the obvious helmet manufacturers (who stand to profit) to some powerful Olympic spokespeople who are chatting up their own head-saving stories and making helmets into “must-have” headgear.

Gold medal snowboarder Ross Powers says, "It's a smart idea for kids to wear helmets. Stuff happens too fast and it could save them when they are out riding the slopes."

Bode Miller says, "When I was six, I got my first helmet. I've never had a more trusty or invaluable piece of equipment. Now that I'm racing and helmets are a requirement, it seems like I never go skiing without one. They're warm and comfortable, and they can save your life if you have an unlucky slip. When you see the pictures of the racers these days, one of the coolest parts is the lid. Some of the decorations are awesome."

Picabo Street’s helmet emblazoned with stars and stripes turned heads during last winter’s Olympics. Picabo is a fine role model, telling kids, “During my career, the doctors fixed my body several times. Luckily I never hurt my head because you only get one chance with your brain. Wear a helmet."

Helmet style and comfort has improved dramatically. Manufacturers have continued to decrease their weight and bulk, while adding ventilation gadgets, better acoustics, micro-fiber lining and padding, and last but not least - fashion sense. Some predict that in five years, helmet wearers will be the mainstream.

Perhaps this campaign and other ski safety promotions will spawn a safer, next generation on the slopes, as today’s kids enter the high-risk 12-40 year category.

But the message needs to go beyond just helmets – since brain buckets alone will not keep young skiers and riders safe. The opposite could be true, if kids think they can go inverted just because they have head protection.

And there’s the added cost of purchasing (at $70 a lid) or renting a lid for your kid (at about $7 a day). But proponents would argue that you can’t put a price tag on your child’s head. It’s tough to differ with that logic.

The good news is that awareness is up. Whether it’s the result of improved equipment or the various safety campaigns, or most likely both, overall ski injury rates are down. Skier visits however, are not up. If ski areas start mandating what you and your child must wear on your heads, they may take the fun and freedom out of the sport. Parents need to be trusted to make the best decision for their children.

The campaign slogan, “wear a helmet, it ain’t brain surgery” is clever and I applaud the educational aspect of Lids on Kids. I would just add, it’s my kid’s head; let me decide what goes on it.

For More Information on the Lids On Kids Program and a game page for your kids, go to www.lidsonkids.org

Conditions: Ideal snowmaking temperatures for several weeks have allowed Sunday River to open over 60 trails, with skiing on all eight mountains. Sugarloaf has over 2,000-feet of vertical skiing and over 40 trails. Shawnee Peak, Big Squaw, Lost Valley, New Hermon, Eaton, Titcomb and Camden are all now open.

Events: Dec. 21. is Mt. Abram’s 2nd annual Emergency Personnel Appreciation Day, honoring firefighters, police and EMTs with free skiing and riding. This is also opening day at Mt. Abram for the holiday week.

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"Saddleback's Future: Family Resort or Hideout for the Rich"
December 8, 2002

Sotheby’s refers to it as, “one of the largest, most unique land holdings ever available in the East – with world-class outdoor recreational opportunities.” Hard to believe the $8 million dollar listing they are describing is humble Saddleback ski area. This western Maine ski mountain looks every bit its age of four decades, a little rusty and wrinkled, with lots of laugh lines and stories to tell.

Saddleback is far from fancy, not to mention – just plain far. Saddleback is 125 miles northeast of Portland. Some Maine skiers have never heard of it, and few have made the winter trek along the rugged Route 4 to sample this Rangeley-based ski mountain. Most skiers headed this way gravitate toward the Loaf. The seven-mile access road up to Saddleback can warrant its own black diamond trail status.

But the folks at Sotheby’s think this 8,300-acre property, “could represent the ultimate retreat for a select group of individuals.” Included in the realty’s prospectus is a Yellowstone Club article. So what has been homespun local ski turf for over forty years is being presented as a potential playground for big spenders.

“It would be a shame if this resort went private,” said Jeff Merriam of Portsmouth, N.H. when interviewed on the mountain last March.

There are a few private ski areas that have opened in recent years. The Yellowstone Club is a private Montana ski resort encompassing 13,400-acres with four mountains, a golf course and an alpine village. Members buy in for $250,000 initiation and also must purchase a posh slopeside home, plus show proof of at least $3 million in assets.

“The private club aspect is not something we are trying to sell, “ said Tom McAllister, Saddleback’s general manager of 34 years. “I suppose we might attract a kingdom buyer though.”

There are some frightening parallels between the Yellowstone Club and the diamond in the rough Saddleback. Saddleback’s 8,300-acre estate includes the current 500-acre ski area with two double chairs, three T-bars and an enduring wood frame base lodge. The price tag also includes shorefront on a pristine lake and the surrounding White Horn mountain bowl of 4,000’ peaks, all zoned for recreational development.

In the hands of an eager developer, this could become a multi-mountain ski resort to rival the biggest in the East. Or it could be the next winter hideout for the wealthy.

On a more local and tangible scale is former Round Top in Vermont. The defunct ski area was sold in 1997 and reopened as a private ski mountain two years later, now referred to as Bear Creek Mountain Club. Bear Creek members pay $6,000 each as initiation, and $600 a year in club dues. Bear Creek is not exclusive however; lift tickets can be purchased by the public until membership is filled, and on a space available basis thereafter.

For now, Saddleback is privately owned, open to the public, and for sale. It is also a must ski mountain. With 1,830-ft. vertical drop and a summit elevation of 4,160-ft., it is the second highest ski mountain in Maine, with the highest base elevation (2,450-ft.) in the Northeast. The old-fashioned lifts serve some unbeatable natural terrain. There is 50% snowmaking capability, but the ski area relies heavily on Mother Nature’s gifts.

The Surrey Double chair is intermediate nirvana, with gentle trails like Goldrush and Panhandler. The long Stagecoach Double chair accesses pleasing cruisers including the lift line El Hombre and White Stallion. For more gutsy choices, Gunslinger, Silver Bullet and Rough Rider are woodsy and unpredictable.

For a challenging ascent, try the upper mountain Wells Fargo T-Bar. I should mention this is a gauntlet for snowboarders. I watched several skilled riders dragged up portions of the T-bar’s steep path. If I had laughed at them, I would be eating my hat, since my daughter and I were victims to this treacherous lift too.

If you cling tightly during the 975-feet of vertical and make it to the rime-covered summit, you arrive in black diamond territory. Powder Keg, Bronco Buster and Rustlers Revenge all offer serious fall line. I found Nightmare Glades to be aptly named.

The most talked about trail at Saddleback is Mule Skinner. It is a rite of passage for New England ski nuts. First there is the long traverse to skiers’ right (or a hike for snowboarders who survived the t-bar). Then there is a steep, narrow, goat path of a trail desperately in need of summer grooming. Jumping stumps and saplings adds to the thrill of skiing out in the middle of who knows where. A concluding long traverse back toward the base of the t-bar allows you to gather your wits and contemplate doing it again.

For prime viewing, and less heart thumping, Cliff Hanger to Lazy River winds more gently down the mountain with outstanding views of Saddleback Lake, Rangeley Lake, and the surrounding Western Maine mountain range.

The Base Lodge is rustic but efficient and homey, with a cafeteria, skier services, a downstairs rental and ski shop. After the lifts stop, the upstairs Painted Pony rocks with cheerful skiers and patrollers reminiscing their adventures over a brew or two.

This ski area is so unpopulated, by Sunday afternoon’s Lollipop Race you feel like you have met everyone. “It would be great to stay family friendly, and not be turned into a Sunday River or Sugarloaf, or become private,” said Glenn Stewart, a lift operator of 25 years (locally known as Batman). “We know all the kids names and can tell them where their parents are on the mountain.”

On a March weekend last season, I found fresh tracks all day long, thanks to a late season dump of eight fluffy inches, and about 100 skiers all tolled on the mountain that day.

Some say this mountain is prime for capital injection. Others say a high-speed lift or two would devastate the atmosphere, bringing in the masses, upping the prices, and altering its style.

“The mountain has not changed in 25 years,” said Bob Gross of Yarmouth. “We would like to see it remain a family mountain. Saddleback does not need high-speed lifts because there just are not that many people here. But I would like to see expansion of the available terrain beyond Mule Skinner.”

Owner Katherine Breen said, “We are encouraged by the visions some prospective buyers have shared. Some of the creative ideas are very exciting for Saddleback and for New England.”

The current owners were stalled from making improvements for years, due to a lengthy land dispute with the Appalachian Club.

“We have a deep love of this mountain,” said Breen. “We feel we have been good stewards during our ownership.”

Saddleback plans to open for the season Dec. 26, a month later than usual. If you have not skied this classic ski area, you should travel back in time to experience this unique Maine alpine treasure. And you should go soon, since the future of this ski area is uncertain.

Conditions:
My family and I skied Killington Thanksgiving week with over 100 trails. It was mid-winter skiing, including fresh powder conditions. Definitely the best early skiing in years. Here in Maine, sister resorts Sunday River and Sugarloaf have dozens of trails open, and are blowing snow with great guns. Shawnee Peak and Squaw have both opened for weekend operation.

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“Passport Gives Kids Fabulous Opportunities”
December 1, 2002

“Our goal is to cover every mountain in the Ski Maine passbook. Last winter we went to 15 of the Maine ski areas on the list. We have gone places we had never heard of,” says Leisha Murray, mother of two from Saco. “We have tried ski races, backwards racing, halfpipes and snowboarding.”

“It is a lot of work, packing up ski gear, getting up with the sun – if not before, traveling, checking maps, skiing from open to close, and drinking record amounts of hot chocolate; but all the time we spend as a family is fabulous,” says Murray.

Getting the family outfitted and on the slopes requires dedication, but the benefits can be measureless. For the Murray family, the perks go far beyond family fun. “My husband and kids all have asthma, my son Zac’s asthma is severe,” says Murray.

The Murray family has experienced firsthand how skiing can have tremendous health benefits in addition to being just plain fun, a lesson others can learn from.

Maine has the highest child asthma rate in the country. More and more Maine children are suffering from asthma, and obesity-caused sleep apnea.

Obesity in children has more than doubled in the past two decades. Experts blame TV, computer games, and a lack of healthy outdoor exercise – plus super-sized portions of high-calorie foods.

“When a child goes outside for exercise, he or she establishes a healthy demand for oxygen and strengthens the heart and muscles, which is so important to long term health,” said Wendy B. Nile, M.D.

Dr. Nile sees the asthma and obesity rates as epidemic in Maine, and sites a lack of activity as a leading cause, which can be easily prevented by participating in an enjoyable outdoor sport, such as skiing. “Exercise that is fun is exercise that gets done,” says Dr. Nile.

Carla Marcus, Executive Director of Maine WinterKids said, “With fitness levels dipping, and obesity increasing, our passport program aims to reinforce healthy activities among the 53,000 kids in Maine’s 5th, 6th and 7th grades.”

This year, in its fifth year, Maine’s WinterKids Passport program will entitle all 5th graders to three free days of skiing at Maine’s 18 alpine and 14 Nordic areas. New this season, Maine 6th graders get two free days at each area, and 7th graders get one free day at each ski area.

“I remember when Zac came home with the passport application (2 years ago) thinking it was going to be a huge waste of money to take our entire family,” said Leisha Murray. “His asthma was so severe, we didn’t think he would be able to handle the activity. He had tried hockey and had to be carried off the ice – so we thought all winter activities were out.”

“The first place we went was Shawnee Peak, and they were so good to us, so helpful. We all got hooked on the sport. That’s when Zac and Chelsi made it our mission to go to all the areas in Maine, and collect a keepsake from each, and stickers for their helmets. Now we go every weekend,” said Murray.

“Our kids have skied the black diamonds at Sugarloaf, but we found they have the most fun at places like Quoggy Jo where there is no bigger hill than the parking lot,” said Murray. “At their ages (12 and 10), its hard to find an activity to do with your kids, skiing is ‘a new cool adventure’ in our daughter’s words.”

Greg Sweetser, Executive Director of Ski Maine says of the program, “We’re attracting kids and their families to the sport and providing them with a lifelong, healthy recreational activity.”

Maine was the first New England state to offer free skiing to a grade level statewide. Ski associations in New Hampshire and Vermont, as well as those out west have since copied the initiative.

“Maine ski areas support the program and view the passport as an investment with a proven payback,” said Sweetser.

Statistics have shown that Ski Maine passport kids bring 2.74 paying customers with them on their free ski days, and 30% of the accompanying parents categorize themselves as new or lapsed skiers.

That’s what I call a win-win for winter sports businesses and their participants.

As for Zac, a recent physician’s visit showed that his lung capacity has increased dramatically and he is now off 80% of his medication. “Now Zac is running to the mail each day, looking for his 7th grade passport,” said Murray.

If your 5th, 6th or 7th grader has not yet come home from school waving the passport application in the air, send them to the principal’s office for a form, or go on-line to www.winterkids.org to get on board.

You might also mention to your kids that you don’t learn to rip on snow like Tanner Hall by playing the game boy version on the couch. And Jonny Moseley did not coin his stunt “the dinner roll” because of a passion for eating buns on winter weekends.

Events: Sugarloaf is the ticket for early season skiing and great music next weekend. Dec. 6-8 is the 5th annual Blues Fest, plus Saturday is yellownose vole day, a unique celebration of this alpine critter.
 

Conditions: Sunday River and Sugarloaf have been open for weeks now. With good snowmaking temperatures at night, both have been able to build base depths and open new terrain. On this first day of December, ski areas are well ahead of last year’s pace.

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“Open Trails Ease Wait For Winter”

November 24, 2002

By Heather Burke

"Not yesterday I learned to know, the love of bare November days, before the coming of snow...," from "My November Guest" by Robert Frost.

I do not love bare, brown, light deprived November days. This is one month I could do completely without. I am even willing to forego Thanksgiving, which is all too focused on food anyways.

I propose an eleven-month calendar, we can move from Halloween straight into the December ski season. The only redemption for this otherwise lackluster month is the anticipation that exists for the coming winter, I agree with Frost here.

Fortunately Sunday River and Sugarloaf are both open for skiing and riding, for those “can’t wait for winter” enthusiasts. Sunday River has over a dozen trails open, and snowmakers are aiming to have upwards of 50 trails by Thanksgiving weekend. Sugarloaf opened Friday with 1,700’ of vertical, and hopes to add terrain including Kings Landing serviced by the Superquad in time for Thanksgiving.

Eastern ski areas have seen a few significant winter storms. A blast of cold air and snow began the month and kicked off the snowmaking blitz at many resorts.

But the first punch of winter was followed by a predictable, albeit frustrating to snowmakers, warm spell. It was spring skiing in November. Much of the man-made snow melted during the record heat wave of Veterans Day, recycling back into the reservoirs, to be pumped back up the hill as cold weather returns. And so goes the struggle of New England ski areas.

Greg Sweetser of Ski Maine said, “It seems like Mother Nature has gotten into quick seasonal changes this year. Summer began with a bang in late June with 90-degree weather and looks like winter has started with the same bang with lots of snowfall.”

As for Maine ski area opening dates, the Greenville ski area plans to open Nov. 30. Shawnee Peak looks to open for their 65th season on Dec.12. Titcomb and Lost Valley will open Dec. 14. Mt. Abram is scheduled to begin their season Dec. 21 with daily operations through New Years. Saddleback is awaiting a consistent cold pattern to make snow, with plans to open between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“Maine ski areas plan to stick to their opening dates and look forward to opening with more terrain than usual and that's great for the consumer,” said Sweetser.

Depending on your meteorological persuasion, whether you subscribe to the mood swings of Mother Nature or the myth of old man winter – our winter fate does seem to be predominantly weather reliant. Sometimes the east versus west snow accumulation seems, well, unfair.

Western resorts have been pummeled with snowstorm after snowstorm this fall. Resorts in the Rockies are opening earlier than usual. Vail opened way ahead of schedule with over seven feet of snow since the beginning of the month and the best early season conditions since 1992, including the legendary back bowls.

In New England, American Skiing Company resorts dominate early season conditions. Killington opened with their usual zeal on October 25, looking to obtain their 42nd year of first to open record – but alas it was not early enough and their four decade plus tradition was eclipsed. A little ski area in Litchfield Hills, Connecticut called Woodbury Ski Area opened Oct.23.

In New Hampshire, Attitash plans to open this week, with free skiing on Wednesday, Nov. 27. “If we miss the 27th as opening day, we will open on the next possible day and our free day will be Dec. 6," said Tom Chasse, general manager Attitash Bear Peak.

Other New England resorts now open include Bretton Woods, Loon, Waterville Valley, Jay Peak, Stowe, Okemo, and Mount Snow.

In industry news, Sunday River and the Loaf are now being marketed by the same management team – what this means for Maine skiers and riders remains to be seen. The new vice president of marketing, Jim Lacey said that A.S.C. was sad to sell Heavenly last season, sighting the need to reduce debt.

Lacey, whose background is in consumer packaging for such big brands as Gillette and Nestle, hopes to improve employee morale at the company’s resorts, which “affects the experience for the consumer.” I will be on the lookout for happier lift attendants for sure.

I hope to see you out on the slopes smiling too. I will be out on the slopes this week with the other early birds and eager turkeys. November may not be so bad if you get in some turns.

Events:
If you are looking to shake your November blues and do a good deed, sign up to be a volunteer at Maine Handicapped Skiing this season. MHS is hosting a three-day Winter Adaptive Seminar, December 6-8, open to anyone of intermediate level or above.

The on snow clinic is designed to introduce skiers and riders to every aspect of adaptive skiing, from learning about two tracking, skiing with outriggers, and the necessary etiquette and volunteer effort that goes into this highly successful program. Call M.H.S. headquarters at Sunday River, 1-800-639-7770, for complete details.