Recent content by jimk

Yeah and it's not just a traffic issue, the constrained egress is a safety issue. For example, if there was a mid-day canyon closure during an Olympic event due to an avalanche or big auto accident, then 1000s of spectators along with recreational skiers could be stuck up there for an extended...

Was it already mentioned that because of a single method of access in and out of LCC and BCC that no olympic events can be held there. At least I think that was the reasoning in 2002.

Yeah, it's usually pretty obscene what it costs a family of moderate means to sign up for a day or more of lessons at a major US ski area. I don't see how they do it, but I suppose they may be willing to bite the bullet if that's the only few days they ski all winter? There are still numerous...

Enjoyed a one hour bike ride on a bike trail in DC burbs on Friday 17 Jul 2026. Few riders out. Quiet, peaceful, but yes quite smokey/hazy. I think our AQI was 200+ that day. Family members told me it was bad that day in Richmond too. I was in Norfolk on Sat and Sun and it wasn't bad.

I think as I get older the idea of doing a deep dive at a ski mountain has more appeal, more so than a quick three day survey. I am sort of doing this with Snowbird and Solitude. I get to ski those two for many days each season and really get to know them. I could see doing that at a place...

Excerpt from an article that appeared in SLC Tribune today: Park City Mountain just slapped Deer Valley Resort with a spotless white ski glove, challenging its neighbor to a duel over which can make Park City visitors feel more coddled. Colorado-based Vail Resorts, Inc. — Park City Mountain’s...

Hottest day ever recorded occurred in SLC yesterday (12 July 2026), 109F. I understand Billings and other points in eastern MT were 111-115 same day?!? Wow.

Asking on a forum like this is a good way to start your search. More ideas: A lot of ski areas have formal or informal groups/clubs of seniors that meet on a specified day and time each week to freely ski together. If you contacted a ski area and asked about this they could probably confirm...

My next door neighbor is from Norway. He's a happy man tonight after their big upset to send Brazil packing!

I made a one hour drive on 4 July 2026 for an indoor party with friends and family. I went from the Washington DC suburbs to the Baltimore suburbs and back. On the return trip around 4pm I looked at my car thermometer and it read 103f. I looked at it again a few minutes later and it read 105f...

From doctor google: Disney's domestic parks (Walt Disney World and Disneyland) have shifted to a high-yield business model generating record revenue from fewer visitors. By raising prices and relying on paid add-ons, the company intentionally caters to wealthier demographics rather than...

It's a well known "secret" that the Aspen ski areas are among the least crowded places to ski in Colorado and much of the Rockies. I can see why management thinks the sport has stagnated visitation-wise. It's a great place to ski and visit on vacation. I've skied there a number of times over...

On a lighter note, took my granddaughter on a quick tour around downtown Wash DC today, 24 June 2026. I'm happy to report the Reflecting Pool is blue again :-)

Missed this question until now. Others have provided good advice. I would agree to make a reservation with a guide service a month or so in advance if you want to tour the Vallee Blanche, maybe even sooner if you feel very confident about your dates and commitment. I used Compagnie des Guides...

Couple of refreshing beers appropriate after doing yard work in 90F+ degree weather here in Virginia :) Cali Squeeze Blood Orange citris wheat ale, from Paso Robles, CA, abv 5%, and Narragansett Atlantic Light lager, from NY or RI, abv 3.5%: The Cali Squeeze tasted almost like orange flavored...